Wanna know what I use to do what I do?
I have a lot of equipment that makes my content creation possible and I wanted to break it down for anyone curious! Now this is mostly an overview of my Twitch streaming setup, but I use a lot of this gear to create content across all platforms! If you’re looking for my streaming pc specs check here. (Clicking the images will open an Amazon affiliate link)
Panasonic G7
The Panasonic G7 (with 14-42mm kit lens) and the Rode VideoMicro are the bread and butter of my content. I’m a huge Panasonic fan and can say from years of experience that they make a very reliable product. I’ve been using the same G7 since 2015 and I love it so much that I bought a second one. It’s an absolute workhorse of a camera and I can’t recommend it enough.
Rode VideoMicro
As mentioned above I use the Rode VideoMicro as my primary microphone and it’s a fantastic little piece of audio equipment for a very reasonable price. I have this on a boom positioned directly above me (just out of frame) and have it plugged directly into the camera. I could’ve gone with a condenser mic like most streamers but I hate having something obstructing my view and restricting my range of motion (I’m an animated guy who tends to accidentally hit a mic that’s right in front of me… a lot).
Second Camera and 20mm Lens
I also have a top down camera setup for crafting and board game streams! I could use my second G7 as the camera, but I like to keep that set aside for photography and filming videos (instead of having to disassemble the twitch setup) so I got a damaged Panasonic GH4 for super cheap. Some of it’s normal functionality is gone, but it’s HDMI out is still working and that’s all I need for the stream! Paired with that is the Panasonic 20mm f1.7 lens which might be my all time favorite lens.
Capture Cards
When it comes to streaming, capture cards are pretty inescapable unless you don’t play console games and use exclusively USB webcams. I’m a stickler for quality AND really enjoy playing console games so I have two capture cards and they are both Elgato brand. This is not something you want to cheap out on and Elgato is so popular for a reason. I’ve tried the cheaper alternatives and it’s a nightmare. I have the Elgato Camlink 4k for my camera (G7 has an HDMI output) and an Elgato HD60s for my consoles as well as my top down camera.
Headphones
The Philips SPH9500 are my favorite headphones! These are an open-back design which is ideal for streaming because I can still hear my environment, as well as my own voice; noise cancelling headphones tend to make you talk differently. Also, these are SO comfortable.
Phillips SPH9500: https://amzn.to/335aRkq
Controller of choice
I use my Nintendo Switch a LOT on stream, and my Joy Cons decided to start Tokyo drifting into the sunset… rip. So I went out and bought a Nintendo Pro Controller and it ALSO had drift. Okay. So I returned that and got another Pro Controller and you know what that had? Drift. It also had drift. So after a long search, I finally found the “SN30 Pro+” controller from the company 8BitDo and I LOVE IT. It can also be used for PC games! Highly recommend.
Keyboard
I’m a fan of retro, minimalistic, small footprint designs, and this keyboard checks all the boxes. This is the Durgod Taurus K320 mechanical keyboard. I went with the white color because it was the aesthetic I was going for, and I decided to get it with Cherry MX Brown key switches. Excellent choice all around.
Mouse
Since 2011 I’ve used the same computer mouse. The Logitech Performance MX is the greatest computer mouse ever made and it’ll be difficult to convince me otherwise. It’s not a gaming mouse, but I’m also not a hardcore gamer so I prefer a reliable mouse that can ergonomically fit my hands. My mouse is no longer manufactured so it’s pretty hard to come by, but you can still get an updated version of it in the Logitech MX Master: https://amzn.to/2BHekui
Stream Deck
The Elgato Stream Deck CHANGED MY LIFE. You can absolutely get by without a stream deck, and I did for quite a while, but investing in one will take your streaming to the next level. The functionality it’ll add to your streaming workflow is worth every penny, and more. Likely the best investment I’ve made for my stream.
Elgato Stream Deck: https://amzn.to/39BgFTW
Retrotink 2X-Pro
When it comes to playing retro games I’m all about playing on original hardware. Doing so, however, is a complicated process for streaming. I go into MUCH more detail in this video, but the main takeaway is that a good upscaler is crucial, and the Retrotink 2X-Pro is an excellent option for folks who don’t want to spend a fortune, but want a quality experience.
Retrotink 2X-Pro: https://amzn.to/3hIYxKB
