Recommended Gear
THIS LIST IS FOR YOU!
In my line of work, people often ask me to give them recomendations what gear they should buy to record their own media. It happens enough that I decided to create a list to make it easy for people to find the tools they need.
The multimedia tools on this page are ones that I have either used personally or trust to be of sufficient quality for the average content creator. I have tried to break most things down into a variety of pricing levels so you can find items that fit your budget. It’s not an exhaustive list, but I’ve tried to cover the basics of what someone would need to have a solid foundation for capturing and editing audio and video.
These items are my opinion of good options but by no means are limited to only these items. I encourage anyone interested in investing in higher quality tools to continue doing their own research on what will suit them best and how to use them to their full potential. It’s also an active list as I may add or subtract items as time goes on, so stay tuned for future updates.
I hope this list helps simplify your process by organizing what you’d need for most applications. If you have further questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. Enjoy!
*As an Amazon associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Podcasting
XLR Basic
USB Mics
XLR Pro
Basic – XLR
This XLR mic setup is great to get you going and cover most of your podcast needs. It includes tabletop or boom arm mic stand options to suit what you need. The audio interface (to connect to your computer) is useful for up to two XLR microphones. The Rode Podmic is a fantastic option for great sound that doesn’t require too much post processing.
Rode Podmic – XLR Microphone
Neewer Mini Desktop Microphone Tripod Stand
Table Top Mic Stand
Boom Mic Stand
Audio XLR Cable
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface (For 2 Mics)
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface (For 2 Mics) with Headphones
USB Mics
These mics are a great hybrid option as they have both XLR and USB connections. The USB connection is a great option if you only need to use one mic and want to connect directly to your computer, bypassing an audio interface altogether.
Blue Yeti USB Microphone (USB only) – $130
If you can’t afford two mics but need to record more than one person, this mic coud be a good option.
MAONO Dynamic Microphone, USB/XLR Podcast PC Microphone – $149
This mic is essentially an alternate cheaper option of the Shure MV7.
Rode Podmic – USB Microphone – $199
Shure MV7 XLR/USB Dynamic Podcasting Microphone – $249
Table Top Mic Stand
Boom Mic Stand
Audio XLR Cable
Pro Setup
If you want high end audio capture for your podcast or productions, these mics are some of the best. Hugely popular, they have been time-tested and a go to for professionals, though they may require a little more post-processing and EQ to access their full potential.
To record at higher levels with multiple mics and for the most post-processing control, a good audio program is recommended. Some recommended audio programs are:
- Adobe Audition (Subscription)
- Garage Band (Free – Mac only)
- Logic (Paid – Mac only)
- Pro Tools (Paid)
- Audacity (Free but limited)
Shure SM7B Microphone
Electro-Voice RE320 Large Diaphragm Dynamic Vocal Microphone
Table Top Mic Stand
Boom Mic Stand
Audio XLR Cable
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface (For 2 Mics)
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface (For 4 Mics)
RØDE RØDECaster Pro II
Videography
Video Starter Kit
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Livestreaming
Lenses
Starter Kit
If you want a ready-to-go, easy setup, but still good quality video kit for cheap, this is the kit for you. It’s perfect for filming in a small studio, livestreaming/conference calls, or vlogging.
Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera
$648.00
Manfrotto Mini Tripod
$19.00
SmallRig 78″ Camera Tripod
$85.99
Lexar Professional 128GB SD Card
$31.77
Basic
If you want to move beyond taking videos with your phone, this is a great video kit to fulfill your basic needs. These cameras are relatively low priced and produce a great image.
Sony a6600 Mirrorless Camera
$998.00
Canon EOS RP Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
$999.00
DJI Pocket 2
$349.00
SmallRig 78″ Camera Tripod
$85.99
Lexar Professional 128GB SD Card
$31.77
Mid
If you want great quality but aren’t ready to, or don’t need to, purchase more expensive gear, these items will be a great fit for you.
Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
$1,295.00
Sony Alpha 6700
$1,399.99
SmallRig AD-01 Video Tripod, 73″ Heavy Duty Tripod
$168.99
Lexar Professional 256GB SD Card
$72.99
Pro
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Sony a7iii Mirrorless Camera
$1,998.00
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K G2
$1,595.00
Panasonic LUMIX S5II Mirrorless Camera
$2,024.95
Sony a7iv Mirrorless Camera
$2,498.00
Blackmagic Design Studio Camera 6K Pro (EF Mount)
$2,495.00
Manfrotto 500 Fluid Head Tripod
$409.88
NEEWER 74″ Pro Video Tripod
$209.49
Lexar Professional 256GB SD Card
$72.99
Livestreaming
If you plan on livestreaming, these tools will get you up and running in no time. These tool will allow you to stream high quality content from one camera to multiple as well as enable live camera switching, graphics, and effects.
Elgato Cam Link 4K
$95.60
HDMI Cable
$9.50
Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
$149.99
Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro HDMI Live Stream Switcher
$295.00
Recommended software: OBS Studio
FREE
Lenses
Lenses can be just as important as the camera you buy. Choosing the right lens is a big topic and it depends on which camera you have, but here are a few suggestions broken down by brand.
Sony 85mm F/1.8 Prime Lens
$548.00
More coming soon…
Audio for Video
Wireless
Shotguns
Room
Wireless Microphones
Wireless mics are the way to go for the quickest and easiest set ups to get good audio for video recordings. All of these options are good for 1-2 people. They all also have built in microphones and are compatible with LAV mics.
AnkerWork M650 Wireless Lavalier Microphone
$249.99
Rode Wireless GO II
$289.00
Hollyland Lark Max Wireless Lavalier Microphone System
$299.00
DJI Wireless Microphone 2 Set
$349.00
Rode Lavalier GO Professional Wearable Microphone
(To be paired with transmitters)
$76.00
Shotgun Microphones
If you want to up your game with better audio for your videos, shotguns are the way to go. With a focused pickup pattern and wide frequency range, capture rich audio with these microphones. Some can be mounted on a camera while others work best on a boom pole. Check to see if they need phantom power or not.
Rode VideoMic Pro+ Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone
$295.00
Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone
$329.95
Sennheiser MKH 416-P48 Short Shotgun
$999.00
Room Microphones (Small Diaphram Cardioid Condenser Mics)
If you need versatile mics that are good for recording things like instruments or audio in a larger space like a room or concert venue, then mics like these could be a good option for you. Additional research on how to best use these mics is recommended.
Rode M5 Microphone Set
$199.00
Oktava MK-012 Microphone Set
$1,100
Lighting
LED Panels
COB Lights
RGB & Misc
Light Modifiers
LED Light Panels
Light panels are ideal if you lack a lot of space or need a light with a smaller footprint. Small but powerful, these lights are a great all-around option.
YONGNUO YN300 III LED Video Light
$77.00
Neewer NL288 LED Video Light
$92.01
Neewer LED Bi-Color Studio Round Light
$167.27
Aputure MC Pro Light Panel
$199.00
NEEWER 2 Pack Bi Color 660 LED Video Light
$205.99
Falcon Eyes Bi-Color Flexible LED Photo Light
$309.00
COB (Chip On Board) Lights
Light panels are ideal if you lack a lot of space or need a light with a smaller footprint. Small but powerful, these lights are a great all-around option.
Godox SL60IID 70W LED Video Light
$139.00
Amaran 100d LED Video Light
$157.50
Amaran 100x S 100W Bi-Color LED Video Light
$249.00
Amaran 200x S 200W Bi-Color LED Video Light
$349.00
Aputure amaran 300c RGBWW video light
$569.00
Aputure LS C300D Mark II COB Light
$949.00
RGB & Misc. Lights
Light panels are ideal if you lack a lot of space or need a light with a smaller footprint. Small but powerful, these lights are a great all-around option.
NEEWER RGB LED Video Light Stick
$89.99
Light Modifiers
Light panels are ideal if you lack a lot of space or need a light with a smaller footprint. Small but powerful, these lights are a great all-around option.
Neewer 2 Packs LED Light Panel Softbox for 660 LED Panel
$75.99
NEEWER 33inch/85cm Parabolic Softbox
$124.78
Aputure amaran Light Dome Mini
$69.00
NEEWER 2 Pack Softbox Lighting Kit
$77.80
Aputure Lantern Softbox
$95.00
Aputure Barndoors with Bowens Mount
$59.00
Heavy Duty C-Stand
$83.59