YouTube stars The Michalaks share their secrets of vlogging success

Not so long ago, creating a weekly documentary show required film crews, editors and producers, and possibly even broadcast facilities. But star vloggers Stefan and Hannah Michalak produce their hit YouTube videos themselves, using vlogging cameras, shooting and editing know-how gained over time, and a thorough understanding of their viewers.

Their channel, The Michalaks, has more than 270,000 subscribers, with their most popular video clocking up more than 3 million views. In the crowded world of vlogging, what's the secret of their success? What vlogging cameras and lenses do the Michalaks use? How do they film and edit their episodes?

Stef's passion for filmmaking started at the age of 17 when he got his first camcorder and began filming his own sketch videos with his best friend. He went on to a job interviewing celebrities for a digital magazine, then noticed the growth of vlogging.

"I thought I'd take everything I'd learned and migrate across," he says, but it wasn't so easy. "It was an uphill struggle and financially very difficult – we were haemorrhaging money for about two years and were close to giving up. Then our first brand deal came in, and it snowballed from there."

Canon EOS M50

Reiterating the point that you don't necessarily need cinematic kit to get into vlogging, Stef reveals that their "little go-to workhorse" is the Canon EOS M50. "It's so simple to use: turn it on, set it to movie mode, maybe spend a couple of seconds making adjustments in the menus, and that's it, you're ready to go," he says, adding that the lightweight mirrorless camera gives them "authentic-feeling videos."

Despite being a more budget-friendly option, the EOS M50 offers features such as face-tracking AF and 4K video shooting that help the Michalaks deliver high quality footage.

Favourite vlogging lenses

Best of all, Stef says, he uses the Drop-In Filter Mount Adapter EF-EOS R, which enables him to attach his EF lenses on the EOS R body and also an ND filter to give the characteristic shallow depth of field that he loves.

Stef now favours the Canon EF 24mm f/1.4L II USM and Canon EF 24-105mm f/4L IS II USM lenses – and because he can use the same lenses on all his cameras, there is no difference in colours between the footage from the EOS R and EOS 5D Mark IV, saving time in post-processing. The fact that the two camera models use the same battery and have the same familiar EOS controls also means he can switch seamlessly between them.

Techniques and tips

Although the EOS R, EOS 5D Mark IV and EOS M50 can all shoot in 4K, Stef prefers to record in 1080p HD, which produces smaller files than 4K, so he doesn't have to carry around lots of memory cards or an external recorder, which would compromise portability. For maximum highlight and shadow detail, he records in Canon Log almost all the time.

"I would like to spend a lot more time on my grading," he adds, "but it's one of those things that takes time. I have to try to be time-efficient and make that process as fast as I can – and the colours look amazing anyway. I like to use natural light as much as possible for a natural look. We'll very seldom use lights. I just prefer to try to manipulate natural light as much as I can, and that's where Canon Log really helps."

Another key technology Stef relies on is Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus, available on the Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, the EOS R and the EOS M50. "Purists say you should always focus manually," he says, "but the technology is so good, I would never go manual any more. And with eye tracking, it's even better. I'm spoilt by Canon autofocus – it's fantastic, especially when you're in front of the camera, with a flip-out screen. I haven't got time to be messing around with the focus."

Stef is also a fan of slow motion, which he shoots at up to 100fps in 720p and then upscales for Full HD. "When things are happening rapidly, I generally switch over to it," he says.

As one of Britain's most successful vloggers, does Stef have any advice for budding filmmakers? "You need to establish what are you trying to do, then treat it like an art form," he says.

"Make sure to get the audio right," he adds. "I carry around a Zoom H6 portable recorder and use lapel mics."

Stef concludes that while honing your shooting and editing skills will help, the crucial ingredient in vlogging success is of course producing content of substance. "Get comfortable talking to the camera," he advises. "Most importantly, convey truth and honesty."

For more vlogging tips, watch Richard Walch's Canon Connected video.