Not knowing anything about photography has made morphing from a writer to a visual storyteller in today’s digital age a fun challenge.  In 2011, on my Sony Cybershot cam that used to fit into my tiny party handbag, I shot a video tour while on my first 5 star Taj Hotel review in India and uploaded it to YouTube.  That set me down a path to becoming the vlogger I am today. Well, that and now thanks to YL Camera shops in Kuala Lumpur (and their online store) where I’ve upgraded my entire my vlogging kit since moving to Malaysia.  They are seriously the best, with super low prices, huge selections of new and used equipment, helpful staff, and I can shop online with fast delivery.

My Vlogging Stats >> The first 4 years I was a blogger, I launched 24 videos in total.  In the last 2 years I’ve launched 165!  In the past 30 days my videos have been watched 127,475 times.  Please do subscribe to my YouTube channel Expat Angela and be sure to share yours in the comments and I’ll do the same XOXO

YL Camera Store in PJ vs Online

This summer when I decided to start shooting video with every single review and to share real travel vlogs, I realised that my equipment was going to hold me back.  I mean, I could produce the content but it wasn’t going to wow anyone from a quality standpoint and I couldn’t share moments in 4K that deserved 4K.  After a ton of research into the vlogging kits of the YouTubers I respected, I saw one by Jon Olsson testing Leica gear and fixed on Leica after reading up on the brand.  I also needed a mic to improve my audio, a new monopole style tripod, mounted light for night markets, and a big, padded bag that I would be proud to take into 5-star hotel reviews.

So I headed down to YL Camera Shop in Petaling Jaya, their flagship store, and the team there was great, helping me item by item to sort out exactly what was best for me, and what would fit into my budget (you can check out my first visit to YL Camera and my testing video of my new Leica around Petronas Twin Towers here).  I still haven’t been able to afford everything but I’m collecting it at the pace I’m able.  Some of the equipment I was able to buy on the visit down to PJ, while others they didn’t have in stock so I’ve ordered online (which is convenient and saves me a ton in Ubers when I don’t need face-to-face help with it).

My Current Leica V-Lux VLOGGING KIT

– RM 5,240, Leica V-Lux Camera with 4K video and 25 – 400mm zoom

– RM 430, RODE VIDEOMIC GO lightweight on-camera microphone

– RM 1,621, black on black Billingham Hadley One Bag that holds my laptop and all equipment (except tripod, but I will buy the straps to carry it).  I also ordered the amazing cushioned leather shoulder pad add-on accessory (that thing saves me since I wear mostly strapless or strappy dresses) and the full and half inserts so I’m flexible with what gear I bring.

What I’m still missing:

– Lighting (lightweight, mounted on-cam) for night market shoots
– Video tripod
– Better quality memory cards for 4K video

I’ve been really happy with the service and prices at YL Camera so do check them out.  They have tons of deals they post on their Facebook page, too, so be sure to follow them.

XOXO Angela

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