So I spend a lot of times creating videos for clients, courses and affiliate marketing. You do not see a lot of these here because they they are not part of the teaching I do here. But I have evolved as I have learned. Some of my technology is “out of date” per say but it works really well, and ultimately speed is what you want a lot of times. So I wanted to share you with you my current technology stack. Almost like a a desk walk through.
AUDIO
Audio to me is one of the most overlooked aspects of video. I don’t care how good your video is, without even decent audio, your video goes to junk. People don’t want to hear that tinny, nasty audio that comes out of your camera, your computer or your phone. So I have a lot of audio products. In fact I buy more audio products, then i do video products.
Podcasting/ScreenCasting Audio Products
For when I am doing computer tutorials or if you want to do podcasting, I use an Audio Technica AT-2035 condenser microphone.
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Audio-Technica AT2035 Large Diaphragm Cardioid Studio Condenser Microphone with Knox Gear Pop Filter, Knox Gear Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm with 3/8-16 Threading (Black) and Kirlin 25FT XLR Male - XLR Female Microphone Cable
- LARGE DIAPHRAGM CARDIOID CONDENSER MICROPHONE: Designed for critical home/project/professional studio applications and live performance, this side-address cardioid studio condenser delivers exceptional detail and low noise.
- FEATURES: Equipped with a switchable 80 Hz high-pass filter and 10 dB pad, the AT2035 handles high sound pressure levels with ease.
- MIC COMES WITH: Includes custom shock mount that provides superior isolation and protective pouch
This microphone is not overly expensive but gives good quality audio. Make sure you get a filter to filter out the pops and S’s when you talk into it. Because this is a condenser microphone, it needs power from phantom power and, because it is an XLR microphone, I have to find a way to interface it with my computer. In that case I use a Focusrite 2i2 which allows me to use phantom power to the microphone.
- Four analog inputs: two natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps with plenty of even gain; two newly-designed instrument inputs, designed to handle seriously hot guitar pick-ups
- Class-leading conversion and sample rates up to 192kHz / 24 bit
- Super-low latency for using your plug-ins in real time without the need for DSP (measured at 2.74ms, working at 96kHz with a 32 samples buffer)
- 1/4-inch balanced jack outputs to connect professional studio monitors; one headphones output with gain control
- Includes Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack and Ableton Live Lite, Focusrite Control, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrites Red Plug-in Suite, 2GB of Loopmasters samples
Finally, to keep the microphone out of the way, I use a boom arm from Blue Microphones that looks nice and allows me to move the microphone in front and away from my mouth.
- Premium All-Tube, internal spring design
- Hidden channel Cable management
- Hand-tightened friction-hinges for smooth, quiet operation
- Designed for Yeti and other professional broadcast mics
- Compatible with all standard shock mounts
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Face to Camera Audio
I prefer to use a wireless Lavalier microphone plugged either into my camera, an audio recorder or if all else fails, into the focusrite. This allows me to record directly into camera or use something like audacity and sync in the editing tool later.
If quality is most important, I use a Sennheiser EW 100 G3 microphone system. Its several years old and has been replaced with the G4 system but man, I love this thing.
- Rugged all-in-one wireless system with high flexibility for Broadcast quality sound
- Easy to use and fast setup time
- Range: up to 100 meters/ 330 feet
- Up to 8 hours of operation time
- Excellent sound and construction quality.HDX compander for crystal-clear sound
On the Go Audio
If I am on the go, I have a few devices I use. But ultimately, I use a Zoom H1. This is great because I can plug it into my laptop and it gets used as a USB microphone. It can also be handheld and with a dead cat can be used in the wind. Finally, I can also plug in an inexpensive wired lapel mic and it works as a quite good lapel microphone.
- Streamlined Body with matte finish and newly designed protective mic enclosure
- Built-in stereo condenser microphones in 90-Degree x/Y format
- One-touch button controls.Battery life (alkaline batteries): Approximately 10 hours (continuous recording time using built-in mic, 44.1 kHz/16-bit)
- Localized and intuitive menus for easy operation
- Playback Speed Control, Voice Emphasize Filter, and Stereo overdubbing functions
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
LIGHTING
After audio, lighting is the most important aspect of video. Your camera needs good light and lots of it to perform at its best. The lights I currently use are no longer produced but they are LED lights and then I use an umbrella in front of them to soften them up. If I was buying now, i would get these pancake lights that would work great in the small spaces here in Hawaii
- Ultra-Bright, Power 48W, Bi-Color LED Edge Lights.
- Color Temperature can be adjust from 3000K-5600K through Touch Screen.
