Why should you start vlogging?
Vlogging allows you to share your stories and connect from people all over the globe. It is easy to do and adds a personal touch to the content you produce. Best thing about it - it is a budget-friendly way of producing content if you’re smart about it. Equipment-wise, all you need to start vlogging is a good
camera. And don’t worry - it does not have to be expensive. To find the best vlogging camera, you should first decide what type of content you want to produce - whether you choose to rent a
mirrorless camera,
DSLR, a
GoPro or a just using your smartphone? For a high-quality Youtube video, a good camera, good light and proper sound will bring you a long way. Why not rent a vlogging camera and see which one fits your video content the most? In combination with a few vlogging accessories, you will make a vlog of your dreams!
Creating a vlog with a smartphone
As most people, you probably have your smartphone near you at all times. Have you ever thought about using it to create a vlog? Of course that is possible as our smartphones become more and more advanced in terms of photo & video quality. To create a vlog that is of high quality with your smartphone, all you need to do is a tripod, lights, a
microphone and a few cables. A
tripod will ensure that the shot is still and steady, whereas lights will improve the overall quality of the footage. And what is perhaps the most important part of any video material? The audio! By renting a microphone that can easily be connected to your smartphone, you will be able to produce content with highly improved sound quality!
Tips when choosing a vlogging camera
There are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing what camera to use for your first Youtube video or vlog. If the camera has an external microphone input, you will be able to connect a microphone to it and produce content with a much better sound quality. This way your videos will instantly feel more professional.
Another thing to consider: choosing a camera that has an LCD screen that can flip around to the front and can be turned to all directions. Not so long ago, a camera with a 180-degree front-facing screen was called only useful for “selfies”. But as vlogging has gained popularity and became more professional - cameras with flip LCD screens will help you to get the framing right and that everything is in focus.
Most modern mirrorless and DSLR cameras have intelligent forms of autofocus with face tracking or Eye-focus, which will ensure that the camera will automatically focus on you - the vlogger and keep your eyes in focus all the time. Let’s be honest, what impression do you make when your footage turns out out-of-focus and you see the camera ‘hunting’ for the right focus point?
Tips to bring your vlog to the next level
So you’ve tried out vlogging with your smartphone, mirrorless or a DSLR camera, what to do to take your vlog to the next level? If you want to attract and retain viewers and build a subscriber follower base on Youtube, video quality is key. It’s then the perfect time to upgrade your vlogging camera kit by renting additional gear.
Better equipment will not only improve your vlogging video quality but also create a more immersive experience for your audience. For example, rent an external microphone to improve your audio quality or rent additional lighting equipment to create the best lighting in your Youtube video. Video often requires more light than you think (to overcome the ambient (day)light. You could rent a set of
LED panels or
softboxes here on Gearbooker.
Apart from renting LED lights or other studio-like lighting kits, you can also try renting a tripod or a
gimbal (for example by
DJI,
Zhiyun or
Moza). This will ensure that your video footage that you capture is stable and smooth. Vlogging is not only about technical quality of your videos, but also about the content that you produce. So why not rent some gear that will help you to take your visual storytelling to the next level? By renting a GoPro
action camera or a
drone, you will make the experience of your viewers as immersive as ever and you will be able to capture footage from your outdoor actions or sports adventures like never before.
Vlogging do’s and don’ts
Whether it has been famous Youtubers such as Casey Neistat or Peter McKinnon that inspired you to start your own vlog, there are a few things to take into consideration when vlogging.
The best camera? It’s the one that you carry with you. It’s a well-known saying which also applies to vlogging. Make sure it’s a camera portable and lightweight enough to take with you. This way you are able to capture moments as they unexpectedly happen. An extensive DSLR can be often too heavy to carry around on a daily basis, so you can try renting a point-and-shoot camera that does not need extra time to be set up. Also, focus not only on what story you want to tell but also on how you want to tell it. Is it a ‘run and gun’ style or does your shooting style involve more preparation and pre-production? Once you decide upon this, it will also be easier to decide what gear to rent and use for creating your content.
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