The best Equipment is the Equipment you have right now
It's affordable
It probably matches your skill level
You can always buy new gear when your skill outstrips what you have now
Today, many things are a Camera
You probably have an old camcorder
Your Digital Picture Camera probably can take movies (sometime better than your camcorder)
You might also have a Flash Recorder or even a mobile phone that can make videos
What are your audio possibilities?
Does the camera you're using have a plug for a microphone?
Test your camera's internal microphone and see how the sound is
If you can't record decent audio with your camera, don't be afraid to make a voice over
Reminder: a voiceover is a separate audio track where you lay your voice over your video
Creative Tripods
The purpose of a tripod is to get your camera level with the horizon and keep it pointed at your subject
Look for flat surfaces like bookshelfs or tables to be tripods
Don't be afraid to be creative. For example:
The threads on many lamp shades made in the USA match the threads on a standard tripod connector
Use a beanbag to level a camera on an uneven surface
Finding Light
There are many different sources of light
Natural Light – The light from the sun is some of the best light there is
Reflector – you can bounce sunlight, and other light sources using white, or shiny objects to light your subject
Practical lights like desk lamps or shop lights can make very effective low budget light sources
What will you do?
Your goal shouldn't be to make the perfect video, or the video that I would make
Make a simple video that's easy for you
Keep it short and plan to make another short video later to incorporate another message, or a new technique
Short, Easy and Frequent keeps your home base better informed and more involved
Have Courage! Your imperfect video communicates better than a video that never gets made