Creating Content At Conventions: My Go to Tech Gear | My Midwest Fest 2024 Vlog

5 min readJun 16, 2024

Welcome to the Pixel Pub! Here, we dive into all sorts of tech topics, making this a haven for tech enthusiasts of all kinds. We embrace a wide range of interests, except perhaps for things like the metaverse. Today, I want to share something a bit different from our usual gaming PC discussions. I’m heading to Midwest Fest this weekend and thought it would be great to share my essential tech gear for filming at a convention or festival, along with some top-secret vlogging tips!

What Exactly Is a Vlog?

Vlogging, a term derived from “video blog,” is a popular format on the internet. While many people use and understand the term, it’s interesting to explore what truly defines a vlog. From my research, a vlog is more personal than a standard video, allowing the creator to share opinions and engage in a conversation with viewers. So, is this video a vlog? I’m not entirely sure, but I’m following what other vloggers do.

Why Am I Vlogging?

As I prepare for Midwest Fest, I’m excited to document the event, which includes esports tournaments, gaming, vendor booths, and other creators. Vlogging this festival is not only fun but also an excellent opportunity to practice this video style. I want to be a resource, sharing my experiences and knowledge about the technology I use.

My Vlogging Setup

When heading to a convention, having the right gear is crucial. After extensive research, I found the Sony ZV-E10 to be one of the best cameras for vlogging, offering excellent video quality at a reasonable price. Here are some key components of my setup:

Sony ZV-E10 Camera: Known for its great video quality and compact size. The flip-out screen and interchangeable lenses make it a vlogger’s dream.
Deity D4 Mini Shotgun Microphone: Essential for capturing clear audio in noisy environments. It’s affordable and plugs directly into the camera.
JOBY GorillaPod: A versatile tripod that can be wrapped around various objects to get the perfect shot. It’s more affordable than a gimbal and adds a bit of natural shake, which can enhance the vlogging experience.

An Alternative Setup

If a full camera setup isn’t for you, consider using a smartphone with a gimbal, like the Zhiyun gimbal, paired with a wireless microphone such as the Hollyland Lark M1. This setup is portable, easy to use, and still delivers high-quality results. The wireless microphone is particularly useful for isolating sound in noisy environments and allows hands-free operation.

OnePlus 11: This is what I’m using as my extra phone/camera setup right now but there are a lot of great options right now for an AMAZING camera if you just want to use a phone. Either use the one you already have, otherwise something like a used Pixel 7 Pro could also work great for you.
Zhiyun Smooth Q4 Gimbal: These gimbals have been getting cheaper and easier to use over the years but if you want the steadiest shot, one of these are pretty essential.
Hollyland Lark M1: I use these microphones all the time not only for vlogging but for live streaming and filming videos too. They are just so versitile and if you’re moving around at all, a HUGE help.

Action Cam Setup

For those seeking a compact and highly versatile vlogging setup, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 paired with the DJI Mic 2 offers a powerful solution. Here’s why this combination stands out:

DJI Osmo Pocket 3: This compact camera is perfect for on-the-go vlogging. It features a 3-axis gimbal for smooth, stable footage and 4K video recording capabilities. The Osmo Pocket 3 is incredibly portable, making it ideal for capturing high-quality videos without the bulk of a larger camera setup.
DJI Mic 2: To ensure top-notch audio quality, the DJI Mic 2 is an excellent companion. This wireless microphone system offers clear and crisp sound, essential for noisy convention environments. Its compact size and ease of use make it a great addition to any vlogging kit.
Insta360 GO 3S: If you want the smallest, most compact, most versatile action cam, look no further.
Insta360 ace Pro: If you want the safest, highest quality action cam, the Insta360 Ace Pro is pretty solid.

Other Convention Necessities

To ensure you’re fully prepared, don’t forget these essentials:

Extra Batteries and Charging Packs: Keep your devices powered throughout the event. I recommend the Anker Nano Power Bank for its reliability and display feature.
Extra Cables and Memory Cards: These small items are easy to forget but vital for uninterrupted filming. Pack extras to avoid any issues.
Noise-Canceling Headphones: If you plan to do any editing or need to focus, these can be a lifesaver in noisy environments. I absolutely LOVE my Nothing Ear (2).

Vlogging Tips

As I embark on this vlogging journey, here are some tips I’ve found helpful:

Be Prepared: Have a bullet-point list of topics you want to cover. It helps keep the content focused and reduces awkwardness.
Film Everything: Capture as much footage as possible. You can always edit out unnecessary parts later, but you can’t recreate missed moments.
Bring a Friend: Having someone with you can make the experience less awkward and provide additional help with camera work.
Respect Privacy: Be mindful of other people’s privacy. Always ask for permission before filming individuals up close.
Get a Variety of Shots: Include establishing shots to set the scene, close-ups to show expressions, and medium shots for variety. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your angles to keep your vlog visually interesting.

Networking at Conventions

One of the best aspects of conventions is networking. Don’t spend all your time behind the camera. Engage with other attendees, introduce yourself, and make connections. This not only enriches your experience but also adds valuable content to your vlog.

What to Showcase

Focus on what aligns with your channel’s niche. For my tech and gaming channel, I’ll be exploring gaming PCs, checking out RGB setups, and sharing the festival’s tech highlights. Think about what your audience would find interesting and informative.

Let’s Go Walk the Floor!

Join me as I navigate Midwest Fest, capturing all the excitement and sharing my experiences. Stay tuned for more tips and insights throughout the event.