Nashville Media
Video Gear Kit
This is the exact gear our entire team uses. We have tried and tested cameras, gimbals, drones, audio, and accessories across hundreds of shoots — and this is what works. This is what we decided to scale with. Every item on this page is something we personally stand behind and officially recommend.
DJI RS 4, 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer
DJI RS 4 — $409
The RS 4 ($409) is more than good enough for our entire team. The RS 5 runs $569 and there is no fundamental difference that justifies the extra $160. The only reason to consider the RS 5 is if you specifically want the tracker kit — and that is a much bigger spend. We would not equip a team with it. This gimbal works flawlessly with both your main camera and iPhone, shoots native vertical, and is the only one we recommend.
Sony ZV-E1 Mirrorless Camera (Black)
Sony ZV-E1 — $2,498
Photo and video. No viewfinder, but the LCD is accurate enough that you will not miss one. The biggest reason we use this camera is the built-in AI stabilization — it actually works with a gimbal, unlike anything else out there. Your footage comes out smoother and requires far less work in post. No dual SD card slot, but in three years it has never been an issue. Time and time again I am reminded of how incredible this camera is. By far my favorite I have ever used. This is what the entire Nashville Media team uses every day, and it has never failed us.
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G — $1,298
Our wide lens for all wide shots — photo and video. You do not need the G Master and you do not need anything lower than F4. After four years of testing, I have never found the need to go below F4. The ZV-E1 has a native ISO of 12800, so save the money. This is the lens that lives on the camera all day. My personal recommendation is to look for a used copy on B&H or Adorama — you can usually save a couple hundred dollars and they are basically brand new.
Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G
Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G — $1,298
Photo and video. We use this for agent-on-camera work and for detail shots in photos. It is a very versatile lens — F2.8 is more than good enough. Small, lightweight, and an amazing price for a telephoto. Retails at $1,298 but it frequently goes on sale for $1,198, so keep an eye out. My personal recommendation is to look for a used copy on B&H or Adorama — you can usually save a couple hundred dollars and they are basically brand new.
Freewell 82mm Hard Stop Variable ND Filter
Freewell 82mm Variable ND — $109.99
This ND filter essentially lives on the 24-50 for video. We take it off for photos, but for video we use it 90% of the time so we can control aperture and drop down to F2.8 as needed. Great for exteriors and some interiors. The hard stop design keeps you out of the X marks. When the filter is on, the included lens cover goes right over it — so the setup stays clean and ready to go.
K&F Concept 67-82mm Step-Up Ring (2-Pack)
K&F 67-82mm Step-Up Ring — $12
We use the 67-82mm specifically for the 24-50 lens. This ring lives on that lens permanently. The ND filter stays on for video and we only pull it off for photos — the included lens cover fits right over the filter so the whole setup stays protected and ready. Cheap, essential, easy to lose — buy the 2-pack.
DJI Mic 2, Wireless Lavalier Microphone
DJI Mic 2 — $199
The audio is great and the built-in noise cancellation is strong. The receiver shows battery life and audio levels visually, which is a big deal on set. The mic itself is a little bigger and harder to hide on agents than the Mic 3, but battery life is excellent — you are not charging these constantly. At $199 as of April 2026, these are a great value.
DJI Mic 3, Wireless Lavalier Microphone
DJI Mic 3 — $259
The mics themselves are noticeably smaller, which makes them easier to hide on agents — and agents appreciate that. The receiver shows battery level and audio levels for everything visually, so you can confirm everything looks right at a glance without stopping the shot. Great audio quality. If you want to spend a little extra for a cleaner, more hidden setup, the Mic 3 is worth it. $259 on Amazon as of April 2026.
Hollyland Lark M2S Combo
Hollyland Lark M2S — $95
These are cheap and extremely discreet — the mics practically disappear on talent. Max at Envision Media uses them and swears by them. Personally, I have had mixed results with audio quality and noise cancellation, so your experience may vary. Could be an editor issue, could be the mic. Either way, for the price they are a solid starter option. Just go in knowing the results are not always consistent. Use at your own discretion.
