Video Equipment Recommendations
Want to do video marketing on your own? Sometimes you need trusting video equipment recommendations. Producing your own videos can be a lot of fun and for some it can be a good economical decision, especially when you’re first starting in business. Below is a list of video equipment products we recommend in order to successfully produce your own videos for marketing. We are proud to be a part of the AMAZON AFFILIATE PROGRAM. The Amazon Services LLC Associates Program is designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by putting links to companies in my blog posts and this equipment recommendation page.
The equipment recommendations are broken up between “Start Up” equipment, and then the “Professional” equipment.
The “Start-Up” section will contain the basic equipment you’ll need to be successful. You’ll want to look at this section if you’re going to be using your cell phone or tablet to do the majority of your video recording. You should be able to get a full set up for around $100 depending on what you need.
The “Professional” equipment section is going to be for people who want to create high quality videos. In this professional equipment section, we highlight the products and tools that we use on set, so be prepared to drop several hundred dollars on some of the equipment recommendations in this section.
If you have any questions about the recommendations, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
If you want to watch video reviews on some of the products, view by clicking here.
Most of the products below are listed as Prime purchased.
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Start Up
Visual
HD Webcam
If you are doing webinars or are having meetings through Skype, Google Hangout, or Zoom you may want to upgrade your web camera or get a web camera if your computer monitor doesn’t have one built in. This one does a decent job and has a microphone attached to it. Also Logitech comes with a software to help you dial down your settings even more.
Wide Angle & Macro Lens Kit for Phone
If you’re a Realtor needing to capture wide angle shots of a home. Or if you’re someone who needs to record extremely close up to product and you plan on using your phone to record, you will want this wide angle and macro lens set. The lenses clip on and over your phone’s lens to give you a wider angle, or the ability to focus extremely close up. They are easy to use and durable little lenses for your phone.
DJI OSMO Pocket 3
Speakers, Realtors or any professionals who are on the go and could benefit from capturing more content on the go should consider this camera. It’s small and compact but has technology to help you stay in frame and in focus. Would still advise an external microphone for longer distances but if you want to get ambience audio, it’s perfect for that.
Audio Options
Wired Computer/Phone/Camera Lapel Microphone
It’s important for people to see you, however it’s just as important for people to hear you. This microphone will a hard line will plug into the headphone jack of your phone and will provide a higher quality audio source than just using the on board microphone on your phone. You can also use this same microphone to connect to your computer to have better audio for your virtual meetings.
Smartphone Shotgun Microphone
If you’re getting started with video and you’re planning on using your phone to record, this can be a great set up for you! I like that it comes with a case so it’s easy to carry around. It also has a mini tripod that can hold your smartphone and mount the microphone. For the price this microphone is powerful!
Comica Vimo 3 Wireless Microphone for Cell Phone/Tablet/Computers/Cameras for 2 People
If you’re going to be having two people on camera with you at all times, this is a great microphone to have. The benefit of this being wireless vs. hard wired in is you’ll be more free to move about and won’t have to worry about hiding the cord while you’re recording. The battery pack is such a great design to help you always have a charge.
Yeti USB Microphone
Are you looking to start a podcast? Yeti’s are possibly one of the most popular and easy to use microphones out there.
Wireless Handheld Microphone by Comica
Looking for a quality handheld microphone to work with your phone? This handheld microphone from Comica is easy to set up and use. Out of the box all you need are two AA batteries and it’s ready to work for you. If you have an Iphone make sure you scroll below to accessories to add a lightening bolt to 3.5 mm cord to the nice case it comes in.
Ideal Wireless Microphone for Iphone Users
If you use an Iphone and don’t want to worry about finding your lightening to 3.5mm adaptor, this is the wireless microphone for you. It’s easy to use, compact to travel with and provides a great sound. Watch a video review to learn more.
Great Podcast Mic for Computer or Phone
If you’re looking to start a podcast you need to have a quality microphone. This TONOR TD310+ is a great affordable option that is plug and play and ready to go. If you’re trying to stay low tech, this could be a great fun option with the LED lights.
Desk Soundboards
If you are in an area that is really hallow you may want to try to make the sound more dense by adding soundboard to the back and sides of your table.
