My Video Tech Recommendations!
The right accessories can make your smartphone/social media video and live streams look and sound amazing! Here is a selection of the gear I use and recommend for professional results that both you and your audience will love!
Click right here to go to my page of specific recommendations for use in crisis response at the EOC
(Note: Most of these links are Amazon links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. These are all affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission. However, you will not pay a cent more, and in some cases, such as with Arkon products, you will save additional money with my 20% discount that I can pass along to you!).
Featured Products
GVM Video Smartphone Selfie Light for Livestreaming and Recording
It’s the rectangular version of a ring light! It works like a ring light, only it’s much more compact. There are two dimmable light bars above and below the phone. They throw out a lot of light,, so you’ll want to dim them down if you’re standing close for a direct-to-camera talking head piece or an interview. The lights aren’t bi-color like the more expensive ring lights, but that probably won’t matter for what you’ll be doing with the unit. It does come with an extra set of “warm” snap-on plastic diffusion filters if you need to warm up the color temperature of the light. It comes with its own internal rechargeable battery, and even takes an external camera battery (sold separately). Not only that, it has handgrips on either side so you can go handheld mobile with it! View and order on Amazon
DJI Wireless System With 2 Mics, 1 Dual-Channel Receiver, and Charging Case
Besides the convenience of having two microphones for interviews, the incredible thing about this system is that the mics and receiver fit into a charging case! Just like Apple AirPods, they fit into the case and the case keeps them charged and ready to use! These don’t come with a plug-in lavalier mic like the Deity, but you can buy them separately. View and Order on Amazon
Deity Wireless Mic System - Complete Kit
I bought this kit in November 2021, and absolutely LOVE it for both smartphone and DSLR video production. Both the transmitter and receiver feature clips that act as a belt clip AND a cold shoe mount, so you can clip your receiver right to the top of your camera or clip it to the smartphone tripod mount! It comes with a USB-C cable to connect to Phones, Laptops, PCs and Macs, and a TRRS cable to connect to Phones, Cameras, Video Cameras and Audio Recorders. I have experienced great quality with this system. Provided cables and components are of really high quality. It’s my new favorite! View and Order on Amazon Note: It also comes in a non-kit version for $30 less. View and Order the No-Tripod/Mount Version on Amazon
Rode “Wireless Go” Wireless Mic System
The Rode “Wireless Go” wireless mic system is high quality, high reliable, and low cost. The transmitter and receiver are incredibly small and lightweight, yet the built-in batteries power it for 7 hours. Use it with a video camera or DSLR as-is, or add a $10 TRS-to-TRRS adapter cable and use it with your smartphone! Audio quality is fantastic. The transmitter clips to your lapel and features a built-in mic, but it also has a mic jack to add a lavalier mic. View and order on Amazon
NOTE: You ALSO need THIS ADAPTER and THIS CABLE so the Rode Wireless Go will work with your smartphone. The cables it comes with are for use with a standard video camera. And of course, you need the Lightning-to-3.5mm headphone adapter from Apple if using it with an iPhone, or a 3.5mm-to-USB-C adapter if using it with an Android phone. (Do not buy a knockoff Lightning cable on Amazon. They often don’t work.)
Tabletop Tripod - perfect for desktop use for work-at-home webinars!
Ignore the monopod option in the photo, and just look at the tripod with its cute little legs! This will fit perfectly on your desktop without taking up tons of desk space! You can put this behind your computer screen and attach anything to it: an LED video light, a webcam, a video camera, or a DSLR camera. The legs have one more short extension beyond what’s shown in the picture if you need even more stability, and the center column has lever locks that allow it to extend significant;y. At it’s shortest extension, the camera mounting point is 26” off the desk. That makes it perfect for peeking over the top of my big” iMac computer screen. I also use it for shooting videos with. If you place it on the floor and extend it all the way, it comes right up to eye level! View and order on Amazon
Technology for Better Zoom & Skype Calls
Fifine USB Lavaliere Mic for Laptops/Desktops
Great audio is critical when you’re participating in remote meetings. Listening to echoey, thin audio for long periods of time is hard on the ears and brain. I own this microphone and it works great for Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams, recording your voice for PowerPoints, and any other kind of audio you want to record on your computer. Quality is really good. Note that it has a headphone jack on it too for monitoring audio. It connects to any USB port. Note that the USB plug is a little wider than the usual USB stick, so if you have two USB ports very close together side by side on a laptop, it could partially block one of them. View and order on Amazon
Fifine USB Gooseneck Desktop Mic for Laptops/Desktops
Here’s another great option to up-level the sound of your voice on Zoom and Skype calls or podcast recordings. The Fifine desktop Gooseneck mic has a 12.2” rod that puts the mic up at the correct level near your mouth, picking up your voice perfectly. The gooseneck is adjustable (bendable) at the top and bottom, so you can adjust the angle as needed. The mic base has a built-in Mute button, so you don’t have to mute your mic in Zoom or Skype or whatever program you’re using…you can just hit the Mute button on the unit. The unit sounds great, has a sturdy base, and is well-priced. View and order on Amazon
Plantronics 3210 USB Headset (Single ear) (Dual Ear)
This is a highly-rated single-ear USB headset with volume control that will work well with your desktop or laptop computer using a standard USB-A connection. I don’t personally own this (yet), but users love it!
