The ultimate vlogging guide: Sony

The Ultimate Vlogging Guide | Sony

With a dedicated line of cameras built entirely around making vlogging easy, Sony is making no secret of courting the YouTube generation. Whether you want to shoot on a fixed-lens compact, a lightweight APS-C mirrorless camera or a pro-spec full-frame mirrorless model, Sony’s vlogging range has options for you. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the right one.

We’ve also looked at the best Sony vlogging lenses, for both APS-C and full-frame cameras, to help you put together your perfect vlogging setup. We’ve made sure to factor in price when making our picks, as we’re aware that many vloggers are operating on quite a tight budget. So, whether you’re starting fresh on a vlogging journey, or are looking to upgrade your kit to the next level, here’s all the best Sony kit to buy…

 

Best Sony vlogging cameras

Best Sony vlogging cameras
Best Sony vlogging cameras

While Sony’s various mirrorless and compact cameras have been popular with vloggers for a considerable amount of time, since 2020 the firm has been explicitly targeting this type of user with an entirely separate line of cameras. The ZV series – initially also known as the ZV Vlog cameras, though this naming convention has mostly been dropped – comprises a selection of compacts and mirrorless cameras specifically designed to appeal to vloggers.

The ZV cameras aren’t a radical departure from Sony’s previous cameras; the mirrorless models still use the E mount, so you’ve still got a huge selection of lenses to play with. They are more a refinement of the form, offering a suite of video options with useful features like built-in three-capsule microphones, real-time Eye AF and fully articulated LCD screens. 

Here are our picks for the Sony vlogging cameras to buy right now…

 

Best beginner vlogging camera: Sony ZV-1F

Sony ZV-1F
Sony ZV-1F

Key specs:

  • Compact camera
  • 20.1MP 1-inch sensor
  • 20mm (equivalent) f/2 lens
  • 4K 30p, Full HD 100/120p
  • Ports: Micro HDMI, 3.5mm mic input, USB-C

The Sony ZV-1F is the cheapest member of the ZV family, and is the ideal platform for a beginner vlogger to learn the ropes. It’s a compact camera, meaning it has a fixed lens, and it pairs a 20.1MP 1-inch sensor with a 20mm equivalent f/2 lens, giving you a nice and wide perspective that’s ideal for general-purpose vlogging. It shoots 4K at 30p, and Full HD at up to 120p, which is pretty much what you’d expect for a camera at this price point.

The appeal of the ZV-1F lies in how easy it is to use. Sony’s obvious priority with this model is making vlogging as simple as possible, and there are tons of features designed to help you out while shooting. Sony’s peerless Eye Autofocus is one of the stars of the show here, able to doggedly lock focus on a person’s eyes while shooting and ensuring a human subject never drifts out of focus. Sony’s Face-detection and tracking is also second to none.

Slim but solidly built, the ZV-1F is a camera that’s easy to take everywhere with you. It’s the kind of camera you can just pull from your pocket and start recording within seconds. There are plenty of obvious, clearly labelled buttons on the body for activating different settings. Digital stabilisation is also available for shooting handheld on the move, though this will crop into your footage – it’d be better to use the camera with a gimbal if your budget allows. 

Though the ZV-1 II has a prime lens, you’ll notice a zoom rocker on the front. This activates a 5x digital zoom function, which while best used sparingly, will allow you to get a little closer to a subject when necessary. There’s a port for a mic as well, though the built-in mics do a pretty decent job. While the ZV-1F is quite a simple proposition, it’s a very effective and usable starter vlogging camera. 

