You don’t need fancy gear to start — here’s how I film with just the basics
I want to share the tools I use to create my videos.
You might be surprised at how simple they are — nothing fancy, no expensive cameras. Just basic tools, a lot of effort, and a handmade touch.
I struggle with filming every time, but I keep going with what I have. I also want to encourage anyone who is interested in filming or editing but hasn’t started yet: you can do it too.
I hope you can feel the handmade spirit in my videos, and I’ll be so happy if this article inspires you to start making your own.
What do I use?
First of all, I was a complete beginner when it came to making videos. I didn’t go to school for it, and I had never learned anything about filmmaking before starting YouTube. I didn’t even know which cameras were better for video — in fact, I had no idea about the differences between them at all.
When I decided to start YouTube, I wondered: should I wait until I had perfect equipment, or should I just start with what I already had? In the end, I chose to start YouTube without buying anything new.
About cameras
I mainly use my smartphone — an iPhone 12 mini — to shoot my videos. It may be old, but it still works perfectly for me.
I used to try a mirrorless digital camera (Panasonic Lumix DC-GF9W), which I had originally bought for hobby photography. But it wasn’t good for video: it overheated easily and the lighting control was difficult. Compared to that, the iPhone makes filming so much easier and almost feels professional.
About tripods
Right now, I have six tripods. In the beginning, I only had two, and it was a real struggle to capture different angles. Even now, I still don’t think I have enough, but I can manage.
Someday, I’d love to film one scene from several angles at the same time. To do that, I’d need more cameras — maybe another iPhone or two. Or maybe I should just invest in the latest iPhone first…?
About editing software
- Clipchamp
Until May 2025, I used Clipchamp (a free tool by Microsoft). It was simple and beginner-friendly, and since I wasn’t too worried about video quality, it was enough for me.
Later, I decided to switch because I was worried about my Microsoft account changing if our internet service provider changed. (In the end, it didn’t, but still.) At the same time, I wanted to start learning more seriously, so it was good timing. - PowerDirector
Currently, I use the paid version of PowerDirector. The free version is fine, but I needed more flexibility. Honestly, it can be frustrating sometimes because it doesn’t always work as I expect. What I really want is DaVinci Resolve — but my laptop isn’t powerful enough for it yet.
About my computer
I use a laptop (Windows 11, Mouse Computer — a Japanese brand). A desktop would be better for editing, but I can’t afford one right now. Still, I really like my laptop even if it sometimes has small issues.
Deciding to learn about videos
In my second year on YouTube, my subscriber growth slowed down. I wasn’t good at analyzing numbers, so I didn’t know what kind of content I should make. But I realized that, no matter the numbers, I needed to improve my video skills.
At first, my videos were very simple — just cutting and connecting clips, without any color control. Honestly, they were a bit boring. That’s when I decided to study filmmaking more seriously.
Fortunately, I already had a vision: I love cinematic style, and I wanted to create something that combines Western techniques with Japanese aesthetics.
How I improve my skills
I’m learning on my own through YouTube, the internet, and books. I learn best by practice. For now, I don’t need advanced editing skills, so self-study works fine.
I focus on:
- Graphic design
- Photography composition
- Color schemes (especially traditional Japanese colors)
- Color grading
For example, I practice color sense by using coloring books instead of just reading theory in textbooks. It feels more practical that way!
Actually, I wasn’t a complete beginner after all. Before YouTube, I had edited a few wedding videos for friends. I didn’t realize back then how much I enjoyed editing, but looking back, maybe that was the beginning.
Originally, I even thought of asking my brother (who’s very skilled with computers) to help me edit. But once I tried it myself, I discovered that I was more particular and picky about editing than I expected — so I kept doing it myself.
Turning my hobby into something more
When I uploaded my first YouTube video, my friends said things like: “Wow, so many camera angles! I can’t believe you’re a beginner.” That made me really happy.
I think the reason I could do that was because I’ve loved movies since I was a child. My father used to take me to the theater every year to see Doraemon movies.
In Japan, some popular anime are released as annual movie series, with a new film coming out every summer — for example, Doraemon, One Piece, and Detective Conan.
When I was a teenager, most theaters closed in my area, so I watched movies on TV every Friday night. Later, new theaters came back with modern systems like reserved seating and stadium-style layouts, which felt so innovative at the time.
Since then, I’ve gone to theaters often, rented DVDs, and now I watch a lot of movies on Netflix. I used to watch every day during dinner, but now only on weekends because my partner is busier. Still, movies continue to inspire me deeply.
What Really Matters
A few months ago, I thought about buying a new camera like the Lumix, but I realized the iPhone is actually perfect for me right now. I don’t want to waste time struggling with equipment I don’t fully understand.
Instead, I’d rather invest in useful iPhone accessories, like lenses. My goal is to become an “iPhone master” for filming.
As for editing software, I dream of using DaVinci Resolve someday, but that will have to wait until I upgrade my computer.
So, yes, I want the latest iPhone, more tripods, better lenses, DaVinci Resolve, and a powerful desktop. But more importantly, I remind myself to focus on what I can do with what I already have.
My dreams are endless.
Did you notice how ordinary my tools are, and how I’m still figuring things out as I go? I believe you can make great videos even without expensive equipment.
Of course, if I earn money through filmmaking, I’d love to buy the tools I mentioned. But for now, I’ll keep creating with what I have — and that’s enough.
Wish me luck!
