I'm trying to put together my first video editing setup but I'm on a tight budget. Everyone says you need expensive gear, but what video editing gear for beginners is actually essential versus nice-to-have? I already have a basic computer, but what about things like external monitors, audio interfaces, or specific keyboards? Should I invest in a good mouse or controller first? Looking for practical advice that won't break the bank.
I'm trying to figure this out too. I have a basic laptop and everyone says I need a desktop with multiple monitors. But I can't afford that right now. What's the minimum video editing gear for beginners that will actually make a difference without costing a fortune?
Start with a good mouse. Seriously, a decent gaming mouse with programmable buttons can speed up your workflow dramatically. You can map common shortcuts to the side buttons. After that, external storage is crucial. Get at least one external SSD for active projects and a larger HDD for backups. Don't edit off your internal drive if you can avoid it.
If you're on a laptop, a cooling pad can help with thermal throttling during long renders. Also, consider a USB hub if you need more ports for external drives and other peripherals. For audio, even a basic pair of studio headphones (like the Sony MDR-7506) will give you better monitoring than consumer headphones or laptop speakers.
A second monitor is probably the biggest productivity boost after a good mouse. You don't need anything fancy - a basic 1080p monitor will do. Having your timeline on one screen and your preview on another (or your source files, effects controls, etc.) saves so much time from constantly switching tabs. Check Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist for used monitors.
Don't overlook ergonomics. A comfortable chair and proper desk height will let you edit longer without pain. Also, good lighting in your workspace reduces eye strain. For color critical work, bias lighting behind your monitor can help with perceived contrast and reduce eye fatigue. These things aren't glamorous but they make a big difference in your daily workflow.
If you do any screen recording or need to capture audio, a basic USB microphone is worth the investment. The Blue Yeti or similar gets recommended a lot for good reason. For video, even a simple webcam upgrade from your laptop's built-in camera can improve quality if you do any talking head content. Lighting matters more than the camera though - a couple of cheap LED panels can work wonders.