Pros:

  • Easy to pick up and use
  • Good quality from 1-inch sensor and 20mm lens
  • Exceptional Eye AF and Face Detection
  • Digital stabilisation works well

Cons:

  • Digital zoom only
  • No built-in ND filter

 

Best vlogging camera with zoom lens: Sony ZV-1 II

Sony ZV-1 II
Sony ZV-1 II

Key specs:

  • Compact camera
  • 20MP 1-inch sensor
  • 18-50mm (equivalent) f/1.8-4.0 lens
  • 4K 30p, Full HD 100/120p
  • Ports: Micro HDMI, 3.5mm mic input, USB-C

As you might expect from the name, the Sony ZV-1 II is the second iteration of the original ZV-1 camera – which was the first to arrive in the new vlogging line. According to Sony, the main piece of feedback that video shooters offered with regard to the first ZV-1 was that they wished its 24-70mm equivalent lens could go just a little wider. And lo, Sony waved its hand, and it was so – the Sony ZV-1 II is equipped with an 18-50mm equivalent lens, hitting a wider focal length that’s handy for general-purpose vlogging.

At that wide end, you can also take advantage of the f/1.8 maximum aperture for low-light shooting and working with shallow depth of field. This is great to have – just be aware that it does drop precipitously once you start to zoom in, reaching f/4 by the time you’re at 50mm. Elsewhere, this tiny camera makes for a superb vlogging companion – it’s barely the size of a pack of cards, and delivers video quality that’s a demonstrable step up from that of a smartphone. The three-capsule mic once again impresses, delivering audio quality good enough that you’re unlikely to want to increase the footprint of the tiny ZV-1 II by attaching a mic (though, of course, you can).

Elsewhere, Sony has also added an improved touchscreen that’s extremely intuitive to use. Autofocus algorithms have been tweaked for peak performance, and users can also take advantage of the Cinematic Vlog modes to create share-worthy clips straight out of camera.

Pros:

  • Useful wide-angle zoom lens
  • Great video and audio quality
  • Very slim, pocketable dimensions

Cons:

  • Max aperture drops at tele end of lens
  • Doesn’t zoom in as far as original ZV-1

 

Best mirrorless vlogging camera: Sony ZV-E10

Sony ZV-E10
Sony ZV-E10

Key specs:

  • Mirrorless camera
  • 24MP APS-C sensor
  • Sony E lens mount
  • 4K 30p, Full HD 120p
  • Ports: Micro HDMI, 3.5mm mic input, 3.5mm headphone output, USB-C

Once the ZV compacts started arriving, it didn’t take long for vloggers to start wondering when we were going to get a mirrorless entry into the ZV series. That wish was handsomely granted with the ZV-E10 – a capable, lightweight mirrorless vlogging camera, essentially modelled on the Sony A6100 but stuffed with features designed to appeal to vloggers.

The addition of a vari-angle, freely moving LCD screen is a big one, making it much easier to flip the screen to face forward for self-taping without interfering with tripods, microphones or other accessories. Like all ZV cameras, the ZV-E10 also includes a built-in three-capsule microphone (and comes with a clip-on windshield accessory), significantly improving the quality of recorded audio. To bump it up still further, you can also use the 3.5mm port to attach an external mic. 

A lightweight and well-balanced camera, the ZV-E10 is well suited to one-handed use and balances nicely with E-mount lenses (see the bottom of this post for our recommendations of lenses to pair with it). Once again, Sony’s autofocus proves itself as one of the best systems in the business. Eye AF, as ever, is unerringly good, and the Face Detection acquits itself well. Video quality is consistently excellent, with 4K topping out at 30p, and we also like that the ZV-E10 provides the option to livestream. 

Well priced and simple to use, the Sony ZV-E10 is one of the best mid-range vlogging cameras around, and will suit anyone who wants the convenience of a ZV compact camera, but with the flexibility of interchangeable lenses.

Pros:

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Loads of E-mount lenses available
  • Excellent autofocus, as ever

Cons:

  • No built-in stabilisation

 

Best full-frame vlogging camera: Sony ZV-E1

Sony ZV-E1
Sony ZV-E1

Key specs:

  • Mirrorless camera
  • 12MP full-frame sensor
  • Sony FE lens mount
  • 4K 120p, Full HD 240p
  • Ports: Micro HDMI, 3.5mm mic input, 3.5mm headphone output, USB-C

The Sony ZV-E1 was something of a surprise on release, and certainly sticks out in the ZV line-up – not least because it’s more than double the price of any of the other models in the series. It’s certainly going to be more than most casual vloggers need, but for those looking for a professional, fully equipped vlogging camera, the full-frame ZV-E1 will fit the bill exactly.

