Video Podcasting Equipment: What You Need to Go Beyond Audio

🎙️ MIC CHECK: 1-2-3

Picture perfect! Video podcasting requires four essential components: quality cameras ($300-1,500), proper lighting ($150-500), video mixing solution ($400-2,000+), and a reliable computer. While starting can be as simple as a webcam and ring light, investing in dedicated cameras and a video mixer like the Rode Rodecaster Video will dramatically improve quality. Find all your video podcasting gear at Podcast Provisions.

Why Add Video to Your Podcast?

• YouTube is now the #1 platform where people consume podcasts
• Video podcasts receive 28% more engagement than audio-only content
• Clips from video podcasts drive significant discovery on social media
• Sponsored content often pays 15-30% more for video + audio formats

Essential Equipment Components

1. Cameras: Your Viewers' Eyes

Entry Level ($200-400):

• Webcams: Logitech C920 ($69) or Logitech Brio 4K ($199)
• Smartphone Mounts: Use your existing smartphone with a good mount

Mid-Range ($500-800):

• MV88+ Video Kit: ($249) Works with only your smart phone
• Marshall 5x HD60 PTZ Camera: ($796.99)

Professional ($1,000+):

• BirdDog X1 20x HD PTZ Camera: ($995)
• Canon EOS R5 C RF 24-105mm F4.0 Lens Kit: ($4499) 

2. Lighting: Essential for Quality

Entry Level ($50-150):

• Ring Lights: Neewer 18" Ring Light Kit ($79)

Mid-Range ($200-500):

• Three-Point Lighting Kits: GVM 800D LED Studio 3-Light Kit ($359)

3. Video Mixing and Switching

Entry Level ($0-400):

• Software Solutions: OBS Studio (Free) or Ecamm Live ($16/month)
• Basic Hardware: ATEM Mini ($295)

Mid-Range ($400-1,000):

• Blackmagic Design ATEM Mini Pro ($595)
• Roland AeroCaster ($295 + accessories): Wireless smartphone-based system

Professional ($1,000+):

• Rode Rodecaster Video ($1,099): All-in-one podcast production studio
• Roland VR-6HD ($2,195): Professional broadcast-grade video mixer
• Sony SR20-HD ($1,995): Versatile multi-camera streaming studio

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Neglecting audio quality: Video should enhance your podcast, not replace good audio
2. Poor lighting: Even expensive cameras produce poor results with inadequate lighting
3. Background distractions: Cluttered backgrounds distract viewers
4. Insufficient internet: Video streaming requires robust upload speeds (10+ Mbps)

Our Recommendation

At Podcast Provisions, we believe the most important video podcast investments are:

1. Proper lighting (Three point lighting kick from GVM)
2. Quality main camera (BirdDog PTZ Camera)
3. Video mixer (Roland V6 or Rodecaster Video depending on how many video inputs you need) - to learn more about the difference visit our blog post comparing the two. 

For serious creators, the Rode Rodecaster Video provides the best all-in-one solution that bridges professional audio and video needs and the Roland V6 offers unmatched professional audio and video mixing capabilities with the capability of having 6 cameras.

Need personalized equipment recommendations? Contact our team for custom advice based on your specific podcast format and budget.