FILMING EQUIPMENTÂ
Here are some of the equipment I use to record my YouTube videos. They tend to be pragmatic and practical purchases mid-way through my YouTube journey. When I first started, I only used my iPhone for recording. I still do now.
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If you could only buy 1 thing to start with, get a mic.Â
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--- CK
Cameras
Sony A7C Compact Full Frame Mirrorless Camera
Biggest upgrade by far! This is Sony's most compact design for their current generation full-frame cameras. Went with Sony due to their auto focus superiority as I film alone most of the time. It also sits very well between its older A73 cousin and the all singing and dancing A7S3 which is pricier. Pros: Size and weight, auto focus capabilities, decent still images, good video capabilities but no 4K 60fps, flip-out screen. Cons: Ergonomics does suffer occasionally depending on what you do, viewfinder position, menu and buttons will need an adjustment period.
DJI Osmo Action Camera
Virtually indestructible! This is the action cam that I have on my head when you guys see the footage from my POV perspective. I've had it since it launched and it's really good value considering it's a few years old now and competes really well with the latest GoPros. Remember to grab the batteries and the multi-charger as well if you're always out and about. A single battery lasts about an hour if you're doing 4K 24/30fps recording. Lasts longer if you're doing 1080P recording.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80 Camera
My main camera. Its a super budget friendly entry level camera (I bought it for £500) which has all the features I needed. Micro Four Thirds sensor size, weather sealed, 4K, small size, swivel screen, able to take external audio, you name it, its got it. Down sides are a 30 min recording limit and a micro HDMI for external monitor or recording.
iPhone
I used my iPhone X to record videos when I started my channel and I still do now. Your mobile phone is more than capable of recording good quality content. I have since then upgraded to the iPhone 13 Pro Max and the quality coming out of the camera is incredible! Most of you don't even notice so use your phone when you can.
Lens
Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 Sony FE Mount Lens
Really versatile lens in being able to cater to a wide range of needs whilst being affordable. Good autofocus, decent wide aperture for good depth of field. Consistently appearing in multiple 'best lens for Sony E mount full-frame camera reviews'.
Panasonic Lumix 25mm F1.7 Lens
Cheap, fast (f1.7) and bulletproof 25mm MFT (nifty 50) prime lens. My go-to lens, 95% of what you see is from this lens.
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Pros: Cheap, very easy bokeh, does well in low light as its a wide aperture.
Cons: No Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS), struggle in small spaces due to focal length.
Sony 50mm f1.8 E Mount Full Frame SEL50F18F Lens
Cheap and fast nifty 50 from Sony. The Autofocus motor is pretty loud and it 'hunts' so you'll need to have the right settings to use this well for video applications. Photo taking will have no issues at all.
Panasonic Lumix 12-60mm MFT OIS Weather Resistant Lens
The stock lens with the G80/G85 with an f3.5 to f5.6 aperture. Good starter Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensor lens with flexibility although struggles under lowlight conditions.Â
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Pros: Pretty sharp, Optical Image Stabilisation (OIS)
Cons: Low light conditions (indoors)
Mic
Rode Wireless Go Mic
Brilliant wireless mic with stable connection and doesn't break the bank. Can be used with other mics, such as the Rode video micro or as standalone.
Rode Video Micro Mic
Good cheap starter mic. You will need a TRRS or SC7 cable if you're going to recording from your phone or computer.
Cable for computer/phone recording
Camera Batteries
Sony NP_FZ100 Battery Powerextra 2 Pack
A good alternative to Sony's original FZ100 batteries which are extremely pricy at £60 each! Here you get 2 for less than the price of 1 from Sony.
DJI Osmo Action 2x Batteries and Charger Set
Can't stress enough about having enough batteries. Get this for your DJI Osmo Action which also comes with an intelligent charger that also acts as battery storage when you're travelling. Super useful and convenient to have extra batteries and a smart multi-charger. It also tells you how much charge is remaining in the batteries without having to put the batteries in and turning your Osmo Action on.
Powerextra NP_FZ100 USB Multi-Battery Charger
Very useful multi-charger with a charge meter readout and the ability to charge directly from a USB socket or a power bank when you're on the go. It will also happily charge Sony's original FZ100 batteries too.
DSTE BLC12 Batteries for Panasonic G80
Batteries I use for my G80 camera. Genuine batteries cost around £50 each. These are higher capacity I have a few of these to keep me going. Higher capacity than original and cost less than 1/4 of the price. Thoroughly recommended!
Filming Accessories
Nanuk 935 Yellow Waterproof Carry-on Hardcase with Wheels Lid Organiser and Padded Divider
Very impressed with this. As a long-term Pelican case user, I was debating this Nanuk 935 with the Peli 1535 Air case and I'm really glad I went with Nanuk after being recommended by the UK main dealer. I had the versatile padded divider and the lid organiser for maximum carrying capabilities. Wheels were a must for me when you're carrying multiple camera bodies and lenses to shoots but still within size for most airline carry-on. Pros over Peli 1535 Air: Very soft latches, better ergonomics when carrying the fully loaded case with its handles, more colours to choose from too.
SmallRig Super Clamp
One of the best items you'll buy which you'll use over and over and over again. Did I say it enough times yet? Pair it with the Magic Arm and get a few pairs if you can, you can always combine them.
SmallRig Magic Arm 10 Inches with Super Clamp
These will save you time and time AND TIME again. They will mount anything with a 1/4 inch thread or expand/extend and hold whatever you need it to. I went for the full metal ones from SmallRig and they were very affordable and performs well. Really good buy.
Hollyland Mars X Wireless HDMI Video Transmitter
ONE OF THE BEST PURCHASES I HAVE MADE FOR FILMING THUS FAR. A wireless video transmitter to your phone or tablet. Lifesaver when you are recording away from your camera and not having to squint at the little screen on the camera. Low latency and very enjoyable experience. You'll thank me later.
K&F Concept 67 Inch Camera Tripod Including Monopod and Horizontal Capabilities with 360 Degrees Ball Head
Sturdy and well built. A very versatile tripod which also has horizontal mounting capabilities which is useful for me as I do shoot top down shots fairly regularly. Always a good price if you catch Amazon doing a discount on it during its sales (Black Friday/Amazon Prime Day, etc)
Apple iPad
I use my iPad as an external screen alongside the Hollyland Mars X wireless video transmitter without having to purchase a dedicated external screen. Using my iPad, it's also probably larger than the traditional external screen which typically has sizes between 5-7 inches. Did I also mention the video transmission is wireless? 🤣
Mic Stand
I USE IT FOR EVERYTHING. Very versatile and I use it for cameras, lights, mics, everything. Get the super cheap ones that will hold 1kg and it will work in many situations.
Disclaimer: Some of the links provided on this site are affiliate links, including Amazon Services LLC Associates Program that I get a very small commission for on any qualified purchases made, at no extra cost to you. This helps me immensely to continue to do what I love so please buy lots! Thank you! 😊