- Step-less Dimming,2.4G Mutual control. With 2.4G Mutual Control Technology in 4 group control channels(A/B/C/D) to adjust multiple lights simultanerously. Support RC-6 Remote Control.(The remote is not included)
- Two method power supply.With Adapter for indoor use. With V mount Socket to NP Battery Convertor,you can use V-mount Batteries or two pieces NP-F750/970.(The battery not included)
- The new Sophiez-Series LED light is designed in mirror style providing extremely soft lighting for all applications. Any illuminated objects under the SophieZ LED light would look soft and just fantastic without the help of other light modifiers.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
There are lots of modifiers you can use with your lighting. This can be umbrellas, white boards but one of the best tools I have found is 5 in 1 reflector. Pull the inner part out and its a great scrim to soften the light. I then hang up the silver reflector on the other side to bounce some light back on my face.
VIDEO
This is where I fall behind all the other people online. For the most part, I am using my iPhone Xs to do video a lot of times. It records in 4k and I bought the one with 256K memory in it. If you are just starting out, this is the last place you spend money. Audio and Video first.
- Super Retina HD display
- 6. 5‑inch (diagonal) all‑screen OLED Multi‑Touch display
- HDR display 2688‑by-1242‑pixel resolution at 458 ppi
- 1, 000, 000: 1 contrast ratio (typical)
- Rated IP68 (maximum depth of 2 meters up to 30 minutes) under IEC standard 60529
DSLR/Mirrorless
I have a Canon T5i I have used for years. It frankly is not a great camera. It doesn’t have duel pixel autofocus like the 80D and others but paired up with a Sigma 18-35 lens, it gets good background blurriness. This lens is available for lots of cameras from Sony to Canon. I am not sure what I will do next. To be honest, Sony has been tempting me with a lot of their cameras.
- Advanced 24.2MP BSI Full-frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed* Advanced 24.2MP Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor * Sony test conditions. Compare to the α7 II
- 15-stop dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800
- Up to 10fps Silent or Mechanical Shutter with AE/AF tracking. Battery Life (Still Images) - Approx. 610 shots (Viewfinder) / approx. 710 shots (LCD monitor), Battery Life (Movie, continuous recording) - Approx. 200 min (Viewfinder) / Approx. 210 min (LCD monitor)
- 693 phase-detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93% image coverage.Focus Sensor:Exmor R CMOS sensor
- In the box: Rechargeable Battery (NP-FZ100), AC Adaptor (AC-UUD12), Shoulder strap, Body cap, Accessory shoe cap, Eyepiece cup, Micro USB cable.Metering Type:1200-zone evaluative metering
On the Go Camera
This little camera is a favorite of mine. It is not a 4K camera but there is a ton I like about it. And it is the Canon G7X Mark II camera. Why do Iike it? Pop up screen so I can see myself in the camera. An auto white balance that seems better than the setting on my T5i and dual pixel autofocus. I took this thing to Europe and it was a champ. If it just had a microphone input it would be perfect.
- The advanced video capabilities of the PowerShot G7 X Mark II camera can capture moments in the quality they deserve
- Features a large 1.0-inch, 20.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor that helps capture high-quality images and videos with a wide dynamic range. Autofocus system features ttl autofocus and manual focus. Operating temperature is 0 to 40 degree celsius. Note-charging time varies considerably depending on the remaining battery power
- An aperture value of f/1.8 at the wide angle and f/2.8 when fully zoomed to a factor of 4.2x (24-100mm), this lens equipped to capture a variety of situations with precision
- High-resolution, 3.0 LCD monitor that tilts up 180° and down 45°is ideal for self-portraits and capturing pictures at high and low angles with ease
- Built-in Wi-Fi for on-the-go convenience and the ability to easily post your images to select social networking and media sites
- With the ability to shoot continuously at up to 8 fps, it can help you capture incredible images with nearly no time wasted
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
STABILIZATION
I use a ton of tripods. But to be honest, find one that works for your needs. Most times my camera sits on a fairly inexpensive tripod from Raveli. What I like is it will go super high for when I am standing up or want to point it down. I also use a Joby gorilla pod and a table top tripod from Benro.
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Ravelli Professional Video Tripod (72 inch) |  | Buy Now | |
 | JOBY GorillaPod 5K Kit. Professional Tripod 5K Stand and Ballhead 5K for DSLR Cameras or Mirrorless Camera with Lens up to 5K (11lbs). Black/Charcoal. | | Buy Now | |
 | Benro PocketPod Tabletop Tripod (PP1) | | Buy Now | |
 | Vastar Universal Smartphone Tripod Adapter Cell Phone Holder Mount Adapter, Fits iPhone, Samsung, and all Phones, Rotates Vertical and Horizontal, Adjustable Clamp | | Buy Now |
My secret for when I need smooth pans and tilts is a monopod. Specifically I like this one from Benro. It works fantastic and is pretty inexpensive. I like the Benro stuff.
Make Money, don’t spend Money
I am able to make some decent money with this equipment for both clients and my own affiliate websites. Eventually I will get a new camera, but to be honest, I don’t need them since I am not doing weddings or commercial quality audio and I dont’ want to much up my set up. Any of these would work great for you. Don’t over think it and spend your money wisely.
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