Step Up Your Zoom / Studio Setup
- Glassman Tackles Artificial Intelligence - February 8, 2023
- Our 2022 Review of the Best Financial Advisors in the DC/MD/VA Area - July 22, 2022
- What is the Stock Market Telling Us? - May 26, 2022
I started producing videos to educate people on money matters, taxes, and what’s going on in the economy—complex topics paired down to digestible nuggets. And after uploading them to social media, I kept receiving the same questions: What’s your Zoom setup? How are you doing that? Where’s your microphone? What’s your lighting setup?
After answering these questions one-on-one, I thought, “why not make videos explaining everything from a basic Zoom setup all the way to the ridiculous setup that I have, and everything in between.” So even if you pick up only a couple of nuggets on lighting or sound, hopefully these help you create a setup that works for you. Several links to the equipment I mention are posted below the videos.
Watch first: Step Up Your Zoom Setup
Then watch: The Gadgets That Make Videos Easy (Or Easier)
Glassman’s Video Setup Links
Camera:
Amazon: Sony ZV-1 $750
Lens:
You’ll likely need a Cam Link to connect camera to computer:
Amazon: Cam Link 4k $100
And constant power for a6400:
Amazon: Power Supply Adaptor $30
Mount camera to desk with an awesome arm and super clamp:
Amazon: Manfrotto Magic Arm (expensive but worth it) $140
Amazon: Manfrotto Super Clamp (to go with magic arm) $30
Amazon: Fomito Magic Arm (ridiculously cheap knockoff with decent reviews) $15
Inexpensive light panels:
Amazon: Neewer LED Softbox Lighting Kit $180
Over-the-top key light plus softbox:
Amazon: Aputure LED Light Ultimate Upgrade $750
Amazon: Aputure Light Dome Mini II (smaller softbox) $140
Amazon: Aputure Light Dome II (larger softbox) $180
You’ll need a hair light:
Amazon: CAME-TV Focusable LED Video Light $300
A microphone: Full Rode set up with boom stand!
Amazon: Rode VideoMic Studio Boom Kit $200
Or Lav mic, and don’t forget the extension cord!
Amazon: Rode Extension Cable $35
Badass Alexa-enabled power adapter: “Alexa, it’s showtime” to turn on all lights and camera:
Amazon: Kasa Smart Alexa Power Strip $27
A cute airpod charger / stand:
Amazon: elago D Stand Charging Station $18
A power hub:
Amazon: CalDigit TS3 Plus Thunderbolt 3 Dock $250
An inexpensive laptop stand:
Amazon: Adjustable Laptop Stand $26
An awesome additional little light for hair, fill, or background:
Amazon: Aputure LED Mini Light on Camera $45
A great stand for iPad or iPhone:
Amazon: Tryone Gooseneck Tablet Stand $22
Amazon: Tryone Gooseneck Phone Holder $15
And how about a Teleprompter? (you’ll need an old iPhone or iPad as a display)