If you are going to do webinars, create tutorial style training videos, and/or be in a podcast, here is a list of low-cost equipment setup that I recommend:
Microphone: there are two styles to pick from:
Boom Arm + Dynamic Range Mic attached
For $300 you can get a Rode Podcaster and Rode PSA1 Boom Arm
For $60 you can get a Samson q2u Microphone and $100 for the Boom Arm
OR
Simple High Quality Headset, like the Sennheiser SC 30 USB ML
Webcam: any 1080p/HD webcam will work, such as the Logitech C920S
Lights: Ideally, you need 3 lights:
1. The basic ambient light for you room (no need to be too bright, as you want the background from your room to be just “background”)
2. Main Focus light for one side of the face: I have a $150 18″ Ring Light setup, but I find a a $60 NEWER 480 LED light is good enough. I use an old white t-shirt as a diffuser. This type of light requires a stand of some sort.
3. A fill light for the other side of the face: I use a $ 30 TAOtronics LED Desktop light that is also useful for general work on my desk
This is what my desk looks like, where I produce webinars and podcast content every day!
On another note, I now (February 2020) have a pretty sophisticated recording setup:
- Sony a6600 Camera: https://amzn.to/38qBY9A
- Sigma 16mm F/1.4 Lens: https://amzn.to/37nA48e
- Rode VideoMic NTG: https://amzn.to/2SKn5bg
- SmallRig Microphone Relocator for a6600: https://amzn.to/37nzVlc
- 2x Elgato Key Lights: https://amzn.to/38o6MHX
- Elgato 4k Camlink: https://amzn.to/2HvO99j
- HDMI Mini to HDMI Cable: https://amzn.to/31PskdR
- Manfrotto Tripod: https://amzn.to/2w8cxuV
- Apple MacBook Pro: https://amzn.to/2uyyQd4
- Editing Software – ScreenFlow for Mac : https://amzn.to/2SFIa6P or Camtasia for PC: https://amzn.to/2Hlsro4