What I Use

All of the products I use for my life with editing, tech, recommendations etc. I should note that I am not a professional video/audio person, so these are just the supplies I use. For tech, I am a somewhat experienced and knowledgeable person, so my recommendations have the slightest bit more credibility. These are affiliate links meaning I get a small kickback at no cost to you (it actually helps me run this website)

Filming Equipment

Camera - Canon EOS M50

The Canon EOS M50 is the perfect starter kit for vlogging and filming. The main reason I purchased it was for the flip screen, which is super helpful for filming head shots. I also use the standard lens that the camera comes with.

Camera - Panasonic LUMIX ZS100

This is my other camera. I would actually say I use this camera more. I just prefer this camera as it can focus on things better and I use it for b-roll and demonstration shots.

It should be noted that the only reason I use this camera is because my mother used it to take photos on vacation. So when I started YouTubing and I wanted a better camera than my Samsung Galaxy S7, I found this camera in the cabinet.

I believe there are cheaper and more affordable camera options, this camera just fell into my hands at the right time. It can also shoot 4K, however, you need a higher writing speed SD card than the one recommended.

Tripod - Amazon Tripod

I picked up this tripod about 5 years ago and it’s still going strong. I even much prefer it to my expensive tripod cause it’s so easy to quickly use.

Overhead Tripod - Horizontal Arm Tripod

I must admit that I rarely use this tripod, yet it takes up a significant amount of space in my room. I bought this fancy tripod thinking it would be a major upgrade, yet, I find myself gravitating towards the $15 Amazon tripod. This tripod takes forever to set up, it is bulky, and I only use it for horizontal overhead shots (I rarely take these).

If you plan on taking overhead tripod shots, this tripod does suffice well, except the screw is a bit fidgety. Otherwise, good quality tripod.

Shotgun Microphone - Rode Mic Pro+

I recently upgraded to the fanciest rode mic they sell. I used to have just the rode mic and it was alright. Not being an audiophile, I honestly can’t tell the difference.

SD Card - SanDisk 128GB

I have 128GB and I find that it’s a good SD card size. However, it should be noted that if you plan on filming a lot in 4K, you should get a higher writing speed and better quality SD card like this.

 

Editing Equipment

Editing Software - FCPX

I use Final Cut Pro X (FCPX) mainly because I have a MacBook and it’s the cheapest option for high-quality editing. It’s a one time purchase, and if you’re a student, you can get the student bundle discount to save money. Although iMovie is honestly really great for people just starting out.

However, before I had a Windows OS computer, and I used Premiere Pro (with student discount), but it’s super expensive as they charge a monthly subscription. So I realized that long-term, I would save money by buying a MacBook with FCPX. Although, if you have a Windows OS computer, I recommend DaVinci Resolve (free) or Filmora Wondershare (one time purchase) for affordable editing software.

SD Card Reader - Nonda USB-C to SD Card Reader

I must admit that this SD card reader has been the greatest purchase yet. Before I had this, I would connect a cord directly to my camera and wait for it to upload (it took about 10 minutes to transfer files). It was getting annoying to repeat this process and the cord was fraying and sometimes the process wouldn’t work. So i made the $15 investment and I never looked back. It makes editing so smooth and easy; my film is transferred instantly and I wait like 30 seconds. 10/10 recommend if you want to change your life.

External Hard Drive - Lacie 1TB

When I started editing on FCPX, it took up ALOT of space. realizing this, I ran into several issues over the span of 6 months with editing and had to constantly fight my editing demons that kept on crashing my projects. Realizing my desperate need for more computer space, I discovered you can actually edit your videos on an external hard drive with FCPX. It was quite a life-changing event.

The LaCie is really good, works fast and efficiently. No issues faced, except once when I dropped the hard drive without properly ejecting it from my computer. I then again fought with my editing demons; I had several mental breakdowns as I tried to recover my 2 weeks of edited video and pondered if being a yOuTubEr was really for me (well clearly the answer was yes as I’m still here). I eventually recovered it by performing technological witchcraft activities and I learned that the LaCie works well if you don’t drop it and accidentally eject it.

I have ran out of space with my Lacie and I am looking to get another 1TB or 2TB Lacie. Apparently, the higher the TB you go, the more lagging (unless you want to break the bank and buy an expensive one)

Music - Thematic

It has a pretty good selection of free music options. My only drawback would be that searching for music is a bit difficult.

I also like using Lukrembo for some chill lofi music. Then I use a YouTube to MP3 converter online; it should be noted that these can be sketchy so I’m not going to link any website.

Recording Microphone - Blue Yeti USB microphone

This is the Yeti Blue microphone. I use this for recording voiceovers in Final Cut Pro. If I had bought the Rode Mic Pro+ before this, I wouldn’t need this microphone as they’re basically the same thing.

Microphone Stand - Aokeo Desk Microphone Stand

This microphone stand is super janky and cheaply made. The packaging was already torn, but the value is a steal. It was super affordable and works like it should. I only bought it because I had leftover giftcard money.

It is also unnecessary as the Blue Yeti comes with a stand. I was just trying to be fancy and you can’t beat $14.

I have a MacBook Pro for editing with the base model stats. Next time I get a new computer (won’t be for a while), I would get a higher RAM as when editing, my computer always sounds like it’s about to take-off and the fan just CAN’T SHUT UP.

I also got the 16” as I wanted large surface area editing space. Although, it technically would’ve been more cost-efficient to buy an external monitor. However, since I’m going back to in-person school and not living at home anymore, I won’t have an external monitor, therefore, this size is perfect.

The storage space is fine, mainly because I edit on the external hard drive.

