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What do you know about Aliexpress? We bet most of you know it as a platform that sells all sorts of cheap stuff manufactured in China. Well, in a way it is, but there’s much more to Aliexpress than that.
Did you know that Aliexpress can actually help you find a decent set of filming gear? While we suggest sticking to old-school brands when choosing cameras (Canon, Nikon, Lumix, Blackmagic, etc.), the rest of your key equipment can cost you a lot less than you might have expected. Don’t let the price of the gear put you off your filmmaking ambitions!
Check out our list of top inexpensive accessories for videographers available on Aliexpress.
What: While the original GoPro action cameras are still ahead of the competition, this budget equivalent has been doing quite well in the Chinese market. If you’re just beginning your experiments with action cameras, this might be a good option for you. It’s small, light, impact-resistant, films in 4K, and can be operated remotely via WiFi. Other modes include Full HD 60 FPS and HD 120 FPS. There are also plenty of accessories for this model available on Aliexpress.
Drawbacks: You can only shoot 4K at 25 FPS. There’s no built-in stabilization.
Price: from $29.
Alternative: A more advanced model, the Eken H5S Plus, will cost you about $83, which is still quite cheap for an action camera. This one comes with a couple more useful options like electronic stabilization and a 4K 30 FPS mode.
What: One of the best budget lavalier microphones out there. It is frequently used and recommended by YouTube bloggers. It works with smartphones, DSLR cameras and other types of filming equipment. A 6-meter cable is included, and the battery is robust enough to last a few hours.
Drawbacks: The quality of sound and noise isolation are a long way from what you would get with professional equipment. But to be fair, the Chinese item costs a lot less.
Price: from $20.
Alternative: A lavalier microphone alone doesn’t give you much freedom of movement in the shot. It may be worth investing in a radio system like BOYA BY-WM8, which includes two transmitters and a receiver. Prices start at $200, which is still a lot cheaper than the professional equivalents.
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What: This is a hand-held steadycam for DSLR cameras, smartphones and action cameras that costs ridiculously little and fulfills its functions pretty well. Considering the market prices for professional steadycams, this option is a lifesaver for amateur videographers who are not ready to invest a lot in accessories. Obviously, it doesn’t work wonders, but numerous positive reviews claim that it does indeed make images more stable. Unlike electronic stabilizing systems, it doesn’t require charging and has no problems being exposed to water or dirt. The construction is robust enough – you can easily throw it into your bag and forget about it. Although it is a universal tool for many types of equipment, we wouldn’t suggest using it with heavy cameras.
Drawbacks: Reviews do say it’s a bit heavy, so you probably won’t be able to hold it for too long. It’s pretty basic, too – but what would you expect from such a cheap option?
Price: from $17.
Alternative: A more advanced tool for DSLR and video cameras is the S60 Steadycam S-60 + Plus. However, there’s no clip for smartphones included. The price is still affordable – about $50, which is still far below what you’d pay for the fancier Feiyu and Zhiyun models from the same Aliexpress.
What: An inexpensive portable light that works equally well for both photo and video shoots. Two filters – cold and warm – are included in the package. Small and light enough to be a perfect tool for filming on the go, ArilLight 96 is perfect for travellers. Considering that the quality of lighting is generally not as crucial as the clarity of sound, this accessory is the one you can safely save money on.
Drawbacks: It’s not really suitable for filming in complete darkness, nor can you be too far from your subject – it’s a rather modest source of light, after all.
Price: from $17.
Alternative: A slightly higher price gets you to options like Manbily MFL-06, which is, in fact, very similar, but shines far more brightly. Prices start at $40.
What: A slider track for DSLR and video cameras, also known as a dolly stabilizer, is an invaluable tool for shooting panoramas. Put it right on the floor, install it on a table or fix it on your tripod – there are so many things you can do with it that it’s definitely worth a shot. The longer the track, the more movement you can do with your camera. The rails allow you to move your camera from side to side, but attaching the track to the tripod will let you do the same at pretty much any angle.
Drawbacks: The reviews of this tool look fine, but cheap rail systems often come with minor bearing problems and other small technical issues. Make sure you practice before using it for an important project.
Price: from $69.
Alternative: A more high-tech solution would be a motorized rail system such as the ASHANKS S2. In this system, the camera movement is operated by pressing a button on the remote control. The lowest prices for this kind of track starts at around $198.
