My Complete YouTube Setup: Camera, Mic & Lighting for Under $700

You don't need thousands of dollars in equipment to start a YouTube channel. Here's my entire setup—camera, microphone, lighting, and editing software—all for under $700.

What I Use:
📱 iPhone as camera (already owned - $0)
🎙️ DJI Mic Mini wireless lavalier mic ($170)
📸 Magnetic phone tripod ($26)
💡 Natural window light + LED bulbs (~$12)
✂️ Descript editing software ($24/month)
🎨 Canva Pro for thumbnails ($15/month)
Total Investment: Less than $700

Seriously, this is all you need!

In this video, I break down exactly why this setup works, how each piece solves a specific problem, and why you DON'T need expensive camera gear when you're just starting out.

Your smartphone already shoots professional-quality 4K video. What matters is good audio (the DJI Mic Mini is a game-changer), decent lighting (hello, free window light), and editing software that doesn't make you want to quit (Descript edits video like a text document—seriously life-changing).

I'm building this channel in real time, documenting my journey to $3-5K/month in retirement income. If you've been putting off starting your channel because you thought you needed fancy equipment, this video is for you.

LINKS TO EQUIPMENT: [Note: These are NOT affiliate links]
🔗 DJI Mic Mini: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DDL8WGH5?...
🔗 Magnetic Phone Tripod: [https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F21QY3H8?...
🔗 Descript (get started): descript.com
🔗 Canva Pro: canva.com

TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 - The biggest misconception about YouTube equipment
0:45 - My camera setup (yes, it's a phone)
3:12 - Why the DJI Mic Mini changed everything
5:28 - My lighting setup (free!)
7:15 - Editing in Descript (text-based editing is magic)
9:40 - Creating thumbnails in Canva
11:05 - Total cost breakdown
12:30 - What matters more than equipment

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