Fifine USB Condenser Microphone
Want a high-quality plug and play USB recording microphone with 5.9-Foot USB Cable? This connects easily to your laptop or desktop computer for top quality livestreaming, Zoom meetings, recording music or podcasts or voiceovers! record music,computer singing or podcast. The microphone has a solid sturdy metal construction with a stable tripod stand. View and order on Amazon
Smartphone Mounts and Camera Support
Arkon Mounts "TW Broadcaster" Livestreaming Products
Arkon Mounts makes an amazing, wide-ranging selection of high-quality phone and tablet mounts. They are huge supporters of the live streaming community. Their TW Broadcaster series has many mounting and desk stand options; this is only one example that I've pictured. Get a big 20% discount by using my coupon code KERRY20 View and order on Arkon's site
Square Jellyfish Tripod Mount for Smartphones
This is a terrific tripod mount for your smartphone. It allows you to orient your smartphone horizontally or vertically depending on what the video shoot or live stream broadcast requires. This is the one I use for all my Periscope broadcasts, and for smartphone video production. (I've linked to the metal version, which has threads that won't strip like the plastic version.) View and order on Amazon
Benro Mini Telescoping Selfie Stick Tripod With Bluetooth Remote
I can't even begin to tell you how handy this is! It's a solid compact tripod base with smartphone mount, but it's got a secret: a telescoping selfie stick hidden in the middle! Place it on a table at an event, telescope it to eye level, and you're livestreaming or recording a professional interview in a flash! It also has a bluetooth remote so you can start and stop your video camera or take a photo. It's a steal at this price. View and order on Amazon
Manfrotto “Be Free” Aluminum Fluid Head Floor Tripod
This is a sturdy but lightweight tripod from one of the world’s leading tripod manufacturers that folds up to only 16” long so it’s easy to transport or even pack in a roll-aboard suitcase. It’s my go-to tripod for nearly every situation. The Be Free has a fluid head mechanism for silky-smooth pans and tilts, and a quick-release camera plate. It’s perfect for holding your smartphone steady while you shoot standups, interviews, news conferences, or other events. View and order on Amazon
DJI 3-Axis Osmo 6 Smartphone Gimbal
If you've EVER considered getting a smartphone gimbal to shoot silky, steadicam-like shots, THIS is an excellent choice! Like the Benro gimbal below, this keeps the audio port open so you can plug in a wired mic so you can narrate while you walk with the gimbal. But unlike the Benro, this one has a built-in selfie stick that helps you get those higher shots (and even simulate a drone!). View and order on Amazon
Benro 3XS 3-Axis Smartphone Gimbal
The Benro 3XS has two amazing features almost every other gimbal does NOT have: it keeps the Lightning port on an iPhone totally unrestricted, so you can plug in a mic, AND the top arm folds down for much more compact storage and transport! Coupled with a tripod mount, mini-tripod, up to 24-hour battery life, auto tracking, and many other controls and modes. View and order on Amazon
Lighting
Lume Cube Panel Mini (LED Light)
This is one of the neatest LED lights out there. It is awesome because it is dimmable, and you can change the color temperature for a warmer or whiter look. It has a built in battery, which means it recharges via USB. It comes with a cold shoe mount so you can attach it to your DSLR or video camera, or put it on a mini tabletop tripod. This is a perfect light for Zoom interview situations, livestreams, and direct to camera content. View and order on Amazon It also comes in a version that’s perfect for participating in webinars on your laptop, because it has a suction cup that mounts the light to the back of your screen! View and order on Amazon
