Strangely perhaps, I would suggest a YouTube search for advice. Most of this forum will be photographers rather than bloggers etc and thats a different skill/interest set. You could also try looking around for
film making forums on the internet or for
'filmmaking' on YouTube itself
Either search for something like 'what equipment do you need to make a youtube video' which brings up quite a bit on youtube, or seek some travel or landscape photographers blogs or maybe photographers review sites on YouTube. You will find many people will at some point have mentioned their filming and audio equipment or done a review of it.
Your camera could do with a
twisty back screen so you can see from the front of the camera your own image while being filmed, if you intend to film yourself in the blog
, plus lot of spare batteries and
a microphone input.
If anyone does not want to commit to a camera at an early stage (not applicable to the OP), some people start filming with
- a high quality mobile phone
- adaptor for a tripod
- a tripod
- a microphone setup
as most of this can still be used when they move on to a full camera set up if you buy with that intention in mind. Note that microphones for phones and cameras have different ends, but can be adapted and often adaptors are included.
OTHER THINGS TO BUDGET FOR OR ACQUIRE
As if you are on a budget, you need to balance paying out for stuff other than the camera.
2 backup hard drives - so if something crashes you will still have copies of all your hard work. Store them in different places so they dont both get wiped out if there is a theft or a fire.
Audio kit - recorder, microphones (lapel / lav - wired or radio transmitted and / or a camera top mike, wind muffs for all of them) as the sound quality from a camera microphone is poor and most YouTubers do not use the internal mike.
- this also means
any camera you buy will absolutely need a microphone input.
You will also need one or more
Tripods for filming smoothly or for holding the camera / audio equipment when filming yourself. If you are going to unusual places, get one with independently adustable leg angles (not just leg length) so you can use it in all outdoor environments.
For sound info, this guy does reviews, but there are loads of others too
https://www.youtube.com/user/curtisjudd/videos
You will also need a
computer and
software to edit with. I have seen recommended
DaVinci Resolve for film and
Audacity for audio - these can both be downloaded and used for free - check their terms. Download them from their home sites to make sure they are virus free. Loads of videos etc on how to use these.
Hope this is of some kind of help and I am sorry if I am repeating anything you already know or have. I am hoping my reply will also help others with YouTube related questions.
Good luck. I am sorry you lost your Grandmother, she sounds a great person for being such a supportive and encouraging friend.
Potentially useful links in no particular order:
7 Ways to Hide a Lavalier Microphone
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D85HmR825wM
Audio Tips for Filmmaking
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TJ3sS5si1vw
The Truth About YouTube Sponsorships
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8Iwhb0U5RA
10 Tips for Beginner Filmmakers
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=njeCxUspmHk
5 inexpensive tools that improved my videos in 2017
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AVua1MjHx7U
Best Free Audio Editing Software 2017-2018 | Free Audio Recorder
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u05v5gxx6EQ
Better Sound for Your Videos: Basics for Sound Newbies
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIFEjl_m_RM
HOW TO FILM YOURSELF
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dEfwjZZeBC4
How To Mix Dialogue with Music for Film and Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fvUn8l30VLc&feature=youtu.be
How to Start a YouTube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-VEOcqd59qs
Videomaker
https://www.youtube.com/user/videomaker/videos
Why Filmmakers Should Learn Sound Design
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tfaoflel9U
