The Essential Video Kit for YouTube and Vlogging.
- Aaron Jaeger
- May 4
- 7 min read
Are you dreaming of starting your own vlog and creating high quality content but afraid that buying all that camera equipment will break the bank? Well, we've got you covered with a list of essential video gear to get you filming like a pro...all for a low cost.
We often get asked by clients if they should start out by filming content on their phones. To that our answer is, "Sure." You can definitely get started with the phone that you may even be reading this blog on. Especially using that for reels and short form content is quite handy and easy.
However, with how much camera equipment has advanced, you may be shocked at how low cost buying the equipment is...and how easy it is to use.
"Camera equipment no longer costs a fortune for high quality."
We've seen a huge shift in the video industry over the past decade and camera equipment no longer costs a fortune for high quality, there are now many options to get amazing results all for cheaper then you might expect.
This is not one of those blogs that will give you our life story before giving you the goods, so let's jump right into our favourite budget camera gear options to get you filming like a professional.
VIDEO CAMERAS
Starting at the most obvious level we have the cameras themselves. To create vlog and YouTube content easily, there's three main factors that come into play for the best everyday, every scenario options.
Size and Weight. You don't want to be carrying around bulky video cameras and lenses with you everywhere you go, and if you're out and about with your videos, travelling or getting around the city. It's surprising how quickly your arms will start to get tired holding out the camera to film selfie style gets.
Video Quality. No one wants to see footage that looks likes it's shot on a potato. So you definitely need to meet certain quality factors like 4K recording, smooth filming and a nice depth of field.
Ease of Use. We have tons of experience in the field as camera operators, and we know that when you're on the run, trying to get the shot quickly, it's important to know that you can flick on the camera and get the shot. If you don't have experience setting white balance, shutter speeds and f stops, then you want a point and shoot option that does it all flawlessly.
Our top pick for this is the Sony ZV-1 II. (Australians you can pick it up here)
This camera is designed specifically for vloggers, and without getting into the weeds with all the specs, the basic information you need to know if it comes with a built in 18-50mm zoom lens, a 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor, 4K record at 30fps and 1080p 120fps for that buttery smooth slow-mo, and it's got fantastic in-built stabilisation so you can walk around without the need of a gimbal.
One of our favourite functions with this camera is the Bokeh Switch. So with a simple touch of a button you can get beautiful shallow depth of fields shots, like the professionals capture.
Pair this with the Sony Shooting Grip and you can a little on the go tripod and handle with remote control function, and all of this can be tucked into your pockets.
ALTERNATIVES
If you're looking for a quick upgrade, or want the adaptability to use your own lenses you can move up to the Sony ZV-E10 II.
Or if you're not a fan of Sony, you can pick up the Canon G7X III as a comparable yet more expensive option. (Australians grab it here)
MICROPHONES
Great vision is the first step, next you need to be heard, loud and clear! To do this is cheaper and easier than ever before with a range of incredible options.
With audio we like to keep it simple. It needs to be compact and fit a variety of uses, because you never know when you'll need to interview someone, and you don't want to be stuck with just the one microphone.
Our top pick is the RODE Wireless GoIII.
(Australians you can pick them up here)
These compact wireless microphones really pack a punch and are super simple to use. Just connect the receiver end into your camera, or phone, and with the two microphone end you can record you and another person with clean dual channel audio. You can connect up lav mics for a professional and tidy look or clip them direct to your clothes.
They now come in a range of colours so you can get a customised look if that's your thing or stick to the black. They also have in-built recording, so if you do mess up and it doesn't record to your camera for whatever reason, you'll have your audio safely stored in the device itself.
You can also pick up a RODE mic handle to slot the microphones in to get that professional handheld interviewer style, also now available in a range of colours.
ALTERNATIVES
There's plenty of cheap options out there but I will warn you that the cheaper you go, the more you'll sound like you're recording out of a tin can, and the less features, range, and compatibility you'll have.
However, the DJI Mic 3 are a great alternative that also tick all the boxes.
LIGHTING
Those of you who are on the go, and mostly filming outside than lighting may not be necessary for your needs, but with this lighting option it's small enough you can take it with you everywhere, and if you'll be setting up and filming from home, lighting is an essential part of the kit and the good news is that you don't have to go to the cheap ring light option.
These days you can pick up small, affordable and professional level softbox lighting that will make you look a million dollars, for only a few hundred.
Now, to get the full studio look we do recommend what's called a three point lighting technique, however to get started you can achieve a great look with this one light.
Our top pick is the Amaran Ray 120C.
(Australians you can pick it up here)
This 120W little light is super powerful, you can use it in studio and achieve a range of looks, or you can grab a Amaran Peak power handle to take it on the go. With it's USB-C connectivity you can use most power banks to give it juice.
You can connect it up to your phone with full colour control, and with it's Bowens Mount you can attach a bunch of different domes and softboxes as pictured above for that soft beautiful lighting.
All that and it can fit into a handbag.
ALTERNATIVES
For quality and price, this one is really difficult to find a comparison, at least in our minds. The closest we've found is the Zhiyun Molus X100 RGB.
TRIPODS AND STANDS
Whilst you can get, and we still would recommend getting the Shooting Grip for the Sony cameras, you will still need a proper tripod for shooting at home or with a bit of height. And for the light/s you'll need something solid to stand it on at home or in studio. So below are our favorite budget, but sturdy options.
The Manfrotto BeFree Live Fluid Head Tripod is a great base option for smooth video.
(Australians you can pick it up here)
Put simply this is a compact, light tripod that still has a solid fluid head system, which means you'll be able to pan and tilt smoothly.
For lighting needs, we'd always recommend to use a C-Stand with weighted bags. The Amaran lights are super light so you won't need to go anything to heavy duty and the kits we've linked too has everything you'll need. (Here's a good option for Australians)
ALTERNATIVES
With all tripods and stands it's really your choice on spend and size. If you'll just be using the tripod indoors you can opt to go with a ball head tripod which won't allow for those smooth tilts and pans, but if you're only pointing the camera in one direction...that doesn't really matter.
This Neewer Basics Tripod is a solid option, with multiple functionality to use as a monopod or attach the phone holder. (Pick up here for Australians)
POWER
One of the major downsides to smaller cameras is their battery life. If you're out and about travelling you should always consider bringing a back up battery or two BUT what if you're just shooting at home? Surely you don't want to be charging and swapping batteries all day right?
Well good news, you can get around this with a couple of cheap pieces of gear.
First you'll need a camera cage, like this SmallRig Sony ZV-1 II Camera Cage. Or find the right one to suit the camera of your choice. This will allow you to mount the camera to a tripod and still be able to open the battery door. These can also be a great addition to your kit even when using outside as you'll have additional spots to mount more gear.
Next you'll need a Dummy Battery. This way you can plug the camera directly into your wall power outlet for all day use. I must warn that most camera companies do not offer official power options, so these are mostly after market options that you will have to review and determine for yourself which you'd prefer.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION
Here at Meister Creative we help creators from around the world to bring their production ideas to life. Whether it be YouTube podcasts and vlogs right the way through to video marketing, social media and documentary films and series.
So if you want the right advice, production support or an award-winning editing team to help with your project than reach out via the form below and let's make some magic!
There you have it, everything you need to get started filming all for a really affordable price tag. So now the question is, what will you create?
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