!["Beginner's Guide Video Setup Must-Haves"](https://www.lifewire.com/thmb/EVPMwUvvJxpJdiKeU4q7SREScME=/400x300/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/mothersday_NataliaCampbell_Getty-5a4baef6c7822d00371e56cd.jpg)
"Beginner's Guide Video Setup Must-Haves"
![](/images/site-logo.png)
Beginner’s Guide: Video Setup Must-Haves
Essential YouTube Equipment For Starting Your Channel - What Do You Really Need?
Richard Bennett
Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions
Check out our most updated guide on this topic: YouTube Equipment Starter Guide For Beginners .
The first thing to make sure of before starting a YouTube channel is having all that you need to record and upload high-quality videos regularly. That doesn’t mean you have to take out a loan and spend thousands to purchase a brand new camera and all other gadgets that professional filmmakers use.
The smartest way to get started is to go through a list of necessary equipment for YouTube and check whether or not you already own some of it. Once your channel starts growing, you can then start thinking about whether you want to invest in upgraded equipment. Here is a quick overview of all items that you need to start entertaining your online audience and gaining subscribers to your YouTube channel:
- Your YouTube Camera
- Microphones and Audio
- Lighting Gear for YouTube
- Tripods and Camera Stands
- Smartphone Camera Gear
YouTube Cameras
The short version: Use whatever you already have, even if it’s your phone or webcam. It’s nice to have sharp, fine-tuned, 4K footage, but viewers will forgive lower visual quality if your content is good.
The long version: You will need a camera, but there are a lot of different devices you can use including DSLRs, point and shoots, webcams, and your smartphone.
Your choice of camera will have a tremendous impact on the visual quality of your content and might drive your decisions regarding other pieces of equipment. However, you shouldn’t feel obliged to work with a top-notch camera from day one, especially since cheaper options can produce great results if used the right way.
On one end of the spectrum, you have basic smartphone cameras and web cameras, which are easy to come by and simple to operate. These days, high-end phones come equipped with quite powerful cameras that are more than sufficient for the needs of the average YouTuber. Better webcams can also do the job, although high-performance webcam models can get pretty expensive too. It is probably wise to resist the urge to start broadcasting with the built-in camera in your laptop and at least get a webcam or use your phone, but your computer’s camera is still always an option. Not having a better camera should never stop you from making YouTube videos.
If you already have a DSLR camera then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it. You have far more freedom to adjust the settings and achieve a professional look for your videos with a DSLR, but that does mean it’ll take some time to become an expert at using it. Ultra-high resolution is not required for YouTube, but it certainly won’t hurt to have additional sharpness and more detail in the scene. If you’re shopping for a DSLR, look for one with a flip screen that allows you to quickly check what your viewers see.
YouTube Microphone and Audio
The short version: Audio quality is extremely important. If you can buy either a new camera or an external microphone, but not both, it might be better to go for the microphone. Click here for advice on upping your audio quality without an external microphone.
The long version: Sound capturing is every bit as important for your success as your video feed. In fact, poor audio can be even more damaging to your subscriber count than grainy video, since people won’t spend their time listening to something they have to put effort into understanding.
Again, most YouTube video makers have a limited budget at their disposal, so professional microphones are mostly off the table. However, investing in a directional microphone (‘shotgun mic’) that can pick up your voice clearly and without background noise is certainly a smart move. Such microphones can be pointed towards you while you speak, and since most YouTubers sit still while doing their shows there won’t be too much need for in-session adjustments.
If you’re not ready to invest in a shotgun mic, you can also find very inexpensive (often under $20) LAV mics. These small microphones can be pinned to your shirt, which allows them to record very clear dialogue because they’re so close to your mouth.
Lights for YouTube
The short version: You need as much light as you can get. Lighting kits can be affordable on Amazon, but you can also achieve a great look using daylight/windows and ‘daylight’ lightbulbs.
The long version: If you’ve ever tried to make a video indoors, you already know that it’s necessary to have additional light. Often just filming with the normal lights in a room will cause your footage to look dark and grainy, and possibly be tinted orange. To overcome these problems you need to increase the amount of light you have available.
Sometimes, it is enough to film near windows and/or bring more household lamps into your filming area. For any household lamps or lighting fixtures you use, make sure to put in white or ‘daylight’ lightbulbs instead of using the orange/tungsten bulbs that you might have for everyday use (this is how you avoid tinting things orange).
If you have the budget available to get some lighting equipment, you can find softbox lights or LED panel lights available fairly inexpensively online. Softbox lights are great because they provide even, diffused, light.
Another useful piece of lighting equipment to have is a reflector. A reflector is usually a piece of white, silver, or gold fabric stretched over a frame. You can use it to bounce light from one light source back towards yourself (this is a great way to fill shadows cast by your main light). Reflectors tend to be inexpensive, but you can also use white cardboard or tinfoil in place of purchasing a reflector.
Tripods and Camera Stands
The short version: You need something to hold your camera. If you mostly film in your own home that can be a desk or a stack of books, but if you make a lot of videos while you’re on the go you probably need a tripod or gimbal. Heavier cameras need heavier tripods.
The long version: While handheld cameras can deliver solid results for vloggers and casual streamers, viewers do expect reasonably stable footage. For many types of videos, the camera needs to be completely still and flatly positioned on a horizontal plane. Tripods and camera stands can cost very little, so it’s a good idea to look into getting some kind of stabilizer.
When you are choosing a tripod, pay attention to how much it weighs. If the camera that needs to be mounted on it is very heavy (like some DSLR models), you want to ensure that the structure itself weighs enough not to be easily tipped over. Too thin tripods can put your camera at risk, and that’s the last thing you want. Smaller cameras such as GoPros are more flexible in this regard and can be placed on a wider range of tripods.
Even if you are using a phone or a webcam to record YouTube videos, you should consider mounting the device on a stable stand. It is possible to find mini tripods ideal for smartphones for as little as $10. These tripods are small enough to carry in your pocket, so you will be prepared to start making a video no matter where your adventures take you. If you are using a web camera, you should attach it to the stand so that it won’t move accidentally after you touch the surface it is placed on.
