Is your mum an actor?

Well you've got your set up. Your lighting is perfect. Your sounding like Scarlet Johansson in 'Her'. Your framing is making you look like anyone could hire you... but you haven't got a reader that cuts the mustard. I'm sure your mum is amazing, or your brother, or dog, but they can't quite give you what you need to react and respond in the moment.

If you live with actors you are sorted. If you are in a community of actors on social media, you are also sorted. Last resort, come to Mr Selftape and we can either come to you in London or if you are in another part of the world, then we can Skype! Let's not let the lack of a good reader get you the part.

Big love! Be Kind! Be Truthful!

Clearly the market is saturated with literally incredible cameras ranging in price and functionality. I seriously think you can get away with your smartphone at the moment. That like everything will change rapidly. As the self-tape quality improves and the competition goes up, casting directors, producers and directors will be more impressed with higher quality video production.

Really all you need to do that is to have good sound and lighting for your smartphone, which is why in my last blog I said you don't need a big fancy smancy camera. But if you'd like to go to the next level, then check these out.

It's not a definitive list and it's only 5, however these are amazing, versatile and high quality cameras. We will ascend in cost.

No. 1

The Besteker Wifi Camcorder £152.99

This is not a huge name, but for what it offers and the reviews it has, it’s a great place to start, plus it comes with mic! But remember, you pay for what you get. Amazon has some pretty good reviews. The rest of the camera’s here are more trusted and well known brands, but this shouldn’t stop you getting this great piece of kit.

Buy it here.

No. 2

The NIKON COOLPIX B500 £199.95

So a really nice quality, I think entry camera. It's got all you need and more. You can plug in an external mic and it's Nikon a very reliable and quality make. This guy does a great review here.

Buy it here.

No.3

The SONY A5000 £349.00

Sony are absolutely crushing it at the moment. Making really lovely camera's with great options and gorgeous lenses. This is such a small camera! So small! It doesn't have an aux in or out so you can't put your external mic in, but hey, it's sooooo small! I love it! Check out the review here.

Buy it here.

No. 4

The SONY A6000 £429.00

We are just going Sony now, especially as they are so flexible and lovely and SMALL! Yet still produce great images! This one can do all you want and more. Just get this one really. Just this one. I know it's pricey, but it's well worth it. Check out the review here.

Buy it here.

No. 5

The SONY A7 £871.26

I would have put my one, but you never, ever need to spend this much money on a camera for self-taping purposes. Unless you want to start filming in 4K. Which is pointless for uploads of self tapes. So this is the one that you want instead. You can get it for a reasonable price. Here's a great review.

Buy it here.

Well there you go lovelies. Have fun, save some money and get a great camera that you can have set up in your space to just shoot and go.