While it looks like a ZV camera – and bears the name – the ZV-E1 inherits a lot of its tech from Sony’s professional Alpha and cinema cameras. The 12MP full-frame back-side illuminated CMOS sensor is borrowed from the FX3 and A7S III, and given that the ZV-E1 also shares the BIONZ XR image processor, it follows that it’s just as much of a beast in low light. With an extended ISO ceiling of 409,600, the ZV-E1 can more or less turn night into day.

Video quality is all around excellent, with 4K available at up to 120p, and most modes supporting 10-bit colour sampling at 4:2:0 or 4:2:2. Sony’s flat Log profile is available for those who like to maximise dynamic range before colour grading their footage in post. However, if you want to speed things up a bit, we quite like S-Cinetone, a pre-graded profile that gives you good-looking footage straight out of camera. 

So, if the Sony ZV-E1 inherits the guts of pro cameras like the A7S III and FX3, and is a good deal cheaper, you might be wondering what has been cut out to make that possible? There are a few features missing – the first one you’d notice just from looking at the body is the lack of an electronic viewfinder; Sony is making the bet that vloggers won’t need it. There’s also no option to shoot RAW video, and the FX3 is more geared towards professional cinema use with a supplied handle equipped with XLR inputs. Again, Sony is betting that most vloggers won’t miss these features – and we think they might just be right.

Pros:

  • Superb low-light capabilities
  • Cine-quality features for a great price
  • Effective stabilisation and autofocus

Cons:

  • At the expensive end for vlogging cameras

 

Best Sony vlogging lenses

Best Sony vlogging lenses
Best Sony vlogging lenses

If you’re opting for a Sony mirrorless camera for vlogging, you’ll need to pick up a lens or two to go along with it. The Sony E-mount has a considerable advantage over mirrorless rivals like Canon and Nikon in that it has simply been around quite a bit longer, so there’s a lot of choice out there. Here are our picks of Sony vlogging lenses to get you started, whether you’re shooting on full-frame or APS-C. 

 

Sony E 11mm f/1.8

Sony E 11mm
Sony E 11mm

 This wide-angle lens for APS-C camera is specifically pitched towards vloggers. Delivering an equivalent focal length of 16.5mm due to the crop factor of APS-C sensors, this lens sits pretty much perfectly in the focal range for general-purpose vlogging and doing pieces to camera. Its wide f/1.8 maximum aperture also lets you make the most of available light and experiment with shallow depth of field. With two linear stepping motors, the autofocus is quick, efficient and virtually silent, and the lens delivers impressive edge-to-edge sharpness even when used wide open at f/1.8

Be aware that the lack of built-in stabilisation may be an issue if you pair the Sony E 11mm f/1.8 with a camera that also doesn’t have stabilisation, such as the ZV-E10. 

 

Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G

Sony FE 20mm
Sony FE 20mm

A full-frame prime delivering a wide field of view, the Sony FE 20mm f/1.8 G borrows its dual Linear XD motors from the premium G Master lens series (more on which further down), meaning it offers exceptionally fast focusing action. With a nine-bladed aperture, the FE 20mm f/1.8 G lets you make the most of its f/1.8 aperture for beautiful bokeh in the defocused areas of images. 

 

Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 G PZ

Sony FE 16-35mm
Sony FE 16-35mm

Power Zoom (PZ) lenses are specifically optimised for video. The term means that the zooming function of the lens is powered and controlled electronically by a series of linear motors, rather than by the operator physically turning the lens. This is particularly useful for video for a number of reasons – it allows for smooth zoom movements without the jerkiness often introduced by manual movements, and it means the zoom mechanism can be triggered remotely – great for vloggers who are operating solo. The Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 G PZ also offers built-in stabilisation, edge-to-edge quality and a moisture-resistant build, making it a terrific all-around zoom for vloggers on E-mount.

