After years of experience in making videos, we decided to put together the list for the best vlogging and video gear. We tested the best lighting, cameras, audio, computers and software.
Here are our top picks of the year!
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The Best YouTube Video + Vlogging Gear of 2023
Best Cinema Quality Camera: Sony A7SIII
The best camera for a number of reasons is the Sony A7S III. It has 4K video at 120fps. Sony’s color science is unmatched, especially with a high dynamic range LOG profile. It’s small, portable and packs the most punch. So far, this mirrorless beast is the best camera of 2022.
Best YouTube Camera: Canon EOS R
This is another beast of a camera that has lessened in price over the years. It is capable of beautiful 4K footage and 1080p at 120fps slow motion. It’s a reliable high quality DSLR, and you have the freedom to choosing your lenses. This camera is for dedicated people who are constantly filming different video projects and looking for the best quality at a good price.
Starter Budget Camera: Nikon D3500
You don’t need a big budget to make a great video. Companies like Nikon Canon, Sony have made it incredibly cheap to get high quality at a price point under $500. The Nikon D3500 is the best option as it gives you the easiest and most beginner version of a camera, that is surely reliable and suitable for starters
Best Wide Angle Lens: Tokina 11-16mm f2.8
This gives you the perfect wide focal length to shoot wide. It’s good for giving your videos an interesting look with more depth, even if you’re shooting close up. You can have a variety of looks with this lens and it brings in a lot of good light at f2.8. It’s a good budget option for a wide lens.
Best All-Around Lens: Sigma 18-35mm f1.8
This is the best lens we’ve tried on a mirrorless system. At f1.8, you get incredible shallow depth of field. It’s perfect for b-roll because shooting wide at 18mm is something that I love to do, but at 35mm, it’s a whole different look. It’s a versatile and crisp lens but is quite heavy. The only downside is that it won’t fit on full-frame systems.
Best Gimbal: DJI RSC2
The DJI RSC2 is the latest gadget that caught our eye. It’s incredibly powerful with a weight capacity at 3kg. It has many follow and tracking modes that makes gimbal work much easier. It’s a reliable system and DJI has always been stellar with proven products. For camera like the Canon EOS R5, this gimbal will be too big, but the for most other systems, it will be incredibly good for the price.
Best SD Card: Lexar Professional 128GB SD Card
For YouTube video creation, anything less 128gb won’t be enough to hold up to todays files sizes. There is so much hassle plugging in your card, downloading and uploading footage, and rejigging the whole camera media system. Make sure you never lose your moments with reliable cards that won’t get corrupted as well.
Best Shotgun Mic: Rode VideoMic Pro+
The RODE VideoMic Pro+ is a battery-powered cardioid microphone that mounts to the top of your camera. The RODE systems have always proven to be super reliable and high quality. They are a master at the craft and we’ve used their microphones for years. This mic is perfect for many situations.
Best Studio Mic: Rode NT-USB Microphone
This mic has very a crisp tone and minimal quality or static issues. Your audio will be more than adequate if you go the extra mile to soundproof your setup. This USB cardioid condenser mic is perfect for commentary videos and studio setups.
Best Filmmaking Tripod: Manfrotto Befree Tripod
One of the best tripods available on Amazon is the Manfrotto Befree Tripod. Investing in a good one can save you a lot of money because cheap ones break easily. The Manfrotto swivel-heads are super smooth and will provide you with reliable filming stability.
Best Camera Bag: BAGSMART Camera Backpack
This is our favourite camera bag. It fits a 15-Inch laptop and has a zip-up compartment for more space. Being able to adjust the inside of the bag is great if you want a tightly packed bag. It’s not too big but can handle a lot of gear. This bag will meet your standard camera bag needs but you’re going to need some Pelican cases, if you need more storage.
Best YouTube Drone: DJI Mavic Air 2
The best drone of the year for the price and quality is the DJI Mavic Air 2. Having previously used the first version of the Mavic Air, we can say that this upgrade is worth it. A couple hundred dollars more for a Hasselblad lens, upgraded, image quality, 4K 60fps and a loads more features is definitely a good deal.
