25 best tech & accessories for creators
The unglamorous pieces that keep a shoot running. Memory cards, batteries, power, capture cards, hubs and cables, plus the computers I edit on.
Find the video gear I use and recommend, by type, budget and what you film. Navid's picks come first, and each one opens its own page.
This is a list of the best tech & accessories for creators.
In fact, it has 25 picks, with the gear I use myself first.
So if you want gear that earns its place in your setup, you'll love this list.
The unglamorous pieces that keep a shoot running. Memory cards, batteries, power, capture cards, hubs and cables, plus the computers I edit on.
Here's what's inside:
- Apple MacBook Pro 14.2" with M4 Max Chip, Late 2024
- Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
- SmallRig L-Series/NP-F970 USB-C Rechargeable Camera Battery
- Sony NPFZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery
- Apple 11" iPad Pro M4 Chip (Nano-Texture Glass, 1TB)
- Apple Pencil Pro
- Nanlite D-Tap to 5.5mm Male DC Barrel Power Cable
- SmallRig V Mount Battery VB99 Pro
- UGREEN 4K Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable 6.6FT
- UGREEN Revodok 1071 USB C Hub
- Apple iPad Magic Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
- Elgato Cam Link 4K
- Neewer Dual USB Charger for Sony NP-FZ100 Battery
- OWC 1TB Envoy Pro mini USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash Drive
- SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card 512 GB
- SmallRig D-Tap to Sony NP-FZ100 Dummy Battery Power Cable
- Sony 128GB SF-G TOUGH Series UHS-II SDXC Memory Card
- Belkin iPhone MagSafe Camera Mount for MacBook
- Peak Design Mobile Everyday Loop Case
- Apple Watch Ultra 2
- Belkin BoostCharge Braided USB-C Cable (6.6', Black)
- Belkin Connect USB-C to 4-Port USB-C Hub
- UGREEN 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable 48Gbps 3.3FT
- SmallRig 2.1mm DC Barrel to NP-FZ100 Dummy Battery Power Cable
- Elgato Prompter
Each one comes with its type, its budget and what you'd film with it. I may earn a commission if you buy through my links, at no extra cost to you.
The best tech & accessories at a glance
Here's every pick, with its type and budget.
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The 25 best tech & accessories, ranked
1. Apple MacBook Pro 14.2" with M4 Max Chip, Late 2024
Powerful laptop for creators. Planning to upgrade to this for video editing and heavy multitasking. Absolute powerhouse.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Professional
Made for: YouTube, Studio
Rating: 4.9
See Apple MacBook Pro 14.2" with M4 Max Chip, Late 2024 on Amazon · More about Apple MacBook Pro 14.2" with M4 Max Chip, Late 2024
2. Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
Customizable command center for creators. I use it to switch scenes in Ecamm Live during streams. Tons of other uses too.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Mid-range
Made for: Studio, YouTube, Podcasting
Rating: 4.8
See Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 on Amazon · More about Elgato Stream Deck MK.2
3. SmallRig L-Series/NP-F970 USB-C Rechargeable Camera Battery
Versatile battery for creators. I use two of these to power my key light and charge gear on the go. Super versatile.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: YouTube, Travel
Rating: 4.8
See SmallRig L-Series/NP-F970 USB-C Rechargeable Camera Battery on Amazon · More about SmallRig L-Series/NP-F970 USB-C Rechargeable Camera Battery
4. Sony NPFZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery
Extra batteries for Sony cameras. Extra batteries for my Sony cameras. Reliable and essential for long shoots.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: YouTube, Studio
Rating: 4.8
See Sony NPFZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery on Amazon · More about Sony NPFZ100 Z-series Rechargeable Battery
5. Apple 11" iPad Pro M4 Chip (Nano-Texture Glass, 1TB)