Stabilizers
Basic Tripod
A basic tripod is always one of the first investments you should make when doing video on your own. Whether you’re using a phone or a camera, you want to make sure your shot is staying steady. These are two quality basic tripods that can help you get started.
Tripod with a Fluid Head
When you’re ready to step up your game in terms of video production, you may want to consider a basic fluid head. What this tripod head will allow you to do is capture more fluid pans and tilts.
iPad or Tablet Clamp for Tripod
If you’re planning on using an Ipad or Tablet as your main camera, you’re going to need a clamp to attach it to a basic tripod. These clamps are adjustable to fit most tablets.
Cell phone clamp for Tripod
If you’re going to be using your phone when you’re creating your own videos, you want to make sure it’s steady on a tripod. In order to hold the phone on the tripod, you’re going to need a basic cell phone clamp like this. It’s adjustable to fit most phones, however it may not fit well if you have a huge case, so be prepared to take off the case if it’s too big.
Suction Cup Clamp for Cell Phone
Are you a person regularly stuck in traffic and while you’re in traffic you come up with some of the best video content ideas? If so, this suction cup clamp could be perfect for you! Clamp it to the top of your windshield or the side of your window and when you’re stuck in traffic, turn on your video app and start recording. You can also use this clamp to hold your phone and look at the GPS hands free.
Chest Mount for Cell Phone
If you’re a Realtor, contractor, or someone who has to walk through your job a lot, then a chest mount could be great for you to use to capture video content. This one size fits most adjustable chest mount is easy to put on and has a clamp for your cell phone. You may need to take off the large cell phone case to fit correctly.
Selfie Stick
To be honest, we really don’t suggest these often. They are not steady because their is no gimbal attached however they can help you get some interesting perspectives. If you’re an auto company, you can get some great shots under the car, or if you’re crowded venues, this selfie stick can also help you get some great shots above the crowd.
Gimbal for Phone
This is the step up from the selfie stick. This gimbal will allow you to walk around to capture your surroundings or yourself steadily. This also comes with a built in light for selfies and close ups.
Mini Tripod for Phone
If you’re going to be using your phone to record and have a small desk space to use, this mini tripod set could be perfect for you. The set comes with the clamp to hold your phone, the tripod, as well as a blue tooth remote to be able to press record on and off from where you go. The tripod is very flexible and can even be wrapped around items like a light near your desk.
Lights
Ring Light
For so many beginners, this ring light is their favorite. It’s easy to set up, and can act as your tripod. This system has a cell phone clamp holder in the middle of the ring so all the light is around your phone to perfectly light your face.
360 RGB Wand Light
If you want to get creative with lighting this little affordable device can do just that. It’s a full 360RGB light meaning you can have any color be an accent light. If your brand is purple for example you could add some purple to the scene. What I really love are the ten pre-set scenes that have on there from police lights to lightening and candles. It’s a great light to have for these creative shots.
On the Go
Lighting
If you’re planning on using your phone on the go a lot when you’re doing your video marketing you may want to consider this small LED light that attaches to your phone. It can pack a punch with three different light settings, however we have heard from clients that having two on each side of the phone is even better!
Dimmable & Temperature Adjustable Small & Powerful LED Light
If you don’t have a lot of space in your home or office however need to look good during video conferences, this is a great light! Not only is it dimmable, it’s also temperature adjustable to match your environment. If you’re planning on having more than one person on set with you, one ring light won’t do. Get two to four of these to set up perfect lighting.
5-in-1 Reflector
Sometimes you just want to use the power of the sun to reflect or bounce more light onto your face. You can also use the reflector to bounce light from other lighting sources. Especially if you’re in an office with only downward lighting, you can use the white to add more light under your chin to eliminate the shadows.
Studio
Green Screen Studio Basic Set Up
If you want to be able to change your background, without changing your recording space, getting a basic green screen set up is a great idea. This pack comes with the lights, stands, and chroma key green muslim cloth in order to set up a green screen production. What this pack isn’t including though is the editing software or editor to key out the background correctly, so keep that in mind before deciding to do green screen video shoots.
