So you're starting your Podcast or Youtube journey - congrats! One of the best ways you can build relationships with your target audience and strengthen your brand is through video/audio content value. Starting this journey is an exciting time, but we know it can be overwhelming as you start exploring content, design, approach, style, value, mission, growth, platforms and last but not least, what gear you need! That's why we've compiled some of the best all-around gear that we recommend daily for our clients, depending what level they want to spend and their content style.
Believe it or not, this is the step we see a lot of clients stop and fall off the map because to be honest, it can be daunting if you're not a tech-savvy person. This step is where you choose your equipment that will make your videos + sound high-quality and not get lost in the poor-quality planet where every podcast/youtuber's dreams go to die.
DON'T START SWEATING! It doesn't have to be a headache getting your gear in order for you to start shooting quality video/audio! We've put together (3) levels of gear based on your budget and the style of shooting you're planning on. So explore the different levels based on price and quality, click through the links to purchase and move towards your building your brand strength through audio/video channels! Note: this is by no means a comprehensive list, but is instead an easy breakdown of what to buy based on levels, products that we find to be the most available, best dollar for quality and ease of use for our clients.
Enough chat....get started!
BASIC GEAR
This is the gear that will give you an affordable, good start to your journey! You won't look or sound like an amateur, but you also won't break the bank for a journey you're just starting. While these options can be used across all content styles, these are better options if you are shooting in spaces that are more controlled- minimal background noise, ample natural light, ideally indoors (so you're not dealing with wind, external noises, etc.) and can provide an optimal environment and don't need to lean on the tech gear to overcome some of those on-site challenges.
Iphone (latest model) or Android/Google Equivalent
• Iphone 13 Pro https://amzn.to/3gQ86ZT
Lavalier Microphone for iPhone or Android
This microphone is attached to your phone via a cord and the microphone itself sits on you, or your guests' lapel. This route minimizes exterior noise and background distractions in your audio and is ideal if your subject is not within 2 feet of your phone.
• Two Person (Best for Interview Style - minimal movement) https://amzn.to/3rQvUTS
• One Person (Best for Interview Style - minimal movement) https://amzn.to/3sJiZ5o
* Iphone Conversion Add-Ons You may need for either of the Above:
• Apple Lighting to 3.5mm Headphone Jack Adaptor https://amzn.to/3HTKpeZ
• Rode Cable Adapter for Lav Mic and Iphone https://amzn.to/3sM6lmc
OR
Port Microphone
This microphone is attached to your phone via your port. This is ideal if you are able to be close to your phone (within 2 feet) and you plan to move around more during the shoot (i.e. house tours, showcasing a building site, behind the scenes on an install, etc.
• Shure MV88 Portable iOS Microphone for iPhone https://amzn.to/3sNfKd0
• Rode Video MIc Me Compact (Android/Google) https://amzn.to/3sM7ZUU
Lighting
With a basic setup, use natural lighting in a well-lit area! Be conscious of shadows and always keep the light facing your subject VS lighting them from behind, which causes shadows on your subjects' face. Setting up next to a bright window or well-lit natural room is ideal. Stay away from warm, unnatural yellow or orange artificial lighting and dark areas. Also stay away from facing your camera/phone towards overly bright lights so it doesn't white-wash your subject. We recommend to place your subject in multiple angles and shoot small test clips to find the right lighting for your shoot.
• Full Size Tripod https://amzn.to/3HTve5C
Podcast-Focused Microphones
• Blue Snowball https://amzn.to/3gRHis9
Phone Holder / Cinematic Tripod
If you're looking to shoot subjects with your phone and plan to use movement, we recommend picking yourself up a Gimble! It will allow you to use it as a basic hand-held tripod, or use the nifty features for smooth panning, stabilizing and more!
• 3-Axis Gimble: https://amzn.to/3uRi9WU
INTERMEDIATE
This is the gear that will give you an affordable, yet step-up approach to your production journey! You'll show off your higher quality which will help you stand out from the crowd, while not going fully into the deep end and making this your day job. While these options can be used across all content styles, these options (see notes below for specifics) can be used in both studio setups or live action style content shoots.