Powerful tablet for creators. My portable workstation for productivity and content creation on the go.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Professional
Made for: YouTube, Travel
Rating: 4.7
See Apple 11" iPad Pro M4 Chip (Nano-Texture Glass, 1TB) on Amazon · More about Apple 11" iPad Pro M4 Chip (Nano-Texture Glass, 1TB)
6. Apple Pencil Pro
Essential tool for iPad Pro. I use this with my iPad Pro for notes and design work. Precise and responsive.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Mid-range
Made for: Travel
Rating: 4.7
See Apple Pencil Pro on Amazon · More about Apple Pencil Pro
7. Nanlite D-Tap to 5.5mm Male DC Barrel Power Cable
Continuous power for Amaran COB 60D S. Powers my Amaran 60D S from the VB99 Pro battery. Essential for long outdoor shoots.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: Studio
Rating: 4.7
See Nanlite D-Tap to 5.5mm Male DC Barrel Power Cable on Amazon · More about Nanlite D-Tap to 5.5mm Male DC Barrel Power Cable
8. SmallRig V Mount Battery VB99 Pro
Portable power for creators. A game-changer for travel. Powers my cameras, lights, and laptop on the go.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Mid-range
Made for: YouTube, Travel
Rating: 4.7
See SmallRig V Mount Battery VB99 Pro on Amazon · More about SmallRig V Mount Battery VB99 Pro
9. UGREEN 4K Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable 6.6FT
Reliable cable for streaming & recording. Connects my a6700 to the Cam Link 4K for recording and streaming.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: Studio, Podcasting
Rating: 4.7
See UGREEN 4K Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable 6.6FT on Amazon · More about UGREEN 4K Micro HDMI to HDMI Cable 6.6FT
10. UGREEN Revodok 1071 USB C Hub
Versatile hub for MacBook & iPad Pro. My USB-C hub for MacBook and iPad Pro. Reliable and great for expanding ports.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: Travel, Studio
Rating: 4.7
See UGREEN Revodok 1071 USB C Hub on Amazon · More about UGREEN Revodok 1071 USB C Hub
11. Apple iPad Magic Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Best keyboard for iPad Pro. Turns my iPad Pro into a proper laptop. Great typing experience and added functionality.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Mid-range
Made for: Travel
Rating: 4.6
See Apple iPad Magic Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) on Amazon · More about Apple iPad Magic Keyboard Case for iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
12. Elgato Cam Link 4K
Turn your camera into a webcam. Turns my Sony a6700 into a webcam. Essential for video podcasts and live streams.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: YouTube, Podcasting, Studio
Rating: 4.6
See Elgato Cam Link 4K on Amazon · More about Elgato Cam Link 4K
13. Neewer Dual USB Charger for Sony NP-FZ100 Battery
Efficient charger for Sony cameras. Charges two Sony NP-FZ100 batteries at once. Cheap and gets the job done.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: YouTube, Studio
Rating: 4.6
See Neewer Dual USB Charger for Sony NP-FZ100 Battery on Amazon · More about Neewer Dual USB Charger for Sony NP-FZ100 Battery
14. OWC 1TB Envoy Pro mini USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash Drive
Compact & reliable storage. My portable SSD for the iPad Pro. Compact and fast for on-the-go storage.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Mid-range
Made for: Travel
Rating: 4.6
See OWC 1TB Envoy Pro mini USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash Drive on Amazon · More about OWC 1TB Envoy Pro mini USB 3.2 Gen 2 Flash Drive
15. SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card 512 GB
Reliable microSD for 4K video. My microSD cards for the Pocket 3, action cams, and drone. Fast and reliable.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Mid-range
Made for: YouTube, Travel
Rating: 4.6
See SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card 512 GB on Amazon · More about SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC UHS-I Memory Card 512 GB
