Create professional vlogs with the EOS M50 Mark II
Mustafa Morad
Reading time approx. 5 minutes
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Vlogging is becoming increasingly important in the age of social media, with influencers and content creators making extensive use of it.
First, a brief definition of the word vlogging: Vlogging is the act of documenting an event, a project or your everyday life through video recording or keeping a diary, thus involving the viewer in the event from a personal or private perspective.
The vlogging tools
There are a number of things you need to take into account in order to record a vlog in good quality. The most important "tool" is a suitable camera. Since vloggers often want to use their camera while travelling, the whole package should be compact and lightweight. A heavy and bulky camera is rarely used for vlogging, as it is impractical in spontaneous shooting situations.
Of course, vlogging equipment also needs a suitable lens, the best choice being a wide-angle lens for selfie shots and a zoom lens for situations where you want to get closer to the subject.
Good sound requires a microphone
Another important consideration is recording sound. In many situations, the audio is at least as important as the image. If you have good sound, the viewer stays on the ball and is not distracted from the subject by background noise, etc. A good microphone will ensure good sound.
Vlogging from the hand
To be able to 'hold on' to a handheld for a long time, the camera should be mounted on a tripod with an integrated handle. You can use a "Gorillapod" to hold the camera, but you can also attach it to a door, tree or railing.
A tripod is generally used to put the camera down during a vlogging sequence, as there are often situations where you want to tinker or show something and can't or don't want to hold the camera in your hand. Camera, lens, microphone and handheld tripod: these four "tools" are the basis for a good, high-quality vlog.
Vlogger camera with system: EOS M50 Mark II
The EOS M50 Mark II combined with the EF-M 15-45mm f3.5-6.3 IS STM lens is ideal for such a setup. Together with the DM-E100 Microphone + Windscreen ("Deathcat") and the HG-100TBR tripod grip, you get a package with a lot of possibilities.
On the one hand, we have a really compact setup without having to compromise on quality. We have 4K (UHD) resolution, which is ideal for vloggers to capture crisp, clear video. On the other hand, the 4K format offers a lot of scope for post-processing the video, for example to define the final frame. If the vlog is exported in Full HD (1920 x 1280) - which applies to more than 90% of cases - it is possible to crop the image without any loss of quality.
The EOS M50 Mark II also features a vertical video mode, making it easier to shoot videos for social media platforms such as Instagram.
Digital image stabilisation is built in for smooth vlogging, which will be appreciated by any vlogger who has ever shot without it.
Eye AF is a great help when vlogging, allowing you to focus on the essentials while the camera continuously and automatically focuses on the protagonist's eyes.
Bluetooth and WiFi are also on board for wireless camera control and data transfer.
Live streaming on YouTube
The highlight of the EOS M50 Mark II is the ability to stream live on YouTube without the need for a computer. All you need is a YouTube Live account to stream live directly from the camera. Another great feature is that you can use your mobile phone to go live.
For livestreamers who want to stream via a capture card or the EOS Webcam Utility programme, the EOS M50 Mark II also offers a clean HDMI output signal, with the camera's controls and menu displays hidden in the image, which could distract or confuse viewers.
Canon's compact DM-E100 microphone provides high-quality stereo sound. Power is supplied from the camera. With the included windscreen, the microphone is ideal for vlogging.
The HG-100TBR tripod grip has a built-in remote control for shutter release. The handle makes it easy to get different shooting angles.
