Choosing a camera is an important moment in the work of any blogger, from a beginner to a very experienced one. Market research can be a real headache, because there are so many options. What resolution do you need? Should you just shoot on your smartphone? Will you need additional accessories? Now we’re going to discuss the most important points when choosing video equipment.
Image quality
It is very important to understand whether you are going to shoot your blog in Full HD or 4K resolution. These days, most smartphones and small cameras are able to shoot in 4K resolution. Videos like this are very impressive. But on “weak” computers, editing such material will not be easy. Besides, most people watch vlogs on smartphones. So your great video will make quite a different impression.
That said, people are starting to buy more and more monitors and TVs that support 4K, so your videos will be appreciated in the future. If you opt for this video resolution, you will be able to trim your videos with virtually no loss of quality, which opens up new boundaries for creativity. You’ll be able to create a zoom effect, while you’ve actually just zoomed in.
Image stabilization
This is one of the most important features. The point of the technology comes down to compensating for camera vibrations during shooting. Mechanical stabilization should not be confused with electronic stabilization (EIS) and optical stabilization (OIS), which are used in action cameras and smartphones. Mechanical stabilizers typically use a three-axis or two-axis suspension with a system of motors controlling camera movements.
Best video editing programs for beginners – in Kirill Yurovskiy’s article.
Optical image stabilization uses a moving optical element inside the lens, thus eliminating video shake. Some cameras even use electronic stabilization. The main problem with this system is that it severely degrades image quality. Videos shot with such devices can be easily identified by a strange distorted effect. So, in order to avoid such a problem, most smartphones usually combine electronic and optical stabilization systems. With SLR cameras, it all depends on the lens you use.
Portability
It’s important for a blogger to start recording at any second. These days, it’s a lot easier to take pictures than it used to be. A camera with a high resolution may well fit in a jeans pocket. Digital cameras, on the other hand, boast better image quality. Plus, they are great for taking pictures in a variety of situations. The portability of the camera is a criterion that every blogger determines for himself based on the type of content he creates. Perhaps you opt for a smaller gadget, or maybe you sacrifice convenience for the sake of better quality footage.
Microphone jack
Any blogger will tell you that quality sound will transform an ordinary blog, making it more professional. Built-in microphones usually record inadequate sound quality compared to external microphones. When buying a camera, be sure to note whether it has a 3.5mm jack or the ability to connect in any other way.
LCD screen
The built-in screen can perform a number of different functions, all depending on its design. There are a couple of useful options: a tilt-turn display and a touch screen. The first allows you to take pictures yourself and control the process by turning the camera screen to your side. You can do without it, but it’s so much easier to shoot with this feature. And the touch screen allows you to adjust the focus with a single touch.
Shooting in low light
If you often shoot at night or indoors, it’s worth thinking about the camera features associated with shooting in low light conditions. Although smartphone sensors are much better now than they used to be, digital cameras still do a better job of shooting in dusk or darkness.
Wi-Fi connection
A Wi-Fi connection helps you quickly download videos to your smartphone for sharing on social media. It also comes in handy for online streaming. You’ll be able to film in real time for your followers.
You can also use Wi-Fi to connect additional accessories, like external monitors, stabilizers, and lens focus control devices. Check the camera’s wireless options: whether they meet your needs.
