This is a list of all the gear i use to create videos for youtube, instagram and my podcast

cameras for video

I have a bit of a love hate relationship with the Fujifilm X-T4. The love part is the way it renders video images. I haven’t found anything else I like as much. The hate part is the unreliable autofocus, janky IBIS and generally being difficult to work with unless everything is dialled in manually. At some stage I will probably purchase another Sony to replace the XT-4 as they are just so much easier to use but I will definitely miss the Fujifilm colours. The video on the right was filmed with my Sony ZV1-Mk2 and I am using the X-T4 with an adapted Leica Lens. Most of the other videos on my Youtube channel were filmed primarily with the X-T4

Sony zv1-mk2

I purchased the Sony because I wanted a B cam that I could just switch on and use in full auto. While the output isn’t anywhere as nice as my Fujifilm XT4 it is still very good and so much easier to use. The autofocus has been flawless and I use it a lot of overhead shots, as a web cam or for more Vlogging style content.

microphones

rode videomic go ii

This is one of the most versatile microphones you can buy. It can be used on your camera for vlogging, connected to your phone or computer via USB, or connected to a wireless transmitter to be used as a boom mic. I do all three of these regularly. While I think my Podmic recommendation below will get you a better result for podcasting, I often record my solo podcast episodes with this microphone. It super simple to quickly connect and use wherever I am and the sound is still really good. It’s also pretty affordable for the quality and everything it can do.

rode podmic usb

The version of the Podmic I have is the regular one that just has an XLR cable but I would prefer to recommend the version that includes USB connectivity. The beauty of this is you don’t need an audio interface and it should work with pretty much any device directly through USB. It’s a fairly expensive item but if you’re serious about audio I think it’s a super worthwhile investment. A podmic is a dynamic microphone so you’re meant to keep your mouth very close to it. It will give you that warm podcast sound and reject most of the noise around you making it possible to record in places with poor acoustics.

rode wireless mics

There are a range of RODE wireless mics that range from the new, small and easy to use MICRO version through to the pro version that I use. The main reason I use this version is that it records internally into the transmitter a 32 bit Float file that means I basically don’t have to worry about clipping the audio. It’s also super convenient as I can just turn one on, it automatically starts recording and I can smash out a bunch of podcasts without touching my phone or computer anywhere I am. As I said above it also works great with the Videomic as a wireless boom so I can record my videos without having to wear or hold a microphone.

lighting

godox sl60w

I have a couple of these lights and they have been super useful. Lighting can be pretty complicated but the rule of thumb is bigger and closer is better. A quick hack I have found with any continuous light is you can point it directly at the ceiling and it will give you a really nice wash of light over a room without any harsh shadows. But the way they are intended to be used is with a diffuser. I’ll detail the diffusers I use below. These days I use my SL60 as a second light to fill in shadows and a more powerful light a my main or “key”. light.

Apurture amaran 200x

This is essentially a more powerful light than the Godox above but it also has the ability to control colour temperature. This can be a good and a bad thing and I think when starting out keep it between 5400 and 5600. Letting it get too ‘warm’ can make your skin tones look off and is a mistake we made a lot when starting out making videos. One of these connected to a Lantern diffuser is easily enough for a one light solution that will more than do the job in the majority of indoor situations. I’ve even used it on photoshoots to clean up the light in a room and not have to use flash.

lantern vs Softbox

These are the two more common light diffusers that are used to make videos for youtube and Instagram. I prefer the lantern as I find it is easier to just make a nice washed area of light without any weird shadows. The softbox I prefer as a fill light. If you’re looking for a more cinematic look, a softbox will give you a more directional light that can be more easily controlled. Adding the grid on front will give your soft box even more directionality if that’s the look you want. The video to the right is a demonstration of what I am describing here.

lighting stands

This is one item that I do not recommend you save money on. If a light falls down it can obviously break or injur someone and the cheapest stands tend to not be very sturdy at all. The ones I have found that is the best compromise between price and construction are these ones from Smallrig and Neewar that incorporate a counter weight and allow you to extend a light up and over the subject. Not only is it much safer it’s also a much nicer way to light someone’s face than just having it sit horizontally in front of them.

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