Summer is here and student creators are getting out there to really test their craft in the field. It’s not only a good time to invest more time and energy into your creative outlet! It’s also a great time to find deals on camera gear to further your creativity. Doing this on a budget can be tough, but perfectly possible. This guide will help you find the best gear for student creators to upgrade old photo, video and audio gear. All in a way that extends their budget as far as possible.
Best Gear for Student Creators
Photo and Video Equipment
Sony ZV-E1 Mirrorless Camera Body
Why We Chose This Camera: It offers students a compact vlog-style camera that is perfect for budding vloggers and Youtubers.
This is a full-frame camera that delivers fantastic video quality thanks to its stabilized sensor, 10-bit 4k 60 codec, and S-Cinetone color. Its stabilized sensor makes it great for vloggers who prefer not to use a gimbal but are always on the go. Its level of quality takes it from an entry-level camera to a pro-level one at such a great price. The screen is 360 revolving so you’re able to work completely alone on a video. It is a full-frame camera that is basically the size of a point-and-shoot.
Sony Alpha a7 IV Mirrorless Digital Camera
Why We Chose This Camera: This is a camera that any student creator can grow into as they upskill.
This is the fourth installment of the successful Sony a7 camera model and features a 33MP BSI-CMOS sensor. The new sensor is a steep upgrade from its predecessor. It also shoots 4K 60p at 10-bit, has extremely fast autofocus, and built-in image stabilization. This camera is well known for its low-light capabilities, smart subject recognition, and reliable focus — even in bad lighting. You can also connect an Atomos Ninja V via HDMI port and externally record in ProRes. Explore your campus and create professional-level content with the Sony Alpha a7 IV.
Panasonic HC-VX981K 4K Ultra HD Camcorder
Why We Chose This Camcorder: This camcorder makes 4K recording uncomplicated! Plus, it has a picture-in-picture recording feature that viewers love.
Camcorders were a hit among older generations, but young vloggers seem to be loving it, too. And what’s not to love?! This camcorder by Panasonic offers an innovative HDR mode that relives the importance of highlights and shadows. Get footage in 4K, or when your display can’t take it, you can down-sample your videos in-camera to 1080p. No need for extra apps or software! One more great feature within the HC-VX981K is its LEICA Dicomar Lens with a 20x optical zoom. Plus, it has 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization that helps steady those zoomed shots even further. So, say bye to grainy footage and blurry photos!
Canon PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera for Content Creators
Why We Chose This Camera: For beginners in vlogging, the new Canon PowerShot V10 Vlog Camera is great.
This simple and compact design offers 4K shooting that fits in your pocket. It is easy to use handheld, includes a kickstand for tabletop recording, and captures good audio without using an external mic. The tilt screen allows you to quickly go into vlog mode in less than a second. The V10 is set up for automatic recording out of the box but other modes include Manual Movie, Skin Smoothing, and Movie Digital IS.
Fujifilm X-T5 Mirrorless Camera
Why We Chose This Camera: Packed with features and it fits comfortably in a school bag.
This camera is smaller and lighter than ever but packs a punch with its 40-megapixel sensor and crazy-fast shutter speeds, so you won’t miss a beat. With its classic dials, you can easily switch settings like a pro, and the flip-out LCD lets you shoot from any angle. Whether you’re snapping shots of wildlife or filming epic 6.2K videos, the X-T5 has you covered with built-in stabilization and smart autofocus.
OM SYSTEM OM-1 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Why We Chose This Camera: The OM System OM-1 is one of the smallest mirrorless cameras on the market — almost small enough to fit in your pocket.
The OM-1 is the first high-end Micro Four Thirds camera to come from OM Digital Solutions. Sealed with the best weatherproofing on the market, this 20MP camera is capable of high-speed shooting and offers a wide range of computational photography modes. This tiny camera is great for vlogging as it shoots 4K/60 with image stabilization rated up to 7EV and 8EV with compatible lenses. It can also shoot 1080P at 240fps. Though the sensor is 20MP, these cameras can shoot high resolution stills up to 50MP using the Hand-Held High Resolution mode. If you are looking for professional-level content from a camera the size of a coffee cup, check out the OM-1.
GoPro HERO12 Black
Why We Chose This Camera: It’s able to shoot 5.3K videos with 27MP photo capabilities and costs less than $400.
