The Gear We Actually Use
Equipment and products that help us cover Austin entertainment
Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products we actually use or would genuinely recommend to fellow creators and Austin entertainment enthusiasts.
Camera and Video Equipment
Sony A7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera
Approximately $1,998
A versatile full-frame camera with exceptional low-light performance and 4K video capabilities. Perfect for shooting live music in dimly lit venues across Austin. The autofocus system keeps performers sharp even during fast-paced shows.
Why we recommend it:
Austin venues like Stubb's, Mohawk, and Antone's often have challenging lighting conditions. The A7 III's ISO performance up to 51,200 means we can capture clear footage without intrusive lighting. The battery life is also solid enough to shoot an entire evening on 6th Street without swapping.
DJI RS 3 Gimbal Stabilizer
Approximately $549
A professional 3-axis gimbal that delivers smooth, cinematic footage while moving through crowds. Essential for walking shots at festivals like Austin City Limits or SXSW. Supports cameras up to 6.6 lbs with automated axis locks for quick setup.
Why we recommend it:
Covering outdoor festivals and street events means constantly moving through crowds. This gimbal keeps our shots stable and professional-looking whether we're following a food truck line at the Texas Farmers Market or navigating packed venues during ACL Fest. The quick-release system saves time when switching between handheld and stabilized shots.
Rode VideoMic Pro Plus On-Camera Shotgun Microphone
Approximately $299
A broadcast-quality shotgun microphone with built-in rechargeable battery and advanced shock mounting. Features automatic power functionality that turns on with your camera. Includes safety channel recording to prevent audio clipping during loud performances.
Why we recommend it:
Sound quality is critical when covering live music events. This mic captures clear audio even at loud rock shows or outdoor festivals with ambient noise. The safety channel has saved our recordings multiple times when volume levels suddenly spike during performances at venues like Emo's or Empire Control Room.
SanDisk 128GB Extreme PRO SD Card
Approximately $27
High-speed UHS-I SD card with 170 MB/s read speeds and V30 video speed class rating. Reliable storage for 4K video recording with temperature-proof, waterproof, and shock-proof durability. Essential backup storage for any video shoot.
Why we recommend it:
We learned the hard way that card failures can cost you once-in-a-lifetime shots. After losing footage from a surprise Willie Nelson appearance at a small venue, we only use reliable cards. These have never failed us through hundreds of shoots, from scorching summer events at Zilker Park to late-night shows in air-conditioned clubs.
Audio Recording and Production
Zoom H6 Six-Track Portable Recorder
Approximately $399
Professional handheld recorder with interchangeable microphone capsules and four XLR/TRS combo inputs. Records up to six tracks simultaneously with 24-bit/96kHz audio quality. Perfect for capturing interviews, ambient sound, and backup audio at events.
Why we recommend it:
When interviewing musicians backstage or recording ambient festival sounds, having dedicated audio recording equipment is essential. The H6 has captured countless interviews with local Austin artists and serves as our backup audio for video shoots. The interchangeable capsules let us switch between stereo ambient recording and focused interview modes instantly.
Shure SM58 Vocal Microphone
Approximately $99
The industry-standard dynamic vocal microphone known for its durability and reliability. Features a cardioid pattern that isolates vocals while reducing background noise. Built to withstand the rigors of live performance environments and field interviews.
Why we recommend it:
This is the microphone you see on nearly every stage in Austin, from the Continental Club to Stubb's. For interviews and voiceovers, it provides consistent, professional sound quality. It's virtually indestructible and sounds great whether you're recording in a quiet room or next to the speakers at Barbarella.
Mobile and Support Gear
Apple iPhone 15 Pro
Approximately $999
Latest iPhone with Pro camera system featuring 48MP main sensor and improved low-light performance. Capable of shooting 4K ProRes video with Log color profile. Essential for quick social media content, behind-the-scenes footage, and backup recording.
Why we recommend it:
Sometimes the best camera is the one you have with you. When news breaks or we need to grab quick content for Instagram Stories during events like Free Week or First Thursdays, the iPhone Pro delivers broadcast-quality video. The ProRes and Log capabilities mean footage actually matches our main camera when we need to cut them together.
Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger
Approximately $65
High-capacity 26,800mAh power bank with three USB ports for charging multiple devices simultaneously. Can charge an iPhone 15 over six times or provide emergency power for camera batteries. Essential for all-day festival coverage.
Why we recommend it:
During 12-hour days at ACL Fest or all-day SXSW coverage, running out of battery isn't an option. This power bank has enough capacity to keep our phones, wireless mics, and other USB devices charged throughout the longest Austin events. It's survived countless outdoor festivals in Texas heat without issues.
Manfrotto Compact Action Aluminum Tripod
Approximately $65
Lightweight and portable tripod with joystick head for smooth adjustments. Extends to 61 inches and supports up to 11 lbs. Quick release plate and ergonomic grip make it easy to move between shooting locations quickly.
Why we recommend it:
For static shots at press conferences, interviews, or capturing time-lapses of Austin landmarks like the Capitol or sunset over Lady Bird Lake, a reliable tripod is essential. This one is light enough to carry around all day but stable enough for professional work. The compact size fits easily in a backpack when walking between Rainey Street venues.
Peak Design Everyday Backpack 20L
Approximately $259
Weather-resistant camera backpack with customizable FlexFold dividers and external carry straps. Features side and back access for quick gear retrieval. Holds camera body, 3-4 lenses, laptop, and accessories with comfortable carry system.
Why we recommend it:
Moving between multiple venues on 6th Street or covering events across town requires gear that's both protective and accessible. The side access lets us grab our camera without taking off the bag in crowded venues. It's also survived countless encounters with spilled drinks at bars and sudden Austin thunderstorms while staying completely weatherproof.
Full Affiliate Disclosure
Austin Texas TV participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and other affiliate advertising programs designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and other retailers. When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the Amazon Associates Program.
We only recommend products and services that we have personally used or have thoroughly researched. Our primary goal is to provide helpful information to the Austin entertainment community. The prices listed are approximate and may vary. All product recommendations are based on our genuine experience covering music, events, food, and entertainment in Austin, Texas.
Your support through these affiliate links helps us continue to provide free content about Austin's vibrant entertainment scene. We are independently owned and the opinions expressed here are our own. If you have any questions about the products we recommend or our affiliate relationships, please contact us at alienaut@proton.me.