Being a professional vlogger myself, a lot of newbies and beginners ask me that how can they enter the field of vlogging, i.e. what is the best vlogging equipment for making a top-notch video?
After getting a lot of emails and messages, I think that I should make a complete and detailed post on best vlogging equipment and gear for newbies so that they can become the nest YouTube sensation easily.
Before I start, I want to make one thing clear that this guide is both effective for a newbie and a professional vlogger. So either you are a pro video blogger or just a newbie, you may want to check out about what gear you are missing in order to make awesome videos.
Without further ado, let’s start the best vlogging equipment topic one by one :
Contents
Best Vlogging Equipment in 2018 – For Beginners and Professionals
Vlogging Cameras
As a starter, the first thing that comes to mind of a vlogger or a Youtuber is having a fancy vlogging camera for shooting purposes. Because without a proper vlogging camera, making a top-notch video is just a dream.
I remember that when I started vlogging, I had only a camcorder with very bad video quality because at that time I didn’t have enough knowledge about a good vlogging camera.
With the time and after gaining a sufficient amount of experience in field of vlogging, now I have got almost 3 type of vlogging cameras for different purposes.
But one thing is for sure. You don’t need an expensive camera in your gear to make top-notch videos as video making skills are also necessary.
However, let’s take a look at my vlogging cameras that I use for different purposes.
1. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II – Small Camera
Whenever I am traveling to different places for making a vlog, my personal best choice is the brand new Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II vlogging camera. It’s a compact camera and you can easily adjust it in your pocket.
The camera’s been able to make full HD 1080p videos at a steady 60 fps rate. Price is also not too much and is well affordable from a beginner point of view.
20.1 MP camera sensor is more than enough to capture vivid photos of different sceneries with perfection.
In my view, this vlogging camera will prove to be your true companion whenever you are on a travel as it has got some awesome specs with a compact unique shape.
2. Canon EOS 80D – Large Camera
For professional vloggers, I would recommend them to go for Canon EOS 80D vlogging camera as it will make its way easily to being the best vlogging equipment.
The camera comes with flip screen and it has got a bulky design so it’s primary use is for making indoor vlogs such as DIY videos, reviewing videos and in case you want to make a tour guide vlog of your home or room.
This vlogging camera is in my use and by the looks of it, I am unable to find any issue in it as of now. It has got a high quality 24.2 MP image sensor for making premium photos.
Furthermore, full HD video shooting feature is available too for making an effective video.
Canon EOS 80D will be my preferred choice if I am going to make vlogs that require indoor facilities only.
3. GoPro Hero 6 Black – Action Camera
A lot of newbies ask me that what kind of camera they should use for capturing action and skilled shots such as if you are snorkeling, skiing, biking, or skateboarding.
For action vlogs, the best choice available on market is to go for brand new GoPro Hero 6 black.
GoPro Hero 6 black is a compact sized camera and it won’t take much of a space as well. It is able to fit anywhere you want. The camera is also waterproof. So, whenever I have to visit water areas for swimming or snorkeling purposes, my best buddy to accompany me in this situation is none other than GoPro Hero 6 Pro.
Apart from waterproofing feature, GoPro camera has also got Ultra HD 4K video making feature that allows you to make high-quality videos at a steady fps rate. An image sensor is also well maintained in case you want to make sharp photos.
In short, GoPro Hero 6 is the jack of all trades when it comes to action vlogging and it is my favorite choice whenever I am on a long hiking trip or when I am going to swim in rivers or oceans.
Wide Vlogging Lens
1. Canon EF-S 10-18mm
Apart from having a good vlogging camera, you will come to know about the significance of a wide lens whenever you are on a travel and you want to make high-quality vlogs from a distant place.
I also didn’t know much about the working of a wide lens but once I have bought Canon EFS- 10-18mm, it has helped me a lot in making zoomed in video footages for my travel vlogs.
Though the price is a bit high and if you are a newbie vlogger I would not recommend you to go for a wide lens as you need to practice making high-quality videos first.
But, if you are a professional vlogger and you have got a good command over your vlogging camera, then you can add this lens t your best vlogging equipment as it will help you a lot in making vivid video footages easily.
Vlogging Microphones
After you have chosen your vlogging camera and a good wide lens, the next step is now to find a good vlogging microphone. And that’s because audio quality is as much effective as video quality in making a vlog.
You are making a very big mistake if you are only relying on camera’s built-in microphone. Sure it can help to a certain extent but for a premium audio quality, you will have to opt for a good vlogging microphone.
In my best vlogging equipment, I have got three different type of microphones for different purposes.
So, let’s take a look at my gear.
1. Blue Yeti USB Microphone – Indoor Vlogging
If I am to make vlogs that require indoor facilities such as making review videos, unboxing videos or DIY videos, my personal best choice is Blue Yeti USB Microphone.
For starters, it has got a very reasonable price range and is in approach of newbies and beginners as well. The reasonable price doesn’t mean that it didn’t offer many specs.
