Can you go over your equipment and software that you use for content creation? Specifically your camera and editing software for YouTube, but also your other gear!
- Anonymous
Content creation, particularly for YouTube, can get real expensive real fast. I think it makes sense to buy equipment and software in stages, depending on how you’re feeling about creating content and the monetary returns at every point.
Stage 1: Minimum viable product.
Video. Start with your phone. You’d be surprised at how many established YouTubers just use their iPhone Pro* to record, even for their longform content (just beware of phone storage capacity). I really liked starting out with shortform videos, because they take less time to make and videography matters less, but start with whatever form and genre inspires you.
Audio. I didn’t pay that much attention to audio so would just use the built-in mic, but I know the best practice even in the early stages is to use any sort of external mic, even just your normal headphones.
Editing. I edited shortform videos using CapCut and longform videos using iMovie. Both software applications are free, and I still use CapCut for shortform editing today.
Stage 2: A ~$2000 upgrade.
Video. I first got a mirrorless DSLR, the Sony a6400*, upon a friend’s recommendation, but honestly thought it was a little too advanced for me, as well as too bulky for vlogging outside. (I know tons of people use it to vlog outside, but I’m still not a fan of vlogging with intrusive equipment.) I prefer the point-and-shoot Sony ZV-1* for vlogs and find it much easier to schlep around. If I could go back in time, I'd probably just get the ZV-1 and call it a day. I got a mini tripod*, as well, which helps steady on-the-go filming a bit more without being terribly obtrusive.
Lighting. I also got a gigantic ring light* but didn’t end up using it as often as I did just natural sunlight from the window or this clip-on phone light*.
Audio. I got an on-camera microphone from RØDE* to level up my audio but don’t know if I would recommend it. I still use the built-in mic on the ZV-1, and when I use the a6400, it’s not that much harder to record audio separately (see the next stage).
Editing. I bit the bullet and spent the $300 for Final Cut Pro X. The learning curve is a bit insane, but the Think Media tutorial playlist took an evening to watch and was really helpful. Apple offers a free trial, as well, so it’s worth playing around with. The capabilities are much stronger than iMovie, and I’m glad I took the time to learn the fundamentals even if my 2023 goal is to rely on my editors more. I also got a subscription to Epidemic Sound for royalty-free music.
Stage 3: Bells and whistles.
Video. There aren’t many upgrades for the ZV-1, but for the a6400, I have the Sigma 16mm f/1.4 lens* which can achieve that beautiful bokeh effect. It’s bulky, though, so I only use this a6400 + Sigma lens setup for filming static talking videos/video podcasts/video essays. I do prefer this more involved camera setup, though, because I think it makes me look normal on-camera in terms of skin tone, coloring, etc., relative to the ZV-1. My YouTuber friend also has the DJI Pocket 2*, which I have been eyeing and wondering if it will up my vlogging game due to its form factor.
Lighting. I went to a videography seminar, and they talked about ideal setups having three points of light, etc., but it’s not realistic for my NYC apartment.
Audio. I have the Elgato Wave:3 USB microphone* and absolutely adore it. I actually got it at the beginning of COVID-19 lockdown for videoconferencing for work (i.e., when I still thought I would be a lawyer forever!) but now use it for podcasting, as well, and it has held up great in both contexts. I also use it to record audio separately on Quicktime for my YouTube videos, which I then sync to the camera’s AV in Final Cut Pro. I mounted it onto a low-profile arm* at my desk for calls and my video podcasts.
Editing. Most serious video editors seem to use Adobe Premiere Pro. Video editing isn’t my favorite thing to do, so I probably won’t ever get it myself, but I’ve heard it makes tasks like color grading easier!
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