YouTube has become the largest and most popular internet platform for sharing video content. It’s also an excellent method for people to express themselves creatively, advertise themselves or their businesses, and more. However, to become a professional YouTuber, you’ll need an adequate content creator kit.
Investing in your overall content quality is vital to get views and subscribers. So, below is a list of the essentials you will need in your content creator kit:
- Camera
- Gimbal Stabilizer Or Tripod
- Microphone
- Video Editing Software
- Lighting
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1. Cameras For Content Creation
Suppose you want your face or various content displayed to your viewers. In that case, a camera is undoubtedly the most critical piece of YouTube equipment and a critical tool for content creators.
But, before going to the camera store, keep in mind that you don’t have to get the most costly DSLR.
Instead, you may use almost any device that can capture high-quality video (at least 1080p). With that in mind, the following are some excellent examples of cameras for content creation.
Sony ZV-1
The Canon G7 X Mark III was a favorite tiny vlogging camera for many video makers for a long time, but it’s been dethroned by the brilliant Sony ZV-1.
Though it can be a bit pricey, there is undoubtedly plenty of punch behind this excellent content-creating tool.
The ZV-1 truly captures what most people want from a compact vlogging camera or other sorts of video production by integrating all of the most outstanding features of Sony’s RX100 series (for example, the RX100 VII’s microphone input and autofocus, as well as the RX100 V’s brilliant 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens).
Sony‘s newest Real-time tracking and Eye AF are the finest available, and the ZV-1 offers a surprising lot of depth for a tiny camera, including a built-in ND filter and color grading profiles like S-Log2.
Many people believe the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III has better picture stabilization and image quality, yet there is no better pocket vlogging camera than the Sony ZV-1.
DJI Pocket 2
Fans of the first DJI Osmo Pocket will be disappointed, but this successor addresses its shortcomings, making it the best tiny alternative for solo filmmakers.
Of course, the Sony ZV-1 (above) is superior overall video quality. Still, if you frequently film walk-and-talk style clips to the camera, the DJI Pocket 2‘s combination of a three-axis gimbal and strong face-tracking may be more tempting.
Compared to the Osmo Pocket (which is still a less expensive option), the DJI Pocket 2 has a bigger sensor, a brighter lens, better microphones, and a wider field of view. As a result, you don’t have to hold it out at arm’s length while talking to the camera.
Place it on a tripod base or other flat surface, which will revolve to keep you in the frame while you move around in front of it.
Unfortunately, despite the bigger sensor, the Pocket 2 isn’t the best camera for low-light or high-contrast scenarios.
Still, it’s a significant improvement over putting your phone in a gimbal, and the upgraded four-mic audio arrangement means you get some acceptable sound quality to match.
2. Gimbal Stabilizer Or Tripod For Content Creation
Unsteady footage is a no-no in professional video production since it might distract or dizziness your viewers.
Instead, tripods and gimbal stabilizers are excellent tools for stabilizing your images and films.
You can use a tripod for your YouTube videos or a gimbal, but the choice will depend on how you plan on capturing your videos.
That said, some excellent examples are listed below.
Ikan E-Image EG01A2 3-Section Tripod
A tripod is usually the less expensive option. Many tripods don’t cost more than $100 and can still perform admirably, depending on the weight of your camera system.
However, investing in a more durable, dependable tripod is still suggested to safeguard your camera equipment’s safety. When saving money, you may pick from a variety of low-cost tripods.
The iKan E-Image EG01A2 is an excellent low-cost tripod that can support most DSLRs and camcorders.
It can carry up to 11 lbs and can stretch its legs more than 5 feet, allowing you to photograph from unusual angles. It’s also quite helpful and compact—it collapses to 33 inches and weighs only 10 pounds, making it easy to pack and transport while you’re on the road.
DJI Ronin-SC Gimbal Stabilizer
Handheld filming produces wobbly and jarring videos no matter how solidly you hold the camera. Gimbals are specialized stabilizers that use motors or weights to properly balance your camera and smooth out your films, even if you intentionally make significant and unexpected movements.
It benefits YouTubers who use lightweight mirrorless cameras and are always on the move.
If you intend to employ lightweight cameras, the DJI Ronin-SC is ideal.
It boasts a 3-axis stabilizer system with brushless motors to smooth out your camera motions and a battery life of up to 11hrs. As a result, it’s an excellent investment for a motorized gimbal that’s well worth the money.
3. Microphone For Content Creation
Remember that your audio should compliment your video. Even if you record high-quality cinema 4K film, you’ll struggle to keep your viewers engaged if the audio is poor.
Because built-in laptop or camera microphones cannot adequately capture or reduce ambient sounds, the next most critical item for creating Youtube videos is a decent microphone.
That said, the following are some excellent choices.
Rode NT-USB
The Rode NT-USB is a popular studio cardioid condenser mic with a USB connection for simple plug-and-play operation.
The provided tripod does an excellent job at reducing noise, but it can constantly be enhanced by utilizing an additional shock mount.
