Whether you're dialling into a video call from your home office or building out a content creation setup, having the right gear makes a significant difference to how you're seen and heard. From microphones to gimbals and LED lights, here are our top 5 picks for remote workers and creators.
Last updated: May 2026
1. Invest in a Phone Mount and Stand
If you're using your smartphone or tablet for video calls or content creation, a mount and stand is essential. It keeps your hands free, holds your device at the right angle, and adds an immediate touch of professionalism compared to propping your phone against a coffee mug.
You can pick up a mount that attaches to a full-sized tripod you already own, or grab a combo that includes a compact tabletop tripod — ideal for desk use. Look for options with a ball head for easy angle adjustment.
Browse tripods & mounts at Ted's →
2. Use an External Microphone
The built-in microphone on your phone or laptop is rarely good enough for professional video calls or content creation. An external microphone is one of the most impactful upgrades you can make — and the difference in audio quality is immediately noticeable.
Your options include:
- USB microphones: Plug straight into your laptop — great for desk setups and podcasting.
- Lavalier (clip-on) microphones: Lightweight, discreet, and ideal for video calls or on-camera content. Available for both smartphones and cameras.
- Shotgun microphones: Best for isolating your voice and cutting background noise — particularly useful if you're recording outdoors or in a noisy environment.
- Wireless microphone systems: Perfect for content creators who move around — systems like the DJI Mic or Rode Wireless GO offer excellent quality with minimal fuss.
Browse microphones & audio gear at Ted's →
3. Consider Your Lighting
Lighting is one of the most underrated elements of a great video setup. You can improve things significantly just by positioning yourself near a window with natural light in front of you — but for consistent, professional results, artificial lighting is the way to go.
A simple LED panel light is the most versatile option — it can be mounted on a tripod, attached to a camera hot-shoe, or placed on your desk. Look for a light with adjustable colour temperature (daylight to warm) and variable brightness so you can dial in the right look for any environment.
For a more compact option, portable LED lights like the Lume Cube range are pocket-sized, tough, and waterproof — useful both at your desk and out on location.
Browse lighting & LED lights at Ted's →
4. Use a Gimbal
If you need to move around while on camera — whether for a video call, a vlog, or social media content — a gimbal will keep your footage smooth and professional. Gimbals use motorised stabilisation to eliminate shake and bumps, regardless of how much you're moving.
Phone gimbals are compact and easy to use, making them a great starting point. If you're shooting with a mirrorless camera or DSLR, a larger camera gimbal will give you cinematic-quality stabilisation. Brands like Zhiyun-Tech and DJI offer excellent options across both categories.
Browse gimbals & stabilisers at Ted's →
5. Lens Choice is Everything
When working in a small space, fitting everything in the frame can be a challenge. The solution is a wide-angle lens — it lets you capture more of the scene without needing to back up into the next room.
If you're shooting with a mirrorless camera or DSLR, choose a wide-angle prime or zoom lens (anything from 14mm to 35mm on a full-frame body works well). Smartphone users aren't left out either — wide-angle clip-on lens adapters like the Black Eye Pro range attach in seconds and dramatically expand your field of view.
Browse camera lenses at Ted's →
Troubleshooting Your Audio Setup
Before any important call or recording session, always do a quick test run to make sure your audio and video are working correctly. Microphones in particular can cause headaches when first set up — here are the most common issues and how to fix them:
- Check all connections first — a loose cable or unplugged USB is the most common culprit.
- Feedback or echo: Turn down your speaker volume, or switch to headphones to monitor audio.
- Microphone too quiet: Check the volume settings in your video call app, then check your computer or phone's system sound settings.
- Distorted or crackly audio: Usually caused by a faulty cable, or your mouth being too close to the microphone. Try moving back slightly.
- No sound at all: Go to your system sound settings and confirm your external microphone is selected as the input device — not the default built-in mic.
Frequently Asked Questions: Remote Work & Creator Gear
What's the best microphone for video calls and podcasting?
For desk-based use, a USB condenser microphone is the most convenient option — it plugs directly into your laptop with no additional interface required. For on-camera content or video calls where you want to move around, a wireless lavalier system like the DJI Mic or Rode Wireless GO is hard to beat. Browse our full range of microphones and audio gear.
Do I need a ring light or an LED panel?
Both work well, but LED panels are generally more versatile. Ring lights create a distinctive circular catchlight in the eyes — popular for beauty and portrait content. LED panels offer more natural, even lighting and are better suited to general video calls, interviews, and product photography. Many LED panels also allow you to adjust colour temperature, which ring lights often don't.
What's the difference between a phone gimbal and a camera gimbal?
Phone gimbals are designed specifically for smartphones — they're compact, lightweight, and very easy to use. Camera gimbals are larger and designed to support the weight of a mirrorless camera or DSLR with a lens attached. If you're shooting with a dedicated camera, you'll need a camera gimbal. Browse our full range of gimbals and stabilisers.
Build Your Perfect Setup
Whether you're upgrading your home office or building a content creation rig from scratch, Ted's Cameras has everything you need — from microphones and lighting to gimbals and cameras. Visit your nearest Ted's store for personalised advice, or shop online with free shipping over $100.
For more tips and guides, browse the Ted's Cameras Photography Tips blog.