We get SO many questions around what lights, cameras and other tech we use in our business for video & the Heather Sager Show podcast, that we did a round up of our favorite things!
Below you’ll find a list of the actual things we use (or recommendations from industry friends).
**Disclaimer: Some of the following links are affiliate links. These come at no additional charge to you, but allow us to receive a payment or an incentive if you make a purchase through one of them**
Heather’s go-to Microphone
Logitech Blue Yeti Premium USB Gaming Microphone for Streaming
Get It here on Amazon
I’ve recorded 170+ podcast epsiodes, hundreds of course and YouTube videos and all interviews and conference calls with this microphone.
Heather’s Current Webcam
Logitech for Creators StreamCam Premium Webcam for Streaming and Content Creation
Get it on Amazon
This is the camera I currently use for all interviews and videos.
Logitech C920x HD Pro Webcam
Get it on Amazon.
Heather used this one for the first 2+ years in business.
Heather’s FAV Studio Light
A soft box light kit is my FAVORITE source for studio lighting. Depending on how much space you have, you might want to choose a smaller option.
I currently have a double pack like the one shown here, but only use 1 for video each day. I pull the 2nd one out if Iām recording courses.
Neewer 700W Professional Photography 24×24 inches
Get it on Amazon.
If you want a smaller option, this 16″ Softbox, RALENO LED Softbox Lighting Kit might be a better option
Studio Lighting: Ring
Neewer Ring Light Kit:18″
Get It on Amazon
Heather’s back up (or alternate) lighting
Phone Tripods
Acuvar 50″ Smartphone/Camera Tripod
Get it on Amazon
Here’s an alternate option that has a wireless remote
Or this mount that you can suction cup to a window (great for lighting) or mirror.
Small Light for Phone
Socialitehttps://amzn.to/3TQP0Fg Mini
Adjustable Phone Mount
Vastar Universal Smartphone Tripod Adapter
You’ll want this if you’re connecting your phone to your ring light or the tripod you choose doesn’t come with a phone mount.
Software & Other Tools
LIVE STREAMING
If you’re looking for an easy tool to play around with live streaming, I HIGHLY recommend StreamYard. It’s user friendly and easy to use. It’s my go-to platform whenever I go live in my Facebook Page and groups and to create most of my pre-recorded gust trainings. Click on this link right here to learn more and try it. Get a $10 credit when you use my link. š
It’s an all-in-one live streaming & video production studio for Mac.
VIDEO RECORDING EDITING
DESCRIPT <— MY ABSOLUTE FAV OBSESSION
This tool will transcribe your videos, and show them to you like a google doc. Then you can literally select the words, sentences you want to cut by highlighting them, then DELETE and it will automatically CUT (edit) your VIDEO. Mind Blowing. We use this to edit all our courses and YouTube videos.
I started with a completely free plan but now I’m using the pro version on the daily in my business to record tutorials for my students, show my Virtual Assistant how to complete a task or send a video critique to a client. This is a GO to for me
VIDEO CONFERENCING / WEBINAR PLATFORM
I use Zoom for virtual coffee dates, group coaching calls, masterminds, webinars, podcast interviews, and recording training videos.
For meetings, video webinars, conference rooms, and more, Zoom is ranked #1 in customer reviews. The platform is engineered and optimized to work reliably, allows for 1,000 video participants and 10,000 viewers, is easy to use, buy and scale, and has the most affordable and straightforward pricing. If you do phone calls in your business, this is a great way for you to elevate that connection and develop richer, deeper connections.
STREAMYARD
TRANSCRIPTIONS & CLOSED CAPTIONS
I use transcription to get the ideas out of my head through my mouth and on to paper. Both software creates the transcript so I can move forward with my content.
If you’re looking for a free or low-cost transcription service for simple audio or video recordings, Otter is a reliable choice (their paid plan is much affordable than Temi). It also has excellent mobile app and fast file processing.
This advanced speech recognition software takes speech to text in five minutes with 85% accuracy. Submit your audio or video file to Temi, review your transcript with timestamps and speakers, and save and export your transcript for $0.25 per audio minute. No subscriptions, no minimums, and no additional charges making it a great choice for any project.
EMAIL PLATFORM
Convertkit is a great email service provider for content creators. It offers a landing page builder, allows you to create opt in forms and also setup visual automations. I have been using this tool since I started my business. It’s pretty simple and easy to use.