16. SmallRig D-Tap to Sony NP-FZ100 Dummy Battery Power Cable
Continuous power solution for Sony cameras. Connects the VB99 Pro to my Sony a6700 for continuous power during long shoots.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: Studio, YouTube
Rating: 4.6
See SmallRig D-Tap to Sony NP-FZ100 Dummy Battery Power Cable on Amazon · More about SmallRig D-Tap to Sony NP-FZ100 Dummy Battery Power Cable
17. Sony 128GB SF-G TOUGH Series UHS-II SDXC Memory Card
Best SD cards for APS-C cameras. The SD cards I use in my Sony cameras. Fast, tough, and reliable for 4K recording.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Mid-range
Made for: YouTube, Studio
Rating: 4.6
See Sony 128GB SF-G TOUGH Series UHS-II SDXC Memory Card on Amazon · More about Sony 128GB SF-G TOUGH Series UHS-II SDXC Memory Card
18. Belkin iPhone MagSafe Camera Mount for MacBook
Seamless iPhone mount for MacBook. Mounts my iPhone to my MacBook via MagSafe. Great for video calls and Continuity Camera.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: YouTube, Studio
Rating: 4.5
See Belkin iPhone MagSafe Camera Mount for MacBook on Amazon · More about Belkin iPhone MagSafe Camera Mount for MacBook
19. Peak Design Mobile Everyday Loop Case
Durable and versatile iPhone case. My everyday iPhone case. Durable, slim, and works with the Peak Design ecosystem.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: Travel
See Peak Design Mobile Everyday Loop Case on Amazon · More about Peak Design Mobile Everyday Loop Case
20. Apple Watch Ultra 2
Fitness tracker & camera monitor. Planning to upgrade from my Series 6. Great for fitness tracking and monitoring myself on camera.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Professional
Made for: Travel, YouTube
Rating: 4.8
See Apple Watch Ultra 2 on Amazon · More about Apple Watch Ultra 2
21. Belkin BoostCharge Braided USB-C Cable (6.6', Black)
Durable & reliable USB-C cable. Sturdy braided USB-C cable for charging and data transfer. Built to last.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: Travel
Rating: 4.7
See Belkin BoostCharge Braided USB-C Cable (6.6', Black) on Amazon · More about Belkin BoostCharge Braided USB-C Cable (6.6', Black)
22. Belkin Connect USB-C to 4-Port USB-C Hub
Versatile USB-C hub. Solid USB-C hub that works with my MacBook, iPad, and iPhone.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: Travel, Studio
Rating: 4.7
See Belkin Connect USB-C to 4-Port USB-C Hub on Amazon · More about Belkin Connect USB-C to 4-Port USB-C Hub
23. UGREEN 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable 48Gbps 3.3FT
High-speed HDMI cable for streaming. High-speed HDMI cable for connecting cameras to a capture card. Solid and reliable.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: Studio
Rating: 4.7
See UGREEN 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable 48Gbps 3.3FT on Amazon · More about UGREEN 8K HDMI 2.1 Cable 48Gbps 3.3FT
24. SmallRig 2.1mm DC Barrel to NP-FZ100 Dummy Battery Power Cable
Continuous power for Sony cameras. Alternative dummy battery cable for connecting Sony cameras to the VB99 Pro.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Budget
Made for: Studio
Rating: 4.6
See SmallRig 2.1mm DC Barrel to NP-FZ100 Dummy Battery Power Cable on Amazon · More about SmallRig 2.1mm DC Barrel to NP-FZ100 Dummy Battery Power Cable
25. Elgato Prompter
Professional teleprompter for videos. Hard to travel with, but amazing for a permanent studio. Keeps eye contact while reading scripts.
Type: Tech & accessories
Budget: Mid-range
Made for: Studio, YouTube
Rating: 4.5
FAQs about tech & accessories
The questions people ask most about tech & accessories.
Something fast, from a brand you have heard of, in the size your camera takes.
I use the Sony SF-G TOUGH 128GB UHS-II card at $208 in my Sony bodies, and the SanDisk Extreme PRO microSDXC 512GB at $139.99 in the Osmo Pocket 3, action cameras and drone. Cheap unbranded cards fail mid record, and there is no recovering that take.
