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Hardware & Software I Rely On

Making a multi-media website, communicating with my readers and creating original content means having certain equipment. This does not means that you must spend a fortune to start off with. A smartphone phone can make acceptable video and photos. Start with what you have and add value to your website and social channels. 

My basic equipment has grown over the years and where justified, I have upgraded, but I still keep an eye on costs. As the saying goes take action with what you have and create something.

Featured:
​Kindle E-Reader

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There is no doubt about it.
​The E-reader opened up a new world of knowledge for me. I rely on it every day for learning and entertainment.

Find out more about kindle

I admit that I was a skeptic when the first e-readers came out. After a while I began to look for books on Amazon and noticed so many publications that I could not find in local stores. But I could get them on Kindle in seconds. 
Plus the price was right. Books costs less and the Kindle became more affordable.

The clincher was that Amazon will deliver the Kindle almost anywhere. My first Kindle arrived within days in South Africa. Impressive! The reader quickly paid for itself.
In fact I could access so much new information that it became a business tool. A library of advice, lessons and true stories about artists and entrepreneurs that help me every day. 
Why the Kindle? Aside from these reasons the books are highly affordable compared to other readers. I find the reading experience excellent with no glare or eyestrain. 
It gets five stars from me!

Selected Equipment:

Get Paid: Credit Card Reader

When selling physical goods like paintings, DVD's, art supplies - anything really - you will need credit card facilities. 
In South Africa I rely on the Yoco Wireless Pro

No monthly fees
A useful business portal
Reliable App for iOS and Android
Full invoicing and accounting records
Secure

check out yoco

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Cameras:

The Best Camera for Courses and YouTube?
The Canon 200D or 200SL is quite possibly the camera for 2018. It is that good. Perfect for making your course videso, YouTube vlogs and many other functions at an amazing price. Its dual pixel auto-focus is enough reason to try this camera out. Check out my review below.

Camera body only:

Canon EOS Rebel SL2 Digital SLR Camera Body - WiFi Enabled

Camera with kit lens:

Canon EOS Rebel SL2 DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm STM Lens - WiFi Enabled

Big Camera: I use a Canon 650d as my main workhorse camera. New models such as the 700d, 760d and 800d have more features and are excellent cameras. I use this camera for video, shooting stills and references. The clincher is that these cameras have a 3.5mm microphone jack so that I can plug in a lapel microphone. This makes sounds much better and sound editing quicker.

view camera

Small Camera: For a handy camera packed with features that I can slip into a pocket I like the Canon sx710 Powershot. The new model is the sx720 Powershot. Excellent picture quality, fast autofocus and excellent onboard sound make this a versatile snappy camera. Great for vlogging on the move too with excellent image stabilisation.

view sx720 powershot

Sound Recording:

Audio Technica Lavalier Microphone: The full name for this kit is the Audio Technica Omni ATR3350. For a modest price this powerful microphone produces exceptional sound. It plugs into my Canon 650d DSLR camera and records perfectly. Yes it is not wireless, but for indoor recording that is not a problem. Plus did I mention it is cheap to buy?

VIEW LAVALIER MICROPHONE

USB Microphone: For voice-overs, Skype calls and podcasts a good desktop microphone is essential. I find the Samson C01U PRO provides all that I need. Great sound, highly responsive and an excellent price too. 

View USB MICROPHONE

External Microphone: When not using the lavalier microphone I use the Zoom H2n external microphone. It records through five internal microphones. You can also plug in the lavalier mic to record to the Zoom. Versatile, portable (powered by AA batteries) and very good quality. Use it as a desktop USB mic too.

VIEW H2N MICROPHONE

Sound Editing: Audacity is still the go-to free audio editor of choice.

Get Audacity

Video Editing Software: There are many good video editing applications. My preferred is Sony Platinum 13. Plenty of features, but easy to learn with some practice. Integrates with Audacity sound editing. No worries.

View Sony Platinum

Screen Capture Software: How to make demonstration and instructional videos? One of the essential tools for me a is a reliable screen capture app. One that will allow for many option including picture within picture, voice recording and quick set up. There are a number of expensive options, but one stands out for me: Screencast-o-matic. Excellent value for money, rock solid and just works.

View Screencast-o-matic

Tripod: Needless to say a sturdy tripod is essential. I even use one for my plein air painting. For video and taking photos of scenery, paintings and others needs a tripod is important. You can go for a cheap model or a more expensive type. I love the ball-head tripods as they are more versatile. 

view ballhead tripod