Lume Cube 2.0 Tiny, Powerful, Dimmable LED Video Light
This is the tiniest, most powerful video light I've ever seen! The light is 1.5 inches square and really bright. Use two or more of these in cases where you want to really light up an area. With up to 1500 lumens in 10 brightness levels, it can light up a room! At 50% brightness, it will run for up to 2 hours on its internal battery. It has a standard 1/4"-20 thread on the bottom for mounting on tripods, and the company makes a variety of additional mounts. Single light with Accessory Pack: View and order on Amazon
GVM Y60D LED Softlight
These 15” softlights are perfect for interviews or your in-house mini studio. I own two of them, and love them because they are well built but really thin and easy to transport! They are dimmable, and bi-color, so you can dial in whatever color temperature of light that you need. I recommend buying two of these, so you can place one at a 45 degree angle on either side in front of your on-camera talent. Note: They come with a telescoping desktop mount, but you’ll want to pick up a couple of floor light stands as well (here’s a link for those ). View and order at GVM’s web site
GVM 3-Light Kit LED Kit
OK, y’all…if you want an awesome 3-light kit with stands, at a reasonable price…this is it. I own this one myself. These are dimmable, bi-color lights. Bi-color means you can adjust the “color temperature” of the lights from a warm look to a cool outdoor light look. You want three lights to do nice video shoots with so you can use one as a key light, another as a fill light, and a third on as a “hair light” to illuminate the back of the interviewee’s head and visually separate them from the background. There are a couple of options:
The GVM-800D 3-light kit View and order on Amazon Or, check out the 2-light kit View and Order on Amazon
GVM 18" Ring Light
This is a lightweight, dimmable portable beauty light that renders soft shadowless light. You can mount your smartphone or tablet in the middle of the light so your face is beautifully lit for livestreaming as you look at the camera. This ring light includes an adjustable light stand to mount the light on. This type of light is widely used and loved throughout the livestreaming community. View and order on Amazon
Elgato Key Light Air
This is an awesome soft key light that will make you look amazing on Zoom. The LED panel throws off a beautiful soft light and intensity is adjustable. The stand allows it to peek up above the top of your monitor. Get two and place off-center on each side of you for even lighting. View and order on Amazon
Wired Smartphone Microphones
Popvoice Smartphone Mic with Lightning Connector for iPhone
If you’re an iPhone user, you can get a smartphone mic that has a Lightning connector on it so you don’t need to use any adapters or special cables! The cable is both high quality and very flexible. Audio quality seems great. View and order on Amazon
YouMic Smartphone Lavalier Microphone
The YouMic is a very affordable smartphone lav mic, but still has excellent quality! It also comes with not one, but TWO mic clips and TWO foam windscreens, since those are small parts that sometimes get lost!
SINGLE MIC VERSION: View and order on Amazon
DUAL MIC INTERVIEW SET: View and order on Amazon
NOTE: I recommend ALSO getting one of these 8-foot mic extension cords, to make sure you have enough cable for most situations. The standard cable on the YouMic is 6.5 feet.
PopVoice Lavalier Smartphone Microphone (Amazon Choice!)