I am using this microphone for a year now and it has been astonishingly good in delivering a premium audio quality without any distortion. You can get a crystal clear sound quality by spending some easy bucks easily.
Hence, if your vlogging videos are made inside your room or your house, you should buy Blue Yeti USB microphone as it is easy to use and provides a good sound production even after using it for more than a year. (My Experience).
2. Rode VMPR Video Mic Pro – Outdoor Vlogging
If you require a good microphone for making travel vlogs or outdoor vlogs, Rode VMPR Pro should be your preference.
I am using this vlogging microphone whenever I have to make vlogs while traveling and it has proven to be my personal best for outdoor shooting.
It easily gets mounted on your vlogging camera. It is able to reduce wind sounds which are very annoying for travel video bloggers. It is also able to capture every little bit detail of outside environment easily.
These are the main reasons because of which this microphone is in my best vlogging equipment.
Though the price is a bit much for newbies (take a look below on lavalier microphone) but for professional vloggers, this is the best choice from my point of view.
3. PowerDeWise Lavalier Microphone – Interviews/Podcasting/Travel Vlogs
Now, this is an affordable microphone for newbies and beginners in case they got upset by looking at the price of Rode microphone.
I have been using PowerDeWise microphone for quite some time and to be honest, this microphone is so underrated. I mean, it can do the perfect job, it has got a compact design, it can capture and deliver a premium HD quality sound and there’s almost nothing it can’t do,
I liked it very much as this lapel microphone has helped me a lot in making interview vlogs, podcasts and in some cases travel vlogs too.
The price is very reasonable. So, if you are just introducing yourself to vlogging, this should be an ideal and preferred choice for you to add to your best vlogging equipment.
Vlogging Tripods
Now that you have added a brand new vlogging camera, a perfect vlogging microphone and a best wide lens to your gear, now is the time to add equipment for capturing wide-angle video shots easily.
Vlogging tripods are an essential equipment for a vlogger if he or she is looking for adding stability, steadiness, and professionalism in videos.
I have got two best vlogging tripods for my personal use and I use them both from time to time according to my needs and requirements.
So, let’s take a look at them :
1. Joby GorillaPod – For Multi-Purpose Use
Joby GorillaPod is one of the most popular vlogging tripods available on the market as it is currently in my use as well. The vlogging tripod is perfect for every type of scenarios.
No matter what situation you are facing, this vlogging tripod is there to hold your camera without any worries. The rubberized grips are there for having a firm grip on any surface.
After mounting your camera on GorillaPod, you can attach your GorillaPod to almost any surface including trails, trees, desks, sand dunes, bus decks etc.
The price is also reasonable and that’s why I like it so much as it offers many qualities with a very low budget range.
Whenever I am on a travel or I am looking for making time-lapse videos of different cities, Joby GorillaPod is my best shot in every regard.
2. Manfrotto MKCOMPACTACN-BK – For Indoor Vlogs
For making videos in my house or mainly in my room from different perspectives, I generally use Manfrotto tripod.
It has got a premium design with aluminum construction and is the best choice for recording videos at home.
Although this vlogging tripod is priced at a bit high budget, it is still my best choice because of the premium features it provides.
You will never get any issue for many years after you buy a Manfrotto vlogging tripod (My Personal Experience).
Spare Batteries For Vloggers
Let’s just admit it that no matter how much expensive any vlogging camera is, it cannot last all day long filming videos and taking photos. It’s a universal fact too.
For that purpose, what you can do is to buy some spare batteries for your vlogging cameras in order to complete your video shootings especially when you are on a long trip.
I am using different type of spare batteries for my best vlogging equipment. So, let’s take a quick look at them :
1. Oaproda Spare Batteries With Charger – For Small Vlogging Camera
For my travel camera, I prefer to use OAproda spare batteries with a portable charger. These batteries can work for a longer period of time with my travel camera.
OAproda spare batteries come with a portable charger and the charger can easily be charged with a USB cable too. You can avail this complete package of two spare batteries plus a charger in only under 40 bucks which is not a bad deal at all.
These batteries have helped me a lot in video shooting and they never ran out of charge even after an intense session of video shooting. (My Personal Experience)
2. STK LP-E6 – For Large Vlogging Camera
For my large vlogging camera, I have got STK LP-E6 spare battery. It can really charge in a couple of hours and can work for a longer period of time too.
The price is really low. In only under 15 dollars, you can avail the perfect spare battery for Canon EOS 80D in order to complete your video shooting without running out of power.
I am using this battery for almost 6 months and I didn’t have seen any downgrade in its performance up till now.
3. FlyHi Replacement Battery with Charger – For Action Camera
A real downgrade in GoPro Hero 6 is, it can only last for an hour on 4K video shooting and that’s a fact because it has got a compact size and hence a small battery.
To sort out this issue in best possible way, I am using FlyHi spare batteries. They have got premium cells and less charging time too.