It is unquestionably one of the best YouTube microphones under $200 in terms of sound quality. A headphone jack with a volume switch is provided for blending computer sounds with your speech.
Unfortunately, because it lacks integrated gain control, you must configure the input volume on your computer.
Blue Yeti Microphone
It’s no coincidence that the Blue Yeti is a YouTuber favorite and has long been hailed as one of the best microphones for YouTubers. It offers excellent sound quality and a wealth of features for the price.
Three condenser mic capsules allow you to select between four distinct pickup patterns. Most people will generally require the cardioid pattern for voiceovers.
Still, using it as a conference or interview mic is well worth the price (and the Yeti is regularly sold for under $100 during holiday sales).
It also has a mute button (which is quite helpful), gain control, a headphone port (with volume control), and a nice stand.
Rode VideoMic Pro Directional On-Camera Microphone
Shotgun mics are a popular, high-quality choice for shooting video with a compact, professional camera. They already have shock mounts, which assist decrease noise caused by mechanical movements surrounding the mic.
Another essential characteristic is its ability to concentrate on capturing crisp sounds and speech immediately in front of it, so it does not pick up a lot of extraneous sounds on the sides and behind the mic, even while recording outside.
As a result, many video makers have previously praised the Rode Microphones VideoMic Pro R, a convenient version ideal for your DSLR, mirrorless camera, or camcorder.
Finally, It boasts a super-cardioid polar pattern system and can run for up to 70 hours on 9V batteries.
4. Video Editing Software For Content Creation
After you’ve acquired all of the necessary hardware, you’ll need to discover appropriate video editing software for post-production.
YouTube provides its video editor, but having your program gives you more power to customize your movie to your preference.
You may also want to consider incorporating stock video footage into your projects, which can be easily integrated into these software tools to enhance your content further.
That said, some of the best video editing software includes the following.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional video editing product from Adobe, the market leader in creative design software.
Premiere has all the effects, color tools, collaboration, and output choices that any professional could want.
It operates on macOS and Windows, so unlike other tools, you are not limited to one desktop platform. Premiere Pro is only accessible by subscription, so the initial cost is minimal, but it builds up over time.
Premiere Pro is designed for professional video editors, as the name implies. Nonetheless, it is used and enjoyed by many devoted amateurs.
In addition, it’s beneficial for those who need to interact with others and teams who utilize Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite of products.
Apple Final Cut Pro
Apple Final Cut Pro has a redesigned, modern interface with a “trackless” timeline.
With time, content creators will grow to appreciate this interface’s versatility and understand that it provides just as many tools and capabilities as other software with a traditional interface.
In addition, unlike Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro is exclusively compatible with Apple machines, the preferred platform for many video editors.
The program is a terrific match for experts, as proven by the amount of top Hollywood movies and shows created in Final Cut Pro.
Still, its accessibility makes it a strong choice for amateur editors, particularly those looking to upgrade from Apple iMovie.
Magisto For Content Creators
Many content creators have considered Magisto as one of the best options for video editing software list is ideal for individuals who make material for Instagram or TikTok.
You can generate amazing videos on your phone with this video-making program. The program uses artificial intelligence to evaluate the video and choose suitable effects, transitions, and sounds.
This iOS, Android, and Windows service will handle all creative issues and assist you in producing appealing films fast and effectively.
However, one disadvantage is the maximum video length (10 minutes, even in the paid version). But that’s all we need for live Instagram or TikTok content.
5. Lighting For Content Creation
Finally, you’ll need lighting equipment if you’re typically recording inside or in dimly lit settings.
Even if you’re filming content in an area with plenty of natural light, lighting equipment may change the atmosphere and even the brightness of your setup.
In addition, the lighting equipment examples listed below can be used for recording YouTube videos and other platforms for content development.
Elgato Key Light Air
Elgato’s Key Light Air LED panels are an excellent choice for streamers.
These are sleek tiny light panels with a maximum brightness output of 1400 and a cold-to warm-color temperature range of 2,900 to 7000K.
Even better, you can control these lights with the software on your PC, a phone app, or an Elgato Stream Deck (or a Stream Deck alternative).
They’re straightforward to set up, handle, and modify, with a tiltable head and height-adjustable pole to help you get them in the ideal location no matter what you’re doing.
The neatest thing about these critical lights is that numerous diffusers filter them, so you get a soft and soothing light on your face that isn’t severely blinding you while playing.
Flashpoint AC Powered 55W Dimmable LED Ring Light
Ring lights are popular among vloggers. When its ring form radiates light all around a subject, it removes shadows from all angles, making anyone seem more appealing in front of the camera.
As a result, this is why beauty and cosmetic vloggers frequently utilize this sort of YouTube lighting equipment since it can dazzlingly brighten up the face and reduce shadows that tend to showcase flaws.
The Flashpoint 19-inch ring light is our pick for a ring light. This fluorescent ring light utilizes 80W of electricity and does not produce excessive heat, allowing you to position it closer to the subject.
Its 19-inch diameter construction is also relatively light and portable. Flashpoint 19 is an excellent choice if you’re making videos requiring close-ups of people’s faces.