Equipment used to create YouTube content

[Tracy]

Was curios and wanting to get some input from others. I have a YT channel that I created for the site and eventually plan on getting into the creation of YouTube tutorials, reviews and such for the site. Currently there is no content on it.
But, it's been a LONG time since I did much with video. In fact, so long that back in the day it was primarily an 8mm cassette that you used.
What is more common to capture the digital content, a higher end DLSR or a dedicated digital recording device (what we used to call a movie camera)?
I have a Nikon D7200 currently and the image quality on it is good enough to do the job and I can purchase external microphones to interface with it (both wireless and hardwired).
But am looking at suggestions from anyone that is currently creating digital content for video of more than a few minutes. Some of these I can see going to 15-20 minutes long or longer.

 

[joelr]

Pinging @Alex since I know he does a lot of video recording for his electric bike channel

 

[Tracy]

Thanks.
I should also mention that down the line is the thought bouncing around of live-streaming certain events on the site.
The biggest issue with this will be internet access/speed since some will be from remote sites, but I am looking at Starlink, as it will serve a dual purpose for the remote live streams and also for use in the RV when we are at remote darks sites.

 

[Shawn Gossman]

All I use for mine is a GoPro 12, but I have a hiking channel, and that's all I really need.

I edit with Premiere Pro.

I shoot in 4K at 60fps, and I like the output to be as high-quality as possible.

I use an assortment of different mounts and selfie-sticks.

I like my RODE external mics to enhance the sound quality.

Maybe this helps?

 

[Jason]

I use this thing from AShampoo (I know weird name). It makes still images from the desktop and puts them in a row. I think it's called Slideshow maker. Anyway, it's not the best thing to make math videos, but it's all I can do. I'm not an expert in this stuff, just of whatever that's on the video.

 

[Tracy]

All I use for mine is a GoPro 12, but I have a hiking channel, and that's all I really need.

Thanks for the input.
I debated using a GoPro but a lot of the stuff I will be doing will be at night and under low light conditions. I know the one I had wasn't the greatest for that . I don't think the newer GoPro works as well under that scenario as do other options.
Some of what I will do would be in a studio type environment, but the remainder will be "in the wild".

 

[Carlos]

It really depends on the niche. Your website is about the universe, soooo... you need camera that would be able to capture the sky at night.

If you're intending to do studio-style commentary, you need to invest...

- A good desk.
- A good chair.
- A good computer.
- A good microphone.
- A good headset/headphone.
- A good high-definition/high quality camera.
- StreamDeck or similar button switcher.
- OBS or similar recording program.

 

[Tracy]

I'm leaning towards trying with the D7200 to start with and getting some good external mics for it. At 1920 x 1080 / 60 fps for video, it should be adequate for most needs with the exception of dark scenarios. I already have wireless control that works with the camera.
From some research, it seems that the DSLR is the top choice amongst many that do video due to the better sensors and video quality.

One of the better cameras for night captures (including video) is a Canon EOS R6 from some of the research I have done. The body and a 24/105 F4 lens is only around $2700. If I find that the D7200 is doing a decent job it might be worth upgrading to the Canon as I can also use it on the telescopes as a capture camera when it's not in use for video.

I'm also thinking about grabbing a Panasonic HC V 770 to work in conjunction with the D7200 and any other camera I may get.

I won't need a headset as I will not be interacting directly with anyone. Any live streaming would be a view only event.
As for microphones for studio use, I still have a few that I purchased when I had the guitar equipment until I realized that I sound like a southern bullfrog when I sing.... just never got around to selling them.

 

[Tracy]

Speaking of microphones, I got to thinking that maybe wireless would be a better way to go instead of having hard wired.
Anyone have any experience with the RODE wireless microphone system?

 

[Shawn Gossman]

Thanks for the input.
I debated using a GoPro but a lot of the stuff I will be doing will be at night and under low light conditions. I know the one I had wasn't the greatest for that . I don't think the newer GoPro works as well under that scenario as do other options.
Some of what I will do would be in a studio type environment, but the remainder will be "in the wild".

An SLR is going to be your best bet, most likely.

If you have the budget for it, the Sony Mirrorless camera is so freaking amazing.

 

[Tracy]

If you have the budget for it, the Sony Mirrorless camera is so freaking amazing.

hehehehe.... telescopes (and their cameras) are somewhat like quality bicycles. It's nothing to drop mid to upper 4 digits on one of them.
A Canon EOS R6 at around $1800 that can double as a DSO camera is not out of the realm of possibility.

 

[Ravenfreak]

I usually just film unboxing videos so I just rely on my phone's camera but you'll definitely want to invest in an actual camera. I use DaVinci Resolve to edit my videos, it's free and does the trick. I have a Audio Pro microphone, but it's not wireless. It's a wonderful microphone too, I got it for Christmas last year.