Filming with a phone or a camera – how much money do you need to start a YouTube channel?
In the beginning a lot of questions always come up. One of the most common is whether you can film your videos with your phone or whether you have to invest in a good camera, lights and all the other equipment.
The short answer is that you can start with your phone. The only thing I would recommend buying from the start is a microphone that connects to the phone. There are many different models and price ranges to choose from.
The most important thing to understand is that people can still watch a video with slightly lower image quality, but if the sound is bad most won't keep listening for very long. That's why I'd rather spend the money on good audio in the beginning than on an expensive camera.
Modern phones deliver great image quality, are easy to use and make everything a little smoother. Imagine setting up a proper camera on a tripod and starting to film in the middle of a shopping centre. It probably won't be long before security guards come over wondering what you're up to. If you film with your phone instead, you usually attract far less attention. People are used to seeing others film with their phones.
So both practically and financially it's easier to start filming with your phone.
And don't forget a classic mistake: spending all your savings on a new camera and then discovering that vlogging wasn't for you after all. Then that expensive gear risks just gathering dust in the basement.
If you still feel like you want to buy a camera, I recommend starting with a second-hand one. That way you don't have to spend as much money in the beginning. If you notice that this is something you really want to keep doing, you can always upgrade your equipment later.
When it comes to microphones, a simple wired microphone is a good option. There are models at places like Kjell & Company that plug straight into the phone.
If you have a bit more money to spend you can go for wireless microphones. I use wireless microphones from DJI myself. They're rechargeable, stored in a charging case, and I have two of them – which is practical when you're interviewing someone.