Smartphone Camera Gear
The short version: There’s a lot of gear out there designed with smartphone photos and videos in mind, including clip-on lenses, tripod mounts, phone-mounted LED lights, and inexpensive microphones that plug into the audio jack.
The long version: Recording your videos with a mobile phone can be a good decision. It all depends on the phone you have and the range of add-ons and apps that you complement it with. Almost every high-end model released in the past five years can shoot videos in 1080p or higher. Some can even produce 4K footage. If you perfect your smartphone filming technique, your YouTube videos could look as if they were made with pro equipment.
On the flip side, smartphone cameras typically perform poorly in low light. It is possible to download an app that lets you play around with settings to overcome this, but a phone-mounted LED light is probably a better solution. An external microphone might also be a necessity, but there are some good (inexpensive) options that can simply be plugged in through the headphone jack.
Another common downside of smartphone cameras is that most of them use digital zoom, which is vastly inferior to optical zoom. If you intend to shoot anything that’s further away than a few feet, you need a clip-on lens that goes on top of the built-in camera. This inexpensive device will give you a lot of freedom to work in space, and allow you to make spectacular shots even without high-end YouTube equipment.
Equipment with Easy-to-Use Video Editor
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions
Check out our most updated guide on this topic: YouTube Equipment Starter Guide For Beginners .
The first thing to make sure of before starting a YouTube channel is having all that you need to record and upload high-quality videos regularly. That doesn’t mean you have to take out a loan and spend thousands to purchase a brand new camera and all other gadgets that professional filmmakers use.
The smartest way to get started is to go through a list of necessary equipment for YouTube and check whether or not you already own some of it. Once your channel starts growing, you can then start thinking about whether you want to invest in upgraded equipment. Here is a quick overview of all items that you need to start entertaining your online audience and gaining subscribers to your YouTube channel:
- Your YouTube Camera
- Microphones and Audio
- Lighting Gear for YouTube
- Tripods and Camera Stands
- Smartphone Camera Gear
YouTube Cameras
The short version: Use whatever you already have, even if it’s your phone or webcam. It’s nice to have sharp, fine-tuned, 4K footage, but viewers will forgive lower visual quality if your content is good.
The long version: You will need a camera, but there are a lot of different devices you can use including DSLRs, point and shoots, webcams, and your smartphone.
Your choice of camera will have a tremendous impact on the visual quality of your content and might drive your decisions regarding other pieces of equipment. However, you shouldn’t feel obliged to work with a top-notch camera from day one, especially since cheaper options can produce great results if used the right way.
On one end of the spectrum, you have basic smartphone cameras and web cameras, which are easy to come by and simple to operate. These days, high-end phones come equipped with quite powerful cameras that are more than sufficient for the needs of the average YouTuber. Better webcams can also do the job, although high-performance webcam models can get pretty expensive too. It is probably wise to resist the urge to start broadcasting with the built-in camera in your laptop and at least get a webcam or use your phone, but your computer’s camera is still always an option. Not having a better camera should never stop you from making YouTube videos.
If you already have a DSLR camera then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it. You have far more freedom to adjust the settings and achieve a professional look for your videos with a DSLR, but that does mean it’ll take some time to become an expert at using it. Ultra-high resolution is not required for YouTube, but it certainly won’t hurt to have additional sharpness and more detail in the scene. If you’re shopping for a DSLR, look for one with a flip screen that allows you to quickly check what your viewers see.
YouTube Microphone and Audio
The short version: Audio quality is extremely important. If you can buy either a new camera or an external microphone, but not both, it might be better to go for the microphone. Click here for advice on upping your audio quality without an external microphone.
The long version: Sound capturing is every bit as important for your success as your video feed. In fact, poor audio can be even more damaging to your subscriber count than grainy video, since people won’t spend their time listening to something they have to put effort into understanding.
Again, most YouTube video makers have a limited budget at their disposal, so professional microphones are mostly off the table. However, investing in a directional microphone (‘shotgun mic’) that can pick up your voice clearly and without background noise is certainly a smart move. Such microphones can be pointed towards you while you speak, and since most YouTubers sit still while doing their shows there won’t be too much need for in-session adjustments.
If you’re not ready to invest in a shotgun mic, you can also find very inexpensive (often under $20) LAV mics. These small microphones can be pinned to your shirt, which allows them to record very clear dialogue because they’re so close to your mouth.
Lights for YouTube
The short version: You need as much light as you can get. Lighting kits can be affordable on Amazon, but you can also achieve a great look using daylight/windows and ‘daylight’ lightbulbs.
The long version: If you’ve ever tried to make a video indoors, you already know that it’s necessary to have additional light. Often just filming with the normal lights in a room will cause your footage to look dark and grainy, and possibly be tinted orange. To overcome these problems you need to increase the amount of light you have available.
Sometimes, it is enough to film near windows and/or bring more household lamps into your filming area. For any household lamps or lighting fixtures you use, make sure to put in white or ‘daylight’ lightbulbs instead of using the orange/tungsten bulbs that you might have for everyday use (this is how you avoid tinting things orange).
If you have the budget available to get some lighting equipment, you can find softbox lights or LED panel lights available fairly inexpensively online. Softbox lights are great because they provide even, diffused, light.
Another useful piece of lighting equipment to have is a reflector. A reflector is usually a piece of white, silver, or gold fabric stretched over a frame. You can use it to bounce light from one light source back towards yourself (this is a great way to fill shadows cast by your main light). Reflectors tend to be inexpensive, but you can also use white cardboard or tinfoil in place of purchasing a reflector.
Tripods and Camera Stands
The short version: You need something to hold your camera. If you mostly film in your own home that can be a desk or a stack of books, but if you make a lot of videos while you’re on the go you probably need a tripod or gimbal. Heavier cameras need heavier tripods.
The long version: While handheld cameras can deliver solid results for vloggers and casual streamers, viewers do expect reasonably stable footage. For many types of videos, the camera needs to be completely still and flatly positioned on a horizontal plane. Tripods and camera stands can cost very little, so it’s a good idea to look into getting some kind of stabilizer.
