4K Vlogging Setup $600-700

Looking for the best budget 4K vlogging setup? Check out this lightweight high quality camera and rig setup that will only set you back $600.
NOTE: The G7 price JUST went back up to $600 for the camera and lens kit. Keep an eye out for another price drop. I've seen the $500 kit often and I'm sure we will see that price again soon.
Panasonic G7 w/ 14-42mm
(was $500 a day ago... Keep an eye out for a price drop again)
Amazon ► geni.us/g71442kit
B&H ► www.bhphotovid...
eBay ► rover.ebay.com/...
RODE VideoMicro
Amazon ► geni.us/rodevid...
B&H ► www.bhphotovid...
Table Tripod on Amazon ► geni.us/kamitripod
Fotga Fader ND on Amazon ► geni.us/fotgand46
I also touched on these two additional items:
Panasonic 14mm F2.5
Amazon ► geni.us/panason...
eBay ► rover.ebay.com/...
USB Charger on Amazon ► geni.us/blc12ch...
Note: Some of these links have an affiliate code, if you purchase with these links you will be supporting me and these videos at no extra cost. Thank you!

[@ChrisDePrisco]

Hey Caleb! Just picked up a slightly used GH4 with a 20mm f1.7 lens after my old Canon Vixia camcorder stopped booting up. Now that I have a "real" camera again I've been inspired to make better, more professional videos and have been binge-watching for tips. Thanks for all the work and great videos!

[@aaronchew]

Chris DePrisco how's the GH4? It's pretty cheap now.

[@ChrisDePrisco]

It's great so far! I can't come up with a complaint that isn't just me having to get used to a different interface and where certain buttons are. I made a quick update video for my channel with it, just playing around, really - if you want to check out some footage.

[@aaronchew]

Chris DePrisco Awesome. I'll check it out.

[@neuronindustrial]

I also had a vixia that still works however I needed some more features so I actually got a G85 and I’ve been working on making a rig for it

[@MattFromSMM]

Great video buddy. I just wish Panasonic had better af. I'd only use their cameras if they started using phase detect.

[@MicroFourNerds]

My g7 is my baby. I have a gh5 too (awesome!) but for walking about I often take my g7 over it because it's lighter

[@imanrasidi]

are u use g7 for vlog?

[@LoneSculProductions]

iman rasidi I do yes it's very good!

[@LouisLuzuka]

could u tell me about the differences between a gh5 and a g7 like which one would u prefer for vlogging? or what don't u like about it

[@mandobaron]

This is what I tell people too! Solid advice in 6 minutes, I love it. Thanks!

[@MakeTestBattle]

This what I have been recommending as a KZbin starter to friends. Though one got A7s II and another got the GH5. Could of bought three G7 easily for what they paid. An awesome lens for this coming out soon is the Laowa 7.5mm F/2, a rectilinear super wide for MFT. -Justin

[@iPodKingCarter]

thanks, gonna get a ND filter for my GH5 because of this...

[@zacharywhitney6957]

I just bought this camera last week! it's my first camera other than my phone and it's been awesome so far

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

I use this exact kit for my videos, if your questioning quality, don't be. It's great!

[@DannyHauger]

Caleb, thanks for the clear, concise, effective, review. I appreciate it!!

[@horrorandhumor4072]

Another great video, Caleb! I've been following you for a while and haven't been disappointed. Your G7 guide was very helpful. Also, cool ending with the smoke and reddish tint on the camera!

[@kapokee]

When you realise your Australian and its gonna cost almost 1k instead. Shieeeet

[@codexan]

you can get on a bundle right now for $500 usd with 2 lens

[@victoreriksson3709]

That camera with the Rode video mic Pro is amazing! Crisp image with perfect sound.

[@JesusMartinez]

I bought a used one for $240, and got a 20mm 1.7 lens and really like it. The 4k is great even with 16mp. Considering selling my d610, but do enjoy the photo quality of 24mp.

[@manjeetsinghbhati3939]

Amazing quality and content still free...my god people need to appreciate this guy

[@BennyTheFoolsApprentice]

Thank you for the review. It made a huge difference in deciding if I should buy the camera or not; I am convinced. I bought the camera for less than $500 on Amazon. I even had the option to buy it with payments, which I opted for. Now the struggle is setting it up for blogging and videos. This will not be a picture camera.

[@WORTHITORNOT]

Very nice. I'm going to have to look into getting this. Thx for the great videos

[@OneManOneCamera]

I have the G7 and it is a very nice piece of equipment which can be had for a nice price. If your productions are mainly done with a tripod/gimbal/steadicam this is an excellent machine. If you are running around town vlogging handheld, you will experience a level of frustration especially when pointing the camera in the direction in which you are walking. Battery life - The last video I did was in 4k, 99% of it was manual focus and I was able to get about one hour and 15 minutes of footage before the battery icon started flashing red. Auto-focus would probably decrease the footage time.