 

Sony E 10-20mm f/4 G PZ

Sony E 10-20mm
Sony E 10-20mm

This Power Zoom lens is built for Sony’s APS-C cameras – meaning it’s super-compact, and balances very well on smaller cameras. The Power Zoom mechanism itself is not just beautifully smooth, but also entirely internal, so the balance of the lens doesn’t change when it zooms in and out. Focusing action is reliably fast. The Sony E 10-20mm f/4 G PZ is also well-suited to outdoor shooting, with a dust- and moisture-resistant design. For travel vloggers, this lens is definitely worth picking up.

 

Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 G Master

Sony FE 24mm f1
Sony FE 24mm f1

For a premium vlogging lens to make the most of high-end cameras like the ZV-E1, you can’t go wrong with a G Master. These are Sony’s top-flight lenses, delivering optical brilliance in a robust, professional-standard body. The best bet for vloggers is the Sony FE 24mm f/1.4 G Master, a truly optically stunning lens that delivers a superb image from corner to corner. With an f/1.4 maximum aperture, it’s well equipped for low light, too.

 

 

 

 

 

All the images used in this blog post are courtesy of Sony.

Vlogging Guide | Best Cameras For Vloggers 2024

The Ultimate Vlogging Guide | Best Cameras For Vloggers

Welcome to Fixation’s guide to the best cameras for vloggers! If you’re looking to start vlogging, one of the first things to figure out is what camera you’re going to use. You can of course use a smartphone for vlogging – and many people do. However, a dedicated vlogging camera confers all sorts of advantages, both in terms of the quality of your footage and the ergonomics of your setup.

Best Cameras For Vloggers 2024
Best Cameras For Vloggers

At Fixation, we repair, sell and lend out cameras of all different types and sizes, including many that are perfectly suited to vlogging. For this guide, our team of technical experts has picked out the cameras we feel offer vloggers the best value for money, providing a demonstrable advantage over shooting on a phone. 

Whether it’s a larger sensor for better low-light performance, an interchangeable lens mount for shooting flexibility or any of the other standout features of the cameras on this list, any of these models will form the backbone of a brilliant vlogging setup. So, without further ado, let’s get into the best vlogging camera to buy, starting with a fantastic option for beginners…

 

Best vlogging camera for beginners: Canon PowerShot V10

Canon PowerShot V10
Canon PowerShot V10

Key specs:

  • Compact camera
  • 20MP 1-inch sensor
  • 19mm (equivalent) f/2.8 lens
  • 4K 30p, Full HD 60p
  • Ports: Micro HDMI, 3.5mm mic input, USB-C

We’ve been really impressed by the pocketable Canon PowerShot V10 since its release in 2023, and if you’re looking for your first camera for YouTube, it’s an excellent place to start. It’s a compact camera, but as you may have already clocked, it doesn’t look like a typical example of the genre. Its slim, oblong body lacks a handgrip, there’s no top-plate loaded with buttons and dials. What’s going on?

The answer is that Canon has created a vlogging camera by going back to the drawing board and thinking about what vloggers and YouTubers actually need. And so, while the end result could use some refinement in places, it’s much more usable for quick, day-to-day vlogging than many cameras that cost considerably more. The slim body and flip-around screen make it perfect for filming yourself one-handed, while the built-in stand means you can set it up on a desk or other flat surface within seconds. The 19mm equivalent lens gives you a nice, wide perspective that’s exceedingly useful for general-purpose filming.

Video-wise, the PowerShot V10 shoots at a maximum resolution of 4K 30p, which is pretty standard for cameras at this level. Supposedly it can record continuously for up to an hour, though if you’re in a warm environment you may find yourself running into overheating issues before that time limit is up. There’s no optical stabilisation, but there is a digital stabilisation system available for shooting on the move. 

The PowerShot V10 isn’t perfect, but it’s a hugely promising concept, and the ergonomics of it make a lot more sense for the beginner vlogger than a lot of more conventionally designed cameras. For a simple, affordable and easy-to-use vlogging camera, this is definitely recommended. 

