What is a Vlog?
Vlogs are short for video blogs which use videos instead of words for people to record their lives and share their thoughts. As a result, vlogs have become one of the most popular genres on the internet. Viewers get to witness a vlogger's experiences first hand and therefore develop emotional connections and establish trust with vlogger. Vlogs are all about authenticity and do not need much post-production. This means they are suitable for newcomers and relatively inexperienced vloggers. If you want to try your hand at vlogging and share your experiences, follow this guide, choose your equipment and start creating!
What is the best camera for vlogging?
Compact and lightweight
easy to carry around so you can travel to different environments and capture interesting moments without straining your arm for long periods of time.
Adjustable screen
easy to take accurate shots of yourself in front of the camera, check your images and adjust settings anywhere at any time.
Wide-angle lens
There are limits on how far away you can capture things with self-handheld cameras. Generally, the wider the angle, the easier it is to capture yourself and the people around you.
Steady focus
Vlogging is not limited to a single place and often, so you’ll often be shooting outdoors. Outstanding autofocus capability ensures the subjects you are capturing are sharp and clear. You don't have to worry about focus and you can shoot with confidence and fluidity.
Quick exposure conversions
When shooting vlogs outdoors, light sources and levels vary so a camera that can quickly auto adjust the exposure ensures consistent quality images.
Image stabilisation technology
cameras with powerful optics and electronic anti-shake technology make for smoother images than handheld lenses so your audience can easily keep up with your movements.
▾Popular vlog photography equipment▾
Here are five models that satisfy the requirements mentioned above:
Product |
Major features |
PowerShot V10 New Concept Pocket-sized VLOG Camera
Featured Item: Canon
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PowerShot V10 New Concept Pocket-sized VLOG Camera
Featured Item:Canon
Elevate your content using the built-in stand and microphone. With image stabilisation, record your vlog steadily, and the smooth skin tones feature will make you look amazing in your videos.
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SONY ZV-1 Compact Camera
Featured Item: SONY
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- A large aperture lens for professional bokeh under low light conditions
- Product mode auto shifts focus to the object
- Instant video transfer to smartphone
- Vertical shooting support for easy content recording for mobile viewing
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SONY DSC-RX100 III
Featured Item: SONY
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- OLED viewer
- Supports HD and web-ready formats with dual video recording
- Supports Wi-Fi and NFC wireless transmission
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EOS M50 MarkII
Featured Item: CANON
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- Vertical shooting support for easy content recording for mobile viewing
- Supports photo uploads directly to the cloud
- Supports YouTube live streaming
- Built-in Wi-Fi connects to a smartphone for remote recording and video transmission
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PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Featured Item: CANON
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- Vertical shooting support for easy content recording and mobile viewing
- Supports photo uploads directly to the cloud
- Supports YouTube live streaming
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NIKON Z50
Featured Item: NIKON
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- Compatible with NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3
- ISO up to 51200 for capturing low-light scenes
- Built-in Bluetooth, Wi-Fi and advanced video production options
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A common problem that new vloggers find is that it is difficult to capture, talk and shoot all at the same time. As a result, you can end up with images that you can’t use. This is where a sports camera comes can be helpful. There’s less to control and although image quality may not be at the highest level, you can leave the image capturing to the sports cam and focus on creating an engaging experience with the viewers instead.
▾Popular Sports Cam▾
Product |
Major features |
GoPro MAX sports camera
Featured Item: GoPro
|
- Rugged and water resistant up to 5m, bring the audience with you underwater
- 270-degree distortion-free videos
- 360-degree audios and videos with post-production features that allow you to adjust images and increase the video angle
- Vertical shooting support for easy content recording for mobile viewing
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DJI POCKET 2
Featured Item: DJI
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- Three-axis mechanical stabilisation
- Auto editing
- 8x zoom
- Toroidal stereo system
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Insta360 Go 2
Featured Item: Insta360
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- Super lightweight at 27g
- Water resistant up to 4m with FlowState shockproof technology for hassle-free outdoor shoots
- A wide array of accessories for easy installation to boost creativity
- AI editing, WIFI preview
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Besides getting a vlog camera, it’s probably a great idea to also have a smartphone in your pocket. Especially one that is light and you can carry around all the time. Some models come with cameras that are so powerful, it’s hard to tell whether the videos are captured by a mobile camera or a vlog camera at first glance. In fact, many vloggers admit to including mobile videos in their vlogs. After all, it's all about capturing important moments in life no matter what equipment you use. Here are some of the best phones you can use to take videos from Apple 、Huawei and Xiaomi :
Is a sound capturing device necessary?
If you are new to vlogging, you may find that a microphone is not used often except for filming and so it may seem like a non-essential investment during the early stages of being a vlogger. However, sound quality could have a huge impact on the final video, especially in vlogging when you need to communicate with the audience and require live sound to engage them. Fortunately, there are a wide range of options available from entry-level to professional. Select according to your budget and need to upgrade over time.
▾Popular Sound Capturing Device▾
Product |
Major features |
BOYA BY-MM1
Featured Item: BOYA
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- 11957916
BOYA BY-MM1
Featured Item:BOYA
A heart-shaped directional microphone with professional wind sound cover. Lightweight and does not require power to operate. Can be connected to a phone, camera, computer, etc. Ideal for new vloggers.
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Synco WAir-G1(A1)
Featured Item: Synco
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- A 2-to-1 omni-directional wireless microphone, especially suitable for vlog channels hosted by 2 people. It’s small enough to clip onto clothes and connects to phones and cameras.
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SONY ECM-W2BT
Featured Item: SONY
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- A wireless microphone designed specifically for vlogging. Lightweight with noise suppression and low latency transmission functions. The receiver features a 3.5mm stereo mini-jack and easily connects to a variety of devices such as cameras, computers, mobile phones and video recorders.
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MOTIV MV88+ Video Kit
Featured Item: SHURE
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- The MV88+ is light and portable and connects directly to an iPhone or iPad without the hassle of tangled cables. The kit comes complete with a Manfrotto PIXI professional tripod, wind sound cover, phone clip and more, so you can become a vlogger right away.
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Rode VideoMic Pro+
Featured Item: Rode
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- The VideoMic Pro+ activates in sync with the camera so no more wasted shots in case you forget to turn on the microphone. Rycote Lyre anti-shock mount and built-in rechargeable battery connects to cameras, camcorders and portable video recorders
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Rode Wireless GO II
Featured Item: Rode
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- The 2-to-1 wireless microphone is especially suitable for vlog channels hosted by 2 people and can be used up to 200 metres away from the receiver. It's small enough to clip onto clothes, connects to phones, cameras and computers, and has over 40 hours of internal memory. Now you need not worry about lost files or interrupted audio
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Do I need a fill light?
Not all scenes require a fill light. However, if most of your vlogs are indoor scenes or you need to shoot at night or in low light conditions, you may need to add a fill light to your equipment list. Let's start with indoor scenes. If you need to talk in front of the camera all the time, you need a ring fill light. Secure it with a tripod to bring out the dimensions and details of your face. If you need to fill a room with light or if more than one person needs to be in a shot, you should use a square fill light. If you are often outdoors and in low-light environments, select a fill light that is portable with the flexibility to be mounted on your camera equipment.
for your audience, refer to this guide for buying an image stabiliser that is easy to use and supports your equipment.