Introduction to Vlogging Equipment
Owing to technology, the sharp increase in digital content consumption, and many other factors, the digital world has grown exponentially in the last couple of decades. With a great influence over both the masses and economies, the digital marketplace is certainly a hot place to be. Vlogging is one such trending way to earn on the go.
If you are thinking of becoming a vlogger, you should first get yourself acquainted with the tools you need to create wonderful videos and vlogs.
So, let’s delve deeper and look into the top 13 pieces of equipment that you, as a vlogger, should know about!
Best Equipment for Vlogging
1. DSLR and Mirrorless
A camera is the most obvious equipment that you would need to create videos. However, a vlog camera is different from a regular camera and you would need a certain camera depending on your vlogging needs. A crucial thing to remember here is that you require a camera for shooting videos and not pictures and photographs.
A camera that may take excellent photos may not do well with videos. Thus, you should go for the one most suited for taking videos. A common mistake people tend to make is using smartphone cameras. Although they have come a great way, they are yet to compete with DSLRs and mirrorless, especially when it comes to shooting videos. Mirrorless and DSLRs are equipped with a variety of lenses to shoot different kinds of videos.
What is the difference between a Mirrorless and A DSLR?
A mirrorless offers more features than a DSLR apart from being snappier, lightweight, and compact. However, a mirrorless may not perform so well in low-light conditions. On the other hand, a DSLR offers a variety of choices when it comes to lenses apart from being a great performer in low-light conditions. Where videography is concerned, a mirrorless is certainly a better option than a DSLR, even for low-light conditions, due to faster autofocus.
Highly recommended vlogging cameras are –
2. Smartphone Camera
Smartphone and their cameras have evolved promptly. You can use a smartphone camera to take both pictures and make videos provided they have EIS – Electronic Image Stabilization and OIS Optical Image Stabilization. Both of these help you in taking clear pictures and recording stable videos. A smartphone camera is an excellent and affordable option for beginners.
Some of the exceptional smartphone cameras that you can use for vlogging are –
To get a hang of the camera dynamics and the fundamentals of videography, a smartphone is a good device. With a tripod and good lighting conditions, a smartphone camera can help you record excellent videos. Although a smartphone camera doesn’t stand a chance in front of mirrorless and DSLR, it is sufficient for most kinds of videography.
3. Drones
Drones are excellent equipment to take aerial shots. Thus, if you wish to become a travel vlogger or your videos require you to take large shots or aerial shots, Drones can effectively help you.
A videography kit along with a PC to edit those is enough to become a burden on your pocket. Add the budget of the Drone to it and it is enough to burn a hole in your pocket. You can start with low-cost Drones in order to get the hang of it – operating a Drone is not that easy, besides, you may end up damaging it. Later on, you can switch to the better and more expensive ones.
I would strongly advise you to master videography and handling a Drone separately and then combine the two. This would also ensure you don’t lose your Drone!
You can find the best drone with camera for kids online and some of the best Drones are:
4. Laptop (and Software)
Taking videos is rather simple than editing them. You would need a computer or a laptop to edit your videos. You cannot upload videos without editing them. No matter the complexity of editing required – you need a laptop/PC for it. However, selecting the laptop or computer depends entirely upon your budget and choice.
A laptop without editing software won’t get you anywhere! Here is some highly recommended software for editing your vlog videos efficiently and perfectly.
5. Gimbal
Another Vlogging essential is a gimbal. It allows your camera to take cinematic, smooth, and stable videos – no matter what. Likewise, a gimbal enables you to take amazing and unique shots from almost any angle – without any hassle. You can effortlessly turn your camera to take any shot from any angle you desire with a gimbal. Particularly while shooting videos outdoors, a gimbal can help you immensely.
