What camera do you use? Filming setup?

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Lately, we have been receiving emails asking about our filming setup.

It seems that many people are interested in starting their own YouTube channel. Niiiceee! 🙃

So, I share a candid review about our filming gear.

Small note: If you decide on purchasing the same equipment, consider clicking on the blue affiliate links. It doesn't cost you a cent more, but we get a small % from Amazon.

Alright, lets get started.

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Filming Camera: PowerShot G7X Mark II

Compact, incredible video resolution and a flip-screen (Rating: 4.5/5)

First, the G7X Mark II is compact.

It fit easily into a purse or jacket pockets (not fit for skinny jeans though :)). Now, if you plan on routinely filming on-the-go, this is very important. It gets very annoying having to slug around a heavy DSLR.

Second, the video resolution on this point-and-shoot camera is incredible. It's 20.1 megapixels! Which is more than enough for Youtube production - including vlogging and cooking-related videos.

When I purchased the G7X Mark II, I also bought the Canon EOS M3. But there was a significant drop in video quality. After a few weeks, I saw my M3 resting on the shelf, collecting dust.

Third, the G7X Mark II has a flip-screen.

I can't stress how much I love this feature.

The flip-screen allows you to see yourself as you film. If you will be filming by yourself (which is most Youtubers), it's a must-have feature. The alternative would be running back-and-forth to the camera, checking to see if you are in focus.

Fourth, it's a durable camera.

I have accidentally dropped my camera after releasing it from my tripod - about 3 times. It was about a four-foot drop... each time. Ouch! But amazingly, it works like new. Perhaps my camera knows how to land like a cat.

About 6 lives left 🙂

There are a few drawbacks which keep me from rating it a full 5/5.

First, the G7X Mark II does not have an audio input jack.

This means you can't connect an external mic directly to the camera.

You have to rely on its built-in audio recorder. The built-in recorder works ok in quiet, indoor areas. But in noisy or windy areas, the audio turns to crap.

This means you need to buy a separate (1) external audio recorder and (2) lavalier mic. And then synchronize the audio and video files together in video-editing software like Final Cut or Adobe Premiere.

But don't feel intimidated by this step. Synchronizing the two is easy.

Finally, the auto-focus is slow at time, especially when filming in low lighting.

I often find myself having to wait 2-4 seconds for the camera to fully focus on a subject. The auto-focus may actually be faster than most point-and-shoot cameras on the market. But you will still notice the lag.

Overall, it is one of the best cameras you can buy - especially for Youtubers. I highly recommend it.

Click here to read other detailed Amazon reviews.

Finally, here is a quick summary on our other filming equipment.

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Audio Recorder - Zoom H1

Score: ⅘
Pros: Easy to use. Fits inside of your pocket. Works as advertised.
Cons: This recorder drains batteries - so fast. Not sure why?! Have to use many AA batteries.
Other reviews: Read here

Lavalier Mic - Edutige ETM-006

Score: 4.5/5
Pros: Love the sound quality. Crisp full-bodied sound.
Cons: Pricey (but worth it)
Other reviews: Read here

Tripod - Manfrotto Compact Advanced Tripod

Score: ⅗
Pros: Light-weight, built sturdy, works as advertised.
Cons: Watch out for the quick release plate. Like I mentioned, I dropped my camera 3x because of it.
Other reviews: Read here

Lighting: Soft-Box Lighting

Score: ⅘
Pros: Very bright - can adjust to your preference. Improved our video quality so much!
Cons: Takes up alot of space in your room.
Note: We are not using this exact brand. But we are indeed using 2 soft-box lighting rigs.
Other reviews: Read here

That's all folks!

If you are considering starting a Youtube channel, learn from our mistakes: Read here.

Daniel out 🕺