Gear and Resources

My recommended tools that I use as a Creator

The gear, software & resources I personally use.

These resources have been thoroughly tested in my own creator business and have helped me get to where I am today. It is important to note that I only recommend resources that I know and trust.


The right tools can easily improve your results as a Creator.


Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in are affiliate links that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a commission at no additional cost to you.

I have these lists divided into four sections of my Creator business:

  • Outdoor Setup - Gear I use to make my adventure videos and shoot outside


  • At Home Studio - Where I film myself for that studio look


  • Editing Setup - What I use to build my editing setup


  • Software & Digital Tools - This is all the applications I use for my process

FILMING OUTSIDE GEAR

I like to shoot my videos outside if possible and when I’m filming outdoors I keep all my gear in one backpack. My goal is to be light and fast with my setup while still having a very high end look.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Sony ZV-E1</p></div>

Sony ZV-E1

Main Camera for all My YouTube Videos

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This camera is the same sensor as an FX3 or A7SIII but in a tiny body.  4K up to 120 FPS and so many good automation features and lighting fast auto focus makes this a great camera to make content.  

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Watch my review 

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Sony A9III</p></div>

Sony A9III

I switched from the A7SIII so that I can have the new global shutter and overall better camera.  Only thing I miss is the low light capabilities however it still works great

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Sony 16-25 F2.8</p></div>

Sony 16-25 F2.8

This is my new favorite lens that I film all my videos with.  Its small an compact but still opens up to give me good shallow depth of field.  It has a 67mm filter thread so it matches my 2 primes as well

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Sony 35mm 1.4</p></div>

Sony 35mm 1.4

Wide lens but gives you some really nice shallow DOF.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Sony 50mm 1.4</p></div>

Sony 50mm 1.4

My favorite lens for B Roll


price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Sony 20-70mm F4</p></div>

Sony 20-70mm F4

If I want to carry less gear then I go for this lens over bring my prime lenses. The range is nice for a ton of uses and the lens is small.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Shimoda Action X40 Backpacks</p></div>

Shimoda Action X40 Backpacks

For a camera backpack my favorite to carry everything is the Shimoda Action X40 V2. This is small enough to take on a plane but big enough for all my gear and is built for adventure. I switch between the Yellow and Green versions.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Rode Wireless Pro</p></div>

Rode Wireless Pro

This is my current favorite set of wireless microphones. The 32bit float backup recording is super helpful

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Sony M1 Microphone</p></div>

Sony M1 Microphone

On board shotgun microphone that pairs well with Sony cameras.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Ulanzi Carbon Tripod</p></div>

Ulanzi Carbon Tripod

Lightweight and straps easily on the side of my backpack.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>NiSi ND Filters</p></div>

NiSi ND Filters

These ND filters have no color cast and I love ability to stack them with the SWIFT system.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>NiSi Black Pro Mist 1/4</p></div>

NiSi Black Pro Mist 1/4

When I want a cinematic look I often will use a black pro mist and this one works well with the SWIFT System

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>DJI AIR 3</p></div>

DJI AIR 3

This drone is the perfect mix of pro features while still staying super small.  I love the 70mm lens to create cinematic footage from any scene.

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Watch my review 

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>DJI Air 3 ND Filters</p></div>

DJI Air 3 ND Filters

This allows me to get my shutter speed to double that of my frame rate with the Air 3.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>DJI RS3 Mini Gimbal</p></div>

DJI RS3 Mini Gimbal

A small compact gimbal that will hold my A7SIII or similar size camera.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>RS3 Mini Quick Release</p></div>

RS3 Mini Quick Release

$12.00

This ties my whole system together so I can use the same camera plate on my tripod, gimbal and shoulder mount.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>SD Cards</p></div>

SD Cards

These are the SD cards I use for my Sony cameras. I use 512gb versions.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>CFexpress A Cards</p></div>

CFexpress A Cards

These are the fastest cards you can get for Sony cameras. I get the 1TB so I never run out of space when filming.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>DJI Pocket 3</p></div>

DJI Pocket 3

The smallest camera gimbal combo out there. I use this if I don’t want to bring my RS3 mini or I want a smaller setup when filming.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Micro SD Cards</p></div>

Micro SD Cards

These are the Micro SD cards I use for my cameras.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Camera Shoulder Clip</p></div>

Camera Shoulder Clip

The Ulanzi Camera Clip is what I use to hold my camera on my camera strap. Works with the Shimoda backpacks.

