When you watch videos on YouTube, sometimes you wonder how they make their videos look so good. A big part of it is the camera and other gear they use. Let’s take a look at the equipment of a famous YouTube group, Yes Theory.
Starting Out: Canon EOS 70D
- 20.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+
- 19 point cross-type AF System
- Up to 7 fps shooting
- ISO 100-12800, expandable to 25600
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast focus in live view and video
In the beginning, Yes Theory used a camera called the Canon EOS 70D. This camera is known for being easy to use and making videos look really professional. Even if you’re new to making videos, this camera can help make your content look top-notch.
Stepping Up: Sony A7S Mark II
- full-frame camera with 5-axis image stabilization
- fast and effective, enhanced fast hybrid af
- 12.2 megapixels 10 35mm full-frame exmor cmos sensor lens compatibility – sony e-mount lenses
- bionz x image processing engine ; clear image zoom :still/movie: approx. 2x
- in the box: rechargeable battery np-fw50; cable protector; ac adaptor ac-uud11; battery charger bc-vw1; shoulder strap; body cap; accessory shoe cap; eyepiece cup; micro usb cable
As Yes Theory made more videos and wanted to improve quality of their videos, they switched to a camera called the Sony A7S Mark II. This camera is really good in low light, which means it can capture clear videos even when it’s a bit dark. It also shoots in 4K, so the video quality is super sharp.
Latest and Greatest: Sony A7SIII with a 24-70mm Lens
- Bundle Includes: 1 x Sony Alpha a7S III Mirrorless Digital Camera (Body Only), 1 x Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM Lens, 1 x SanDisk SecureDigital 64GB Extreme PRO Memory Card, 2 x NP-FZ100 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery, 1 x Corel Photo Software With PhotoMirage, AfterShot, Painter Essentials, PaintShop Pro, and Video Studio, 1 x Large Padded Case, 1 x NP-FZ100 charger, 1 x Memory Card Reader, 1 x Mini Portable LED Video Light , 1 x 3 Piece Filter Kit UV/CPL/F 82MM, 1 x Micro HDMI Cable and more..
- Optimized video, optimized sensitivity, optimized speed, the Sony Alpha a7S III raises the bar for what a full-frame mirrorless camera is capable of. A revised 12.1MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor and updated BIONZ XR image processor offer faster performance, improved noise reduction, and a wider dynamic range, along with UHD 4K 120p video recording and internal 10-bit 4:2:2 sampling.
- Video is the primary application of the a7S III, and improvements to the sensor and processor enable faster readout speeds and greatly reduced rolling shutter, along with high-bitrate internal recording, 16-bit raw output via the full-size HDMI port, and flexible control over motion with variable frame rate selection. The a7S III also does away with recording time limits and incorporates HLG for direct HDR production as well as S-Log2/S-Log3 gamma profiles for advanced HDR production.
In 2020, Yes Theory changed their camera again. This time, they picked the Sony A7SIII and paired it with a 24-70mm lens. This combo is perfect for filming all kinds of scenes, from big open spaces to close-up shots of people. With this setup, their videos looked even better and more movie-like.
We don’t have a clear information if the Sony A7SIII was used to film the Project Iceman movie though it’s used to film most of the new videos Yes Theory makes.
Good sound is also key: Rode VideoMic
- The VideoMic GO II is a compact, lightweight, easy-to-use shotgun microphone for capturing professional quality audio with ease
- 3.5mm TRS output for use with cameras and a digital USB output for use with smartphones, tablets and computers
- Instantly improve the audio quality of your device
- No battery required and no complicated switches or controls – incredibly easy to set up and use
- High-quality windshield and shockmount included
But it’s not just about the video. Sound is super important too. Throughout their time making videos, Yes Theory has used a microphone called the Rode VideoMic. This microphone is great because it picks up the voices clearly and reduces other background noises. This means whether they are in a busy street or a quiet room, you can hear them clearly.
Drone shots
Yes Theory also uses a lot of beautiful drone shots in most of their video (they’re great for b-roll!). They are known to have used DJI Mavic 3 Pro in the past and they also use DJI Mini 3 Pro when travelling.
- DJI USA Authorized – Includes FULL USA 1 Year DJI Warranty + 1 Year CPS Extended Warranty | DJI Mini 3 Pro – Care-free Creation | Lightweight and Foldable Camera Drone with 4K/60fps Video, 48MP Photo, 34-min Flight Time, Tri-Directional Obstacle Sensing, Ideal for Aerial Photography and Social Media. Includes the new DJI RC, which has the DJI Fly App pre-installed and a built in 5.5-inch HD display for crisp viewing even in direct sunlight.
- Seriously Pro Shots – Capture your world in remarkable detail with 4K/60fps video and 48MP photos. The 1/1.3-inch sensor features dual-native ISO and supports the direct output of HDR footage. The advanced camera system’s f/1.7 aperture produces high-quality imagery, even in low light. Whether shooting a breathtaking outdoor adventure, a serene camping landscape, or a romantic sunset beach scene, with the DJI Mini 3 Pro be ready to capture spectacular footage whenever inspiration strikes.
- Weighing less than 249g with a foldable and compact design, Mini 3 Pro doesn’t require registration in most countries and regions. | Perfect Portraits in a Tap – The redesigned DJI Mini 3 Pro offers True Vertical Shooting for portrait shots, ideal for social media content creation. The gimbal rotates 90, so you don’t have to compromise image quality. | DJI Mini 3 Pro offers an extensive range of intelligent features including FocusTrack, MasterShots, Timelapse, QuickTransfer, and more.
- Sweet Air Time – Enjoy an extended flight time of up to 34 minutes and capture and explore more of your surroundings. | Fly with Confidence – DJI Mini 3 Pro features tri-directional obstacle sensing and APAS 4.0, bringing unrivaled safety to the Mini series.
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: DJI Mini 3 Pro Drone Quadcopter CP.MA.00000492.02 | DJI RC Smart Controller | DJI Mini 3 Pro Intelligent Flight Battery | Spare Propellers (Pair) | Gimbal Protector | Type-C to Type-C PD Cable | Screwdriver | Screws x 6 | DJI 1-Year USA Authorized Warranty | CPS 1 Year Extended Warranty | Deco Gear Drone Photography Travel Backpack for Drones | Lexar High Performance 64GB microSDXC Memory Card
Other equpiment for film production Yes Theory have used
- Zhiyun Crane V2 3 Axis Brushless Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer
- GoPro HERO11
- Rode Videomic On-Camera Shotgun Condenser Microphone
- Sony SELP-18200 E-Mount 11x Zoom Lens
- Sony SEL1018 10-18mm Wide-Angle Zoom Lens
- Rokinon FE14M-E 14mm F2.8 Ultra Wide Lens
- Rokinon 24mm F1.4 ED AS IF UMC Wide Angle Lens
Yes Theory’s camera journey shows that the right gear can make a big difference. They started with a simple but effective camera and gradually used more advanced ones as they grew. If you’re thinking of making videos, remember that good gear can help, but it’s the story and passion behind it that really counts.
I love testing and writing about new tech. I'm also a gamer and an engineer. Check out my Twitter for keyboard stuff.
