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by skadamat 809 days ago
I've spent a few years fiddling with setups during COVID / remote work. Honestly, in my experience, gear comes secondary to your ENVIRONMENT.

Julie Schiro's videos are a great place to start: https://www.youtube.com/@JulieSchiro

Here are my tiers!

Tier 1: Audio > Video first!

- Get very basic sound treatment done, even just a few panels in front and behind you. ~$100 or cheaper with DIY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3nS2-HvJMs

- Get a reliable microphone. Samson Q2U is a solid one here if you did step 1.

Tier 2: Improve video

- Improve your lighting. Face a window if you can or get some lamps to balance out lighting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jiUpK0dhWTE

- Use smartphone with app or cable as your virtual webcam. Or if you have $200 get the Logitech Brio

Tier 3: $$$

- Audio: 3x your sound panelling & sound treatment. Put stuff on the ceilings too. If you still have too much money, get Shure MV7 (usb-c which is nice). SM7B honestly isn't needed unless you have a true studio environment with professional sound treatment done.

- Video: Get a Sony a6000 (this is what I use) or a6400 / 6600 and a lens with f1.4 on it. This is what I use: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B077BWD2BB/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b...

- Add-ons: Get a dummy battery that plugs into your wall and can run your camera in 'forever power' mode. Get a camera signal -> USB converter like Magewell or Elgato Camlink (what I use): https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1453840-REG/elgato_sy...

1 comments

I have the Shure MV7, and I've been extremely impressed with it over USB. Highly recommend it as an entry point to (semi-)professional audio equipment.
Just to give a bit perspective and with total respect - entry level. Most have little idea of the cost involved in semi-pro and pro products. But its a decent option and recommendation.