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What I use

This page is broken down into several categories of things I use to build and manage my business.

This page does contain affiliate links which earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

My YouTube & podcasting set-up (2024)

If you're just starting out on YouTube, or some other venture that requires you to have a studio-like set-up, you don't need to spend a lot to get started. The cliché is true: you can get started with the smartphone in your pocket, though you'll probably want to invest in an external microphone.

Since I had a bit of budget to play with and am willing to splurge a bit to use the best tools available...within reason...I decided to go almost all-in. The below set-up would set you back around $3,500 if you bought everything new.

Remember, if budget is a concern, don't come out guns blazing and light up your Amazon cart. Start with what you have, figure out what the essential gaps are (good audio is a must), and stay within your budget.

Camera

I use the Sony FX30 to record all of the footage you see on my YouTube channel and podcast episodes (unless I need a shot of the camera itself, in which case it's iPhone...). It also doubles as a premium 4k webcam.

The FX30 is part of Sony's Cinema Line and it's an absolute beast...in a good way. Maybe the biggest practical difference between the Cinema Line and say the Sony Alpha series is the addition of an internal fan to reduce the risk of overheating. In fact, originally, I bought the Sony a6700 because it seemed like a happy medium between my dream camera (Sony FX3) and a vlogging camera, but it overheated quite easily. The FX30 is everything you need and more. The only drawback(?) is that it's a crop-sensor camera so you don't get the benefits of full-frame like you would in the FX3. But, considering the FX3 is 2x the price and the image quality is equivalent, it was a no-brainer(d) to go with the FX30 for now.

Lenses

Sony makes some amazing lenses...or so I've heard. They're probably great, but they are certainly expensive. There are two respected 3rd party brands out there that seem to have quality, affordable alternatives to the Sony G-series: Tamron, and Sigma. I chose to go with Sigma and have been super happy.

  • I use the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 DC DN Contemporary Lens (Sony E) as my main studio lens. Because the FX30 is a crop-sensor camera, the 16mm is equivalent to a 24mm full-frame field of view. That's wide-enough, but not too wide. Perfect for a YouTube talking-head set-up.

Audio

I have two microphones that serve different purposes.

The Shure MV7 is a great microphone for podcasting or virtual meetings. It's a pricier option, but I've been really happy with it ever since I purchased it about 4 years ago. The sound quality is top-notch. It has an XLR output and a USB output, making it both convenient and flexible. The USB output means I can plug it directly into my computer without having to futz with a mixer. It's a trade-off between professional mixing flexibility and convenience. I'm in the convenience camp for now.

I use the Sennheiser MKE 600 for my YouTube talking-head audio. It comes with a handy, albeit basic, shock mount that attaches onto the camera's cold shoe. And, it comes with an XLR to 3.5mm cable so you can plug it right into the camera and hit record. It can be powered by phantom power or a single AA battery. I also bought the Sennheiser MZH 600 Windshield to go with it. You know...in case leave the confines of my cozy office...or find myself in a Formula 1 wind tunnel.

Accessories

  • Teleprompter: The Elgato Prompter is widely considered the best value when it comes to creator-centric teleprompter products. I've only had mine for a short time, but I have yet to find a fault with it. It certainly helps with workflow, cuts down on editing time (because there are fewer rambles).
  • Big tripod: The SmallRig AD-01 Heavy-Duty Tripod with Fluid Head is a serious piece of gear. I admit I didn't really know just how professional it would make me feel when I bought it. It isn't cheap, but sticking with the "buy it once, buy it right" theme, I went for quality over budget-friendly. This is the tripod I use on a daily basis in my office/studio, and I can take with me on a professional shoot if the need arises.
  • Mini-tripod: The Joby GorillaPod 3k. This doesn't get a lot of use in my current studio set-up, but it makes for a nice travel mini-tripod. And it has those fun, bendy legs so you'll never get bored.
  • Mic arm: The ever-popular Rode PSA1 is as advertised. A reliable, smooth, obedient studio arm.
  • Memory card reader: The ProGrade SDXC/SDHC and CFexpress type A card reader. Aside from being a really fast, high-quality memory card reader capable of ingesting the faster CFexpress cards and your more common SD cards, its magnetic case makes for convenient storage when not in use.
  • External storage: I went with the SanDisk 2TB Extreme PRO Portable SSD. Super fast transfer speeds, durable, and portable.

Production

  • Video editing: DaVinci Resolve (free edition). When you first dive in to DaVinci Resolve it can be overwhelming, but it is actually quite intuitive once you know your way around the workspace. It's used by everyone from Hollywood teams to numpties like myself just learning the craft.
  • Podcasting: I use Descript to record and edit my podcast episodes. It's easy to use and reasonably price considering the features available.
  • Podcast hosting: Buzzsprout. It's convenient and a highly reputable hosting provider.

Miscellaneous

  • I'm a huge fan of this Shiboda Explore V2 30 backpack. It looks great. Made well. And it's the perfect size - enough capacity to fit my camera gear and 15" MacBook Pro and then some. I use it as my everyday pack, shuttling my camera and laptop to and from my office everyday, but it is ready for that next adventure whenever I am. Only gripe: the 15" laptop technically fits...but it's tight.

Investing

I use two equity research services because I'm a glutton. I use the tried and true ValueLine Investment Research service - the one Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger rave about and have used for decades. I splurged for the physical delivery option because I like to read it offline, away from the internet, but check your local library! Sometimes they have digital access subscriptions available where you can access most if not all of the research online.

For a more modern approach, I subscribe to GuruFocus. The sheer volume of data and data visualization is mind-numbing. You can easily get lost. I should do a write-up and video explaining how I use it....