FULL KIT & ADD-ONS
• Canon M50 Creator Kit https://amzn.to/3HTmjRS
This kit is a great kit for someone who wants a one-stop-shop purchase for audio and
video. Ideal for someone who wants to easily set it up in a studio (if so, we'd
recommend also purchasing a taller tripod and possible lighting features below) but
can easily transition to bringing this on job sites, project reveals and more.
*Add-ons you'll most likely want with this kit:
• SD Card for storage: https://amzn.to/3gRTk54
• Webcam Accessories Kit https://amzn.to/3rTi6bb
Host a lot of Podcast guests or Video content via Zoom? Stop using your basic
webcam and use your Creator kit, with this handy converter add-on to your Canon M50,
you set it up to replace your webcam for Zoom meetings, Online Podcast Recordings,
etc.
• Full Size Tripod https://amzn.to/3HTve5C
Still want to use your iPhone or Android/Google phone for shooting? Not a problem - here's an amped up audio attachment to bring you to an intermediate level in both quality, and cost.
• Rode Vlogger Audio Kit for Phone with Light https://amzn.to/3rPb2fI
• Iphone Adapter Add-On you'll want with this if you are an Apple user
Do you find yourself in odd angles on job-sites, in cars or out and about? Try out this flexible tripod that does a great job holding the weight of a DSLR
• Joby GorillaPod Flexible Tripod https://amzn.to/3gOGIeL
Studio Lighting
Lighting is a tricky one to predict, so assess your own space to best determine what you need. Here's a great "starter" kit that provides enough light boxes to allow you to position around the room to create the lighting effect desired!
• Fovitec 3-Light Fluorescent Studio Lighting Kit w/ Boom arm Softboxes
Podcast Microphones
• Rode NT-USB USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone https://amzn.to/3HXhpmH
• Blue Yeti USB Condeser Microphone https://amzn.to/3BrmVeV
Phone Holder / Cinematic Tripod
If you're looking to shoot subjects with your phone and plan to use movement, we recommend picking yourself up a Gimble! It will allow you to use it as a basic hand-held tripod, or use the nifty features for smooth panning, stabilizing and more!
• 3-Axis Gimble+ (an upgraded version to the one we mention in the basic category):
Pro Youtuber/Podcaster
(not to be confused with a pro videographer, pro photographer or audio tech crew! That is an entirely different article and category)
FULL KIT & ADD-ONS
• Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Digital Camera Bundle https://amzn.to/3oU39nd
(no audio enhancements) A high-quality camera, great for YouTube shooting and
lightweight for a non-cumbersome camera to tote along. This is really just the video-
focused tech and you would need to expand to purchase audio, tripods, lighting,
possible additional lenses in addition to this base piece.
Add-on Purchases to make this a "complete" kit:
• Wide Angle Lense (great for building sites, small interior spaces, etc.
• Rode Mic (for better audio both in-studio and outside) https://amzn.to/3GNH7c9
• Joby GorillaPod Flexible Tripod https://amzn.to/3gOGIeL
• Canon EOS 80D DSLR Camera Bundle https://amzn.to/350tcSA
(no audio enhancements) A high-quality camera, great for YouTube shooting and
better stabilizers, although that is highly debated between brands. This one will make
you skip the gym as it's a bit heftier than the other options, but with that comes more
stable, and solid-built camera that has less opportunity to get thrown around out in
the field.
Add-on Purchases to make this a "complete" kit:
• Rode Mic (for better audio both in-studio and outside) https://amzn.to/3h6QM3b
• Large Tripod that can hold the weigth of this camera: https://amzn.to/3LxzRol
Need to use your IPhone at a pro level? Not a problem, here's a pro audio add-on that you'll want to explore for close-range audio capture:
• Rode IXYL Cardioid Condenser Microphone https://amzn.to/350rnp1
If you're doing a lot of shooting a subject that is walking around, exploring projects/sites, etc. - you'll want to move into a wireless lavalier system. Here's some we'd recommend for a reasonable budget and Youtube applications
• Movo Dual Wireless Lavalier Microphone System https://amzn.to/3oSg9Kd
• Rode Wireless Mic (smaller, easier to carry around) https://amzn.to/3gRVph6
With that said, there are a lot of ways to achieve successful Video and Audio content and we highly encourage you to explore alternatives and other recommendations to find the right fit for you! Need help building your brand or online presence? Need Podcast or Youtube coaching? We'd love to help! Reach out to us at marketing@shepquarters.com
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