ContentCreator.com
Gear Recommendations
Some of these links are affiliate links where we make a small commission on sales.
Quick Links: you can also search the document by hitting (CMD+F) or (CTRL+F)
Smartphones
Smartphone Lenses & Accessories
Action/Alternative Cameras
Pro Cameras & Lenses
Microphones & Audio gear
Lighting gear
Gimbals & Stabilizers
Tripods
Filters
Teleprompters
Hard Drives
Computers
Editing Software
Helpful Sites (music, sFX, etc)
Copy my office setup
Bonus Recommendations (extra gear, office supplies, etc)
Book Recommendations that will change your life
Smartphone Recommendations:
- iPhone 15 Pro Max (the regular Pro is great as well)
The best smartphone on planet earth for Content Creators
- Samsung s24 Ultra
This is the best android alternative if you do not like apple products
- If you can’t afford either of these then I would look for one of the following smartphones USED in your local area (ebay, facebook marketplace, craigslist)
- iPhone 12, 13, or 14
- Samsung s22
- Google Pixel 7 or 8
Smartphone Lenses & Accessories:
- ShiftCam 16mm Lens
If I could only have ONE lens for my smartphone. This would be it. I use it for all of my talking head setups for youtube and course content.
Great Camera Cage with a small form factor and lots of mounting options
Action/Alternative Cameras:
- DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro
The only action camera worth buying. Great quality & price
- Dji Osmo Pocket 3
This is such a cool and unique camera that really produces amazing quality for the price. The linked bundle also includes a great microphone and battery extender.
Pro Cameras & Associated Lenses:
- Sony ZV-e10 ii
The best beginner camera on the market. If you can’t afford this, keep using the smartphone you have while you save up.
- Fuji XS-20
This is a crop sensor camera similar to the xze10ii but for a few hundred more this gets you in body image stabilization and open gate technology. (however there is a 30 minute recording limit per clip which is bad if you film podcasts or long form content)
- Sony Fx30
The most advanced crop sensor camera on the market. This is a great b-camera to compliment any full frame cameras you already own. I use this for podcasts, streaming, etc.
- Canon r8
This is the best entry level full frame camera you can buy at this price point
- Panasonic lumix s5ii
Full featured, powerful full frame camera. In body image stabilization, no record limit, open gate technology. Only downside would be not quite as good autofocus compared to sony and canon
- Sony a7siii (best price I could find)
This is the camera I personally use. It is amazing and worth the money if you plan on going all-in as a content creator
- Sony FX3
Similar to the a7siii but slightly more video focused body (with more screw threads and tally lights). It also has a built-in fan to prevent overheating. However it lacks the photo-hybrid features of the a7siii
Microphones & Audio Gear:
- Pop Voice Pro Smartphone Mic
**Make sure to also get the correct adapter for your particular phone**
Lightning iPhone Adapter (Any iPhone prior to the 15 generation)
USB-C Adapter (iPhone 15 and Android Phones)
- Rycote Stickies
These are perfect for sticking lav mics under your shirt and hiding them from camera
- Hollyland Lark m2 Wireless Microphone
My personal favorite wireless microphone. Good quality, super easy to use with smartphone and pro cameras, and the circular mic is light enough where it doesn’t weigh down clothing when you have it on your shirt.
- BOYA wireless microphone
This is the best affordable wireless recorder you can get for around $30-$40
- Zoom H1n Handheld Recorder + Rode Lavalier Go mic
This is a great versatile setup, just remember you’ll need to sync your audio when editing
- DJI Wireless Mic Kit (version 2)
This is the best mic on planet earth for content creators. Versatile enough for ALL content scenarios. I would also get a lavalier mic like the Rode Lavalier Go for times when you want to hide the mic underneath your shirt
- Rode NTG3
This is the mic I use in professional interviews and my talking head youtube videos filmed at my desk. The audio quality is second to none.
Lights & Lighting Gear:
- Yongnuo yn300
My favorite budget light but keep in mind you still need a battery, power source, and diffusion panel
High end, powerful video light with full RGB App Control
Offers up to 17 Special Effects modes
Super fun and versatile tube light that offers soft light right out of the box
Has a built in battery, which on a full charge gives you plenty of power
A bright and affordable video light that is cheaper compared to most other bi-color lights
App control capability which gives you 12 special effects options
Bowens Mount Softbox that helps diffused single point lights
Great for smaller spaces to make your light source softer and more flattering
Powerful with a slim form factor and wireless capabilities
A budget friendly LED panel that offers a Slim Form Factor
Comes with a built in diffusion screen
- Godox sl60
My absolute favorite light for ALL THINGS content creation
Gimbals:
- DJI OM6 Smartphone Gimbal
My favorite gimbal for iPhone & Android Phones
- Hohem iSteady M6
Another great option better suited for larger smartphones & accessories
- Insta360 Flow 2 Pro
Very similar to the OM6 but slightly more advanced with features like apple dockkit (only works for iphones) & infinite track (basically the gimbal can do a full 360 degree rotation)
Tripods:
Filters:
Adjustable filter that helps with cutting out reflections on shiny surfaces
Teleprompters:
- Moman MT12
This is what I use for all social media, youtube, and course content
- Teleprompter Apps
- Prompt Smart Pro (Apple)
- Prompt Smart Plus (Android)
- Nano Teleprompter (Free)
Hard Drives:
- Western Digital 4TB HDD
This is an affordable drive that I use for backing up archived content
- Sandisk 1TB Phone SSD
This is the SSD that I use when filming in Prores RAW on my iPhone. It is magsafe which is super convenient for attaching to the phone
- Samsung T7 Shield SSD
This is a super fast and durable SSD drive that I use for active editing
- Sandisk Extreme PRO SSD
This is an even faster and more durable SSD drive that I use for active editing
Computers: (from low price to high price)
Software:
- CapCut Desktop
The best editing program for beginners. Has some great built in smart features and templates. Both the SMARTPHONE and COMPUTER versions are incredible. Just keep in mind if you want to really become a pro, you will likely upgrade to one of the following two options overtime.
- Davinci Resolve
This is a great editing program that is used by many pros. There is a free version that is really powerful, and if you want all of the pro features the full suite costs $295
- Premiere Pro
This is my absolute favorite editing program on planet earth. It is what I’ve used for the past ten years. It is also the most popular program for all professionals in the industry.
Helpful Sites:
- ContentCreatortemplates.com (student discount link)
Download all of my favorite video editing templates, sound effects, and more!
- Youtube Audio Library
My favorite place to get copyright free music for FREE
- Epidemic Sound (7 Day Free Trial)
The best site for professional music to use in your projects
- ContentCreatorMachine.com (student discount link)
The most powerful tool on earth to create your own site, funnels, email marketing, etc.
Copy My Office Setup:
Bonus Recommendations: (extra gear, office supplies, etc)
- Edelkrone Camera Slider Setup
Book Recommendations that will change your life