Travel Vlogging Equipment For Beginners – Top Picks
Whether you’re a seasoned travel vlogger or only just getting started in the world of producing travel-related digital content, one thing you will agree on is the need for good quality vlogging equipment that you can rely on to produce high-quality content.
While a phone camera or a simple point-and-shoot can get you started, sooner or later you’re going to have to invest in some decent equipment if you’re serious about making progress as a content creator.
And contrary to popular belief, you need not spend a fortune to get your hands on some of the basic vlogging gear that will enable you to advance from a beginner to pro relatively quickly and easily. But what does a vlogger need to get started?
One of the first and most obvious pieces of vlogging gear you’d want to invest in is a high-quality, versatile camera.
Once you’ve checked that one-off, you’d want to make sure you’re always carrying sufficient memory to capture those ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ moments as well as an external hard drive for backups.
One more piece of travel vlog gear that will add flair to your content is a drone, so consider allocating a budget for this useful piece down the line as well. You’ll also want to include a tripod, a microphone and a carry-on bag (that is preferably waterproof).
All that said, it can be somewhat overwhelming to search for the right gadget at the right price. So we’ve put together a list of some of the best travel vlogging gear for beginners that we’ve seen.
Top cameras for vlogging
When selecting a travel vlogging camera, some of the things you need to be mindful of is good stabilization to capture footage while on the move, a wide enough focal length to shoot yourself as well the background and a front facing flip screen.
Vlogging Camera
1.Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera Vlogging and Online Video Kit
The Sony ZV-1 is possibly one the best travel vlogging cameras you can get for your money’s worth. It packs a punch with some very travel vlogging friendly features. Its large right hand grip makes it ideal to hold for a one hand recording. It has a slide flip-out 3.0 touchscreen and 3 capsule microphone making it a good choice for front face recording and the online video kit includes a dead cat (wind cover) to minimize wind and external sound disturbances to your video. If you want to take longer takes on your video the camera comes with extended continuous video recording. The camera is compact and lightweight, making it ideal for travel.
Vlogging Camera
2. DJI Pocket 2
The DJI Pocket 2 is a compact, ultra portable option with a gimbal stabilizer and 4K camera. What we most like about this camera is its built in stabilizer which makes it extremely handy to shoot while on the move. It’s waterproof so it can withstand weather changes, and it’s not hard on the wallet either. The camera operates only on two buttons making the operation of the camera very straightforward. It has a long battery life making it long lasting while shooting a video. All these great features, as well as its compact size, make it one of the best equipment for travel vlogging you can get your hands on.
Vlogging Camera
3.Canon EOS M200 Compact Mirrorless Digital Vlogging Camera
If you’re a fan of Canon cameras and already familiar with its controls, then this is a good travel friendly model from the brand. It brings the same superior picture quality Canon is known for in this mirrorless version, and has a low minimum shutter speed; enabling you to capture time lapse shots. This is by far one of the most compact, lightweight Canon cameras we’ve seen around and the flip out screen makes it a good option for your travel vlog gear.
Best Microphones For Vlogging
Whether it’s for Youtube, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or any other social media platform out there, you’ll want to make sure your vlog audio quality is on point. Capturing audio for your vlog while traveling can be challenging as it tends to pick up background noises and may drown out your voice. This makes it crucial for you to have a good microphone as a part of your travel vlog gear.
There are different types of microphones out there, from USB microphones to lavalier microphones to wireless ones. We have put together a list of the 3 most frequently used Microphones for Travel Vlogging in 2021.
Vlogging Microphone
1. Rode Wireless GO Microphone
Wireless microphones are one of the best options for travel vloggers given the freedom of movement it offers. The Rode Wireless GO Compact Wireless Microphone System is a great option and goes easy on your wallet as well. This microphone is ideal for vlogging beginners and pros alike, offering secure Series III 2.4 GHz digital transmission and easy operability.
The rechargeable battery lasts upto 7 hours on a single charge and would make it to a best vlogging kit for beginners list easily.
Vlogging Microphone
2. Shure MV88+
This is one of the best pieces of travel vlogging equipment for beginners, especially if you’re using a smartphone to record your videos. If you’d like, you could take it up a notch with the video kit which includes a small tripod, shoe mount, wind guard and a headphone jack. Since it draws power from your smartphone you do not need to have any additional batteries and it connects directly to your smartphone or tablet. The only downside of this is an additional strain on your phone battery life.
