Video Content Creation: Gear to Get Started
September 01, 2021
Image Credit: Mikael Blomkvist
So you have your social media account set up, and you’ve mapped out the unique ideas, stories and information you wish to share. What gear do you need to get going? All you really need to get started is a camera with a built-in microphone. But with the sheer volume of video content being uploaded and shared every day, you’ll need to step it up if you hope to cut through the noise.
Here’s a breakdown of some startup video creation and vlogging equipment that will help you create better content, engage your audience, and get them hitting that ‘subscribe’ button.
Image Credit: Jesus Loves Austin
Camera
Video content creation and vlogging for social media require gear that is much more agile than traditional filmmaking equipment. The good news is camera manufacturers are now starting to tailor make cameras with the individual content creator in mind. These vlog cameras allow you to capture your story quickly, without any fuss, and in a wide range of conditions.
A camera that’s small and portable, will be your best choice if you’re planning to do long stretches of handheld filming. If your production style allows you to keep your camera relatively static, you might want to take advantage of the resolution, dynamic range, low light performance, and depth of field that full frame cameras offer.
For solo creators who are filming themselves, a side-opening, vari-angle LCD screen is a must as it will allow you to check your framing from in front of the camera. If it’s a touch screen - that’s even better.
Autofocus is one of the most important camera features for creating good-looking video content, fast. In particular, great Lock-on Tracking, Face Detection and Eye AF performance in your vlog camera will make shooting so much easier.
Super shaky footage is never great to watch. It’s hard to follow what’s happening and is highly distracting. In-built image stabilisation (IBIS) in your camera can help to keep the movement smooth and steady.
If you want to record high quality audio (you do), then look for a vlog camera that allows you to connect an external mic.
With some stretch in your budget, you may want to consider an action camera or a drone as a second camera. These types of cameras are fantastic for capturing establishing shots, transitional shots, and B-roll, all of which can improve the flow of your video.
Best Selling Vlogging Camera
Image Credit: Paul Skorupskas
Lens
Focal Length
Like all photography and videography, your lens choice will depend on your content but generally speaking, wide is where it’s at for piece to camera shots.
As a guide, if you are using an on-camera mic or plan to film yourself handheld, you will need something like a 16-35mm vlog camera lens. With this wider field of view, you or your subject can stay within arm’s length of your camera-mounted microphone, in return giving you the clearest possible audio. Pop a longer lens for that talking head style shot, and you’ll end up with a talking eyeball shot instead.
For aesthetic reasons, you might want to take advantage of the compression that longer focal lengths provide and opt for something like a 24-70mm lens. This focal length can be a little more flattering and gives you a bit more breathing space from your camera. However, to do this without sacrificing audio quality, you will need some sort of off-camera microphone set-up.
Tip: If shooting with a crop sensor camera, you will need to consider the crop factor when choosing the right lens for your set-up.
Regardless of the type of YouTube vlog and social media content you are making, the goal is to connect. A wider field of view lets you get up close and personal with your viewers, while still retaining some background context. Your audience is more likely to feel like they are engaged in a genuine conversation with you, not just being spoken at by a giant floating head.
Aperture
If you expect to do lots of video creation in low-light situations, you will want to choose a lens with a faster aperture to let in more light. A vlog camera lens with a wide aperture will also give you more depth of field flexibility and help separate your subject from the background. However, keep in mind that faster apertures come at a cost, not just in dollars, but in weight. If you’re doing long stints of handheld shooting, that f/2.8 might get a little heavy.
Image Credit: Medy Siregar
Audio
Don’t neglect your audio! As video content creators, it’s easy to get so caught up in the visuals, that you forget to check the sound. But it doesn’t matter how great your footage is, if your audio is poor, your audience will tune out. Basically, you want your audio to sound so good, that no one notices it.
Most cameras do have built-in microphones for capturing audio, however, just because it’s there doesn’t mean you actually want to rely on it. If you do, you will almost certainly end up with audio that is super windy, dominated by background noise, or just plain unintelligible. For good, clean video sound, you will definitely need an external vlogging microphone.