When you are choosing a tripod, pay attention to how much it weighs. If the camera that needs to be mounted on it is very heavy (like some DSLR models), you want to ensure that the structure itself weighs enough not to be easily tipped over. Too thin tripods can put your camera at risk, and that’s the last thing you want. Smaller cameras such as GoPros are more flexible in this regard and can be placed on a wider range of tripods.
Even if you are using a phone or a webcam to record YouTube videos, you should consider mounting the device on a stable stand. It is possible to find mini tripods ideal for smartphones for as little as $10. These tripods are small enough to carry in your pocket, so you will be prepared to start making a video no matter where your adventures take you. If you are using a web camera, you should attach it to the stand so that it won’t move accidentally after you touch the surface it is placed on.
Smartphone Camera Gear
The short version: There’s a lot of gear out there designed with smartphone photos and videos in mind, including clip-on lenses, tripod mounts, phone-mounted LED lights, and inexpensive microphones that plug into the audio jack.
The long version: Recording your videos with a mobile phone can be a good decision. It all depends on the phone you have and the range of add-ons and apps that you complement it with. Almost every high-end model released in the past five years can shoot videos in 1080p or higher. Some can even produce 4K footage. If you perfect your smartphone filming technique, your YouTube videos could look as if they were made with pro equipment.
On the flip side, smartphone cameras typically perform poorly in low light. It is possible to download an app that lets you play around with settings to overcome this, but a phone-mounted LED light is probably a better solution. An external microphone might also be a necessity, but there are some good (inexpensive) options that can simply be plugged in through the headphone jack.
Another common downside of smartphone cameras is that most of them use digital zoom, which is vastly inferior to optical zoom. If you intend to shoot anything that’s further away than a few feet, you need a clip-on lens that goes on top of the built-in camera. This inexpensive device will give you a lot of freedom to work in space, and allow you to make spectacular shots even without high-end YouTube equipment.
Equipment with Easy-to-Use Video Editor
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions
Check out our most updated guide on this topic: YouTube Equipment Starter Guide For Beginners .
The first thing to make sure of before starting a YouTube channel is having all that you need to record and upload high-quality videos regularly. That doesn’t mean you have to take out a loan and spend thousands to purchase a brand new camera and all other gadgets that professional filmmakers use.
The smartest way to get started is to go through a list of necessary equipment for YouTube and check whether or not you already own some of it. Once your channel starts growing, you can then start thinking about whether you want to invest in upgraded equipment. Here is a quick overview of all items that you need to start entertaining your online audience and gaining subscribers to your YouTube channel:
- Your YouTube Camera
- Microphones and Audio
- Lighting Gear for YouTube
- Tripods and Camera Stands
- Smartphone Camera Gear
YouTube Cameras
The short version: Use whatever you already have, even if it’s your phone or webcam. It’s nice to have sharp, fine-tuned, 4K footage, but viewers will forgive lower visual quality if your content is good.
The long version: You will need a camera, but there are a lot of different devices you can use including DSLRs, point and shoots, webcams, and your smartphone.
Your choice of camera will have a tremendous impact on the visual quality of your content and might drive your decisions regarding other pieces of equipment. However, you shouldn’t feel obliged to work with a top-notch camera from day one, especially since cheaper options can produce great results if used the right way.
On one end of the spectrum, you have basic smartphone cameras and web cameras, which are easy to come by and simple to operate. These days, high-end phones come equipped with quite powerful cameras that are more than sufficient for the needs of the average YouTuber. Better webcams can also do the job, although high-performance webcam models can get pretty expensive too. It is probably wise to resist the urge to start broadcasting with the built-in camera in your laptop and at least get a webcam or use your phone, but your computer’s camera is still always an option. Not having a better camera should never stop you from making YouTube videos.
If you already have a DSLR camera then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it. You have far more freedom to adjust the settings and achieve a professional look for your videos with a DSLR, but that does mean it’ll take some time to become an expert at using it. Ultra-high resolution is not required for YouTube, but it certainly won’t hurt to have additional sharpness and more detail in the scene. If you’re shopping for a DSLR, look for one with a flip screen that allows you to quickly check what your viewers see.
YouTube Microphone and Audio
The short version: Audio quality is extremely important. If you can buy either a new camera or an external microphone, but not both, it might be better to go for the microphone. Click here for advice on upping your audio quality without an external microphone.
The long version: Sound capturing is every bit as important for your success as your video feed. In fact, poor audio can be even more damaging to your subscriber count than grainy video, since people won’t spend their time listening to something they have to put effort into understanding.
Again, most YouTube video makers have a limited budget at their disposal, so professional microphones are mostly off the table. However, investing in a directional microphone (‘shotgun mic’) that can pick up your voice clearly and without background noise is certainly a smart move. Such microphones can be pointed towards you while you speak, and since most YouTubers sit still while doing their shows there won’t be too much need for in-session adjustments.
If you’re not ready to invest in a shotgun mic, you can also find very inexpensive (often under $20) LAV mics. These small microphones can be pinned to your shirt, which allows them to record very clear dialogue because they’re so close to your mouth.
Lights for YouTube
The short version: You need as much light as you can get. Lighting kits can be affordable on Amazon, but you can also achieve a great look using daylight/windows and ‘daylight’ lightbulbs.
The long version: If you’ve ever tried to make a video indoors, you already know that it’s necessary to have additional light. Often just filming with the normal lights in a room will cause your footage to look dark and grainy, and possibly be tinted orange. To overcome these problems you need to increase the amount of light you have available.
Sometimes, it is enough to film near windows and/or bring more household lamps into your filming area. For any household lamps or lighting fixtures you use, make sure to put in white or ‘daylight’ lightbulbs instead of using the orange/tungsten bulbs that you might have for everyday use (this is how you avoid tinting things orange).
If you have the budget available to get some lighting equipment, you can find softbox lights or LED panel lights available fairly inexpensively online. Softbox lights are great because they provide even, diffused, light.
