Essential Equipment Needed to Start a YouTube Channel
According to a survey, one-third of pre-teen kids want to become YouTubers. Why wouldn’t they? It’s a creative and technical enterprise that demands a host of transferable skills.
If it’s something that appeals to you, go for it! And it’s understandable that you would want to put your best foot forward and invest in the right YouTuber equipment from the beginning. It’s a competitive and popular platform and good video-making gear could help you stand out.
So, what equipment do you need to start a YouTube channel? What YouTube equipment will make you the next PewDiePie or MrBeast?
This YouTube equipment for beginners guide will help you decide what you need.
Camera and Lenses
You likely already know that to make videos, you need some kind of camera. It is the most important piece of YouTube equipment for beginners and if you only invest in one new thing, make it this.
There are a few different camera options to choose from. These are:
- Smartphone cameras
- Action cameras
- Drones
- Mirrorless cameras
- DSLR Cameras
- Video camcorders
- Webcams
There is nothing wrong with starting with a smartphone. Many phones nowadays have lots of cool functions like slow motion, time-lapse, and their cameras are high-quality.
Gamers or tutorial video creators on a budget could use their laptop’s webcam. If you light your subject well (more on that later!) the quality can still look good.
If you want to create cool travel or sport videos, an action camera like a GoPro or a drone from DrDrone.ca might be a good investment. They offer the ability to capture video underwater or from different angles, which you cannot get with any other camera.
Though if you’re a “go big or go home” type of person, you may want to spring for a DSLR or mirrorless camera. To be a successful YouTuber, you will need to get a DSLR camera sooner or later.
Microphone
Unless you plan on making silent movies, you will need a quality microphone. Sound is as important, if not more important, than the quality of your visuals because people find bad audio very grating and annoying.
So, here are some options you can choose from when picking a microphone:
- Headset microphones
- Shotgun microphones
- Condenser microphones
- Lapel microphones
Headset microphones that plug into your laptop are great if you’re a gamer. In fact, it adds to the “gamer style” if you wear a headset when creating your videos. But if you make any other type of video, avoid this type of YouTuber equipment.
Creators that produce tutorials, review videos, or interviews would do well with a condenser microphone. It can also plug straight into your laptop and you can keep it out of the camera’s frame.
Shotgun microphones are essential equipment for starting a YouTube channel if you want to make travel videos or capture footage away from your laptop. They sit on the top of mirrorless and DSLR cameras and plug into the camera themselves.
This is handy when you come to edit your videos later because the video and sound will already match up. You should also invest in a “dead cat” sound muffler for your shotgun microphone, too, to reduce wind noise.
Lapel microphones might be handy if you shoot interview-style videos in a studio, but you will likely progress to lapel microphones if you need them. Start with a condenser microphone first and see how you like it first.
Tripod
Stacking your camera on top of a pile of books is okay if you are doing make-up tutorials but it will soon become tiresome. And shaky cam might’ve worked on The Blair Witch Project but you should aim for stable, smooth shots.
There are two types of YouTube video equipment that will help you stabilize your shots: tripods and gimbals.
Tripods are best for stationary videos like tutorials and on-camera interviews. Gimbals are ideal for action cameras and mirrorless cameras when shooting documentary-style videos. Be mindful to choose the right tripod or gimbal for the weight and size of your camera.
Headset microphones that plug into your laptop are great if you’re a gamer. In fact, it adds to the “gamer style” if you wear a headset when creating your videos. But if you make any other type of video, avoid this type of YouTuber equipment.
Creators that produce tutorials, review videos, or interviews would do well with a condenser microphone. It can also plug straight into your laptop and you can keep it out of the camera’s frame.
Shotgun microphones are essential equipment for starting a YouTube channel if you want to make travel videos or capture footage away from your laptop. They sit on the top of mirrorless and DSLR cameras and plug into the camera themselves.
This is handy when you come to edit your videos later because the video and sound will already match up. You should also invest in a “dead cat” sound muffler for your shotgun microphone, too, to reduce wind noise.
Lapel microphones might be handy if you shoot interview-style videos in a studio, but you will likely progress to lapel microphones if you need them. Start with a condenser microphone first and see how you like it first.
Lighting
Shooting YouTube videos indoors or in dark places? Then yes, investing in lighting equipment is not a waste of money. It will help your videos look more professional and eye-catching.
Here are some of the lighting options you can choose from:
- Ring light
- Softbox
- Umbrella light
- On-camera light
Ring lights are very popular with YouTubers because they sit around the camera and light up everything on the screen. Softboxes are similar but they offer an effect similar to a window light which is more natural.
Umbrella lights are an inexpensive option for adding extra light outdoors, but if you shoot videos by yourself you won’t be able to handle your camera as well as the lighting equipment. Instead, opt for an on-camera light that attaches to the top of your DSLR or mirrorless camera.
Editing Software
The last essential piece of YouTuber equipment you need is video editing software. This is where you piece together your shots and cut out all the bits where you forgot what you were saying or sneezed.
These are some of the best options for video editing software:
- Apple iMovie
- Apple Final Cut Pro
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- HitFilm Express
If you’re a beginner, there is nothing wrong with starting with a free piece of software like Apple iMovie or Windows Movie Maker. They will teach you how to cut and edit. Then, when you have more confidence, you can invest in a professional software program like Adobe Premiere Pro.
You will be able to grade/touch up the color of your shots, add special effects, and so much more with professional software.
YouTuber Equipment You Need to Succeed
If you want to be successful on YouTube, consistent posting and a strong idea are more important than anything else. But finding and using the best YouTuber equipment will turn you from an amateur video maker into a professional videographer.
Do you want to learn more about making an income as a content creator? We have all the tech and business tips you’ll ever need on our website!