8 best tech essentials for social content creators in UAE, for 2024

Mohsin Khan, better known by the alias EMKWAN online, is an Abu Dhabi-based tech and lifestyle content creator. Khan's consistent efforts over five years have reaped 400,000-plus followers across social media platforms, as well as garnered over 50 million views on YouTube.

"In the last couple of years, social media has allowed people to talk about their passions and interests to a wider audience. I believe that beginners need to think about not only what they're passionate about, but also how they can share that passion through their own style, to stand out from the crowd," advised Khan.

Take out a pen and a paper, and get to brainstorming. Khan adds that seeking inspiration from existing creators can give you a head start; however, the best practice is to eventually find your voice.

In the midst of these considerations, where does good filming equipment fall? According to Khan, the ways in which you put tools to use take precedence over the actual gear. "I thought equipment was everything - very quickly I realised it's not essential to creating success on social media," he said, emphasising the story you want to create.

What should we consider before shopping for equipment?

Still, you might want to give weight to excellent video and audio quality, given the current social media landscape. Khan said: "Content creation nowadays is heavily geared toward videos and being able to film and edit clips in a clear way. But, a lot of people make the mistake, and I've been guilty of that, of assuming you need the best of the best [equipment] to start."

Even the simplest 'a day in my life' vlogs are brilliantly shot in 2K or 4K resolution, with crisp voiceovers. Then, it's hard not to invest in top-of-the-line cameras, to reap the same results. Except, complex equipment can tire you out when you're still learning the ropes.

"It's worth considering your budget, alongside practicality [before shopping for equipment]. Some people might be tempted to purchase a heavy DSLR with multiple lenses to get the type of finishing or shot that could be easily done with a smartphone camera. You can always add to the equipment as you grow, and these purchases are easier to justify later on than they are right at the beginning," explained Khan.

Indeed, today's smartphone lenses, such as the iPhone 14 Pro series, shoot steady 4K clips. Khan says he's been increasingly relying on his phone to create content, more than his DSLR camera, especially if it's going to be posted directly to social media. Built-in stabilisation features even do the job of gimbals quite well. 

What are the best content creation tools?

Naturally, a video camera is Khan's number-one essential, without a doubt. "Invest heavily in a good video camera, and, to get the best value, go for a smartphone camera if you're going to be posting on Instagram, TikTok, Twitter/X or Facebook Reels. This allows you to hit multiple targets when it comes to content creation, in a way that doesn't happen with bulky DSLRs and point-and-shoot cameras," he added.

Pro cameras are more suited to longer documentary-style videos or roundtable podcasts. Think of a GoPro camera for shooting adventurous travel vlogs. As for smartphones, look into models that readily have built-in editing tools - besides the iPhone, Khan has had positive experiences reviewing Xiaomi, Samsung and Vivo phones. Our expert's list of essentials also includes a wireless mic, lights and a tripod.

If you want to create an experience this summer that will catch people’s attention, find discounted essentials below to make memorable content online. We’ve put together a list to get you started, with various price ranges and options. Get it as early as today with Amazon Prime, so that you’re ready to hit record!

1. Best Camera: Sony Alpha ZV-E10 APS-C Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Vlog Camera

Pros

Cons

You may start the search with professional cameras as an intermediate. Out of Khan's many tried-and-tested brands, he's had great luck with Sony models. Our pick is Sony's dedicated vlog camera, the Alpha ZV-E10, and it's not a DSLR, either. Mirrorless cameras are lighter, faster and smaller, with the ability to switch lenses for a variety of shots. It comes with a large 24.2MP APS-C sensor, which films in 4K. On-body settings are designed for content creators, who can blur the background with the press of a button or clear the visuals for sharp focus. You can even film in slow or quick motion in real-time, without post-editing on a PC. If you review make-up or tech products, use the Product Showcase Setting to automatically shift the focus from your face to the item easily. What's more, it's fitted with a directional capsule mic, which captures sounds from all directions, even in windy conditions. A single charge will shoot up to 440 images or film up to 125 minutes. Do note that this camera comes with a 16-50mm lens - shop for the wireless tripod here. Even beginner vloggers in the reviews sing praises of this model, saying it's light enough for handheld videos and has amazing autofocus.

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh279.19 for 12 months with select banks.

2. Best Action Camera: GoPro HERO11 Accessories Bundle

Pros

Cons

If action videos are your forte, the GoPro is a great way to get steady, crisp picture quality in 5.3K resolution – the camera maintains details even when you move around or zoom in. With a 27-mexapixel sensor, the compact camera is a powerhouse. The GoPro is waterproof, and has in-built image stabilisation (the most advanced HyperSmooth technology from GoPro so far). The fact that the camera allows you to live stream in 1080p on social media, and allows you to save your footage to an SD card to edit later, makes it the ideal action camera for vloggers. Not to mention, the camera is kitted out with all the accessories you might need - a floating hand grip, headstrap, mounting buckle, carryng case and much more. Reviews note the crystal clear video quality, impressive colour reproduction and the user-friendly app. It's the perfect companion on adventures. See other action cameras.

Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh108 and a two-year extended warranty for Dh154.

Bonus: Buy it with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh157.92 for 12 months with select banks.

3. Best Camera Smartphone: Apple iPhone 15 Pro (128 GB)

Pros

Cons

A 48MP lens, 29-hour battery life and anti-shake action mode - these are all convincing reasons for social content creators to opt for the iPhone 15 Pro. Apple's flagship models have been long used to shoot short films and music videos. This Pro model's 6.1-inch Super Retina OLED display reproduces true-to-life colours, supported by the latest A17 Bionic chip for quick post-shoot editing. Shoot in the film industry standard, 4K HDR (high-dynamic range) at 24fps, complete with Dolby Vision. There's a host of editing tools within the smartphone - trim, rotate, add a filter, adjust the look of your video and edit in slow-motion effects. The Pro camera system also features a 2x telephoto camera for detailed zoom shots. It's the ideal solution for influencers, who have a platform on TikTok and Instagram. Reviewers are huge fans of the cinematic mode, adding that the footage actually seems like part of a movie.

Bonus: Buy it with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh345.75 for 12 months with select banks.

Warranty: Amazon offers a one-year extended warranty for Dh256, a one-year accidental damage protection for Dh427, a two-year damage protection plus one-year extended warranty for Dh545.

4. Best Smartphone Gimbal: DJI Osmo Mobile 6 Smartphone Gimbal Stabiliser

Pros

Cons

If you’re happy with your existing smartphone for all your vlogs, but it doesn't stabilise a shaky hand grip, invest in a handheld gimbal for better quality productions. Attach your phone to it quickly with the magnetic phone clamp, and film smoothly, on the go. The Osmo Mobile 6 has new side wheel that allows for buttery zoom in and out with controlled precision, adding cinematic blurs for dramatic effect. Its ActiveTrack 6.0 upgrade recognises faces with higher accuracy, ensuring your smartphone camera’s focus never wavers. The bundle includes a grip tripod for shooting anywhere, solo. Get wide-angle shots with the built-in extension rod in selfie or camera mode. Several vloggers pick it up for filming YouTube content on the go. See other smartphone gimbals.

Bonus: Buy with zero per cent instalments and pay Dh42.42 for 12 months with select banks.

5. Best Tripod: Joby Gorillapod Kit 3K

Pros

Cons

Need an overhead picnic shot at the park? Wrap this flexible tripod to a tree branch, and get your best clips with any digital camera secured at odd angles. With rubber grip legs, the tripod can be set up in any way you want – on the ground, at an incline, or with its legs wrapped around a railing. The GorillaPod mounts DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, video lights and any device weighing less than 3kg. Reviewers have tried it with their heaviest lenses screwed on, and are amazed at how much weight it can support. The best part is that you can add a phone mount attachment and make the tripod work for all your filming gear. Buyers say that no matter how the legs are bent, your shot will always be straight.

6. Best Light: Vijim VL100C Bi-Color LED Video Light

Pros

Cons

Getting the right amount of light into your shot when you’re trying to do a make-up tutorial can be difficult when indoors. Khan prefers natural lighting, but when that's feeble or absent, he resorts to professional lights in his studio. The Vijim VL100C video light is a small, portable accessory with four cold-shoe mounts. It screws onto your camera, tripod, microphone mount, light stand and more, using three colour modes to add value to your shot. Pick from warm, neutral and cool lights, then angle it up to 170 degrees however desired. There's no cable mess, as it charges via the USB-C port and powers through for 120 minutes at maximum brightness. Buyers love the brightness they get and the ability to dim it. If you're working with a large surface area, you could always purchase more lights to connect them into a panel.

7. Best Wireless Microphone: Hollyland Lark C1 Wireless Lavalier Microphone For iPhone

Pros

Cons

Khan recommends wireless mics that can connect to your phone and let you create content hands-free. This Hollyland Lark C1 mic comes with a receiver that plugs into your iPhone via the Lightning interface. Clip the mic or the transmitter onto your collar and film from a distance of up to 650 feet (200m), comfortably. The receiver doesn't take over the charging port - a Lightning port on the unit itself supports pass-through charging as you film. You get eight hours out of the mic at a time. Plus, it even comes with a noise cancellation button to tune out ambient sounds. It's an affordable option for a wireless lapel mic that still delivers tone, depth and clarity, say happy reviewers. Find the Android or USB-C version here.

8. Best USB Microphone: Blue Yeti Nano Premium USB Mic, Shadow Grey

Pros

Cons

If your vlogging style is from your desk or while live streaming video games, the Blue Yeti USB mic would be more suitable. Great for both beginners and pros, the Yeti provides crystal-clear audio, while retaining the warmth of your natural tone of voice. You can choose between two polar patterns: cardioid or omnidirectional. This defines how much of the signal will be picked up by the mic from different directions, helping you to eliminate unwanted sounds or to adjust between your voice and the room’s sound. The mic is compact and can stay out of the way of your shot, while catching every new emotion in your voice. Find more streaming mics here.

Our recommendations are independently chosen by Gulf News editors. If you decide to shop through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission, as we are part of Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.