Purchase a computer best suited for digital media applications

When it comes to digital video equipment, all computers are not created equal. When searching for a computer that will be responsible for storing all of your media files and acting as your editing bay, you want one that is specifically designed for video production and has sufficient storage, memory and won't crash on you every time you sit down to edit or open any of your other media applications.

I recommend: The Macbook Pro from Apple is arguably the best computer on the market for digital media production. It is a production powerhouse that comes with all of the software you could need to create films, TV shows, video podcasts and any other type of media you can think of. It also includes a built-in video camera.

Decide what kind of editing software you need

The type of videos you plan on shooting determines the type of editing software you need. If you just want to produce in-house training videos, then any of the popular home editing software will work. If you want to produce professional quality videos for release, then you must invest in the top of the line video editing equipment to get the job done.

I recommend: Final Cut Studio by Apple is a set of bundled software that includes the award-winning Final Cut Pro and gives you everything you need for post-production.

Choose a camera that shoots for web, film and TV

The digital video camera you choose determines the quality of the footage you shoot. The quality of the footage you shoot determines how well your final project turns out. No amount of editing can save shoddily shot video.

I recommend: The Panasonic AG-DVX100A is the best consumer digital video camera on the market. It offers features that you can only find on professional video equipment that costs eight times what the DVX100A costs.

Go to companies that specialize in video production supplies

Professional video equipment outside of the camera and software mainstays include lighting, audio equipment for sound, tripods, cranes and dollies.

I recommend: The Production Hub is a great resource for new and used broadcast video equipment; here, you can search by what type of equipment you need, by state and whether you are looking for new or used equipment.