Do you want to create quality videos without breaking the bank? Camera, microphone, lighting, editing software … it can quickly seem complicated. 99% of beginners are in the same situation. After 20 years in television (journalist, cameraman, editor) and since 2017 alongside entrepreneurs, here are the 5 essential tools to start in the best conditions without expensive or unnecessary equipment.
1) Camera: your smartphone is more than enough
Recent smartphones offer impeccable video quality. No need to buy a camera for 2 000-3 000 € to start. Before recording, apply these simple rules.
- Essential settings before filming
- Airplane mode: saves battery and avoids calls/notifications that interrupt recording.
- Video mode (not photo) and automatic mode: let the phone manage focus and exposure.
- Orientation in 16:9 (horizontal): even if you then publish a Short, you will crop on editing.
- Resolution: Full HD (1080p) rather than 4K. On YouTube and networks, the image is already compressed; the difference is not visible but 4K saturates the storage and makes editing heavier.
- Order of magnitude: ~130 MB/min in Full HD vs ~700 MB/min in 4K.
- Storage space: Check the internal memory (on iPhone) or add a card (on Android).
- Stabilization: activate it if you walk; useless on a tripod.
- File format: .mp4 or .mov.
- Frame rate: 25 or 30 fps (fps). Going up to 60/120 is only of interest for idling.
2) Stabilization: a tripod (or gimbal) at a low price
A moving image makes an amateur and tires the viewer.
- Choose a small tripod at € 5-15, checking the height according to your framing.
- Adds a smartphone holder to clip the phone.
- If you are filming while walking, a stabilizer (gimbal) significantly improves the comfort of vision.
3) Sound: an external microphone changes everything
The internal microphone of a smartphone is mediocre. Take a lavalier microphone or a small wireless kit for € 10-15: the transmitter clips on you, the receiver plugs into the phone (suitable tip). The sound becomes clean and intelligible, which increases retention and credibility.
4) Light: one LED panel first price
Being well lit makes the image sharp and pleasant. An entry-level LED panel with mini-tripod costs €20-30. Place the light oriented towards the face: without lighting, the rendering is dark; with it, we can see you clearly.
5) Editing: free software… on a computer
Riding on a smartphone is inconvenient. Favors the computer (better visibility of the cuts). Choose a free, simple and complete tool :
- iMovie (Mac).
- CapCut (Windows/Mac/Linux): the free version is enough to get started.
- DaVinci Resolve (Windows/Mac/Linux): very powerful free version (~90% of the needs), also used in pro.
Conclusion
To launch yourself on YouTube in 2025 without breaking the bank: film with your smartphone, stabilize the image on a tripod, improve the sound with an external microphone, illuminate yourself with a small LED panel, then mount on computer with free software. When your videos start generating customers and revenue, you may want to consider a dedicated camera, a more high-end microphone or paid software. In the meantime, this minimal setup is more than enough to start cleanly and progress quickly.