DJI Mini 5 Pro with RC2 Fly More Combo
DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More — $1,099
This is what we primarily equip our team with. At $1,099 for the full Fly More Combo with the RC2 screen remote, the value is unreal. Native vertical shooting, great image quality, great for twilight and elevation. If someone crashes one, it does not hurt your pocket nearly as much. The one downside is the size — in very windy conditions it can struggle. We are fine 90% of the time and just fly strategically, or come back another day if needed.
DJI Air 3S with RC2 Fly More Combo
DJI Air 3S Fly More — $1,599
$500 more than the Mini 5 Pro, and here is what you get for it: much bigger batteries and longer flight time, a heavier and sturdier drone that handles serious wind, and a built-in 70mm lens that creates natural compression. That 70mm is the reason to upgrade — it pulls in city skylines and coastal views to make them look dramatically closer to the listing. Shooting near a downtown or a waterfront property? This is the drone for it. Comes with the RC2 screen remote and three batteries total.
Neewer SP-18 Phone Tripod Mount Adapter with Arca QR
Neewer SP-18 Phone Mount — $29.49
Make sure you get the SP-18 specifically — it is the version confirmed compatible with the DJI RS4 gimbal and has tightening screws and locking mechanisms to lock and secure every axis. Other phone holders look similar but skip the locking mechanisms, and your phone will drift constantly. It is incredibly annoying. I have personally tested a dozen of these and this one is by far the best. An iPhone on a DJI RS4 gimbal is absolutely underrated — it is a great setup if you are filming on iPhone.
Neewer Gimbal Counterweights & Clamp Kit (GA001)
Neewer Counterweights — $28.28
If you are shooting with an iPhone on the RS4 gimbal, you need these to balance it properly. Some people manage without them, but it looks clunky and the gimbal fights itself. These make the iPhone setup feel clean and intentional. And if you are thinking about just getting the RS4 Mini instead — do not do that to yourself. The RS4 is a much better gimbal. Get the counterweights and do it right.
On Cloudrunner 2 Sneakers
On Cloudrunner 2 — $140–$170
These are my all-time favorite shoes for shooting. Extremely comfortable, extremely lightweight, and they look great. They absorb the impact of your feet while you walk, which makes your gimbal footage that much smoother — that is literally why they are in this gear kit. I have purchased these four times. Every time I wear them out, I replace them with the exact same pair. I have tested Hokas, Brooks, Nikes, and many other brands, and these are not even close. A little on the pricier side at $140–$170, but well worth it. Available for both men and women. Really any On Cloud shoe would be great, but these are my go-to for day-to-day shooting.
All links go directly to the product. We do not earn commissions from these links. We recommend what we actually use. All prices are subject to change — pricing reflected is sourced from the most reliable retailers including Amazon, B&H, and Adorama.
Sony Alpha 7 IV Full-Frame Mirrorless
Sony Alpha 7 IV — Do Not Buy
For the first two years, we used the A7 IV for both photo and video. Due to crop limitations we switched to the ZV-E1 for video while keeping the A7 IV for photos — then after extensive testing, we made the full switch to the ZV-E1 for everything. We no longer run a two-body system. On paper, the 33MP, viewfinder, dual card slots, and mechanical shutter all sound like reasons to choose this camera. In practice, none of it made a difference in the outcome of our photos. Our 100% recommendation is the ZV-E1 for both photo and video. This card is here so you know not to get it.
Sony ZV-E1 Mirrorless Camera (Black)
Sony ZV-E1 — $2,498
Not only is the ZV-E1 incredible for video — it can absolutely be used for photos too. You can preset your settings for video and switch over to photo with minimal adjustments. The ZV-E1 is only 12MP, but I have literally never been able to tell the difference between its photos and the A7 IV's. The A7 IV has 33MP and better specs on paper, but all I care about are the results — and the results are the same. Bracketed photos work great. Everything else works exactly the same. The ZV-E1 is without a doubt a hybrid camera.
