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To begin vlogging, you will need a couple of things to get started. You dn’t need a lot to get going, but as you continue to make more videos, you will want to naturally take your skills to the next level. Sometimes that calls for better equipment. In this post, I will give you a couple of options to get you started on your vlogging journey. Here is a list of some great vlogging equipment for beginners and some ideas to get you going! These items will help you at least get started, and then you can build up your equipment like I use as your skills grow.
Best Vlogging Equipment Setup for Beginners
You do not need a lot of vlogging equipment to make your first video, sometimes all you need is to flip your camera phone around and start recording. This is great to get started, but if you realize this is the right path for you and you to up your vlogging game, then you may want to invest a little bit more into the equipment you are using to make videos besides just your phone.
Vlogging Equipment: Starter Kits
There are some great vlogging starter kits out there on places like Amazon. This might be the best way for you to go, but included in the kits might be extra equipment you may not need, which means you’re spending unnecessary money. As you continue to make videos, you will find out what you enjoy to make and what your audience is liking.
I actually didn’t start out thinking I was going to be traveling the world bargaining in markets.
It just so happened that a few videos I did in the markets did really well for my channel, so I just stuck with it and figured I could use this to continue to improve my filming and editing skills over time! With that, I ended up outgrowing my current vlog setup and upgraded my equipment as I went along. I didn’t realize how much better and more efficient you can be once you upgrade!
So with that being said, here is a list of ideas to help you make an informed choice, whether you’re just starting out or are looking to upgrade from your first camera!
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Small Cameras for Vlogging
I know of a lot of great vloggers like my friend Poppy from Where’s Poppy, who use a smaller camera for their vlog. It works great for her and her style of shooting for her vlogs. We call these point and shoot cameras, and they are great for traveling and shooting on the go. Smaller cameras are a great way to go to get started vlogging and the most cost-effective option.
Point and shoot cameras: There are some that are more suited for shooting video rather than just taking pictures. Here is an extremely popular one amongst vloggers, and for good reason too.
Big Cameras for Vlogging
These bigger cameras are probably what you may see the most when it comes to filming videos. There are 2 options here called DSLR or mirrorless. DSLR is the more popular option because there are a lot of lens options that go along with them. Mirrorless are lighter and have less lens options compared to DSLR cameras. The biggest difference is the absence of a reflex mirror in a mirrorless.
DSLR for vlogging: Most varieties of these cameras range from $500 to $5000 depending on what you are using the camera for.
Mirrorless Cameras for vlogging: The features you’ll look for in a mirrorless are actually almost the same as the DSLR, but these are usually smaller in size. Again less lens options with mirrorless.
Microphones for Vlogging
If you are talking to your viewers, then you will want to make sure that they can hear you. Audio at times can be a pain to get right. I will say that if you are going to be talking to your viewer often in your videos then make sure you have a great microphone to go with your camera. I can’t tell you how bad it sucks when you are editing video and realize that the microphone either failed or the wind was blowing too hard to understand what you are saying. So make sure to have an external microphone, this is key!
There are two types of microphones you can use based on personal preference. One is a lavalier mic that clips onto your shirt (what I use) and the other is a Shotgun mic that mounts to the top of your camera (I also use this, just only about 10% of the time only) Remember, video is 80% audio, 20% video.
Microphones for vlogging: Sound is everything when producing videos. I much rather have bad video footage than sound.
Another Mic Option: Zoom h1 audio recorder (I prefer to use this over my phone but a phone works just as fine. Make sure to find the correct plug adapter for your specific phone, if there is one)
Tripods for Vlogging
I can promise you that if you are going to be vlogging then you will want to make sure to have a good tripod. The good thing is that tripods are getting better and better for cheaper and cheaper. You can get smaller tripods that wrap around things like poles, trees, etc. which is great for stationary shots! Your tripod will depend greatly on your camera. If you have a bigger DSLR camera then you will probably pay a little more for a tripod.
Beginner Tripods: Start off simple and then go up from there.
Gimbals for Vlogging
The game of vlogging changed as gimbals came on to the market! I absolutely love my gimbal and have brought my videos to a whole another level! Again the type of gimbal you get will depend on your camera. There are two types of gimbals. Weighted and electronic. I use both for different purposes but I assume what will suit you the best, as a beginner, is the electronic ones.
Gimbals: Love gimbals and a must for stepping up your video shooting game.
- Electronic: Zhiyun Crane 2 (make sure to check the weight limits of the gimbal and cross-reference that with how much your camera weighs. You may need to get a different model).
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Weighted: Glidecam (These have a more natural motion but are a lot harder to use and get used to).
Other Vlogging Gear to Consider
Batteries: You will always need several backup batteries for your camera. You also might need backup batteries for gimbals as well. So make sure whatever camera you are shooting with to make sure you have 2-3 backups. Don’t be caught without them!
Power Banks: Did I mention how important batteries are? Power banks are great to charge on the go when you are traveling.
SD Cards: This is where all your videos are stored in your devices, so needless to say they are important. Also, this is where you want to make sure to get quality SD cards. It does make a difference when shooting video files.
Waterproof Bag: Keep your gear dry when traveling. I am so happy that I had my waterproof bag when I was traveling through Thailand. I got caught in the traditional Water Festival. I was able to get some video of this because I had my waterproof bag.
Vlogging Gear Backpack: You got to keep all your gear somewhere! I travel with a backpack that fits all my equipment (and some!).
Connect With Other Vloggers!
I hope this helps you to get started out vlogging. Make sure you get your FREE Market Guide and keep an eye out for more info on the site for creators. If you are not already in our #CreateAbroad Creators FB Group, make sure to join and connect with other like-minded creators from around the world.
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