Ready to launch your vlogging journey but don’t know where to start? We break down the essential gear for beginners – from budget-friendly cameras and microphones to stabilisers, lighting, and editing software. Whether you’re filming travel adventures, tech reviews, or daily life, find out which gadgets will level up your content without breaking the bank.
All vloggers can be bloggers, but not all bloggers are vloggers…
First things first, for those of you still unsure what a vlogger is or the difference between a blogger and a vlogger, the key distinction lies in how they convey their content – bloggers write, while vloggers create video content that they share online. This means the equipment needed for both will slightly differ.
Today, there are over 600 million blogs online, with over 6 million new posts published every day. While Instagram and TikTok have become popular for short-form video, YouTube remains the leading platform for traditional longer-form vlogging, with over 2.5 billion monthly active users. Meanwhile, TikTok has 1.58 billion active users, and Instagram sees 2 billion users engaging in short-form video content like Reels and Stories.
Essential vlogging gear, what do the pros use and recommend?
If you are eager to become part of the ever-growing vlogger community, here is the equipment recommended by vloggers and tech specialists from London to Singapore.
1. A smartphone, the starting point for every vlogger
Some might have thought (I did) one would need an expensive camera but turns out all one needs is… your smartphone! Modern smartphones offer high-resolution video, built-in stabilisation, and easy editing options. Many successful vloggers, such as influencer Elaine Heng, rely solely on their smartphone. ‘I just use my iPhone,’ she tells me when I ask her which device is essential for any self-respecting vlogger.
I get the same answer – ‘I shoot everything off my iPhone’ – from UK-based vlogger Dave Brett. The high quality of his vlogs, published across all major platforms, including his own dedicated website, YouTube and Instagram as Travel Dave, proves that smartphones alone can produce engaging, professional content.
And if it is good enough for Hollywood…
‘Believe it or not, some scenes from the upcoming 28 Years Later film were shot on an iPhone – with the right rig and lenses, you can do a lot!’ says Ash from Selfridges in London. With experience in film production and corporate video projects, Ash is an expert in vlogging gear and takes the time to explain every detail.
Before splurging on equipment, remember that a solid phone and good storytelling can suffice.
2. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3: A game-changer for beginners
However, if you are a gadget freak like me or want to get to the next level in vlogging, the big winner for vloggers, is undoubtedly and without competition the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.
What is it?
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is one of the best compact vlogging cameras. ‘It’s like a mini steadicam, featuring a built-in gimbal, 4K video, and zoom. It also comes as a combo, which includes an extra battery, a wireless mic, and a stand,’ explains Ash.
He adds he has seen ‘so much footage with this, and it’s incredible. People use it for filming concerts, and it eliminates shaky footage – now, with this, everything looks professional.’
Singapore-based vlogger William Tan also swears by the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for superior stability and video quality.
In fact it is so good it regularly sells out.
The Osmo Pocket 3 combo costs about €700 and comes with a wireless mic, extra battery, and stand.
Slightly more expensive is the Canon G7X Mark III (€800), the second-best option for vloggers. ‘It’s primarily a photography camera but offers excellent video capabilities. We had 14 pre-orders, and they sold out immediately,’ Ash notes.
The camera is bulkier and heavier, and very popular among content creators.
3. Tripods & Stabilisers for Professional-Quality Footage
A good stabiliser or tripod ensures smooth shots and hands-free recording.
Tan says he uses MOFT Snap Phone Tripod Stand (Magsafe-compatible for stability) and the Ulanzi MT44 Tripod Selfie Stick Phone Holder (for flexibility).
Meanwhile Ash recommends a phone gimbal, as ‘it acts like a steadicam for your phone. Since most modern smartphones have good cameras, this setup works well for beginners. You can also add an external mic for improved sound quality.’
As an audio and music fan, Ash stresses out that high-quality audio is just as important as video. He recommends the DJI Wireless Mic, which ‘cancels background noise and ensures crisp, professional audio’.
4. Beyond the Basics: Pro-Gear & Drones
Finally, for those inspired by cinematic aerial shots, drones are a must-have.
Hugely popular among travel vloggers, DJI dominates the drone market, ‘with entry-level models from £169, while professional drones – like those used by BBC productions – go up to £4,000,’ says Ash.
Make sure to know the drone laws enforced in the country you are filming in. ‘In London, you can’t fly drones near parliamentary buildings or airports,’ Ash warns. ‘Drones under 250 grams don’t require a license, but heavier ones must be registered.’
Interestingly, Ash also reveals that at one point, they were completely sold out of drones because Ukrainian buyers purchased them for use in the war against Russia – though Selfridges only sells film-grade models.
So, what’s the best budget setup for a beginner?
Before investing in drones or high-end cameras, you can safely start vlogging high-quality content without needing to mortgage your house.
For under €200, beginners can start vlogging with: a smartphone that has a high-resolution camera, a phone gimbal to act as a stabiliser, and an external mic.
As you grow your channel, upgrading to a DJI Osmo Pocket 3, Canon G7X Mark III, or professional drones can take your content to the next level. But do keep in mind that before all that, what really matters and what makes a good vlog stand out is an engaging content, great storytelling, originality and your own unique personal style!
