Today, I’m excited to answer a question I often hear from those eager to dive into YouTube content creation: “What equipment do I need to record my videos?” This article will cover the best beginner-friendly YouTube gear to help enhance your content.
Many will tell you that a cell phone is all you need to start, and they’re not wrong! Starting with just your phone is a fantastic, low-cost way to test the waters, build your comfort in front of the camera, and see if creating videos is something you enjoy enough to stick with. That said, there’s also some excellent, affordable gear that can help you elevate your videos with smoother visuals and crisper audio. And that’s what I want to share with you today.
We know quality video and audio make a huge difference, and the good news is that a few key pieces of equipment can truly transform your content. Let’s talk about five helpful tools: a smartphone gimbal, a camera with a built-in gimbal, a wired lavalier microphone, a shotgun microphone, and a wireless microphone. Each one brings something unique to the table, so I’ll share the pros and cons and some personal recommendations based on my experience.
DJI OSMO Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal
The DJI OSMO Mobile 6 was the first tool my wife and I invested in, and it made a noticeable difference in our videos! This compact, easy-to-use gimbal provides smooth, professional-looking footage right from your smartphone. It’s perfect for solo creators with its ActiveTrack feature, which allows the gimbal to automatically follow you—like having your own camera operator.
Pros:
- Creates smooth, stable videos with your phone
- Compact and portable
- Quick setup
- Long battery life (up to 6.5 hours)
- ActiveTrack makes solo recording a breeze
- Extends creativity with an adjustable stick
Cons:
- Requires the DJI Mimo app to access all features
- Must manage phone notifications while filming
- Stands out slightly in public
This gimbal is a great investment for those who want to improve the stability of their videos and gain confidence filming on their own.
DJI Pocket 3 Camera
The DJI Pocket 3 camera is a powerhouse for content creators. Compact yet mighty, it comes with a 1-inch sensor (better than most smartphone cameras), which means excellent video quality even in low light. Its built-in gimbal ensures stabilized footage, and its compact size is perfect for vlogging discreetly in public. Plus, with its capability to connect two wireless microphones, it’s ideal for interviews or dual commentary videos.
Pros:
- High-quality camera (1-inch sensor, 4K 120fps)
- Built-in gimbal for effortless stabilization
- Shoots in both vertical and horizontal formats
- Compact and fits in your pocket
- ActiveTrack keeps subjects in-frame
- Long battery life, extendable with a battery handle
- Compatible with ND filters
Cons:
- Limited zoom capabilities
- Higher price
If you’re looking for a compact, all-in-one option, the DJI Pocket 3 is an incredible choice, especially for vlogging or capturing footage in various settings. If you are looking to get the Pocket 3, I would highly recommend spending the extra money on the creator combo, which comes with everything you need to start creating content, including a DJI wireless mic 2 transmitter.
Wired Lavalier Microphone
For a simple and cost-effective way to improve audio quality, a wired lavalier microphone is a great place to start. These clip-on mics offer clear sound at a budget-friendly price, making them ideal for those just starting out.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly
- Significant audio quality improvement
- Compatible with various devices
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Requires a headphone jack
- Limited distance from the camera due to the wire
A wired lavalier is a quick, affordable upgrade to enhance your audio quality, especially for talking-head videos.
Shotgun Microphone
Shotgun microphones, which attach to the camera, focus on capturing sound directly from in front of them, making them ideal for when the subject is right in front of the camera. They’re portable and versatile, which can be helpful when recording multiple subjects.
Pros:
- No need to clip onto the subject
- Can capture audio from multiple people in front of the mic
- Can be permanently attached to the camera
- Affordable compared to wireless options
Cons:
- Limited to subjects in front of the camera
- Requires close proximity for best audio quality
- Requires a headphone jack
For creators who prefer mounting their mic to the camera and need a quick, wire-free solution, a shotgun microphone is a solid choice.
DJI Mic 2 Wireless Microphone
The DJI Mic 2 wireless microphone is an excellent choice for content creators who need flexibility. With Bluetooth connectivity and a wireless range of up to 80 feet, it offers both freedom and quality. It’s compatible with various devices and has internal recording and noise-canceling features to ensure top-notch audio.
Pros:
- Small and wireless, easy to clip on
- Long battery life
- Built-in internal recording for backups
- Noise cancellation
- Great audio quality
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Wind reduction feature
Cons:
- Pricier than wired options
For those ready to invest in top-quality, hassle-free audio, the DJI Mic 2 is an outstanding choice.
Final Thoughts
Starting out, I always recommend using whatever equipment you already have, like your smartphone, to see if you enjoy the process of creating videos. But if you’re ready to take your content to the next level, adding even one of these tools can elevate your audio and video quality dramatically. My top recommendation for an all-in-one setup would be the DJI Pocket 3 creator combo. It’s an easy, reliable, and high-quality solution for years of amazing video creation.
With the right equipment, you’re set to create captivating, professional-quality videos that will resonate with your audience. Happy filming!