Though the GoPro HERO Black line is amazing, this one stands out. The HERO12 Black has a battery life double its predecessor. This means more time to capture the thrill of your adventures, ensuring you never miss a moment. On top of that, the HERO12 Black takes the cake for “best-in-class image quality” with HDR (5.3K and 4K) for both videos and photos. And if you’re a student that really likes to make every second (or millisecond) count, the HERO12 Black has up to 8x slo-mo at 2.7K resolution for playback. And if we’re talking awards, this action camera does not lack. It features the Emmy Award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization, leaving competitors scrambling since they’re at a disadvantage.
As a widely advertised action camera, GoPros themselves are already pretty durable. However, it’s still better to be safe than sorry. Speaking of safety, the SmallRig Cage Kit meets every camera protection need you have. It’s a full hard case that wraps around your GoPro, made to withstand rigorous use. Thus, it gives you room to be more adventurous!
Upon using, you’ll notice two cold shoe mounts! Both easily connect to GoPro Light Mods, common microphones, or LED video lights. At its bottom is a dedicated foldable GoPro mount, made to fit the original GoPro baseplate or other accessories. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the latest GoPro! Mhm, this cage kit accommodates GoPro HERO Black versions 12, 11, 10, and 9.
SanDisk Extreme Portable 1TB USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C External SSD V2
Why We Chose This SSD: When you’re constantly on the go, sometimes your gear will take a hit or two. The SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2 is extremely rugged and durable, easy to take with you anywhere.
The Extreme V2 weighs just 1.8 ounces and measures 2.1 by 4 inches. On one of the short edges is a USB Type C port. Its ruggedness is rated to survive a drop from 6.5 feet, thanks to a forged aluminum frame protected by a silicone rubber skin. It is also protected against sand and water. Included on the Extreme V2 is SanDisk’s SecureAccess software, which lets you create a password-protected vault of files on the drive. If you are always on the move, having an SSD over a disk drive is essential to keeping your files safe. The Extreme V2 is durable, fast, and affordable.
Audio Equipment
Shure MV7 Dual XLR/USB Podcast Microphone
Why We Chose This Microphone: We chose the MV7 microphone because it’s like having a personal audio engineer in a sleek silver package.
Inspired by the legendary SM7B, this sleek silver mic is the ultimate mix of style and function. Whether you plug in via USB or go pro with XLR, you’re covered. USB users get the magic of the ShurePlus MOTIV app, with Auto Level Mode to tweak tone and distance on the fly, saving you hours in editing. Voice Isolation Tech ensures your voice shines while muting unwanted background noise. The handy touch panel makes adjustments a breeze, and built-in headphone monitoring lets you nail the perfect sound every time.
JOBY Wavo AIR Omnidirectional Wireless Lavalier Kit, Black/Red
Why We Chose This Kit: It is very common to have a lavalier mic on hand for any shoots. The JOBY Wavo AIR Omnidirectional mic is a simple and easy solution for quick, high quality audio.
If you are investing any time and energy into audio, you are likely to need a lavalier mic at some point. The Joby Wavo AIR is a wireless microphone that allows you to quickly capture audio on the go, using a range of devices, including a smartphone. The Wavo AIR comes with two transmitters and one receiver. The mics have an omnidirectional polar pattern so they can capture sound from 360 around your subject.
DJI Mic 2-Person Digital Wireless Microphone System
Why We Chose This Kit: This DJI mic system has quickly become one of the most popular mic systems for fast-paced creators who value durability and compactness.
We have added this mic system to the list because it has fantastic range, durable build quality with a case that wirelessly charges the microphones. It is easy to set up and easy to use, offering professional-quality audio to your camera or smartphone — right out of the box. A new firmware update allows the mic to record on a backup channel to ensure that your audio is never peaking.
Lighting
Godox LR150 18″ Bi-Color LED Ring-Light
Why We Chose This Light: This kit offers a complete and portable lighting solution that makes every shot look professional. Yes, even if you’re shooting it from your dorm!
With its adjustable color temperature range from 3000K to 6000K, this ring light delivers soft, shadowless lighting and eye-catching effects, perfect for everything from vlogs and YouTube videos to studio shoots and selfies. The dimmable LEDs and high color accuracy (CRI over 90) let you effortlessly customize brightness from 10% to 100%.
