Video and Livestream Production Equipment: What’s in My Fanny Pack

I’m often asked what tools, technologies, and products I use to create video (especially livestream video for Facebook). This video (and post below with the links) will tell you everything you need to know!

I have just one favor to ask of you…please…pretty please…

If you decide to get a product you learned about here, would you be kind enough to click the links below and purchase from them? It goes to Amazon. Gives you the same price you’d get searching for the item yourself. But it tells Amazon that my site is referring them traffic and they like me better and give me a small percentage to say thank you. Plus, these stats are important to me as I try to pitch my services to companies.

Enjoy!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=zMQYzfqF0gQ%3Fstart%3D1

Recommended (and other) Products

Lavalier (Clip-On) Mic Options  
  
Sennheiser ClipMic digital Mobile Recording Microphone for iOS Devices   Yes. It’s $190. But worth it. My absolute favorite mic. And it’s so tiny that it travels anywhere. The quality is superb (as you’ll see in the video) and you’ll find yourself using it way more than you think…believe me… Shure MVL Omnidirectional Condenser Lavalier Microphone [1/8″ (3.5mm)] + Windscreen, Tie-Clip, Mount and Carrying Pouch   Mid-range budget (about $70). If you’re not ready to drop $190 on a mic yet, here’s a less expensive option for you.  I haven’t tested it yet, but the reviews are pretty good. Professional Grade Lavalier Lapel Microphone ­ Omnidirectional Mic with Easy Clip On System ­ Perfect for Recording Youtube / Interview / Video Conference / Podcast / Voice Dictation / iPhone   For an even cheaper budget option, this mic has great reviews. I haven’t tested it, but it’s a good place to get started and will be better than just your phone alone for audio.
HANDHELD Mic Options  
  
IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD high-definition handheld microphone for iPhone, iPad and Mac (black)   For interviewing others on a livestream. I love this mic. The sound quality is great, even in very windy and noisy environments. I’ve used it at concerts, on top of tall buildings, and at parties and the audio comes through very clear (about $85). IK Multimedia iRig Mic HD 2 high-definition handheld digital microphone for iPhone, iPad, Mac and PC   This is the newer version of the first mic. If I were in need of an upgrade, I’d get this. Honestly, though, the first version works well. I have the original version, but this one is a little easier to find for Prime members. But it’s about $25-30 more than the one I have (about $115). IK Multimedia iRig Mic handeld condenser mic for smartphones and tablets   Here’s another option, non iPhone specific version. I don’t think the quality is AS good, but it’s a little cheaper (around $60), and definitely better than no mic! This works on the headphone jack, so if you have a newer iPhone make sure to have your adapter handy. Can also use on computer.
CELL PHONE MOUNTS AND MINI TRIPODS  
  
Vastar Universal Cell Phone Tripod Mount Adapter Holder for iPhone/Samsung Galaxy/Nexus and More Cell Phones Use on Tripod, Monopod, Selfie Stick, Tabletop Tripod Stand and More   Under $5 and will fit with any existing tripod with a standard mount attachment. This is a no-brainer purchase. Plus, I think it’s more sturdy than some of the other (more expensive) mounts. Universal Mini Tripod, Walway Adjustable 360° Rotation Lightweight Desk Cell Phone Mount Stand for GoPro/ Cameras/ Camecorders/ Smartphones (Black)   The bare bones, basic, not super-high quality but functional mini-tripod. Will pack easily into any bag. Or even your back pocket. But you’ll need to also get a cell phone mount if you want to use this tripod. Rienar Octopus Style Portable and Adjustable Tripod Stand Holder for iPhone Cellphone   This bendy tripod I like quite a bit, especially at the price point (under $10). The mount that comes with it, I find, isn’t as good as the first one listed here, so I took it off and used my existing mount. But if you’re really on a budget, I’d get this one and rock it.

If I didn’t already have any of the above tools, though, and wanted to get a kit with everything, this is the one I would purchase. Flexible tripod. Strong cell phone mount. And a Bluetooth remote. (All under $20!)

KobraTech Mini Cell Phone Tripod – TriFlex Mini – Flexible iPhone Tripod for Any Smartphone

Home Studio Equipment (Used to make the video above)  
   
Neewer 75″/6 Feet/190CM Photography Light Stands for Relfectors, Softboxes, Lights, Umbrellas, Backgrounds   Super cheap. Super compact. Super easy-to-use tripod. It’s lightweight, easily storeable, and sturdy enough for home use, Even though the title says lighting and backdrop stand, it has a standard tripod screw mount for your phone adapter (shown above). Brightech Eclipse LED Floor Lamp – Double Rings of Light Bring Sci-Fi Ambiance to Contemporary Spaces – Dimmable Bright Halo Tall Standing Modern Lamp for Living Room, Bedroom and Office – Silver   This light makes me so happy. It doubles as a floor lamp! And it looks cool. I can lower the big ring, put my phone on the tripod in the middle of the ring, and record with easy lighting. Plus, three light settings! Oh! The Chatlight! I like this handy little guy. If you want to get one, please use THIS LINK because they like it when I refer people to them.   In fact, they were the first company about 18 months ago who reached out after I posted about their product online and gifted me an extra light as a thank-you. My first taste of what being an influencer could feel like…I want more of that! 🙂

And, of course, be sure to grab a copy of my book! Dynamic Communication: 27 Strategies to Grow, Lead, & Manage Your Business (from Entrepreneur Press). You can get more strategies for using video to GROW your business in chapters 6, 7, 8, & 9!

Dynamic Communication: 27 Strategies to Grow, Lead, and Manage Your Business

Success Strategies for Online Training and Education: New Book Chapter

A new book featuring a chapter by The Dynamic Communicator(R), Jill Schiefelbein, was released by Magna Publications. The book, Teaching Strategies for the Online College Classroomfeatures Jill’s article on Setting Students Up for Success in Online Classes.

Here’s a bit more about the book from the publisher:

Whether you’re preparing to teach your first online course or seeking to upgrade your current offerings, this book is the go-to guide you’ve been looking for.

Online faculty frequently work at some location other than their “home” campus, which can make it difficult for them to access the targeted collegial support and professional development it takes to truly flourish as educators.

Teaching Strategies for the Online College Classroom helps bridge this gap. A collection of articles by leading distance education experts, this book is designed by and for busy college and university faculty. It combines real-world-tested tips and methodologies with a pedagogically sound perspective to help you take your online educational practices to the next level.

Good teaching is good teaching, but the key indicators and most effective techniques change when you shift to an online environment. This action-oriented book will give you insights you can implement immediately to improve online course design and promote student engagement. You’ll learn how to connect with students, enhance student learning, and address common problems in distance education.

Available at https://www.amazon.com/Teaching-Strategies-Online-College-Classroom/dp/0912150483/