Which gear and tools does Paul Rogers recommend for enhancing video quality without breaking the bank?

Hi, I’m Paul Rogers from thatcreativeceo. Love this question.

For better video quality on a budget, here’s what I actually use and recommend:

• Camera: Sony A7 series (I shoot A7RV, but you can grab an older A7 or A6400 used and get great quality)
• Lens: A fast zoom like the Tamron 17–28mm f/2.8 – wide, sharp, and cheaper than G‑Master glass
• Mic: Shure SM7B is my go-to, but on a budget I’d start with a Rode VideoMic GO II or Deity D4 Duo
• Lighting: One decent softbox LED (Godox/Amaran) will beat three cheap panels every time
• Editing: External SSD for 4K projects and free/low-cost editors like DaVinci Resolve

What’s your current setup and budget so I can dial this in for you?