Good day, fellow #NoSmallCreator family member! Or human interested in the equipment I use, hello to you too! I just wanted to write today about [some of] the equipment that I use to make my YouTube videos, as a “smaller creator” on YouTube.
The first thing I think most people are interested in is the camera. I currently use a Canon 80D, which I bought for myself for Christmas last year, just prior to starting my channel. I think these consumer model cameras are great for people who are just starting out and the autofocus is really good, in my opinion. My previous camera, (which I was actually able to sell for about $300, even though it was really old!) a Canon T3i, was good, but it did not make good videos because the autofocus was so poor. I’ve heard that the autofocus is better in the newer models (like the T6i or T7i), but not as smooth as in the 80D model. I’ve even heard that the audio picks up the sound of the lense as it is autofocusing, which is not the vibe I’m looking for in my videos. The T7i model is cheaper than the 80D model, so if you’re looking to save some coin, I think a good mic and some sound-editing could fix the sound issue. The newest Canon camera body out is the M50– I’ve heard really good things about it, and if you’re interested in seeing it in action, check out this video on Brian G Johnson’s channel where he shares how to set it up for the best vlogging quality.
I also own a Canon G7x Mark II. It’s a much smaller camera I use for vlogging when I’m running around and it’s perfect because it allows me the freedom to keep it in my purse, and people don’t react to it the same way they do when I’m vlogging using my large Canon 80D. On top of that, it’s MUCH lighter and easier to hold away from my face for long periods of time.
The second and arguably most important thing, since most people will tolerate lower video quality, but not poor audio quality, is your mic. I own 4 mics that I use in different situations. I have one RODE Video Mic that sits atop my Canon 80D when I’m filming at home in the “studio” which is basically, at my desk in front of my many ikea box shelves. I also use a Blue Raspberry for recording voice overs and during the odd livestream.
My third mic is a lav-mic I use when I’m out & about using my vlogging camera, it’s SUPER cheap- I was just unwilling to pony up the $60 for the Rode smartLav+ instead, I spent $12 and got this Lav Mic by POP Voice. The reviews were positive, and I was in no hurry, so it wasn’t a risk for me to maybe have to exchange it for the Rode model if the Pop Voice one didn’t work out. Well, I’m happy to say that it absolutely worked out, and the audio for almost all my vlogs now comes from this mic- which is miles better than the audio from the Canon G7X. Trust me, if you buy the G7X, you’ll want an external audio source- the native audio on that camera is just not great unless you’re in a silent room. Otherwise, it picks up everything.
The final mic I have, which I actually haven’t even used (YET!) is my Rode Reporter Mic. I plan to use this during interviews, but I’ve not ventured so far in my YouTube journey as of yet. It is the best on the market in my opinion for newbies, as far as reporter mics go & I’ve heard it in action on a lot of my favorite creators’ channels.
Anywho- Those are a few of the things I use right now as far as camera and sound go. What do you use on your channel? Let me know in the comments below!