Here’s the recommended video kit you will need if you too want to get started on YouTube.
If you’re looking for cheap YouTube starter kit, go here!
A lot has been said about the many benefits of delivering your message through video, I’m not going to repeat that here. What this post is about is the ultra important decisions you’ve got to make in relation to the kit you use. Tomorrow is #BlackFriday, you might want to shop for some bargains.
This is our recommended set of kit for making videos, podcasts, and live streaming video.
Mic (Sound)
I sat in on a great webinar this week by Steve Dotto (legend!) where he shares his secrets of online video. You can watch it here. Key point I took away from that was that “people will stick around for bad video with good audio, but they won’t watch good video with poor audio”. So get your sound right.
- Blue Yeti USB mic – recommended by most online course instructors as a solid option, good for quiet environments
- Audio Technica +AT2100 – a great dynamic mic, ie. picks up what’s in front of it
- Rode Video Mic – the closer you are, the better.
When you’re buying your mic, get a mic windscreen as well (cheap! less than €5) – or you can make one by wrapping a piece of fabric around your mic!
Be sure to check that your mic comes equipped with an audio jack for your camera and not just USB.
Webcam
For webinars and streaming, you need a decent webcam.
- Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920
For basic starting off, you can get away with shooting on your webcam, assuming you’ve a reasonably decent computer.
Camera
If you want to go up a level in terms of quality and flexibility, you might consider investing in a DSLR camera. This gives you freedom of movement, you won’t be stuck on your laptop, and it shoots at very fine quality perfectly suitable for YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram.
- Canon EOS range are fantastic – the 1200 D is the entry level model, also known as the EOS Rebel T5 in the US
Phone Set Up (Facebook Live/Instagram Live)
Your Smartphone will have a pretty decent camera built in, so what you want to do is add a mic, a tripod and some lights!
- Rode Smartlav + Mic – plugs into your phone and the mic goes on your jacket
- LuMee case for your phone is the one that all the top Snapchatters and Instagrammers use (thanks to Melanie Morris for the tip!). It’s a hard case for your phone that comes with built-in lights, so you always look glowing and radiant, even in November!
- Pick up a Tripod in Penneys for €5.
That’s It: Your Recommended Video Kit
Now you’re ready to roll. Happy shopping. Please comment with any tips. I know there are some well established podcasters and vloggers out there. I’d love to know your thoughts.
