Career Gear - What You Need to Make 1 Million+ Subscribers Content
A list of the top gear used by social media content Creators. From camera options, to cardioid and condenser mics, cables, and monitors. Everything you need in one place, so your filming process is a breeze.
I’ve divided this list into 3 tiers: Hobby, Upgraded, and Career Gear. This list will include the Career category. Check out the Content Production page if you aren't ready yet to invest in professional gear, or are just getting started. That page includes both the Hobby & Upgraded tiers.
CAREER
So you love posting on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Twitch, and Snapchat, great! You’ve decided that you might love to do this full time in the future, but you’re not quite there yet. Maybe, you haven’t even started. That’s ok. Here’s a few products you might need to at least begin to capture an audience, test the waters and see if this is something you’d like to do full time in the future, without breaking the bank.
Pro DSLR - First Option
You may have decided by now which DSLR's you prefer. My favorites are Sony and Canon, however if yours are different, that's totally fine.
Spending many years around pro videographers and photographers, I've heard a lot about peoples' favorite DSLR's. I'll share with you the two cameras I see the most often in professional shoots.
AMAZON LINK
Sony a9 II Mirrorless Camera: 24.2MP Full Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Continuous AF/AE, 4K Video and Built-in Connectivity - Sony Alpha ILCE9M2/B Body - Black
Pro DSLR - Second Option
AMAZON LINK
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV DSLR Camera (1483C002) with 64GB Memory Card, Case, Cleaning Set and More - Starter Bundle (Renewed)
Pro Vlog Camera
This is the standard when it comes to professional vlog cameras. With a flip out screen, you'll be able to see yourself while filming vlogs.
AMAZON LINK
Canon PowerShot Digital Camera G7 X Mark II with Wi-Fi & NFC, LCD Screen, and 1-inch Sensor - (Black) 11 Piece Value Bundle
Pro Mic
Remember, we're talking about social media content creation here. There's no need to go at and spend tens of thousands of dollars on a microphone to have movie-studio-level quality (unless your channel is bringing in more than enough money)! Here's an affordable, professional option, when your channels start maximizing cash flow.
If it makes you feel better about the purchase price, remember that recording artists, like Billie Eilish, use this microphone for its powerful sound.
You will need XLR cables and an audio interface in order to connect the mic to your computer. The XLR cables connect the mic to the interface, and the interface turns the recorded audio into a digital file that your computer can recognize, without compromising audio quality.
Pro Lights
The lighting set up for professional shoots is very complex. You will need much more than your typical ring light. This typically includes: a key light, a backlight, a side light, a practical light, a reflector, and even a fill light. Check out our Professional Lighting Set Ups: Definitions & How-To page for more information about how to use these lights.
Below, I will share with you my favorite one of each: key light, back light, practical light, and reflector.
Portable Phone Light
Newmowa 60 LED High Power Rechargeable Clip Fill Video Conference Light with Front & Back Clip, Adjusted 3 Light Modes for Phone, iPhone, Android, iPad, Laptop, for Makeup, TikTok, Selfie, Vlog
AMAZON LINK - KEY LIGHT
Neewer 2 Packs 660 PRO RGB LED Video Light with App Control Stand Kit, 360° Full Color, 50W Dimmable Bi-Color 3200K~5600K Video Lighting CRI 97+ for Gaming/Streaming/Zoom/YouTube/Webex/Photography
AMAZON LINK - BACKLIGHT
Kaiess 10.2" Selfie Ring Light with 65" Adjustable Tripod Stand & Phone Holder for Live Stream/Makeup, Upgraded Dimmable LED Ringlight for Tiktok/YouTube/Zoom Meeting/Photography
AMAZON LINK - PRACTICAL LIGHT
DAYBETTER Led Strip Lights 100ft (2 Rolls of 50ft) Smart Light Strips with App Control Remote, 5050 RGB Led Lights for Bedroom, Music Sync Color Changing Lights for Room Party
AMAZON LINK - REFLECTOR
Etekcity 24" (60cm) 5-in-1 Photography Reflector Light Reflectors for Photography Multi-Disc Photo Reflector Collapsible with Bag - Translucent, Silver, Gold, White and Black
