Deciding to start creating video content can be a daunting task. There is a sea of cameras, microphones, and other equipment to choose from; all of which have a wide range in quality and price. To help you navigate through all this and kick-start start your journey, we've put together our recommendations.

We recommend starting off your kit by investing in a high-quality microphone. Audiences will tolerate mediocre video with good quality audio but they'll tune out of good video and bad audio. An added benefit of using a good quality microphone is that you can redistribute your content in audio-only format e.g. as a podcast.

The Yeti offers excellent sound quality for its price and is a reliable entry-level microphone that will serve you well for years to come. It's "plug and play," making it incredibly easy to set up and start using right away, even if you're new to audio recording.

GODOX Cube SC (~$110 USD) / GODOX Magic XT1 *
The Cube SC is a compact wireless lavalier microphone with a USB-C connection, making it compatible with mobile devices and computers. We were impressed by its sound quality and appreciate that it comes with two microphones, making it an excellent option for content creators on the go.

Meanwhile, the Magic XT1 is another wireless lavalier microphone designed for pairing with DSLR or full-frame cameras, offering versatility for those needing professional-grade audio for their video projects. Both are solid choices depending on your specific recording needs.

The SM7B is the go-to microphone for audio professionals and is useful for audio-only and video content. However, you'll want to be in close range to the SM7B. If you don't want the microphone in the shot, you'll want a shotgun mic. A shotgun mic can pick up audio from a greater distance.

The higher budget options require a bit more setup. Both options will likely require an interface such as a Scarlett 2i2 or SSL2+ if you plan on recording into your computer. Or a preamp such as a Cloudlifter. The higher budget mics sound better but also require a more in-depth setup.

Now that we have our audio figured out, let's take move on to lighting. Being in a well-lit room or using even modest lighting equipment can do wonders for the visual appeal of your video. Unpleasant shadows and unbalanced lighting can be distracting to your audience. Also, lighting can help you achieve a professional look and keep the user's focus where you want it.

For beginners, we recommend shooting next to a big window (but not in direct sunlight). If you're able to buy equipment, here are some recommendations.

"Ring" lights (such as the Neewer 14-inch Outer Dimmable LED Ring Light)

Ring lights are a common and easy option to get started with lighting. Usually, they are plug and play, and don't require other equipment.

Aputure LS C300D Kit (~$950)

This Aputure kit will surely take up a lot more space in your recording area but will look great. It gives off a large, soft light that will appear natural.

Finally, we have cameras. You may be wondering why we'd leave cameras for last but if you're reading this post, we assume you already have a camera – your phone camera. The cameras in modern smartphones are incredible – from Samsung's Galaxy series to iPhones and Google's Pixel series. They are all plenty good for you to get started.

Cameras are easily the most expensive part of a video setup – especially if you include accessories such as lenses, memory cards, etc. They're great, and of course, you'll want to get a proper camera eventually but a fancy camera is not needed to get started. After all, "the best camera is the one that's with you" Chase Jarvis (photographer, director)

But if you're looking to invest in cameras, we have some recommendations for you.

Starter Budget - Sony a6400 (Used ~$900 USD)

Higher Budget - Sony A7S3 ($3500)

Using a teleprompter can be useful and we make the best teleprompter software in the game (shameless plug). Teleprompters also come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and prices. So if you're just getting started we recommend a DIY approach. A teleprompter is basically just reflective glass placed in front of a mirror. Some Youtubers have come up with ingenious ways to build DIY teleprompters: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IymMzaEdOOE

If you're not in the mood to build, there's also plenty of other options if you search "teleprompter" on Google.

* Disclaimer: Godox provided these products for testing purposes; however, this review is entirely independent and reflects our honest opinions. Godox had no input or influence over the content of this review, and all feedback is based solely on our experience with the products.