I personally am a YouTuber and a Photographer, over the course of this journey and many hours of research here is the complete list of my gear that I use and why.
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Action Camera (GoPro HERO7 Black)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3x1Pwae
When I am building a car or engine I cannot have my expensive camera out risking damage. Also because my nice camera is large its going to be hard to get some of the shots I need, for example im not going to lay my A7III camera in the dirt under the car to get a shot or record me painting when overspray can get all over my equipment. That's where the GoPro7 comes in, its portable, durable and affordable. I use this camera most of the time for my channel because its hard to beat and it does an excellent job of time lapses which is what I record most of the time.
Action Camera Batteries (Vemico Battery Gopro Hero 7/6/5 1500mah Replacement Batteries)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3PVbkLQ
One of the common drawbacks of the Gopro line of cameras is they are known to go through batteries so having a backup set is a must. I personally have about 8 backup batteries. These are orange so they are easier to spot in your camera bag or so you dont forget or loose them.
Action Camera Case (ULANZI V2 Case w Cold Shoe Mount for Gopro Hero 7 6 5)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3tbpsab
Even though the Gopro cameras are durable the cases are plastic, durable plastic but still plastic. And there isnt a way to mount accessories such as lights or microphones. This case does it all, its aluminum and has a cold shoe mount which I use to mount my action camera microphone. Its a nice portable durable setup.
Action Camera Gimbal (DJI OM170 Osmo Mobile 2 Smartphone Gimbal, Grey)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3x3VMy1
Ever wonder how some people get the smoothest video footage while moving, well its because they use a gimbal. A gimbal is a electronic device that holds the camera and keeps it level even if your moving and adjusts with smooth movements. I dont use it that often but it takes your shots to the next level when every bit counts.
Action Camera Microphone (Comica CVM-VM10II Professional Video Microphone)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/390vLXk
The microphone on the Gopro system as with most cameras is less than ideal. One of the biggest secrets to watchable content on youtube is good audio quality, it is actually more important than video quality so a microphone upgrade is a must. I like shotgun microphones as they pick up sound in the direction that you point them. The Comica CVM-VM10II microphone is affordable, good quality, and fits perfectly with the Gopro cameras.
Action Camera Microphone Adapter (GoPro Pro 3.5mm Mic Adapter for 8 ,7 ,6 ,5/black)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3N7SsHI
I didn't know this but you cannot just plug a microphone into the Gopro cameras, you actually need a special adapter, well here is the adapter.
Action Camera Micro SD Card (SanDisk Extreme Pro 128GB, SDSQXCY-128G-GN6MA)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3x4hLVE
When you have good camera gear you need a good sd card. The Gopro cameras use a micro sd card which is smaller than a standard sd card. I personally am a fan of Sandisk products as they are known for their quality and reliability. The extreme pro is one of the fastest cards on the market so you know it can handle whatever you throw at it.
Action Camera Tripod (62" Aureday Camera & Cell Phone Tripod Stand)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3z7NTsU
Because I use a Gopro set up for time-lapses for most of my videos I need a very portable tripod which can still extend to be very high. This tripod is awesome because its very simple and quick to use, its very light and can extend to meet most of my video tasks.
Camera (Sony A7III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3t7bJBm
I absolutely love this camera. I use to have a Canon and then I upgraded to this Sony. Its middle ground to the A7SIII (which is for video due to its lower pixel count which in turn offers better low light performance at the expense of high resolution photos) and the A7RIII (which is great for photos due to its high pixel count at the expense of low light performance). The A7III is an all around good camera for photo and video. This is truly professional grade and as a added bonus almost all the Sony lenses will mount to it.
Camera Backpack (Amazon Basics Backpack for SLR Cameras and Accessories-Black)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3PTtzRR
When you spend thousands on your camera gear you have to protect it. I am a fan of Amazon Basics products as they know what products are good and which ones need improvement. Their back back stands true, it holds my camera gear nicely and has never failed or had an issue. Best of all their products are usually very affordable without compromising quality.
Camera Flash (On-Camera) (Neewer TT560 Flash Speedlite for Cameras)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3afzZL3
Cameras work by reading light to create photos. If you have no light your photos will suffer. A on-camera flash is nice for run and gun shoots when fancy set-ups aren't an option. Also they are a affordable entry point to flash photography.
Camera Flash (Off-Camera) (GODOX Godox AD200 PRO Version)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3M2XcwX
Off camera flashes are a great way to take your pictures to the next level. If you have ever had your photo taken professionally you will see them use a off camera flash. They allow the photographer to control the light from placement to brightness. You can overpower the sun or create your own sunlight. The proper use of flash will take your photos to the next level giving a professional look.
