We have 30 Canon VIXIA HF R800 cameras for students to use. The video quality is good and they are easy to use. Really easy. If you can attach the battery and open the screen, you will be able to use this. On Amazon they are around $350.

You will need SD cards to use the cameras. I have one SD card for each kid and a few extras. Here is a link to a two-pack for around $26.

I have five of the Rode VideoMic Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphones. You don’t always need this, so having one per camera is not necessary. Having 10 would be more ideal. These cost around $150 each.

You will need an adaptor bracket to attach the microphone to the camera. They cost around $17. They can be used to attach other accessories like lights. I have about 30 of the Vello Dual-Shoe Bracket with Grips.

You could pay a lot for a tripod or not that much. So, where do you start? First, you want to make sure you buy something that has a fluid head. This means you can pan and tilt with ease. Second, you want to make sure it isn’t too heavy. Some students end up lugging it around all day. I like the Manfrotto brand. However, the little piece that pops off and screws into the camera is the bane of my existence. Next year, I am going to tether it to the tripod so the kids can’t lose it. Here is a link to the part I am talking about.

I have five Manfrotto Compact Aluminum Monopods. Ideally, I would like ten so I could do paired all-class lessons with them. They are easy to use and really fun. The students feel like professionals when they use them. A different version of the same brand that I have been eyeing is this one: Manfrotto Compact Extreme 2-in-1 Monopod & Pole. It looks like you have a tilt option with your camera. The cost is around $50.

If you have the funds, invest in 5-10 tabletop tripods. They are great for quick and uncomplicated filming. They also have been helpful for my students with mobility issues. Students in wheelchairs can attach the camera and set it on a table. They aren’t reliant on someone else setting up the big tripod. They cost around $20.

You will need external hard drives for students to store their work on. I have class sets for every period I teach. I specifically have the Portable SSD T7 USB 3.2 500GB. There's plenty of space. They price around $70-$100.

Don’t forget to get power strips, extensions cords, extra batteries, card readers, headphones and Tupperware containers to store all your materials. I label every SD card and external hard drive with a number. So John Smith gets assigned SD and external hard drive 1. Jane Doe gets 2. I