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Creating Industrial Content: The Equipment Guide You Actually Need

Updated: Nov 13

When I get asked about content creation equipment, I often see the same worried look:


"Do I need to invest thousands of dollars in gear to start sharing my story?"


The short answer? Absolutely not.


In fact, some of my most successful content - including a TikTok with over 2 million views and a YouTube video reaching 57,000 viewers—was created using just my smartphone and basic editing apps.


But since equipment questions keep coming up, let's break down what you actually need versus what's nice to have, and what I personally use for different types of content.


The Only Essential Content Creation Equipment You Need

Let's start with the absolute basics - what you truly need to begin sharing your industry story:

  • A smartphone with a camera (let's be honest, you probably already have this)

  • A social media account (free and ready to use, it doesn't need a million followers)

  • Your unique perspective and knowledge


That's it. Really.


Maximizing Your Smartphone's Capabilities

Before we dive into fancy equipment, here are some tips to get the most out of your phone:

  • Clean your lens regularly (seriously, this makes a huge difference)

  • Use the grid feature to improve composition

  • Tap to focus on your subject before recording

  • Find good natural lighting (early morning or late afternoon works best)

  • Use your phone's built-in stabilization if available

  • Consider shooting in 4K if your phone supports it (but remember it uses more storage)


My Current Equipment Setup

For transparency, here's what I currently use for content creation. Remember: I built this collection over time, and none of it is necessary to start creating great content.


*Note - NONE of these are affiliate links, so these are my actual recommendations and reviews!

A photo of a variety of content creation equipment including a camera, drone, GoPro, and headphones

Audio Equipment

  • Wireless Lavalier microphones (various price points)

    • Pro tip: You get what you pay for with microphones. I've tested out several brands and price points, and shelling out a few extra dollars for a nicer microphone pays for itself in editing time!

    • 2025 Update: I am currently using the Hollyland Lark M2 mics with adapters for both my phone and camera, and really love the sound quality on them! I also like the variety of clip options they come with, like magnets and even a lanyard.


Cameras

  • Panasonic Lumix G100

    • 2025 Update: I do still have my Lumix, but I carry it around a lot less frequently. Now that I am fully integrated into the "Sony Family", I'd probably recommend something like a Sony ZV-E10 (which on sale is around the same price that I paid for my Lumix!)

  • GoPro Hero 11 with Creator Kit

    • 2025 Update: I now carry 2 GoPro cameras with me (long story), but I always recommend getting the newest version when you can (even though the older ones are generally cheaper!)

  • Canon T6

    • 2025 Update: I no longer use this camera, the poor thing just sits gathering dust until the day my nephews want to get into photography or a friend needs to borrow a camera

  • DJI Mavic Air 2 (I don't use this on my commercial projects, just for fun stuff!)

    • 2025 Update: I did pick myself up a DJI Mini 4 Pro this year and love it! HOWEVER - I would currently caution against buying any DJI products in 2025 until it has been confirmed that they are still able to be used (*US concern only)

  • Pixel phone

    • Quick note: 80% of my content still comes from my phone, even though I'm a camera hoarder!

  • 2025 Update: Sony Immersion. I bought not one, but TWO new Sony cameras this year 😂 Again, I'm a total gear nerd, you do NOT need these cameras to create good content!! But here's what I picked up:

    • Sony A6400: I really loved this camera when I picked it up on a start of the year deal. However, in about 6 months, I was kicking myself, because I really can't effectively use the 6400 for video content because there is no internal stabilization. If I had shelled out the extra couple of hundred dollars and bought an A6700 instead, I wouldn't have had to pick up my second piece of gear....

    • The Sony A7 IV: This was an absolute splurge this year and I want to AGAIN remind you that you do NOT need this piece of gear! I justified it this year because I'm doing a lot of on-site work with my clients, as well as filming for my YouTube channel. I also needed a camera that could grow with my business and content creation and this one is it!

    • Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN II Art Lens: My brother recommended this lens, and I never take it off my camera. With both the A6400 and the A7 IV it performs beautifully for video and photo content, it has zoom but also works for interviews, etc. My only con is that it's pretty heavy so carrying it around sometimes hurts my neck!


Computing Setup

  • Custom-built desktop for editing (this sounds fancy, but it's built from a variety of hand-me-down computer parts!)

    • Hot tip: If you're editing a lot of content, your equipment can be make or break. My computer has an Intel i7 processer, NVMe SSD (32 gb RAM), and Nvidia RTX 2080 graphics card. These aren't top of the market by any means, but investing in a good quality graphics card and processor can really make all the difference.

    • 2025 Update: We DID upgrade several desktop parts this year! I got new RAM, a Ryzen 9 7900X Zen 4 12-core processor, and a new MSI B659 Gaming Plus Wifi AM5 motherboard. I don't know what any of it means but my computer was too old to be supported any longer so that's why I upgraded.

  • LG Gram laptop for travel

    • This is 100% for work and portability, I do as little content editing on it as possible! Video editing on it is not a great experience.

