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Despite popular belief, it is not too late to start a Youtube channel in 2020. If you keep convincing yourself that now is not the right time, then you will never start.
It is necessary,however, to have proper preparation and essential tools for success on Youtube.
When I just started my channel, I did not spend $1000's of dollars on expensive equipment. I kept it simple, and gradually upgraded between a 6 month- year period. As a new Youtuber, you're probably looking for affordable equipment to buy before you fully invest in this platform and with all the videos and tips out there, it can be a bit overwhelming.
Here are 5 essential tools that I used when starting my Youtube channel
1. Camera
It's 2020 and the Youtube space can be pretty saturated so it is important to have a quality camera so you can also stand out so avoid using your laptop webcams.
Before spending money on a separate camera, check out your phone camera. Many iPhones and Android models (especially the recent releases) have quality that's just as good as a DSLR camera.
Tip:
If you decide to not use your phone's camera, do some research on older models of Canon or Nikon cameras as the prices are usually are more affordable than newer models. I personally recommend purchasing a camera that has a screen that flips out to the side so that you can see yourself and make adjustments to your appearance or angle
before or during recording.
I started off the with my iPhone 6s and then switched to the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ200 Digital Camera. I bought this camera in 2016 however, and so it might not be available for sale anymore so some other suggestions are:
Canon Rebel Sl2 Camera - I currently use this camera and it is perfect for anyone who is a beginner to DSLR cameras.
2. Tripod
Tripods are essential because they help to keep your camera in place and prevent unnecessary movement while filming. There are tons of tripods to choose from and the search online can be overwhelming.
I highly recommend the Neewer Portable Aluminum Camera Tripod ($73 CAN)
It is strong,light-weight and has a 3-Way swivel pan head.
If you're looking for a tripod that gives the flexibility of using your phone as your camera from time to time then the 50" UBeesize Phone Tripod ($38 CAN) is a great option and as a bonus, it comes with a smart phone Bluetooth remote.
3. Lights
Some reasons people click off videos is because of bad lighting and sound.
Your great camera will be useless if we cannot see your gorgeous face. If you have access to beautiful, natural lighting, then there's no rush in getting professional lights. If you are filming in a room that's a bit dark, it's a good idea to invest in one or two.
The first lights I bought were the NEEWER 160 LED CN-160 Dimmable Ultra High Power Panel and it was only about $40 CAN that I could easily mount to my camera, it was powerful and I still use it today. If you're on a tight budget then this is definitely a great pick.
If you think you're ready to take it to the next level and purchase lighting kits, then MOUNTDOG 1600W Studio Softbox Lighting Kit is the one.
4. Audio (Microphone)
The reality is that an external microphone is far better than your camera's internal mic no matter how expensive your camera is. There are so many options for external mics but for those starting out, I recommend clip-on lav mics that you can easily plug into your phone or your camera.
My recommendations are:
157'' BOYA BY-M1DM Dual Lavalier Universal Lapel Microphone ($40 CAN)- includes 2 mics which makes it perfect for interviews, webinars and podcasts
Power DeWise Lavalier Mic ($40 CAN) is great for studio videos that requires you to move around and also great for interviews.
5. Editing Software
You've probably heard of softwares like iMovie (Mac), Movie Maker (Windows) or Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro (Mac & Windows). These are all great software options for starting out and ultimately depends on your editing ability, how fast you learn and how unique you want your videos to look. iMovie and Movie Maker has pretty basic editing features while Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro has some more advanced features.
I have tried all these softwares but my personal favorite is Filmora because it has everything I need and it is simple enough to learn, especially for beginners. If you want to try it for free until you're ready to purchase it, click here.
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