Glow HexaPop 24″ II Octagonal Softbox
Why We Chose This Light: We have added the Glow HexaPop 24” II to the list because it is lightweight, portable, easy to use, and can work with both a studio head and speed lights.
The HexaPop would be great for wedding photographers, headshot photographers, and even street/lifestyle photographers. It is great for fast-paced environments where the light and scenes are constantly changing and you need a quick and reliable setup.
Godox TL60 RGB Tube Light 2-Light Kit
Why We Chose This Light: The Godox TL60 Tube Light is a more video-focused lighting solution that you can use anytime, anywhere. We have it on the list because it is a versatile option that is perfect for any and all creatives.
The kit includes a well-made carrying case which holds the light tubes, power supply, mounting clip and other accessories. The most basic mode is “white,” which allows you to adjust the color temperature from 2700k to 6500k, easily adding cool or warm color to your scene. Beyond white, you can have a full gamut of RGB. Setting a specific color is fast and easy, and can be done either using the remote or the mobile app. You can achieve exact colors and still have full control over brightness of the light!
Stabilizers
3POD Wander Aluminum Travel Tripod
Why We Chose This Tripod: Whether you are a photographer or videographer, using a tripod will, at some point, be beneficial to your craft.
If you are looking for something minimal and travel friendly, the 3POD Wander is both compact and lightweight. The 3POD is designed with stability in mind, while keeping a compact and lightweight form for quick and easy travel. It only weighs 4 lbs. and collapses down to the size of your water bottle. The center column can be extended to give the system a total height of 70” while still maintaining its stability.
Vanguard VEO 2S AM-234 TBP50T 4-Section Al Monopod
Why We Chose This Monopod: The Vanguard VEO 2S Monopod is on this list for those who want a little extra stability without being slowed down by an actual tripod.
The Vanguard’s monopod design allows the user to quickly move around a setting, stick the monopod to the ground, and quickly capture images with more stability. It also has a Tri-Feet and VEO BP 50T Ball/Pan Head, combined with its aluminum design. The ball/pan head also includes a quick-release plate that can hold a smartphone. The Tri-Feet are permanently fixed but are foldable when you strictly want to use a monopod. The base also includes a ball joint which can be tightened for even more stability.
Peak Design 20L Everyday Backpack V2
Why We Chose This Backpack: It’s huge! 20 liters can fit a lot, including a camera, a tripod, a microphone, batteries, a charger, and a few school stuff. A perfect-sized backpack for a student creator.
This revamped version of V1 blends sleek style with practical upgrades, like a 100% recycled nylon canvas shell that’s tough and weatherproof. The backpack keeps your laptop and tablet safe in dedicated sleeves and organizes all your essentials in handy slip pockets. It’s got expandable side pockets for water bottles or tripods and a clever tuck-away strap system for extra gear. Plus, it hooks onto your rolling luggage for easy travel.
FAQs
What gear do you need to be a content creator?
You’ll need a good camera, microphone, and lighting setup. A decent computer or tablet for editing and some software to piece it all together are also essential!
What do content creators use to film?
Content creators usually use cameras or smartphones with high-quality video capabilities. For a pro touch, they might use DSLR or mirrorless cameras with a tripod or gimbal.
What is a content creator kit?
A content creator kit is a bundle of gear that helps you make awesome videos and photos. It typically includes a camera, microphone, lighting, and maybe some editing tools.
What materials do you need to be a content creator?
At the very least, you’ll need a camera or smartphone, a microphone for clear audio, and lighting to make your content look great. Some basic editing software is a must too!
How to create content for beginners?
Start with what you have — your phone can work wonders. Plan your content, keep it consistent and simple, and focus on good lighting and clear audio. Practice makes perfect, so keep creating and learning as you go!
Conclusion
I started my photography journey when I was still a student at university, and I remember how hard it was to come by affordable yet high quality gear at the time. It doesn’t have to be that way. There are plenty of options for amazing, professional-level gear for affordable prices out there. Adorama offers exclusive discounts to students to help you get the gear you need to follow your creative passions.
Adorama also offers Students GearUP, an exclusive discount program for college students to help you get the gear you need for your studies, creative passion, and everything in between. Check out the Students GearUp page to learn more.
For any of the products listed in this guide or even more creative equipment, gear, and accessories, be sure to check out Adorama.com for the very best options in the industry. Enjoy the rest of your summer continue to #CreateNoMatterWhat!