In case YouMic is out of stock, which happens occasionally, this is another well-made, affordable smartphone mic designed for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, Sony, LG, Blackberry & Windows Smartphones, Retina Macbook Pro Air, and Android devices. It comes with 4 foam windscreens, so if you lose one...or three...you've always got another one available! This also has a long 6.5-foot cord. And it has an adapter that lets you use it with a standard video camera or computer mic input. It's a great choice. View and order on Amazon
Rode SmartLav+ Lavalier Microphone
The Rode SmartLav was one of the first high quality smartphone lavalier mics available. It sounds great and is widely used. It is one of the more expensive smartphone lavalier mics. I recommend getting a TRRS extension cord (in the Adapters section of this page) to use with this mic so you are sure to have enough cable. View and order on Amazon
Saramonic Gooseneck Mic for Wireless Transmitters
This mic solves a problem: putting a wireless mic at the podium for a news conference. (I used to clip my lavalier mic to the foam windscreen of someone else’s mic on the podium! Not a neighborly solution). This mic plugs in to the mic port on top of your wireless transmitter. So, on the podium, you just set or tape the transmitter to the surface of the podium, and bend the gooseneck to the correct angle. Problem solved! View and order on Amazon
Wireless Smartphone Microphones
Deity Wireless Mic System - Complete Kit
This brand new (Fall 2021). I bought this kit in November, and absolutely LOVE it for both smartphone and DSLR video production. Both the transmitter and receiver feature clips that act as a belt clip AND a cold shoe mount, so you can clip your receiver right to the top of your camera or clip it to the smartphone tripod mount! It comes with a USB-C cable to connect to Phones, Laptops, PCs and Macs, and a TRRS cable to connect to Phones, Cameras, Video Cameras and Audio Recorders. I have experienced great quality with this system. Provided cables and components are of really high quality. It’s my new favorite! View and Order on Amazon Note: It also comes in a non-kit version for $30 less. View and Order the No-Tripod/Mount Version on Amazon
Saramonic TX10 + RX10 96-Channel Digital UHF Wireless Lavalier Microphone System
This may or may not be a knockoff of Sony's $500 wireless system - it looks very similar - but Chinese manufacturer Saramonic makes great gear for standard video/audio and smartphone video production! Add a TRS-to-TRRS adapter cable to this system and you're all set with a heavy duty, high quality and capable wireless mic system for your livestreams and smartphone videos, as well as for DSLR and standard video camera production needs! It uses disposable AA batteries and has a high build quality. View and order on Amazon
Shotgun Microphone for Smartphones, DSLRs & Video Cameras
Rode VideoMic NTG Mini Shotgun Mic for Smartphones, DSLRs and Video Cameras
This shotgun mic is incredible! It has an auto sensing circuit inside so it automatically knows whether you’re connected to a smartphone or a video camera. That means you don’t have to use any adapters to make it work with your phone. With an infinitely variable gain (volume) control, built-in rechargeable battery, high pass filter and more, this is the Swiss Army Knife of microphones! It of course comes with a foam windscreen (not pictured). View and order from B&H Photo Video.
Microphone Adapters and Mixers
Saramonic SmartRig+ 2-Channel Audio Mixer for Smartphones and DSLRs
This little mixer is a big problem-solver! It allows you to mix two professional XLR-connector microphones (or two 1/8"/3.5mm microphones) for use with either DSLR cameras for videography, or for smartphones and tablets. This means you can mix two of your pro mics, including wireless mics, to make a video or do a livestream broadcast. It has a TRRS output for smartphones and a tripod mount on the bottom side. I love this unit! View and order on Amazon
Rode SC6-L Dual Microphone Input Device (Lightning Connector)
This allows you to use two smartphone mics with your iPhone or iPad at the same time. It has two smartphone microphone inputs, and a headphone output. View and order on Amazon
Male TRRS 3.5mm Smartphone Miniplug to Female XLR Jack Adapter
This is exactly what you need to adapt most professional wireless microphone receivers to work with your smartphone. Most wireless receivers used with professonal cameras already have an XLR plug on them for the output. With this cable, you can plug right into the receiver, and plug the other end into your smartphone. View and order on Amazon
PopVoice 8-foot TRRS Microphone Extension Cord
This is the TRRS cord you need to extend the length of the cable on your A.Lav EZ., Rode SmartLav, or any other smartphone microphone or headphones. This cable is about 6' long. I usually only need one, but I keep two with me just in case I need an extended cable length for a smartphone video shoot or livestream broadcast. View and order on Amazon
Podcasting and Audio Recording
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen.) Podcasting Interface
This is a USB microphone interface for podcasting. Plug up to two professional mics with 3-pin XLR connector into the front panel, plug the Scarlett into your computer, and you're ready to start podcasting! It has stereo line outputs on RCA phono plugs so you can connect it to home speakers and one headphone output with gain control. View and order on Amazon