Another useful piece of lighting equipment to have is a reflector. A reflector is usually a piece of white, silver, or gold fabric stretched over a frame. You can use it to bounce light from one light source back towards yourself (this is a great way to fill shadows cast by your main light). Reflectors tend to be inexpensive, but you can also use white cardboard or tinfoil in place of purchasing a reflector.
Tripods and Camera Stands
The short version: You need something to hold your camera. If you mostly film in your own home that can be a desk or a stack of books, but if you make a lot of videos while you’re on the go you probably need a tripod or gimbal. Heavier cameras need heavier tripods.
The long version: While handheld cameras can deliver solid results for vloggers and casual streamers, viewers do expect reasonably stable footage. For many types of videos, the camera needs to be completely still and flatly positioned on a horizontal plane. Tripods and camera stands can cost very little, so it’s a good idea to look into getting some kind of stabilizer.
When you are choosing a tripod, pay attention to how much it weighs. If the camera that needs to be mounted on it is very heavy (like some DSLR models), you want to ensure that the structure itself weighs enough not to be easily tipped over. Too thin tripods can put your camera at risk, and that’s the last thing you want. Smaller cameras such as GoPros are more flexible in this regard and can be placed on a wider range of tripods.
Even if you are using a phone or a webcam to record YouTube videos, you should consider mounting the device on a stable stand. It is possible to find mini tripods ideal for smartphones for as little as $10. These tripods are small enough to carry in your pocket, so you will be prepared to start making a video no matter where your adventures take you. If you are using a web camera, you should attach it to the stand so that it won’t move accidentally after you touch the surface it is placed on.
Smartphone Camera Gear
The short version: There’s a lot of gear out there designed with smartphone photos and videos in mind, including clip-on lenses, tripod mounts, phone-mounted LED lights, and inexpensive microphones that plug into the audio jack.
The long version: Recording your videos with a mobile phone can be a good decision. It all depends on the phone you have and the range of add-ons and apps that you complement it with. Almost every high-end model released in the past five years can shoot videos in 1080p or higher. Some can even produce 4K footage. If you perfect your smartphone filming technique, your YouTube videos could look as if they were made with pro equipment.
On the flip side, smartphone cameras typically perform poorly in low light. It is possible to download an app that lets you play around with settings to overcome this, but a phone-mounted LED light is probably a better solution. An external microphone might also be a necessity, but there are some good (inexpensive) options that can simply be plugged in through the headphone jack.
Another common downside of smartphone cameras is that most of them use digital zoom, which is vastly inferior to optical zoom. If you intend to shoot anything that’s further away than a few feet, you need a clip-on lens that goes on top of the built-in camera. This inexpensive device will give you a lot of freedom to work in space, and allow you to make spectacular shots even without high-end YouTube equipment.
Equipment with Easy-to-Use Video Editor
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Oct 26, 2023• Proven solutions
Check out our most updated guide on this topic: YouTube Equipment Starter Guide For Beginners .
The first thing to make sure of before starting a YouTube channel is having all that you need to record and upload high-quality videos regularly. That doesn’t mean you have to take out a loan and spend thousands to purchase a brand new camera and all other gadgets that professional filmmakers use.
The smartest way to get started is to go through a list of necessary equipment for YouTube and check whether or not you already own some of it. Once your channel starts growing, you can then start thinking about whether you want to invest in upgraded equipment. Here is a quick overview of all items that you need to start entertaining your online audience and gaining subscribers to your YouTube channel:
- Your YouTube Camera
- Microphones and Audio
- Lighting Gear for YouTube
- Tripods and Camera Stands
- Smartphone Camera Gear
YouTube Cameras
The short version: Use whatever you already have, even if it’s your phone or webcam. It’s nice to have sharp, fine-tuned, 4K footage, but viewers will forgive lower visual quality if your content is good.
The long version: You will need a camera, but there are a lot of different devices you can use including DSLRs, point and shoots, webcams, and your smartphone.
Your choice of camera will have a tremendous impact on the visual quality of your content and might drive your decisions regarding other pieces of equipment. However, you shouldn’t feel obliged to work with a top-notch camera from day one, especially since cheaper options can produce great results if used the right way.
On one end of the spectrum, you have basic smartphone cameras and web cameras, which are easy to come by and simple to operate. These days, high-end phones come equipped with quite powerful cameras that are more than sufficient for the needs of the average YouTuber. Better webcams can also do the job, although high-performance webcam models can get pretty expensive too. It is probably wise to resist the urge to start broadcasting with the built-in camera in your laptop and at least get a webcam or use your phone, but your computer’s camera is still always an option. Not having a better camera should never stop you from making YouTube videos.
If you already have a DSLR camera then it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with it. You have far more freedom to adjust the settings and achieve a professional look for your videos with a DSLR, but that does mean it’ll take some time to become an expert at using it. Ultra-high resolution is not required for YouTube, but it certainly won’t hurt to have additional sharpness and more detail in the scene. If you’re shopping for a DSLR, look for one with a flip screen that allows you to quickly check what your viewers see.
YouTube Microphone and Audio
The short version: Audio quality is extremely important. If you can buy either a new camera or an external microphone, but not both, it might be better to go for the microphone. Click here for advice on upping your audio quality without an external microphone.
The long version: Sound capturing is every bit as important for your success as your video feed. In fact, poor audio can be even more damaging to your subscriber count than grainy video, since people won’t spend their time listening to something they have to put effort into understanding.
Again, most YouTube video makers have a limited budget at their disposal, so professional microphones are mostly off the table. However, investing in a directional microphone (‘shotgun mic’) that can pick up your voice clearly and without background noise is certainly a smart move. Such microphones can be pointed towards you while you speak, and since most YouTubers sit still while doing their shows there won’t be too much need for in-session adjustments.
If you’re not ready to invest in a shotgun mic, you can also find very inexpensive (often under $20) LAV mics. These small microphones can be pinned to your shirt, which allows them to record very clear dialogue because they’re so close to your mouth.
Lights for YouTube
The short version: You need as much light as you can get. Lighting kits can be affordable on Amazon, but you can also achieve a great look using daylight/windows and ‘daylight’ lightbulbs.
