# Episode 138: Rethinking Priorities

- Show: [Making It](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it)
- Published: 2017-10-06
- Length: 1h 03m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2017-10-06-episode-138-rethinking-priorities
- Listen: https://making-it-with-jimmy-diresta-bob-clagett-and-david-picciuto.castos.com/episodes/episode-138-rethinking-priorities

## Summary

Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their regrets and priorities when starting their maker video channels, emphasizing that audio quality and lighting are more critical than expensive cameras. They share specific advice on microphone selection, such as using USB mics like the Blue Snowball or XLR setups, and managing room acoustics to avoid background noise. The hosts also debate the value of high-end DSLRs versus simpler cameras like GoPros or Flip cameras, concluding that story and project value outweigh technical perfection.

## Chapters

- [0:00](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2017-10-06-episode-138-rethinking-priorities#t=0) Introduction: Jimmy Diresta's Road Trip and Shop Updates
- [14:14](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2017-10-06-episode-138-rethinking-priorities#t=854) Prioritizing Purchases: Audio and Lighting Over Cameras
- [23:52](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2017-10-06-episode-138-rethinking-priorities#t=1432) Microphone Choices: USB, XLR, and Lav Mics
- [35:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2017-10-06-episode-138-rethinking-priorities#t=2102) Camera Evolution: From Flip Cameras to DSLRs
- [44:47](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2017-10-06-episode-138-rethinking-priorities#t=2687) Lighting and Set Design: Color Temperature and Backdrops
- [54:02](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2017-10-06-episode-138-rethinking-priorities#t=3242) Video Editing and Presentation: Talking to Camera and Jump Cuts

## Topics

- [Creator business](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/creator-business)
- [PCB design & layout](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/pcb-design)
- [Mechanical engineering](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/mechanical-engineering)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Blue Snowball (tool)
- Sony (company)
- Audio-Technica (company)
- Rode (company)
- Canon (company)
- GoPro (product)
- Alex Steele (other)
- Rayback Woodworking (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [13: Introspective Nasal Gazing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2013-08-07-13-introspective-nasal-gazing) (Embedded.fm)
- [300: Introverts Disperse!](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2019-08-22-300-introverts-disperse) (Embedded.fm)
- [The Almighty Dollarydoo](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2020-05-03-the-almighty-dollarydoo) (The Amp Hour)
- [STL354: Go and Do the Thing](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-11-14-stl354-go-and-do-the-thing) (Shop Talk Live)
- [HIBT Lab! Colin and Samir: Colin Rosenblum and Samir Chaudry](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2022-04-14-hibt-lab-colin-and-samir-colin-rosenblum-and-samir-chaudry) (How I Built This)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2017-10-06-episode-138-rethinking-priorities. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Making It.