There is a gimbal available for both regular cameras and smartphone cameras as well. Some popular gimbal are –
- Zhiyun Weebill S Compact Gimbal
- 3-Axis Gimbal By Hohem
- Zhiyun Weebill Lab 3-Axis Gimbal (For Mirrorless Camera)
- DJI Osmo Mobile 3 Smartphone Gimbal
6. Tripod
Another vlogging kit essential, a tripod is an extremely useful and helpful piece of equipment. It not only helps you to take amazing videos with much less effort but also enables you to shoot from different angles.
It is highly recommended to only buy durable and trusted models of a tripod. Otherwise, you may risk damaging your precious camera. Besides, a tripod is a necessity, so the longer its life, the better and more cost-effective it would be.
7. Camera Lenses
Different types of camera lenses enable you to give your video an attractive and unique appeal. After all, videos are all about visual appeal. The more appealing your video the better it will perform.
Some great camera lenses for different kinds of visual effects are –
8. Camera Filters
Camera filters are essential, especially when you intend to make excellent-quality videos. Some of the best and most essential camera filters are –
- Polarizing filters: These filters make pictures more enhanced, beautiful, and clearer. Also, they remove reflections.
- ND filters: These filters diminish the quantity of light penetrating the lens, which allows you to extend the presentation time and lessen shutter speed.
- UV filters: These filters protect the lens from scratches and UV lights.
9. Microphones
No matter how expensive or best-in-class your vlogging camera might be, relying on its built-in mic is not such a good idea. Getting yourself a microphone is one of the best things you can do for both your videos and your throat! Otherwise, you may have to shout at the top of your voice in order to create videos with sufficient sound quality.
Besides, a microphone is sure to catch even the slightest of sounds perfectly. This also helps you emphasize certain words and make a video without worrying about the sound quality.
Some good microphones are –
10. Spare Batteries
Most pieces of equipment require a battery to operate. Mirrorless, drones, and cameras consume batteries like anything. Thus, you should always have spare batteries with you as part of your Vlogging essentials kit. In fact, you should have spare batteries for each of the electronic devices you carry. Failing to do so may mean losing an excellent moment or wasting time and effort. Especially, if you are a travel Vlogger or you need to travel for your vlogs.
11. Lights
Okay, so this one goes without saying. Lights are probably the most important piece of equipment that you would need for vlogging – apart from the camera! The better the lighting conditions, the more impressive and engaging your vlog would be. While recording indoors, you would need a variety of lights. Some outdoor shots, especially in cloudy weather or late hours also require ample lights.
Lights can also be used to make your video more attractive and charming. In other words, you can use lights as a piece of decoration in your vlogs. However, as essential as lights are for creating videos, there are a lot of things that you would need to know and deploy while using lights to make your video perfect. For instance, you need ISO, shutter speed, and aperture adjustment to make a light-optimized video. Similarly, the quantity, angle, and usage of lights also matter.
Some exceptional and useful vlogging lights that you can try are –
- UBeesize Mini Desktop Led Camera Ringlight
- Pixel 19 inch Pro Vlogging Light
- Emart 60 LED Photography Lighting Kit
12. Lanyard
A simple yet highly useful accessory a lanyard prevents you from losing or dropping your precious handheld devices. A DSLR and a Mirrorless both come with a lanyard, however, other gadgets and equipment may not come with it. Thus, make sure that you buy a lanyard and keep your equipment safe and sound.
Some good lanyards that you can buy are –
13. Mic Muffler
If you need to make videos outdoors, you wouldn’t want your videos to contain the whooshing of the wind or the outdoor noises to disrupt the sound quality of your videos. A mic muffler prevents such annoying sounds from disturbing your videos’ sound quality without much effort or hassle. Also, it is super affordable and helps you in the long run.
Final Thoughts on Vlogging Equipment
When it comes to Vlogging, the more equipment you have, the better it is. Remember that quality is always better than quantity. However, it is essential for you to not only acquaint yourself with different kinds of equipment but also to master them in order to create amazing videos.
How many of the above Vlogging equipment do you have? Did I miss any essential Vlogging equipment?
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