Any recommendations for sound equipment that I can use when filming drama videos with actors? I'm a self-shooter and so a boom's not going to be appropriate.
Radio mics seem to be the best option but I'm new to using them and so don't want to buy if they're not right.
Cutting out using a boom operator for filming drama scenes will severely hinder in getting any kind of quality result.
Two important things you want to do for good sound when shooting movie-like scenes that are staged is ..
1) Use a wired mic (hypercardioid works great indoors/shotgun outdoors). Wireless lavs are susceptible to radio frequency interference and the sound from a boom is a bit more natural, dramatically, than the sound of a lav pinned onto the sternum.
and
2) get the mic close -- about a foot away if you can. Ride the frame line of the shot -- always. As the distance from the actors increases moderately on screen (moving from a close to a wider shot) the increasing distance of the boom mic from the actors will also have to increase and this will sound natural as the perception is that you are not as close to the actor on screen. However, you need to remain close enough with the mic that you don't bring in excessive echo and raise the noise floor to where it becomes noticeable. Sometimes that can mean using a planted mic (usually a lav) in wider shots.
You should reconsider finding someone to partner with you to act as a boom op :thumbsup:
Choice of specific models of equipment won't have nearly as much impact on the end result as employing these guidlines will.