The ultimate video gear guide for creators
This is the exact video gear setup I use to create high-quality content — whether I'm filming for YouTube, on the road, or running a virtual summit.
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On this page you'll find the exact video gear I use to film high-quality videos for YouTube, Instagram, and beyond — optimized for travel, outdoor adventures, video podcasting / virtual summits on the go, and everyday content creation.
Everything's organized by category so you can scroll through and find what fits your workflow.
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Browse video gear by category
Cameras
This part of the video gear guide covers the cameras I use to create high-quality content. I’ve also included a few extra picks that work well for creators filming YouTube videos, interviews, or content on the go.
Sony Alpha 7 V Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera (Body Only)
My current main camera. Full frame, incredible AI autofocus, 30fps blackout-free shooting, and amazing low light.
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro Max, 1TB, Deep Blue
My daily driver for photos, videos, and content on the go. Incredible camera system for quick captures.
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Sony a6700 Mirrorless Camera
A solid APS-C option if you want something compact and lightweight. Great autofocus and 4K 120fps, but I switched to full frame.
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DJI Mini 4 Pro Fly More Combo Plus with DJI RC 2
My go-to drone for aerial footage. Lightweight, great image quality, and easy to travel with.
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DJI Neo 2 Combo
My go-to for hands-free filming while running or working out. Follow-me mode is incredible.
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DJI Action 6 Adventure Combo
Rugged, waterproof, and shoots incredible 4K. Perfect for travel and action footage.
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DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo
I use this to document everything — daily vlogs, travel, adventures. Amazing stabilization in a tiny form factor.
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Insta360 X5
Captures everything in 360, then reframe the best angles in post. Incredible for travel content.
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Sony FX30 Digital Cinema Camera
The best affordable cinema camera out there. Would be my top pick for podcasts and pro studio setups.
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Sony ZV-E10 II Mirrorless Camera
A solid option for creators who want interchangeable lenses without breaking the bank.
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Lenses
These are the lenses I rely on the most when filming content. Whether I’m shooting talking head videos, B-roll, or interviews, these picks offer sharp image quality, solid autofocus, and work great in a range of setups.
Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM II
My main lens. Incredibly sharp, fast autofocus, and versatile for any situation.
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Sony FE 50mm f/1.4 GM
Incredibly sharp with beautiful bokeh. My go-to for portraits and talking head videos.
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Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 GM
Ultra wide, ultra sharp, ultra fast. Perfect for vlogging and cinematic wide shots.
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Sony FE 16-25mm f/2.8 G
Compact ultra-wide zoom with constant f/2.8. Great for vlogging and cinematic wide shots.
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Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS II
The ultimate telephoto zoom. Sharp edge to edge with fast f/2.8 and incredible stabilization.
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Sony FE 2x Teleconverter (SEL20TC)
Doubles the focal length of compatible lenses. Great paired with the 70-200mm for wildlife and sports.
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Sigma 56mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens (Sony E)
Great for portraits and close-ups on APS-C. Smooth bokeh and solid low-light performance.
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Sony E 11mm f/1.8 Lens
On my wish list for ultra-wide vlogging on APS-C. Sharp, lightweight, and great for content creation.
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Sony E 15mm f/1.4 G Lens
My main lens on the a6700 for talking heads. Beautiful background blur and sharp results.
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Sony E 16-55mm f/2.8 G Lens
Sharp optics, versatile zoom, constant f/2.8. Planning to get it again as my all-purpose APS-C lens.
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Sony E 70-350mm f/4.5-6.3 G OSS Lens
On my wish list for capturing surfing and distant action. Impressive zoom range with built-in stabilization.
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Audio
Good audio can make or break your videos. In this section, you’ll find the mics I use to get clean, professional sound whether I’m recording at home, outside, or on the move.
DJI Mic 3 Combo (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case)
My go-to wireless mic. Crystal clear audio, tiny size, dead simple to use.
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DJI Mic 2 (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case)
Crisp wireless audio in a portable package. Easy to use and reliable for video work.
