8 Top Tools for Vloggers to Crush it in 2023

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​"Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. ~ Abraham Lincoln.

This is the third in a 3 part series: Top Tools for Writers, Bloggers & Vloggers. We hope to make it a 4 part series to include Top Tools for Podcasters later on. 

​In the first two parts of this series we covered tools for​ writers and bloggers, both of whom need the right  set of tools to succeed in 2018.

​Vloggers are a special case. ​ When you start it is perfectly possible to run your vlog from your iphone or smartphone.  However as your vlog grows, most vloggers seek ​ more flexibe, professional tools.

Which is why we here at Write to Done we have put together this resource for the serious​ vlogger. To lead you safely through the minefield of tools out there.

​​The Write To Done team have included all their favorites, many of which they use on a daily basis. The list is not exhaustive, we'll add to it as we go.

If you have a favorite tool not listed here, add it in the comments and if we can, we'll get hold of it and give it a test run. If it measures up, we'll add it to the next update.

In the meantime help your fellow vloggers and share this resource around.​

Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.

Read more: http://www.searchquotes.com/search/Sharpening_Your_Axe/#ixzz4zGbAqr5R

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These three courses are a great selection of courses by experts. They are particularly valueable for those of us who want to learn to write for the screen, or TV or to learn dramatic writing.
They’re beautifully produced with multiple videos with lifetime access. Click on any of these links to check them out (play the videos to get some hot tips straight away

​VLOGGING

​Creating videos is a great skill for anyone who wants to gather an audience. You can use the videos for Youtube, or Vimeo, or for webinar. You can embed them on your site.

It’s a great way to speak directly to your audience.

Below, I’ve collected two different gear packs. The first one is a starter option with a good webcam and LED lights. And then I’ll show you the gear I use at present which is a lot more expensive but gets brilliant results.

​Gear Pack 1

Creating videos is a great skill for anyone who wants to gather an audience. You can use the videos for Youtube, or Vimeo, or for webinar. You can embed them on your site.

It’s a great way to speak directly to your audience.

Below, I’ve collected two different gear packs. The first one is a starter option with a good webcam and LED lights. And then I’ll show you the gear I use at present which is a lot more expensive but gets brilliant results.

c920 webcam

Features

​ Widescreen Video Calling and Recording, 1080p Camera, Desktop or Laptop

 Widescreen Video Calling and Recording, 1080p Camera, Desktop or Laptop

Reviews

 A great little inexpensive webcam


 otherwise you may get horizonal bands on your video!

P​AID

​$49.93

TIP:  I suggest attaching it to a tripod (see below)  and not to the laptop so that you get a better view and no laptop running noise. f you’re planning to use a Logitech webcam, make sure you get a lighting kit (see below)  otherwise you may get horizontal bands on your video!

  • ​Full HD 1080p video calling (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels) with the latest version of Skype for Windows​​​​
  • ​720p HD video calling (up to 1280 x 720 pixels) with supported clients. Full HD video recording (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels)
    720p HD video calling (up to 1280 x 720 pixels) with supported clients. Full HD video recording (up to 1920 x 1080 pixels)
lighting kit
Julius Studio 3x 216 Barndoor Continuous LED Video Lighting kit

Features

​ 3x 216 Barndoor Continuous LED Video Lighting kit Dimmable Panel Camera, for Canon, Nikon, Sony and DSLR Cameras, Li-Ion Battery and Charger,Color Filters,Premium Carry Bag.

 3x 216 Barndoor Continuous LED Video Lighting kit Dimmable Panel Camera, for Canon, Nikon, Sony and DSLR Cameras, Li-Ion Battery and Charger,Color Filters,Premium Carry Bag, JSAG159

Reviews

​Excellent for stopping those horizontal lines and ​improving lighting.

​PAID

​$129.99

TIP: If you’re producing video on a shoestring, get the webcam first and, at first, use natural light plus any desk lamps you can get your hands on in your home! Get the LED lights next.

  • ​ Compact Portable Barn Doors 216 LED PHOTO/ VIDEO LIGHT SET (x 3)
    86" Photo/Video Light Stand (x 3) ​​​​
     Compact Portable Barn Doors 216 LED PHOTO/ VIDEO LIGHT SET (x 3)
    86" Photo/Video Light Stand (x 3)
  • Battery for Video Light (NP-F550 to NP-F950) (x 3) | Travel charger (x 1)
    Battery for Video Light (NP-F550 to NP-F950) (x 3) | Travel charger (x 1)
  • ​Carry Bag with Two Front Accessory Pockets (x 1)
    Carry Bag with Two Front Accessory Pockets (x 1)
tripod
AmazonBasics 60-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag
Julius Studio 3x 216 Barndoor Continuous LED Video Lighting kit

Features

​Lightweight tripod with adjustable-height legs and rubber feet .
Available as 1 or 2 pack.

Lightweight tripod with adjustable-height legs and rubber feet
 3x 216 Barndoor Continuous LED Video Lighting kit Dimmable Panel Camera, for Canon, Nikon, Sony and DSLR Cameras, Li-Ion Battery and Charger,Color Filters,Premium Carry Bag, JSAG159

Reviews

​The tripod above is great.

The tripod above is great. Tip: do not buy lightweight $12 aluminium tripods. I bought three for travelling and they all bent out of shape the first time I used them… argh!

​PAID

​$​18.79

TIP: ​Do not buy lightweight $12 aluminium tripods. I bought three for travelling and they all bent out of shape the first time I used them… argh!

