Ultimate Podcast Setup For 2025 - Beginner To Advanced

Get the full gear breakdown in my free newsletter: https://callummcdonnell.substack.com

Apply to work with me: https://bit.ly/4qVbUMR

If you’re starting a podcast or want to upgrade your setup — this is the only video you need.In this episode, I sit down with Ben Warburton (award-winning director + DOP) to break down the ultimate podcast setup for every budget: from $1K to $100K. We cover cameras, lenses, lighting, audio, data, design, and all the things no one tells you — including what gear’s overrated and what’s 100% worth investing in.

Whether you’re building a studio, filming on location, or just upgrading from your bedroom — you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to buy and how to set it up.

🎥 CAMERA LINKS

• Beginner: Sony ZV-E10 – https://a.co/d/cKlFMHz

• Intermediate: Sony A7 IV – https://a.co/d/bWYfN5d

• Advanced: Sony FX6 – https://www.sony.co.uk/interchangeable-lens-cameras/products/ilme-fx6

• G Master & GM Zoom Lenses – https://www.sony.co.uk/lenses/g-master-lenses

• Sigma Art Lenses – https://www.sigma-global.com/en/lenses/art/🎙️ AUDIO LINKS

• Entry-Level Mic (Samson Q2U) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001R747SG

• Mid-Level Mic (Shure MV7X) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08G8WH435

• Pro Mic (Shure SM7B) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002E4Z8M

• Audio Interface (Zoom PodTrak P4) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08H57VYTC

• Budget Mic Alternative (Rode NT1-A) – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002PSCQM

💡 LIGHTING LINKS

• Key Light: Aputure 300D II – https://aputure.com/products/ls-300d-ii?srsltid=AfmBOoqu2BG6VIPx9KiJF9CoiUyc6oMaOBMXmet0XOVzEOMJIUaEm3f5&Battery+Mount=V-mount

• Panel Light: Amaran F22C – https://www.aputure.com/products/amaran-f22c

• Accent/Battery Light:

Aputure B7c – https://www.aputure.com/products/accent-b7c

💾 STORAGE LINKS

• Fast SD Card (V90, 128GB+) – https://www.amazon.com/s?k=V90+SD+card+128GB

Listen on Your Podcast Player: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/creatorplaybooks/

Follow Callum on socials:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/thecallummcTikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@heycallumX – https://x.com/McdonnellCallumLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/callummcdonnellProduced by 7xContent – make your own Podcast with us:https://www.7xcontent.com/

Follow Ben:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/benwarburtonmediaLinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/benwarburtonWebsite – https://www.benwarburtonmedia.com

Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction

01:14 – The $1K beginner setup: cameras, mics, lighting

03:37 – What we use: Sony A7 IV, FX6, lens options

08:46 – Microphones for every budget (and what to skip)

12:58 – Lighting mistakes & silent gear to use instead

15:43 – Portable battery lights that save every set

17:29 – How to light a podcast like a film shoot

20:13 – Storage, file sizes & the biggest rookie mistake

24:18 – Set design: overlooked but critical

26:48 – Camera placement & layout rules

29:51 – Authenticity, performance & final tips