Marques Brownlee
What Does MKBHD Use To Film on YouTube?
Marques Brownlee is like THE tech YouTuber. Literally, if there’s anything you wanted to know about tech I guarantee he probably filmed a video about it. He started filming his YouTube channel when he was like 15? And has amassed well over 13.5 Million subscribers and it just keeps going up. So if you’re looking for gear inspiration who else to check out, other than the tech king himself. So this is what we’ve gathered as his go-to gear from his YouTube videos.
| Jump To: | Microphone | Camera | Primary Lens | Lighting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Purchase: | Sennheiser MKH416 Microphone | RED DSMC2 MONSTRO 8K VV | Sigma 24-35 Cine Lens | Arri SkyPanel S60-C |
What Microphone Does MKBHD Use?
This microphone is like the top of the line and probably not for the everyday user. But Marques really talks about how good it is. It’s a microphone that sits above $900, so obviously, if you’re in the industry it’s gear like this that make you excited to create more. However, if you’re a beginner content creator you DO NOT NEED THIS, there are a lot of cheaper alternative that you can start off with. But for those of you that are interested in upgrading to something more premium…
The Sennheiser MKH416 is a super-cariod shotgun microphone that will up your audio game significantly! It is extremely directive meaning that it’ll capture professional-grade audio and reject noise from the sides and the back even in loud and challenging environments like the outdoors. It’s high-quality audio can even go as far as 5′ ft back and further if you really wanted it too but obviously the closer the better.
The MKH416 is a beautiful microphone that will look great in your setup. It comes with a MZW 415 windscreen, MZQ 100 quick-release clip and a case. Making it a breeze to carry to sets or in studio. It’s only 1.1 pounds (165 g) so can be mounted on pretty much any kind of microphone stand with ease. Keep in mind it requires 48V phantom power so you’ll need a pre-amp or something since most consumer cameras don’t have that phantom power (battery alternatives: MKE600). But if you’re in this tax bracket you probably already knew that which leads us to cameras!
Marques underslings his mic just below the sight line attached to his mic stand and the mixpre 633 https://amzn.to/2LUaMtx pre-amp and recorder.
What Camera Does MKBHD Use?
What Lens Does MKBHD Use with That?
Sigma 24-35 Cine Lens (B&H Photo)
So that is a mouthful. That’s because it’s like also top of the line visual quality. The RED camera is more than enough to use to create content but obviously very fun to play with. MKBHD uses the Sigma 24-35 Cine which is a super sharp, high-quality, wide-angle, zoom lens that covers the full frame of the Monstro sensor. The Cine is great cause it opens up to T2, it’s super sharp.
Just a regular desktop monitor but is super helpful when you need a team to film stuff. Thye have it on a VESA mount on wheels (VIVO TV07 Floor Stand – https://amzn.to/3938S2v) so its easy to roll it around. This prevent overcrowding on the small LCD screen and can be plugged directly into the camera with an HDMI cable.
What Lighting Does MKBHD Use?
MKBHD uses overhead lighting (5000k) in conjunction with Arri SkyPanel S60-C (https://amzn.to/3qCBINl) and the Apurture 300D (https://amzn.to/363FkA1)
His lighting is insane. It’s definitely studio level quality and a pretty big setup. Marques uses the Arri SkyPanel S60-C with a gigantic 4ft softbox that makes sure the light isn’t super harsh. He likes this light cause it’s the best key light he’s used in a while, but also it’s super bright and can create it in any colour that he wants.
- Key Light: Arri SkyPanel S60-C (https://amzn.to/3qCBINl)
The SkyPanel S60-C is obviously very large so it requires quite a bit of accessories like:
- Skypanel stand: https://bhpho.to/2FTcMeN
- Skypanel softbox: https://bhpho.to/2FURA7X
Aside from the key light he also uses the Apurture 300C as a fill light to fill in general brightness to the set with that high key look. Since he uses it a fill light it seems he uses it with the soft dome
- Apurture 300D: https://amzn.to/363FkA1
4ft tube that can be changed to any colour, RGB, White, effects. But its free standing and it makes the backgrounds look more interesting. MKBHD got this idea from Dave2D another awesome tech creator on YouTube.
What Does MKBHD Use For B-Roll?
B-Roll Lenses
Zeiss Otus 55mm: https://bhpho.to/2FWFM5r
It’s an f1.4 lens that is medium size. It’s not super wide angle or telephoto but still very sharp. The biggest issue is that the minimum focus length is 2ft which is pretty far when you want to do some cinematic b-roll.
Canon 100mm f2.8: https://amzn.to/3ixINMl
Which means if you do want those closer shots you’ll need a macro lens like the Canon 100mm f2.8 stabelized. So this in conjunction with an 8k sensor is like a magnifying glass which is insane. https://amzn.to/3ixINMl
More B-Roll Gear
Magic Carpet Pro Slider: https://bhpho.to/2FWG387
The Sachtler Pedestal: https://bhpho.to/2FUQ2uF
Mia: Motorized Precision Robot