Whether you are brand new to the world of YouTube content creation or looking to enhance your flow, we have you covered. From the outdoors user to the video essayist, now is not a bad time to grab some equipment to help take your content to the next level. So, let’s take a look at some essential gear you can get right here at B&H.
Camera
There are many different types of content creation cameras. General photography-grade cameras are not always the best option. Just because your high-end DSLR camera can record footage for windows of time doesn’t mean it is the best for that scenario especially if you are focusing on outdoor content. A smaller device like the Insta360 X5 is great for action-packed users looking for wide angles and full 360-degree viewing. The GoPro HERO13 Black is also a great video solution and can be easily mounted to various equipment for interesting and unique perspectives.
Let’s say you are a video essayist, which in that case an action camera wouldn’t be the ideal solution unless your conversations revolve around performing a few nose grabs while you’re hitting the half-pipe. Devices like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a great device for both indoor and outdoor content. Not only does it have an integrated gimbal, but it can also capture video with resolutions up to 4K with a maximum 120 Hz refresh speed for a realistic and fluid feel.
If you are a traditionalist, you can’t go wrong with the high-quality Panasonic HC-X1200 UHD HDMI Camcorder. Not only does it capture 4K60 video, but you have multiple fun features like 120 fps slow motion. It also has long-lasting battery life giving you up to 6 hours of 4K shooting. This is a great device for advanced users looking for something a bit more robust and higher quality than most options out there.
Microphone
I love and appreciate good microphones. If you are out and about with a camera, the RODE VideoMic Camera-Mount Shotgun Microphone is a great option. It can easily attach to the shoe mount on your camera and capture amazing audio when you are out and about. Video essayists who film their content in a studio environment can easily take advantage of mics like this. If your style of content revolves around your desk, or perhaps your work is more voice-over based, then mics like the Audio-Technica AT2040USB USB mic would be just fine.
If you are looking for something small, hands-free, and presentation-worthy, I suggest the DJI Mic Mini 2. These small lapel mics can clip to your shirt or use the magnetic backing to secure in place while the receiver plugs into the USB-C port of your computer, smart device, or even connect it to your camera with the 3.5mm audio jack.
Lighting
Naturally, there are other elements that are necessary for your content creation but can be applied on a case-by-case basis. Some items might work for different types of creators, while others will not. For example, going back to the video essayist, studio lights like the Nanlite PavoSlim 60C are great for providing constant light on your subject matter. It is small, compact, and has a wide range of colors to nail that natural look. There is also the Nanlite Halo 10B LED ring light, which is used by a lot of creators who are looking for that more direct perspective with the ability to place a camera lens right in the opening for fuller lighting.
Meanwhile, outdoor creators don’t necessarily need lighting unless you are filming at night, which in case any of the above lights should suffice. If we are to get incredibly specific, a mobile user who films outdoors during the night who needs lighting could easily benefit from something like the SmallRig RM120, which is a compact RGB LED light which is bright enough to fill certain areas as well as lightweight, ensuring easy maneuverability.
Tripod
Outdoor creators and studio users alike need something to prop up their camera and equipment, and that is where tripods come in. A solid entry-level tripod is the Magnus TR-13, which features a maneuverable head, adjustable legs, and supports a wide range of devices. If you are looking for a tripod that offers more control and fine tuning, the Manfrotto MK290XTA3-3WUS 290 Xtra is a solid option. Thanks to its aluminum frame, it is lightweight, which is great for on-location shooting.
Users who film primarily in a studio at their desk and alone might find mini tripods to be the best solution. The SmallRig VT-20 is a great mini tripod that is small, lightweight, easily collapsable, and can handle devices weighing up to 13.2 pounds, perfect for a vlogging camera.
While not a tripod necessarily, the Ulanzi ST-27 smartphone mount is an important device for those who like to use their smartphone as their main recording device. It is fully adjustable for both landscape and portrait modes and has a unique metal locking mechanism to prevent movement. Additionally, there is a shoe mount built into one side of it so you can attach anything like a mini light or a mic.
Gimbal
Vloggers would find a lot of use in a gimbal, especially when you’re moving around. Devices like the DJI RS 3 Mini Gimbal Stabilizer opens up a whole new door of content creation. Not only does it help give you that perfect, steady shot, but it also incorporates on-handle controls to help with shooting via Bluetooth connectivity. The handle also expands into a tripod for tabletop shooting or just to give your hands a bit of a rest.
If you primarily record on your smartphone, the DJI Osmo Mobile 6 is a solid gimbal. It includes all the perks: a magnetic phone clamp, on-handle controls, and a foldable design so you can quickly store it when not in use.
Storage
Something everyone is going to need whether you are shooting off site or elsewhere is storage. You’re going to need something to keep your recordings on and devices like the Samsung T7 Shield is a great option. It is compact to fit in any bag and lightweight where you’ll barely notice it. You can connect this SSD directly to a recording device or smartphone so you can instantly transfer content over. Additionally, there is a kit that includes a cold shoe holder to keep the drive safe while you are recording.
Another great alternative is the SanDisk Extreme Portable SSD V2, which incorporates various protections to keep the drive safe in the event of falls and drops. It also has a built-in carabiner loop so you can tether it to bags and other important equipment.
These are just a few of the essentials that you’ll need when it comes to YouTube content creation. As you build your experience and audience, they’ll always be some new equipment that you can leverage to up your game.