Green Screen for Your Office Chair
Due to Covid-19 everyone has transitioned to virtual meetings and ZOOM allows you to add a virtual background. Adding a green screen to your office will help you have a cleaner looking background. This is a simple green screen background that will slip onto the back of your chair. It folds up so if you need to travel with it, you can. Great piece of equipment to have easy virtual backgrounds!
Collapsible Green Screen For Your Office
If you want to be able to add quality virtual backgrounds to your live streams you need to have a green screen. If you don’t want the green screen to take up a lot of space, be constantly up on your office, or take a long time to set up; this is the perfect screen for you. It takes only five seconds to set up and then can be put away when not in use.
Teleprompter for Tablet
We have been using this tablet teleprompter since we started business in 2014. The glass is clear and it’s extremely easy to get set up.
Teleprompter For Your Phone
Got a new phone since you were going to use it for your camera but not sure what to do with your old Iphone? Use it as your new teleprompter. Now you won’t have perfect eye contact if you’re starring at your script however you can use it for bullet points to keep you on track.
Teleprompter for Computer
Phone Case
Are you trying to give a speech virtually and don’t want to mess up your lines? Are you using your computer to record video? You may want to consider this teleprompter for the computer.
Waterproof Cell
Phone Case
If you’re a Realtor who sells a lot of homes with pools, or if you’re a company who has a product that goes in the water and you plan on using your phone to capture video, you’re going to want to protect your phone with a water proof casing. It may not look like much, but they really work!
Professional
Visual
Canon EOS R5-c
This mirrorless 4K camera is great for photography as well as for videography. The face detect feature is so great for auto focus purposes. Love this camera so much we have two so we are sure you’ll love it too.
Gh5s
It shoots in 4K and is great in low light. Before we got the Canon R5c, this was our go to camera for video.
A must with the camera Lumix cameras!
(Get Low- Low Light) Metabones speedbooster XL.64x
Since we already had invested a lot of money in Cannon EF Mount glass, we had to get this Metabones speedbooster to communicate with the GH5s. There is even an added benefit that it will bring your lenses 2 stops down from what its native setting is.
Canon 70-200mm f/2.8L IS
This is our go to lens when we’re doing events. It’s really sharp glass with a low fstop that will help you when you’re doing events that they want to keep “intimate” with low lighting. It’s also great to capture the crowd with, without having a camera directly in their face.
Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8
This Sigma Art Lens is an extremely wide angle sharp lens great for when you’re recording in small spaces or need to get an extremely wide angle.
Canon 50mm f/1.4
A great lens for portrait photography and videography. It’s sharp glass and gives you a nice depth of field.
Canon 24-105 f/4L IS
This is one of our other favorite lenses to use because it has a nice range and it’s very sharp glass. The only downfall is it’s an f4 however when we use it with the Gh5s and the MetaBones, it helps bring it down to an f2.8.
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8
This is a great lens to use when you want a bit of a wide angle however not an extremely wide angle like the Sigma Art Lens we recommend. This is also great in low light situations.
OLYMPUS M.Zuiko Digital ED 7-14mm F2.8 Pro Lens, for Micro Four Thirds Cameras
If you have a micro third camera this is a great wide angle lens.
Audio Options
Sennheiser AVX Digital Wireless Handheld Mic
We love using these wireless microphones because they have a great quality and the wind screen isn’t too large. They are also comfortable against your skin. It also has the small plastic antenna, so no more of people pulling the microphones off from the antenna! It has a great design and holds a 420mAH battery. To have complete peace of mind when recording we do suggest getting a battery pack. Also having the hand held gives you some options. Keep in mind you can’t use the handheld and the lav at the same time with the same transmitter.
Sennheiser AVX Digital Wireless Lav
We love using these wireless microphones because they have a great quality and the wind screen isn’t too large. They are also comfortable against your skin. It also has the small plastic antenna, so no more of people pulling the microphones off from the antenna! It has a great design and holds a 420mAH battery. To have complete peace of mind when recording we do suggest getting a battery pack.
Rode Wireless Pro
This has been a back and forth competition for us between Sennheiser and RODE. These Rode Wireless Pro’s actually records 32-bit float internally which has been very helpful when we have had signal feedback in high traffic radio frequency areas. We also love the charging box the set comes with and the new internal timecode feature has been a time saver.
