Most podcasters think a decent camera and a good mic are enough. Spoiler: They’re not. A pro-level video podcast setup is all about the details. These are the mistakes that cost you quality—and how to fix them like a pro.
1. Bad Headroom and Framing (It’s About Balance)
Framing is more than just pointing the camera and hitting record. Poor headroom throws off the entire composition.
Fix:
- Headroom: Keep about 10% of the frame between the top of the subject’s head and the top of the shot. Too much headroom makes the shot feel distant; too little makes it feel cramped.
- Use the rule of thirds to position the subject’s eyes on the top horizontal line. This creates a visually balanced shot that feels professional.
Pro Tip: For interviews, position the subject slightly off-center (to the left or right third of the frame) to create natural-looking negative space and a more cinematic feel.
2. Poor Mic Placement (Get It Close to the Mouth)
Great audio isn’t just about a good mic—it’s about mic placement. Too far away and you pick up more room noise than voice.
Fix:
- Place the mic 6 inches from the speaker’s mouth. Closer if possible. This ensures warmth and clarity without distortion.
- For shotgun mics, place them just out of frame, aimed at the mouth but angled slightly down to minimize plosives and ambient sound.
Pro Tip: Always test the gain before recording. High-end mics can distort if the gain is too hot, and nothing ruins audio faster than clipping.
3. Flat Backgrounds (Depth is Key)
Recording against a wall? That’s amateur hour. Flat backgrounds make your video feel claustrophobic and kill depth.
Fix:
- Pull your subject at least 3-4 feet away from the wall to create a sense of depth and separation.
- Use a shallow depth of field (achieved with an f-stop of 2.8 or lower) to blur the background slightly, making the subject pop.
Pro Tip: Use a 50mm or 85mm lens with a wide aperture to get that bokeh effect—the background blur that makes your shot feel cinematic.
4. Not Controlling Depth of Field (How to Get That Cinematic Look)
Most podcasters use autofocus and hope for the best, but that’s a mistake. To get a professional look, you need to control your depth of field manually.
Fix:
- Use a prime lens (like a 35mm or 50mm) with a wide aperture (f/1.8 or lower) to create a shallow depth of field. This blurs the background and puts all the focus on the subject.
- Adjust your camera’s distance from the subject—closer to create more background blur, further for deeper focus.
Pro Tip: Pull focus by zooming in to your subject’s eyes to set focus, then zoom out to your desired framing. This ensures your focus is sharp and professional.
5. Using the Wrong Lenses (Lens Selection is Everything)
Most creators don’t think twice about lenses, but your lens can make or break your entire shot.
Fix:
- For video podcasts, use prime lenses like 35mm or 50mm for a natural look. These focal lengths are great for close-ups and medium shots without warping the subject’s face.
- Want that cinematic depth of field? Go for an 85mm prime with a wide aperture (f/1.8 or f/1.4). It gives you a flattering, focused look that separates the subject from the background.
Pro Tip: Avoid wide-angle lenses (anything below 24mm) unless you’re going for a specific aesthetic—wide angles distort faces and make your subject look out of proportion.
6. Lighting: It’s Not Just Brightness—It’s Shape and Texture
Lighting isn’t just about brightness—it’s about how you shape and control light. Flat lighting kills depth, while harsh shadows make the subject look unnatural.
Fix:
- Use softbox lights for a softer, diffused look. They reduce harsh shadows and evenly light the subject’s face.
- Position your key light at a 45-degree angle to the subject for a natural shadow on the far side of their face. This adds depth without overwhelming the shot.
Pro Tip: For interviews, place the key light on the opposite side of the camera from where the subject is facing. This helps keep the shot balanced and visually interesting.
7. Bad Camera Placement in Interviews (Use Angles to Create Engagement)
Most podcasters set the camera directly in front of the guest, which can feel sterile and unengaging.
Fix:
- For interviews, place the camera at a slight 45-degree angle to the subject. This creates a more dynamic composition and makes the viewer feel like they’re part of a conversation.
- If it’s a two-person interview, alternate between medium close-ups and a master shot. The master shot should be framed wide enough to show both subjects but tight enough to keep the focus on the conversation.
Pro Tip: Don’t forget to use rule of thirds here too. Place the interviewee’s eyes on the upper third of the frame and slightly off-center for a more balanced composition.
8. Not Considering the Floor and Studio Space (Framing the Whole Shot)
Most creators forget about framing the studio space itself. Should the floor be visible? How much of the set should be in the shot?
Fix:
- Show the floor if it helps give context to the set (i.e., if you have a well-designed space). But keep the focus on the subject by using a medium-close framing for most shots.
- When doing a master shot, pull the camera back to show a bit of the floor and furniture to establish the scene—but always zoom in during close-ups to keep the focus tight.
Pro Tip: Framing is king. Use the “rule of thirds” and headroom guidelines for a balanced, pro-level composition. Make sure there’s enough space around the subject without overcrowding the frame.
The Pro Studio Is in the Details
Setting up a podcast studio that looks and feels professional isn’t just about gear—it’s about how you use it. Avoid these advanced mistakes and your content will stand out instantly.