Beginner Gear Guide: What You Actually Need to Start a Video Podcast
- Vincent Garza
- Jul 16
- 2 min read
Updated: Aug 9
Start Smart, Not Broke
Thinking about starting a video podcast but overwhelmed by the gear? We get it, it’s easy to go down the YouTube rabbit hole and walk away thinking you need a Hollywood studio. But the truth is, you can launch a professional-looking podcast with just a few beginner video podcast gear.
Whether you’re recording from your home in Fort Worth or looking to build a mobile setup for remote interviews, here’s what you actually need and what you can skip (for now).
The Essentials: What You Actually Need
Camera: Start with Clean 1080p or Better
If you want your video podcast to stand out, use a real camera (not just your laptop webcam). Here’s a range of options:
Budget
Great for solo shows and Zoom interviews. Clean image, under $75.
Mid-Range
Compact, clean HDMI out, perfect for podcasting and YouTube.
Pro
Cinematic image quality and perfect for multicam production.
Microphone: Audio Matters More Than Video
Bad audio will turn listeners off faster than bad lighting. Here’s what works:
USB
Plug-and-play, great sound, and affordable.
XLR (Pro)
This combo is used on top-tier podcasts worldwide.
Wireless
Ideal for interviews, walk-and-talks, or mobile setups.
Lighting: Looks Matter, But Keep It Simple
Even a great camera looks bad in poor lighting. Don’t overthink it — soft, even light is your friend.
Budget
Two lights, stands, and softboxes — full starter kit.
Mid-Range
Great color control and brightness for dialed-in looks.
Pro
Industry-standard, beautiful lighting in a single source.
Headphones: Hear Yourself Clearly
You don’t need $500 headphones, just something closed-back and reliable.
Great sound and comfort. Trusted by creators everywhere.
Optional But Helpful
Elgato Stream Deck: Assign hotkeys to switch cameras, start recording, or cue music.
Rode PSA1 Boom Arm: Clean up your desk and position your mic easily.
Want to see everything I recommend? Check out all beginner gear picks here: https://amzn.to/3IPVS4E
Fort Worth Creators: Our Local Tip
If you’re in Fort Worth or the DFW area, consider renting gear first or booking a studio session. At SwoleNerdProductions.com, we offer both. We’ve helped dozens of new podcasters launch right here in Texas and we’d love to help you, too.
Want a Ready-to-Go Kit?
DM us and we’ll build you a custom Amazon shopping list for your setup, based on your space, budget, and goals.
Disclosure:
Some of the links in this post are Amazon affiliate links. If you click through and purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. This helps us keep creating useful content and resources for creators like you.
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