[@ianhamilton639]

Can i ask if this camera would be good for someone who shoots photos of furniture (large) products INSIDE homes and uses video to film parts of the build process of the pieces inside his garage? Dont care about zoom, but do like "blury background" depth of field, auto focus and something easy to use wold be nice

[@shreeproductions3902]

The audio quality is soo good !

[@BrockMcGoff]

👏🏼 nicely done!

[@EkteTjommi]

Just decided on a G7 last week. I'm shocked to see how everyone lately upped the price to around $800! That's crazy...

[@JackMyersPhotography]

Great review, thanks. And, your use of lighting on this video is very well done.

[@BillBooz]

Thanks, Caleb, especially for the fader tip! Hadn't thought of that for when I'm shooting outside!

[@michaelbruchas6663]

Like the use of the fader ND filter...

[@Nasteecars]

Great video! Was looking to a budget 4k camera to upgrade from my low end Canon DSLRs and here it is. I also like how small of a package this is, because lots of times it stresses people when you pull a DSLR with mic on a public places. Thanks!

[@nicksmith6627]

Can't wait for the GH5 guide!!!

[@nugrahabarkah7165]

Awesome video. I currently using this set up (excluding the camera). I'm using Sony a6300 and it's really light weight as well. Also the Rode Videomicro is the best budget mic ever with awesome quality. I cannot hold my hand to click Like button. Two thumbs up.

[@thecarters3656]

I completely agree with the Fotga filters. I have quite few Fotga ND filters and they're great! My only suggestion is to switch to a Manfrotto tabletop tripod. They're around the same price point, but I feel like it's a little higher quality.

[@MarlonKingShow]

A nice camera and an alternative to a lot of the common ones you hear constantly about! Thanks for the video :)

[@christopherpackart]

You gotta be here for those fresh videos!

[@shahabrehmani4820]

Really good video! Looks like a top 4k camera.

[@FirearmsNation]

Great job Caleb!

[@MaxK]

Bud, thx a lot for the video!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks GymTips!

[@sjokolademonsteret]

Great video, but i feel like you should have mentioned the jumpy autofocus (jumped on and of your face a few times (in a duration of probably around 3 frames each times)

[@sjokolademonsteret]

Hahaha

[@diragusa]

its strange ive had a few people say they never had that happen, me included. It could be slight variations on models. But the g7 auto focus is one of the best in my opinion.

[@sjokolademonsteret]

one of the best what? panasonic? cuz i'm pretty sure both canon 70d/80d and sony 16500 is waay better

[@MarkBarners]

Are you sure? I wondering if I should buy the G7 or G85/G80 - or should I just ignore the missing 4k on the Canon 80D and buy that?

[@TimeCodeMechanics]

I have the G7 and It really seems to depend on how you use the autofocus more than anything. I don't use it often, but when I do, it's fine.

[@ToastedSynapseGaming]

Another maybe useful part to this setup is a 46mm collapsible rubber lens hood (really cheap like $2) that can get rid of some lens flares especially refracting from the ND filter. Similar to a flower, but a little bit bigger and easier to work with together with the ND (because it's rubber and you can access the ND really easy. You didn't have any super-sunny weather in your video (so no flares), but it's best to come prepared with one of these. Also ... it keeps the lens and the ND safe.

[@SeguraCine]

hi, friend,. I'm desperate to find a magic lantern for my M6 MARK II do you know where I can get the software for my camera for the M6 MARKII?

[@Makalasbeautybar]

Im looking for a good budget camera with a mic port ( because using separate audio recording is quite annoying ) and i keep coming back to this video even after looking at a ton of other cameras! This video and all of your videos are so helpful.

[@alexadrianov8357]

Great video! Can't beat G7 for the price and performance at the moment. And I have been using 40.5mm Fotga fader with my Nikon P7700 for over a year now, and I'm quite happy with it. But I really think that you should add a LED video light for a complete setup (and probably some cold shoe double mount for the light and the mic). It will really help in low light conditions, especially with not-so-fast kit lens. And it doesn't need to be very powerful - even the small light will do, you don't need that much light at 2-3 feet.

[@LukeLearns]

duuuude, its 2018 and I just ordered a g7 thanks to your vids. Thanks!