 

Best vlogging camera with a zoom lens: Sony ZV-1 II

Sony ZV-1 II
Sony ZV-1 II

Key specs:

  • Compact camera
  • 20MP 1-inch sensor
  • 18-50mm (equivalent) f/1.8-4.0 lens
  • 4K 30p, Full HD 100/120p
  • Ports: Micro HDMI, 3.5mm mic input, USB-C

Sony’s ‘ZV’ cameras represent the manufacturer’s dedicated vlogging range. While Sony E-mount mirrorless and compact cameras have been excellent options for video for a very long time now, the more recently introduced ZV models are specifically tailored to vloggers and YouTubers – offering extensive, flexible video functionality for a comparatively affordable price.

The Sony ZV-1 II is a compact camera equipped with an 18-50mm equivalent zoom lens, giving you a solid level of shooting flexibility. At the wide end of the lens, there’s an f/1.8 maximum aperture – this is especially useful for shooting with a shallow depth of field to throw out the background and keep the viewer’s focus on your main subject. Also, while the ZV-1 II has a 3.5mm socket to attach an external mic, its built-in three-capsule mic does a credible job, and will definitely be good enough for anyone whose beginning vlogging budget doesn’t have room for a mic. 

With a slim body and a rubberised grip, the Sony ZV-1 II fits nicely in the hand and is easy to use. It also has a much better touchscreen interface than the original ZV-1, with quick access to key features and shooting menus. Even if you’re never used a camera before, the ZV-1 II is relatively easy to get to grips with, which counts for a lot in a beginner vlogging model.

There’s no optical stabilisation on the ZV-1 II, though Sony’s ‘Active’ electronic stabilisation is available to help smooth out footage a little. A better solution, if your budget allows, might be to pick up Sony’s GP-VPT2BT wireless shooting grip, which provides additional stability.

 

Best mirrorless vlogging camera: Nikon Z30

Nikon Z30
Nikon Z30

Key specs:

  • Mirrorless camera
  • 20.9MP APS-C sensor
  • Nikon Z lens mount (DX)
  • 4K 30p, Full HD 120p
  • Ports: Micro HDMI, 3.5mm mic input, USB-C

The clever little Nikon Z30 is the vlogging-oriented member of Nikon’s larger Z-mount mirrorless family. If you have an interest in vlogging on Nikon kit, it’s unquestionably the best camera to start with. With a flip-around screen, sensibly laid-out controls, a pocketable body and an APS-C sensor that offers consistently excellent video quality, it’ll do everything you need and more. 

The Nikon Z mount on the Z30 gives you access to some absolutely sublime lenses. The Z30 also has a stereo microphone built into its top plate for decent audio straight out of camera – though serious vloggers will probably want to spring for an external mic and plug it in via the 3.5mm mic input. It shoots 4K video at up to 30p using the full width of its sensor – even the Sony ZV-E10, probably this camera’s closest rival, has to crop in a little to do the same.

The buttons and controls on the camera are customisable, meaning a little investment of time setting them up can allow you to get the camera working just the way you want it to. You also have plenty of internal shooting options too, with Nikon’s ‘Flat’ profile providing low contrast and low saturation in order to maximise flexibility when you come to colour grade your footage. It’s essentially a simpler alternative to Sony’s Log profiles, and as such may be quite tempting for vloggers who are starting to dip their toes into colour grading.

Overall, the Nikon Z30 is a well-priced and capable mirrorless camera that’s been cleverly designed to appeal to vloggers. It’s a great first step into one of the most exciting mirrorless systems on the market right now. 

 

Best action camera for vlogging: GoPro Hero 12 Black

GoPro Hero 12 Black
GoPro Hero 12 Black

Key specs:

  • Action camera
  • 27MP 1/1.9-inch sensor
  • Fixed lens with 156-degree field of view
  • 5.3K 60p, 4K 120p
  • Ports: USB-C. With Media Mod upgrade: micro HDMI, 3.5 mic input, USB-C

If you’re the adventurous type, someone who’s going to be taking your vlogging into tricky conditions, then an action camera could well be the best buy. With superb video quality and a fixed wide-angle lens, action cameras make for natural vlogging tools even when you set aside their tough and waterproof credentials. And for the best of the best in action cameras right now, you really can’t go wrong with the GoPro Hero 12 Black.