Zoom H6
This is our favorite device to use to monitor audio. It has a total of four channels, so unless we’re recording four people at the same time, a person will have two channels being recorded. With this set up one channel is set perfectly during the sound check, and the other channel is set to be a lot lower in case there is a spike in the audio like a loud laughter. This way in the edit, we can choose the best audio track to use.
Stabilizers
Manfotto Element Traveler Tripod
This is a great light weight tripod. It can also act as a full sized monopod.
Benro S8 Tripod
This is the heavy duty tripod that we use whenever we’re using our teleprompter, or using our 70-200 f2.8 lens. It can carry a heavy load and we love that on the ball head there is a light you can turn off and on to better see the balance bubble.
DJI Ronin RS 2
If you have a DSLR or a light weight camera this is a great gimbal to use to capture steady shots. We highly suggest only using with a camera that has a good autofocus though. It’s extremely hard to hold and focus. The time to calibrate isn’t too long once you have done it a couple of times.
DJI Ronin Ring
If you have the DJI Ronin Gimbal, you may want to consider getting this ring to provide extra stability when moving with your camera.
Lights
Godox Flash
If you’re doing photography you need to have a reliable flash and this is great to use! Has an extremely short recycle time and lasts for hours.
Dimmable & Temperature Adjustable Amaran 200X
We love these lights! They are light weight, bi-color and pack a punch. We use these a lot on set.
Dimmable & Temperature Adjustable Amaran 300c
We love these lights! RBG that can pack a punch.
Dimmable & Collapsible Silver Beauty Dish Softbox w/Bowens Mount
Softer light is always better looking for skin. This Glow reflector with a beauty dish is our go to modifier for lights.
Cords
1/8th in to 2 XLR 3pin Male Y Split
This cord is needed when you have two XLR female plug ins that need to go into a headphone jack plug.
Headphone Jack Y Cable Splitter
If you’re going to be recording video with your phone and you’re going to be doing interviews with another person, you’re going to want to have two microphones and then this splitter cable to plug in both microphones into your one headphone jack.
Extension for cell phone plug in mic
If you’re recording with your phone and you chose to use a wired microphone, you may want this extension cord to give you more space and depth when you’re recording.
1 x 3.5mm Male To 2 x 1/4in Male Y Cable Splitter
This 3.5mm Male To 2 x 1/4in Male Y Cable Splitter is needed for people who are trying to plug two 1/4in cables into one headphone jack.
3.5mm (1/8 Inch) Stereo Male to XLR Female Cable
This is one XRL cord to an 1/8in headphone jack.
5 pin XLR Male To 3pin Male XLR Y Cable Splitter
This cable is needed when you have one XRL device that you need to plug into two XLR channels.
Iphone Adaptor for Headphones
If you have an Iphone from 2016 or newer, you want to make sure you have this cord to plug in your headphones, as well as plug in any external microphones if you plan on using your phone to record your videos.
GoPro Audio Adaptor
If you’re using a GoPro 7,8 or 9 and want to use an external microphone you need to get this adaptor.
Cat 6 Ethernet Cord
If you are doing virtual meetings and especially if you want to record them, you want to tap into the best internet you are already paying for possible by hard wiring into the Internet.
USB to Ethernet Adaptor
If you are doing virtual meetings and especially if you want to record them, you want to tap into the best internet you are already paying for possible by hard wiring into the Internet. If the computer you are using doesn’t have a direct connection for the Internet, you may need this adaptor to make it work.
HD Video Capture Card
If you want to have higher quality live streams you may want to consider ditching the webcam and use a DSLR with a video capture card connection. This capture card is so easy to use, it’s literally plug and play.
Mini HDMI to HDMI
If you want to have higher quality live streams you may want to consider ditching the webcam and use a DSLR with a video capture card connection. Some cameras only have an output for a mini HDMI cable. If so, this is the cord you’ll want to use.
USB to 3.5mm Headphone Jack
Many affordable consumer friendly microphones need a headphone jack to plug into however more phones and computers are being made without the 3.5mm jack. In order to use these microphones and non Bluetooth headphones, you may want to consider getting this adaptor.
Batteries
Portable Battery Bank & Charger
Have peace of mind when you’re recording with this battery bank and charger. We use this to power a microphone, Ipad for the teleprompter and H6 when we’re recording.
