Stop losing viewers to bad audio. This guide breaks down the best mics for talking head videos—shotgun, dynamic, and wireless lav—plus placement, connection, and quick post fixes. Build kits under $500, $1K, and $2K to get clean, consistent sound anywhere you shoot.

Kickstart your creator kit without blowing the budget. This guide breaks down the best starter camera setups for 2025 under $500, $1,000, and $2,000—complete parts lists, why each pick works for photo and video, and smart upgrade paths when you’re ready to level up.