How much does filmmaking cost?
$597 buys all 3 essentials. $48 of that is the half that has to fit you, and the rest can wait.
3 priced items · checked 10 Sept 2026 · retailer prices, we earn a commission
Everything essential, cheapest sensible pick
$597
3 items, nothing rented
Cheapest real way in
$48
The half that has to fit you. Borrow or rent the rest.
Against 247 hobbies
Top 4%
Dearer than 96% of them. Median hobby: $84.
What each thing costs
Every essential item, cheapest sensible option first. Mid-range and top picks alongside.
Buy this first
$48The cheap half of the kit, and the half that has to fit you. You keep all of it whatever you decide about the rest, so this is where the first money should go.
Microphone
$15Good audio is non-negotiable for viewer engagement. Investing in better sound capture will elevate your films significantly.
The main buy
$549The expensive part, and the part worth deferring. Rent, borrow or buy used until you have done filmmaking enough times to know you are staying.
Later, if you stay
Not needed to start. These are the upgrades that matter once the habit has stuck.
Editing Software
$100This is where your footage comes together. The right software makes the editing process efficient and creative.
Consumer-Level Desktop Editing Software
top $300
Filmmaking costs more to start than 96% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median is $84.
Cost questions
How much does Filmmaking cost to start?
About $597 for the 3 essential items, taking the cheapest sensible option for each. $48 of that is the cheap half, and the remaining $549 can wait until you know you are staying.
What does each thing cost for Filmmaking?
Camera: from $549. Tripod: from $33. Microphone: from $15.
Is Filmmaking an expensive hobby?
Filmmaking costs about $597 to start, dearer than 96% of the 247 hobbies we price. The median hobby costs $84, so this is one of the pricier ones to get into.
What should I buy first for Filmmaking?
microphone, tripod — $48 together. They are the cheap half of the kit and the half you keep whatever you decide about the rest.
Hobbies that cost about the same
The 6 nearest to filmmaking by startup cost, out of 247.