A YouTube, Instagram or TikTok star in the making? Nice to meet you! Oh, you’re just passionate about a topic and want to share your knowledge with the world? Nice to meet you too! It doesn’t matter what got you into vlogging, the fact that you’re here, reading this, trying to learn more about it means things are getting pretty serious, and that’s prettaaay good in the voice of Larry David.
You’ve got the winning personality, the idea, and the niche all figured out. But is that all it takes? Yeah, no. The year is 2022, 2023 in a bit, and the competition is fierce out there. Unless you can play the celebrity card to impress the audience (it didn’t play out for Brad Pitt and a rocket scientist), you need to deliver high-quality content consistently to climb up in the vlogging world.
Without sugar-coating it, content creation is hard. The road from planning to execution is paved with… it’s not paved at all. It’s an off-road adventure, and getting properly kitted out is the only way to enjoy the ride. Having the essential gear and accessories at hand will help you streamline your creative process and take the fuss out of vlogging.
What Equipment Do You Need to Vlog?
Let’s say that the camera, lens, computer and editing software are the building blocks of a house called Charlie’s Vlog. But if Charlie wants to make this house a home, they need to add some creature comforts inside. For instance, they can get the place fitted out with a vlogging kit for camera or smartphone shooting. Okay, enough with the metaphors, it’s quite straightforward.
These kits come packed with everything you need to add that professional touch to your videos. Of course, you can get the job done without one, but would it be a job well done? Hardly think so. From shaky footage and poor lighting to noisy audio, there’re quite a few things that can break your vlogging efforts. To save yourself hours of hassle, you need to get your hands on one of these bundles.
What’s in a Basic Kit?
From entry-level to professional, you can easily find a vlogging kit for camera that suits your needs and budget. Although not all of them are created equal, there are some basic gadgets and accessories that almost always make the cut, adding convenience, functionality, and quality to your production.
Microphones
When you think of your favourite video, you probably think of the story itself—the main constituent of any piece of content. But if that video had poor audio, it surely wouldn’t be your favourite one. That’s why a quality microphone is an indispensable part of any vlogging kit. The vlogging mic has the important job of creating a pleasant listening experience for the viewer by eliminating outside noise.
LED Lights
Nothing can wreck a video like bad lighting. Even the most expensive camera in the world can’t make up for a poorly-lit environment. That’s why most kits come complete with a compact yet mighty LED light to help you get rid of the shadow, grain and low contrast from your footage. Having an efficient and portable LED at the ready gives you the freedom to create anytime and anywhere.
Tripods
Tripods are basically stands for smartphones and cameras that allow you to position your device in front of you, ensuring maximum stability. Yes, you can lean your phone or camera on virtually anything, but an overcome-adapt-improvise attitude will only get you so far. For the ultimate functionality, look for a vlogging kit for camera with adjustable tripods that allow you to pan and tilt your device to nail those angles.
Mounts
Mounts and other necessary hardware are usually included in vlogging kits, allowing you to easily set up your equipment and start recording. Pay close attention to the quality of these small bits and pieces because they’re the ones holding your expensive gear safe and sound.
Green Screens
The green screen may not always be included in basic vlogging and streaming kits, but having one adds next-level functionality. Is your room a bit messy? Boom, the clutter is gone, and you’re now chilling with some birds in the forest. A green screen leaves your hands untied to shoot anywhere, anytime. Plus, you can easily add captivating backdrops and effects to entertain anyone, from the youngest to the oldest.
To Bundle Up or Not?
What if you don’t need all of these things? Maybe your vlog involves a lot of travelling, playing sports or exploring the great outdoors. In that case, you can shop the items mentioned above separately and build a setup that suits your specific requirements. Better yet, you can explore other practical accessories like gimbals and power banks for shooting outdoors.
However, keep in mind that kits offer the ultimate bang for your buck. If you’re just starting out, a basic, universal camera vlogging kit is all you need to test the waters. Once you start seeing some numbers, you can upgrade your setup piece by piece to avoid straining your budget.
It’s also worth mentioning that a vlogging camera kit is a user-friendly, intuitive solution that’s easy to assemble and use straight from the box. When shopping for items individually, you need to know a thing or two about mounts, cables, and gear compatibility. If you can’t wait for your ideas to see the light of the day, buying a kit is your best shortcut.
Another great thing about kits is that they save you a few trips to the store, or if you’re shopping online from different sites they save you precious time. Add to cart, and you’ve covered all the bases in one fell swoop. No driving around looking for parts or waiting for your orders to arrive—just lights, camera, action.
Closing Thoughts
Nowadays, when vlogging equipment is widely available, there’s no excuse for poor-quality content. However, building a complete vlogging setup is not something everyone can manage or afford. That’s why vlogging package deals are the perfect all-in-one solution that saves you time, money, and effort. With that being said, you can now hit your local camera store or explore kits available online.
