Whats Your Set Up

I am now contemplating upgrading my current set up of webcam and mid range mic.

I would like to spend some money on investing in a camera, mic and some lighting with a backdrop.

What is your current set up it terms of camera and mic, plus what lighting fo you use?

Really intersted to know before I take the capital expenditure plunge.

Julian

Comments

  • I'm working on just using smart phone now... though I have medium swanky Canon with a couple of lenses... but for more dynamic filming I am now looking at a gimbal enabled selfie stick... Smove or Feiyutech... the smove has a built in extra battery to charge from ... bit more expensive..

    These things track faces as you move around and with a bit of work you can use a bluetooth wireless mic.. just pinned inside my shirt... my Jabra wave is 3 years old and works brilliantly with Cinema FV 5 app ... free on Playstore, which I am testing for recording straight from the phone.. simple ( amazing how I think this is simple !!!!) What do people think ?

  • Sounds fab, I have I am just upgrading mine, I am going to keep it simple with a Logtiech 4k brio an audiotec mic some new 5 globe lighting a new back drop and ring light.

    Hopefully when it arrives and I set it up there is an uplift in quality.

    Can we submit videos in 4k ?

  • Nice kit

  • KylePew
    KylePew Posts: 132 specialist rank

    I started out with a logitech webcam and a couple of small lights. After a couple of courses I upgraded to using a Sony A6000 with a Sony ECM-GZ1M mic in the cameras Multi-Interface Shoe. I also purchased a simple retractable green screen, from Elgato. When I made the upgrade I also changed from using Camatasia to OBS. OBS is super easy to use with the green screen adjustments. I recently upgraded to a Sony A6400. This camera gives me more options as far as microphones are concerned as the A6000 didn't have a Mic input other then the Multi-Interface slot at the top of the camera. My lighting has also changed over time, I now have a couple of LED panel lights to light me and the green screen.

  • Hypnodan
    Hypnodan Posts: 157 mentor rank

    Hi @JulianJenki396

    For camera, I use a Sony AX53 camcorder or Sony A6400 camera. On either I use Rode Mics. Either the Rode Lavalier microphone (about £40) or the Rode VideoMicro (about £40). Obviously the cameras I mention here are quite expensive, but the microphones are reasonably priced.

    For lights, I use the 'Neewer 3 Packs Dimmable Bi-color 480 LED Video Light and Stand Lighting Kit - LED Panel (3200-5600K) with U Bracket Light Stand for YouTube Studio Photography Video Shooting' (about £150 for 3 lights plus stands. You can buy them cheaper individually if you don't need 3)

    I used to use softbox lights which were much cheaper (about £40 for two plus stands), but they take up a lot of room.

    I rarely use green screen, but do have a green screen setup I can use if I want. It was quite cheap (about £35) to purchase the set which included green screen plus white, black and red and the frame, which at it's largest is 2m x 3m.

    I also have a teleprompter. I don't use it often. It was about £80 and you put your tablet device lying down on it and read off (using any free 'teleprompter' or 'autocue' app) the slanted perspex which is in front of your camcorder. It fits on the tripod and you put your camera on the telepromper.

    All the best

    Dan

  • AliciaPaz
    AliciaPaz Posts: 294 visionary rank

    I've made some upgrades recently, not sure your area but I also initially used Omni which is an app where you can borrow stuff and tried a DSLR first. I made an Amazon list of what I use/have used- not an affiliate link below, a wide range of items and all pretty cheap. I started with an iPhone 7, $9.99 lapel mic and a $9.99 app (ProMovie.)

    Current set up is a lighting kit; 2 on tripods and umbrellas and one softbox on a tripod, blue ICE mic which is bungee corded to another tripod with a pop filter. I use a Canon DSLR as well which has made a huge difference in quality.

    My basic kit for social media and promo is that I use my iPhone and a ring light that attaches to it.

    I don't use a green screen and my videos are all talking head (it's less ego and more that I am a therapist!) and I have this as my background in all videos. I also use Mac products so I also have 23029508 adapters due to the C-port.

    setup.jpg

    seup2.jpg

    I should add I also have a room I use as a studio with no windows (3/4 basement) and white walls so lighting is easy as is sound. And to prevent echo I have a mattress against a wall- it might also be my never used guest bedroom so it also has a dresser and nightstand to the sides.

    If I had to choose what to buy looking to upgrade presuming someone's set up is alright, to begin with; mic > lights > camera

    https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/1X1J354MTOLQI?ref_=wl_share

  • Looking great, Larry!

  • Looking nice!

  • Logitech 920 Pro or iPad

    available light or 3 photo LED lights

    Greenscreen on a frame and stand

    Auna USB MIC 900B with mike stand and pop filter (might be a different brand in the US) which is a large-diaphragm condenser microphone. The mike is very important because I do screencasts. This mike is simply overwhelming and really makes the difference. This has improved my sound quality dramatically. I used to have a Rode smartLav+ before, but in comparison, the Rode is like phone quality.

    Bottom line: mike is king, the rest is nice to have.

  • AliciaPaz
    AliciaPaz Posts: 294 visionary rank

    That piano desk is amazing!

  • RobinHills
    RobinHills Posts: 96 specialist rank

    Some of these bits of kit are very impressive. They may be very off putting to new, inexperienced instructors.

    PLEASE do not think that you have to have all this gear to be successful on Udemy. I started out with a Logitech c690 webcam giving me HD video and a Blue Yeti microphone giving high quality sound. Together both cost about £150 (~$150 equivalent). They got me started and established with my courses.

    Over the months I have invested my Udemy income in a DSLR camera (Nikon d5600), a Rode Video Pro microphone, a white screen, a lighting kit and a teleprompter.

    Having got got my professional kit together, I still haven’t mastered the art of producing great videos that I am 100% happy with!

  • I cant find the Omni app x

  • You're right, @RobinHills
    . I think everyone here with more gear started with not much and built up like you are doing.

  • DIY built :)
    Old 1910 piano I was in the process of refurbishing but it got damaged during a move :( Only way to salvage it was to turn it into a desk.

  • DIY built :)
    Old 1910 piano I was in the process of refurbishing but it got damaged during a move :( Only way to salvage it was to turn it into a desk.

  • RonErez
    RonErez Posts: 116 storyteller rank

    I mainly do screen casting

    I use two monitors whew one is a Thunderbolt Display. So I use the monitors camera if necessary. I use blue yeti as a microphone and screen flow for editing. I also bought a filter which passed to Screen flow to improve audio.

    Sometimes I will use notability to sketch something for students

    That’s my set up