Equipment Guide: The Shit That Actually Matters

Every guide tells you to buy $2000 worth of equipment. That's bullshit. I started with $60 and now make $6K/month with $200 worth of gear.

Here's what actually matters and what's a complete waste of money.

The Bare Minimum Setup ($60)

This is what I started with:

• Webcam: Logitech C270 ($25) - 720p, works fine
• Lighting: Desk lamp pointed at face ($15)
• Audio: Built-in webcam mic (free)
• Background: Bedsheet on wall ($5)
• Internet: Whatever you already have

Made $1,100 my first month with this setup.

The Optimal Setup ($200) - What I Use Now

• Webcam: Logitech C920 ($60) - 1080p, worth every penny
• Lighting: 10" ring light with stand ($40) - Game changer
• Audio: Still using webcam mic (works fine)
• Background: Blank wall or tapestry ($20)
• Extras: Second monitor for chat ($80 used)

This setup gets me to $6K/month. No DSLR. No professional mics. No studio lights.

Shit You DON'T Need

Stop wasting money on:

• DSLR cameras - Overkill, complicated, unnecessary
• Professional microphones - Webcam mic is fine
• Green screens - Looks fake, nobody cares
• Studio lighting kits - One ring light beats 3 softboxes
• Expensive backdrops - Clean wall works perfect

Lighting: The Make-or-Break Factor

Bad lighting kills more cam careers than anything else. Here's the hierarchy:

1. BEST: Natural window light (free)
2. GREAT: Ring light ($30-50)
3. GOOD: Two desk lamps from sides ($30)
4. OKAY: One bright lamp in front ($15)
5. DEATH: Ceiling light only (creates shadows)

Lighting Rules:

• Light source in FRONT of you, not behind
• No windows behind you (creates silhouette)
• Warm light > Cold light (more flattering)
• Test different positions before streaming

Webcam Breakdown

Logitech C270 ($25)

• 720p resolution
• Decent in good light
• Perfect for starting out
• What I used months 1-3

Logitech C920 ($60) - THE SWEET SPOT

• 1080p resolution
• Great low-light performance
• Used by 90% of successful cam models
• What I use now

Logitech Brio ($150+)

• 4K resolution
• Overkill for camming
• Most sites compress to 1080p anyway
• Save your money

Internet Requirements

Minimum speeds for streaming:

• 720p: 3 Mbps upload
• 1080p: 5 Mbps upload
• Smooth streaming: 10+ Mbps upload

Test your speed at fast.com - look at UPLOAD speed, not download.

The Background Truth

Nobody gives a fuck about your background if you're hot and engaging. But if you're worried:

• Best: Clean, plain wall
• Good: Tapestry or flag ($20)
• Fine: Tidy bedroom
• Avoid: Messy room, bathroom, kitchen

Optional Upgrades (After You're Making Money)

Once you're consistently making $2K+/month, consider:

1. Second monitor ($100) - Game changer for managing chat
2. Wireless keyboard ($30) - Move around while typing
3. Phone mount ($20) - Second angle for privates
4. Better chair ($100) - You'll be sitting for hours

My Month-by-Month Equipment Evolution

• Month 1: C270 + desk lamp = $1,100 earned
• Month 2: Added ring light = $2,850 earned
• Month 3: Upgraded to C920 = $4,200 earned
• Month 6: Added second monitor = $6,500 earned

Notice how income grew WITH equipment, not because of it.

The Bottom Line

You can start making money TONIGHT with whatever webcam and lamp you already have. Don't let equipment be your excuse.

I know guys making $10K/month with a 5-year-old laptop webcam. I know guys with RED cameras making nothing.

Good lighting + decent webcam + strong internet = All you need

Everything else is just expensive procrastination.