The contemporary compact market is brimming with options for vloggers and content creators, taking the popular form factor beyond “point-and-shoot” to meet the hybrid demands of the day. The camera, however, is just the beginning when it comes to building a setup for high-quality content. For users who plan to make video content with a camera like the Sony ZV-1F, Panasonic LUMIX ZS99, Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, or even the new PowerShot V1, we’ve put together an accessory guide to expand and elevate your compact camera’s creative possibilities without weighing you down.
Audio
DJI Mic Mini Compact Wireless Microphone System
Ultra-lightweight and budget-friendly, the DJI Mic Mini Compact Wireless Microphone System is an excellent choice for improving the audio quality of your vlog, live stream, or social media video. The system comes with a small, clip-on omnidirectional microphone that captures audio wirelessly and transmits it to the receiver, which supports both wired and wireless connections. Both 2.4 GHz wireless and Bluetooth connectivity are supported, with the latter connecting to the DJI Mimo app via iOS and Android devices and allowing you to record audio directly to a smartphone, benefiting use with cameras that lack an audio input option. If you’re creating interview-based content or recording a two-person podcast, consider the two-transmitter option which also comes with the DJI Charging Case.
Gimbal Stabilizer
DJI RS 4 Mini Combo Kit
Gimbal stabilizers have long been popular with video content creators seeking smooth footage. What sets the DJI RS 4 Mini apart—aside from its compact, ergonomic, 2 lb build that still supports a 4.4 lb payload—is its compatibility with the RS Intelligent Tracking Module, included in the combo kit, which uses AI algorithms to keep you or your subject in a consistent position within the frame as you move. The feature is particularly useful for filming yourself while walking or tracking yourself from a fixed position, in addition to its usefulness in tracking other moving subjects. The RS 4 Mini also offers quick and easy balancing, Bluetooth connectivity with compatible cameras, a touchscreen display, and a simple horizontal-to-vertical switch for social media-ready videos.
Tripod
Oben CQL-13 Compact Carbon Fiber Travel Tripod with Ball Head
A recently released crowd favorite, the Oben CQL-13 Tripod is yet another lightweight, high-functioning accessory. Folding down to just 14.5” and weighing just 1.5 lb, the tripod’s sturdy, carbon-fiber build extends up to 51” high and can go as low as 5” off the ground, all with a payload of 13 lb, which is plenty for any compact vlogging setup. Additionally, it can be used as a stand to mount other accessories, such as a smartphone for secondary video or audio capture, or even a small lighting setup—which we’ll discuss next.
Lighting
Zhiyun MOLUS X60 Bi-Color LED Monolight (Combo Kit) and Sirui C150X Handheld Pocket Bi-Color LED Light (Combo Kit)
We’ve included two powerful, portable LED lights because their power options will appeal to different setups. The MOLUS X60 is the smaller, lighter, and less powerful of the two, but is notable for its optional battery grip (bundled in the linked Combo Kit) that allows for a completely wireless configuration and lasts up to 50 minutes at full power. The light and battery grip together weigh 1.5 lb—still compact and lightweight for any on-the-go creator kit. Sirui’s C150X light weighs a pound on its own but doesn’t come with a modular power source like the MOLUS X60, requiring connection to the included power adapter or an optional V-mount battery. Both lights can also be powered via USB-C cable, and both lights allow for optional modifiers: the Zhiyun has a proprietary mount, while Sirui has an optional Bowens adapter that opens the C150X to the wide swath of third-party modifiers. The MOLUS X60 comes in an RGB option, and if you need even more wire-free power, Zhiyun also offers a larger, 100W version of their MOLUS light.
Cage and Other Mounting Options
SmallRig, Tilta, Kondor Blue, Others
Camera cages are a foundational component of a modular rig, offering multiple mounting points for lights, microphones, and other content creation accessories. Cages tend to be camera-specific, so you’ll have to find the one that’s right for you, with manufacturers like SmallRig, Tilta, Kondor Blue, and others offering plenty of choices. Other options for accessory-mounting include cold shoe extensions, which use a camera’s shoe mount as an extension point, and articulating arms, which offer extra flexibility in the spatial orientation of your accessories.
Other Power Options
Power Grips, Power Banks, and V-Mount Batteries
Of course, it’s always recommended to have extra camera batteries, especially when you’re planning on extensive shooting. However, when powering multiple items—like the ones listed here—you’ll want to have recharging options and battery-life extenders. Powered handle grips, like the Sirui H99 PRO Battery Grip, which gives the C150X light 46 minutes of maximum brightness, or the SmallRig HPS99 Handheld Power Stick, offer both stability and power in a single accessory. Another power option is the use of a V-mount battery like the SmallRig VB99 Pro Mini V-Mount Battery, which is not only directly compatible with the C150X light but can power your camera, gimbal, smartphone, or microphone system as well. Lastly, a power bank like the ANKER 3-Port 250W Power Bank is a lightweight power option for devices with lower power draw, like a smartphone, microphone system, or even as camera battery recharge option. In fact, given the ubiquity of USB-C ports, chargers, and cables, you’ll want to check and see if your camera battery has third-party options with a built-in USB-C port, which can simplify charging in the field when paired with any of the aforementioned power accessories.
Storage
Lexar Professional 1800x UHS-II SDXC Memory Card, SanDisk Extreme and Extreme Pro V30 Memory Cards
While SD cards aren’t the preferred storage media for video, the fact is that it’s the most common storage media for compact, point-and-shoot cameras. The Lexar Professional 1800x series of cards were developed specifically for 4K video shooters, and are the best option for seamless recording. The cards are available in sizes between 64GB and 1TB, and we recommend that you double-check your camera’s speed and capacity limits before deciding on a particular size. For cameras that aren’t V60 compatible for the highest speeds, we recommend the SanDisk Extreme and Extreme Pro memory cards instead.
We highlighted these accessories to improve the quality of your content without compromising your camera’s lightweight, point-and-shoot profile. They represent just a sliver of the options available at B&H, and we hope you’ll use this list as a launching point for building out the perfect rig of your own!