  • ​ Compact Portable Barn Doors 216 LED PHOTO/ VIDEO LIGHT SET (x 3)
    86" Photo/Video Light Stand (x 3) ​​​​
     Compact Portable Barn Doors 216 LED PHOTO/ VIDEO LIGHT SET (x 3)
    86" Photo/Video Light Stand (x 3)
  • Battery for Video Light (NP-F550 to NP-F950) (x 3) | Travel charger (x 1)
    Battery for Video Light (NP-F550 to NP-F950) (x 3) | Travel charger (x 1)
  • ​Carry Bag with Two Front Accessory Pockets (x 1)
    Carry Bag with Two Front Accessory Pockets (x 1)

​Gear Pack 2

​It’s taken me a while to gather the gear that has boosted the quality of my videos to a new level. The main thing that made a HUGE difference is getting a good video camera.

I bought a Panasonic GH4 a few months ago and I wish I’d had the courage to invest in a good camera some years earlier. I suggest getting this camera from Amazon. I made the mistake of getting one for a bit cheaper which was supposed to be shipped immediately from Hong Kong. It got to me six weeks later and I realized belatedly that they didn’t have a refund option. Luckily the camera was fine, but I would have gladly spent a bit more to have the sense of security Amazon offers.

It’s taken me a while to gather the gear that has boosted the quality of my videos to a new level. The main thing that made a HUGE difference is getting a good video camera.

I bought a Panasonic GH4 a few months ago and I wish I’d had the courage to invest in a good camera some years earlier. I suggest getting this camera from Amazon. I made the mistake of getting one for a bit cheaper which was supposed to be shipped immediately from Hong Kong. It got to me six weeks later and I realized belatedly that they didn’t have a refund option. Luckily the camera was fine, but I would have gladly spent a bit more to have the sense of security Amazon offers.

camera
PANASONIC LUMIX GH4 Body 4K Mirrorless Camera

Features

​16 Megapixels, 3 Inch Touch LCD, DMC-GH4KBODY

16 Megapixels, 3 Inch Touch LCD, DMC-GH4KBODY

Reviews

​The Panasonic GH4 Lumix has a 4K Mirrorless Camera, 16 Megapixels, and a 3 Inch Touch LCD. It’s quite an investment at $1,497 (When I bought it!!). But for me it’s been a game changer! I just wish I’d had the courage to make this investment earlier.

The Panasonic GH4 Lumix has a 4K Mirrorless Camera, 16 Megapixels, and a 3 Inch Touch LCD. It’s quite an investment at $1,497. But for me it’s been a game changer! I just wish I’d had the courage to make this investment earlier.

Check out the difference:
Taken with my old camera:

​PAID

​$897.99

Check out the difference the Panasonic has made. Taken with my old camera:


The great thing about using the Panasonic isn’t just the camera, it’s Panasonic Image App that you can download for free onto an iPhone or Android. You can connect it with your camera and you
 can operate your camera remotely. That is, you can change setting and stop/start your video or shoot stills. This is awesome!

  • Professional photo performance with exceptional moiré suppression
    Professional photo performance with exceptional moiré suppression
  • ​4K 24p cinematic video (4096x2160), plus 4K 3840x2160 30p/24p
    4K 24p cinematic video (4096x2160), plus 4K 3840x2160 30p/24p
  • ​High speed 49 area auto focusing in photo or video, perfect for hybrid photography ​​​​
    High speed 49 area auto focusing in photo or video, perfect for hybrid photography
  • ​Durable magnesium alloy body and exceptional shutter life meets the demands of professional use
    Durable magnesium alloy body and exceptional shutter life meets the demands of professional use
lens

Features

​12-35MM, DUAL I.S. 2.0 ​with power opticals I.S., MIRRORLESS MICRO FOUR THIRDS

12-35MM, DUAL I.S. 2.0 WITH POWER OPTICAL I.S., MIRRORLESS MICRO FOUR THIRDS

Reviews

​I can't exaggerate the difference this lens (along with the camera)  has made to the quality of my work

​PAID

​$897.99


The great thing about using the Panasonic isn’t just the camera, it’s Panasonic Image App that you can download for free onto an iPhone or Android. You can connect it with your camera and you  can operate your camera remotely. That is, you can change setting and stop/start your video or shoot stills. This is awesome!


The great thing about using the Panasonic isn’t just the camera, it’s Panasonic Image App that you can download for free onto an iPhone or Android. You can connect it with your camera and you
 can operate your camera remotely. That is, you can change setting and stop/start your video or shoot stills. This is awesome!

  • ​Upgraded faster focus tracking via a 240 fps linear motor for improved video performance ​​​​
    Upgraded faster focus tracking via a 240 fps linear motor for improved video performance
  • Panasonic POWER O.I.S. compatible with enhanced LUMIX Dual I.S. 2.0 LUMIX Mirror less cameras.
    Panasonic POWER O.I.S. compatible with enhanced LUMIX Dual I.S. 2.0 LUMIX Mirror less cameras.
  • ​3X Optical 24-70mm F2.8 Constant Aperture ​​​​
    3X Optical 24-70mm F2.8 Constant Aperture
  • ​Durability metal body for various weather conditions (Splash proof / Dustproof / Freeze proof)
    Durability metal body for various weather conditions (Splash proof / Dustproof / Freeze proof)
lighting kit 2
AW 3x 24" Softbox Stand Kit

Features

​45W 5500K Day-Light Bulb w/ Bag Photo Video Studio Camera Shooting

45W 5500K Day-Light Bulb w/ Bag Photo Video Studio Camera Shooting

Reviews

​The​se lights work a treat with the Lumix. These lights are for photo or video studio shots. I particularly like the skin tone you can achieve with these lights!