One of the best vlogging microphones is a shotgun mic that attaches easily to your camera’s hot shoe and will get you great audio every time your subject is within close range. Whether you are filming sit-down shots in your studio or grabbing run-and-gun footage on location, a good quality shotgun mic will last you for years and be an invaluable addition to your filming kit.
Tip: When filming outdoors, attach a dead cat windshield to your shotgun mic to minimise recording wind noise.
When your subject needs to be a greater distance from the camera, a wireless transmitter and receiver kit is the way to go. The receiver slides onto the hot shoe and connects easily to your camera via the external microphone port, while the transmitter can be attached discretely to your subject. For even cleaner audio, just attach a lapel mic to the transmitter. This audio solution allows your subject to step away from the camera and move where they need.
Best Selling Vlogging Microphone
For more tips on getting great sound:
https://www.camerapro.com.au/news-and-reviews/post/tips-for-better-sounding-video
Image Credit: Sven Kucinic
Tripod or Gimbal
Walk-and-talk style shots are great for generating a sense of spontaneity but can be a headache to watch if the camera movement is too erratic. If your talent likes to roam about, then a gimbal could be your next best friend. Vlogging gimbals range in size and functionality so get one that’s suitable for your particular class of camera and turn those jittery walking sessions into smooth, buttery content.
If you are the star of your own show you might find hand holding a gimbal and camera while filming yourself a bit awkward and weighty. Instead a small, flexible leg, table top tripod could be the ideal solution if you want to hybridise run and gun shooting with a standard sit down piece to cam.
Best Selling Vlogging Tripod & Gimbal
Image Credit: Anete Lusina
Lighting
Without light, what’s the point of even hitting record? You can invest in the best low-light camera on the market, but if your scene is underexposed, you’ll need some post-production wizardry to save your footage. Not only will quality lighting elevate your video content and keep your audience engaged, it is also a key storytelling tool. When executed well, great lighting will convey emotion and highlight your particular personal brand.
Just like your audio equipment, good vlog lights will last many years if you look after them. For video creation, your lighting will need to be continuous and preferably have adjustable power and colour temperature.
Image Credit: Odua Images
Indoor Vlog Lighting Setup
Key Light - This is the main light illuminating your subject. The bigger it is, the softer and generally more flattering it will be.
Fill Light - A subtle light used to fill in any harsh shadows created by the key light and ensure there is some detail in the shadow area. Depending on the look you are going for, a fill light is unnecessary or can even be substituted with a reflector.
Rim Light - Used to create a highlight edge on the subject to help separate them from the background.
Practical Light - These are lights that can be seen within the frame. They are not intended to light the entire scene, but rather to introduce small pops of light and colour to your background. Strategically placed, accent lights will add depth and character to your filming space.
Image Credit: Lucas Favre
Lighting for On-the-Go
If you’re shooting video content out and about, more often than not you will be able to utilise all of that glorious natural light that the sun provides. At times though, daylight can be a little harsh so it’s a great idea to keep a collapsible diffuser in your kit. These are highly portable, relatively inexpensive, and will last you for years.
At other times you might find yourself grabbing run and gun footage at night or in poorly lit environments. For these times a small, on-camera LED light can help illuminate your subject.
To learn more about lighting, check out our guide to simple vlog lighting set-ups:
https://www.camerapro.com.au/news-and-reviews/post/vlog-lighting-setups-made-simple
Best Selling Vlog Lighting
A Few Extras ...
Always have at least one spare battery on hand. For extra long video content shoots, consider a coupler and power relay system for uninterrupted power.
If you regularly shoot outside in bright, sunny conditions, keep a variable ND in your vlog kit. A neutral density filter will allow you to cut back on some of that light so you don’t have to ramp up your frame rate or close down your f-stop.
A good quality, functional camera bag. There are no rules here and everyone will have a different opinion, but if you’re doing a lot of roaming around with camera gear then a rear opening camera backpack will keep your gear safely organised and give you quick access to your vlog kit.
Image Credit: Koukichi Takahashi
Final Thought
You no longer need an entire production crew or a massive budget for video content creation that excites you and fulfills your vision. When putting together your kit don’t forget the other essentials; the camera is not the be all and end all.
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