My Content Creator Gear for Vlogging, Blogging & Getting Paid to Be Me

Entrepreneurship

Mar 17

A Canon G7X camera is set up on a desk, aimed at a monitor showing a green, eerie power line scene. A fluffy-covered microphone is beside it. — All photographs are original works taken and created by dreamlikediana. All artwork and content are protected by copyright law. Reproduction or distribution without express written permission is strictly prohibited. ©DREAMLIKEDIANA - All Rights Reserved

Let’s talk camera & filming gear, the behind-the-scenes lineup that helps me show up online, tell my story, and actually get paid just for being myself. I’m not here to overwhelm you with specs or convince you to buy gear you’ll never touch. This is what I actually use, day in and day out. Whether I’m filming videos, shooting blog photos, taking product photos, or creating content across platforms. I’ll be updating this post as my setup evolves, but for now, this is what helps me keep things running smoothly and creatively.

Just a heads-up: None of my blog posts are sponsored! Every post is honest and straight from the heart, sharing information and value that I believe could genuinely benefit you. This post includes links to my own shop and products, plus a few affiliate links, which means I might earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those affiliate links (at no extra cost to you!). Want to know more about the brands I'm affiliated with? Click here to learn more! 😊

Tap any image to shop, or scroll down for notes on how I use each one in my workflow.

Featured

NEEWER TL253A+DS001 Tabletop Overhead Camera Mount Stand

NEEWER DS001 Tabletop Overhead Camera Mount Arm

Manfrotto PIXI Evo 2-Section Aluminum Mini Tripod

SOONSUN Tripod Mount Kit with 1/4"-20 Conversion Adapter and Cold Shoe Mount

Wireless Camera Remote Shutter for Smartphones

Logitech Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone

Youshares Blue Yeti Pop Filter for Blue Yeti & Pro USB Condenser Mics

Featured

Canon G7X Mark II

$630

https://amzn.to/40PwS3O

Vlogging camera with good filming quality, but the mic doesn't compare to the GoPro and it has autofocus issues. Battery life isn't amazing, but when it works well it captures really good footage. I use it a lot for blog and website photos now. Great for top-down videos and easily pairs with my phone for quick photo editing. Full review here.

NEEWER TL253A+DS001 Tabletop Overhead Camera Mount Stand

$53.99

https://amzn.to/42n9Fa6

I wouldn't trust my Canon G7X Mark II on any cheap tripod mount. I already have multiple Neewer items and decided to try their overhead mount. My dad even said it was made very well—this thing is heavy and sturdy. I've had it for multiple years and it's perfect for top-down videos whether you're planning, scrapbooking, cooking, or whatever else. I bought an extra arm since I needed one for my camera and one for my ring light. It extends really high (I never use the full extension) and has secure locking mechanisms.

NEEWER DS001 Tabletop Overhead Camera Mount Arm

$29.99

https://amzn.to/4301aSr

I needed an extra overhead mount arm—one for my ring light and one for my camera. One comes with the overhead mount, and an extra costs $29.99. They're worth the price!

10” Ring Light

(B Only, $18.99)

https://amzn.to/4mqxAgf

The plug is USB A, which doesn't bother me since my outlets have 6 USB A slots. It's a simple, basic, and affordable ring light. I only use it when filming top down.

Manfrotto PIXI Evo 2-Section Aluminum Mini Tripod

$79.00

https://amzn.to/4fiC3iE

Great for handheld cameras that are slightly heavier, like the Canon G7X Mark II or Sony ZV1.

Camera Pouch

(Large, $9.49)

https://amzn.to/40PsQII

Has two zipper pockets—one for the camera and another for batteries or smaller accessories. I would never not have some type of case for a camera. You really only need one. I also have a pink one, but it's not available anymore.

Camera Extension Base Plate

$23.99

https://amzn.to/3J2fse6

Makes it easy to access the camera battery slot without detaching the tripod. Most cameras are built so the tripod blocks the battery door, but this solves that problem. The base plate also allows for more accessories to be attached.

Camera Screen Protector

$9.85

https://amzn.to/4oDm9nx

I have this on my Canon G7X Mark II and have never had any issues with it. I wasn't sure whether to include it, but I'd recommend a screen protector for most non-action cameras—just like you'd put one on your phone.

GoPro Hero 10 Black

$339.20

https://amzn.to/41slcnL

Great vlogging camera, not just for action shots. Has an amazing built-in mic and excellent camera quality while staying super portable. I don't use it for photos. My GoPro came with an accessory bundle including two batteries, a clip, a case, and a mini pole/tripod—but no memory card. Got it as an open box but brand new Best Buy deal in September 2022, with tax included in the listed price.

SOONSUN Tripod Mount Kit with 1/4"-20 Conversion Adapter and Cold Shoe Mount

$12.95

https://amzn.to/4flNl5P

Lets me mount my GoPro onto regular tripods like my Manfrotto. Essential adapter that bridges the gap between action cameras and standard tripod systems.

Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod

$21.90

https://amzn.to/40ODa3H

Perfect for lighter cameras like GoPros or phones.

Universal Smartphone Mount Holder

$6.99

https://amzn.to/3H9g6Gi

Rotates 360° for both vertical and landscape videos. Comes in clutch constantly. I actually have two—one that travels with me and one that stays at home—because I use it so frequently.

Wireless Camera Remote Shutter for Smartphones

$7.99 for 2

https://amzn.to/4mtfZEy

I've had this for over 10 years and it works incredibly well. It's a lifesaver when I'm with people who don't know how to take photos or when I'm traveling solo. Super easy to use. This is actually what made my DIY birthday photoshoot possible, which you can read about here.

Nikon D5100

$649.95

https://amzn.to/4l8UAiD

My first DSLR. I got it when I was 18 or 19. Growing up, my dad had a DSLR and constantly photographed me and our family, which sparked my desire for my first camera, the polaroid. Eventually I invested in my own DSLR. I saved up about $600 for it and mainly used it for outfit photos when I started fashion blogging on Instagram back in 2010-2012. While I don't use it as much anymore, if I need any super detailed shots this is what I have. It's just really heavy.

Polaroid 600 Camera Close Up

$84.49

https://amzn.to/4mwqGpY

My first camera was a kindergarten graduation gift. I was already obsessed with cameras by then, and when my mom gave me the choice between dance classes or this camera, the decision was easy. I chose the camera, and it sparked a lifelong love of being both behind and in front of the camera that started incredibly early. Yeah, not a go to camera, but I still wanted to include it because it’s a great prop. It’s really cute! Still works too!

iPhone 15

(Pink, 256gb, $829)

https://tinyurl.com/iphone-15-pink

The perfect pink! I actually was team android for 10 years before I came back to iPhones. You can read about it in this post. I update my phone every few years but try not to use it predominantly for filming or photos since heavy use drains the battery faster. I want my phones to last, so I keep camera usage minimal. But iPhone camera quality these days is too superb not to use.

Logitech Creators Blue Yeti USB Microphone

(Whiteout, $139.99)

https://amzn.to/3J3gdDM

Great mic for voiceovers with super clear audio. It's really addicting to use! Just remember it's a wired microphone, so it's not portable. Best for voiceovers, podcasts, streaming, sit-down videos, etc.