In this episode of The Learning Pro Live, I sat down with the one and only Devlin Peck, instructional designer, xAPI wizard, and fellow tech nerd, to geek out over something we have both been obsessing over lately: our home studio setups.

In the age of Zoom calls and remote work, how you present yourself on screen is your new business card. A blurry webcam and tinny audio just don’t cut it anymore, especially if you are a freelancer trying to win clients. But here is the good news: you don’t need a Hollywood budget to look like a pro.

Here is a breakdown of the gear, tips, and tricks we discussed to level up your online presence.

Ditch the Webcam, Embrace the DSLR

Both Devlin and I recently made the same significant upgrade: we ditched our standard webcams (like the Logitech C920 and Brio) for a Canon M50.

Why? Standard webcams often struggle with lighting and depth-of-field control. The M50, a mirrorless camera, gives you that beautiful, professional “blurry background” effect (bokeh) that makes you pop off the screen.

The game-changer was Canon releasing their EOS Webcam Utility. This free software allows you to plug the camera directly into your computer via USB, bypassing the need for expensive and hard-to-find capture cards like the Elgato Cam Link.

Our Lens Choice: We both use the “pancake” lens (22mm) for a wider field of view and sharper focus, but the stock kit lens works brilliantly too.

Lighting is Everything

You can have a $5,000 camera, but if your lighting is bad, you will still look terrible.

We both use Elgato Key Lights (or similar LED panels). These connect to your Wi-Fi and can be controlled via your computer or phone, allowing you to adjust brightness and colour temperature.

Pro Tip: Don’t point the light directly at your face if it’s blinding you. Devlin bounces his light off a white wall in front of him, creating a soft, diffused glow that looks natural and flattering.

For a bit of flair, we also use LIFX smart bulbs in simple lamps behind us. This adds a splash of colour (like purple or blue) to the background, separating you from the wall and adding depth to your shot.

Audio: The Unsung Hero

People will forgive bad video, but they won’t forgive bad audio. If you sound like you are underwater, people will tune out.

We both use the Blue Yeti USB microphone. It is a solid, reliable workhorse that plugs straight in. To get the best sound:

• Get it off the desk: Use a boom arm to bring the mic closer to your mouth and reduce vibrations from typing.
• Check your settings: Ensure you are using the correct directional setting (cardioid) so it picks up your voice and not the dog barking next door.

The “Always On” Setup

One of the biggest friction points with using a DSLR as a webcam is battery life. You don’t want your camera dying mid-pitch.

The solution? A dummy battery (AC power adapter). This replaces your camera’s battery and plugs directly into a wall socket, giving you infinite power. Combined with a desk clamp or a ball head mount, your camera is permanently set up and ready to go at the flick of a switch.

First Impressions Matter

As Devlin mentioned, upgrading his setup gave him a massive confidence boost. When you know you look and sound sharp, you perform better. Clients notice the difference immediately; it signals professionalism and attention to detail before you have even said a word.

Watch the full video above to see our setups in action, including a demo of the Elgato Stream Deck and a look at our green screen experiments.