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Happy to help! Does anyone want to know more about my home studio setup...?
I’ve gotten a lot of Qs from friends about what they should buy. https://twitter.com/onebandwagonfan/status/1336816603523117057
I’ve gotten a lot of Qs from friends about what they should buy. https://twitter.com/onebandwagonfan/status/1336816603523117057
Alright, there's a few things to break down here:
1. Camera
2. Lighting
3. Audio
4. Background
Note that I've only used this set up with Apple computers (Macbook Air, Pro, and Mac Mini).
1. Camera
2. Lighting
3. Audio
4. Background
Note that I've only used this set up with Apple computers (Macbook Air, Pro, and Mac Mini).
I started playing around with a web show earlier this year and did a bit of trial and error to get to where I am today.
What you invest into your set up depends on you (I regularly do video recordings, conference talks, and TV interviews). Mine cost ~$3,000. You can spend less.
What you invest into your set up depends on you (I regularly do video recordings, conference talks, and TV interviews). Mine cost ~$3,000. You can spend less.
1. Camera 
High End: I started with a Nikon DSLR that I already had, but it kept overheating when livestreaming. So I upgraded this summer, and the Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a dreamboat. There's so much to love about this camera. ~$1900 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073X756P6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
High End: I started with a Nikon DSLR that I already had, but it kept overheating when livestreaming. So I upgraded this summer, and the Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a dreamboat. There's so much to love about this camera. ~$1900 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B073X756P6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
I also feel strongly about having nice depth of field, so I use a 25mm lens with low f-stops to get that blurred out background affect. Additional $150. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014RD6RC0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
Low cost: Get a decent webcam. Logitech is a solid brand. @polotek and @OneBandwagonFan like theirs.
This will run you closer to ~$100-200.
You can get a nice pic but you won't have the fancy blurry background. Everything in the frame will be in focus. https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Calling-Recording-Stereo/dp/B08DRQ66WP/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2AZJ8IJ00NK0Y&dchild=1&keywords=logitech+webcam&qid=1607561394&s=electronics&sprefix=logitech%2Celectronics%2C232&sr=1-3
This will run you closer to ~$100-200.
You can get a nice pic but you won't have the fancy blurry background. Everything in the frame will be in focus. https://www.amazon.com/Logitech-Webcam-Calling-Recording-Stereo/dp/B08DRQ66WP/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2AZJ8IJ00NK0Y&dchild=1&keywords=logitech+webcam&qid=1607561394&s=electronics&sprefix=logitech%2Celectronics%2C232&sr=1-3
Free(ish): use the camera on your laptop (blah, but good lighting helps a LOT)
OR
If you wanna be extra fancy and have an iPhone 11 or later, you can use the rear facing camera as a webcam. I haven't tried it but I've heard it's good shit. https://www.howtogeek.com/669589/how-to-use-your-iphone-as-a-webcam/
OR
If you wanna be extra fancy and have an iPhone 11 or later, you can use the rear facing camera as a webcam. I haven't tried it but I've heard it's good shit. https://www.howtogeek.com/669589/how-to-use-your-iphone-as-a-webcam/
For a DSLR/Mirrorless camera, you are also going to need a tripod or mount, an HDMI cable and - this is important - AN ENCODER.
You have to have a little piece of hardware that converts your camera feed into something your computer will recognize.
You have to have a little piece of hardware that converts your camera feed into something your computer will recognize.
I have the CamLink 4K (~$150), because there wasn't many cheaper, easy to use options when I started.
But since the lockdown and the rise of Zoom life, there are now really cheap ones you can buy on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K3FN5MR/ref=afx_dp_prime_egress?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh
But since the lockdown and the rise of Zoom life, there are now really cheap ones you can buy on Amazon. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K3FN5MR/ref=afx_dp_prime_egress?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh
2. Lighting 
High End: I have Neewer adjustable mounted light boxes that are real workhorses and light an entire room. ~$75
You want two at different angles in order to cancel out shadow. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017D7W57S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
High End: I have Neewer adjustable mounted light boxes that are real workhorses and light an entire room. ~$75
You want two at different angles in order to cancel out shadow. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017D7W57S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
Here's the thing. I can't speak for my melanin-deficient friends, but if you have brown skin, the "daylight" CFL bulbs that come with it are yucky.
If you want to have a nice, soft glow, do yourself a favor and buy 3000K LED Bulbs (~$19 for 6): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QFW3VZV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
If you want to have a nice, soft glow, do yourself a favor and buy 3000K LED Bulbs (~$19 for 6): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07QFW3VZV/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
And you'll need a socket adapter to screw it into those light boxes. You don't have to use all 5 sockets.
