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Choosing the right video gear can be an overwhelming task. Not just because there are so many different options, but because it is hard to know which piece of equipment is worth spending money on. Add on to that taking into consideration all the different styles of video you could be creating– there’s a lot to of gear to wade through.
Let me help with that.
Whether you have $150 or much more to spend on video gear, I’ll break down what cameras, lenses, microphones, and lighting are best at three different budget ranges.
<h2><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-8747 lazy" data-src="https://media.convertkit.com/2017/09/9VZOVpaY-beginner-podcast-gear.png?fm=png" alt="Beginner podcast gear" width="110" height="110" />Entry level — $150 budget</h2>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11525 lazy" data-src="https://media.convertkit.com/2018/02/d3CXVWvM-entry-level-video-gear.png?fm=png" alt="Entry level video gear" width="1500" height="464" />
To start off, there are three fundamental pieces you need to film a video.
Lights! 
Camera! 
Audio!
(You thought I was going to say action, huh?)
Each of these are important to make you and your subjects look and sound great in the videos you make.
To start, I recommend someone film with their smartphone’s main camera (not the lower quality selfie one on the front).
When filming with a cell phone you’ll want a small tripod, like a <a href="http://amzn.to/2tvz4Li" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Joby GorillaPod</a>, and clamp, <a href="http://amzn.to/2t5vc4t" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">like the Glif</a>, to hold it in place.
For audio I recommend the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rode-smartLav-Lavalier-Microphone-Smartphones/dp/B00EO4A7L0/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone</a>, which plugs directly into the headphone jack on a phone or tablet and provides much better sounding audio than the built-in microphones. If you want to be further away from your phone, you may want the <a href="http://amzn.to/2tvoPGJ" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">extension cable</a> too.
For lighting at this budget I recommend you just place yourself in front of a large window on a fully sunny or fully overcast day. Be careful of changing cloud cover, which can make for lighting changes while recording that are hard to fix while editing.
We’ll save the more complicated lighting setups for the next budget level.
<h3>Items mentioned in this section:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rode-smartLav-Lavalier-Microphone-Smartphones/dp/B00EO4A7L0/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone for iPhone and Smartphones</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-MUHSMF2M-Position-Headset-Extension/dp/B008DWGLLO/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_text_y?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">StarTech.com MUHSMF2M 2m 4 Position TRRS Headset Extension Cable</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Glif-Adjustable-Tripod-Smartphones-Samsung/dp/B00HQO5VJ8/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Glif &#8211; Adjustable Tripod Mount &amp; Stand For Smartphones</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Joby-GPM-A1EN-GorillaPod-Magnetic-Flexible/dp/B0038YWLCA/ref=pd_bxgy_cps_text_y?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Joby GPM-A1EN GorillaPod Magnetic Flexible Tripod</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.calebwojcik.com/screenflow" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Screenflow for Mac</a></li>
</ul>
<h2><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7802 lazy" data-src="https://media.convertkit.com/2017/07/H21NjQ7y-mid-level.png?fm=png" alt="" width="110" height="110" />Next level — $500 budget</h2>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11524 lazy" data-src="https://media.convertkit.com/2018/02/g35EY8mN-next-level-video-gear.png?fm=png" alt="Mid-level video gear" width="1500" height="500" />
At this budget the first thing I would do is get a small point and shoot camera like the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Camera-3-Inch/dp/B009B0MYSQ/ref=pd_cp_p_0?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Canon S110</a>. You’ll also want to get an <a href="http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Memory-SDSDUN-032G-G46-Newest-Version/dp/B00M55BMBE/ref=pd_bxgy_p_text_z?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SD card</a> to record video onto.
Unless you need a large tripod, I’d stick with a small one like a <a href="http://amzn.to/2tvz4Li" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Joby GorillaPod</a>.
For audio, you’ll <a href="https://convertkit.com/podcast-equipment" target="_blank" rel="noopener">need to pick up both an audio recorder</a>, a microSD card, and a microphone.
