The right equipment for vlogging
Not every camera is also suitable for V-logging
Source: pa/dpa themes/Christin Klose
Vlogging not only requires a lot of creativity and good content – but also the right equipment. If you are looking for the perfect camera for YouTube & Co., you should consider a few factors.
Lfear, YouTube is not just a platform where amateurs can upload their films. YouTube has become a line of business and for many bloggers – or better: vloggers, i.e. video bloggers – their main job. It doesn’t matter whether you are an amateur or a full professional: Of course, the right vlogging also requires the right equipment – i.e. the right vlog camera. So if you are looking for the perfect YouTube camera, you should definitely not go for the first model that comes along.
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What must a YouTube camera be able to do?
There are a few things to look out for when buying a vlogging camera.
At best, a vlogging camera is an all-rounder – and is not only ideal for videography, but also for photography. It should therefore have a large sensor and offer photos of at least 20MP.
YouTube Camera: Some recommended models
Canon has several cameras in its range that can be used as vlogging cameras. The mirrorless EOS M50* enables 24.1 MP images and 4K videos – in UHD (2160p) to be precise, which has been optimized for TV sets. It is relatively small, handy and light and has a foldable display. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system takes care of the autofocus. It has WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity. The camera is available from Amazon in a set with a lens, if you already have the appropriate lenses, you can also just buy the body.
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Speaking of the lens: It is best if the camera has a very fast lens. To put it simply: the smaller the f-number, the more the background blurs – and the object (the vlogger) comes to the fore. The effect is called bokeh in photography – and it is also very popular for portrait photos.
Also from Canon is the PowerShot Mark III* model. This is not a system camera in which the lenses can be changed, but a compact camera with a permanently installed lens. It is even smaller than the EOS M50 – and fits in any jacket pocket. That’s a big advantage – because the saying goes “The best camera is always the one you have with you”. Not only does it offer 4K video, it even has its own 4K slow motion feature.
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With the X-T2, the XT-3 and most recently the XT-4*, Fujis established themselves as a crowd pleaser when it comes to mirrorless cameras. No wonder: the cameras are not extremely versatile and compact and allow professional pictures and videos, but exude a vintage vibe. Fuji relies on analogue button assignments – here you set the exposure time etc. via the rotary wheel and thus have an analogue feeling. While the previous models were already best sellers, Fuji fulfilled a blogger’s wish that had been expressed for a long time: a foldable display.
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Panasonic’s Lumix series is also very popular with vloggers. A current and recommendable model is the Lumix DC-G110* – a compact interchangeable lens camera that offers everything a vlogger’s heart desires. 4K videos, swiveling display and fast autofocus.
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With the ZV-1*, Sony also has a compact vlogging camera on offer. The fold-out LCD display is just as practical as the built-in 3-capsule microphone, which is intended to ensure optimal sound without an external microphone. With the real-time autofocus technology, the autofocus always keeps the eyes of the filmed person in view. The ZV-1 relies on a built-in lens.
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What other equipment vloggers need
The right tripod is also important for vlogging. This is not only practical when the camera needs to be fixed, but also serves as a handle and provides the necessary distance when you want to film yourself. A popular model is the so-called Gorillapod* from Joby, which is available in different versions. It can be shaped as you like thanks to its ball mechanism, attached to railings, but also stands firmly on the floor or other surfaces. From the simple Gorillapod to the model for smartphones to the Gorillapod with a video swivel head*, there are all kinds of models worth taking a look at.
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For those who want a larger tripod, a model like the Element Traveler Carbon* from Manfrotto is an option. The tripod can be extended to a height of up to 1.41 meters, can be folded up and is extremely light. This makes it possible to always have the tripod with you when travelling.
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Since vlogging is not only about the video but also the audio component, a good microphone is also essential. The products from the Rode company are particularly popular – the microphone* is positioned directly on the hot shoe of the camera and plugged in via a mini jack.
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If you want to shoot indoors, remember that the room (or the person) must be sufficiently lit. Many vloggers therefore swear by the so-called ring light*, but a so-called softbox* can also be used.
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Now you can start vlogging – now you only need one thing: good content – then hopefully the followers will come by themselves.
*This text contains affiliate links. This means: If you make a purchase using the links marked with an asterisk, WELT will receive a small commission. This does not affect the reporting. You can find our standards of transparency and journalistic independence at axelspringer.de/independence.
This article was first published in August 2020.
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