YouTube is the most popular video-sharing platform and has millions of content creators posting their videos every day. To ensure that your video stands out, you need to create quality video content. A good story, filming with the appropriate equipment, and editing with advanced tools all contribute to the making of quality videos.
To come up with an impressive video script, you need to brainstorm the storyline. In this article, we will focus on the latest YouTube equipment that you need to create quality content.
Camera
The camera is the first piece of equipment that you need to record your video. If you are a beginner on a tight budget, you do not have to worry about arranging the most expensive camera.
Camcorder
You will get several portable camcorders under the $300 range. These are built for adjustable shooting and you just need to click on the record button to automatically begin the filming.
While choosing your camcorder, go for one with a resolution of at least 1080 p and 50x zooming capabilities for your initial YouTube journey. Try to opt for an APS – C sensor with a crop factor of 1.6 and a 22.3mm width.
Webcam
If you plan to shoot most of your videos from the desk, then you can use a webcam. There are several webcams that you will get for less than $100. You just need to attach them to your computer and adjust the focal length. Setting up a webcam is a one-time affair and saves you the hassles of fixing your camera every time before recording a clip.
Smartphone
You can choose to film your YouTube videos with your iPhone or Android smartphones. While this is a perfect choice for your initial video-making journey, ensure that the mobile camera has a resolution of at least 13 MP and has image stability and low-light compatibility. The device should have a minimum of 128 GB of storage for you to film your videos.
Digital Camera
For enthusiastic video makers who are keen on experimenting with the camera setting, a digital camera is a perfect choice. Since these cameras come with a fixed lens, make sure that you choose a lens that is appropriate for the type of video you intend to create. As audio will play an integral part of your YouTube journey, ensure that your digital camera has the provision of mic input.
DSLR
If you are passionate about video making, you must consider getting yourself a DSLR. Since these come with changeable lenses, there is a lot of room for experimentation and you can create a depth effect, bokeh, motion blur, and a lot of other special effects.
While purchasing a DSLR for video making, ensure that its autofocus mode works in video shooting and that it has a full or crop frame sensor in the ISO range of 25,600. Ideally, your device should be able to shoot between 24 and 60 fps.
Action Cameras
If your YouTube genre is travel or adventure, then an action camera is what you need to begin your video-making journey. Action cameras are highly portable, and you can strap them to your body. These have in-built stabilization, are waterproof, and can produce 4k quality videos. While such cameras do not allow you to manually change the settings, they do come with a host of pre-set options for you to choose from.
External Stabilizer
All modern cameras come with in-built stabilizers. However, if your budget permits, it is a good idea to go for external stabilizers as that will give you sharper video clips. The choice of external stabilizer will depend on the type of YouTube video that you plan to create.
Still Frame Videos
Creating videos such as over-the-desk, review, interview, or tutorial videos does not need video stabilizers. In these types of videos, there is minimal movement of the subjects, making it easier for you to film the content. If you are new to creating YouTube videos, you can consider using a simple, 3-legged tripod that allows you to fix the camera to its body.
While choosing a basic tripod, be clear on your shooting needs. For example, you will prefer a 3-fold tripod if you are keen on making a video of the Niagra falls on YouTube. However, portability will not be a concern if you plan to film tutorial videos from your living room.
Before you choose a tripod, ensure that it is compatible with your camera, can take the required weight, and achieve the necessary height. If you have skipped the camera purchase and are keen on filming the video from your phone, buy a cell phone stand before you begin your vlogging journey. In case you plan to use your smartphone to shoot most of your videos from your desk, a gooseneck phone holder is the ideal option for you.
If you have a diverse video creation experience, then you may want to invest in a tripod with a fluid head. That way, you can experiment with motion shots, tilts, and a lot more. Such advanced tripods often have fillings like ball heads and hybrid heads that allow you the luxury of shooting perfect videos on not-flat surfaces.
Videos with Simple Movements
If you intend to create a video where you follow a subject, a monopod is the most comfortable choice. These are compact and have only one leg to support the camera.
The weight of a monopod is significantly lesser, thus making it easy for you to carry it around. Advanced versions of monopods come with adjustable heads that leave room for better movement and fluidity.
Videos with Complex Movements
If you have a complex long shot to shoot, you will need external stabilizers to get smooth transitions. As a beginner, you can start with simple gimbals to achieve smooth tilt and follow shots.
Over time, you can upgrade to advanced gimbals that have dedicated modes for you to shoot mysterious chase scenes or other complicated frames. Depending on the type of video content, you can also use a vest stabilizer or Steadicam to achieve the desired video clip.
With a camera and a stabilizer, you are ready to embark on your video-making journey. Depending on the type of video you intend to film, you may need some specific lighting or background conditions. These are pulmonary things that you will figure out along your video-making journey.
As long as you have the right camera and stabilizer, there will be no compromise to the quality of your videos. Video editing tools such as InVideo will ensure that your video footage is edited in the best possible manner. That way, every video that you post on YouTube will have an aesthetic appeal and win accolades from the viewers.
