Vlogging and content creation have exploded in popularity, with more and more people looking to explore and share their passions to engage with their audience.
Trouble is, it can be a bit daunting getting everything set up. Given that you’ll more than likely be looking at shooting video on the move, you’ll want to make sure you have the right gear — not only to capture crisp visuals, but clear audio too. And if you’re just starting out, the initial expense can seem overwhelming.
Enter MPB — the largest global platform to buy, sell, and trade used photography and videography kit. Offering everything from cameras and lenses, to audio equipment, grips, drone accessories, and more, its users spend an average of a third less compared to buying brand new. These savings, combined with its vast selection of gear, make MPB the best place to grab top-tier vlogging equipment for less (or sell your used gear if you’re due an upgrade).
So whether you’re just starting out on your content creation journey, or are an experienced video wizard looking to make some extra cash for a long-awaited upgrade, here are some of the best vlogging tools around to help you nail your vision.
Compact vlogging cameras
If you’re planning to spend the majority of your time capturing content in bustling cities and/or the great outdoors, you’re going to want to go for more compact cameras that are easy to carry — especially if your arms are working a selfie stick or gimbal.
The Sony ZV-1 and ZV-E10 are superb compact cameras that have been specifically designed with vloggers in mind. With flip-out screens, 4K video, and plenty of vlogging-specific features, they’re a critically-acclaimed choice for beginners and pros alike. Sony’s RX100 VII is also worth a mention, thanks to its versatile 24-200mm zoom lens, and 4K video skills.
If you’re more of a Canon fan, then the company’s PowerShot G5 X II is also an excellent choice, thanks to its 20MP sensor, 4K video recording, and handy pop-up electronic viewfinder. The latter will come in particularly handy if you’re planning on using it for photos too.
And for those that want to go ultra-minimal? Then it’s worth considering something like the DJI Pocket 2. Shedding the traditional camera form factor for something no larger than a remote control, it’s a handheld gimbal with a built-in 4K camera and support for accessories like extra batteries and microphones. With an accompanying app filled with all sorts of control options, it’s one of the best tools around for discrete, lightweight shooting.
Premium, full-frame vlogging cameras
If you’re happy to spend a little more for an even more versatile tool, then a full-frame camera is the way to go. Sony once again offers a pair of formidable options in the form of the FX3 and A7SIII. The former is a cinema camera that's designed for high-end videography with a full-frame sensor, 4K video, and 15+ stops of dynamic range. It's also compact and lightweight, making it a great option for vloggers who need a powerful camera that's easy to carry.
The A7SIII, on the other hand, is one of the all-time greats for low-light shooting. With 4K video, oodles of dynamic range and class-leading auto-focus, it can handle practically any situation you’re likely to throw at it.
Notable mentions also go to the Panasonic Lumix S5 II, and Canon’s EOS R5. The Lumix should be able to handle even the bumpiest of vlogging adventures thanks to its built-in five-axis image stabilisation, while Canon’s offering serves up a beastly 45MP sensor for pixel-packed 8K video recording. The latter is a little on the larger and heavier side, mind, but if you’re after the higher resolution, it’s one of the best choices around.
Mid-range APS-C vlogging cameras
If you’re after something that bridges the middle ground between a smaller micro-four-thirds camera and a larger full-frame offering, then APS-C cameras slot nicely in between.
There’s no shortage of ones to choose from, with the Canon EOS M50 II (24MP), M6 II (32.5MP), and R10 (25.5MP) all offering a vast array of features to make your vlogs shine, with 4K recording and flip-out screens making providing a sharp, comfortable shooting experience.
Nikon fans will also want to check out the compact Nikon Z30, which is also a 4K flip-out screen-toting camera, with advanced auto-focus for less stressful shots. Sony’s Alpha A6400 is another mirrorless entry, with powerful features and plenty of auto-focus tricks of its own.
24-105mm lenses for vlogging
A camera is only as good as the lens you use with it, and the right lens can make or break any shooting experience. We’re specifically focusing on 24-105mm lenses — aka, the ‘do it all’ lens. Lenses with this focal range have earned their moniker due to their wide range of focal lengths.
With wide-angle to telephoto zoom scenarios all covered, they’re incredibly versatile, letting you capture everything from your own face to sweeping landscapes — all without having to carry around an extra bag of lenses.
