“Vlogging” used to be a weird word back in the day. It is a mix of two words – video and blog. Adam Kontras is the man who posted the first ever vlog. He did not know it back then in the year 2000, but he was creating history. Adam set off on a cross-country road trip to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of being in show business, along the way he wrote blog entries to share about his adventures. He added videos to document his trips in his blog. And that’s how he started a new form of content.
Adam set the history of vlogging in motion. What he did was groundbreaking. However in 2000, there wasn’t any video sharing platform available. So, the practice did not become popular. But in 2005, when YouTube was founded, the game changed.
Now, video has become a primary form of content. According to statistics, 44% of the viewers watch vlogs every month. Not just that, a person spends an average of 1,000 minute watching video every day! These numbers have forced marketeers to switch to video marketing. 66% of business owners also believe that videos are one of the most efficient form of content marketing.
While Adam Kontras was brilliant to add videos of his adventures, the official YouTube vlog was started by someone else. Back in 2005, YouTube was a platform full of crass memes and unedited videos. But it was Andrew Baron who first produced a vlog series called Rocketboom. In this vlog series, the host would present the news and include comedic sketches. The show attracted 300000 views in a day, almost a decade ago!
That set the trend of vlogging, and now we have YouTubers and vloggers around the world who create interesting video content to attract viewers. Facebook, Instagram and even LinkedIN, all of these platforms are giving more weight to video content. That’s why creators are also investing their time and effort into making vlogs.
Vlogging in 2020 has become a legit career. The popular Youtuber, Pewdiepie who is known for his roasts, gaming videos and his trending battle with T-series previously, earns around $1,823,600 on average per month. Earlier parents used to ask their kids to stop recording stuff, and go study. But now vlogging can be considered as a career, and a successful one at that. Carry Minati, another YouTuber known for his roasts, and his battle with TikTok. He dropped out of highschool to make a career out of making vlogs, and he has the record of most subscribers in a single day and also one week.
If you are thinking of starting vlogging, then it is a great idea. It has a lot of scope in 2020. But if you are a newbie, who has no idea about vlogs, or how to shoot one, this article would most probably shed some light on vlogging for you.
While beginners can start recording vlogs with their phones. It isn’t always the answer. Most of the Youtubers use camera for vlogs. It may be a webcam or a DSLR. But professional youtubers tend to use camera for vlogging as it gives better quality videos.
Using your phone in the beginning of your vlog days are okay. But as you learn the ins and outs of the trade, try upgrading to a better vlogger camera for great quality videos.
Most of the successful entrepreneurs say, that “start before you are ready”. If you are thinking about opening a channel, then do it. But there are some basics you should know. First of all, you need the minimal equipment to get you started. You can use you iPhone, to shoot and then edit in iMovie. However it is not going to cut it in the long run. Here is the list of equipment you need for best vlogging.
Your phone camera can be used. But in 2020 when most of the videos are of high quality, nobody wants to waste their time in low resolution videos. So, you need to get your hands on the best camera for vloggers. It should fit your needs. If you plan on shooting videos inside your home, you can have a heavy camera, but if you plan on traveling around then you might need a compact one. Choose one based on your needs.
A good camera and good mic go hand in hand. If you have good quality video, but lousy audio the audience is going to be bummed. So make sure you invest in a mic. Any mic is better than the installed mic in your laptop, like any camera is better than your laptop’s webcam.
Don’t you hate it when you are on a video call with someone, and they seem to be in motion? It’s annoying to watch shaky footage of videos, it makes your head spin. So, to avoid such videos, you need stabilizer. If you are shooting inside you can get a small tripod, but if you are shooting outside then you can get a taller one. People shooting with their phones can use selfie sticks to hold the camera steadily.
Professional videographers use lighting to their advantage. You can do so too. If you are shooting outside, avoid too much sunshine and utilize shade. But inside home you can shoot near windows to use natural lights. When good lighting is naturally not available for you, you can invest in some professional lighting equipment, you can use ring lights( beauty videos), background lights etc.
Raw footage can’t go directly into the video platform. You need to do some editing, like add an intro, some music and text. For that you will need a video editing software. There are many free options on the web. But most of the YouTubers use iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premiere Pro CC.
Now you know what you need to get started with vlogging. But the main instrument you need is a good and durable camera. Wannabe vloggers often get confused on which camera to get. So, we have listed out some amazing products that can give you vibrant and high quality videos.
There are 5 types of vlogging cameras you can use – Webcam, Camcorder, DSLR, Action or Sports cameras, and compact. If you want to include your smartphone in one of the categories then you can. All these types of cameras have different functions.
Webcam For Home Recording
If you want to record videos at home for record live streams, game walkthroughs, or commentaries, then a webcam will suffice. Yes, you laptop has a camera but it won’t record high quality videos. The cameras on your laptop are only good enough for skype calls and nothing else. Get a webcam with 1080p recording, zoom, and panning/tilting for your basic use.
Camcorder For Portability
Camcorders are made for video shooting. Unlike DSLR and compact, camcorders are small, lightweight option that can create visually appealing videos. The best options in the market provide 4K and HD recording for sharp picture quality, zoom lenses, image stabilization, and touchscreen displays. However, if you want to record in low light conditions, camcorders don’t work well with low light. So, you may need additional lighting, and to be honest camcorders are falling out of vogue.
Compact, On The Go
Vloggers who are on the go, need vlogging cameras that are streamlined and lightweight. Their video quality is not as good as camcorders or DSLR, But they can record HD video that’s of high video quality as a DSLR. Compacts don’t have the weight and the bulk of DSLR, so they are best vlogging camera for people who are always moving or traveling.
Packing A Punch With DSLR
DSLRs or Digital single-lens reflex cameras are the choice of most of the vloggers because of high video quality, great performance in low-light conditions, and adaptability. The lenses of the vlogging camera in DSLR can be exchanged for high video quality. Interchangeable lenses are a bonus. Even though DSLR Is a bulky vlogging camera, it is still one of the most used ones in the market.
Action/Sports Cameras For Outdoors
Action and sports cameras are the best vlogging cameras for outdoorsy vloggers. Anyone who wants to record their travels and adventures, can use action and sports cameras. It offers advanced image stabilization, as you will be on the move always. Moreover, the camera is ultra compact, with a shockproof, waterproof body, so it can take anything you at it. Most of these cameras come with Wifi and GPS, which makes it extra handy.
The best vlogging camera does not exist, or you can say the best vlogging camera is the camera that suits your needs the best. We have listed out best vlogging cameras in separate categories, so you can take a look at the cameras that will fit your requirements.
As we mentioned earlier, any camera is better than your inbuilt webcam on laptop. So, if you plan on making videos by sitting in front of a camera then we recommend you buy a webcam. If you want to shoot a how-to video from your computer, or want to stream yourself while you game, then a webcam will do you good. Logitech C922 Pro or Brio 4K are two options for deskside youtubers. C922 Pro is an affordable option that streams at 720p at 60 fps, the image quality is decent. On top of that it has built-in mics which offers solid audio quality. C922 comes with a three-month subscription to XSplit Broadcaster and Gamecaster.
Brio 4K is a bit on the expensive side for a simple webcam. It has an advanced quality streaming with 1080p resolution at up to 60 fps and recording 4K video at 30 fps. The webcam can also compensate for low lighting, and shoot in HDR. It can unlock your Windows 10, with facial recognition as well. However it costs more than $100, so if you want an affordable option you better go with C922 Pro.
Screenshot of Gopro Hero 8 from CNet
Vlogging can be different for various people, it may be sitting in front of your desktop and gaming, or it may be biking across a wild trail in the Andes. For capturing the pumped up action sequence of you trekking, you need something else than a webcam. GoPro Hero 8 is just the right choice for action camera. This camera has got incredible electronic image stabilization, called HyperSmooth. In fact, it has the best image stabilization than any of the options out there. Hero 8 Black keeps image quality impressively smooth.
Go Pro is doing all it can to make Hero 8 the leader in action cameras. Hero 8 now has introduced a new series of accessories called Mods. These accessories will allow you to connect a mini shotgun external microphone, flip-up selfie screen, and a video light. Using the mods along with Hero 8 makes it a powerful video tool, powerful enough to shoot a Netflix series maybe.
A full frame camera is a camera that is a DSLR with 35mm image sensor format (36 mm × 24. Sony’s A7 III maybe a bit on the expensive side but we assure you it is worth it. If you are someone who loves social media then this full frame camera is for you. It is a great tool for anyone who wants to shoot content for both Youtube and Instagram. YouTube and Instagram.