BUILDING A HOME STUDIO

I put together a video that goes through my current setup.  Below you'll find all the gear that I use in my studio

Below is my full gear list for my studio that I’ve built in my spare bedroom.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Sony FX6</p></div>

Sony FX6

This camera is probably overkill for creators especially in an office setting, but I have one for client work so thats what I use in my office. The ZV-E1 is much cheaper and has the same sensor and will get great results for an office setup

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Sony 35mm 1.4</p></div>

Sony 35mm 1.4

Main Lens. I like the look of the 35mm because its wide but also gives you a good Shallow DOF when filming

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Ulanzi Carbon Tripod</p></div>

Ulanzi Carbon Tripod

Lightweight and small. Works great to hold my camera

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Aputure 60x</p></div>

Aputure 60x

Key Light. This is what I use to light up my face. If you want to see the full lighting setup Watch this Video

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Aputure Light Dome Mini</p></div>

Aputure Light Dome Mini

Softbox for my Key light.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Rode Shotgun Mic</p></div>

Rode Shotgun Mic

I have a microphone right out of camera on top of the frame. I hang the Rode to get my audio.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Microphone Stand</p></div>

Microphone Stand

This is how I hold my microphone out of frame. I can keep the light stand off to the side and extend the boom arm to the right position.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Tube Lights</p></div>

Tube Lights

I use one hung on my wall for a practical light and one is above me for ambiance and a hair light.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Philips Hue Bulbs</p></div>

Philips Hue Bulbs

I replaced my office lights with Philips hue bulbs and thats what I use for the color in the background

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Sound Panels</p></div>

Sound Panels

These fill my ceiling to help dampen the sound in this room. There is also carpet on the floor to cut out reverb.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Wall Mount Boom Arm</p></div>

Wall Mount Boom Arm

These are cool. I have 2 up in my office. One for my key light and one for my hair light. Allows me to get stands off the ground and mount more on my walls.

Editing & Data Backup

This is the full editing setup that i use to make my videos. I work in two ways. When I’m home I have my full studio setup so I can work off multiple monitors and have all my data connected. When I’m traveling I keep it light so that I can edit anywhere.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>M1 MacBook Pro 14"</p></div>

M1 MacBook Pro 14"

No issues editing with this computer. Its lighting fast. Specs: Macbook Pro M1 Max, 2021, 64GB Ram, 4TB hard drive

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Logitech MX Mouse</p></div>

Logitech MX Mouse

This mouse works so much better than the apple mouse. Few extra buttons plus it charges from the front

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Logitech MX Keyboard</p></div>

Logitech MX Keyboard

Bluetooth keyboard that works great with my setup

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Viewsonic ColorPro 32"</p></div>

Viewsonic ColorPro 32"

My top monitor I use for color grading

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>LG 38" Curved Monitor</p></div>

LG 38" Curved Monitor

This is my workspace. I like having a wide curved monitor so I can see my editing timeline bigger

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Vertical Dual Monitor Stand</p></div>

Vertical Dual Monitor Stand

Holds my monitors in a top & bottom configuration. Top monitor is full screen preview and lower monitor is my workspace

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>4TB SSD Drives</p></div>

4TB SSD Drives

These are fast and reliable SSD Drives.  I use these to edit off of and also I bring them with me when I travel.  

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>16-20TB External Hard Drive</p></div>

16-20TB External Hard Drive

I suggest these drives for data backup after you're done with a project/video.  Work off your internal hard drive or SSD and use these for backup.  They're cheap and you can keep expanding as your library grows. 

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>OWC 8 Bay Enclosure</p></div>

OWC 8 Bay Enclosure

This is for LARGE amounts of data. I have 2 of these. One is built as a 98TB RAID hard drive with 1 drive redundancy. The 2nd I use for hot swapping drives

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>16-20TB Drives</p></div>

16-20TB Drives

These are the hard drives I use in my OWC 8 Bay Enclosure.  Lots of space and able to hot swap using my OWC enclosure

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Blackjet SSD Dock</p></div>

Blackjet SSD Dock

How swappable cartridges for both ssd & card readers

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Blackjet SD Card Reader</p></div>

Blackjet SD Card Reader

Dual SD card reader for the Blackjet tower

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Blackjet Type A Reader</p></div>

Blackjet Type A Reader

CFexpress A Reader for my Fast cards

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>Equipment Rack</p></div>

Equipment Rack

This holds all my computer equipment. I have it configured so that I can attach my laptop and work in the office using all my equipment or I can remove easily

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>APC Backup Battery</p></div>

APC Backup Battery

Backup battery incase the power ever goes out. This way I have a few hours to close down projects and backup before I run out of power.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>YouTube Sub Display</p></div>

YouTube Sub Display

This shows how many subscribers I have right now. Fun to have in the office.