You could write an entire essay on some of the best 24-105mm lenses, but some stand-out choices are the Sony FE 24-105mm f/4 G OSS, and the Panasonic Lumix S 24-105mm f/4 Macro OIS.
Sony’s offering is, naturally, compatible with Sony’s own E-mount cameras, with a fast, constant f4 aperture, matching its rivals. Built-in image stabilisation is a bonus too. Panasonic’s lens is ideal if you’re rocking a Panasonic L-mount camera, and also features image stabilisation, in addition to a potentially useful macro mode for close-up shots.
Canon users will definitely want to check out the RF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM — a lens that’ll play nice with Canon’s own RF-mount cameras. It’s got a premium, rugged build with weather sealing to boot, providing extra peace of mind for challenging locations.
Lastly, we’ve got the Sigma 24-105mm f/4 DG OS HSM ART — a full-frame lens that's compatible with a variety of camera mounts, including Canon, Nikon, and Sony.
Vlogging microphones
You can have the best footage in the world, but if your voice is drowned out by the sound of traffic, or if the audio is fuzzy, clipped, or muffled in general, then your content won’t get the attention and recognition it deserves. That’s why choosing the right microphone is a key part of any content creation puzzle.
The go-to choice for most people is Rode, whose reputation for high-quality audio equipment has earned it well-deserved praise from creators around the world. The Rode Wireless GO, VideoMic Pro, and VideoMicro are all solid choices that cater to practically all budgets and needs.
The Wireless GO is a compact wireless microphone system that can capture audio from up to 230 feet away. It features a transmitter and receiver that can be clipped onto your clothing, making it a great option for hands-free vlogging, and it also has a built-in omnidirectional condenser capsule, which provides clear and natural audio.
The Rode VideoMic Pro, on the other hand, is a shotgun microphone that's compatible with most cameras, and works by isolating your voice and reducing background noise. It also has a built-in shock mount and a high-pass filter, which helps to eliminate low-frequency noise, making for a more pleasant listening experience.
Finally, the Rode VideoMicro is a far more compact shotgun mic that is one of the best, most compact ways to enhance your audio. Lightweight and with a built-in shock mount, it’s one of the most popular choices for those looking for the sleekest setup around.
Vlogging tripods
While you could technically record a vlog or create content without a tripod, using one can help improve the quality and consistency of your videos, while making the process more convenient and comfortable.
For one thing, a tripod can help stabilise your camera, reducing shakiness in your footage. A tripod can also free up your hands and allow you to focus on your content without worrying about holding the camera. This can be particularly helpful if you're recording for an extended period of time, or if you’re showing off an item or object.
The Joby Gorillapod with QR Plate is a popular choice, thanks to its flexible legs. They can be bent to wrap around objects, making it easy to position the camera at various angles and heights. It also comes with a quick-release plate, allowing you to easily attach and detach your camera from the tripod.
The Manfrotto BeFree Live Lever Kit is another contender, with a fluid head that allows for smooth panning and tilting. Its legs can be folded up for portability, while a levelling column and a retractable spreader make it easy to set up on uneven surfaces.
Vlogging gimbals
Gimbals are one of the most important accessories for vloggers who regularly walk and talk, as well as those looking for super-stable footage while on the move.
The DJI RS 2 Pro Combo is a popular choice, thanks to its professional-grade stabilisation skills. This particular kit comes with a variety of accessories, including a focus wheel, a RavenEye image transmission system, and a phone holder, and can support a range of camera setups ranging from DSLRs to mirrorless cameras.
The DJI Mavic 2 is technically a drone, although, as with any drone, it could generously be described as a flying gimbal. Either way, it’s an impressive bit of kit, sporting a Hasselblad camera with a 1-inch CMOS sensor that can capture 4K video and 20-megapixel photos. The drone can fly for up to 31 minutes with an 8km range and comes with a range of intelligent features such as obstacle avoidance, and the ability to automatically follow a subject.
All of the above equipment make up a tiny percentage of the huge selection of products available at MPB. The site also offers plenty of articles and guides to help you choose the right gear for your content creation needs, and you can rest assured that you’re in safe hands. Whether you want to sell your gear for some extra cash, or pick up some premium used equipment to help expand your content, you’ll be in the right place.
