The Gear I Use to Make Recipe Videos
Discover the gear I use to create stunning recipe videos, from cameras to lighting, and how it shapes my food blogging journey.
As a food blogger since 2011, I’ve always been passionate about sharing recipes that inspire home cooks. But it wasn’t until 2017 that I ventured into recipe videos, a medium that transformed how I connect with my audience. Adding video to my blog was a game-changer, letting me showcase the sizzle of a pan or the perfect drizzle of chocolate in ways words and photos couldn’t. By 2019, I was producing videos for other bloggers, and now, through my YouTube channel, I share tips to help others navigate the world of recipe video production. This journey hasn’t been just about recipes—it’s been about mastering the tools that bring those dishes to life on screen.
Here’s the story of the gear I’ve used, loved, and occasionally struggled with to create professional recipe videos. It’s not about having the flashiest equipment; it’s about choosing tools that match your skills and goals. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned creator, I’ll walk you through my setup, why I chose each piece, and how it’s helped me craft compelling culinary content.
The Starting Point: Learning the Craft
My background in Digital Media, with a focus on video editing from my college days, gave me a head start. But when I began creating recipe videos, I quickly realized that the gear you choose can make or break your workflow. Early on, I made do with basic equipment, learning the ropes with affordable tools while honing my skills. Over time, as my videos gained traction and I started producing for others, I upgraded strategically. My mantra? Start with what you have, learn what you need, and invest as your skills and budget grow.
Cameras: The Heart of the Setup
Cameras are the cornerstone of any video setup, and I’ve relied on two Canon models to capture my recipes in vivid detail.
Canon 5D Mark II
The Canon 5D Mark II was my first serious camera, and it’s still a workhorse for my side-angle shots. Its image quality is fantastic for food videos, capturing the rich textures of ingredients like golden-brown crusts or vibrant herbs. At around $500-$700 used, it’s a budget-friendly option for a DSLR with professional-grade output. However, it’s heavy, lacks a flip-out screen, and doesn’t autofocus during video, which can be a hassle for solo shoots. I mount it on a tripod for stable side shots, framing the cooking process from a classic angle.
Specs:
- Sensor: 21.1 MP full-frame CMOS
- Video: 1080p at 30fps
- Price: ~$500-$700 (used)
- Use Case: Side-angle recipe shots
Canon EOS 80D
When I needed a more versatile camera, I upgraded to the Canon EOS 80D, which costs about $800-$1,000. Its autofocus feature is a lifesaver for solo shoots, especially when I’m on camera talking or demonstrating a technique. The flip-out screen lets me check framing easily, whether I’m shooting overhead or face-to-camera. It’s also lightweight, making it ideal for attaching to an overhead arm for top-down footage. This camera has streamlined my workflow, letting me focus on cooking rather than fiddling with focus.
Specs:
- Sensor: 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS
- Video: 1080p at 60fps
- Price: ~$800-$1,000
- Use Case: Overhead shots, talking head videos
Camera Comparison Table
| Feature | Canon 5D Mark II | Canon EOS 80D |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 21.1 MP Full-Frame | 24.2 MP APS-C |
| Video Resolution | 1080p at 30fps | 1080p at 60fps |
| Autofocus in Video | No | Yes |
| Flip-Out Screen | No | Yes |
| Weight | Heavy (~810g) | Light (~730g) |
| Price (Approx.) | $500-$700 (used) | $800-$1,000 |
Lenses: Framing the Perfect Shot
Lenses are where the magic happens in food videography. They control how your audience sees the dish, from wide shots of the prep to close-ups of the final plate.
Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM Lens
The Canon 50mm f/1.8 STM, priced at around $125, is my go-to for side-angle shots. This prime lens delivers crisp, vibrant images with a shallow depth of field, perfect for making ingredients pop against a blurred background. Since it doesn’t zoom, I use it on my 5D Mark II for static shots where framing is set. Its low price and high quality make it a must-have for beginners.
Specs:
- Focal Length: 50mm
- Aperture: f/1.8
- Price: ~$125
- Use Case: Side-angle food shots
Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens
For versatility, the Canon 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM ($1,700-$1,900) is unmatched. I use it on my 80D for overhead shots, zooming in for close-ups of stirring or plating without moving the camera. Its wide range lets me adjust framing on the fly, which is crucial for dynamic recipe videos. While it’s pricey, its flexibility justifies the cost for serious creators.
Specs:
- Focal Length: 24-70mm
- Aperture: f/2.8
- Price: ~$1,700-$1,900
- Use Case: Overhead shots, zoomable close-ups
Canon Extension Tube EF12 II
For macro shots, I pair the 50mm lens with the Canon Extension Tube EF12 II (~$85). It turns the 50mm into a pseudo-100mm lens, letting me capture intricate details like sugar crystals or sauce drizzles. It’s a niche tool, but it adds a professional touch to close-up shots.
Specs:
- Magnification: Increases lens magnification
- Price: ~$85
- Use Case: Macro food shots
Tripods and Stands: Stability is Key
Stable footage is non-negotiable in recipe videos, and my tripod and stand setup ensures I get it right.
Vanguard ALTA PRO 263AGH Tripod
The Vanguard ALTA PRO 263AGH with GH-100 Grip Head (~$200) is my go-to tripod. Its articulating arm adjusts for overhead shots, and it’s sturdy enough for heavy cameras like the 5D Mark II. The grip head isn’t ideal for smooth panning or tilting, so I’m considering a fluid head upgrade. Still, it’s reliable and versatile.