 

iPad Supplies

This is the iPad Pro from 2020 (with base model specs). So there is the newer M1 iPad from 2021. I did not upgrade as I saw no purpose. The new M1 iPad just has a slightly faster processor, slightly better resolution, and slightly better camera.

I chose the 12.9” mainly because I wanted lots of “surface area” to write with since I use the iPad for note-taking, and “art” purposes. Generally, a lot of my emilystudying business endeavors are performed on this device.

However, if you’re normal and plan on using it for note-taking and entertainment purposes, I would suggest the iPad Air (way cheaper and slightly smaller screen). I would have gotten the iPad Air, it just came out 3 months after I bought my iPad Pro.

iPad Keyboard - Logitech SlimFolio

I wanted an iPad keyboard except the iPad Magic Keyboard is outrageously overpriced for a floating keyboard. Logitech has much cheaper alternatives.

iPad Pro 12.9” (5th gen)

iPad Pro 12.9” (3rd & 4th gen)

iPad Pro 11” (1st, 2nd & 3rd gen)

iPad Air (4th gen)

iPad (7th, 8th & 9th gen)

iPad Case - ESR Tri-Fold Case

Very simple case and quite durable. It has an Apple Pencil flap and the edges are quite protective.

Screen Protector - Paperlike

If you want my hot take on the Paperlike (not sponsored on this website), I like it. It makes writing feel better and there is ALOT less glare. Especially when filming videos, if I didn’t have the screen protector, in my videos you would be able to see my facial expressions, camera, and setup with the glare — no thank you.

Drawbacks include that it’s expensive, it dims the screen, and it wears down your Apple Pencil nib. But honestly, I don’t really mind the dimness and the Apple pencil nib is going to wear inevitably due to friction (in general).

There are definitely alternatives to the matte screen protector. I’ve tried this one, and I didn’t like it because it dimmed my screen a bit too much.



Very simple, this is the only Apple Pencil that works with my iPad. Only the 1st Generation Apple Pencil is for the regular iPads.

Apple Pencil Grip - AHAStyle DuoTone Pencil Grip

As the Apple Pencil is literally a stick of metal, it can be uncomfy at times. Therefore, I just have this silicone grip that you slide onto the pencil. I should note that the grip can get stretched out with time.

I also have this one which looks more “pencil like”

 

Tech Setup

As mentioned in the previous section, this is my computer.

Laptop Stand - Grovemade Laptop Riser

This is just to raise my computer up. If you don’t have an external monitor, this is more “ergonomic”.

Standing Desk - Flexispot

This is a white standing desk. Super minimalistic and easy to setup!

External Monitor - BENQ GW2780

This is the external monitor that I connect to my MacBook Pro via an HDMI cord. This was actually gifted from BENQ, so I didn’t actually do any research into what’s the best external monitor.

I like it because it’s big (27”) and it’s quite affordable. Some drawbacks include the screen resolution (it sometimes irks me), and the screen color is a bit muted. Otherwise, it’s a good screen!

Apparently, it also has this “eye care” feature, but my eyes still hurt after using it.

Desktop Stand - Grovemade Desk Shelf

This is just a desktop raiser. I put my external monitor on top. It ties in the whole desk setup. If you are interested in what my setup looks like, this video shows it!

Speaker - Bose Soundlink Mini II

Good quality and crisp audio.

Keyboard - Mechanical Keyboard

In 2021, I bought a mechanical keyboard because I thought it would make me a faster typer. This addiction spiraled out of control and now I am a keyboard enthusiast (not a connoisseur because I have never engaged in a group buy).

I have several mechanical keyboards and I’m always asked where I got my keyboard. Most of them are actually custom made, so you can’t really buy them outright.

Although I recommend IQUNIX which sells several trendy and nice keyboards.

Keyboard Cable - StayWired

Staywired is a Canadian brand, so they might not ship to your country. This was also just for aesthetic reasons. I was using a random free cord before, but I had this fancy keyboard. It is like buying a filet mignon and cooking it in the toaster. Or buying a Ferrari and using vegetable oil for gasoline. Or buying a Tempurpedic and using it on the floor. Of course, I needed to splurge for this bougie keyboard cable.

Mouse/Trackpad - Apple Magic Trackpad

This is like the trackpad on a laptop but in physical form. I only like this because I edit a lot and you need a trackpad for it.

I also think for a piece of metal, it was inexcusably expensive.

Keyboard Desk Mat - Grovemade Matte Desk Pad

This is a desk mat that I use to dampen the sound of my keyboard. My keyboard sounds better with this.

Phone - iPhone 12 Pro Max

Pretty big phone and I like it! I have Casetify cases along with it!

 

Stationery Supplies

My all-time favorite pen. The ink glides across the page and it’s super satisfying to write. Another alternative is the Pilot G2 which is my second favorite black pen.

Colored Pens - Zebra Sarasa 0.5mm

The best colored pens ever! All the colors are super pigmented and they all glide across the page.

Notebook - Whitelines

I really like this notebook. And not because they put my notes on the cover, but because the paper is super thick and the white lines are so subtle. You can take really nice notes with these. My only drawback would be that the cost leans towards the slightly unaffordable side.

Journal - Peter Pauper

I like journals and diaries. It’s like therapy at 1/100th the price.

Highlighters - Zebra Mildliners

The best highlighters ever. No questions asked. I have too much to say so I will save you a few paragraphs to read.

Brush Pen - Tombow Fudenosuke

My first brush pen and my favorite brush pen.

I store my pens in this case.

Pencil - Tombow Mono Mechanical Pencil

Very simple and minimalistic pencil.

If my supplies happen to change, I’ll try my best to update this page. This was last updated in January 2022.