Many people who watch YouTube love to watch vlogger Casey Neistat and for good reason. His videos are incredibly interesting. He’s gotten over 10 million subscribers in the 8 years he’s been on YouTube. One of the reasons he’s so popular is the stories he tells. The equipment he uses to film his videos helps brings these stories to life. Casey Neistat camera and gear setup helps him film at various angles and action shots. If you have your own stories to tell, then using the same setup as Casey is a great idea but not required. Casey Neistat has one simple rule to vlogging and that is to use the best camera you own. The story is more important than the camera gear.
Casey Neistat Camera & Gear Setup
Since Casey has been filming for so long, he has used a wide variety of cameras and equipment. He’s used everything from point-and-shoot cameras, drones, action cameras, DSLRs and more. He started out using only Canon cameras, had a stint with Sony and Panasonic cameras and is back with Canon. Each video posted by Casey uses many different camera setups and a variety of equipment to get the perfect headshots, wide shots and locked-off shots.
Casey Neistat camera and gear setup is usually listed in the YouTube description box, however, you might not want to go through all 300 videos to read the video description. We’ve gone through the videos and compiled a list of vlogger Casey Neistat camera and gear setup. This list will be updated regularly and the current list was used Fall of 2021.
Vlog Camera Setup
Casey has a very specific setup for when he’s out vlogging his day. The camera is a DSLR which is held up by a bendable tripod. This is the large camera you see in his videos and it looks quite heavy. Actually, it is 5 pounds which is fine for quick shots but does get heavy when vlogging for hours at a time. Casey’s total vlogging gear costs around $4,200 including the camera, 2 lenses, microphone and tripod. The following Casey Neistat camera and gear set up is what he uses for vlogging.
Vlogging Camera
Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR
Throughout 2016, Casey Neistat’s vlogging camera was a Panasonic Lumix GH5. This was a great camera for him and allowed him to film in 4K. However, in 2017, Casey switched to a Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR. This camera records in 1080p and provides a better video overall. It gives Casey’s videos a sharper focus, a better range of color and a shallower depth of field.
The Canon 6D Mark II made it into Casey Neistat camera and gear setup for good reason. It has a 26.2 MP full-frame CMOS sensor, an optical viewfinder with a 45-point all cross-type AF system and a DIGIC 7 IMage Processor. Perhaps the most useful feature to Casey is the 3” forward facing touch-screen. This allows him to see what he’s recording.
When it comes to vlogging, the Canon EOS 6D Mark II DSLR is an excellent option – if you can afford it. It offers full-frame performance in a small package. The 26.2 MP CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 Image Processor allow you to record gorgeous video even at expanded ISO settings. The optical viewfinder is also impressive with an accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF, 45 all cross-type AF points and a Vari-angle touch screen LCD. This camera can capture video and full HD videos in a variety of environments and lighting situations. There is a reason this is in Casey Neistat’s camera arsenal and it’s because it is one of the best vlogging cameras available.
Vlogging Lenses
Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens
As far as lenses goes, the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens is Casey’s main vlogging lens. It is designed for Canon DSLRs, but surprisingly doesn’t fit the Canon EOS 6D Mark II. Neistat must be using modifications to make it fit. There are extension tube adapters available but it is unclear if that is what Casey is using. However, he has used this lens on his previous cameras including the Canon 70D and 80D, which it was designed for. The Canon EF-S is a wide-angled lens and has image stabilization which makes it perfect for capturing action shots while vlogging.
The Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens is one of the more affordable lenses available for Canon DSLRs. It provides an ultra-wide angle of view in a small, compact package. This camera is designed for EOS cameras with an APS-C sensor. It contains a 4 group optical zoom system with a large-diameter element, a UD lens element and an aspherical lens element. The enhanced lens coating provides for high-contrast, high-resolution images with little glare or aberration.
The Canon Optical Image Stabilizer system has up to four stops of shake correction. The 7-blade circular perature is designed to ensure fine background blur. The reason this lens is great for vlogging is that it has a stepping motor STM and a refined focus mechanism for smooth AF during video recording. That along with the high CPU speed, improved AF algorithm and a rear focusing system makes this one of the best lenses for vlogging cameras. Even though this lens doesn’t fit Casey Neistat camera, he still tries to make it work because he knows how much better it makes his videos.
