Over the course of 6 years, I’ve upgraded quite a lot of camera gear to achieve that ‘perfect vlogging setup’. Even though I’m far from perfection, this is my vlogging gear setup and review that I’m most happy with and the one that serves me well in all kinds of situations.
- Sony a6400
- Sony 18-105mm f/4 PZ
- Sigma 30mm DC DN f/1.4
- Boya MM1 Mic
- Maono AU 400 Lav Mic
- Sony & Sandisk Class 10 Grade 3 SD
- DJI Osmo Action
- Cynova USB C Mic Adapter
- Xtreme Acoustics Wireless UHF
- AmazonBasics 50 inch Tripod
- Yantralay Flexible Gorillapod
- Godox 32 inch Softbox
- Shootvilla Portable Light Stand
Main Camera – Sony a6400
Sony a6400 – Sony has the best mirrorless options in the market. I upgraded from canon 1300D to a Sony a6300 when I got interested to shoot videos. From then I upgraded go a6400 for the excellent focus tracking, HLG and the flip up screen.
For anybody starting out I’d suggest to go for a6100 which is a great value for money camera.
Zoom Lens – Sony 18 – 105 mm f/4 PZ
Sony 18 – 105mm f/4 PZ – This is my go to all rounder lens. I use this lens mostly for vlogging, shooting B rolls and for landscape photography.
Only downside of this lens is its weight but it’s no deal breaker when you compare the features like constant aperture and power zoom you get for the price.
Prime Lens – Sigma 30mm DC DN f/1.4
Sigma 30mm DC DN f/1.4 – This lens is a bang for the buck product. It’s very sharp, lightweight and performs extremely well in low light. Although the autofocus isn’t as good as Sony lenses, it’s a great lens for a wide variety of photography options.
The only drawback is that it lacks built-in stabilisation. I use it mainly for photography and static videos.
Shotgun Mic – Boya MM1
Boya MM1 Mic – I use this mic attached to a hot shoe extension mount on the a6400 for vlogging. It does a pretty decent job compared to its more expensive counterparts like Rode.
Lav Mic – Maono AU 400 Lav Mic
Maono AU 400 Lav Mic – Any generic Lav mic will do a decent job in recording audio from inside of the helmet. I have routed it through the Bluetooth headset space available in the Axor apex helmets. I use a 2nd one for indoor videos.
Storage – Sony and Sandisk class 10 grade 3 SD cards
Sony and Sandisk class 10 grade 3 – These memory cards are fast enough to shoot 4K videos and high buffer photos in Sony a6400 and Dji Osmo Action. They are very reliable too.
Action Camera – DJI Osmo Action
DJI Osmo Action – I used to use a Hawkeye firefly 4s camera for motovlogging. It served the purpose well for almost 4 years. I felt the need to upgrade when I wanted to start vlogging as it didn’t support external mic connection.
DJI Osmo Action was a major upgrade. The rock steady stabilisation is insane! The picture quality is amazing. Moreover it’s waterproof even without a casing.
The battery isn’t the best but you can record even while you are charging it. I use power bank to keep it running during long distance shoots.
Mic Adapter – Cynova USB C Adapter
Cynova USB C Adapter – This adapter lets you connect a lav mic to the DJI Osmo Action. It even lets you access the USB port so you can charge as well as keep the mic connected while recording.
Wireless Transmitter – Xtreme Acoustics XAWL303 Wireless UHF
Xtreme Acoustics XAWL303 Wireless UHF – They are wireless transmitters as well as wireless lav mic. The transmitter lets you connect an external mic and receiver lets you connect a headphone for monitoring with individual volume controls. It’s a value for money product.
Main Tripod – AmazonBasics 50 inch Tripod
AmazonBasics 50 inch Tripod – I don’t carry a heavy tripod anymore while travelling unless I intend to shoot specific photos or videos in the place I’m headed to. For such purposes, I use Amazon basics tripod.
Vlogging Tripod – Yantralay Flexible Gorillapod
Yantralay Flexible Gorillapod – A generic flexible tripod comes in handy while vlogging and as a tripod in uneven terrain.
Studio Lighting – Godox 32 inch Softbox & Shootvilla Portable Light Stand
Godox 32 inch Softbox & Shootvilla Portable Light Stand – This isn’t necessarily vlogging gear but I use these for all the indoor studio shoots.
Check out my review on my all weather motorcycle luggage system here – https://bulletstrings.com/motorcycle-luggage-system/
I hope you found my vlogging gear setup review useful in selecting your own gear. I can’t stress this enough but GEAR DOESN’T MATTER. Stories do. Gear helps though. Check out the detailed video review below.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Which camera is best for bike vlogging?
DJI Osmo Action is the best motovlog camera for the price. The image quality and stabilisation is unparalleled compared to the cameras in this price range.
How do I setup a vlogging helmet?
Most of the action camera kits come with helmet mounts. You can attach a lav mic inside the helmet in the space provided for a bluetooth com kit to make the vlogging setup complete.
How do I start vlogging?
Just pick the camera and start talking! It’s that simple yet it takes time and practice to get over the fear and shyness.
Is sony a6400 worth it?
Even in 2022, Sony a6400 is absolutely a beast of a vlogging camera for beginners to intermediate level creatives. Pair it with good lenses from Sony or Sigma and you are good to go.
What lens do vloggers use?
For vlogging it’s better to use a wide angle lens to capture as much as the vlogger and background as possible. For a APS-C lens this would be anywhere less than 18mm and 24mm for a full frame lens.
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