If you have important video calls (for example, you fundraise as the CEO of a company or run a sales team), you should have a good webcam setup. This post contains everything you need for one, at a cost of $700-$2,000, depending on which options you choose. There are no affiliate links.

I. Camera

Most webcams are not very good, and you’ll want a real mirrorless camera instead, ideally with a better lens. This camera will make your skin look great and the lens has amazing depth of field. Good depth of field and focus are important because it looks much better than using cheap real-time ML models to remove your background. Simply have a clean room and then turn that software feature off.

Camera: Sony Alpha ZV-E10 ($800 with lens, $700 without)

Lens: Sigma 16mm f/1.4 Lens ($380)

II. Microphone

Although cheaper microphones work, it may be nice to have a high-end microphone which doesn’t get in your way and is better at directional listening. Shotgun microphones are under-used for desktops and podcasts.

Microphone: Rode NTG4+ Shotgun Microphone ($340)

III. Camera Accessories

Buy a power adapter for the camera so you never have to charge it. Without this item your webcam needs to be charged, so it’s important: F1TP AC-PW20 AC Power Adapter ($25)

Buy a capture card for the camera for the best video quality and lowest latency. This isn’t required but is strongly suggested: Elgato Cam Link 4K ($90)

IV. Mounts

You probably want to mount your camera behind and above your primary monitor. I use a large desk mount for this, but if you are often traveling or on a laptop, a smaller one works.

Base camera mount: Elgato Desk Clamp ($40)

Camera mount extension: Elgato Flex Arm ($40)

If you have a shotgun microphone, you should buy a mount for it too, placing it right behind your monitor and aiming the microphone towards you.

Desk-Mounted Boom Mic Arm ($72 with Amazon coupon)

Microphone Shock Mount ($13)

V. More accessories

You will need to connect your camera to the USB capture card, which then plugs into your computer:

4K Micro HDMI -> HDMI Cable ($10)

You will need to connect your microphone to your camera to include it in your HDMI stream, which also ensures it’s perfectly in sync with your video:

3.5mm Male to XLR Female Cable ($9)

If you want to use the microphone without the camera, you’ll want this cable

USB Male to XLR Female Cable ($13)

If you want to use your camera for outdoor filming, you’ll also want:

SD card ($12-$156)

SD Card Reader ($13) as well

If you don’t have a good lighting setup, you may want to purchase some lights as well. This is often overkill, but for some environments it can help out a lot:

Elgato Key Light – 2800 Lumens ($180)

VI. Configuration

You’ll have to change a few settings on the camera to have a good streaming experience.

It’s a popular camera, so if you don’t know how to do something, just search on Youtube. I found this video which helped me with a few settings such as: set the overheating threshold to high, add ‘USB streaming’ mode to the quick menu if you are not using a capture card, and turn the steady shot option off.

The most important item in this list by far is the camera – the microphone and lighting isn’t nearly as crucial for a good setup. Special thanks to Cory, CEO of Spellbrush, for helping me with all of this myself!