What I Use

What camera should I get? How do you make websites? What video editing software do you use? Etc…

– newbies

Every creative has the tools that they reach for daily. It’s the things that help us make what we do possible. Over the years, I’ve found that many people always ask me the same question, especially when they are just starting out.

Well, this page is dedicated to answering all those questions, plus where to get them.

The essentials

Computer

I use a 2021 14″ m1 pro MacBook Pro as my daily driver. The biggest reason is that they make final cut pro x, but it also helps that they make great products that I enjoy using. I thought I’d miss having the bigger laptop, but the 14″ is truly a perfect size for working and portability.

Camera

My primary camera of Choice is the 3-year-old Panasonic Gh5, the Lumix Panasonic S5. This is a light, very capable workhorse of a camera. If you’re looking to be a gorilla filmmaker, this is the camera of choice if you ask me.

NLE

I use Final Cut Pro X as my video edit of choice. I love this app. It has helped change how I think about editing and saved me thousands of dollars. I’m occasionally asked to use Premiere Pro, and I do, but when given the choice, I choose final cut.

Audio Gear

When working on audio-only projects, podcasts, or just having a remote meeting. I can’t live without the Scarlet 2i2, Rode Pod-Mic, and Blue Compass boom arm.

Music Licensing

As a video professional, the only other thing that is essential for creating any video content is having good copyright-free music and sound FXs. I’ve used many services from Musicbed, Epidemic Sound, and Sounsripe. The one I’ve settled on and love is Artlist.io. I have music and sound fx licensing because you never know when you need a good sound fx. I also love that their license covers everything. YES, EVERYTHING.

The Full Break Down

Hardware

The Non-Creative Tools I Use

External Monitor

I used to be a dual-monitor setup guy, but since I started using the 34-inch LG ultrawide display, I don’t think I’ll ever go back. Being able to have my entire NLE spread out but when necessary, I can easily add the script one side but still have plenty of space for editing.

I now use Apple’s studio display. It’s a beautifully made monitor that’s well worth the $1500 price tag. Its colors are vibrant and accurate, and because I’m on a mac, it makes it super easy to use.

Keyboard and Mouse

For the first four and a half years of making videos, I only used my MacBook and no external tools. Eventually, the trackpad became my number one option for navigating my computer. If I was using a desktop computer, I had to get the Magic Trackpad because using a mouse felt weird. Like many, I began getting wrist pains, so I investigated options and settled on the Logitech MX-ergo. Plus, because I have multiple devices that use, I decided to couple my MX-ergo with the Logitech MX Keys.

External Drives

I’ve never been very picky on hard drives and so I often carry around some Seagate 2tb hard drives with a USB-3 to USB-c connector. I got a friend’s old Pegasus 2 R4 raid for work and long-term storage, but I’d recommend OWC Thunderbay 6 if I were getting a new one.

Headphones

My on-the-go headphones of choice are the Apple AirPods. When working on my MacBook or office, I use Sony WH-CH700N Noise Canceling headphones.

Software

The Nerdy Tools I Use

Apple Creative Suite

As mentioned above I use Final Cut Pro as my main NLE, but I also use Motion, Compressor, and Logic Pro (This is a great tutorial on logic if you’re new). All four of these apps are fantastic tools and have been awesome to work with. Plus, I only had to pay for them once. I will say that Motion is the least appreciated but is an amazing tool and I think everyone should give it a shot.

Password Manager

If you’re not using a password manager, you need to stop and get yourself one right now. My wife and I chose to go with my apple keychain and Dashlane.

Websites

I use WordPress for both personal and my client sites. I love the new block editor and its flexibility

  • WP-Hosting: I use Flywheel for personal sites because they provide excellent customer service and tools. For clients who don’t want to manage their hosting and want me to, I use SiteGround.
  • My favorite theme right now: Blocksy, and Poe

Mac Apps I Can’t Live Without

Here is a list of apps I install on every mac I use: