Whether you’re a high school student exploring a career in digital media or a college student studying digital arts, we’re here to help you gear up for your creative projects both in and out of the classroom.
No matter which camera brand you prefer, we have options for everyone! This is the perfect time to experiment with different brands, discover what you enjoy capturing, and find the gear that best supports your creative vision. While camera bodies and lenses can be significant investments, they are crucial for any digital creative. Some of our recommendations focus on budget-friendly options, while others emphasize higher quality and higher investment. It’s up to you to decide which works with your budget as you start building your own gear kit.
Digital Cameras
For more details and specs, click on the camera links to view them on our site.
Canon
The Canon R100 is a fantastic entry-level camera, perfect for both photo and video enthusiasts. It features a cropped sensor and is priced under $500, making it an affordable choice for a first camera.
The R50, another cropped sensor camera, is an excellent entry-level mirrorless option that can record 4K video without cropping. Its full-width sensor produces detailed footage and performs well in low light, all for under $700.
The R10, with its high-speed continuous shooting capabilities, is ideal for sports and event photography. This APS-C sensor camera is available for under $1000.
Nikon
The Nikon Z50 is a mirrorless camera that features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, along with excellent autofocus. Its ISO range of 100-51,200 ensures amazing low-light performance. This camera is priced under $900.
The Nikon Z5 is another mirrorless option with outstanding autofocus and subject tracking. It features dual card slots and built-in image stabilization, making it a reliable full-frame camera priced just under $1400. It’s a great investment for those seeking high quality over budget-friendly options.
Sony
Sony cameras are known for their investment value, starting with the A6700, priced just under $1400. It includes an AI processor and real-time recognition for subject tracking, and can record 4K video at 120fps. The Sony FX30 is a superb choice for videographers, featuring S-Cinetone™ for custom LUTs that provide cinematic looks straight out of the camera. It has dual card slots and is compatible with CFexpress Type A and SDXC/SDHC SD cards. The FX3, similar to the FX30 but with additional upgrades, is a full-frame camera with an incredibly fast readout speed. It also supports 4K recording up to 120fps and offers excellent autofocus with fast eye and subject tracking. This camera is priced just under $1800.
Lenses
Depending on what kind of subjects and videos you capture, there are many different lens options to have. The prices ranges differ based on brand lenses versus lenses from Tamron and Sigma, so below are recommended lens ranges for different creative subjects, you can compare prices on our website to see which brand fits your budget best.
Portrait Lenses: 35 (prime with low aperture), 35-150, 85, 50 (prime with low aperture)
Landscape Lenses: 24-70, 18-50, 70-300
Sports Lenses: 24-70, 70-300
Filming/ Cinematic Lenses: 35 (prime with low aperture), 85 (prime with low aperture), 17-28
Content Creation/ Promotional Lenses: 24-70, 35-150
Product Lenses: 17-28 or 35-150. If you are interested in small products like jewelry consider getting macro lenses or adapters.
Audio Equipment
Godox LMS 60G Lavalier Mic – $25
The Godox LMS 60G is an omnidirectional lavalier microphone that offers crystal-clear audio recording at an affordable price. Its compact design and adjustable gain settings make it perfect for a variety of recording situations, from interviews to vlogging. The 19.7-foot cable provides ample length for flexible positioning, and it is compatible with smartphones, DSLRs, camcorders, and more. This mic is a fantastic starter option for creatives looking to enhance their audio quality without breaking the bank!
The Rode VideoMic GO II is a lightweight and portable shotgun microphone designed for content creators on the go. Its highly directional pickup pattern focuses on capturing clear audio from the subject while minimizing background noise, making it ideal for vlogging, YouTube videos, and other on-camera applications. With both 3.5mm TRS and USB-C outputs, it offers versatile connectivity options for cameras, smartphones, tablets, and computers. This mic is perfect for intermediate users who need reliable, high-quality audio in a compact form factor.
The Zoom H1 is a handy recorder that brings professional-quality stereo recording to a portable, pocket-sized device. It features X/Y microphones for capturing detailed audio and supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz recording. For better focus and pickup, using an XLR cord and an external mic can enhance its performance. This recorder is excellent for musicians, podcasters, and filmmakers who need a versatile and easy-to-use recording solution. Its affordability and high-quality output make it a great choice for both beginners and intermediate users.
DJI Mic (1 Transmitter, 1 Receiver) – $219
The DJI Mic system includes one transmitter and one receiver, providing a powerful wireless audio solution for creatives. It has exceptional sound quality with a transmission range of up to 250 meters, making it perfect for live streaming, interviews, and outdoor recording. The compact and lightweight design ensures ease of use and portability, while the built-in storage and long battery life make it a reliable choice for extended recording sessions. This mic system is a great investment for intermediate users looking to upgrade their audio setup.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to enhance your current setup, these options provide excellent value and performance. Check out more Audio gear recommendations based on creative pursuit and profession here: link audio gear guide video or blog.
Lighting Solutions
The Godox M1 RGB Mini Creative LED Video Light is a compact and lightweight fixture that fits in the palm of your hand or your pocket. It features three modes: RGB mode with 360 colors, CCT mode with adjustable color temperature from 2500K to 8500K, and FX mode with 15 special effects and 40 presets. The M1 is perfect for adding dynamic lighting to your projects, whether you’re shooting videos, taking photos, or live streaming. Its built-in lithium battery provides about 2.5 hours of runtime at full power, making it a versatile and portable lighting solution for intermediate creatives.
The Godox TT600 Thinklite Flash is a reliable and affordable manual flash that offers excellent performance for its price. It features a built-in 2.4GHz wireless X system, allowing it to be used as a master or slave unit in multi-flash setups. With a guide number of 197’ at ISO 100 and 200mm, it provides powerful illumination for various shooting conditions. The TT600’s versatility and compatibility with other Godox products make it a great addition to any photographer’s kit, especially for those who are comfortable with manual flash settings and looking to expand their lighting capabilities on a budget.