The long version: If you’ve ever tried to make a video indoors, you already know that it’s necessary to have additional light. Often just filming with the normal lights in a room will cause your footage to look dark and grainy, and possibly be tinted orange. To overcome these problems you need to increase the amount of light you have available.
Sometimes, it is enough to film near windows and/or bring more household lamps into your filming area. For any household lamps or lighting fixtures you use, make sure to put in white or ‘daylight’ lightbulbs instead of using the orange/tungsten bulbs that you might have for everyday use (this is how you avoid tinting things orange).
If you have the budget available to get some lighting equipment, you can find softbox lights or LED panel lights available fairly inexpensively online. Softbox lights are great because they provide even, diffused, light.
Another useful piece of lighting equipment to have is a reflector. A reflector is usually a piece of white, silver, or gold fabric stretched over a frame. You can use it to bounce light from one light source back towards yourself (this is a great way to fill shadows cast by your main light). Reflectors tend to be inexpensive, but you can also use white cardboard or tinfoil in place of purchasing a reflector.
Tripods and Camera Stands
The short version: You need something to hold your camera. If you mostly film in your own home that can be a desk or a stack of books, but if you make a lot of videos while you’re on the go you probably need a tripod or gimbal. Heavier cameras need heavier tripods.
The long version: While handheld cameras can deliver solid results for vloggers and casual streamers, viewers do expect reasonably stable footage. For many types of videos, the camera needs to be completely still and flatly positioned on a horizontal plane. Tripods and camera stands can cost very little, so it’s a good idea to look into getting some kind of stabilizer.
When you are choosing a tripod, pay attention to how much it weighs. If the camera that needs to be mounted on it is very heavy (like some DSLR models), you want to ensure that the structure itself weighs enough not to be easily tipped over. Too thin tripods can put your camera at risk, and that’s the last thing you want. Smaller cameras such as GoPros are more flexible in this regard and can be placed on a wider range of tripods.
Even if you are using a phone or a webcam to record YouTube videos, you should consider mounting the device on a stable stand. It is possible to find mini tripods ideal for smartphones for as little as $10. These tripods are small enough to carry in your pocket, so you will be prepared to start making a video no matter where your adventures take you. If you are using a web camera, you should attach it to the stand so that it won’t move accidentally after you touch the surface it is placed on.
Smartphone Camera Gear
The short version: There’s a lot of gear out there designed with smartphone photos and videos in mind, including clip-on lenses, tripod mounts, phone-mounted LED lights, and inexpensive microphones that plug into the audio jack.
The long version: Recording your videos with a mobile phone can be a good decision. It all depends on the phone you have and the range of add-ons and apps that you complement it with. Almost every high-end model released in the past five years can shoot videos in 1080p or higher. Some can even produce 4K footage. If you perfect your smartphone filming technique, your YouTube videos could look as if they were made with pro equipment.
On the flip side, smartphone cameras typically perform poorly in low light. It is possible to download an app that lets you play around with settings to overcome this, but a phone-mounted LED light is probably a better solution. An external microphone might also be a necessity, but there are some good (inexpensive) options that can simply be plugged in through the headphone jack.
Another common downside of smartphone cameras is that most of them use digital zoom, which is vastly inferior to optical zoom. If you intend to shoot anything that’s further away than a few feet, you need a clip-on lens that goes on top of the built-in camera. This inexpensive device will give you a lot of freedom to work in space, and allow you to make spectacular shots even without high-end YouTube equipment.
Equipment with Easy-to-Use Video Editor
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Ultimate Video Creation: Top 8 Linux Apps
Best 8 YouTube Editing Software for Linux
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
It is true that the number of software available for Mac and Windows by far outnumber those available for Linux. Though Linux is still growing, it is always a difficult task to find specific software such as those for YouTube video editing. For Linux users, sometimes it becomes necessary to switch back to Windows whenever you need to edit your videos. Presented here are the best 8 YouTube editing software for Linux so that you avoid the back and forth movement whenever you want to work on your videos for YouTube-:
If you looking for a video editor simple yet powerful, here I recommend an easy-to-use video editing software - Wondershare Filmora (for Win and Mac) which not only allows you cut, crop, rotate, and split your videos in minutes, but also simplify the advanced video editing like green screen effect and PIP. You can also find over 300 video effects like Wedding, Gaming, Education, Beauty, Fashion, etc.
1. Open Shot
Open Shot is a feature rich, multiplatform video editor and one of the best you will ever find for Linux, Mac and Windows. The program is written in Python and it has support for many different video and audio formats and also, it has a drag and drop feature to make the editing process simpler and easier. The following are some of the features you can expect to find in this YouTube video editor-:
- Video cutting, trimming, scaling and resizing
- 3D animated titles
- Video effects and speed changes
- Digital zooming and video transitions
- Easy Gnome integration and also has a drag and drop feature.
2. Pitivi
Pitivi is great open source YouTube video editing software for Linux. The software uses the Gstreamer framework for the importation and exportation as well as the rendition of media. With Pitive, you can accomplish simple video editing tasks such as trimming, splitting, cutting, snapping and mixing. It also allows you to link audio and video clips into a single clip. One other thing admirable about this software is that it is available in multiple languages and it has a comprehensive documentation, easy to read, understand and follow.
3. Lightworks
This is a professional video editing tool designed for Linux and it can be used by everyone, thanks to its rich features and intuitive interface. Both its free and paid versions have all the features needed for a decent video editing experience. However, it is not only restricted to Linux, but it can also be used on Windows and Mac as well. Some of the highlights for the software include the following-:
- Trimming and a wide variety of effects
- Frame accurate capture tool
- Drag and drop feature
- Wide container support and Vimeo export
- Export and import functionalities
- Advanced multicam editing in realtime
4. Blender
Blender is advanced and professional video editing software packed with exciting features, which makes it admirable for professional YouTube video editing. Some of the features it has include-: 3D modeling, N-Gon support, animation toolset, automatic skinning and sculpting, physically accurate shaders, open shading language to help users custom shaders, grid and bridge fill among others.
