June 3, 2025

A YouTube video podcast camera for 69 dollars!

You’re an audio-first podcaster, and I get it—maybe the thought of adding video sends shivers down your spine, or just makes you roll your eyes at the idea of becoming yet another wannabe YouTuber.

But what if dipping your toe into the video waters didn’t mean selling your soul to the YouTube algorithm, or breaking the bank on kit that just sits in the box?

There’s a brand-new webcam—the $69 Lenovo C55—that’s just burst onto the scene, and in this episode, I give you exactly what you need to know if you’re toying with the idea of showing your mug on screen without looking like a relic from the dial-up era.



Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • Lenovo

Mentioned in this episode:

Podmaster Free Tips



This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis:

Podder - https://www.podderapp.com/privacy-policy

00:00 - Untitled

00:16 - Exploring the Intersection of Podcasting and Video

00:51 - Introducing the Lenovo C55 Camera

01:29 - Evaluating the Pros and Cons of Equipment

02:00 - Introducing the New Camera

02:37 - Exploring Video Content for Podcasters

03:11 - Embracing Creativity

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The fact you're listening to this means there's a good chance you're an audio first podcaster.

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Maybe you've dabbled with the idea of video, maybe you've shouted at your mate.

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I didn't get into podcasting to become a bloody YouTuber and that's fair.

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But today I want to tell you about a little tiny gadget that might make you reconsider.

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Welcome to this special little bonus banger from Podcasting Insights with the Podmaster.

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I'm Neil Velio.

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Lenovo.

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I think that's how you say it.

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Lenovo.

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It's L Novo.

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Whatever.

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That company has just dropped a $69 camera that actually doesn't suck.

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It's called the C55 and it's very possibly the cheapest way to stop looking like a pixelated egg.

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So let's get into the pros and cons.

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Well, first of all, the pros, it's $69.

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That's less than most podcasters spend on the bloody microphone arm that they never managed to position properly.

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The built in light means you don't look like you're being held hostage in a broom cupboard.

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And it's light, easy to set up, and doesn't need an engineering degree to use it.

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Here are the cons.

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Built in microphone.

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Nice try.

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Lenovo.

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Lenovo Novo.

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No.

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Plug in your proper mic and then sync the audio later.

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You will thank me.

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Trust me, there's no autofocus or fancy lens.

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If you move too fast, you're basically going to become a glitchy ghost.

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And.

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And it's not optimal in low light.

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If you pod in a dungeon, maybe invest in a lamp.

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So who's this for then?

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Well, it's not for full time YouTubers.

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If you've already got the lights, the DSLR cameras, and an editing team consisting of a bloke named Steve, probably best to move along.

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But if you're any of the following, this camera could be a game changer for you.

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If you're an audio only podcaster who up to now has been camera shy.

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But.

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But curious if you're a freelancer on the move needing a quick setup, particularly if you're working with clients or if you're anyone wanting to dip a toe into video without going full influencer.

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Or if you're someone who's tired of using their laptop cam and looking like a Minecraft character.

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Honestly, this is a fairly easy gateway into visual content without diving headfirst into the YouTube broverse.

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No ring light, balancing on books, no need for a second mortgage to pay for it.

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So there we go.

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That's your bonus fix for this week.

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Don't forget, the best podcast is the one that actually gets made.

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Doesn't matter if it's video, audio, or recorded via the medium of dance.

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What matters is that it's you and it's out there.

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So go get out there.

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Go create something that your future self doesn't cringe at, and I'll catch you on the next full episode coming this Friday.

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Podcasting Inside.

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Podcasting Inside.