Camera Lens ***My Favorite Lens*** (Sony SEL85F18 85mm F/1.8-22 Prime Lens)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3NJfZPg
The Sony 85mm lens is truly a great lens at a great price. The 85mm focal length is great for portraits as it gives a perspective close to human eye sight. With a aperture of 1.8 you will also have good low light performance and good bohea (the background blur effect to make your subject stand out).
Camera Lens (Tamron 70-180mm F/2.8 Di III VXD Lens)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/38zVLsf
The Tamron 70-180 lens is a great telephoto lens for middle range zoom. At 70mm you are close to human eyesight and at 180 you are zoomed in for distance shots. This lens is known for its great price and also being low weight and portable for a telephoto lens. I personally use this lens for sports and action shots where distance is required.
Camera Lens (Tamron 17-28mm f/2.8 Di III RXD Lens, AFA046S700)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3lYWXbV
The Tamron 17-28mm is a great wide angle lens when you want to capture as much of your environment as possible. I use this lens for tight spaces such as indoors or vlogging. This lens also excels at landscapes and real estate photography. With its great price and low weight its a great addition to your camera bag.
Camera Microphone (Comica CVM-V30 PRO Shotgun Video Microphone)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3x3i17e
The microphone on most cameras is less than ideal. One of the biggest secrets to watchable content on youtube is good audio quality, it is actually more important than video quality so a microphone upgrade is a must. I like shotgun microphones as they pick up sound in the direction that you point them. The Comica CVM-V30 Pro microphone is affordable, good quality, and fits perfectly with mirrorless and dslr cameras.
Camera Strap (Waka Rapid Camera Neck Strap with Quick Release)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3za8dKf
While the camera strap the comes with your camera is decent it has your camera hanging on the back of your neck and resting right in front of your stomach with can be uncomfortable and also the perfect location to hit on stuff. The Waka strap hangs off your shoulder like a purse would and keeps your camera to your side. This keeps it out of the way and right next to your hand so when it is time to shoot your hand is right there. Also this strap has additional padding for comfort and quick release for a positive lock and quick removal.
Camera SD Card (SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SD Card - SDSDXXY-128G-GN4IN)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3N9qg7m
When you have good camera gear you need a good sd card. The Sony Full Frame cameras use a standard sd card I personally am a fan of Sandisk products as they are known for their quality and reliability. The extreme pro is one of the fastest cards on the market so you know it can handle whatever you throw at it.
Camera Tripod (Magnus VT-300, Video Tripod System with Fluid Head, Extends to 64")
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3m4lEUl
So I didnt actually know that there were different options when it comes to tripods when I first started. This tripod has a fluid head which keeps your movement nice and well... fluid. This is great for videography when you want to pan (left to right) or tilt (up to down), this will reduce shake and jerkiness for cleaner shots all around.
Lens ND Filter (67mm ND Filter, K&F Concept 67mm Neutral Density Filter)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3t8jMhg
A neutral density filter is the filter I need more than all the rest. What it does is kind of like sunglasses but for your lens. This goes on the front of your lens and you can turn it left or right to make it lighter or darker. This is important when you want to have a large aperture for nice bokeh but a low shutter speed for flash photography or motion blur. Their are also many more uses but its to much to list.
Lens Polarizer Filter (Amazon Basics Circular Polarizer Camera Lens Filter - 67 mm)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3x4yisJ
A circular Polarizer Filter or CPL filter is commonly used to reduce reflections on cars, windows, water etc. Lets say you want to take a picture of a fish in water during the daytime, the reflections off the water would make it almost impossible, with the CPL filter you can remove the issue to get the shot.
Lens UV Filter (Tiffen 67UVP 67mm UV Protection Filter)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3Gzztnd
The UV filters are designed to reduce UV rays in your shot however they are typically used to add additional protection for your lens at a affordable price. They go on the front of your lens with little to no effect on the actual photo and if you scratch or damage it its much better to replace the filter than the whole lens.
Reflector (GODOX 43” 110cm 5-in-1 Collapsible Round Portable Disc Light Reflector)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3lXepxs
A reflector is great to add additional light to your photo without the need of a additional flash. I like to use them with portrait photography to light the face from the bottom to reduce racoon eyes or unflattering shadows. This helps to evenly light the face and improve completion.
Soft-box (Neewer 35.4'' Octagonal Softbox with S-Type Bracket Mount)
Check it out on Amazon - https://amzn.to/3N6Yj09
When using flash you cannot just have a bright flash on your subjects as it is to harsh and bright. Kind of like taking pictures at high noon. Softer light will look smoother and more even, to achieve this I use a softbox. You put your flash in the back of it and when the light passes through the white liner it softens the light to meet your needs.