Ever since 10 years old, Paul has been fascinated with making videos; so much so, that his social circle all knew he was pursuing the vlogging path. His lawyer parents, however, wanted him to follow their footsteps, and which he did, but his vlogging dream was still very much a reality. He watched YouTubers every day and observed the industry while working as a lawyer for his father’s firm. He would shoot and edit videos without ever uploading them.
One day, he finally decided to become a vlogger. He knows what other people would say but then, does it even matter? For him to become a successful YouTuber, he has to be firm with his decision. 2020 was his breakout year. Because the pandemic forced him to stay at home more,
Paul finally mustered the courage to upload videos, one at a time. His 9 to 5 job would still stay but he’ll be uploading content on the side.
Paul is not an isolated case. Many people are wanting to upload content on YouTube, maximizing a free platform to tell stories and showcase their talents. Since it’s free, people think it’s an easy job but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. With an oversaturated market, the competition has become more stiff than ever. One has to have the mental fortitude to make it through. So Paul’s first agenda was to do his research and invest in high-quality products to upgrade his home vlogging station and editing nook. Here are everything that Paul ticked off his list:
1. Camera
For you to be noticed in the YouTube arena, your videos must be one-of-a-kind. Yes, the topics you cover and how you tell them matter more but the quality would also help you stand out compared to the other videos that are uploaded online.
We’ve seen phone cameras upgrading for the past years, with megapixels reaching up to 108MP this 2021. If you want a DSLR, camera brands like Sony and Canon could shoot videos up to 120 frames per second. Movement can be captured in sharp form even with third-party lenses such as Sigma. Other great additions to your camera bag include drones and action cameras such as GoPro and Insta360. Know your vision first so that you could look for a camera with the specifications that could best execute it.
If you don’t have the budget just yet, it’s important that you know how to use your existing camera to the best of your ability.
2. Microphone
Another aspect that could make your videos hi-res is sound quality. It can become distracting if you watch a video with a noisy recording or muffled voices that no one will understand. Investing in a good microphone with a condenser such as those offered by Sennheisser, AKG, and R0DE will give your video recordings clearer audio and make your audience more drawn to your content.
3. Lighting Equipment
It’s not just the camera that matters; lighting is also very important in achieving good image quality. It doesn’t really have to be that elaborate; a simple softbox or two with durable light stands to illuminate the workstation could do. Even placing your vlogging station near the window where the sunlight hits perfectly can do the trick, especially that natural lighting does wonder. Adding a backlight or a key light will also add more effect; ultimately, as with other products on this list, it depends on the look that you are trying to achieve.
4. Laptop or Desktop
It might cost you a lot but investing in a heavy-duty laptop or desktop is never a bad idea. When buying a laptop, instead of looking at the brand, check its graphics card, processor core (Intel i5/i7/i9 models or the latest Apple M1 chip), and storage capacity.
When your laptop works fast, it will save you time in editing videos. It could also help produce the best quality in terms of color grading and sound enhancement. A tip is to consider buying an external hard drive to expand memory.
5. Standing Desk + Standing Desk Converter
Many have switched to a standing desk at the height of the pandemic, and with good reason. It will enhance work efficiency and improve your posture while working.
EQ3-48"W Electric Height Adjustable Standing Desk
Get your hands on the FlexiSpot EQ3-48. You may choose from two colors of desk frames that could either be grey or black. The desktop is bamboo, an eco-friendly material that is durable and in line with FlexiSpot’s commitment to the environment. Its height ranges from 23.6” to 49.2.” The motor is less than 50 decibels and is guaranteed to not disturb you, anyone else in the house, or the neighbors. It has an advanced LED Control Panel that has 7 buttons for up and down movement as memory presets. Its full weight capacity is 275 pounds, a weight that can still be lifted by the dual-motor of this product.
You could easily upgrade the workstation without taking desk space by mounting a standing desk converter.
Standing Desk Converters M7 Series
This standing desk converter comes with a removable keyboard tray and is great for laptops. The tray can be easily attached in one step, so it’s easy for you to decide whether you want to use the desk riser with or without the keyboard tray. The desk is also designed with an 18.5'' wide U-shaped desktop cutout over the keyboard tray that will enable easy use of a 17'' laptop.
It has a straight-up-down operation so that you don’t have to worry about it taking up space or toppling forward. You may raise and lower the desk vertically that could save you valuable space and also provide stabilization. You may change the height with just one arm and stabilize it at any point from 4.7”-19.7”. It can accommodate tall users, including people that are 6’5” in height. This also comes with a specially braced X-Lift structure that prevents drop and crash from a position even under full load—in this case, the weight capacity of the product is 33 pounds.
Lastly, the base frame and keyboard tray have protective rubber pads to ensure safety, provide you comfort, and give protection.
Working remotely with your own deadline will definitely challenge your motivation and discipline. Design a workstation to boost efficiency and productivity.
6. Monitor Mount
It’s much easier to edit and go through loads of footage with a wide or two screens. Don’t take up additional desktop space and clamp Flexispot’s Monitor Mounts securely to your desk. You may opt for a single monitor mount or two. The monitor mounts can hide the cords to make the workspace clutter-free. It’s also easy to install, adjust the height, and rotate to an angle that you need while editing or watching raw footage.
7. Gaming Chair
The long hours of editing up to the wee hours of the morning can be tiring especially if you’re still juggling a 9-5 job with your YouTube career that is just starting.
The FlexiSpot massage gaming chair can be used for the workspace as well. It is made of soft luxury breathable bonded leather, has a thick padded seat, and a steady chair base. It has a rocking angle at 10° and an adjustable reclining angle from 90°~170°. It also comes with an adjustable lumbar support and headrest pillow for comfortable seating.