5. KDEnlive
This is another open source video editing software highly recommended for those interested in YouTube video editing software for Linux. Its functioning relies on a few other projects such as MLT and FFmpeg video frameworks. The design is suited to cover the basic needs of video editing to semi professional needs. Some of the features of this software include-:
- Creating custom profiles
- Configurable keyboard shortcuts
- Mixing video, audio and image files
- Ability to export to standard formats
- Multitrack edition which comes together with a timeframe
- Supports a wide range of camcorders
6. Cinelerra
Ever since its release in 2002, Cinelerra has been downloaded millions of times making it one of the best YouTube video editing software for Linux. It is ideal for both beginners and professionals and it comes loaded with a variety of features needed for a decent video editing experience. They features include but are not limited to the following-:
- Professionally designed UI
- Deck Control
- Different special effects
- Audio editing with unlimited number of layers
- Dual link
- Built-in frame renderer
7. Shotcut
Shotcut is another YouTube video editing software for Linux and it is an interesting one because its UI looks more like a media player and not an editor. The software makes editing video very simple with the set of awesome features it has. For basic uses, it will work just fine, but if you need more powerful options, especially for advanced or professional video recording, then it may not be the best. However, with the features it has, it qualifies as a decent YouTube video editor for Linux.
8. LiVES
LiVES is a powerful yet simple to use YouTube video editing software for Linux. But it is not only designed to be used on Linux, it is expandable and can be used across other platforms via the RFX plugins. The main features of this platform include-:
- Multiple and dynamic loading of effects
- Supports variable and fixed frame rates
- A smooth playback done on variable rates
- Frame accurate cutting
- Loads and edits almost every video format through the mplayer
Installing the software is relatively easy and it will suffice for most of your needs for a YouTube video editor.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
It is true that the number of software available for Mac and Windows by far outnumber those available for Linux. Though Linux is still growing, it is always a difficult task to find specific software such as those for YouTube video editing. For Linux users, sometimes it becomes necessary to switch back to Windows whenever you need to edit your videos. Presented here are the best 8 YouTube editing software for Linux so that you avoid the back and forth movement whenever you want to work on your videos for YouTube-:
If you looking for a video editor simple yet powerful, here I recommend an easy-to-use video editing software - Wondershare Filmora (for Win and Mac) which not only allows you cut, crop, rotate, and split your videos in minutes, but also simplify the advanced video editing like green screen effect and PIP. You can also find over 300 video effects like Wedding, Gaming, Education, Beauty, Fashion, etc.
1. Open Shot
Open Shot is a feature rich, multiplatform video editor and one of the best you will ever find for Linux, Mac and Windows. The program is written in Python and it has support for many different video and audio formats and also, it has a drag and drop feature to make the editing process simpler and easier. The following are some of the features you can expect to find in this YouTube video editor-:
- Video cutting, trimming, scaling and resizing
- 3D animated titles
- Video effects and speed changes
- Digital zooming and video transitions
- Easy Gnome integration and also has a drag and drop feature.
2. Pitivi
Pitivi is great open source YouTube video editing software for Linux. The software uses the Gstreamer framework for the importation and exportation as well as the rendition of media. With Pitive, you can accomplish simple video editing tasks such as trimming, splitting, cutting, snapping and mixing. It also allows you to link audio and video clips into a single clip. One other thing admirable about this software is that it is available in multiple languages and it has a comprehensive documentation, easy to read, understand and follow.
3. Lightworks
This is a professional video editing tool designed for Linux and it can be used by everyone, thanks to its rich features and intuitive interface. Both its free and paid versions have all the features needed for a decent video editing experience. However, it is not only restricted to Linux, but it can also be used on Windows and Mac as well. Some of the highlights for the software include the following-:
- Trimming and a wide variety of effects
- Frame accurate capture tool
- Drag and drop feature
- Wide container support and Vimeo export
- Export and import functionalities
- Advanced multicam editing in realtime
4. Blender
Blender is advanced and professional video editing software packed with exciting features, which makes it admirable for professional YouTube video editing. Some of the features it has include-: 3D modeling, N-Gon support, animation toolset, automatic skinning and sculpting, physically accurate shaders, open shading language to help users custom shaders, grid and bridge fill among others.
5. KDEnlive
This is another open source video editing software highly recommended for those interested in YouTube video editing software for Linux. Its functioning relies on a few other projects such as MLT and FFmpeg video frameworks. The design is suited to cover the basic needs of video editing to semi professional needs. Some of the features of this software include-:
- Creating custom profiles
- Configurable keyboard shortcuts
- Mixing video, audio and image files
- Ability to export to standard formats
- Multitrack edition which comes together with a timeframe
- Supports a wide range of camcorders
6. Cinelerra
Ever since its release in 2002, Cinelerra has been downloaded millions of times making it one of the best YouTube video editing software for Linux. It is ideal for both beginners and professionals and it comes loaded with a variety of features needed for a decent video editing experience. They features include but are not limited to the following-:
- Professionally designed UI
- Deck Control
- Different special effects
- Audio editing with unlimited number of layers
- Dual link
- Built-in frame renderer
7. Shotcut
Shotcut is another YouTube video editing software for Linux and it is an interesting one because its UI looks more like a media player and not an editor. The software makes editing video very simple with the set of awesome features it has. For basic uses, it will work just fine, but if you need more powerful options, especially for advanced or professional video recording, then it may not be the best. However, with the features it has, it qualifies as a decent YouTube video editor for Linux.
8. LiVES
LiVES is a powerful yet simple to use YouTube video editing software for Linux. But it is not only designed to be used on Linux, it is expandable and can be used across other platforms via the RFX plugins. The main features of this platform include-:
- Multiple and dynamic loading of effects
- Supports variable and fixed frame rates
- A smooth playback done on variable rates
- Frame accurate cutting
- Loads and edits almost every video format through the mplayer
Installing the software is relatively easy and it will suffice for most of your needs for a YouTube video editor.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
It is true that the number of software available for Mac and Windows by far outnumber those available for Linux. Though Linux is still growing, it is always a difficult task to find specific software such as those for YouTube video editing. For Linux users, sometimes it becomes necessary to switch back to Windows whenever you need to edit your videos. Presented here are the best 8 YouTube editing software for Linux so that you avoid the back and forth movement whenever you want to work on your videos for YouTube-:
If you looking for a video editor simple yet powerful, here I recommend an easy-to-use video editing software - Wondershare Filmora (for Win and Mac) which not only allows you cut, crop, rotate, and split your videos in minutes, but also simplify the advanced video editing like green screen effect and PIP. You can also find over 300 video effects like Wedding, Gaming, Education, Beauty, Fashion, etc.