I’d recommend the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/TASCAM-DR-05-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B004OU2IQG/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TASCAM DR-05 Portable Digital Recorder </a>and a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sandisk-MicroSDHC-Memory-Retail-Package/dp/B00FYTZ534/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_text_y?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sandisk 32GB MicroSDHC Memory Card</a> to record onto. Then for the microphone either get the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ECMCS3-Omnidirectional-Stereo-Microphone/dp/B0058MJX4O/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sony ECMCS3 Omnidirectional Microphone </a>or the same <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rode-smartLav-Lavalier-Microphone-Smartphones/dp/B00EO4A7L0/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">RODE SmartLav+</a> from above.
Lastly in this budget level is buying some lighting. If you’re filling a large room, your best bet is the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio-Digital-Continuous-Softbox-Lighting/dp/B0050K3DW2/ref=sr_1_3?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fancierstudio 3000 Watt Video Softbox Lighting Kit</a>. I used these exact lights for the first couple years of filming online courses and YouTube videos before upgrading.
Avoid buying the cheap LED lights as those tend toward magenta or green instead of pure white light.
<h3>Items mentioned in the section:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Camera-3-Inch/dp/B009B0MYSQ/ref=pd_cp_p_0?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Canon PowerShot S110 Camera</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Memory-SDSDUN-032G-G46-Newest-Version/dp/B00M55BMBE/ref=pd_bxgy_p_text_z?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SanDisk Ultra 32GB Class 10 SDHC Memory Card</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Joby-GPM-A1EN-GorillaPod-Magnetic-Flexible/dp/B0038YWLCA/ref=pd_bxgy_cps_text_y?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Joby GorillaPod Magnetic Flexible Tripod</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ECMCS3-Omnidirectional-Stereo-Microphone/dp/B0058MJX4O/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sony ECMCS3 Omnidirectional Microphone</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rode-smartLav-Lavalier-Microphone-Smartphones/dp/B00EO4A7L0/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/TASCAM-DR-05-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B004OU2IQG/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TASCAM DR-05 Portable Digital Recorder</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sandisk-MicroSDHC-Memory-Retail-Package/dp/B00FYTZ534/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_text_y?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sandisk 32GB MicroSDHC Memory Card</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio-Digital-Continuous-Softbox-Lighting/dp/B0050K3DW2/ref=sr_1_3?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fancierstudio 3000 Watt Video Softbox Lighting Kit</a></li>
</ul>
<h2><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-7800 lazy" data-src="https://media.convertkit.com/2017/07/qiMU7Tqw-advanced.png?fm=png" alt="" width="110" height="110" />Advanced level — $1,000 budget and beyond</h2>
<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-11523 lazy" data-src="https://media.convertkit.com/2018/02/TEm6DZuJ-advanced-video-gear.png?fm=png" alt="Advanced video gear" width="1500" height="464" />
Okay, so you’re willing to invest a little more and get a DSLR to make your videos look even better. Or maybe you’re after the coveted <a href="http://www.calebwojcik.com/blog/which-dslr-lens-should-i-buy" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">blurred background </a>effect.
Most entry-level Canon DSLRs have similar image quality, so whether you pick up a used <a href="http://amzn.to/2uoMiOE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">T3i</a> or newer <a href="http://amzn.to/2v8kHi4" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">80D</a>, the lens is actually just as important to get your videos looking how you want them to.
Or depending on what type of videos you’ll want to make (ie- <a href="https://convertkit.com/how-to-vlog" target="_blank" rel="noopener">if you’re into vlogging</a>) you should check out the <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-G7-Digital-Camera/dp/B00NEWYE12/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1512501464&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=canon+g7x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Canon PowerShot G7</a> or <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-DSC-RX100M-Cyber-shot-Digital-Camera/dp/B00K7O2DJU/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1512501517&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=sony+rx100" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sony DCS-RX100M III Cyber-shot</a>. These two options are great for vloggers because of their portability.
Two of my favorite inexpensive lenses are the two “pancake” ones that Canon offer. The<a href="http://amzn.to/2v7NYt8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> 40mm f/2.8 </a>and the<a href="http://amzn.to/2upBlfB" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> 24mm f/2.8</a>. Shooting your videos on a lens like this at an aperture of f2.8 or f3.5 will help you blur your background and separate you from it.