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (2nd Gen.) Complete Podcasting Kit
This is the Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB microphone interface for podcasting (above), but it ALSO includes everything you need to record with! A great condenser mic, pop filter, boom-style mic stand, audio cables and headphones! View and order on Amazon
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen.) Complete Podcasting Kit
This is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB dual-microphone interface for podcasting (above), but it ALSO includes everything you need to record with! A great condenser mic, pop filter, desktop mic stand, audio cables and headphones!. View and order on Amazon
Audio Technica ATR-2100 USB Microphone
This is a great dual USB/XLR mic to start podcasting with, or to record audio interviews or voiceovers for video projects. It's really two mics in one! It is a standard microphone with a professional XLR (3 pin) connector, so it works with standard audio mixers and broadcast gear. And, it is a USB microphone, so you can plug it into the USB port on your computer to record digitally to audio programs like Audacity, Garage Band or Adobe Audition. View and order on Amazon
Tascam TM-80 Condenser Microphone
This is the perfect microphone for podcasting. It has a cardioid (directional) pattern, and an 18mm pure aluminum diaphragm. It requires phantom power from your audio mixer or interface, and comes with a shockmount, desk stand and 3-pin XLR cable. Note that the desk stand is very lightweight; I recommend getting a more robust desk stand or boom arm. This is NOT a USB mic, so it doesn't plug directly into your computer. It must be plugged into an audio mixer, or an analog to USB converter, a recorder, or an interface box like the Scarlett. This is my main mic for voiceovers and podcasting. View and order on Amazon
Cisno Shock Mount & Pop Filter for ATR-2100 Microphone
If you use the Audio-Technica ATR-2100 microphone for podcasting or recording voiceovers, this is the shock mount and pop filter unit to buy! It fits the ATR-2100 perfectly and isolates the mic from the thumps and bumps that can happen when your mic is on a desktop stand. And the adjustable pop filter makes sure that your voice comes through loud and clear without breathy "'plosives" that can happen when you're popping your "P's". View and order on Amazon
Movo LV-60 Wired Lavaliere Microphone (XLR connector)
This is a wired lavaliere microphone for recording podcasts or video interviews. Featuring a standard XLR connector, this mic connects to an audio mixer, recorder, or video camera utilizing professional XLR connectors. View and order on Amazon
Audio for Video
Tascam DR-10L Digital Audio Recorder with Lavalier Mic
Yeah, I know this looks like a wireless system. But it's not. This records pristine audio from its lavaliere mic onto a micro SD card. Use this instead of a wireless mic when you want to capture audio during a video shoot from a DSLR, smartphone or video camera, and later sync the audio back to the video you shot during editing in Premiere Pro, Final Cut, Sony Vegas, iMovie, or other editing program on a laptop or desktop computer. You get great audio and don't have to deal with the expense of a wireless mic system. View and order on Amazon
On-Stage Presentation Tech
Loop Audio Mixer by Maker Hart
When I present on stage, I do demos from my laptop, iPhone and iPad. To make it a seamless experience for the audience, I need an easy way to mix audio from all three sources. The Loop audio mixer does just that, and is so easy to connect because all the inputs and outputs on this mixer are 3.5mm female mini jacks. And the mixer will plug right in to the typical 3.5mm audio input to most presentation systems that you find at the podium. View and order on Amazon
Accessories
Magic Arm (articulating arm)
This arm is amazing. It has a male 1/4" threaded stud at one end, and the other end has attachments that can be kept on or removed that let you have a male cold shoe, a female 1/4" threaded hole, or another 1/4" male stud. This means you can use the Magic Arm to attach devices like monitors, video lights, mics and more to tripods, cameras, and smartphone camera cages like the Beastgrip Pro. View and order on Amazon
Pop-up Greenscreen
This pop-up greenscreen from Neewer is the best way to record a green screen video. So much quicker and easier than setting up a frame and hanging greenscreen fabric! It pops up in seconds out of its sturdy metal case. View and order on Amazon
Bescor MP-101 Remote Pan/Tilt Head
I'm using this now for my studio Periscope and Facebook Live broadcasts, and for recording videos with! This pan/tilt head connects to any standard tripod. Put a Square Jellyfish smartphone mount on it, then use the wired remote to adjust your shot. or put your DSLR on it and make aiming adjustments. You can use the remote to tilt the smartphone up or down, or left or right. It's so much easier to make camera adjustments while you are live-streaming or recording! View and order on Amazon
Disclosure: I do receive a small commission on many of the products on my site. All the products you see above are ones that I personally use, am very familiar with, and recommend. You will not pay more by buying through my Amazon links, and in the case of Arkon products, you get a great sitewide discount whenever you use my coupon code KERRY2018 at checkout on Arkon.com.