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G
Sony FE PZ 16-35mm F4 G — $1,298
90% of our photos are done with this lens. Our wide lens for all real estate interiors and exteriors. You do not need the G Master and you do not need anything lower than F4. After four years of testing, I have never found the need to go below F4. Look for a used copy on B&H or Adorama — you can save a couple hundred and they are basically brand new.
Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G
Sony FE 24-50mm F2.8 G — $1,298
Great for detail shots in photos. Small, lightweight, and F2.8 gives you the separation and depth you need for detail work. Retails at $1,298 but frequently goes on sale for $1,198. Look for a used copy on B&H or Adorama and save a couple hundred.
SLIK 700DX Pro Tripod Legs (Black)
SLIK 700DX Pro Tripod — $139.95
Literally the best tripod legs I have ever used. Someone once told me I had to spend at least $1,000 for a good tripod — I am not sure what they were smoking. I have tested many others and this one wins every single time. Easy to adjust, perfect height, incredibly durable, and at $139.95 it is an absolute steal. That is all you need. Pair it with the Benro geared head below for a complete, dialed-in setup.
Benro GD3WH 3-Way Geared Head
Benro GD3WH Geared Head — $219.95
If you are still using a ball head, throw that thing away immediately and get yourself a 3-way geared head. It is a thousand times better. I used a ball head once after switching to a geared head and I wanted to rip my hair out. You have far more precision and far more ability to make fine adjustments with a geared head. This is one of those expenses where you might feel the urge to save money — do not. This is not where you cut corners. Get the geared head. It is 100% worth the investment and will last you a lifetime. There are other places to save money. This is not it.
SanDisk 256GB Extreme SDXC Card (Gold)
SanDisk Extreme 256GB — $71.99
Get the gold Extreme, not the black Extreme PRO. For real estate photo and video you will never notice the difference in write speeds — save the money. Format it once, slap it in the ZV-E1, and shoot everything on one card. These go on sale constantly so keep an eye out around Black Friday. Pro tip: buy from a reputable dealer like B&H or Best Buy rather than Amazon. There are a lot of counterfeits floating around on Amazon for SD cards. Best Buy will also price match, so you can walk in and get it for the best available price with zero risk.
UURig ULANZI BP09 Camera Backpack 22L
UURig ULANZI BP09 Backpack — $109.99
Everyone on our team has this bag. Cheap, looks great, fits everything well, and is fairly durable for the price point. Tons of storage and separate compartments for everything you need. I mainly love that it matches the aesthetic of the rest of our gear. You can use whatever bag you want, but this is what we use — and it is my favorite camera bag I have come across. At $109.99 it is an easy recommendation.
Giottos AA1900 Rocket Air Blaster (Large)
Giottos Rocket Air Blaster — $18.50
Other air blasters eventually lose their structure and their strength. This one I have had for over three years and it still performs exactly the same. We use it to dust off sensors, lenses, and gear in general. Simple, cheap, and it lasts.
Insta360 X3 5.7K 360 Action Camera
Insta360 X3 — $299.99
More than good enough for all of your 360 tours, whether you are doing Matterport or Zillow 3D. The Ricoh Theta Z1 can run up to $1,200. I have one, I have tested both side by side for years, and there is absolutely no reason to overspend on a 360 camera. I have never had a single complaint from a client. Everyone on our team gets the Insta360 X3. Save the money.
ULANZI MT-79 Extendable Tripod / Monopod
ULANZI MT-79 Tripod — $28.45
I have spent way too much money on these in the past. Bought a Manfrotto version for $130 — completely not worth it. This one from ULANZI is $28, it is reliable, it matches the rest of our gear, it gets the job done, and it is easy to unfold and use. 10 out of 10. Everyone on our team has one and they have all been extremely reliable.
All links go directly to the product. We do not earn commissions from these links. We recommend what we actually use. All prices are subject to change — pricing reflected is sourced from the most reliable retailers including Amazon, B&H, and Adorama.