Want to start Vlogging on a budget in 2018?

Have you ever wanted to get yourself into the vlogging game, but you feel you haven’t got the funds?

Then read on…

The only obstacle between you and vlogging is yourself!

I’m going to go through some of the must haves to get you started with vlogging on a budget in 2017.

You may have heard of a well-known phrase,

‘Content is king’.

YouTubers are applying this every day and believe it or not Bill Gates said this in 1996!

This quote relates perfectly when it comes to vlogging. It’s fact that content trumps quality! A viewer would much rather watch great content even if it was not quite 4K than watching a super ultra 4K video with next to no narrative.

My top 3 budget cameras

Even though content trumps quality, nowadays HD video is almost expected.

Gone are the days you could sit in front of your 480p webcam and create a watchable video.

That being said, almost every smartphone in existence can record in at least 1080p. The majority of the newer models can even record in 4k!

It has never been easier than NOW to start Vlogging on a budget.

Smartphone - FREE

Okay, so a smartphone is clearly not free, however, the likelihood is if you are reading this you own one already.

There, you are already halfway there to becoming a vlogger!

Many YouTubers choose to record on their phone and with good reason. The majority of smartphones in 2017 can record up to 4k footage.

Here are some budget accessories I would recommend to use with your smartphone but are not essential:

Rode Video Mic ME - £48
The one con to vlogging on a smartphone is they tend to pic up a lot of background noise. This small portable mic can be a great addition to improve the audio of your vlogs but this is by no means needed.

Phone Tripod - £5.89
The tripod may only be needed if you are recording stationary shots but I use this tripod myself as…

…well, kind of a small selfie stick and for less than £6, this is a must must buy!

Keep reading for the Editing software section to find out how to edit and upload YouTube videos straight from your smartphone.

GoPro Session - £149

GoPros are a household name when it comes to action cameras.

I personally believe they are made for the travel vlogger or person who records a lot on the go.

I film my day to day life and upload it to YouTube using primarily my GoPro…

… I feel the flexibility of having a camera so small, waterproof and versatile is the ideal camera for vlogging on a budget.

The GoPro Session is the smallest of their range and still packs a stunning wide angle 1080p film with options to connect to your phone for remote use and setting tweak.

Sony WX500 - £273

The Sony WX500 is the most expensive camera out of the three, however, in the bigger picture this is still a cheap camera and can get you amazing footage while vlogging on a budget.

The quality is what you would expect for a Sony camera of the present.

1080p CRISP CLEAN VIDEO!

…and the audio isn’t too bad either!

The added bonus of having a flip up screen makes this a perfect camera for the avid vlogger. Being able to see what’s in the frame while recording makes it a no brainer.

One piece of equipment that I live and swear by while vlogging on this camera is the Manfrotto PIXI Mini Tripod retailing at £19.95.

This small tripod is a godsend! Whether it be setting up the perfect angle for a shot, or just to use as a small selfie stick this tripod is always a first in my backpack on an adventure.

Editing Software

Now, to make great content top end editing suites are not needed…

… they are just a bonus.

Depending on what OS you use there are some great FREE pieces of software to get you off your feet and still vlogging on a budget.

Apple Devices

iMovie
It can be used on your smartphone. So if you are recording your vlogs on your phone… BINGO! No need for a PC.
It is so easy to use, perfect for creating vlogs
iMovie comes free with any Apple device; you may need to download it from the app store if you’re using mobile.

That’s vlogging on a budget!

Android Device

Adobe Clip
Straightforward cutting clips and you can even upload straight to YouTube from the app.
If you’re recording your vlogs on your Android device, editing straight into Adobe clip is easy!

Windows

Windows Movie Maker
VERY basic, so if you are looking to makes some clips here and there. Add simple transitions. This may be for you!
Movie Maker is like iMovie is to Apple. It’s completely free to use!

Hitfilm 4 Express
It has options to upgrade certain features like special effect/filters for a small cost if required
If you’re looking to do a little bit more with your vlogs; add effects, colour grading etc. Hitfilm is a great FREE editing suite.

Conclusion!

Now you’ve got this far…

… a great first step is to

Establish your content first using your smartphone and a free editing suite. This is a great way to start on your amazing journey to YouTube success!

There’s no harm in upgrading equipment on the way!

Since I’ve given you the confidence in how easy it is to start vlogging on a budget in 2017

Get out there a VLOG!