Specs:
- Max Height: 68.5 inches
- Weight Capacity: 13.2 lbs
- Price: ~$200
- Use Case: Side-angle and adjustable overhead shots
Glide Gear OH 100 Overhead Stand
The Glide Gear OH 100 (~$150) is my overhead stand for top-down videos. It’s not tall enough for wide shots with my 24-70mm lens, so I stack it on sturdy boxes. Flipping the bar helps, but long lenses make it tricky. It’s a solid budget option, though I’m exploring taller alternatives.
Specs:
- Max Height: ~6 feet
- Weight Capacity: 10 lbs
- Price: ~$150
- Use Case: Overhead food videos
Chart: My Video Setup Workflow
Lighting: Setting the Mood
Lighting can make or break a food video. I’ve experimented with a few setups to get that soft, appetizing glow.
Limo Studio Softboxes
I started with Limo Studio softboxes (~$50-$100), but their slight green tint required constant color correction. They’re affordable for beginners but not ideal for professional work.
Neewer LED Video Lights
I upgraded to Neewer LED video lights (~$100-$150), which I bounce off my white ceiling with a slight yellow adjustment to neutralize the green tint from my softboxes. This creates a soft, natural glow that makes food look inviting. They’re versatile and budget-friendly, perfect for most setups.
Lighting Setup Table
| Light Type | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Limo Studio Softboxes | $50-$100 | Affordable, easy to set up | Green tint, needs correction |
| Neewer LED Lights | $100-$150 | Adjustable, natural glow | Requires ceiling bounce |
Audio: Clear Sound for Clear Stories
Good audio is critical, especially for voiceovers or on-camera segments. I use the Zoom H1N Handy Recorder (~$100), which delivers crisp sound and supports a lav mic for interviews or demos. It’s compact and affordable, making it a great choice for beginners.
Specs:
- Recording: Stereo, up to 96kHz/24-bit
- Price: ~$100
- Use Case: Voiceovers, on-camera audio
For music, I rely on Epidemic Sound subscriptions (~$15/month) for royalty-free tracks. I’ve also sourced from Premium Beat and Audio Jungle for variety, ensuring my videos have the right vibe without copyright issues.
Editing: Bringing It All Together
Editing is where the story comes to life. I use Adobe Premiere Pro (~$20/month with Adobe Creative Cloud) for its robust features and seamless integration with other Adobe tools. Its intuitive interface lets me cut, color-correct, and add effects efficiently, even with complex sequences.
My MacBook Pro (2017, 15-inch, 3.1 GHz Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, ~$2,000) was a game-changer. Upgrading from a 2010 model slashed rendering and encoding times, letting me produce videos faster. The investment paid off in time saved and smoother workflows.
Extras: The Little Things That Matter
Memory Cards
A 64GB SanDisk Extreme Pro SD card (~$20-$30) is essential for serious video work. I learned the hard way not to skimp on storage—nothing’s worse than running out of space mid-shoot. A reliable card reader (~$15) ensures quick data transfers.
Backdrops
I’ve made DIY backdrops from wood and paint for a rustic look, but I also use Bessie Bakes and Replica Surfaces (~$50-$100 each) for polished, wipeable options. A double-sided Woodville Workshop backdrop (~$80) has been a recent addition, offering versatility for different aesthetics.
Diffuser
The Neewer 40”x60” diffuser (~$30) softens harsh daylight, creating a flattering glow for food shots. It’s oversized but affordable and effective for natural light setups.
Sandbags
Sandbags (~$20-$40) keep my tripod and stand stable, preventing costly camera tumbles. I’ve used bags of rice in a pinch, but proper sandbags are worth the small investment.
Single Burner
The Cuisinart Cast Iron Single Burner (~$40) is perfect for stovetop shots. It’s not induction, so it works with any cookware, though it’s not the most powerful. It looks sleek and gets the job done.
Fan
A simple tabletop fan (~$15) keeps steam away from my lens during hot food shoots. A clip-on tripod fan is another option for compact setups.
Steadicam
The Raleno Steadicam (~$50-$100) is a work in progress for me. It stabilizes handheld footage for dynamic shots, but it takes practice to master. It’s not essential but adds flair for advanced creators.
Lessons Learned: Gear Isn’t Everything
After years of trial and error, I’ve learned that gear is only part of the equation. My early videos, shot on basic equipment, still connected with audiences because of clear storytelling and solid editing. The Canon 5D Mark II and 50mm lens got me started, but upgrading to the 80D and better lighting elevated my work as my skills grew. Each piece of equipment has trade-offs—price, weight, or learning curve—but the right choices depend on your goals and budget.
For beginners, start with a decent camera (like the 80D), a versatile lens (50mm or 24-70mm), and good lighting. Add tripods and audio as you grow. Don’t feel pressured to buy everything at once; build your kit as you refine your craft. My YouTube channel is packed with tutorials on making these tools work for you, from framing shots to editing efficiently.
Final Thoughts
Creating recipe videos is about more than gear—it’s about telling a story that makes viewers hungry to try your recipes. My setup, from cameras to backdrops, has evolved with my skills, and each piece serves a purpose in bringing my vision to life. Whether you’re shooting on a budget or investing in pro gear, focus on what helps you create authentic, engaging content. What’s in your video kit? Let me know—I’d love to hear about your journey!
Please share these The Gear I Use to Make Recipe Videos with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.
We will meet you on next article.
Until you can read, Social Media Video Sizes for Every Platform
