Yeah I was also thinking the same thing on upping my budget as well it's too low in order to get solid equipment. For the manfrotto tripod I noticed that there are different versions, V2 is the one at $177 (I attached link below) is that the one you would recommend? As for the mic I've also heard good things about the rode videomicro I have also seen another mic the rode videomic go what are your thoughts on that mic?