[@simianinc]

Thanks for the heads up regarding the Fotga Variable ND. I normally pay quite a bit more for these filters, and I haven't bought a 46mm one at all, as there were none I could find from the "big" brands. But after looking at your example video, it seems perfectly fine with little noticeable aberrations or colour casts

[@gaips]

Does it have a clean HDMI? Meaning, are you able to use the HDMI output without overlays for livestreaming.

[@paddydoestech]

GAiPS i guess as long as you have a capture card

[@gaips]

PaddyDoesTech I know, I have a capture card. The question is does the micro-HDMI output a clean signal?

[@jasonlam8588]

Yes

[@bucharestbiketraffic]

Yes it does. I use it with Avermedia U3 Extreme for Facebook live and the quality is awesome.

[@noenken]

Can confirm. HDMI out works perfectly on this camera. You won't be able to record internally at the same time but for streaming this thing is great! I use it with a magewell USB-HDMI capture thingy. It is only 1080p but you still get lots of detail because you can capture 4k and live downsample for the HDMI out.

[@drutgat2]

Thanks for this, Caleb. It looked like the image stabilisation and autofocus were not great with the G7.

[@AmmarTechnology]

Great setup and on budget. If we can add more money and get the G85, just for the image stabilization.

[@turbobernardi]

Excellent video!! Thank you

[@mad0214]

Great video. I've got that camera, kit lens, a video mic pro and a compact handheld tripod and I really need to start getting more use out of them. Gonna grab that fader. Been considering the 25mm for my second lens but I had not been aware of the 14 and I like that it's even wider. Thanks is for the tips and motivation.

[@joebuslife9275]

if bokeh/ background blur or low light is your goal the 25mm or 42.5mm f1.7 are better. The 14mm is for those who want a super tiny lens and a little more low light for their wide shots compared to the kit lens but it's not a huge difference. although it is cheap somtimes under $100 used.

[@Itsgaganprakash]

Thank you so much.. I was searching for a camera to vlog myself.. I really appreciate for the video.. i am convinced about Panasonic G7.. 😊 I’ll go and grab one now..

[@FilmDat]

If you can get a good deal on the G7, I suggest on skipping the kitlens and try to see if you can get a cheap, wider lens like Panasonic 12-32mm. I know, "only" 2mm of difference in focal length but I feel like if you're going to vlog you will need this. Even wider would be better, but these wide angle MFT lenses do get quite expensive ;) Nice vid btw!

[@simon_patterson]

Looks like great advice!

[@moobit]

Great advice there mate. After vlogging on Cannon for ages I'm looking for a lighter camera so that I can attach it to a handheld gimbal (my SLR is waaaaay too heavy to use on it!)

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I hear ya! This setup is crazy lightweight. Loved how easy it was to use. Only thing I wish it had was better AF.

[@moobit]

DSLR Video Shooter agreed! Been "in this game" for about 8 years now on and off and (not being a fanboy here - tech is the winner in my eyes) have found Cannon AF to be vastly superior when I'm doing a "run and gun" job (interviewing people at gaming/tech expos for example) - but as you know... you do get fatigued carrying a "chunky monkey" all day, LOL!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Absolutely. a6500 aside, Canon has one of the best AF systems available.

[@0110void]

Great setup - that fader is pretty cool =)

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks! Great little ND for budget shooters.

[@0110void]

Awesome - added that one to my cart for sure =)

[@alistairbuckle3450]

So informative - thank you!

[@benheeke444]

Loved the vid I'm totally buying that camera.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Benjamin!

[@JoeDoeOutdoors]

Hei I really enjoy your channel ☺ Keep it up!

[@KutWrite]

Got to check the diff between the G7 and the GX8. I kind of like the Leica type form factor.

[@sneakerandthedryer]

Great video, thanks!

[@Ryansacrobat]

What is the mic you use in the beginning of this video? The sound quality is so much better than the Rode Micro.

[@chadpalmercrisis1723]

i need that set up ASAP, thanks a whole lot bro bro.

[@garrettdustman8505]

I mostly agree, but I would go with the 14-140 lens with the power O.I.S. Much better lens for vlogging although a little heavier. You can get it with the body for only a couple hundred more.

[@supershooter001]

Nice video, always surprising!

[@StephenBell_video]

nice tips on setup! Sending some sub love from Canada 🇨🇦

[@floherp]

In the G7 you can even use face rocognision, at my experience it works even better than with the touch fokus

[@lawrencerbe2661]

Hey Caleb thanks for all your information I went with the G85 over the g7. Your vlogs played a major role in my decision

[@jootai]

such good videos mate

[@davidbaillieul802]

Great video. I ordered the G7 Sunday night before the price went back up. Had a Rode micro for my Smooth-Q. May pick up a Panasonix 25mm instead of the 17. Still, basically what you have. My purpose is intro to 4k video event shooting, so a 25mm makes more sense to me.

