What videography gear that I should have before starting a YouTube channel? This question has been trending for months now, and we wrote an article in an attempt to give an extensive answer.
YouTube, at the time of writing, is king of long-form content and is looking like it will stay the same way shortly. What’s more is that people are still flocking to the content creation game and always make a YouTube account regardless of which industry they are in.
But some of the content creators are looking to invest a significant amount to stand out from the rest, hence, the online query “videography gear that I should have” stays high in global search. Below we have stated the top 6 video gear you should invest in apart from a high-spec camera body and a capable camera lens to present yourself as a professional content creator in front of your audience:
1. Lighting Gear
We cannot stress enough how important it is as a whole for both the video and photography niches. YouTube is crowded with content, and if you are serious about standing out, you need to invest a lot of time learning how to properly light up your space or use light to your advantage outdoors.
Invest in portable COB lights with the ability to change white balance and options for battery packs. For indoors, we recommend investing in main LED lights with softboxes and other light modifiers (from Godox, Amaran, etc.) used in a three-point lighting setup. Small RGB lights are nowadays extremely cheap and can be used for backgrounds. Experiment with lights and different backgrounds to get something unique.
2. Audio Gear
A good visual on YouTube demands high quality. No matter how well you make your video and how solid the content value is, without audio, you are not communicating to your audience. In some content types, where content creators don’t talk at all, it will not require you to heavily invest in audio setups.
But for the vast majority of people, investing in a high-quality on-body and overhead mic is a must. Shure and Sennheiser have amazing mics, but are on the pricier side. Many cheap brands deliver suitable audio quality for YouTubers at a much better price, like the ones from Boya.
3. A Capable Camera Body
Before making a purchase, we recommend first figuring out which kind of content you are looking to make on YouTube. If you are going to be outdoors, then we recommend using action cameras like the ones from GoPro and Osmo Action, as both platforms are small, robust, and extremely capable.
For indoor shots, you should invest in a mirrorless camera body, as they provide much better low-light performance and can shoot sharper and more professional-looking footage. For starters, consider the Sony ZV-E10 II or the Sony A7 IV, both offer a great base for someone just starting YouTube.
4. A Camera Lens
If you were wondering what the most important videography gear that I should have, then it would probably be the camera lens. Why? Well, without it, your entire gear will be pretty much useless, as lenses are your creative eyes, and if they can’t see properly, your final footage won’t be proper either.
The SIRUI AURORA 85mm F1.4 lens is a highly recommended camera lens that we recommend every YouTuber starting or upgrading their camera gear for YouTube. Packing a next-generation optical design, this lens features an F1.4 fast aperture and super lightweight build, delivering ultra-smooth bokeh for portrait shots.
With this lens, your YouTube self-portrait videos will have dreamy and smooth bokeh in your background, instantly giving your content a professional look. Your studio doesn’t have a lot of light, or you just want to keep things dim? No problem with this lens, as it is optimized to work in low light while maintaining this smooth bokeh.
Stack it on a gimbal stabilizer, and you will also have a powerhouse for outdoor shooting. A must-have investment for your videography gear, which will elevate your content to a whole new level. If you were searching for videography gear that I should have, then this should be on top of your list.
5. Camera monitors
Recent generations of cameras usually feature foldable viewfinders but are quite small, especially for those who record themselves in front of mirrorless cameras. We recommend investing in a high-resolution and ample-sized monitor screen for your camera, which can give you a clear vision of what you are recording in real time.
With all this in mind, it’s clear that building your YouTube success isn’t just about having a good camera—it’s about choosing the right tools that let your creativity shine. Whether you’re filming in a dimly lit room or capturing outdoor scenes with cinematic flair, the lens you choose can make all the difference. Many creators find themselves asking, “What videography gear that I should have to really stand out? ”—and more often than not, the right lens ends up being the game-changer. That’s why gear like SIRUI’s specialized lenses are becoming the quiet favorite among content creators—they don’t just record your story, they elevate it.
