Content creation can be time-consuming. Details matter and can make or break any influencer marketing campaign, which is why producing high-quality content is critical. That said, it’s ideal to invest in equipment that can simplify the process and provide professional-quality results. This can be a pricey endeavor, but if you’re just starting, there are affordable options, and you don’t need to get everything all at once. Read on to learn about the content creator equipment that influencers use daily.
Must-have equipment for content creators
Smartphone
Maintaining an active presence on various social media sites is a must for influencers. Having a smartphone with a good camera allows you to create, edit, and post on the go, or live stream if you prefer to use a phone. It also helps you connect with brands or followers at any time.
Waterproof phone case
Being able to use your phone in watery environments can really come in handy. A waterproof phone case allows you to get unique shots in the rain, pool day content, travel moments, and much more. Many smartphones are water-resistant, but only to a certain extent.
DSLR camera
For capturing the most professional-quality photos and videos, you need a digital camera in your toolkit. They capture objects and people in crystal-clear detail. This process is usually much quicker and more precise than when using a regular or cellphone camera. You can also play around with different lenses for cool effects.
Lenses
The beauty of a DSLR camera is that you can switch out the lenses. Different lenses create different aesthetics and have different abilities. They allow for an expanded creative process and make photographing landscapes, architecture, fashion, and more in sharp focus more accessible. Phone lenses can also come in handy, as they are easy to use and let you get cool shots on the go.
SD cards
SD cards are used to store media taken on DSLR cameras. The more storage, the better. However, it is also helpful to have some backup SD cards handy, so you don’t have to worry about deleting anything if one runs out of storage while you’re capturing content. Since they are small items, they are easy to lose, so SD card holders would also be a wise investment.
Laptop
This piece of equipment is essential for several reasons. Apps like Zoom or Adobe Creative Cloud are more functional on a laptop and will likely be used at some point in an influencer’s career. Not to mention, you get much more storage space, which is needed for high-quality photos and videos.
Microphone
A noise-canceling microphone can work wonders for your content’s audio. By making it crisp and clear, your message can reach the ears of your listeners effortlessly. The noise-canceling feature removes any distracting background noise so you can remain the star of the show. You can use it for voice-overs on your content or start a podcast.
External hard drive
An external hard drive gives you the extra space to store photos and videos outside of the devices you may use to create. This can be beneficial because high-quality content takes up a lot of space, and storing it all on your phone and or laptop may be too much. That way, you won’t have to make the hard choice to delete any of your gorgeously curated content.
Portable charger
There may not always be outlets where you are shooting content, so it is wise to always have a portable charger that works for various devices. Taking pictures and videos can quickly drain battery power, and with a portable charger, you can create without worrying about your devices dying on you.
Ring light
Lighting is everything, so a ring light is a definite must-have. This is a quick and easy option for adjusting the lighting of your space, so the focal point of the photo or video is well-captured. There are even ring light phone clips that can attach right to your phone.
Tripod
It’s becoming pretty common for ring lights to include tripods and an attachment for a phone or camera, but not all of them do. Therefore, you may need a separate tripod to record hands-free content, or take captivating photos without having to worry about finding someone to help. A gooseneck tripod is even better, as it can twist and bend, making capturing a variety of cool angles effortless.
Bluetooth remote shutter
This little tool can save you a ton of time when creating content on your own. It connects to your device via Bluetooth, allowing you to control the shutter release from as far as 30 feet away. Therefore, you won’t have to run back and forth to reset the timer between each take.
Stabilizer or gimbal
Shaky videos and blurry photos are just not appealing to the eye. A stabilizer or gimbal works against that, providing your phone or camera support and stability while recording or capturing photos or video.
Selfie stick
The selfie stick is another piece of gear to help you get those angles. Selfie sticks come in handy when trying to capture selfies at angles beyond our arm’s reach. There is a button on the stick, typically near the bottom that captures the photo when pushed.
Softbox lighting kit
Softbox lighting can transform any room into a professional photography studio. Most kits contain two softbox lights, which are placed on each side of the person or object, creating soft, diffused light that closely resembles the natural light we all adore so much. They can be used in addition to natural light, or to create it on dark, gloomy days.
Backdrops
If you create content like product reviews or recipes, you will likely need to photograph the ingredients or items in a flat lay or product image. You can find backdrop kits with a variety of backgrounds to choose from for your videos or photos.
GoPro or vlog camera
A GoPro is an action camera that is most popular for extreme sports or adventurous outdoor activities. However, it’s a great option for any type of on-the-go content, mainly because of its small size and versatility. It’s also waterproof and is what’s used to capture a lot of those captivating underwater shots. You can also invest in a vlogging camera.
It’s important to realize you can add to your content creator equipment collection as you grow. Prioritize your immediate needs, and make the best of what you have initially. Once your content starts to level up, you can upgrade your gear.
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