You can def do 3 in one, and 3 in the other if the lights are relatively close to your body. The more bulbs you add, the more intense the light. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XYR2BBR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
You can def do 3 in one, and 3 in the other if the lights are relatively close to your body. The more bulbs you add, the more intense the light. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XYR2BBR/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
Low Cost: use a handy dandy ring light. There's a ton of these out there, but make sure it's shining directly at you. And ideally has a way to adjust the Daylight/Soft/Warm/Cool color.
This little desk one is ~$20: https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Dimmable-Headboard-Flexible-Included/dp/B07K33JZSS/ref=psdc_1063292_t3_B07NKRPZXN
This little desk one is ~$20: https://www.amazon.com/Reading-Dimmable-Headboard-Flexible-Included/dp/B07K33JZSS/ref=psdc_1063292_t3_B07NKRPZXN
3. Sound 
High End: If you need to have multiple audio inputs going into your computer (I did when doing my show). You'll want mixer and some microphones.
I have the Mackie ProFXv3 10 channel (~$225). It looks intimidating but it's not that bad. https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-ProFX-Mixer-Unpowered-10-channel/dp/B07X8Z1BRG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9RRCDQH4ZLX&dchild=1&keywords=mackie+profx10&qid=1607563179&sprefix=profx+10%2Caps%2C1969&sr=8-1
High End: If you need to have multiple audio inputs going into your computer (I did when doing my show). You'll want mixer and some microphones.
I have the Mackie ProFXv3 10 channel (~$225). It looks intimidating but it's not that bad. https://www.amazon.com/Mackie-ProFX-Mixer-Unpowered-10-channel/dp/B07X8Z1BRG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=9RRCDQH4ZLX&dchild=1&keywords=mackie+profx10&qid=1607563179&sprefix=profx+10%2Caps%2C1969&sr=8-1
I use wired lapel mics with it (I have 4) and it connects to my laptop via USB. ~$18/ each
I use basic computer speakers for output, and haven't had any issues with echo. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MP566OM/ref=afx_dp_prime_egress?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh
I use basic computer speakers for output, and haven't had any issues with echo. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MP566OM/ref=afx_dp_prime_egress?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh
Low end: You can plug one mic directly into your computer, as well.
I have a ton of other mics, but I almost never use them. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MP566OM/ref=afx_dp_prime_egress?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh
I have a ton of other mics, but I almost never use them. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MP566OM/ref=afx_dp_prime_egress?ie=UTF8&fpl=fresh
Free(ish): Use your built-in computer mic/speakers. If you have airpods already, a lot of people use those.
4. Background 
High End: get a backdrop stand kit and go nuts with whatever you want your background to be (~$50).
Note: you will want at least 6 ft space b/w the camera and backdrop, so it may not be great if you're in a small room. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072BCNRTY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
High End: get a backdrop stand kit and go nuts with whatever you want your background to be (~$50).
Note: you will want at least 6 ft space b/w the camera and backdrop, so it may not be great if you're in a small room. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B072BCNRTY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
I have a few different backdrops and a green screen. There's a ton of options on Amazon.
I usually buy the 5x7 size (~$20): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TKC6679/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
I usually buy the 5x7 size (~$20): https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07TKC6679/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
Low cost / free(ish): use the actual room behind you and make sure it looks good.
I just converted our guest room into an office and now working on curating the "scene" behind me.
I just converted our guest room into an office and now working on curating the "scene" behind me.
Some extras I missed...
Monitor: if you need an add'l viewing screen for your fancy cam, a decent computer monitor is ~$100+.
iPad Remote: the Lumix GH5 supports bluetooth and wifi and can link via app with an iOS device. You can use it to control the camera remotely. FUCK YEA
Monitor: if you need an add'l viewing screen for your fancy cam, a decent computer monitor is ~$100+.
iPad Remote: the Lumix GH5 supports bluetooth and wifi and can link via app with an iOS device. You can use it to control the camera remotely. FUCK YEA
Make sure you have an extension cord and power strips for all the plugs.
Get a basic USB hub to make sure you have enough inputs to plug in your camera, audio, etc
I also bought an A/C adapter for my Lumix GH5 so I don't have to worry about battery life: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EI2S6OC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
Get a basic USB hub to make sure you have enough inputs to plug in your camera, audio, etc
I also bought an A/C adapter for my Lumix GH5 so I don't have to worry about battery life: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01EI2S6OC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1&fpw=alm
This is all I can think of for now. Hit me with questions if you have any.
Oh, here’s what the finished product looks like:
I just added the items from my home studio to Kit. You can see everything in one place: https://kit.co/operaqueenie/my-home-studio
