Equipment for Vlogging, Content Creation and Filmmaking

Equipment for Vlogging, Content Creation and Filmmaking


Vlogging – contemporary diary, video style

What does “vlog” even mean? The explanation is actually simple, although it is a relatively new made-up word. The word construct is simply made up of the two words video and blog. That is, we are talking about a kind of diary that is characterized by its serial nature, but can relate to a wide variety of topics. This is exactly what the “blog” stands for.

Sennheiser MKE 400 MKII Mobile Kit

Sennheiser MKE 400 MKII Mobile Kit

The “V” in turn stands for video, i.e. the video format. Vloggers tell their stories in videos and upload them to appropriate platforms such as YouTube. Logically, the vloggers have an immense interest in lots of followers, likes and comments. This can only work with the right equipment, because the competition never sleeps and always seems one step ahead.

Content creation with a target group

If you want to develop target group-effective content, you face almost the same challenges as with vlogging. Basically, it’s about generating attention. The more people that see your posts, the greater the chance that they follow you, the larger your potential community, the easier it is to place your own web presence in the prominent ranks in the search results. Inferior quality of image, shaky image, lo-fi sound or inconsistent structure can deter your success (unless you’re going for that aesthetic).

When creating content, the content does not necessarily have to be in the format of a diary. Nevertheless, a well-structured editorial plan should be in place. And always extremely important, regardless of whether it is in video, image, text or meme format: the focus is on storytelling. You tell a story and unroll it on the internet.

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Making films as a hobby producer or as a marketing measure

It has never been as easy as it is today to promote your band, your own song and a number of other things. Well-made films are the ideal marketing tools, for example to place songs in the appropriate portals. The format of the self-produced clips also differs from the objectives of vlog and content creation. While vlog and content are more interactive, filmmaking is more about staging, for example, the latest song in a music clip.

The production costs should not be underestimated; after all, there is hardly an actor who does everything perfectly on the first take. But the effort in terms of preparation and equipment can definitely be worth it. Some newcomers have shot through the roof with their music videos in a very short time. The advantage for you is that the technology has developed so much, and has become so affordable, in the recent past.

Studio

Image and sound optimally organized for mobile applications

Sound and picture quality are equally important in your mobile operations. The Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit is ideal for these requirements. The set includes the Sennheiser MKE 200 condenser mic, which is a supercardioid condenser microphone with an integrated windscreen. Also included are the smartphone clamp made of sturdy aluminum and the Manfrotto PIXI mini tripod. The only thing missing is a smartphone or a DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit

Sennheiser MKE 200 Mobile Kit

Sound recording optimized by narrow angle

The sound can certainly also be captured via smartphone and the like but quality sound recordings usually don’t result from this method. The Sennheiser MKE 400, can help here! The condenser camera microphone with supercardioid characteristics. The advantage, compared to the MKE 200, is that the bass is reduced in the frequency response, a low cut is on board and the 400 picks up the sound at a comparatively narrow angle. Simply screw it onto your smartphone or camera and off you go.

Sennheiser MKE 400 MKII

Sennheiser MKE 400 MKII

Increased directivity, higher the frequency

The Sennheiser MKE 600 is the classic and also the bestseller in this category. Due to its convincing features, the condenser camera microphone regularly ranks first in the field of small-diaphragm condenser microphones. It is characterized by the supercardioid/lobe characteristic and captures signals with a volume of up to 126 dB when operating on battery power. A really nice shotgun mic for the camera.

Sennheiser MKE 600

Sennheiser MKE 600

Optimal camera with 6K resolution

The performance, sensitivity and resolution of your camera determine the quality of images and video recordings. It is clear that such a demanded quality cannot come for free. The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro is a real game changer with its 6K resolution, a digital camera with a Hollywood feel. The heart is a Super35 sensor with a dynamic range of 13 f-stops. Up to 120 frames per second can be processed in Blackmagic Raw mode. Lots of features combined in one pocket cinema camera.

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro

Optimally illuminated with lights suitable for film

Lighting is undoubtedly one of the most important challenges when shooting video. It is well known that you cannot always rely on the sun. So lights with a high output, and with sunlight characteristics are needed. Not all lights are suitable for film and video recordings, high demands are placed on the CRI value and the refresh rate. Models such as the Rayzr MC100 RGBWW Soft LED Panel , the Aputure LS 60D or the Amaran COB 60x can be used well . Professional producers know that you can’t skimp on light.

Rayzr MC100 RGBWW Soft LED Panel

Rayzr MC100 RGBWW Soft LED Panel

Aputure LS 60D

Aputure LS 60D

Amaran COB 60x

Amaran COB 60x

Perfect production to the final rendering

It is clear that in filmmaking and vlogging, the post-processing of the recordings is of great importance. The recorded videos and audios are spiced up with FX effects, the lighting and colors are corrected, and the scenes are cut. For all this and much more, Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Studio software is recommended for musicians in particular. In fact, it is currently the only solution in the world that combines editing, color grading, visual effects, motion graphics and audio in one application.

Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Activ. code

Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Activ. code

Even more video equipment

If you want to take a look around on your own, browse through our category called Broad­cast & Video on thomann.de. Thomann specialist advisors are on hand to answer any questions and advise you without obligation. Just send an email to: video@thomann.de


Which tools do you use for vlogging?

Let us know in the comments!

Author’s gravatar
Joe has been singing since he can remember and started playing guitar when he was 10. He's been using it as a songwriting tool ever since. He is passionate about melody and harmony and admires musicians who create these in unique ways. Check out his alternative / indie projects Best of Feelings and Zef Raček.

One comment

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