STARTER KIT
If you're brand new to making videos 🎬, this is the kit I recommend starting with.
- Microphone: For crystal clear sound quality
- Light Kit: For improved image quality when filming indoors
- Variable ND Filter: To control and fine-tune brightness
- Tripod: For steady, stabilized footage
- Extra Battery: For more extended recording
Recommended Gear
A complete list of my favorite ❤️ gear and accessories based on budget.
Microphones
A dedicated microphone will dramatically improve your audio quality compared to the built-in mic.
- Deity Wired LAV: Entry-level, wired mic that tethers you to the camera. Suitable for videos at home or in a studio.
- Rode Wireless Go LAV: Wireless mic that gives you the freedom to move around without being tethered to the camera. Excellent for videos at home, teaching, demonstrating, or filming from a distance.
- Rode VideoMic Go Shotgun Mic: Directional mic for vlogs and environmental sounds.
- Samson Q2U Livestream Mic + Mic Arm: Versatile, entry-level mic for live streams.
- Shure SM7X Podcast Mic + Motu M2 + Specialized Cable + Mic Arm: High-quality video podcast mic that can connect to your camera via a Motu M2 audio interface and a specialized stereo 3.5mm TRS to dual 1/4" cable.
Light Kits
These light kits will give you beautiful, consistent light for your face and can also be used to light products, food, artwork, and more.
- GVM Ring Light: Bare bones, entry-level light kit to get started.
- GVM LS-P80S Light Kit: A beginner light kit with more versatility than an entry-level ring light.
- Amaran 100D Light + Large Softbox + Light Stand: A more professional light kit with better build quality and light output.
- Amaran 200D Light + Large Softbox + C-Stand: Top-of-the-line light kit with excellent build quality and light output
Background LightS
Background lights are intended to light up the area behind you to add more brightness or colorful interest.
- Color Selectable RGB Light: For a colorful background.
- 2 Light Kit + 2 Vertical Softboxes: For green screen and seamless backgrounds.
- Amaran 200D Light + Lantern Softbox + Light Stand: For a bright and airy background.
Backdrops
Rather than fabric, I recommend using paper for seamless backgrounds and green screens. You'll get a perfectly smooth backdrop with no wrinkles and little to no reflections.
Variable ND Filters
A variable ND filter allows you to control exposure and dial in the right amount of brightness, perfect for filming outdoors and in rooms with lots of natural light.
- SmallRig Entry Level VND Filter: Entry-level variable ND filter with good sharpness, subtle color cast, and great build quality.
- Polar Pro Premium VND Filter: Professional variable ND filter with excellent sharpness, minimal color cast, and premium build quality.
Tripods
The purpose of a tripod is to get your hands off the camera and help stabilize the footage. Select a tripod with a fluid video head for creative movement (pan and tilt).
- Mini Hand-held Tripod: For vlogging and portable filmmaking.
- Manfrotto Compact Video Tripod: Versatile, lightweight tripod for filming indoors.
- Manfrotto Travel Tripod: Stronger tripod with extra stability for filming outdoors.
- Sirui Heavy Duty Video Tripod: Extra sturdy video tripod with pan and tilt.
- Manfrotto Professional Video Tripod: Top of the line video tripod with pan and tilt.
Accessories
- WhiBal White Balance Card: Achieve better colors and skin tones in-camera.
- Tiffen Circular Polarizing Filter: Capture deeper blue skies and more contrast outdoors.
- Elgato Cam Link Livestream Card: Turns your camera into a webcam.
- Sony NP-F50 Battery: Extra battery for longer record times.
- AC Continuous Power Adapter: Continuous recording without needing batteries.
- SanDisk Extreme Pro Memory Card: Fast transfer speeds with the right memory card reader.
- ProGrade Fast Memory Card Reader: Faster transfer speeds when importing footage to your computer.
Lenses
Based on the filming scenario, here are the lenses I recommend to improve your results over the kit lens.