Backup For Power Outages
Have you ever been in the middle of a video edit, a document or anything important on a computer when the power goes out? You think instantly, “shit did I save?” No worries now with this APC UPS, 1500VA UPS Battery Backup & Surge Protector. Another great addition is it shows how long the battery will last before completely shutting down so you can make your best judgement how much longer to work.
Light Batteries + Charger
These batteries are for more LED lights and this pack comes with a charger so you can always keep them charged when they aren’t in use./h2>
GH3, GH4, GH5 Battery Adapter
Have peace of mind when recording for long periods of time when using a Lumix Gh3, Gh4, or Gh5. When you use this adapter you’ll be able to plug in and not have to worry about battery life.
VMount Battery
There may be a time when you need a VMount battery and this light weight one by SmallRig can last with the heavier batteries.
Pack of AA Batteries
There are only a few things in life that are guaranteed; death, taxes and that your product will not come with the AA batteries you need. Stock up on AA batteries so you can always be ready to use your new equipment.
Storage
SD Card
All the cameras we use currently require an SD card and you want to make sure you use a high quality one like this class 10 SD card.
Micro SD Card
Some cameras like the GoPro and DJI OSMO will require a micro SD card, and you’ll want to get a high quality one like this to be able to read the 4k footage. This also comes with an SD reader so you can plug the SD into your computer to capture the footage.
SanDisk 2TB Extreme Portable External SSD
If you want to be able to transfer footage fast, this is a great drive to have! It’s compact and portable as well.
Hard Case for Camera/Audio
You always want to protect your expensive equipment so make sure to invest in hard cases that will hold your equipment. We use hard cases like this for our microphones.
Mounts
Light Stand
Not all lights you purchase will come with stands, and stands don’t always last so you’ll want to make sure to have a few extra sturdy stands handy.
C Clamps for Lights
If you’re planning on hanging a light from the ceiling you’re going to want to have a few c-clamps handy. These are strong tools to hold your equipment in place.
Basic Reflector Stand
If you’re using a reflector you may want to save your arms and get a reflector stand. This will also help you stay even and consistent since you can lock down the location of the reflector. Even the steadiest person may move around slightly on a long take.
Magic Arm
Sometimes you need an extra arm to hold items around the tripod. This is great to attach audio devices and small lights.
Coldshoe Mount
A code shot mount is great for adding items to the top of your camera. We will this for adding our H6 to the top of our camera.
C-Stand
If you’re using a reflector, light diffuser or flags you may want to consider getting a metal heavy duty c-stand.
Camera Strap
Want an easy set up camera strap? This is the winner! Save your neck and use a shoulder strap. It’s quick and easy to put on your camera and a lot more comfortable.
Camera Strap for 2 Cameras
Want an easy set up camera strap? This is the winner! Save your neck and use a shoulder strap. It’s quick and easy to put on your camera and a lot more comfortable.
Accessories
Sand Bags
If you’re using a reflector stand, c-stand or event light stands you want to make sure everything is securely on the ground and won’t fall over if bumped. That’s where using sand bags can come in handy. You’ll want to get the sand from a local hard ware store, or playground. Make sure to double or even triple bag the sand with zip lock bags before adding to these sand bags. If you add the sand directly into these bags, in a matter of time they will start to leak and cause a huge mess.
77mm Variable ND Filter
When you’re recording outside in the bright sun, you may still want to have a shallow depth a field. In order to accomplish this, you may want to get an ND filter for your lens. The variable ND filter gives you more options in the same filter.
82mm Variable ND Filter
When you’re recording outside in the bright sun, you may still want to have a shallow depth a field. In order to accomplish this, you may want to get an ND filter for your lens. The variable ND filter gives you more options in the same filter. You’ll need to get an ND Filter that is going to fit your lens so make sure to get one that works for your lens.
58mm Variable ND Filter
When you’re recording outside in the bright sun, you may still want to have a shallow depth a field. In order to accomplish this, you may want to get an ND filter for your lens. The variable ND filter gives you more options in the same filter. You’ll need to get an ND Filter that is going to fit your lens so make sure to get one that works for your lens.
Lens Cleaning Kit
Always keep your lens clean with this handy lens cleaning kit.
