Camera Gear & Equipment

Before diving deeper into this, let’s clarify something to avoid discouraging newcomers or those considering starting their own YouTube channel. You don’t need fancy, high-tech equipment to get started. All you really need is a video camera. Nowadays, most cell phones come equipped with cameras capable of capturing quality photos and videos. Many successful YouTubers have built their channels using nothing more than their iPhones, iPads, Samsung Galaxies, and similar devices. So, investing a lot of money in camera gear isn’t necessary at all.

From my experience, viewers are drawn to a good story more than anything else. Once you start creating content and find yourself enjoying it, then you might think about upgrading your equipment. But if you realize it’s not your thing and decide to stop, you haven’t wasted money on expensive gear.

However, if you do decide to invest further, consider upgrading your camera first. Good audio quality is more crucial than top-notch lighting or video. People are willing to overlook poor lighting if the audio is clear, but they’re more likely to click away if the audio quality is lacking, even if the visuals are superb.

As for the equipment I use, some of it serves purposes beyond woodworking videos. Additionally, my basement setup requires certain tools to accommodate my unique situation. However, for the average YouTuber, this level of equipment might be excessive.

Here’s a rundown of the cameras and accessories I use:

  • Nikon D5500 DSLR
  • DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II Lens (kit lens)
  • Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED VR Lens
  • Rode VideoMic Shotgun mic with Deadcat
  • Apature VS-2 7″ Monitor
  • Kamerar QV-1 Professional LCD View Finder
  • Falcon VRG-S-1 stable cam rail system with gearless mini follow focus
  • Falcon Mini Follow Focus
  • Video Cage GearBox GB-2 P&C
  • Kamerar Matte Box with Donut
  • Cullmann Concept One 628M OH4.5V Tripod

These tools and accessories help me achieve the desired results for my videos, but remember, they might be more than what’s necessary for someone just starting out.

Additional Equipment:

  • GoPro Hero 4 Silver
  • Knog Qudos Action Light Pack (Rarely used now due to upgraded shop lighting)
  • Feiyu-Tech G4 Hand Held Gimbal (Primarily used for stabilizing the GoPro, rarely utilized in woodworking videos)
  • GoPro Frame Mount (Allows for clearer audio pickup by removing the GoPro from its protective case)
  • Various mounts and fittings, including Jaws Flex Grip and MeFoto BackPacker Tripod

Audio & Microphones:

  • Zoom H4N Digital Multitrack Recorder (Records audio separately from the camera with four inputs and monitoring capabilities)
  • Rode VideoMic shotgun mic (equipped with a Dead Cat Antiwind cover, primarily used with the Nikon)
  • Built-in microphone on the GoPro
  • Various condenser microphones and various uni direction microphones and cables.

Lighting:

In my shop, I currently rely on strategically placed double LED Flood Lamps to illuminate the space, though I may explore professional lighting equipment in the future. These flood lamps effectively brighten the entire area, and their adjustable angles offer flexibility as needed. While filming with the GoPro, I occasionally utilize the Knog Qudos Action Light Pack, though since incorporating the flood lights, its use has become less frequent.

Other:

  • Manfrotto tripod
  • POV 19″ Pole and POV Tripod Pole 3 Way for versatile filming angles
  • Homemade teleprompter

Wish List:

  • Kamerar Follow Focus
  • Various lenses (pending decision on which best suits my needs)
  • Transmitter Receiver for audio
  • Dolly for tripod (coming soon)
  • Slider (coming soon)
  • Jib Crane (coming soon)
  • Backdrops, including a Green screen

Projects for Wacky Wood Works:

  • Clapper Board
  • Keyboard and Midi Controller holder
  • Boom Mic holder

Software:

For video editing, I utilize two editors. My primary choice is DaVinci Resolve 18.5, especially since HitFilm shifted to a subscription model.

Video Editing:

  • DaVinci Resolve 18.5
  • FXHome HitFilm Pro

For audio editing, I rely on AudioDirector 8.

Audio Editing:

  • AudioDirector 8

Music Production:

I craft my own music using FL Studio 20 Signature, allowing me to create, produce, and compose tracks. Additionally, I use a variety of Gillizion plugins, both commercial and free.

      • FL Studio 20 Signature
      • Gillizion plugins (Commercial & Free)

You can find more details about the software I use by Clicking here.