[Daradon]

Hey gang,

I'm looking at starting up a vlog, and possibly working on some other film related projects, and I need to purchase the equipment. I've done some research online, but there are sooooo many options I'm finding it hard to make a decision, so I was looking to the infinite wisdom on here to point me in the right direction. I'll describe what I plan on doing, and maybe you guys and gals can help me out.

Though I would definitely call myself a beginner, I actually did camera work and video editing in high school one year, but that was way before digital technology. The old TV studio at Bishop Carroll. That said, I have an idea of some concepts and things beginners might forget, like lighting and the importance of a decent, if not necessarily expensive, microphone.

First of all, the camera. Now I understand you can shoot full HD with just about everything nowadays (I could even do it with my phone for free if I really wanted to, but for many reasons that doesn't appeal to me) so the options don't have to be expensive. Still, I would like to get something low to medium range so I have a little to grow into. On the other hand, I don't want anything with too much of a learning curve, and I don't want to spend a bunch if I don't carry on with it, so I'm staying away from the medium to high options, DSLR's, etc.

I believe I will mostly be using the camera for basic video blog stuff, so it really doesn't have to do much. However, I would like to take it out for 'field pieces' and I do want to experiment with making mini films, so something that makes sense to use in different situations and has stabilization and/or tracking (if those things actually exist? am I talking out of my ass here? is it even necessary?) would be useful. Regardless, features that a film maker might find useful, that aren't necessary for vlogging. For this reason the cameras with the flip screen appeal to me, rather the ones with just the viewfinder, but if you have advice to turn me the other way, that's the whole reason of me asking in the first place.

Secondly, a mic. I remember having a ton of mics to work with back when I was studying, and I'm wondering how much the technology has really changed. We had a PZM mic that we left on the desk that would pick up everything crystal clear. I do believe that was an expensive option back in the day. Then of course we had handhelds and even a boom.

I just want to buy one in the beginning (heck, most first timers don't even get a mic), so I'm thinking a camcorder mic is the way to go.

Obviously I get a tripod. Those are cheap. Might need a small one for most uses, but also a tall one for outdoor shots.

Lastly, the thing that I need the most help with... video editing software. There are plenty of apps you can get for free. Of course some work with various tech and others don't. IE, many free apps come for your phone and I've already decided I'm not going that route. However I am wondering if there are free to cheap video editing software suites that will fill my needs, as I understand how much software suites can cost for other artistic endeavors. Like Photoshop and Cubase. Really don't want to be forking over a ton on this right away. However, I am at a complete loss of really what I might need, or what programs are easy and intuitive.

Thanks for making it through my post. Am looking forward to any recommendations, advice, warnings, or jokes you may have.