Equipment Recommendations: Hardware, Software & Tools

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

This list is provided to help you narrow down the endless choices in each category. There are other options for all items listed, and if you have something that’s working well for you, stick with it! You may also find other solutions that you like, which is great.

Indoor Studio Setup: Full blog post and demonstration video

🎤 Audio

• For your desk: Samson Q2U
  • It’s also helpful to have a boom arm so that you can move it out of the way when it’s not in use
• For your smartphone
  • Wireless: Hollyland Lark M2
    • Make sure you get the version with the correct connector for you (e.g. USB-C, lightning)
  • Wired: PowerDeWise
    • Make sure to also get an adapter (like this) so it works with your smartphone
      

📷 Cameras

• Under $70: Logitech C920x
• Under $200: Logitech MX Brio
  • If you get (or have) a Logitech webcam, be sure to download and use the LogiTune software (demonstration here)
• ~$800: Sony ZV-E10
  • The biggest benefit of this camera is that it provides the high-end look with the blurred background
  • You will also need:
    • Continuous power supply so it doesn’t power down in the middle of meetings or recordings
    • Micro HDMI to HDMI cable: plug the micro side into your camera and the other side into the capture card
    • A video capture card: This plus into your computer
    • A USB extension: optional. This plugs the capture card into your computer (and takes up less space!)
  • If you like having the absolutely latest version (though it isn’t necessary), they’ve also come out with the Sony ZV-E10 II
• Tripod
  

💡 Lighting

• Easiest overall: Neewer 18″ Ring Light
  • Note that they have multiple versions of this so depending on your budget and preferences, you may want a different version (e.g. one with a remote or that can be controlled from an app)
• For smaller spaces: Desk Ring Light
  • This provides nice, soft light and doesn’t take up any additional space on your desk or in your office.
    

Teleprompter Setup: Full blog post and demonstration video

📝 Teleprompter

• Easier and lower cost: Neewer Basics Teleprompter
• Katie’s teleprompter: Neewer X12 14″
  

🖥️ Teleprompter Software

• Duet Display: To connect your computer to your iPad so that it mirrors your screen into the teleprompter
• Speakflow: Katie’s favorite teleprompter app (unfortunately, it doesn’t have a smartphone app – yet!)
  

Travel Kit: Blog post and video

• Tripod/selfie stick
• Light
• Microphone — make sure to get the one with the right connector for you (e.g. USB-C, lightning)
• Bonus items:
  • Gimbal: This keeps your camera steady if you’re walking around
  • Pocket-sized drone: Great for shooting b-roll or capturing memories on vacation. Note – depending on how much you use it, you may want the Combo Plus version which comes with two extra batteries.
• Teleprompter apps:
  • Speakflow — while this doesn’t have an app yet, if you get used to the web-based version, you can use that on your smartphone
  • Video Teleprompter — iOS only. Free version or upgrade to Pro for additional features. Biggest benefit – you can record in landscape mode and have the script be right next to the camera so that you can maintain eye contact.
    • Here’s a similar version in the Google Play store.
  • Bluetooth remote for use with teleprompter apps: In order to control the script/recording with a bluetooth remote, you’ll need a newer Bluetooth presentation remote.
    

Easiest Editing Software

• Easiest overall: Descript
  • Blog post and overview
• Easiest for using AI to pull clips from longer form content: OpusClips
  

Favorite Video Email Software

• BombBomb
  • Favorite for: Personal video emails
  • Why? It shows how long the video is – e.g. “Play 42 second video” which encourages people to click as they can see exactly how much time they’re investing
  • It also automatically includes an animated GIF of the first few seconds so people see action versus a static thumbnail
  • And you can easily customize the CTA (call to action) in each video so if you want someone to download something or book a call or view a webpage, you can easily include that.
• VideoAsk
  • Favorite for: Asynchronous conversations.
  • Try it out: send me a video using the ‘Talk to me’ button in the bottom right and just say hi 🙂
• Loom
  • Favorite for: those who already use and like Loom.
  • Why? It’s always best to start with what you’ve got. Don’t let analysis paralysis stop you from moving forward.
  • Loom has also made many upgrades over the last year and they continue to improve.