What Equipment Would You Need To Start Vlogging from Home?

So, you’re thinking of becoming a vlogger?

That can be a great move on your part but it would depend on a lot of things.

For example, what kind of vlogger will you be? What topics will you be covering? How will you shoot your videos? Will you do your own editing?

As you can see, there are a lot of things that you need to think about before you start out as a vlogger.

You don’t want to end up like so many other aspiring vloggers out there who never reach their goals. 

Here we will answer: what kind of equipment you would need to start your vlogging career from home.

In this blog, we usually talk about bloggers more than vloggers. But as I am both, I’ll teach you how to be a great vlogger.

If you don’t know the difference between both you can check out this article: The Difference between Bloggers and Vloggers.

Your Vlogging Equipment Starter Pack

One thing that many aspiring vloggers fail to consider is the equipment that they need.

The truth is that you don’t need expensive gears right away.

You can start vlogging with the stuff you have now.

You can record yourself using the camera on your laptop or maybe your phone camera.

I think my first most viewed videos (over 100,000 views) was filmed with a really old iPhone: here.

Which is definitely not the good camera I have now.

The problem might be about the quality of your videos.

Which is why when you’re serious about vlogging, you can think of upgrading your equipment.

So, if you want to get the best results for your videos right from the start then you should aim for the best equipment.

So what equipment would you need to start vlogging from home? To help you out, I have listed some of the most basic ones:

Equipment #1: Camera

Okay, this goes without saying.

There are different types of cameras and the type you would need would depend on the kind of vlog that you are making.

If you plan on doing commentary type of videos, where you just speak about your opinion on things, then you can even get started with the camera on your laptop.

You can also get a point-and-shoot camera that you can set up.

This kind of camera will provide a better video quality than your smartphone but it is not as difficult or as complicated to operate as a DSLR camera.

These types of cameras have touch screen cameras that can be tilted so you can see what you are shooting as you are shooting it.

This is very important when you’re vlogging especially outside, you’d like to see what’s around you when you’re filming yourself.

At home, it’s best if the screen camera can be titled but it is less important.

One tip also when you’re recording is to look at the lens and not the screen!

If you want to get the best quality image, then you can choose to get a DSLR camera or a mirrorless camera.

These are expensive pieces of equipment and it’s not really advisable to buy these if you are just starting out.

You can just use your webcam or the camera of your phone.

At least you would know if you’re able to vlog before spending a lot.

Equipment #2: Smartphone

Many vloggers are just using their smartphones.

With the quality of the cameras used on the phones the videos and the audio that they can capture are quite excellent.

Smartphones are okay for:

1. Short and self-filmed videos when you are on the move.
2. It’s perfect for secondary footage and for some behind-the-scenes shots.
3. You need to have a backup camera in case your main camera fails you and your smartphone is the best backup camera for you.

So, while you’re at it, get a smartphone with a high-quality camera on it.

I remember going on a trip with AirAsia and some vloggers in Thailand.

And one of them, Richard Juan who’s a famous Hong Kong celebrity and vlogger in the Philippines was mostly using his cellphone to record his trip.

It was definitely nice if you’re on the go and want to capture the moment.

Without troubling yourself with the settings of a camera, etc.

Equipment #3: Microphone

Allow me to reveal a secret to you. It’s not really the video quality that differentiates the good vloggers from the bad ones.

Most people have access to great cameras. Even smartphones can capture high-definition videos now.

What you need to work on is the audio of your videos and that’s why you need to get a good microphone.

You don’t have to spend a lot of money on your mic but a good mic should suppress the noise in the background and also make your voice as clear as possible. 

You have several mic options:

1. A USB mic is good at removing background noise and is perfect if you are recording your voice-over.
2. You can get a lavaliere microphone to connect to your camera.
3. If you are using a DSLR, then you need a shotgun mic.

There are other mic options that you can choose from but for home recording, those are the ones you can look into.

Equipment #4: Lighting

Lighting is another aspect of your videos that you can control to make your videos look professional. It does not matter what kind of channel you have, controlling the lighting of your videos can do wonders for you.

Here are some of the lighting options that you can use:

1. A ring light will remove shadows on your face and this is why this is used by those who run beauty channels.
2. Sometimes a ring light is not going to be enough. You will also need a background light to make your background lighter.
3. If you want to give your videos that next-level professional look, then consider using a backdrop. Not everyone uses this since they prefer to show their room to their audience but it can make your videos more professional.

You can use a backdrop if you need to introduce text when editing. You can also use a green screen to use a different background later on.

Equipment #5: Tripod

A tripod can be a very important part of your arsenal as a vlogger.

It will allow you to record yourself without having someone else operate the camera for you. Whether you are using a DSLR, a mirrorless camera, or your phone, a tripod can be very helpful.

It will allow you to get the right angle for your video all the time.

There are different types of tripods that you can use.

A tabletop tripod for example is perfect for smartphones and when you are recording indoors. You will need something sturdier when you are going to record outdoors.

Equipment #6: Smartphone holders

If you are going to vlog with your smartphone only.

Get a dedicated smartphone holder that will help you capture with the right angle you’re looking for.

These will allow you to record yourself while having your camera from a certain distance from you instead of the arm length one.

It is also easier to speak if the phone is stable rather than holding it. Just note that you can lose a bit the on-the-go vibe when you are no more holding it.

For vloggers who especially enjoy IG stories, it might be better of not having the holder.

As the audience would feel more connected to you if you’re holding the camera. It is like you’re interacting with them the same way you’re doing a video call with them.

I personally don’t use one as I’d rather use my DSLR camera rather than my phone. But it can be handy to capture different angles.

Other Things You Need

These are the basic things that you need if you are going to start vlogging from your home.

Now, remember, capturing the video is only the start of the process. You still have to edit it. Since you are just starting out, you can use the free editing software that are available.

As you progress with your videos, you should consider the paid software. The same goes for the equipment we have listed here.

You can start with more affordable options and just buy more expensive ones as you progress.

I am especially advising starting vloggers to start producing videos with what you have already.