Creativity births compelling video content, but the right equipment often determines how well that content is made. Video gear plays a critical role in shaping the quality of footage, audio clarity, and overall viewer experience. Having reliable tools can make the difference between average and exceptional for content creators at any stage in their business.
This guide will walk you through some of the best video equipment for making content that meets today’s high production standards. From cameras and microphones to editing software and stabilization tools, we’ll help you align your gear with your goals, workflows, and budget so you can scale your content strategy with confidence.
Best equipment for content creators: 6 must-haves to level up production
Understanding what equipment is needed for video production is crucial for being a successful content creator. Below are the core pieces of equipment for video recording that every creator or business team should consider.
Bear in mind it’s best practice to rent equipment first before committing to a purchase. There is a lot of high quality gear out there so it’s best to try things out first to determine what you prefer using the most.
1. Camera
Your camera is the heart of your setup so take some time when deciding what you want to own. With vlogs, product demos, and branded mini-documentaries, the quality of your footage depends heavily on the digital camera you choose for capturing video.
Most retailers like B&H are also great at pointing you towards the best starter lenses for a specific camera body. Be sure to run that by vendors when looking at camera bodies
Top picks:
- Sony A7siii. A popular and excellent mirrorless 4K video and still camera. While it’s been on the market for a while it is still highly esteemed and used amongst video professionals. With interchangeable lenses and strong autofocus.
- Sony FX3. You can also take a look at the similar Sony FX3 if you need built in XLR inputs and are trying to shoot something more cinematic. A great camera if you’re creating content for clients and also making short films and/or music videos.
- Canon 1DX. A professional-grade DSLR known for its robust build, fast frame rates, and stunning 4K video capabilities, ideal for creators who need power and precision. You can also take a look at the Canon EOS R6 Mark II as well for another great option from Canon if you’re looking to shoot on a mirrorless camera instead.
- Panasonic Lumix GH7. A pro-level hybrid camera built for serious videography. Equivalent to the SOny and Canon models listed above.
2. Microphone
Clear audio is just as important as clean visuals. Built-in mics often fall short — investing in an external microphone elevates your content by giving you the best audio recording capabilities.
Top picks:
- Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun Microphone. A highly reliable XLR shotgun microphone for in studio and on the field.
- Rode VideoMic GO II. A compact shotgun mic that delivers high-quality directional audio.
- Blue Yeti. A go-to USB mic for voiceovers, tutorials, and podcasts.
- Shure MV7. A hybrid XLR/USB mic ideal for professional sound with flexible setups.
3. Lighting
Proper lighting ensures your subject looks natural and well-defined. When filming in darker areas or shooting interviews where you want your subject as the center of attention, the right lighting helps shape mood and adds clarity.
While some lightning kits can be pricey, great lights are essential if you want to take your work to a professional level.
Top picks:
- Aputure LS 600x Pro Bi-Color LED. Very reliable and portable lights for studio and on-location projects. Add an Aputure Light Dome III and/or Aputure Lantern to add diffusion to this light. You can also look into the 1200x if you need something more heavy duty. Aputure Infibars are also very useful to provide fill and accent lighting to your lighting design.
- Neewer 660 LED Kit. An affordable and reliable pick for small studios or remote shoots.
- Elgato Key Light. A desk-mounted option perfect for live streams or webcam content.
Looking to shoot after hours? Check out our tips for shooting at night with a mirrorless camera.
4. Tripod
A sturdy tripod ensures steady shots and professional framing and is especially useful for solo creators or teams filming in controlled settings.
Top picks:
- Manfrotto MVH502A. A durable option with smooth pan-and-tilt adjustments.
- Joby GorillaPod 5K. A flexible and portable choice, perfect for on-the-go shoots.
- Peak Design Travel Tripod. A compact tripod that doesn’t sacrifice stability.
5. Headphones
Monitoring your audio in real time helps catch issues like background noise, mic pops, and echo. A good pair of headphones will also let you test your audio equalization before you begin mixing.
Top picks:
- Audio-Technica ATH-M50x. A flat response headphone set for accurate monitoring.
- Sony MDR-7506. This set is widely used in video and film production for reliable clarity.
6. Editing Software
Editing ties everything together. From cutting footage to adding text, music, and branding, your chosen video editing software is where the story comes to life.
Top picks:
- Adobe Premiere Pro. An industry standard with deep feature sets for complex, multi-layered projects.
- Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve. Highly revered for color correction. Great for audio and video editing as well.
- Final Cut Pro. Optimized for Apple users with fast rendering and creative tools, although it comes with a steep learning curve.
- Vimeo video editor — A free online video editor that makes it easy to record, publish, and manage your content all in one place, with professional-grade features like trimming, cutting, text overlays, branding tools, and more. It’s ideal for businesses and teams that want professional results without breaking the bank or toggling between tools.
Explore Vimeo’s built-in video editor →
Gear for videography: 5 nice-to-have video production tools
Some tools unlock new creative potential beyond the basics. These content creator accessories are ideal for businesses and creators looking to elevate production value once they have their footing.
1. Gimbal or stabilizer
Shaky footage distracts viewers. A gimbal keeps motion smooth, even when you're filming while moving.
Top picks:
- DJI RS 3 Mini. Lightweight, motorized stabilization for cameras.
- Zhiyun Crane M3. Compact and compatible with a wide range of devices.
2. Boom pole
A boom pole positions your mic closer to your subject while you remain out of frame, perfect for scripted content or interviews.
Top picks:
- Rode Boompole Pro. Carbon fiber and lightweight.
- K-Tek Avalon. Durable and budget-friendly.
3. Digital audio recorder
An external recorder captures high-quality audio, which is perfect for syncing in post or recording in noisy environments.
Top picks:
- Zoom H6 Audio Recorder. Modular inputs and on-device monitoring.
- Tascam DR-40X. Dual XLR inputs and built-in stereo mics.
4. Multiple memory cards
Large files and 4K footage quickly fill storage. Extra SD cards ensure you never run out of space during a shoot.
Top picks:
- SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB. Fast write speeds for 4K video.
- Lexar Professional 1667x. Affordable high-capacity option.
5. Capture card
Capture cards are useful for live streaming, screen recording, or connecting external cameras to your computer.
Top picks:
- Elgato Cam Link 4K. Plug-and-play for most mirrorless and DSLR cameras.
- AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus. Ideal for multi-device streaming.
Tips to maximize your equipment for video recording
If you want to use your gear effectively and get the most value out of every shoot, consider these quick tips:
- Use manual mode on your camera to control your shots' ISO, aperture, and shutter speed.
- Place your mic (using your boom if you have one) close to your subject, and record a few seconds of room tone for editing.
- Diffuse your lights with softboxes or reflectors to avoid harsh shadows.
- Stabilize with a tripod or gimbal, even for handheld shots, to maintain professional framing.
- Back up your footage immediately after each shoot using external drives or cloud storage.
- Use Vimeo’s built-in teleprompter to stay on script while maintaining eye contact with the camera. It’s perfect for self-recording high-quality takes without jumping between apps.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a difference between video equipment and film equipment?
Yes. While they overlap, film equipment is typically used in large-scale cinematic productions and tends to be more complex and costly. Video equipment is often more adaptable, more affordable, and optimized for digital creators posting to online platforms.
What’s a videographer's job?
A videographer captures and edits video content for various purposes such as marketing, training, or storytelling. Responsibilities include planning, filming, managing audio, and editing the final content.
What video editor do content creators use?
Many content creators utilize a range of video editors to quickly cut, crop, trim, and brand their videos. Options like Vimeo’s video editor, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro offer robust features for teams or individuals seeking to streamline their workflow and publish high-quality content efficiently.
What software do you need to make videos?
To create high-quality videos, most teams leverage a diverse set of software and tools. These often include solutions for refining audio, incorporating animations, and adding captions, all of which contribute to a polished final product. For instance, tools like Audacity or Adobe Audition can be used for audio cleanup, while Adobe After Effects or DaVinci Resolve are popular choices for animation. Many free and affordable video tools are available, such as Vimeo or CapCut, and can be a great starting point for streamlining production.
Create and host high-quality videos with Vimeo
Investing in the right videography equipment sets your business or personal brand up for success. By selecting gear that matches your needs and budget, you can produce compelling content that resonates with your audience and strengthens your online presence.
For a truly professional viewing experience, Vimeo's high-quality video player ensures your content is displayed with exceptional clarity and seamless playback, free from distracting ads.
As a content creator, publishing on Vimeo can help you connect to a platform known for its discerning audiences and prestigious Staff Picks. And with Vimeo Streaming, you also gain powerful tools to reach wider audiences and monetize your work in diverse ways.