  • iPad for mobility

    • I use this to keep my notes on (let's be real, memorizing geological sections can be difficult, especially in an unfamiliar area) and in some cases a teleprompter!

  • 2025 Update: I now also have a Synology NAS with 8Tb of storage, and I will scream this from the top of my lungs for self-employed people and content creators for forever. I can access it from any of my devices anywhere in the world, store massive amounts of files on it, and it's double-backed up. It's like my own personal cloud storage that I'm not paying a monthly fee for.


Miscellaneous Equipment

  • Quality headphones

    • I know it's lame, but I STILL swear by my Beats (& they often go on sale for Prime Days and Black Friday!)

  • DJI OM 5 cell phone gimbal (I don't really use this that often)

  • 2025 Update: Peak Design Capture Camera Clip V3. I finally gave in to my little brother on this one and I love it. I have the back plate attached to my vest, so when I'm on-site I can quickly attach and detach my camera and it makes content creation so much easier!

  • Basic tripods

    • I do have a DJI Ronin RS 2 Gimbal that my sister in-law gave me! However, I do find it a bit difficult to balance and use, as well as travel with (the thing travels in its own case!!). I think I need more practice with it to determine if it's something I would recommend and buy.

  • Light box for specimen photography (Also don't use this very often)

  • Adobe Suite

    • Since my full time job is content creation for both myself and my clients, I shell out for the full Adobe Suite. However, if you're just creating for yourself, a free CapCut and Canva account will go a long way!

  • 2025 Update: Lighting! I am learning that nice lighting can really make simple gear (like your phone) give a much more professional vibe. This year I picked up 2 different lighting options:

    • NEEWER 2 Pack LED Light & Stand Kit: I bought these for a project that ended up falling through, so I haven't had a chance to use them much! I do like them, but they're kind of a pain for the on-site & travel work that I do. I do plan on doing more interview style work with my clients in 2026 though, and I think these will be really strong for that!

    • Aputure Amran MC Mini: I love this thing. It clips to my work vest or belt on a carabiner and is so small and light. It's RGB for different lighting vibes, and can either mount to my camera or be used as a fill light. It's really helped with a lot of my YouTube content creation as well as on-site work (especially underground when those cap lamps just don't cut it!). Plus it's magnetic so you can just stick it to some screen underground!

    • NEEWER Light Diffuser 5 in 1 Disc: Don't want to spend a lot on lighting? You would NOT believe the difference these cheap light diffusers can make for your content! Plus they're collapsable and easy to carry!


Helpful Budget-Friendly Additions

If you're ready to invest a little:

  • Cell phone mount for your camera (great for simultaneous vertical/horizontal content)

  • Extra phone storage or cloud storage

  • Basic phone tripod

  • Simple clip-on microphone


What's On My Wishlist

For transparency, here's what I'm looking to add to my setup, especially with Black Friday sales coming up!:

  • Updated Drone

    • Remember - if you do anything commercial (like have a monetized presence or sponsored video), you're required to have a commercial drone license.

    • I do use DJI products currently, but I would not encourage anyone to purchase those products right this moment as there is a potential ban, so stay tuned on that

  • Insta360 X5

    • I continue to have a desire for one of these, even though I know it would probably be more of a toy & for my YouTube than anything! I love the versatility of this camera especially as an outdoor brand / vlogger, and there's been a couple of instances this year where I've missed a good shot because I didn't turn the camera the right way. The 360 eliminates that! It also makes cool virtual reality experiences (check out this playlist by MineLife Media client, the MBMG!).

  • A computer monitor for editing

    • I mentioned that my desktop is a hodgepodge of pieces and hand-me-downs. This includes the monitors! A good quality monitor can make all the difference when editing photo and video content!


Platform-Specific Considerations

While you can create content for any platform with just a phone, here's what typically works best:

  • LinkedIn: Authentic, in-the-moment content often performs better than over-produced videos

  • TikTok/Instagram: Phone footage and photos works perfectly

  • YouTube: While higher production value can help, engaging content matters more

  • Professional Presentations: Phone footage can still work great with good lighting and audio, but this is where it might be worth having better quality and produced content.

    • If you don't want to buy expensive equipment, consider hiring a professional production group (you know we love the work of PENDA Productions!)


The Reality Check

Here's something crucial to remember: The most important aspects of content creation aren't about equipment at all. They're about:

Getting Started

Don't wait for the "perfect" setup—start with what you have. Some of the most engaging industry content comes from professionals simply sharing their day-to-day experiences with basic equipment but genuine enthusiasm.


What's Next?

Keep an eye out for our upcoming series on content creation tips and strategies. We'll be sharing practical advice on getting started, finding your voice, and building your presence across different platforms.


If you're already creating content but finding it challenging to manage alongside your professional responsibilities, or if you're looking to develop a more strategic approach to your personal brand, MineLife Media is here to help. We specialize in managing, analyzing, and strategizing industrial social media presence while maintaining authenticity and professional credibility.


Remember: The best equipment is the one you already have. Your industry knowledge and perspective are far more valuable than any camera or microphone.


Start sharing your story today—your future audience is waiting to hear from you.

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