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM lens
The second lens in Casey Neistat camera and gear vlogging setup is the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L USM lens. This lens has been discontinued by Canon, however, you may still purchase it on Amazon and other online retailers. There are other updated options as well. The reason why Casey uses this lens for vlogging is that it has a better optical design. It uses 16 elements in 12 groups compared to the 14 elements in 10 groups found in other lenses. It is also a lighter lens which makes it perfect for carrying around and filming his day. Unfortunately, this lens does not have image stabilization which is why he mainly uses the Canon EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lens for vlogging.
Although this lens does not have image stabilization, it is still a great lens to use for shots on a tripod. It’s an ultra wide-angle zoom lens which is preferred among professional photographers and vloggers such as Casey Neistat. It has edge-to-edge sharpness and improved peripheral illumination for better quality images. It even reduces distortion at wide angles. The Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM was designed with videography in mind and delivers the high quality you would expect from Canon. That’s why it is included in Casey Neistat’s camera arsenal.
Vlogging Microphone
Rode VideoMic Pro+
The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is usually the microphone mounted to the top of Casey Neistat’s camera. This microphone captures the audio for his YouTube vlog. It is a lightweight, compact microphone that produce professional broadcast-quality audio. The Rode VideoMic Pro+ is designed to pick-up audio from the front of the mic while ignoring sounds coming from the sides and rear. Noise from wind and other vibrations are isolated thanks to the integrated Rycote Lyre suspension system. A single lithium-ion rechargeable battery is included with the Rode. In early videos, the Rode VideoMic Pro was part of Casey Neistat camera and gear setup.
Vlogging Tripod
JOBY GorillaPod 5K Tripod Kit
A tripod is one of the most versatile tools in a vlogger’s gear kit. Casey uses his tripod to steady his camera for still shots or he uses it like a selfie stick. The tripod he uses is the JOBY GorillaPod 5K Tripod Kit. This tripod can easily hold a DSLR camera as heavy as 11 lbs. The legs are bendable and can be wrapped around objects to get unique camera shots.
Casey regularly places this tripod on uneven surfaces. It remains steady due to its rubberized feet. The JOBY GorillaPod contains a ballhead mount that gives you precise control of the angle of the camera. It can spin the camera 360 degrees and tilt up to 90 degrees. For instant set up, the camera can lock into place with a push and the Arca-Swiss quick-release plate will allow you to quickly remove it.
Studio Camera Setup
Now that you have seen Casey Neistat camera and gear setup for vlogging, we will take a closer look at his studio camera setup. Since his studio is an indoor location, Casey needs completely different equipment than his vlogging equipment. He often uses a camera, a lens, a microphone, a tripod and a video monitor in his studio.
Studio Camera
Canon 1DX Mark II DSLR
When Casey Neistat relaunched his vlog as 368, he felt the need to upgrade his main camera thanks to fellow YouTuber Peter McKinnon. His new camera is the Canon 1DX Mark II DSLR which replaced his Sony a7SII. The Canon 1DX is sometimes used as Casey Neistat’s vlogging camera. It is a little too heavy for a vlogging camera which is why he tends to use 6D Mark II as his main vlogging camera. The Canon 1DX Mark II gives the ability to shoot at 1080p in slow motion, however, it does not have a flip-up screen. This is the main reason why Casey uses it in the studio with a video monitor.
Studio Lens
Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens
Casey’s studio lens is the Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM Zoom Lens. This high performance, water resistant lens has the ability to shoot video at ultra wide-angles. When shooting in wide mode, the circular aperture creates a natural background blur which enhances the photo. Other excellent features on the EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM is the high edge-to-edge image quality, the manual override to control the focus and the fast autofocus. While Casey often complains about the weight of this lens, it is only 0.08lbs heavier than the original and it is still a part of Casey Neistat camera and vlogging gear.
Studio Microphone
Rode VideoMic Pro+
Casey uses the same microphone in the studio that he uses for vlogging. He really loves the Rode VideoMic Pro+ microphones.
