Virtual Recording Equipment Guide

GitLab Brand Creative - Video Equipment Recommendations

The Brand Video team is here to help you capture the highest quality audio and video for your virtual recordings. Below are our recommended equipment options, followed by a list of commonly used alternatives.

Video Kits

Basic Virtual Kit

For more detailed information on using the equipment, please refer to this Virtual Equipment Set-Up Guide, which provides more detailed information on how to set-up the basic kit items.

Camera Options

Audio

Lighting

Advanced Virtual Kit

We also have a more Advanced Virtual Kit which includes an even higher level of quality and control and this includes:

Camera

Audio

Lighting

Equipment List

Cameras

For a professional, polished presence on video calls or content creation, we recommend using a webcam that delivers at least 1080p resolution at 30 or 60 frames per second (fps). Our strong preference is 60fps, as it offers noticeably smoother motion and sharper detail—especially helpful for presentations or high-quality recording.

Our Advanced Camera Recommendations include mirrorless and DSLR-level cameras that give you way more customization than the basic “plug-and-play” webcams. You can get that cinema-grade quality and professional look, but it does take more time and effort to dial in that perfect cinematic feel.

  • OBSBOT Tiny 2 – AI-powered 4K webcam with auto-tracking, gesture control, and smooth pan/tilt—great for presenters and dynamic on-camera movement.
  • Osbot Meet 2 – Compact 4K webcam with AI auto-framing, HDR, and dual noise-canceling mics—perfect for sharp, pro-level video calls with smart features built in.
  • Elgato Facecam – Delivers 1080p at 60fps with manual settings, great for content creators and video calls alike.
  • Insta360 Link – A 4K webcam with AI-powered tracking and gesture control, offering top-tier clarity and functionality. 4K not available in 60fps.
  • Sony ZV-1 – A compact, mirrorless-style camera that’s ideal for those wanting a major jump in image quality.
  • Sony a6400 + Sigma 16mm - 50 mm + Cam Link 4K – This combo brings cinematic, DSLR-level quality to your desktop setup—perfect for high-end content or streaming.

Microphones

Clear, high-quality audio can make a bigger impact than video in most virtual settings. We recommend starting with a USB mic for ease of use, or stepping up to XLR mics for studio-grade sound.

USB microphone options

  • Logitech for Creators Blue Yeti – A popular USB condenser mic known for its versatility, multiple pickup patterns, and plug-and-play ease—ideal for podcasts, streaming, and content creation.
  • Elgato Wave:3 – Great sound and onboard mixing software make this USB mic ideal for calls and recordings.
  • SENNHEISER Professional Profile – USB Cardioid Condenser Microphone: A sleek, studio-quality USB mic with a cardioid pickup pattern designed to capture voice with precision while minimizing background noise.

USB & XLR-compatible microphone options

  • RØDE PodMic USB With XLR and USB – A rugged dynamic mic built for broadcast-quality audio with both XLR and USB output, offering flexibility for beginner and pro podcasters alike.
  • Shure MV – A hybrid USB/XLR mic with rich, podcast-quality audio.

Lighting

Lighting plays an important role in making webinar and streaming content look polished and professional. We prefer using LED panel lights positioned slightly offset rather than ring lights, as ring lights can shine directly into the viewer’s face and create an unnatural glare in the eyes. Using LED panels at an angle helps create a more natural, flattering look without harsh reflections. You can learn more about color temperature to help with lighting adjustment.

  • Elgato Key Light Mini – A compact, powerful LED panel light with adjustable brightness and color temperature, designed for portable and professional lighting on the go.
  • Elgato Key Light Air – A streamlined, Wi-Fi-controlled LED panel that delivers soft, even lighting with adjustable settings—ideal for desktop setups and streaming.
  • Neewer LED Video Light Panel – A compact, bi-color LED panel that provides bright, flicker-free lighting, suitable for desk setups and professional video calls.
  • Lume Cube Panel Mini – A small but powerful LED panel light with adjustable brightness and color temperature, perfect for desktop lighting and portable use.

Teleprompter

Teleprompters can be invaluable tools for at-home recordings as they allow you to maintain eye contact with the camera while reading key points or a full script, resulting in a more natural, engaging and confident delivery.

  • Cueprompter.com (Web) – A free, web-based teleprompter that works directly in your browser, offering a simple and straightforward way to scroll text at adjustable speeds.
  • Teleprompter Pro (iPhone) – A user-friendly mobile app that transforms your iPhone into a portable teleprompter, ideal for on-the-go presentations and video recordings.
  • Teleprompter Mirror Web (Voice Activated Scrolling) – A browser-based teleprompter that uses voice recognition to scroll text automatically as you speak, keeping your hands free and your delivery smooth.
  • PromptSmart Pro (Mobile) – An advanced teleprompter app that uses voice-tracking technology to follow your speech, offering a more intuitive scrolling experience. This is a paid verison.
  • Parrot Teleprompter (Mobile) – A free mobile app designed to work seamlessly with Parrot teleprompter hardware, offering customizable text speed and size.
  • EzPrompt (Web) – A free online teleprompter that lets you customize speed and text size, great for quick, no-download setups.
  • Best Prompter (iOS/Android) – A mobile app with a simple interface, customizable text settings, and an option to save and manage multiple scripts.
Last modified April 9, 2025: Create video equipment recommendations handbook page (290d185f)
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