Best Video/Filmmaking Light: Aputure 120D
The best video light is the Aputure 120D. It is a fiercely bright light and provides you with exceptional light quality. If you pair this with the Aputure Light Dome with the honeycomb grid, you can get so many versatile ways to light your subject.
Best YouTube Video Lighting System: GVM LED Lights
A good cheaper option for a light is the 3-Pack GVM LED video lighting system. These lights can be can be battery powered and are fairly lightweight and portable. If you’re recording yourself or larger scenes, these lights are great options.
Best Video Editing Computer: MacBook Pro
We’ve been avid Apple users and the MacBook Pro’s haven’t been anything less than exceptional. The line of Mac computers have so many RAM and Graphics options that you can get whatever you’re looking for. Though, the new Mac Pro and M1 chips by Apple are amazing options if you need serious video editing power.
The Best Vlogging Video Gear
Best Vlogging Camera: Canon G7X Mark II
This is the best vlogging camera that has a flip screen and plenty of functionality. It’s especially handy if you’re shooting handheld and always have action in your life. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket and bring everywhere you go. The Canon vlogging cameras are great systems for capturing all moments.
Best Ring Light: Neewer 18″ LED Ring Light
The Neewer 18” Inch Ring lIght has become the most popular lighting source. For it’s size and price, the ring light is the best option for Tik Tok, YouTube, Instagram and other type of video. Truly the go-to light of 2020.
Best Small Light: Falcons Eye F7
This is an awesome light for any occasion. It’s barely bigger than an iPhone. The F7 has a great range of brightness and even has ‘scenes’, where you can get more colorful and creative with the lighting.
Best External Mic: Rode VideoMic GO
This small mic has always proved to pack a punch. It’s super portable but is very sensitive for picking up audio. For smaller setups you can get super great audio in all sorts of conditions. Super reliable and cheap!
Best Action Camera: GoPro Hero 9
How can you not love GoPro after so many years. In the last decade, they’ve delivered more action packed features than any other camera. They’ve truly sprung forward the action camera movement and GoPro’s have been desired for so many great occasions.
Best Vlogging Drone: DJI Mavic Mini
The Mavic Mini is a super affordable option if you want to set up your craft, fly and grab some footage. You’ll get great quality at a low cost. DJI is becoming a huge force in the drone space and continuing to make great drones.›
Best Vlogging Tripod: Joby Gorillapod
The Gorillapod has been a staple in the vlogging lifestyle for the past many years. It only gets stronger and the legs continue to get more flexible. It’s the best vlogging option because of the customizability and fun of manipulating the tripod.
Best YouTube Video Software
Best Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe is our go-to system and will be your wonderland if you’re a creative person. The editing software is super functional and more familiar than FCP X. It gives lots of editing, effect and sharing options. The workflow becomes very intuitive, especially after picking from the millions of tutorials to help you navigate it.
Best Graphic Design Software: Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
Making great videos is so much more than just video files. Learning how to make graphics, titles, animations and other creative assets is a great way to expand your skillset. If you dedicate your time to making a lot of new things and using the many features that the software has, you’ll become a pro in no time..
Best Social Media Management Software: Canva
Canva is awesome for beginner designers. If you aren’t a savvy graphic designer, this software will make it way easier to make anything. There’s many templates for all occasions that make it easy to promote your work. It even have an option to schedule posts.
Best Photo Editing Software: Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop
Lightroom is a great software if you take a lot of photos, especially if you’re processing them heavily. It’s super easy and fun to learn and great for managing files. The new 2020 features on Photoshop, such as the sky replacement tool, are also super great for photographers,.
YouTube Analytics: VIDIQ
VidIQ has helped so many YouTubers find more . VIDIQ has helped us understand the keywords that will turn into successful YouTube content. The chrome extension is really handy for researching.
YouTube Optimization + Research: TubeBuddy
TubeBuddy is a great tool for research and even better for managing a YouTube channel. You learn greatly how to optimize your videos for best results. The TubeBuddy Chrome Extension is a great time saver also.
Best Website Builder: Wix
You’ll need a website if you want to grow a successful brand or business. Wix is great for beginners to make creative and professional sites. There’s plenty of presets, templates and guides and the Wix support is tremendous.