Buy the right filmmaking gear the first time.
Two questions. You get the page that actually applies to you, and the free Filmmaking Gear Starter Checklist to go with it.
How this works
- Tell it your situation. Two taps, no email needed.
- Read the one page that matches. Not a list of forty.
- Keep the Filmmaking Gear Starter Checklist. Free, printable, yours.
For outdoor shoots, compare matte box mounts and filter trays before buying.
Choose a field monitor with the brightness and camera inputs your shoot needs.
Start with our picks
5 picks
5 Best Filmmaking Equipment in 2026
Five filmmaking equipment essentials for cleaner sound, controlled light, stable power and usable footage, with a specific role and trade-off for each pick.
6 picks
6 Best Microphones for YouTube in 2026
Compare six microphones for YouTube narration, talking-head videos and interviews, with connection choices, kit contents and an honest trade-off for each.
5 picks
5 Best Audio Recording Devices for Filmmaking in 2026
Compare five audio recording devices for filmmaking, from compact field recorders to a computer-based studio bundle, with clear trade-offs for each.
5 picks
5 Best Budget Shotgun Microphones in 2026
Compare five on-camera shotgun microphones for straightforward video recording, with a practical trade-off for each.
5 picks
5 Best Budget Camera Monitors in 2026
Compare five compact and larger on-camera monitors by screen size, HDMI signal, exposure tools, power and the limits that matter on a video shoot.
5 picks
5 Best Budget Studio Light Kits in 2026
Compare five complete starter studio-light kits by included parts, with a practical trade-off for each.
Everything, by topic
The free Filmmaking Gear Starter Checklist
Inside: camera, audio, lighting and storage kit list by budget.