1. Open Shot
Open Shot is a feature rich, multiplatform video editor and one of the best you will ever find for Linux, Mac and Windows. The program is written in Python and it has support for many different video and audio formats and also, it has a drag and drop feature to make the editing process simpler and easier. The following are some of the features you can expect to find in this YouTube video editor-:
- Video cutting, trimming, scaling and resizing
- 3D animated titles
- Video effects and speed changes
- Digital zooming and video transitions
- Easy Gnome integration and also has a drag and drop feature.
2. Pitivi
Pitivi is great open source YouTube video editing software for Linux. The software uses the Gstreamer framework for the importation and exportation as well as the rendition of media. With Pitive, you can accomplish simple video editing tasks such as trimming, splitting, cutting, snapping and mixing. It also allows you to link audio and video clips into a single clip. One other thing admirable about this software is that it is available in multiple languages and it has a comprehensive documentation, easy to read, understand and follow.
3. Lightworks
This is a professional video editing tool designed for Linux and it can be used by everyone, thanks to its rich features and intuitive interface. Both its free and paid versions have all the features needed for a decent video editing experience. However, it is not only restricted to Linux, but it can also be used on Windows and Mac as well. Some of the highlights for the software include the following-:
- Trimming and a wide variety of effects
- Frame accurate capture tool
- Drag and drop feature
- Wide container support and Vimeo export
- Export and import functionalities
- Advanced multicam editing in realtime
4. Blender
Blender is advanced and professional video editing software packed with exciting features, which makes it admirable for professional YouTube video editing. Some of the features it has include-: 3D modeling, N-Gon support, animation toolset, automatic skinning and sculpting, physically accurate shaders, open shading language to help users custom shaders, grid and bridge fill among others.
5. KDEnlive
This is another open source video editing software highly recommended for those interested in YouTube video editing software for Linux. Its functioning relies on a few other projects such as MLT and FFmpeg video frameworks. The design is suited to cover the basic needs of video editing to semi professional needs. Some of the features of this software include-:
- Creating custom profiles
- Configurable keyboard shortcuts
- Mixing video, audio and image files
- Ability to export to standard formats
- Multitrack edition which comes together with a timeframe
- Supports a wide range of camcorders
6. Cinelerra
Ever since its release in 2002, Cinelerra has been downloaded millions of times making it one of the best YouTube video editing software for Linux. It is ideal for both beginners and professionals and it comes loaded with a variety of features needed for a decent video editing experience. They features include but are not limited to the following-:
- Professionally designed UI
- Deck Control
- Different special effects
- Audio editing with unlimited number of layers
- Dual link
- Built-in frame renderer
7. Shotcut
Shotcut is another YouTube video editing software for Linux and it is an interesting one because its UI looks more like a media player and not an editor. The software makes editing video very simple with the set of awesome features it has. For basic uses, it will work just fine, but if you need more powerful options, especially for advanced or professional video recording, then it may not be the best. However, with the features it has, it qualifies as a decent YouTube video editor for Linux.
8. LiVES
LiVES is a powerful yet simple to use YouTube video editing software for Linux. But it is not only designed to be used on Linux, it is expandable and can be used across other platforms via the RFX plugins. The main features of this platform include-:
- Multiple and dynamic loading of effects
- Supports variable and fixed frame rates
- A smooth playback done on variable rates
- Frame accurate cutting
- Loads and edits almost every video format through the mplayer
Installing the software is relatively easy and it will suffice for most of your needs for a YouTube video editor.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
It is true that the number of software available for Mac and Windows by far outnumber those available for Linux. Though Linux is still growing, it is always a difficult task to find specific software such as those for YouTube video editing. For Linux users, sometimes it becomes necessary to switch back to Windows whenever you need to edit your videos. Presented here are the best 8 YouTube editing software for Linux so that you avoid the back and forth movement whenever you want to work on your videos for YouTube-:
If you looking for a video editor simple yet powerful, here I recommend an easy-to-use video editing software - Wondershare Filmora (for Win and Mac) which not only allows you cut, crop, rotate, and split your videos in minutes, but also simplify the advanced video editing like green screen effect and PIP. You can also find over 300 video effects like Wedding, Gaming, Education, Beauty, Fashion, etc.
1. Open Shot
Open Shot is a feature rich, multiplatform video editor and one of the best you will ever find for Linux, Mac and Windows. The program is written in Python and it has support for many different video and audio formats and also, it has a drag and drop feature to make the editing process simpler and easier. The following are some of the features you can expect to find in this YouTube video editor-:
- Video cutting, trimming, scaling and resizing
- 3D animated titles
- Video effects and speed changes
- Digital zooming and video transitions
- Easy Gnome integration and also has a drag and drop feature.
2. Pitivi
Pitivi is great open source YouTube video editing software for Linux. The software uses the Gstreamer framework for the importation and exportation as well as the rendition of media. With Pitive, you can accomplish simple video editing tasks such as trimming, splitting, cutting, snapping and mixing. It also allows you to link audio and video clips into a single clip. One other thing admirable about this software is that it is available in multiple languages and it has a comprehensive documentation, easy to read, understand and follow.
3. Lightworks
This is a professional video editing tool designed for Linux and it can be used by everyone, thanks to its rich features and intuitive interface. Both its free and paid versions have all the features needed for a decent video editing experience. However, it is not only restricted to Linux, but it can also be used on Windows and Mac as well. Some of the highlights for the software include the following-:
- Trimming and a wide variety of effects
- Frame accurate capture tool
- Drag and drop feature
- Wide container support and Vimeo export
- Export and import functionalities
- Advanced multicam editing in realtime
4. Blender
Blender is advanced and professional video editing software packed with exciting features, which makes it admirable for professional YouTube video editing. Some of the features it has include-: 3D modeling, N-Gon support, animation toolset, automatic skinning and sculpting, physically accurate shaders, open shading language to help users custom shaders, grid and bridge fill among others.