Software & Digital Tools

The hardware and gear is only half of what makes a YouTuber successful. Below are all the tools that I use to run my business and build out all the components to make everything work

price option <div class="editor-content"><p><span style="font-size: 1.125rem">Video Membership Platform</span></p></div>

Video Membership Platform

All-in-One Easy-to-Use Video Membership Platform

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You are actually on Uscreen right now! I built the Creator Film School using Uscreen and this is where I house all my digital products and video membership. Uscreen makes it easy to setup and start selling fast. There are a ton of marketing tools that allow you to build your business and increase your revenue.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p><span style="font-size: 1.125rem">Link Tracker &amp; Shortener</span></p></div>

Link Tracker & Shortener

An Affiliate link manager that allows you to track everything

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This tool is essential for me to run my creator business. Every link I make gets turned into a GeniusLink. One super useful feature is that I can change the links inside GeniusLink so I don't have to go back through old videos if I need to update a link location. Saves me so much time with all my links

price option <div class="editor-content"><p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 1.125rem">YouTube Growth &amp; Optimization</span></p></div>

YouTube Growth & Optimization

The Tool I use to help keyword research and grow my channel

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TubeBuddy is a complete suite of tools for YouTubers. I’ve been using them for years to find topics and keywords to target so that I can rank #1 on YouTube & Google. Also a great tool to compare channels and deal with everyday management of my channel as a solo creator.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p><strong><span style="font-size: 1.125rem">Productivity &amp; Organization</span></strong></p></div>

Productivity & Organization

Software that organizes my business & To Do lists

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Notion is a 2nd brain that allows you to build databases with tons of information organized in a way that you can access everything you need to know about a project fast. I keep track of all my to do lists, past videos and current projects in on place.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p><span style="font-size: 1.125rem">Email List Management</span></p></div>

Email List Management

Email lists can seem overwhelming but Convertkit makes it easy

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The easiest way to setup an email list and build lead pages so that you can grow your list. There are plenty of automation features that allow you to setup email sequencing so that once you have it all setup you can let it run on its own.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p><span style="font-size: 1.25rem">Selling Stock Footage</span></p></div>

Selling Stock Footage

The best way to sell your footage online

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I sell all my footage online with multiple stock agencies. Blackbox makes it easy by allowing you to upload once and Blackbox will distribute it to multiple stock agencies. You save a ton of time when you use Blackbox. Once your footage is online then it can continue to make sales and you don't have to do anything.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p><span style="font-size: 1.125rem">Video Editor</span></p></div>

Video Editor

The main software I use to edit all my videos

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There are lots of options for video editing and I suggest you pick one and learn it inside and out. I've been using Final Cut Pro for years and its a complete video editor that has so much creative potential. If you want to learn how to use FCP I have a in depth course on the Creator Film School that teaches you everything about the software.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p><span style="font-size: 1.125rem">LUTs for Color Grading</span></p></div>

LUTs for Color Grading

Color grade footage fast with these LUTs I've built

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A super time consuming part of editing is color grading. I've developed different looks over the years that I can use on any of my footage so that I can speed up the edit process. This is my set of LUTs that I use on all my videos.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p><span style="font-size: 1.125rem">Stock Music Library</span></p></div>

Stock Music Library

Big Library of Stock Music that you can use on YouTube

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I use Musicbed as another source of music for my videos. The music is different than you'll find on other platforms and works well for storytelling.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p><span style="font-size: 1.125rem">Unique SDFX</span></p></div>

Unique SDFX

A collection of 450 unique SDFX that are super useful

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This set of SDFX isn't like anything else out there. The collection is focused on being useful in a variety of settings. There are 7 distinct categories (Time-lapse, Slow Motion, Transitions, Loops, Drones, Risers, Ambiences)

price option <div class="editor-content"><p><span style="font-size: 1.125rem">Stock Footage Library</span></p></div>

Stock Footage Library

A big library of Stock Video

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Artgrid is the perfect solution when you need some additional stock footage in your videos. They have a subscription that allows you to use everything for one price. Lots of Cinematic looking stock footage on this platform.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p><span style="font-size: 1.25rem">Stock Music Library</span></p></div>

Stock Music Library

Huge Library of stock music to use in any project

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Epidemic is a perfect resource to get all your music for your YouTube channel. To be monetized you need to have music that has been licensed properly. Epidemic makes it easy so you only have to pay a single fee and then get access to 1000’s of music tracks to use in your videos

price option <div class="editor-content"><p style="text-align: left"><span style="font-size: 1.125rem">Drag and Drop Motion Graphics</span></p></div>

Drag and Drop Motion Graphics

Easy plugins for titles, lower thirds and motion graphics

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These Plugin packs allow me to edit faster. Every aspect of these graphics are customizable so that I can make them fit my branding and channel.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p><span style="font-size: 1.25rem">Thumbnail Design</span></p></div>

Thumbnail Design

I use Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for all designing

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At first this software will seem daunting but it is so important for any graphic work that you will need. The most useful aspect is the AI tools built in.  I use Generative fill and background removal with everything I'm working on.

price option <div class="editor-content"><p>OffShoot</p></div>

OffShoot

Reliable way to transfer data from cards to my hard drives and have everything verified.

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In 2016 I uploaded my first YouTube video and now I'm a Full Time Creator getting paid to travel the world and tell Adventure Stories.


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