Equipment and Costs of Video Blogging

If you’re starting completely from scratch you should expect to pay around $2000-$3000 to start video blogging (including the cost of a computer and simple MiniDV digital camcorder). In addition you will probably have to spend $20-$50 a month for a broadband connection, however the good news is that you may already have some of the stuff you need to get started, and the rest can be sourced for less if you put your mind to it. The following items are necessary for video blogging, so you’ll absolutely have to buy these (or already own them):

The Camera

Your best option for video blogging is a MiniDV camcorder with a FireWire cable, because you’ll have the easiest time getting the video off of it and onto your computer. Camcorders that use FireWire have been made since around the year 2000, so your camcorder doesn’t need to be brand new to work. If your video camera is analog, you’ll need an external converter that converts analog data into digital and then feeds it into your computer; such converters cost $150 to $200 and up.

With MiniDV camcorders now selling for under $300, you may find it more cost-effective to upgrade than to struggle with the converter. Some cameras record directly to a file — whether on DVD or media card — without requiring FireWire; many are equipped with USB. USB camcorders will not capture to iMovie on the Mac.

Fast Internet Connection

Dial-up isn’t a great choice for video bloggers. It’s not impossible to video blog with a dial-up connection, but it’s hard. If your only option is dial-up at home, look for other places you can post from, such as cafes and libraries. Ask first to make sure they don’t mind you using their faster connection for video blogging.

Computer

If your computer is more than about five years old, it’s going to frustrate your vlogging efforts. You’ll need a lot of hard drive space while you edit — at least 10GB free when you want to work on a video. Also, make sure your computer has a FireWire port. FireWire and USB have similar-looking plugs, but they are not the same.

Tripods, Cases, Batteries

You can get a short, inexpensive tripod for less than $5, and they’re invaluable for setting up a still shot and for getting a good angle on the camera while you’re in the frame.

If your equipment is a few years old but the camera does have FireWire, and you’re planning an upgrade path, consider upgrading to a larger hard drive first, then a better computer, then a better camera — and then work on the optional items. The hard drive will become crucial once you have more than a few video blog entries saved — and the computer speed will make a huge difference in how frustrated you get while editing video and posting files. A better camera has a huge effect on your video, and you might think that’s the most important place to start. It’s not. Especially when you’re starting, your enjoyment of the experience is far more important than how well your camera handles lighting problems.

Here’s some optional equipment to consider on your upgrade path:

• Improved editing software. High-end programs include Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere, and QuickTime Pro. QuickTime Pro is actually a good upgrade to buy early — since you can use it to export to more video file formats — and it’s inexpensive. Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere are good options when you want special effects in your video.


• Sound hardware. Microphones, booms, windsocks — these are all optional accessories for your video blog. If you end up filming in noisy situations, you will want an external mic sooner rather than later, but be wary — microphones can be very inexpensive, but can quickly add up when you go for quality.


• Audio software. Music and video go together so well, you might want some audio editing software to go along with your video editors. GarageBand is Apple’s music editing program, and it comes with iLife (which also includes iMovie, if you don’t already have it).


• A second camera. A second camcorder, a webcam, or a digital camera that shoots video as well as stills can be a very handy addition to your vlogging toolbox, but it’s entirely optional.

Whatever you decide to do with your video blog, there will be some expenses you can’t quite get away from. Vlogging is a terrific hobby, but many vloggers are also turning it into a more professional arena. If you’re interested in a career as a video blogger or doing any kind of digital video work for pay, your vlogging toolbox is an investment, not just an expense.