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Rode VideoMic NTG
I alternate between this and the Shure MV7+. Crisp, professional sound for YouTube and podcasts.
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Shure MV7+ Podcast XLR/USB Microphone
My main desk mic for podcasts and virtual summits. XLR and USB, works for any setup.
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Sony Digital Shotgun Microphone ECM-M1
My on-camera shotgun mic for the a6700. Clean audio with multiple recording patterns.
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DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case)
Same clean audio as the DJI Mic 2, but even smaller. Great budget option for a streamlined wireless setup.
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RODE Lavalier II Omnidirectional Lavalier Microphone
A solid backup lav mic I keep in my kit. Compact and reliable when I need discreet audio.
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Lighting
Lighting can take your videos from average to pro. This section includes the compact lights I use to film in all kinds of setups, whether I’m indoors, outdoors, or somewhere in between.
Godox CS-85T Lantern Softbox (85cm)
My go-to softbox. Quick to set up, beautiful soft light, and works with Bowens mount lights.
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Amaran COB 60d S
My main key light. Portable, powerful output, and easy to set up anywhere.
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Aputure Light Box 45x45 (18 x 18")
My travel softbox — pairs perfectly with the Amaran 60D S for professional lighting on the go.
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Aputure MC RGBWW LED Light
Tiny RGB light I use for background accents. Adds depth and color to any setup.
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Lume Cube Panel Pro 2.0 RGB Camera Light
Compact but powerful on-camera light with full RGB. Super versatile for video.
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Amaran PT1C Pixel Tube Light
I use this to add color and RGB effects to my video backgrounds. Makes any setup pop.
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Aputure Light Dome Mini III Softbox
My softbox for longer studio setups. Creates soft, even light for video.
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Aputure MT Pro RGBWW Mini Tube Light
RGB tube light for adding creative color to backgrounds. Compact and easy to place anywhere.
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Tripods & stabilizers
A solid setup keeps your shots steady and your workflow smooth. Here you’ll find the tripods and stabilizers I use for talking head videos, B-roll, travel content, and more.
Insta360 3m 9.8ft Extended Selfie Stick
Great for unique angles and even faking drone shots. I use it with my Insta360 and action cams.
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Peak Design Mobile Creator Kit
Pairs with the Peak Design tripod to mount my iPhone. Essential for mobile content creation.
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Peak Design Mobile Tripod
My iPhone tripod. Compact, sturdy, and always in my bag for on-the-go shooting.
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Peak Design Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod
The best tripod I've ever used. Lightweight, portable, and incredibly versatile.
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Sony GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip
My vlogging grip for the Sony a6700. Bluetooth control and doubles as a mini tripod.
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ULANZI Light Stand Carbon Fiber MT-49
My go-to carbon fiber light stand. Lightweight and portable for any lighting setup.
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Ulanzi MT-79 Extendable Tripod
My compact travel tripod for iPhone and action cams. Extends tall, packs small.
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Zoom TPS-4 Tripod Microphone Stand
I use this for my Shure MV7+. Super lightweight mic stand, perfect for travel.
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DJI RS 3 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer
Considering this for gimbal-stabilized shots with my a6700. Lightweight and compact.
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RODE Tripod 2 Camera and Accessory Mount
Compact mini tripod I use for my Rode VideoMic NTG. Sturdy and quick to set up.
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Ulanzi MA26 Foldable Phone Tripod
Compact foldable phone tripod. Great for stable iPhone shots while traveling.
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Tech & accessories
This section includes the tech and accessories that keep everything running — my laptop, iPad, memory cards, capture card, batteries, chargers, bags, and other must-haves that support a smooth, reliable filming setup.
Apple Pencil Pro
I use this with my iPad Pro for notes and design work. Precise and responsive.
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Belkin iPhone MagSafe Camera Mount for MacBook
Mounts my iPhone to my MacBook via MagSafe. Great for video calls and Continuity Camera.
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Elgato Cam Link 4K
Turns my Sony a6700 into a webcam. Essential for video podcasts and live streams.
