Prioritize your gear budget!
Between cameras, audio, and lighting it can be hard for beginners to sort out how to prioritize their first purchases. I give my best advice on what to drop some coin on and what can wait.
Below are some suggestions for initial purchases depending on your budget. Please note that these are affiliate links. I make (little) money if you use them for your next purchase. I'll update this list occasionally as new products hit the market.
Camera (I'm a Sony guy mainly but you should also explore other brands like Canon and Fuji).
Sony ZV1-F https://amzn.to/3W1rTuw
Sony A7IV https://amzn.to/49ZWpul
Sigma 24-70mm F2.8 Art Lens https://amzn.to/3ZZazYj
Audio
Hollyland Lark M2 https://amzn.to/41YbzP4
Hollyland Lark Max https://amzn.to/3Dy58YA
Zoom H4 https://amzn.to/3Ppt437
Zoom LiveTrak L-8 (If you are recording a podcast)
Rode Podmic https://amzn.to/4h6JrgX
Lighting
Godox SL100D Daylight LED Video Light https://amzn.to/40neUpC
ULANZI LT028 40W Portable LED Video Light (small and has a built-in battery for use on the go) https://amzn.to/3PrLBM4
Accesories
Sandisk Memory Cards (I recommend a minimum of 256 gigs) https://amzn.to/3BZCZcI
SmallRig Friction Arm (can't go wrong with SmallRig anything) https://amzn.to/3W86ZtG
5in1 Light Bounce (I never use them but they really do wonders for photo and video) https://amzn.to/3W9PdWO