Buyers’ guide
NEWSFLASH! VLOGGING IS big and it’s here to stay. With today’s cameras and accessories, documenting experiences in video format has become easier than ever, and raising the production value of these films is a much simpler task. Vlogging transcends the skills spectrum; those new to photography may want to make a video of a family holiday, while those who make a living with their camera might use vlogging as a way to market their skills. In short, it has few barriers and will push your creativity to that will ensure audio is sharp; from lights for delivering even exposures right through to monitors for when you want to take your production up a gear, we’ve got you covered… Selfie starters new limits – but like any form of image making, the gear makes a difference. The market has exploded in recent years, so it can be hard to cut through the noise and pick out the best from the rest. But fear not – our buyers’ guide shortlists all the equipment worth opening your wallet for. From high-res video cameras to microphones Joby Gorillapod Mobile Vlogging Kit › £130 › joby.com Supports
Buyers’ guide Whether you’re a hobbyist or a pro, this is the kit that can take your vlogs to the next level
WORDS BY MATTY GRAHAM
Cameras
Sony ZV-E1 › £2350 (body only) › sony.co.uk
Vanguard VEO 3T 265HCBP › £320 › vanguardworld.co.uk Tripods can be a hassle for vloggers; the extra weight can slow you down, but payload is no problem for the carbon-fibre VEO 3T 265HCBP. It tips the scales at only 1.9kg, despite being able to hold a 12kg payload. What’s also clever about this tripod is how it folds down to just 44cm, while extending to 166cm, making it a very wise choice for anyone travelling light. The centre column is reversible, enabling vloggers to capture ultra-low compositions just centimetres from the floor and, if that wasn’t cool enough, one of the legs converts to a monopod, should you wish to switch to an even lighter set-up. As the quality of smartphone cameras continually improves, it’s no surprise that more people are vlogging with them. However, there will be times you’ll want to put the phone down and stand back to speak to the camera – this is where Joby’s Gorillapod Mobile Vlogging Kit comes in. Calling it a tripod is almost disrespectful – this accessory is more like having a two-man crew on hand. The Gorillapod has flexible arms for holding things like lights and mics. You can also wrap the malleable legs around fence posts or tree branches, dramatically increasing the number of potential locations to set up your camera.
The ZV-E1 is a special bit of gear and is actually Sony’s first vlogging camera to offer a full-frame sensor – in fact, the back- side illuminated sensor serves up 12 megapixels of resolution and delivers an incredible 15 stops of dynamic range, ensuring you can capture highlight and shadows in the scene. Capable of recording high-resolution 4K footage at 60p, there’s also an option to shoot 4K at 120p, meaning slow-motion sequences can be captured in rich detail. Make no mistake, this camera’s number-one target audience is vloggers, and the autofocus system includes face detection to make sure you stay in focus when presenting to the camera. Compatible with a massive range of E-mount lenses, the ZV-E1 benefits from Sony’s ECM digital microphones, which capture an enhanced level of audio compared to the internal microphones from an ordinary DSLR or mirrorless camera. Despite all this cutting-edge tech, the ZV-E1 tips the scales at just 399g, making it easy to carry around all day.
Panasonic Lumix S5 II › £1999 (body only) › panasonic.com A high-end full-frame mirrorless that blurs the line between vlogging camera and full-time B camera for professional filmmakers, the Panasonic Lumix S5 II is packed with features and functions that will appeal to vloggers. First up is the ability to shoot video at up to 6K internally – no need for an external drive recorder here. Built around a 24-megapixel sensor, the S5 II is the first full-frame Panasonic to benefit from phase detection autofocus, enabling fast and accurate focus performance, which is critical when creating vlogs with high production values. Priced at £1999 for the body, the S5 II is a savvy choice for value- wary vloggers – plus it benefits from dual card slots, enabling users to make an instant backup of video files. A flip- out, vari-angle LCD makes awkward compositions simple, while flipping it around will allow vloggers to make sure they are properly in frame.
Issue 107 | Photography News 31
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