The complete package includes two spare batteries with a portable charger so that it may charge up the batteries even when they are not attached to the camera.
This replacement battery has helped me a lot in making high-quality action videos and I have never run out of power with these batteries included in my best vlogging equipment.
Memory Card For Vlogging cameras
1. Samsung 128GB Micro SD Card
Ever felt angry when you are on travel to one of the most beautiful places and your camera storage run out of space?
That is one of the worst and disappointing feelings for a vlogger and I have witnessed it too in my initial days.
To keep myself away from this embarrassment, I always carry a spare memory card in my best vlogging equipment.
For vlogging purposes, a vlogger usually needs a micro SD card with large storage space and an ability to process images and videos quickly.
So, after using a lot of memory cards, the one that has been really helpful is Samsung 128GB micro SD card. I am currently using this micro SD card for vlogging purposes.
It has got an ample amount of space and has got a lighting fast speed of 100 MB/s as well which means it will speed up your video shooting process easily.
Keep this memory card in your vlogging gear to make sure that you never run out of space whenever you are on a vlogging trip.
Best Drones For Vloggers
Drones also play an important role in making some awesome aerial shots and are considered necessary especially when you are making action videos related to biking, or if you are more into travel vlogs
There are two drones that I use for making perfect aerial shots. Of course, the first one is for beginners because I was a beginner too just like you people. The second one is for professionals and is currently in my use too.
So, let’s explore them :
1. Holy Stone Drone – For Beginners
If you haven’t used a drone before, this is one of the best choices to start learning how to operate a drone perfectly. Holy Stone Drone was my first drone and I practiced a lot at that time to make awesome video shots.
For starters, it is fairly easy to use and it allows you to have a good control as well. There is a built-in HD camera present in the drone and it has also got wireless feature.
The construction is durable and that’s why there are no worries about drone falling or getting out of your control.
You can buy this drone in under 120 bucks only. For me, it turned out to be a fairly good deal as at that time I was a beginner and this drone helped me a lot in operating and making good aerial shots for my vlogs.
2. DJI Phantom 3 – For Professionals
DJI Phantom 3 is seriously made for professionals and is a part of best vlogging equipment. Please don’t buy it if you are only a beginner or if you don’t know about handling a drone.
For starters, this drone has got a 4K UHD camera for taking some of the best aerial shots possible. It has got a high range as well and you can easily navigate different options of handling and controlling it.
I have upgraded from former drone to this one after I realized that now I am good to go for a professional drone. This drone is the main reason behind some of the best aerial shots I have taken for my vlogs.
The price is a bit high and that’s why I am recommending you to buy it only if you are a professional or else in case of an accident, all your money spent on this drone will be gone in vain.
Video Editing Softwares
A vlog is incomplete without editing. Of course, you have to edit it a lot and lot in order to give it the final touch and exclude the unnecessary objects or moments that would bore your audience.
I have used many softwares over the years for vlogging purposes. In start, I used free software but as I got experience, I turned to the best-paid video editing software.
So, let’s take a look at them one by one :
1. Quik Video Editing Software – For Beginners
I have found Quik to be one of the quickest and easiest video editing software available on Android OS and it must be a part of your best vlogging equipment.
It’s absolutely free on Google Play Store and you can download it to start editing your vlogs. There is a vast gallery of free to use music, effects, and video editing tools in this software that will help you in giving a fine touch to your raw vlog.
So, if you are an absolute novice, my recommendation will be to use Quik video editor as it is absolutely free and capable of making high-end edits to your vlogs.
2. Sony Vegas Pro 15 – For Intermediate
Another software that I use for editing my vlogs is Sony Vegas Pro 15. This software requires a powerful computer in order to run it smoothly.
There is almost nothing that is not included in this software. From A to Z, this software will help you in making a perfect and complete touch to your vlog.
3. Final Cut Pro X – For Professionals
Final Cut Pro X needs no introduction as it is the software used by many professional YouTubers and vloggers.
I have used it too and there is one word to describe this software that is “Perfect”. The software has got everything in it that you need to make top-notch vlogs with some awesome edits.
My most favorite paid video editing software right now is none other than Final Cut Pro X and if you know the basic essentials of video editing, must buy this software.
The Final Word
That is all that you need to know about best vlogging equipment. I have tried my best to cover almost every product for both beginners and professionals so that they can get benefit from this article.
Just keep working hard and try to be consistent in making top-notch vlogs for your viewers and you will see yourself as one of the most famous vloggers in coming months.
Good Luck!!
Hi John
Thanks ever so much for your free guide to vlogging for beginners. It has helped me so much with my number venture into vlogging!
My background is creative writing but have always had an interest in photography and film making.
I noticed some typo errors in your piece. Do you have a copy editor to check your grammar / spellings? Let me know if you want me to take a look and preview your future work maybe in exchange for vlogging advice / help
Thanks so much again.
Paula
Sure why not 🙂