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OVERVIEW

The goal is to create a great look that will last a long time for under $3,500 all in. The overall look of your shot is going to be determined by the following things listed in order of importance:

  1. Lens. The glass on your shot is hands down the most important aspect of your quality. That’s why I chose to include a prime lens that’s well reviewed for its sharpness, autofocus, and clarity.

  2. Lighting. After your lens, your lights and how you use them will have the next largest impact on your shot. I’ve included three main lights and two environmental lights in the package.

  3. Camera body. Once your lens and your lighting are dialed in, your camera body is the next most important thing. I chose a camera that I believe will last for years to come at a price point that’s within budget.

With that in mind, here’s my recs for a youtube studio setup for less than $3500.

CAMERA SETUP

  • Sony a7c with kit lens - $2098

    • Camera Body + Kit Lens

    • The priority for the camera was getting something that allowed you to record for longer than 30 minutes, had strong autofocus, and allowed you to set it and forget it most of the time. The Sony a7c fits those needs. This is a full frame camera with a smaller form factor than its other full frame counterparts.

    • It’s comparable to the a7iii (the same camera that your referenced YouTuber uses), but it has a few key differences. Specifically, it can record for longer than 30 minutes. The a7iii cannot, and it’s one of the main reasons it wasn’t chosen.

    • The full frame sensor will give you a better image, a more blurry background, and allow you to grow more with the camera. The autofocus is superb, which will allow you to shift in your seat without getting blurry. It’s not a “pro” looking camera, but it appears to be a great piece in their alpha series lineup.

    • I chose to include the kit lens because I’ve never regretted having one of those around. It’s good to have a backup if your prime lens breaks, you need a different shot, or you decide to take your camera off the tripod for an event.

    • If for some reason you chose not to use this camera, my next choice would be the a6600. It’s cheaper, but seems to overheat more often and has a smaller sensor than the a7c.

  • Sony 35mm f1.8 - $423

    • Prime lens

    • This is a close angle prime with a wide aperture. The reviews are stellar, and it’s a good option for getting a blurry background and a sharp subject. It will also allow you to pull the camera somewhat closer than your 50mm currently is.

OTHER ITEMS YOU’LL NEED:

  • Dummy Battery - $35.99

    • This will allow you to plug your camera in rather than charging batteries.

  • SD Card - $31.90

    • This is probably optional, but it seemed good to include.

    • I’m not sure what kind of storage you’re currently working with, but this Sandisk is a great brand if you need more.

LIGHTING

  • 1x Neewer 18in Light Panel (aka Flapjack light) - $209.09

    • Key Light

    • After looking over the reviews, this seems to be a great light for what you’re doing. In fact, I can’t wait to see yours in action. If it’s half as good as I think it is, I’ll buy one for myself.

  • 2x Neewer 14in Light Panels - $231.98

    • Fill/Hair Light

    • These are smaller versions of your main light that will be used for fill and for hair light as needed. You can get away with just one of these, but I personally love a 3 point setup.

  • 2x Ulanzi multi color rechargeable LED lights - $59.90

    • Stinger/Environmental Lights

    • I own one of these and love it. They’re great for throwing some color up on a wall or adding a splash of light to visually “salt and pepper” a space. I put two on the list so you can mix and match colors as you’d like.

  • Light Stands - $33.81

    • They hold your lights, but you already knew that.

    • If you intend to keep your soft boxes, you don’t necessarily need these. However, I’ve never regretted having extra lying around.

TOTAL COST AFTER TAX: $3,408.56

Ready to buy? Here’s a link to the cart.