Godox LED6BI Litemons Bi-Color LED Light – $24.90
The Godox LED6BI Litemons Bi-Color LED Light is a compact and versatile lighting solution perfect for content creators, vloggers, and photographers. This pocket-sized light offers adjustable color temperature from 3200K to 6500K, allowing you to match various lighting conditions with ease. With a brightness range adjustable from 0% to 100%, it provides the flexibility needed for different shooting scenarios. The built-in 1800Ah lithium battery ensures long-lasting performance, making it ideal for on-the-go use.
Stabilization Tools
SmallRig CT-20 Aluminum Alloy Tripod – $80
The SmallRig CT-20 Aluminum Alloy Tripod is a versatile and compact tripod that can easily transform into a monopod or walking stick, making it perfect for travel and outdoor photography. It features a 36mm 360° detachable ball head for smooth and stable shooting, and its 4-section column legs with quick-release flip-locks allow for easy height adjustments from 18.5″ to 78.7″1. With a maximum load capacity of 33 lbs, this tripod is compatible with a wide range of cameras and equipment, including DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and smartphones. Its lightweight design and included carry bag make it an excellent choice for creatives on the go.
SmallRig Travel Video Tripod Kit -$150
The SmallRig Travel Video Tripod Kit is designed specifically for travel photography and videography. It features reverse-folding carbon fiber legs that fold down to a compact 41cm, making it easy to transport. The 4-section legs with quick-release flip locks allow for quick height adjustments up to 160cm, and the detachable center column can be reversed for low-angle shots. The included video head offers 360° panning and -55° to 90° tilting, with a detachable telescopic handle for easy storage. This tripod kit is lightweight yet sturdy, supporting up to 8.8 lbs, making it ideal for professional photographers, videographers, and vloggers.
SmallRig CT195 Aluminum Alloy Video Tripod – $159
The SmallRig CT195 Aluminum Alloy Video Tripod is a robust and versatile tripod designed for videoing, live streaming, and vlogging. It features reverse-folding aluminum alloy legs and a detachable center column for low-angle shooting. The tripod can easily convert into a monopod, providing additional flexibility for different shooting scenarios. The video head allows for a quick switch between horizontal and vertical shooting, with a 360° swivel and -90°/+90° tilt. With a maximum weight capacity of 11 lbs and a lightweight design, this tripod is perfect for outdoor shoots and offers excellent stability and ease of use.
DJI RS 3 Pro Mini Gimbal Stabilizer
The DJI RS 3 Mini is a compact, lightweight handheld stabilizer designed for mainstream mirrorless cameras and lenses. Weighing only 795g (1.75 lbs) in portrait mode, it offers exceptional portability without compromising on performance.
Accessories
Memory Cards
Do not overlook the importance of having reliable and fast memory cards, this is essential! This allows for all that you create is able to be captured, stored, and edited. There are way too many horror stories about corrupt SD cards and important footage lost…so don’t let that be you!
Sd Card Types: SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO ($24.67), Lexar 128GB Professional ($49.99), ProMaster 64GB($29.95).
Also consider getting a microSD with adapter, as many times these can be used on cameras or with audio equipment. Sandisk 32GB Extreme ($16.99).
External Hard Drives
Something that I found especially helpful as a media student was having a hard drive to store all my files and work in, whether it was freelance or school projects, this was the place I knew I could hold everything and use for my portfolio later. Having one as a professional is a MUST in order to Have backups and a safe place that has enough storage to keep large and important projects long term. So get in the habit now and start backing up and storing your important and prized projects on a hard drive! These are the trusted drives we recommend.
LaCie 1TB USB3.1 type C external drive – $79.99
SanDisk 1TB portable USB 3.2 external drive – $115.99
LaCie 2TB Portable hard drive– $119.99
Camera Bags
Your school bag may be cool and all but let’s remember how dirty it gets and the wrappers and snacks you sometimes forget are in there… or the lack of storage after you add your laptop and all those textbooks. You need something nicer and safer for your gear! (including your laptop but that’s a side note). No matter how much gear you have we have all kinds of camera bags and sizes to help you safely travel and store your gear.
Small Camera Bags
Tenba BYOB 9- Camera Insert – $39.95
Think Tank Mirrorless mover 5 – $45.75
Topo Designs Camera cube – $59.00
Think Tank Turn style 5 v2.0 sling camera bag – $95.75
Medium Camera Bags
Think Tank mirroeless mover shoulder bag – $69.75
Manfrotto Lifestyle Manhattan Speedy 10 – $ 109.99
Large Camera bags
Promaster impulse sling bag – $69.95
Promaster Cityscape 55 sling bag – $109.95
Think Tank Backlight sprint – $149.75
And if you have more items than what can fit in this bag, I’m impressed you brought it and fit it in your tiny dorm room somehow. Bags that are higher end that could make great birthday or Christmas gift requests…
Manfrotto Windsor camera and laptop backpack – $167.86
Mindshift Firstlight 20L – $229.99
Peak Design Travel duffel 35L – $139.95
Gear Up for Success!
By now you should be well prepared and informed on all that should be a part of your essential gear starter pack! We hope you find these recommendations helpful, and if you have any questions or want to come see these products in person stop by the store. We would be happy to help guide you in choosing the right gear for you and your creative passion!
Want to receive a student discount!? who wouldn’t! … go to mpex.com/comm-gov-edu. Fill out this form to confirm information and see what discounts are available for you. (Discounts differ by brand)
Or let the people you love know they can love you well by gifting you a gift card to Midwest photo 😊
