Consider investing in these gadgets first before you become a blogger.
1. Camera
The price range for cameras is huge, from simple models for a couple of hundred dollars to professional ones for several thousand - and this is without taking into account additional lenses, filters, and other things. But more often than not, a novice blogger can do without such impressive expenses.
- If you are shooting a play and are clearly not satisfied with the camera's quality in a laptop or a cheap "webcam," try using your smartphone as an additional camera. Apps like DroidCam make this easy. Just take care of the correct position smartphones during shooting: a "spider" holder or a car holder will do.
- If you want to create dynamic videos for TikTok or extreme videos, the action camera comes in handy. It is more reliable and durable than smartphones and even better shoots on the move. If the gadget falls during operation, it will most likely not be damaged.
- If your content is unboxing or DIY, then it would be nice to get a second camera. So you can simultaneously shoot your face and what is happening on your desk, and then comfortably edit the video. But if you already have an action camera or digital camera, then a smartphone will be enough - you only have to buy a tripod to fix the device above the table.
- If you want to capture mass events or inspiring landscapes, you need a drone with a camera. You can start with inexpensive Chinese models - they give out confident Full HD, if not 4K resolution, are conveniently controlled, and do not get lost.
Also read: How to Start a Blog and Make it Successful: 8 Tips
The number of devices worth buying depends on what you already have. If the smartphone is five years old and the camera is far from perfect, it often makes sense to upgrade the model rather than buy a compact digital camera - mainly because the smartphone is always in your pocket. If you want to shoot landscapes, but are not sure that you are ready to spend money on a drone right away, try renting a gadget - such an experiment will not cost much.
Besides, light decides a lot. It is difficult to shoot indoors with a smartphone; the image begins to "make noise," colors become less vibrant. A pair of powerful lamps for a standard base can often save the situation.
2. Headphones
A good blog or podcast takes many hours of painstaking work with sound. It will be a bit hard in the usual "droplets": after a couple of hours, you will want to take them off, because such headphones, in general, are intended mainly for short trips in transport or jogging.
Large models with steep bass are also unlikely to work. Due to the specific audio settings, you will not hear at all what your subscribers will hear.
AKG K361 BT Bluetooth headphones are a good choice for listening and editing audio recordings. This is a high-quality wired device for full-fledged sound work that even musicians and sound engineers will appreciate. But the model is also suitable for everyday tasks. The headphones feature Bluetooth connectivity, so you can listen to your favorite songs wherever you go. It is convenient to switch tracks and control playback from the touch panel on the left earpiece - without taking your smartphone out of your pocket.
AKG K361 BT will help you work productively with audio materials at any time of the day, without disturbing anyone. These headphones convey all the nuances of sound, which means they will help you quickly eliminate defects, artifacts, and extraneous noise in the editor. Comfortable, adjustable headband and soft eco-leather ear cushions ensure all-day comfort and durable construction for long durability.
3. Stabilizer
Modern cameras compensate for a handshake, but the stabilization quality leaves much to be desired, especially when shooting video. Steadicam does this much more efficiently. It successfully eliminates shaking and helps create smooth skates.
Models of Steadicams differ in the type of mount (for a smartphone, camera, etc.) and the number of stabilization axes. One axis allows you to shoot in tilt mode, two in tilt and pan, and three in rotation.
Mechanical Steadicams use counterweights for stabilization, which can be manually adjusted, like the tripod arm's length. Electronic motors and sensors are used for this purpose. Such models are more expensive but more compact and efficient. It is easier to shoot tilts and panoramas with them.
When choosing a Steadicam, pay attention to additional functions. For example, many electronic models automatically change the camera's zoom when you move your smartphone forward or backward, including templates for shooting panoramas and time-lapse video.
4. Microphone
Built-in microphones in smartphones or laptops are far from ideal. They provide an audio track generously flavored with extraneous noise, distort the voice, and mediocrely convey the sound stage's volume. And it is also difficult to record the nuances of intonation with them - as a result, the sound will mostly lose emotions, and it will be uncomfortable to listen to such a track.
Initially, built-in microphones were designed so that you can transmit information to the interlocutor: by phone, in Skype or other instant messengers.
It's best to choose entry-level professional equipment for recording podcasts, video soundtracks, and let-plays and live broadcasts. The versatile AKG P120 studio condenser microphone will help you capture your voice's nuance and the soundstage volume - for example, when you want to emphasize movement in audio or prepare an interview.
The model is cardioid; it perceives sound in the region of the "heart" in front of itself and on the sides, helps to create the effect of closeness to the listener, while practically does not react to noises behind the device. The integrated attenuator protects the microphone preamplifier from overdriving, reduces the signal power without distorting its shape - the sound becomes quieter but without loss of quality.
5. Monitor speakers
When creating podcasts and audio for video, you need to know how your listeners will perceive these tracks, so you can't do without good monitor speakers. Monitors give you an understanding of what is happening “inside” your audio material, help you level the track in terms of volume and frequencies, hear how sound moves within the scene, how stereo effects are felt.
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JBL One Series 104 - active monitor speakers for comfortable work with sound. The model (30 watts per channel) will be enough for audio editing and watching videos or games.
Each speaker contains soft, dome coaxial speakers. The high-frequency tweeter is embedded inside the low-frequency driver to make the device more compact without losing sound quality. The system also includes a power amplifier: no need to buy a separate external one.
JBL One Series 104 can be used via Bluetooth or with a cable, a balanced connection via TRS-connectors, and unbalanced - via RCA connectors. In the future, these monitors may become part of a more professional system for you - desktop or studio.
Adapted and translated by The Cop Cart Staff
Sources: Life hacker
