The top 5 best cameras we recommend right now are the Canon M50, Sony ZV-E10, Sony ZV-1, GoPro, or your smartphone. Watch this video to find out which of these cameras is best for you.

If you want to use your smartphone for YouTube, consider getting a few accessories for better audio and lighting. Learn about the best budget camera accessories for your smartphone in this video. 

• You can just get started with your smartphone. InShot is a great way to do that. Here's a video tutorial. 
• If you’re using an iPad, we love LumaFusion. (It also works on iPhone!) Click here for a LumaFusion tutorial. 
• If you have an Apple computer and are just getting started, we recommend iMovie. Here is a video tutorial. 
• If you have an Apple computer and want more functionality, we recommend Final Cut X. Here is a Final Cut X tutorial.  
• If you’re using a PC, we recommend Adobe Premiere Pro. We have an entire playlist of tutorials.  

We recommend any Apple MacBook with an M1 chip or newer. Watch this video to learn more on the Mac Mini M1. 

If you are looking for a video editing laptop that can handle 1080p or 4K video, check out this excellent buyer's guide from our friend Ben Kaiser! 

• If you’re on a budget, you can’t go wrong with our favorite video lighting kit under $50. Check out this video. 
• If you want to step your lighting up and have a $150 budget, check out this lighting kit from Neewer. 
• If you're ready for a professional studio set up then you need to look into the GVM 150W Cob Light.

• If you have a $50 budget for a microphone, these are the top mics we recommend. Check them out in this video.  
• Our favorite USB mic for live-streaming and home office use is the Samson Q2U. Learn more about it in this video. 
• The truth is, different situations require different types of microphones. To watch our microphone video series with all our top tips click here.  

We think using your smartphone is one of the best ways to start creating YouTube content. However, we recommend getting lighting, a microphone, and a tripod for your phone. Check out these videos for our top picks…

• Complete YouTube Studio for Your Phone
• Best Phone Tripods 
• Advanced All-In-One Smartphone Kit

If you want to learn how to create a YouTube Video step-by-step using your smartphone. Watch this free training on YouTube. 

Live-streaming comes with its own set of challenges and gear requirements. Here are our top videos for live-streaming with different budgets:

• Beginner Live-Streaming Tutorial (Software, Webcam, Microphone, Lighting) 
• Advanced Checklist for Pro Live-Streaming
• 5 Different Camera Styles for Live-Streaming

Starting an audio and/or video podcast is one of the best ways to build your influence online. Here are some videos to help you get started:

• How to Start a Podcast for Beginners in 2022 (Equipment Setup, Software & Where to Host)
• Advanced Video Podcast Equipment (What we use for the Think Media Podcast)

Different lenses give your photos and videos a different look. Here are some videos to help you pick the perfect lenses for every budget:

• Camera Lenses Explained For Beginners
• Best Cheap Sony Lenses for Video
• Best Lenses for Canon M50

What other video equipment and accessories do I need for creating content?

• This one video will give you a complete checklist for building a YouTube studio for under $1000 
• Even though this tripod is a few years old, this is still our favorite all-around tripod, check it out by clicking here. 
• Where is the best place to get high-quality copyright-free music for my videos? Find out by clicking here!
• Cheap YouTube Camera Equipment Under $50! Get the full list here. 

Check out the current sales and lightning deals on Amazon for cameras, software, and computers by clicking here.

Check out the best sales and deals on B&H Photo & Video by clicking here.

Some of our favorite tools at Think Media for YouTube growth are vidIQ and Streamyard.

• We use vidIQ for keyword research, time-saving automation, trend spotting, and advanced insights for channel growth. Get a 30-day trial of vidIQ’s paid plan for $1 here: VidIQ.com/think
• Most YouTube creators don’t know how to do keyword research right. Watch this step-by-step that reveals our best tips by clicking here. 
• We use Streamyard to easily live-stream on YouTube and Facebook simultaneously. Watch this video for a step-by-step training on how to live-stream easy and get more views. You can get a 14-day FREE trial of Streamyard at StreamWithThink.com.