Black Gaffer’s Tape
The go to tape for all of your production needs! We use Gaffer’s tape to rig up equipment, and hide wires under shirts however it can be used for so many other needs.
White Gaffer’s Tape
The go to tape for all of your production needs! We use the white Gaffer’s Tape for quick labels and to make obvious marks for actors.
CaTeFo RodeGo & RodeGo Pros Wireless Handheld Adaptor
If you own a RodeGO or RodeGoPro wireless microphone set there may be a time you want a microphone be a handheld. This adaptor could be an option for you. The handle provides two screw holes to easily attach to a light stand or similar stand. It also comes with four wind screens however it does not have a completely flush fit.
RodeGo & RodeGo Pros Wireless Handheld Adaptor
If you own a RodeGO or RodeGoPro wireless microphone set there may be a time you want a microphone be a handheld. This adaptor could be an option for you. It is made by RODE so will provide a perfect fit but only comes with one wind screen that has the brand largely displayed on both sides.
White/Gray Balance Card
Sometimes it’s hard to set perfect white balance, however you can always fix that in post production with this white balance card.
Cinefoil
Cinefoil is a great product to have on hand to help you better direct light and get more creative with light.
Leatherman Wingman Multitool
We love this multi function tool. We use it all the time to tighten our tripods, tighten rigs with the GoPro, and trim threads hanging off the talent. There are many tools on this that you’ll be using it on and off set.
IKAN Elite Remote Control for Teleprompter
If your script has a lot of speed changes because of challenging or long words, you mat want to consider getting a remote control so you can change your speeds in real time. We have a IKAN Teleprompter and the IKAN remote works well with the Teleprompter+3 app that we use.
Hand Held Steamer
If you’re going to be recording with a green screen, or blue screen you need to make sure there aren’t any wrinkles. Sometimes wrinkles are unavoidable. When you fold up your screens, wrinkles happen, and so this hand held steamer is a great tool to get rid of your wrinkles fast and easy.
Oil Absorbing Sheets
If you are someone with really oily skin and make up isn’t doing the trick or if you’re someone with sensitive skin or someone who doesn’t like make up, keep your face looking clean and clear with these easy to use Oil Absorbing Sheets.
Slate
Keep your shots more organized by using a slate. Be able to easily find your best takes in editing looking at the first frame with the slate board.
Baby Carrier
If you’re a working mom or dad and need to bring a baby on a production, this carrier is a must! You’re able to keep your baby close to you while still having both of your hands free to work. This is great for the first few months when babies are quiet and sleeping for the most part. It’s still great to use when they’re older however they don’t understand “quiet on set”, so once they start babbling maybe don’t bring them on set and just use it for hiking or chores around the house.
Portable Projector
Sometimes it’s nice to look at your work on the big screen. Or maybe you’re a presenter who has been stuck with unreliable tech in the past. This affordable and easy to use portable projector could be a great option for you. It comes with it’s own travel case and a lot of the cables you may need for a smooth viewing.
Spy Camera – Dummy Smoke Detector
If you have an office or business with a lot of foot traffic, it can be beneficial to have some spy cameras around to capture what’s happening. This camera looks like a smoke detector but is actually a camera that you can access the feed from anywhere using the app. This can also make for cool behind the scenes footage.
Spy Camera – Functioning Outlets & Charging Ports
If you have an office or business with a lot of foot traffic, it can be beneficial to have some spy cameras around to capture what’s happening. This camera looks like and is a workable, functioning outlet and charging port but it also is a motion detecting spy camera. The ears hold your phone in place when it’s charging.
Training
Free Video Roadmap Course
The Video Marketing Social Media Distribution Roadmap empowers marketers, entrepreneurs, and organizations to navigate the dynamic landscape of social media marketing with confidence and precision. By harnessing the insights and strategies it offers, businesses can elevate their online presence, connect with their target audience on a deeper level, and ultimately, drive success in their digital marketing endeavors.
Learn how to set up your YouTube channel & get 80% or higher video SEO scores!
Imagine having a YouTube channel that not only attracts your target audience but also positions you as a credible authority in your industry. With the Financial Potion YouTube Start-Up Course, you’ll get a step by step guide to make this an obtainable outcome.