5. KDEnlive
This is another open source video editing software highly recommended for those interested in YouTube video editing software for Linux. Its functioning relies on a few other projects such as MLT and FFmpeg video frameworks. The design is suited to cover the basic needs of video editing to semi professional needs. Some of the features of this software include-:
- Creating custom profiles
- Configurable keyboard shortcuts
- Mixing video, audio and image files
- Ability to export to standard formats
- Multitrack edition which comes together with a timeframe
- Supports a wide range of camcorders
6. Cinelerra
Ever since its release in 2002, Cinelerra has been downloaded millions of times making it one of the best YouTube video editing software for Linux. It is ideal for both beginners and professionals and it comes loaded with a variety of features needed for a decent video editing experience. They features include but are not limited to the following-:
- Professionally designed UI
- Deck Control
- Different special effects
- Audio editing with unlimited number of layers
- Dual link
- Built-in frame renderer
7. Shotcut
Shotcut is another YouTube video editing software for Linux and it is an interesting one because its UI looks more like a media player and not an editor. The software makes editing video very simple with the set of awesome features it has. For basic uses, it will work just fine, but if you need more powerful options, especially for advanced or professional video recording, then it may not be the best. However, with the features it has, it qualifies as a decent YouTube video editor for Linux.
8. LiVES
LiVES is a powerful yet simple to use YouTube video editing software for Linux. But it is not only designed to be used on Linux, it is expandable and can be used across other platforms via the RFX plugins. The main features of this platform include-:
- Multiple and dynamic loading of effects
- Supports variable and fixed frame rates
- A smooth playback done on variable rates
- Frame accurate cutting
- Loads and edits almost every video format through the mplayer
Installing the software is relatively easy and it will suffice for most of your needs for a YouTube video editor.
Richard Bennett
Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Richard Bennett
Also read:
- [New] Capture Chill Vibes Top Winter Bg Ideas for YT
- Dive Into the World of Youtuber Shorts
- Key YouTube Channels Tracking Trends
- Tracking the Financial Success of CarryMinati (Ajey)
- In 2024, Enhancing YouTube Experience with a Structured Watch Later Plan
- 2024 Approved Early-Stage YouTube Wisdom Sidestep These 8 Common Mistakes
- 2024 Approved Comfortable Viewing Looping YouTube Videos on Big Displays
- 2024 Approved Enhance Engagement Mastering Template-Based Video Description Writing
- A Treasure Trove of 9 Complete Holiday Flicks, Free Streaming
- 15 Online Audio Haven Sites for Video Content Makers for 2024
- Acquire No-Cost Sounds for Videos & Podcasts for 2024
- [New] Bridging Soundscapes & Visuals – Essentials for Innovative ASMR Videos
- Your Browsing Bliss Discover the Most Effective 7 Android AdBlockers
- Experts at Work Swift, Professional Thumbnails for Valorant Highlights
- Simple Steps for Looped iPhone Videos
- Digestible Vid Info Quick Start for 2024
- Expert Tips for Creating Dynamic YouTube Splits
- Tailored Tunes Creating Custom Youtube Playlists
- [Updated] Disciplined Device Use Effective Ways to Remove Youtube Channels
- [New] Conquer the Crowd Initiating Your Top-Ranked Gaming Channel
- Elite Recording Tools for Gamers for 2024
- 2024 Approved Creating Your Own Path on YouTube A Course Guide
- [Updated] How to Change YouTube Video Playback Speed [Desktop/Mobile]
- [New] Climb the Popularity Ladder Essential YouTube SEO Practices Uncovered
- [New] Cut Costs, Boost Creativity Learn the Secrets of Green Screen Artistry From 4 Leading Educators
- [New] Directly Download YouTube Videos
- 2024 Approved Decoding Video Potential DSLR vs Mirrorless Innovation
- Engage Audiences Writing Magical YouTube Description Templates for Higher Views
- Digital Wealth Creation Through Video Networking
- Unleash Your YouTube Earnings A Triad Approach to Financial Examination and Analysis
- Navigating YouTube's Community Standards as a Viewer or Creator
- 2024 Approved Download Free Sound Effects for YouTubers
- Make Every Sound Count Comprehensive Guide to Free YouTube Video Transcriptions
- Tutorial to Change Oppo Reno 9A IMEI without Root A Comprehensive Guide
- Enhance Your Editing with FCP's Top 10 Plugins
- Essential 8 Platforms for Private Screenings for 2024
- New In 2024, 7 Best Green Screen Software for Beginners on Mac
- 5 Best Apps for Voice Translation From English to Bangla
- In 2024, The Ultimate Guide to Vivo Y77t Pattern Lock Screen Everything You Need to Know
- [Updated] Crafting the Perfect Online Persona with Discord Pics
- New The Top Free MOD Video Editors You Need to Try for 2024
- In 2024, How to Unlock Realme 12+ 5G Phone Password Without Factory Reset?
- 2024 Approved Top 5 AI YouTube Shorts Generators
- In 2024, Aural Ascendancy Mastering Sound Integration on Reels
- [New] Elite Mobile Apps for High-Quality Android Screenshots for 2024
- Why Your WhatsApp Live Location is Not Updating and How to Fix on your Lava Yuva 2 | Dr.fone
- Unlocking YouTube Subtitles A Guide with 3 Efficient Techniques
- Updated In 2024, Official 4 Best Ways to Get Filmora Discount Codes - 2022 Update
- [New] In 2024, CamClip Extractor, ChatFocused
- In 2024, CollageKnights Syncing Videos Across Devices
- Title: "Beginner's Guide Video Setup Must-Haves"
- Author: Brian
- Created at : 2024-05-25 11:22:08
- Updated at : 2024-05-26 11:22:08
- Link: https://youtube-video-recordings.techidaily.com/beginners-guide-video-setup-must-haves/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.