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Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
I use it to switch scenes in Ecamm Live during streams. Tons of other uses too.
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Apple iPad Magic Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Turns my iPad Pro into a proper laptop. Great typing experience and added functionality.
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Apple 11" iPad Pro M4 Chip (Nano-Texture Glass, 1TB)
My portable workstation for productivity and content creation on the go.
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Apple MacBook Pro 14.2" with M4 Max Chip, Late 2024
Planning to upgrade to this for video editing and heavy multitasking. Absolute powerhouse.
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Nanlite D-Tap to 5.5mm Male DC Barrel Power Cable
Powers my Amaran 60D S from the VB99 Pro battery. Essential for long outdoor shoots.
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Neewer Dual USB Charger for Sony NP-FZ100 Battery
Charges two Sony NP-FZ100 batteries at once. Cheap and gets the job done.
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OWC 1TB Envoy Pro mini USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash Drive
My portable SSD for the iPad Pro. Compact and fast for on-the-go storage.
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Peak Design Mobile Everyday Loop Case
My everyday iPhone case. Durable, slim, and works with the Peak Design ecosystem.
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SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card 512 GB
My microSD cards for the Pocket 3, action cams, and drone. Fast and reliable.
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SmallRig D-Tap to Sony NP-FZ100 Dummy Battery Power Cable
Connects the VB99 Pro to my Sony a6700 for continuous power during long shoots.
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SmallRig L-Series/NP-F970 USB-C Rechargeable Camera Battery
I use two of these to power my key light and charge gear on the go. Super versatile.
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SmallRig V Mount Battery VB99 Pro
A game-changer for travel. Powers my cameras, lights, and laptop on the go.
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Sony NPFZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery
Extra batteries for my Sony cameras. Reliable and essential for long shoots.
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Sony 128GB SF-G TOUGH Series UHS-II SDXC Memory Card
The SD cards I use in my Sony cameras. Fast, tough, and reliable for 4K recording.
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UGREEN 4K Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable 6.6FT
Connects my a6700 to the Cam Link 4K for recording and streaming.
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UGREEN Revodok 1071 USB C Hub
My USB-C hub for MacBook and iPad Pro. Reliable and great for expanding ports.
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Apple Watch Ultra 2
Planning to upgrade from my Series 6. Great for fitness tracking and monitoring myself on camera.
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Belkin BoostCharge Braided USB-C Cable (6.6', Black)
Sturdy braided USB-C cable for charging and data transfer. Built to last.
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Belkin Connect USB-C to 4-Port USB-C Hub
Solid USB-C hub that works with my MacBook, iPad, and iPhone.
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Elgato Prompter
Hard to travel with, but amazing for a permanent studio. Keeps eye contact while reading scripts.
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SmallRig 2.1mm DC Barrel to NP-FZ100 Dummy Battery Power Cable
Alternative dummy battery cable for connecting Sony cameras to the VB99 Pro.
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UGREEN 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable 48Gbps 3.3FT
High-speed HDMI cable for connecting cameras to a capture card. Solid and reliable.
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Frequently asked questions
Below you'll find some frequently asked questions about the best video gear to use for creators and solopreneurs.
Whether you're filming YouTube videos, running a virtual summit, or creating content on the go, you'll find cameras, lenses, audio, lighting, tripods, and accessories all in one place.
It doesn't matter if you're just starting out or have been creating for years. We've included options for every budget and experience level.
Navid has been creating content for over a decade and has tested dozens of cameras, mics, lights, and accessories. Everything here is based on real experience.
Learn more about Navid and the Creator School team on our creator directory.
The items marked as picks are gear we actively use every day. Some items are alternatives we've tested or plan to get based on research and recommendations from other creators.
A modern iPhone or Android phone can shoot incredible video. Pair it with a simple tripod and a wireless mic, and you have everything you need to start creating professional content.
If you buy through our links, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support Creator School and allows us to keep creating free content for creators.
New products are added regularly as we test them.
We organize everything by category so you can easily find what you need for your specific use case.
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