[@CAZTV]

Great Video . What Resolution was your upload ?

[@RS-cl7jh]

Awesome vid as always. I was wondering if you have any tips on microphone setup for cameras without a microphone Jack. Like G5X etc. Thanks caleb.

[@ialokinstein]

LOVE it!!!

[@stuartdavis131]

Hey Caleb! Can you explain/recommend a video explaining how faders work and how to use them?

[@EvGriff42]

Caleb, Thanks for an amazing channel. It's helped me figure out a lot of cool tricks and gear. I'm at in impasse. I want to upgrade to a mirrorless DSLR with cinematic 4k and good IS. Your Panasonic G85 review made me fall in love and I've been eyeballing for open box discounts or competitive models to no result. The price on the G7 is so good and I'm going to start travel Vloging (going to Japan in a couple months) sooner than later. Is the dual IS on the G85 worth it enough to wait and keep using a canon T6i until the price is right?

[@TheBeggFamily]

I’ve got the G85 which focuses better and has in-body stabilisation and a better kit lens. I have the Rode Micro, 14mm f/2.5 and love that little charger too! I do find it a little bulky for daily vlogging, so am looking for a compact like the Canon G7X MkIII, which has a mike input, which my LX15 doesn’t.

[@diragusa]

Shooting in M,S,A,P in video mode? Also have had this exact setup for over a year and have done major commericals and short films with ease with this camera and a bountiful of lights.The VideoMicro is a great companion and is very tough. The mount will break over time but is easily replaceable by rode. Who are amazing!

[@zacjohnson452]

DSLR video shooter your awesome

[@arxvphoto809]

This is genius man, thanks!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks AR!

[@TheaterJunkie]

How do i turn on the fader like in 4:50 ?

[@phasedfilms1069]

Great suggestions. Love the channel. What adapters can you get to be able to use canon lenses?

[@SilasWilloughby]

Phased Films The Metabones speed booster is the best...

[@Paolo_Pino]

Hi Caleb! first of all great video, but I prefer the super-versatile rig you did some times ago. I have a question for you and all in the community: It's worth to switch from a6000 to G7? The 1080p 24fps from a6000 is very good, but the overall experience and clumsiness of the camera make me desire something that's more immediate to operate with. The a6000 doesn't have the possibility to be controlled from the smartphone as the a6300 and a6500, and that horrible screen... AH!... The only things I think I would be missing from the a6000 are low light capabilities and DOF, mainly with vintage primes. I have more vintage primes that native sony lenses, and some are cheap and very performing (see Helios 44-2). What I have to do? Switch to G7 or stick with Sony and maybe go FF (used A7s 1st gen)?

[@theadventurousman]

Ha! Thats my exact setup. Except I have the Manfrotto PIXI tripod as my grip. Great setup. Recommend it to anyone starting out.

[@DumbGuysTalkAboutSmartStuff]

The G7 needs to be in my hands!

[@JR-PRODUKSJON]

Havent Even Seen the video the and know its the G7 camera. its Great!

[@creativilee]

damn thats a very compact set up. My 7D weights tons compare to g7. Another great advice man thank you!

[@TechProof]

Pretty much what i'm going to be rocking! I might go for the 12-60 though, and switch out the micro for the upcoming videomic pro+!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Man I love that 12-60! Probably the best kit lens I've used. Great setup!

[@randyalanjones]

Will the fader work on the 12-60 kit lens I got with the G85?

[@TechProof]

As long as the lens has the same filter thread.

[@StreetsOfVancouverChannel]

Question: do you sharpen your overall image in post at all? Love the channel, brutha...

[@paddydoestech]

Streets of Vancouver probably uses a macro lens

[@edventures9884]

Thanks for the tips! I've learned a lot from you(:

[@secretwpn]

decent quality but focus hunting is annoying

[@igarti]

Thanks Kaleb for the video. but the charger link does not work. any link for the coil audio cable? Thanks so much

[@MarkBarners]

Thanks - nice! Should I pick the g7 or g85/g80? for vlogging and videos like your own tutorials?

[@alangarrett]

Thank you so much for making this video! I have a G7 and love it. I have been wanting a fader and an inexpensive second lens. You just saved me time and money :-)

[@artjohnson01]

I'm a G7 owner, too. Caleb has a great little class on setup and features of the G7. Helped jump start me on this camera. I'd been looking at other cameras, but the price/feature ratio was unbelievable on this.

[@imanrasidi]

for vlog? or?

[@alangarrett]

I am just starting a vlog.