Studio Tripod
MeFOTO Classic Aluminum Roadtrip Tripod
When Casey Neistat is in the studio, he mounts his camera on the MeFOTO Classic Aluminum Roadtrip Tripod. This tripod can hold the camera as high as 61.6 inches or as low as 15.4 inches above the ground. There are five extendable legs and a center column for ultimate stability. The camera is mounted on a dual action ballhead. There is also a separate head and pan locks, an Arca-Swiss style quick release plate and a bubble level to keep the camera level while filming. Unlike Casey’s vlogging tripod, this one can carry a load of up to 17.6 lbs and weighs 3.6 lbs.
Video Monitor
SmallHD – 701 Lite ¥ HD Monitor
Since Casey Neistat camera doesn’t have a flip-out, front-facing screen, he needs to use a monitor with it. The monitor he uses is the SmallHD-701 Lite HD Monitor. This monitor allows Casey to watch himself in the 7-inch screen as he films. The monitor has a screen resolution of 1280 x 720 for clear video playback. It is mounted on a JOBY GorillaPod 1K tripod and is connected to Casey’s camera with HDMI cable.
Everyday Camera
Sony RX100 Mark VI
Even when Casey isn’t officially vlogging, he always keeps a point-and-shoot camera with him at all times. The camera he most often carries is the Sony RX100 Mark VI since it is lighter than his vlogging camera and it takes great pictures. It can even film in 4K and can film super slow motion up to 960fps. Impressive! The flip-up screen is useful for selfies or vlogging. The camera has a built-in lens that allows Casey to film in a variety of angles and has a great zoom function.
Casey reviewed the camera in the video below. The Sony RX100 Mark VI is an expensive camera, however, since it has a built-in lens, it is actual cheaper than his vlogging camera and lens. Overall, if you are willing to spend the extra money, the Sony RX100 Mark VI is a great camera and a good investment if you are a professional vlogger such as Casey Neistat.
Compact Camera
Sony RX0
Another camera Casey Neistat uses is the Sony RX0. He bought this camera specifically for situations when he doesn’t want to carry a full-size camera. The Sony RX0 is about the size of a cell phone, however it is almost 10 times better than a smartphone camera. The one downside of this camera is the price. It is more expensive than a GoPro. If you can afford it, the video quality is amazing. The Sony RX0 can record in 4K and 1080p. Casey hasn’t been using this camera for very long so he doesn’t have much of an opinion yet.
Action Camera
GoPro HERO7
When Casey wants a hands-free option, he reaches for his GoPro HERO7. This tiny action camera can be placed just about anywhere. Some people place it on their hat, bicycle, skateboard, car or even on their dog’s collar. This is part of Casey Neistat camera and vlogging gear because he enjoyed using it when he tested it at a waterpark.
The GoPro HERO7 can record in 1080p or 4k for high definition video. Other features include a touchscreen, GPS, voice control, superior audio, livestream capabilities and a waterproof exterior. In fact, it can be submerged in water up to 33ft which makes it great for snorkeling. One thing that makes it better than previous GoPros is the hypersmooth video stabilization. While it is advertised by GoPro as a vlogging camera, Casey thinks that other cameras are better. If you already have a decent main vlogging camera and a studio camera, then the GoPro HERO7 is a great addition to your arsenal.
Drone
DJI Mavic 2 Zoom
Just about every famous YouTube personality owns a drone and that is especially the case when it comes to Casey Neistat camera and vlogging gear setup. Casey uses drones for two different types of shots in his vlogs. He uses them for transition shots and to let viewers see where he is located.
If you have seen most of Casey’s videos, you will know that he has tested a lot of drones. The last two drones he flew were the DJI Mavic 2 Zoom and the Mavic 2 Pro. While he liked both of these drones, the Mavic 2 Pro was too expensive despite the stunning dynamic range. The DJI Mavic 2 Zoom was just as impressive but had a lower price tag. Casey Neistat is now using it as his primary drone. He takes it with him when he travels and even has a dedicated spot for it in his camera bag.