Make sure to get an<a href="http://www.amazon.com/SanDisk-Memory-SDSDUN-032G-G46-Newest-Version/dp/B00M55BMBE/ref=pd_bxgy_p_text_z?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"> SD card </a>to record video onto as well.
With a bigger camera you’ll also need a bigger tripod too. The <a href="http://amzn.to/2t5ZpjO" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Amazon Basics</a> will be good enough if you’re going to keep the camera stationary the whole time (i.e. no panning or tilting movements at all).
You might also want to upgrade to a new microphone. The <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rode-VMPR-VideoMic-Rycote-Shockmount/dp/B00YAZHRZM/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1512501290&amp;sr=1-3&amp;keywords=rode+videomic+pro" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R </a>is very popular with among vloggers.
And I’ll keep the audio and lighting suggestions the same as above, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/TASCAM-DR-05-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B004OU2IQG/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TASCAM DR-05 Portable Digital Recorder</a>, a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sandisk-MicroSDHC-Memory-Retail-Package/dp/B00FYTZ534/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_text_y?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sandisk 32GB MicroSDHC Memory Card</a>, and t<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ECMCS3-Omnidirectional-Stereo-Microphone/dp/B0058MJX4O/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">he Sony ECMCS3 Omnidirectional Microphone </a>with a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio-Digital-Continuous-Softbox-Lighting/dp/B0050K3DW2/ref=sr_1_3?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fancierstudio 3000 Watt Video Softbox Lighting Kit</a>.
<h3>Items mentioned in this section:</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://amzn.to/2uoMiOE" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Canon T3i Digital SLR Camera Body</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sony-DSC-RX100M-Cyber-shot-Digital-Camera/dp/B00K7O2DJU/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1512501517&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=sony+rx100" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sony DCS-RX100M III Cyber-shot</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-G7-Digital-Camera/dp/B00NEWYE12/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1512501464&amp;sr=8-4&amp;keywords=canon+g7x" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Canon PowerShot G7</a></li>
<li><a href="http://amzn.to/2v7NYt8" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM Lens</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/AmazonBasics-60-Inch-Lightweight-Tripod-Bag/dp/B005KP473Q/ref=sr_1_2?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sandisk-MicroSDHC-Memory-Retail-Package/dp/B00FYTZ534/ref=pd_bxgy_MI_text_y?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">SanDisk Extreme 32GB SDHC Memory Card</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sony-ECMCS3-Omnidirectional-Stereo-Microphone/dp/B0058MJX4O/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sony ECMCS3 Omnidirectional Microphone</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Rode-smartLav-Lavalier-Microphone-Smartphones/dp/B00EO4A7L0/ref=pd_cp_MI_3?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Microphone</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.amazon.com/Rode-VMPR-VideoMic-Rycote-Shockmount/dp/B00YAZHRZM/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&amp;ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1512501290&amp;sr=1-3&amp;keywords=rode+videomic+pro" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">The Rode VMPR VideoMic Pro R</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/TASCAM-DR-05-Portable-Digital-Recorder/dp/B004OU2IQG/ref=sr_1_1?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">TASCAM DR-05 Portable Digital Recorder</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001F7AJKI/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Sandisk 16GB MicroSDHC Memory Card</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Fancierstudio-Digital-Continuous-Softbox-Lighting/dp/B0050K3DW2/ref=sr_1_3?tag=pockchan0c-20" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Fancierstudio 3000 Watt Video Softbox Lighting Kit</a></li>
</ul>
<h2>Time to hit record</h2>
Okay, you should be all geared up and ready to start creating videos!
If you have a larger budget or other gear needs, check out <a href="http://calebwojcik.com/gear" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">all my gear recommendations</a> or my full free course <a href="http://www.diyvideoschool.com/p/gear" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">choosing video gear for any budget</a>.
Remember, video gear is just half the battle. You still need to set it all up, <a href="https://convertkit.com/how-to-edit-videos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">edit like a pro</a>, and <a href="https://convertkit.com/how-to-rank-youtube-videos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">get your videos in front of your audience</a>.
Don’t be overwhelmed by all the moving pieces. Just start recording with what you have or can afford now and you can upgrade to something else later once you’ve made some money from your course.
Please leave questions down below or on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=calebwojcikfilms" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">my YouTube channel</a> and I’ll answer any you have.

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