WorkhorseWe use this
Canon EOS M50
Our main camera. Small, flip-out screen, great colours, and still going strong.
The kit behind our videos
Everything we film TheLucios Life and Jaze Lux with, split into budget picks for starting out and workhorse kit for when your videos start earning. Plus a storage calculator and a quick UK drone ID check.
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Free tools
Before you hit record
Storage calculator
How much footage fits on a card, and how much space a shoot needs.
Bitrates are typical; the real one is in your camera's settings or manual. Cards hold a little less than their label. Nothing you type here leaves your device.
Do I need a drone ID in the UK?
Under the CAA rules from 1 January 2026.
Not needed for indoor flying. Always fly below 120 m and follow the Drone Code. Check the latest on the CAA drone registration site.
Our picks
Cameras and lenses
Still working perfectly, so no upgrade until the work demands it.
WorkhorseWe use this
Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art
The lens on our main camera: sharp, bright and that blurry background. On the M50 it needs an EF to EF-M adapter.
BudgetWe use this
Canon EOS 200D
Our second, studio camera. Its successor is the 250D, and a used one is a brilliant first camera.
BudgetWe use this
Canon EF to EF-M lens adapter
Lets EF lenses like the Sigma fit the M50, so one set of lenses works on both bodies.
Our picks
Audio and lighting
Viewers forgive soft footage, not bad sound. Light is the next biggest upgrade.
BudgetWe use this
Comica lavalier mic
Clips on for a clear voice, on camera or phone with the right cable. The best-value upgrade you can make.
WorkhorseWe use this
Rode VideoMic Pro+
Our on-camera shotgun mic: rich sound with nothing clipped to anyone.
BudgetWe use this
Neewer studio light and softbox
Soft, flattering light for talking-head videos at home, for not much money.
WorkhorseOur next upgrade
Amaran COB light
Brighter, more accurate colour and app control. Where we're heading next.
Our picks
Tripods and gimbals
Steady shots, at home or on the move.
BudgetWe use this
K&F Concept studio tripod
Solid and tall enough for studio and sit-down videos.
BudgetWe use this
K&F Concept phone tripod
Small, bendy and always in the bag, for phone clips anywhere.
BudgetWe use this
Zhiyun phone gimbal
Smooth walking shots on your phone. Perfect for travel vlogs.
WorkhorseWe use this
Zhiyun camera gimbal
Cinematic movement with a proper camera and lens.
Our picks
On-the-go cameras
Small cameras for days out, rides and travel.
BudgetWe use this
GoPro
Waterproof, tough and wide. Our action camera for beaches and adventures.
WorkhorseOur next upgrade
DJI Osmo Action 6
DJI's latest action camera as of 2026. Our planned upgrade from the GoPro.
WorkhorseOur next upgrade
DJI Osmo Pocket 4
A tiny camera on its own gimbal. Pull it out of a pocket and film smooth shots in seconds.
BudgetRecommended
Fast memory cards
V30 or faster for 4K. Use the storage calculator above to pick the size.
Our picks
Drones and filters
One for travel, one for cinematic shots, one for lively flying footage. Check the drone ID tool above first.
BudgetWe use this
DJI Mini Pro series
We fly the Mini 3 Pro: small enough to pack for Europe or a trip home. The latest is the Mini 5 Pro. Either way, UK flyers need a Flyer ID and Operator ID.
WorkhorseWe use this
DJI Mavic Pro series
We fly the Mavic 2 Pro for cinematic shots. The latest in the line is the Mavic 4 Pro, DJI's flagship.
WorkhorseWe use this
DJI Avata series
We fly the Avata 2 for lively footage that feels like you're flying. The newest is the Avata 360.
BudgetWe use this
K&F Concept mist and polarising filters
Mist softens highlights for a film look; a polariser cuts glare from water and glass.
Our picks
Monitor, bags and rigging
The bits that make shooting easier and keep the kit safe.
WorkhorseWe use this
Feelworld field monitor
A bigger screen to check focus and framing, especially when you're filming yourself.
BudgetWe use this
SmallRig magic arms
Mount a light, mic or monitor anywhere you need it.
BudgetWe use this
Neewer camera backpack
Padded, roomy and good value for carrying a starter kit.
WorkhorseWe use this
Lowepro camera backpack
Tough and comfortable for a full kit on long travel days.
Our upgrade rule
Upgrade when the work demands it
Our main cameras are years old and still working perfectly. New gear doesn't make a better video; a clear story, good sound and good light do.
Start with
- The phone you already have
- A lavalier mic
- A window or one soft light
- A small tripod
Then add
- A camera with a flip screen
- One bright lens
- A gimbal if you film on the move
Upgrade when
- Your current kit is stopping a shot you need
- A paying job needs it
- The gear has earned its own replacement
Drone basics (UK)
- Pass the free Flyer ID test
- Get an Operator ID if needed
- Stay below 120 m, keep it in sight
- Check local rules when flying abroad
More free tools
Do the maths before the big decisions
UK take-home payWhat lands in your account after tax, NI, pension and student loan.Open →
NHS pay calculatorYour Agenda for Change pay, with enhancements and overtime.Open →
Mortgage calculatorMonthly payments, stamp duty and what you could borrow.Open →
Budget plannerSee where your money goes, weekly, monthly or yearly.Open →
Free checklist
Moving abroad? Get Before You Fly
My free 8-page checklist for the big move: documents, money, the first weeks abroad and what to pack.
Product names and models change often; check the latest version and the seller's details before you buy. Drone rules summarised from the UK CAA's 2026 changes; always check the CAA website and local rules abroad.