[@imanrasidi]

+Alan Garrett nice .. thanks

[@JustAskThisDad]

You look kinda red. 😏 I like that mini tripod. Thanks for suggestion. Aaaaaaand you got out of the house.. 🏡 😂😂😂

[@AyeCouple]

Hi, love this channel. Just started vlogging with this camera, I love quality. What lens do you think is good for vlogging as in getting a wider view and doing documentary style filming??? I can't seem to find a one that will be good for that and zoom well, as in say from street level zoom into a house roof or whatever, have you any advice or links you could give me. Keep up the good work.

[@SilasWilloughby]

I have that exact ND, lol 👍

[@networkunplugged]

This is a promising setup for sure. I use this mic, ant this is quite good. I do not why but I do not like the footage with the pana. maybe it is due to the different color temp.

[@texomatic]

Just bought a 67mm and 77mm Fotga ND filter after watching this... Thanks!

[@justinrichardson5406]

Hey Caleb! Thanks for the great content. You mentioned you record at 24p but do you also export at 24p or do you use different settings? Thanks Again!

[@Fusseljane]

Nice video! I'm considering getting the g7 for an upcoming project but have a few question. How long does it take to get used to the camera. I've never had a DSLR and the project is quite soon. Is purchasing an external microphone a must? How's the audio without an extra microphone? I'll need to do some interviews...

[@gonzojimbo]

Awesome bang for the buck!

[@KnineLiveZ]

would you recommend this for filming videos and interviews?

[@hydroop]

G85 + 12-32mm would be even better, but obviously more expensive. The IBIS and the slighter wider lens are probably really handy for vlogging and run n gun kind of stuff.

[@gokulkettavan]

Thank you so much Caleb.. I wanted to buy a cheap and good microphone, I had chosen two rode mics and was wondering what to buy, after seeing the test vlog you did with this setup, I'm gonna buy this mic.. one small doubt though, I'm going to shoot short film with this mic, do you think using it on a boom pole will be good or should I buy something else? if you could reply, that will be good..

[@sukhoi01]

Hi,Thanks for the video it really helped, what lights do you suggest for a indoor shoot for youtube( 3 light setup)?

[@Nqrgaard]

First of thanks for all your videos! I especially enjoy your light reviews and tips and your DIY solutions. Can you help me with the difference of the AFS/AFF and the AFC I can't find the difference. And when do I use the AF/AE Lock? I have a GH2 and sometimes borrow a GH3, but considering buying the GH5 with 12-35mm 2,8F

[@RockstarBruski]

excellent review! looks like a good low budget solution! does the fader go to completely clear when needed or do you need to remove it in low light situations? speaking of low light hows this camera perform in low light? Also do you prefer that small tripod VS a joby bendy pod? Also hows the image stabilization in the camera? Also just curious why dont you shoot in 30fps and then drop to 24fps (if you want) in editor like premiere that way yoy have 30fps recorded if you need it? cheers for your review.

[@SilasWilloughby]

RockstarBruski It's supposed to go completely clear but I always find that it's slightly darkening my image. But is definetly a great low budget option, I plan on reviewing this camera soon. As for low light this camera hold up really well, it certainly beets the GH4 and GH5. There is no in camera stabilization though, but you can always stabilize in post some This camera is so sharp! Because it's smoother to record in the frame rate that your project is in unless your slowing it down or speeding it up to match. I made a video explains frame rates recently if you want to learn more.

[@loanme20]

RockstarBruski I have the Joby SLR Zoom and the larger metal Focus. I like to consider them as a selfie stick with a better handle. Both are inconsistent at best as static tripods. The larger Focus will almost certainly fall over eventually. Also with very little use I broke one of the legs on my SLR Zoom, fortunately it was still under warranty, I ordered a warrantied replacement in April, still haven't received a replacement, just lots of sad stories of how they are out of stock...... The legs breaking are a huge problem almost all users experience. All that being said I would still rather use my broken SLR Zoom than any other tripod I own, it really feels more secure in your hand than hard plastic smooth table top tripods.

[@RockstarBruski]

Echo Productions Thanks for the info! Bummer it doesn't have stabilization built in as using stabilization in my editor (Premiere CC2017) on too many clips takes way too long for my patience even on a beefy i7 with 1080 nvidia GPU. :( I'll check out your video on frame rates. thanks.

[@RockstarBruski]

Chris Mattingly thanks for the info on your gear. I also have a loose joby leg as well but it still works pretty well for vlogs for me.

[@brianmacallister2128]

Whanks for this video- really good setup. Would you have any idea of a video camera that can be backup powered using usb powerbank for somewhere between 500-1000 bucks?