It’s likely you know the basics of what a GoPro is. The essential pitch of a little waterproof cube that shoots great-looking video has remained pretty much unchanged since the first Hero model hit the market, but has been refined and improved with every iteration. This means that the Hero 12 benefits from all the upgrades that have come before, whether it’s the class-leading HyperSmooth stabilisation system, or the 27MP 8:7 sensor that makes it easy to capture vertically oriented footage – perfect for TikTok – as well as classic 16:9.

The Hero 12 is a fairly iterative upgrade. The main focus here has been on improving the battery life, as well as opening up accessory options with additions like Bluetooth mic support and a 1/4″ tripod thread – great for vloggers as it allows the use of mini tripods like Joby’s flexible Gorillapods. 

Otherwise, down the line it’s another camera showcasing everything GoPro does best – great-looking video in a waterproof, shockproof, everything-proof body. 

 

Best mid-range vlogging camera: Fujifilm X-S20

Fujifilm X-S20
Fujifilm X-S20

Key specs:

  • Mirrorless camera
  • 26.1MP Fujifilm X-Trans IV APS-C sensor
  • Fujifilm X lens mount
  • 6.2K 30p, 4K 60p, Full HD 240p
  • Ports: Micro HDMI, 3.5mm mic input, 3.5mm headphone output, USB-C

The Fujifilm X-S20 is one of the best hybrid cameras ever made, and is a superb mid-range choice for the vlogger or YouTuber. Pairing a 26.1MP APS-C sensor with the Fujifilm X lens mount, the X-S20 makes it relatively easy to produce superb-looking, dynamic footage. At maximum resolution, it captures 6.2K video using the full width of its sensor, and with a broad range of presets, shooting modes and film simulation looks, it provides a lot of welcome shortcuts to making your shots look good.

As it’s a relatively recent camera, the X-S20 benefits from up-to-the-minute features. Its in-built stabilisation system is good for up to seven stops of effective compensation, providing you with a super-smooth shooting platform even while running and gunning. It also has subject-recognition autofocus at its disposal, and we came away especially impressed with the battery life of the camera, which has received a good bump from the previous iteration (the X-S10, still worth a look, especially second-hand).

Thanks to Fujifilm’s hard work expanding the X-mount lens ecosystem, users of the X-S20 will have one of the richest lens catalogues in the business to assemble their setup from. The camera is quite portable and balances well – though it’s worth being aware that it isn’t weather-sealed. 

 

Best full-frame vlogging camera: Panasonic Lumix S5 II

Panasonic Lumix S5 II
Panasonic Lumix S5 II

Key specs:

  • Mirrorless camera
  • 24.2MP full-frame sensor
  • L lens mount
  • 6K 30p, 4K 60p, Full HD 180p
  • Ports: HDMI, 3.5mm mic input, USB-C

If you have the budget and inclination to shoot on full-frame, you’ll be rewarded with handsome, crisp imagery, with improved dynamic range compared to crop-sensor cameras. It’s also easier to shoot at vlog-friendly wide-angles on a full-frame camera, as there isn’t the crop factor incurred by smaller sensor sizes. A 20mm lens that’s mounted to a full-frame camera behaves like a 20mm lens, allowing you to fit more into the frame. If you want a cost-effective full-frame vlogging solution, our suggestion is the Panasonic Lumix S5 II.

Released in 2022, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II brought something to the table that Lumix shooters had been desiring for some time – phase-detection autofocus. Finally kissing goodbye to the undeniably dated contrast-based ‘Depth from Defocus’ system, Panasonic gave the S5 II glorious phase-detection autofocus in stills and video, and it’s just so much better.

