Thomas Frank has been a full-time YouTuber since 2012 and runs one of the best-known productivity and Notion channels. He’s open about two things: his personal gear is overkill, and you can get about 95% of his look with a much cheaper studio. He publishes both lists. Here they are.
What Thomas films with
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Before you buy any of it, note Thomas’s own caveat: you don’t need this gear to succeed. He puts being interesting, telling good stories and having good audio far above camera quality, and suggests starting with your phone.
The studio he recommends (about 95% of his look)
This is the list Thomas built to get close to his quality on a realistic budget, under $4,000 for the whole studio. The camera, lens and mic are budget alternatives to what he personally uses.
Camera, lens and audio
| Gear | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Sony A6600 | Budget alternative to his Canon C70 | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| Sigma 16mm f/1.4 (Sony E) | Wide, bright lens for talking-head shots | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB | USB/XLR dynamic mic, budget alternative to his Earthworks | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| InnoGear mic arm | Gets the mic close to your mouth and out of frame | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| Acoustic foam panels (24-pack) | Cuts room echo | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| SanDisk Extreme PRO 256GB SD | Fast card for long recordings | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
Lighting
| Gear | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| amaran 200x S | Bi-colour key light | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| NEEWER 90cm octagonal softbox | Large diffuser for soft, flattering light | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| Aputure amaran COB 60d | Smaller light for fill or background | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| Godox TL60 RGB tube lights (2-pack) | Coloured accent lighting for the background | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| Neewer desk-mount LED light | Clamp-on light for desk shots | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| 5-in-1 oval reflector | Bounces light to fill shadows | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
Stands, set and extras
| Gear | Role | |
|---|---|---|
| Neewer 10ft C-stand | Holds the key light and softbox | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| Impact air-cushioned light stand | Stand for secondary lights | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| ABCCANOPY sandbags | Keep stands from tipping (he suggests buying the sand locally) | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| NEEWER backdrop stand + Savage seamless paper (black) | Clean, dark background | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| Padcaster Parrot teleprompter | Read scripts while looking into the lens | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| Moukey wireless page turner | Scrolls the teleprompter hands-free | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
Can’t spend $4,000? Start here
| Piece | Why first | |
|---|---|---|
| Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB + mic arm | Good audio is the one thing he says viewers won’t forgive | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| Neewer softbox lighting kit | Soft key light makes any camera look better | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
| Padcaster Parrot teleprompter | Works with your phone and makes scripted videos far easier | Search Amazon for on Amazon |
Frequently asked questions
What camera does Thomas Frank use?
According to his gear list, he films on a Canon EOS C70 with a Canon RF 28-70mm f/2L lens. For people building a similar studio on a budget, he recommends a Sony A6600 with a Sigma 16mm f/1.4.
What microphone does Thomas Frank use?
He uses an Earthworks ICON Pro. His budget recommendation is the Audio-Technica ATR2100x-USB on an InnoGear mic arm.
How much does Thomas Frank’s recommended studio cost?
He says the full recommended list builds a professional studio for under $4,000. Prices change, so check current prices on Amazon.
Does he use a teleprompter?
His recommended list includes the Padcaster Parrot teleprompter with a Moukey wireless page turner.
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