Gear

I’m often asked for gear recommendations, especially for video content creation, so I thought I would create a specific page for that. I’m constantly trying to improve my technique and upgrade my gear, so expect that this page will be updated over time. Also please note that some links may be affiliate links–if you buy products using my links–at no cost to you!–I may receive a small commission–I would appreciate your support to help me continue creating useful content. Please note that I do sincerely recommend these products–these are all products I am currently using or have used, unless otherwise noted. Currently my primary use cases involve creating or streaming videos for the university courses I create and teach, though I sometimes also create YouTube videos.

I’ve categorized the recommendations based on BASIC, INTERMEDIATE, and ADVANCED setups so you can choose items based on your specific needs–no need to get advanced gear if you just need a basic setup, though of course you can upgrade from there over time by considering INTERMEDIATE and ADVANCED accessories. Finally, I’m growing a collection of recommended BOOKS related to helping you better communicate your ideas to the world.

PREREQUISITES

• Blackout Curtains: I’ve found blackout curtains to be essential in the studio–they help me control the lighting and improve the audio quality. You can then just slide the curtains out of the way when you are done if you want more natural light. Even the white ones have a black background, and block light well. A must-have if you have a window behind you.

• Aircraft Aluminum Refillable Tactical Screw Cap Pen: Practically indestructible pen that writes and feels great – I take this with me everywhere.

BASIC SETUP: To Get Started

Lights!

• Elgato Green Screen: It’s a green screen that is not cumbersome to use and that pops up and down, as needed.

• Neewer 18-inch LED Ring Light: Perfect face light, controllable also by app. Note: not good for people with eye glasses.

• LimoStudio 600W Triple Umbrella Lighting Kit: Inexpensive umbrella lighting kit–I use these with the jellyfish diffuser (below).

• Linco Studio Lighting Jellyfish Umbrella Diffuser Soft Cloth: Cheap way to create a soft light, especially for your face. I use these with the umbrella lights (below).

Camera!

• Use your iPhone camera mounted with the above ring light. Note that if you want to use your iPhone as a camera for a virtual meeting app like Zoom, you’ll need a Lightning to HDMI adapter connected to a video capture card connected to your computer (eg running Zoom).

• Use your laptop camera with the below collapsible music stand.

• Collapsible Music Stand: I tilt the music stand tray horizontal so that I can rest my iPad, laptop, or other needed items on it while I am recording video or audio – the stand is light and portable, making it easy to move and to adjust my laptop camera to a good height.

Audio!

• HyperX Cloud Alpha Headset: I use these when I don’t need to be on camera, or if it’s an informal meeting.

• Samson Meteor MIC: I use this when I travel since it is easy to pack, good quality, and sturdy.

INTERMEDIATE SETUP: To Get Better Quality Streams

Lights!

• Neewer 18-inch LED RGB Ring Light: Perfect face light, controllable also by app, and perhaps best of all, FULL COLOR!

Camera!

• Blackmagic ATEM Mini Pro: This switches up to four cameras or video inputs. I use it to show my face camera plus demo Windows, Apple, and have my presentation on my iPad. Portable!

• Panasonic LUMIX G100: A portable camera option that is smaller (and cheaper) than the below Panasonic GH5 – for me the G100 is ideal for creating content away from the studio.

• Camera Stands: Carbon fiber makes these lightweight–good for travel!

Audio!

• FocusRite Scarlett 2i2: Workhorse two-input audio interface.

• Shure Super 55: This looks especially great on camera.

• Mic Stands: Floor mount stands so they don’t pick up desktop vibrations.

• Marshall Mid ANC Active Noise Cancelling On-Ear Wireless Bluetooth Headphone: Love the Marshall sound when listening to music.

ADVANCED SETUP: I also use these accessories for an even better experience

Lights!

• 32 inch (80cm) Round Collapsible Light Reflectors: Variety of uses, from serving as a backdrop for product shots , reflecting light, or softening light.

• Aputure AL-MC RGBWW Mini On-Camera Video Light: I’ve got multiples of these lights – I use them to add splashes of color in the video background.

Camera!

• Blackmagic ATEM Mini Extreme: This switches up to eight cameras. Best used in the studio.

• Panasonic GH5: This is my main video/live-streaming camera.

• Panasonic Micro Four Thirds LUMIX G VARIO 12-32mm lens: I use this on the Panasonic GH5 – autofocus!

• Panasonic Lumix G II Lens, 20MM: I like this micro four-thirds pancake lens.

Audio!

• Sennheiser Professional MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone : I upgraded to this shotgun mic so the mic is not in frame when on camera.

• Aston Stealth Microphone: This sounds better with my voice. Note that this mic has four different voice settings, two for different human voices (one perhaps better for male voices, one better perhaps for female voices, but you can pick what works for your voice) as well as settings for instrument (guitar) and ribbon mic (dark).

• Shure SE535 BT2 In-Ear Wireless Sound Isolating Earbuds: I use these when I need to be on camera.

BOOKS: Communicating Your Ideas to the World

• Made to Stick by Chip Heath and Dan Heath: In a world of 24/7 information bombardment, how do you get your ideas seen, heard, and remembered? This book helps you better understand ideas that stick.