Tools of the Trade
In order to create high quality videos for your channel, you’re going to need some equipment.
Five pieces of equipment, to be precise: a camera, a microphone, a tripod (or gimbal), lights, and editing software.
You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars, but try to get the best you can afford.
Camera: this is perhaps the most important piece of equipment you’ll purchase, but fortunately there are many affordable options on the Jenn Shadd recommends getting a camera that shoots in 1080p at least. Her suggestions include a decent DSLR camera like the Nikon D5600 or Canon EOS 70D.
Microphone: when you’re just starting out, your cellphone or computer microphone should do just fine, but Shadd recommends getting a quality microphone as soon as you can.
She explains that investing in a decent mic will “increase the quality of your videos by ensuring crisp audio and room for more editing .”
She suggests a lavalier microphone for dialogue-heavy videos, such as the Rode smartLav+ Omnidirectional Lavalier.
And if you’re doing handheld work, Shadd recommends a shotgun microphone that can plug directly into your camera, like the Rode Compact On-Camera Microphone.
Tripods: you’ll need a tripod or gimbal to stabilize your camera and give you a steady, high quality shot.
If you’re planning a mostly stationary shot, like a view of you unboxing products or interviewing people, a tripod is your best option.
If you’re going to be doing more handheld shooting, though, Shadd recommends something along the lines of the FeiyuTech G6max Camera Gimbal or the iPhone Gimbal Stabilizer.
Lights: Shadd suggests you utilize two softboxes, one on either side of your camera, to produce “a clean, well-produced look.”
If you’re looking to save a little money, check out right lights. They’ll give a soft “glow” to a single subject.
On the other hand, if you want a bit more control, Shadd recommends you invest in an LED kit, which will give you color warmth and dimming options.
Editing software: editing tools are essential for a YouTuber. Shadd’s pick is Adobe Premiere Pro because it’s “straight-forward enough for novices to learn on, yet capable of satisfying the complex technical needs of professional projects.”
Adobe is also the industry standard, so if you can possibly afford it, invest the money.
If you’re brand new to editing and want to learn the basics before spending that much, Shadd says that iMovie is “the perfect, free resource for creators just starting out.”
“If you’re overwhelmed by the countless (and usually expensive) gear options,” Shadd says, “just grab your phone and get to work. The content part of your work will be the foundation of your success.”