Key Gear for Building a YouTube Studio

Introduction

• Craig from Think Media with 8 years of experience in building studio spaces.
• Focus on 10 consistent pieces or categories of gear needed for any YouTube studio setup.

Camera

• Using a Phone:
  • iPhone 11 or newer is recommended due to high-quality 4K video capabilities.
  • iPhone 15 Pro Max highlighted for its solid rear-facing camera.
• Dedicated Cameras:
  • Recommended Sony camera systems:
    • Sony ZV-1
    • Sony ZV-E10
    • Sony A6700
    • Sony FX30
    • Current camera: Sony FX3 (high-end, ~$4000).

Microphone

• Current Microphone:
  • Audio Technica AT2020 (personal favorite, used for 6+ years).
• Alternative Options:
  • Rode VideoMic Go II (affordable, versatile with 3.5mm and USB connections, ~$99)
  • Lavalier Mics for mobility (e.g., Road Wireless Pro System, Road Wireless Go, Go II).

Lighting

• Importance:
  • Lighting is crucial for image quality and setting scene depth.
• Key Light:
  • Recommended: Amaran 60D (~$169)
• Accent/Fill Lighting:
  • ZhiYuN accent lights (various price points, some with RGB controls)
  • Philips Hue lights for background and mood lighting.

Lighting Modification

• Softboxes:
  • Use large softboxes for soft and pleasing light.
• Natural Light Control:
  • Blackout curtains to control natural light and reflections.
• Budget Modification Tips:
  • Poster board for creating fill light effects.

Tripod

• Recommendations:
  • Magnus VT-350 (affordable, ~$80)
  • Freewell Travel Tripod (compact, portable)
  • Smooth Camera Gear tripod (higher quality, more expensive).

Light Stands

• Budget Options:
  • Newer light stands 2-pack ($40)
• High-Quality Options:
  • Manfrotto light stands 3-pack (~$350)

Cables and Power Management

• Types Needed:
  • Power strips
  • XLR cables, 3.5mm cables, and extenders.
• Setup Tips:
  • Account for length and types of cables needed for various equipment.

Anchoring Position

• Desk Options:
  • FlexiSpot sit-stand desk (~$700-800)
  • More affordable desk from Amazon (~$99)
• Chair Options:
  • FlexiSpot C7 chair (~$400)
  • More affordable: Sopia and William ergonomic chair (~$120)
• Positioning Tips:
  • Determine main position (e.g., desk, standing, bar stool).

Monitoring Solution

• Basic Options:
  • Using camera flip-out screen or camera manufacturers’ apps on mobile devices.
• Monitor Options:
  • FieldWorld 7-inch monitor (~$80-90)
  • High-quality option: Atomos monitors.

Props

• Personalization Tips:
  • Add decor items like plants, globes, production slates, etc.
  • Choose items that reflect your personality and style.

Additional Notes

• Sponsored by Epidemic Sound for music and sound effects.
  • Allows content monetization with no issues.
  • Offers extensive music and sound effects catalog.

Check the description for links to all the mentioned gear. For a more detailed tutorial on building a YouTube studio on a single stand, watch the recommended video by Omar.