Does the gear you use really matter? Well, yes…and no… Some of the world’s finest photographs were taken on equipment that, if you compare it to what you can buy today, would look like someone cobbled it together from rocks and twigs. It’s not so much about what equipment you have, but knowing how to use the equipment to give you the result you are looking for. Do your best to make sure you are using the right tool for the right job.
I’m sure I use more than what’s listed here, so I’ll do my best to keep this list updated.
Cameras
Sony A7 IV
This full-frame is a real workhorse of a camera. It strikes a great balance for my needs – great 4k video and photo quality.
I generally use this for client work.
Sony α6600
This APS-C (crop) is my main vlogging and on-the-go camera. It’s compact, lightweight, can take 4k video, and uses the same battery as the A7IV! (I can also use it as a webcam!)
Oh, and if anyone gives you grief over the full-frame vs. crop sensor (APS-C)… If you are using a crop sensor camera, just take a step backward, and you’ll have the same shot as a full frame camera.
Audio
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X
Because I do professional voiceovers, I opted for the same hardware some of my V.O. friends use. This unit has software plug-ins that can make it emulate preamps, compressors and other legendary sound studio equipment. And, if I am recording remotely, the sound engineer can tell me what settings to tweak to get the sound just the way they want it.
This is the Thunderbolt version, but they also make a USB version!
I generally use this for client work.
UAD Spark
When I’m traveling or on location and don’t have my Apollo with me, I use the UAD Spark software, which models all the same tubes, preamps, compressors, etc. I get the same sound, but it takes a chunk of my laptop’s processing power to run.
Sennheiser MKH-416
I have had many clients request this microphone by name, so, I added it to my collection. It has been used by the Voiceover greats, on movie sets, for location work and more. I highly recommend you have a sound-treated room if you’re considering this microphone.
I generally use this for client work.
Blue Snowball
This was my first USB microphone purchase, and it is a fantastic microphone. I’ve won auditions with it, and even turned in finished work. It’s a condenser, so some sound treatment might be helpful, but the sound that you’ll get out of this is really fantastic!
I use this for various projects when I don’t need to use the Apollo.
Rode Videomic
One of the original Rode video mics. Why do I use this and not their newer offerings? There’s a little secret not many people know about this mic – it has the same sound profile as another very expensive shotgun-style mic…
I generally use this for vlogging.
Shure SM 57 & 58
These are workhorses! The joke is you can knock a nail into plywood with one of these, and then record fantastic sound. There’s a reason performers use these – the sound is great, and with a few tweaks, you can get it sounding like a $400. mic. – jus’ sayin’.
I use these for podcasting, interviews and more, but I do need the Apollo as they are XLR connections.
Software
For video, I use DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premiere.
For audio, I use Adobe Audition, Reaper and Audacity.