So you want to make great YouTube Videos?
Making a YouTube video is easy, right? Well maybe, but making a great YouTube video is much harder. It’s like the proverbial tree falling in a forest. If no one’s there to hear it, did it really make a sound? Same goes for YouTube videos. If no one’s watching yours, is it having any impact?
Let’s face it: competition is stiff. Attention-grabbing content and take-notice talent are the two most essential ingredients for success, but even if you’ve nailed both of those elements and then shoot your video with subpar equipment, you’ll probably end up with lacklustre results and negligible viewership.
We can’t provide you with eye-catching content or boost your talent, but we do have some suggestions when it comes to equipment. Here are our top picks to help you create high-quality video, sound and atmosphere that’ll keep your viewers glued to the screen and coming back for more.
Pick up a camera. Shoot something. No matter how small, no matter how cheesy, no matter whether your friends and your sister star in it. Put your name on it as director. Now you’re a director. Everything after that you’re just negotiating your budget and your fee.
James Cameron
Top cameras for YouTube videos
It goes without saying that great video starts with a great camera and lens. You don’t have to spend a fortune on this, but it really pays to invest a few bucks upfront in something worthwhile and suited to your needs. What you intend to shoot – beauty, tech, action, whatever – plays a major role in the type of camera you should pick.
Nikon Z6 Mirrorless Body
Fast, accurate on-sensor Phase Detection Auto Focus, in-camera VR and a brilliant Electronic Viewfinder—plus robust 4K UHD video.
Canon EOS 90D With EF-S18-135mm
And with stunning uncropped 4K 30p video capability, the EOS 90D documents your travels, events and other milestones in full, wide-angle view.
Fujifilm X-T3 Mirrorless Kit
The X-T3 is FUJIFILM's first model that features 4K/60P 4:2:2 10bit HDMI output and 4K/60P 4:2:0 10bit internal SD card recording.
Sony Alpha A6400 Mirrorless Black Kit w/ SEL 16-50mm
Despite its compact size and light weight, the α6400 delivers speedy performance and a range of features you'd expect from a full-frame model.
Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5 Kit
The power of having film creation capabilities inside the camera sets a new precedent in guerilla style filmmaking.
Nikon D7500 Kit
If you’ve been itching to enter the world of filmmaking, the D7500 is your gateway DSLR. Record rich and detailed 4K Ultra HD or Full HD.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Mirrorless Black Kit
Equipped with 30fps Sequential Shooting, 121‐point all cross‐type Phase & Contrast Detection AF, 5‐Axis in‐body Image Stabilization, and 50MP High-Res Shot mode; this camera is able to capture stunning images
Canon EOS RP Full Frame Mirrorless Camera Body with EF-EOSR Adapter
Includes a 26.2 MP CMOS sensor, fast and accurate autofocus, 4K video, and our powerful DIGIC 8 processor for exceptional results, even in low light
Audio gear for YouTube videos
Shoddy sound quality is just as off-putting as crummy visuals. Even if you’ve captured excellent footage but the audio comes across as muffled, garbled or tinny, your audience probably won’t be listening – or watching – for long. Don’t depend on your camera’s or cellphone’s onboard mic alone. Think of a quality external microphone as a truly sound investment (sorry, couldn’t resist).
Saramonic Dual TX LAV Kit
It is a perfect fit for DSLR videography, field recording and interviews, broadcast TV, ENG, providing dependable audio broadcasting and recording.
Rode VideoMic Pro Plus
A true shotgun microphone designed for use with camcorders, DSLR cameras and portable audio recorders as a source of primary and reference audio.
Rode Microphones VM-R VideoMic
The RØDE VideoMic is a professional grade 1/2" condenser shotgun microphone designed for use with consumer video cameras and personal audio recorders.
Sennheiser MKE600 Shotgun Mic
With its high level of directivity, the microphone focuses on the sounds in front of the camera, while attenuating unwanted sound coming from the sides and rear.
Saramonic Vmic Mini
Condenser Video Microphone for DSLR & Smartphone. The Vmic Mini is a compact directional condenser microphone which adds high-quality audio to your videos.
Rode RodeLink Filmmaker Kit
The RØDELink Filmmaker Kit provides everything you need to start shooting video wirelessly, including a receiver, transmitter and broadcast-grade lavalier microphone.
Support gear for YouTube videos
Unless you’re shooting your footage handheld, you’ll need a good sturdy tripod to support your camera. These too come in a wide range of styles – be sure to factor in the size and weight of your equipment when shopping – and they span a variety of price points geared to your needs. Once you start using a tripod, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without one.
Benro PP1 Tabletop Tripod
Benro’s PocketPod can be used as a tabletop tripod as well as a handgrip for smartphones, GoPro or DSLR cameras.
Joby GorillaPod 3K Kit
Can be configured for still photography, videography, vlogging or live streaming in 3 modes: grip, wrap or stand. Supports devices up to 6.6 lbs.
Joby GorillaPod 5K Kit
Mount pro-level DSLRs, strobes, flash or video lighting, microphone, Pico projector, speaker or any other ¼"-20 device weighing less than 5 kg (11 lbs)
Benro Slim Travel Tripod Kit
With a max height of 145cm the Benro SLIM travel kits are a practical solution for photographers that need to travel light, but still require a full spec tripod.
Manfrotto Pixi Mini Tripod
The PIXI is great for achieving hard to get video shots while keeping your camera steady. Close the legs to use it as a comfortable grip to capture great videos that stand out from the crowd.
MeFoto Roadtrip S Aluminium Tripod
The dual-action ballhead uses an Arca-Swiss style quick release plate and has separate controls for pan lock and ball lock. Ideal for smartphones, point & shoot, mirrorless, and DSLR cameras.
Lighting gear for YouTube videos
Lighting makes a huge difference in the quality of your video too. There’s an amazing range of options to consider, but the specific results you’re aiming for will have a direct impact on your purchasing decision. If your content features talking heads, for instance, look for something that accentuates skin tones. If you’re just showcasing products, that’s probably less of an issue.
Nanguang LED Bi-Colour Ringlight with Mirror
This professional style Bi-color adjustable and dimmable LED ringlight with included adapter allows you to easily mount and adjust your portable camera or smart phone for the perfect shot.
Litra Pro
Litra designed the LitraPro to be your "Must Have Light" for studio, run and gun, underwater and any photo and video adventure your creativity and imagination takes you on.
Rotolight NEO II LED Kit
Designed for portrait photographers and videographers on the go, it provides a suite of customizable cinematic lighting effects, such as lightning, fire, gunshot, paparazzi and TV flicker to enhance your video production.
LED Go 2x LG-B560II LED Light 5600K kit
The LG-B560 II is now WiFi Ready, which means you can use any of the optional available handheld remotes or a WiFi control box to control the light via a free App on your smart device.
LED Go 2x LG-600SC LED Lights 5600K Kit
This aluminum light stand, with sure-twist section locks, features Air Cushioning, which gently lowers gear, even when the section locks have not been properly tightened, preventing damage to light fixtures.
Nanguang Soft LED Light Kit
Accurate Bi-Colour 3200K - 5600K Temperature. Professional LCD Display Screen Shows Colour Temperature, WiFi Channel and Power Level.
At Vistek, we help content creators, photographer and Videographers capture great images
We’ve got more than just equipment. Vistek is an integral part of the professional imaging community and we’ve been helping to foster local talent for more than 40 years. We engage our loyal customers with our thoughtful and inspirational seminars, demonstrations and guides throughout the year. Keep in touch and check us out.