This full frame camera has a stunning image quality with great 4K video from its image stabilization of 24-megapixel full-frame sensor. Sony has given us many mirrorless cameras but this one is one of the best. It also has a microphone jack to five you improved microphone input. On top of that, it has dual SD card slots, and has the famous S-Log color profile. Sony’s S-log profile is for anyone who wants a more dynamic color range. The only drawback is it does not have a fully articulating screen. However, Sony’s excellent Real Time Eye Autofocus makes shooting easier even when you can’t see what you are shooting.
A mirrorless camera is unlike a DSLR, it does not have a reflex mirror or optical viewfinder. But it depends on an electronic viewfinder that displays what the camera image sensors see. Sony’s A6600 is one of best mirrorless cameras out there. It is suitable for people want to avoid blurrier background and are on the go. Mirrorless camera isn’t heavy and bulky like DSLR, so you can carry it around. Sony A6600 has the best feature required for a vlogging camera, it has Real-Time Eye AF feature. This feature uses artificial intelligence to auto focus, by tracking your eyes and face. So, you will always remain in focus.
Sony’s A6600 has a 5-axis stabilization system. It helps with better image quality even when moving. It also has external mic jack and headphone jacks that let you hook up high-quality external mic. You can monitor your audio easily. The only downside of A6600 is it offers 4K Video only in 8-bit, whereas competing best vlogging cameras offer 10 bit. You can’t also have many interchangeable lenses options like in DSLR.
Panasonic Lumix is the best affordable vlogging camera in the market right now. It was released back in 2015, which means it is a lot cheaper now. If you are just getting started, then this may be the best vlogging camera for you. Panasonic Lumix G7 shoots 4K video from a Micro Four Thirds sensor. It is also compatible with the full range of Micro Four Thirds lenses. Moreover it has a 180-degree tilt screen and a microphone jack, but it does not have headphone jack. But the the microphone input is more important than the headphone jack. Anyone who wants to try out a vlogging camera, can choose this micro four thirds wonder camera. It is not high end like Sony A7 III but it does the job pretty well.
A DSLR has optical pathfinder, this feature isn’t required while shooting a video. While Canon EOS 90D a maybe a great choice for still photography, it isn’t appropriate for vlogging. But if you want to both do still photography as well as shoot videos then this is a great choice. Canon EOS 90D is Canon’s first DSLR to shoot 4K video from the full width of the sensor. Earlier models did not have a wide angle perspective.
90D also has the Canon’s Something that some of its other cameras do not. DPAF ( dual pixel autofocus) is a cool feature that allows the 90D to behave like a mirrorless camera when in live view mode. In return you get a smooth video with sharp focus. This camera also boasts of high end features like touchscreen, microphone input and headphone jacks. It also has the benefit of interchangeable lenses like also DSLRs. All in all Canon EOS 90D Is a multi-purpose camera.
If you have stayed with us this long, then you may have some questions about getting a vlogging camera. Below we have answered some FAQs asked by people who want to start vlogging.
When Youtubers were asked which camera they use the most, the answer wasn’t one. For vloggers who are always shooting moving videos, it was Gopro Hero 8. But for most of the Youtubers the answer was, they wanted a camera that got the job done, so it was Canon EOS series. Youtubers who use a production team generally use a camcorder to shoot longer videos.
If you are just getting started get a camera that is in budget and works well. For Youtube videos Panasonic GH5 seems to be the best choice. But if it is well beyond your range, then you can go with Panasonic Lumix G7. The Canon EOS series also has some amazing cameras you can use for YouTube. Canon’s EOS 80D is the Youtuber’s Choice!
Beginners do not have a lot of budget as they are also trying to invest in other equipment. So, an affordable camera with average features would do the job. Canon EOS Rebel T6 costs almost half as EOS 80D. But it has features that you’ll need when you’re starting out. It has 3.0 inch 920K dot LCD, with 18MP APS-C sensor. You get 9 Point Autofocus point with this camera. It records video at 1080p at 60 frames per second, which is pretty decent. However, the camera does not have microphone input it has an inbuilt microphone. It means you’ll need to use an external mic to record the sound, and if you are not satisfied with the inbuilt microphone.
The content on the internet is gearing towards a video revolution. Everyone wants to test out video making. If you are also one of those people who would like to start vlogging, then you better jump on the bandwagon soon. Watching a video may take a few minutes, but creating one takes a lot of time. If you are a beginner, and would like to create exciting videos for your brand or products then you can consider trying Offeo Online Video maker. You can use this amazing tool to design high quality, creative videos. You do not need any video creation experience for using Offeo. It is newbie-friendly and fast.
.jpeg)