The S5 II records video at up to 6K resolution, using the full luxurious width of its sensor. This means you have enormous flexibility when it comes to cropping your footage for different formats and aspect ratio – or for cropping losslessly into a shot to provide some visual variation in the edit. There’s also a built-in cooling system that means recording times are essentially unlimited in all modes – it adds a bit of bulk to the camera, but it’s worth it in our book. The body itself is dust-resistant and splash-resistant. You wouldn’t want to dunk it in seawater, but it’ll certainly survive a rainshower.

Panasonic’s Lumix S system uses the L lens mount, developed in conjunction with Sigma and Leica. This means users of the S5 II are absolutely spoiled when it comes to lens choice, with some seriously standout lenses available from some of the best in the business.

 

Essential accessories for vloggers

Essential accessories for vloggers
Essential accessories for vloggers

If you’re looking for the kit you need to start vlogging, a lot of accessories will be pushed on you, billed as the things that will be the difference between success and failure for your channel. Some will be essential, some will be handy in certain circumstances, and some will be things you can almost certainly do without.

For this section of the guide, we’re going to recommend a few accessories we think are essential (or close-to), helping you build up your setup without having to spend a fortune. Remember, of course, that everyone is different, and there is no product that is universally suitable to every single vlogger on the planet. With that said, here are our top recommendations…

 

External microphone

Rode VideoMic Go II
Rode VideoMic Go II

All the cameras we’ve listed in this guide offer the option to connect an external microphone – most commonly via a 3.5mm input connection, though you can also often use Bluetooth. A dedicated microphone is the single best way to improve the audio quality of your vlogs at a stroke, and this is vital. Bad audio quality will kill a viewer’s interest in your video exceptionally quickly.

We recommend: Rode VideoMic Go II. Cheap, straightforward and easy to use, this plug-and-play microphone will make a dramatic difference to your audio quality.

 

Stabilising gimbal

DJI RS 3 Mini
DJI RS 3 Mini

Yes, many cameras have better and better stabilisation systems these days. However, if you’re engaging in run-and-gun filming, you really can’t beat a stabilising gimbal for reliably getting usable shots while you’re moving with the camera. These clever devices allow you to capture Steadicam-level footage with one hand, and many will also offer loads of handy extra functions, such as the option to quickly swap to vertical orientation. 

They’re not essential for everyone of course – if you’re doing all your shooting in the studio, there’s no need to bother. But if you’re spending time on location, or if you want to introduce dynamic, hand-held camera movement to your vlogs, a gimbal should be high on your priority list.

We recommend: DJI RS 3 Mini. Designed for smaller interchangeable-lens cameras, this portable gimbal delivers exceptional stabilisation. If you’re using a larger full-frame camera or longer lenses, consider upgrading to the full-size RS 3.

 

Tripod or stand

Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium Tripod
Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium Tripod

While you probably don’t need a full-size photographer’s tripod, getting hold of some way to keep your camera stable, level and freestanding is pretty much a no-brainer for a vlogger. A travel tripod will work well. Many vloggers like the flexible Joby GorillaPod for its versatility and ability to be set up pretty much anywhere. This is all true, though for pure stability, you may find you prefer a more traditional tripod. 

We recommend: Manfrotto Element MII Aluminium Tripod. A simple, inexpensive tripod from one of the most reliable manufacturers in the photo accessory business. This versatile camera support provides excellent stability, a generous working height and long-lasting durability.

 

LED light

Lume Cube Panel Mini
Lume Cube Panel Mini

Video lighting is an immensely complex discipline once you really start looking into it. However, for most vlogging purposes, all you really need is a dependable, adjustable LED light that can give you a quick burst of illumination at the points where you need it. This doesn’t have to cost the earth, and plenty of manufacturers have jumped at the chance to offer affordable options in this space.

We recommend: Lume Cube Panel Mini. This panel is available at a tempting price, especially compared to market leaders like Rotolight, and it offers good ranges of brightness and colour temperature settings. Bear in mind you may also need to get a stand to mount the light on, so that you can position it wherever you need it.

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