Vlogging Microphone
3. Rode VideoMic Go
Rode VideoMic Go is a shotgun microphone option you can attach to the camera; a great way to capture audio while traveling. An integrated Rycote lyre shock mount isolates the video mic from vibrations felt during travel and reduces surrounding sounds. It’s easy to use and connect to the camera.
Vlogging Microphone
4. Blue Yeti Nano (optional)
If you’re looking to produce podcast type content or add voice overs to your videos, then a Blue Yeti Nano is the way to go. Trusted by millions of top content creators and streamers, you can’t go wrong with this option, and the Yeti Nano won’t break the bank either. While this option delivers the exceptional quality Blue Yeti is known for, it is less bulkier than a usual USB mic, making it portable for your travels.
The best drones for vlogging
A drone is the travel vlog gear to take your content to the next level. Flying a drone around is not only fun but with the right drone camera you can capture amazing footage for your vlogs. Here are a few of the best drone options out there.
DJI Mini 2
The DJI Mini 2 is a super compact and lightweight drone, making it a great piece of travel vlog gear. Its compact nature makes it easy to carry around with you in all your vlogging journeys. It can shoot 4K videos and captur RAW still images. Like the DJI MAVIC Air 2 it has a high definition and 31 minute maximum battery time giving you time to take the perfect shot.
DJI MAVIC Air 2
DJI’s drones are reliable and very easy to control and fly. It bring together a high end camera with technology in one drone that is both affordable and easy to use. The Maivic Air 2 has inbuilt sensors allowing it to avoid obstacles that are approaching in front, back or even below. It’s lightweight and compact and can travel with you almost anywhere and fit into almost any bag.
It also has a camera that can shoot 4k video and gives a video timing of 34 minutes of flight in a fully charged battery. It is also able to fly in windy and otherwise other weather conditions making it a preferred choice among many vloggers.
Ryze Tello
If you are a beginner at vlogging and would like to consider affordability over many other aspects, then the Ryze Tello is the drone for you. It has many incredible features and it’s affordable for just under $100. The Tello is also waterproof allowing you to fly it even in rainy weather conditions.
The best bags for carrying vlogging equipment
When we consider travel vlogging equipment for beginners, one of the essential pieces you need to invest in is a durable travel bag – capable of hauling all the equipment you’ll be gathering as you progress in your vlogging journey. The right one for you will depend on your preference and nature of travel and vlogging. We’ve put together for you 3 of the best fit bags that we think are in three different ranges, considering weight and capacity, storage and access options.
Bags for vlogging
1. Endurax Extra Large Camera Backpack
This is probably the best large vlogging backpack out there. It’s super spacious and comes with multiple compartments giving you a wide array of storage and access options.
The bag comes with two large separate storage compartments which can carry both your personal belongings and vlogging equipment all in one bag.
Each compartment comes with smaller separators so you can store not only your camera and tripods but other smaller equipment like lenses, smartphones, batteries and your other equipment.
The bag also includes a laptop compartment, a tripod pouch and a rain cover as well to help protect your gear in rainy weather and circumstances. For this price range and capability, the Endurax backpack is a great deal.
Bags for vlogging
2. Lowepro - Tahoe BP 150 Camera Backpack
Known as a lightweight and compact backpack this is a great option for airline travel as well. Although the bag is smaller in size, it can surprisingly hold more than you initially assume.
It also has quality construction that includes thick padding that keeps your travel vlog gear well protected. The sections are adjustable, giving you the flexibility to store your equipment as you see the best fit.
You can fit a small DSLR camera, a small drone and a few other small vlog equipment that you carry with you. It comes with an affordable price tag and is very comfortable to carry.
Bags for vlogging
3. Zecti Waterproof Camera Bag
If you are an outdoor vlogger looking for a great durable bag that is waterproof to withstand all weather changes and rainy conditions then this is your bag.
The Zecti backpack is definitely one of the best waterproof and daily camera backpacks for beginner and professional vloggers alike.
The bag is sturdy, built from good quality material and has enough space to fit in all your vlogging gear. It has a sleek and comfortable design that is suitable for either air, train or almost any other kind of travel.