Take the battery out of the equation entirely with a dummy battery and a V mount.
I run the SmallRig VB99 Pro at $199.98 on sale into my Sony body using the SmallRig D-Tap to NP-FZ100 dummy battery cable at $31.98. The camera thinks it has a battery, and the V mount runs it all day. The SmallRig 2.1mm DC barrel version at $26.90 does the same job from a different power source.
Two spares beyond the one in the camera, which for Sony bodies means the NP-FZ100 at $88 each.
I charge them two at a time with the Neewer dual USB charger at $18 on sale, which is cheap and does exactly one thing well. If you are filming somewhere without power, the SmallRig NP-F970 USB-C battery at $63.98 charges other gear too, so it counts as two purchases.
A capture card. The Elgato Cam Link 4K at $79.99 on sale is what turns my Sony body into a webcam.
HDMI out of the camera, USB into the computer, and your video software sees it as any other camera. It is essential for video podcasts and live streams. Pair it with the UGREEN micro HDMI cable at $9.99 if your camera has a micro HDMI port, which most mirrorless bodies do.
Check the port on your camera first, because most mirrorless bodies use micro HDMI rather than full size.
The UGREEN 4K micro HDMI cable at $9.99 is the one I use into my capture card, and at that price I keep a spare. The UGREEN 8K HDMI 2.1 cable at $12.99 is for full size ports and higher bandwidth. Cables are the cheapest thing here and the most common reason a shoot stops.
If you edit on a modern laptop, yes, because it will not have the ports your gear expects.
The UGREEN Revodok 1071 at $16.99 on sale is my everyday hub for MacBook and iPad Pro and it is remarkable value. The Belkin Connect four port USB-C hub at $44.95 is the sturdier option. Buy one with power delivery so the hub charges the laptop while it is plugged in.
A MacBook Pro 14 inch with the M4 Max chip at $3,899, which is the most expensive item on this entire site and rated 4.9.
It handles 4K timelines without proxies and does not slow down when everything else is open. On the road I use the iPad Pro M4 at $1,521.60 with the Magic Keyboard at $289 for lighter work. You do not need either to start editing.
On fast external storage, immediately, and then somewhere second.
The OWC Envoy Pro mini 1TB at $257.72 is my portable SSD, small enough to live with the iPad Pro and quick enough to edit straight off. Memory cards are for capture, not for keeping. The rule that has saved me most often is that footage does not exist until it is in two places.
For scripted studio work, yes. For anything you carry, no.
The Elgato Prompter at $267.99 on sale keeps your eyes on the lens while you read, which is the difference between a scripted video that feels natural and one that feels read. It is genuinely hard to travel with, so it makes sense only if your studio is permanent and your videos are scripted.
It turns multi step software actions into one button, and it removes the pause where you look for a menu.
I use the Elgato Stream Deck MK.2 at $134.99 on sale to switch scenes in Ecamm Live during streams. It also handles recording start and stop, mute, and anything else with a keyboard shortcut. It is a luxury until you go live, and then it becomes the reason the stream looks smooth.
The Belkin iPhone MagSafe camera mount at $29.95 clips your phone to the top of a MacBook, and Continuity Camera does the rest.
The iPhone's rear camera is better than any laptop webcam, so for calls and quick recordings this is a $30 upgrade to something you use daily. No capture card, no cables. It is one of the cheapest things on this list and one I use constantly.
Memory cards, storage and power. Everything else can be cheap.
A cable failing costs you ten minutes. A memory card failing costs you the shoot, and a drive failing costs you the archive. That is why I use $208 Sony cards and a $257.72 OWC drive, and $9.99 UGREEN cables without a second thought. Spend where failure is unrecoverable, save where it is annoying.
Final thoughts on tech & accessories
The best gear is the gear you'll actually use. Start with sound and light, then upgrade the camera once your setup holds you back.
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