Creating great YouTube videos takes a lot of work. Tasks such as coming up with video ideas, creating a script, finding the right video editing software, and optimizing your videos for YouTube SEO; making sure your videos are top quality can be daunting. However, it can all fall apart if you don’t use the best camera when shooting the videos themselves.
This is because using the best possible camera for creating YouTube videos can be a vital component to enhancing your video from good to fantastic. However, using the best camera doesn’t always mean you need to use the most expensive one in the market.
In this article, we’ve listed 9 of the best cameras for creating YouTube videos available right now, complete with pros and cons, pricing, and specifications. We’ve also included several things you need to consider when choosing the right camera and the types of cameras out there.
All so you can make an informed decision that best suits YouTube video needs. Without further ado, let’s dig in.
Before we get started, there’s something you need to know: there is no “one-size-fits-all” camera. This means that you will likely need different cameras for different kinds of YouTube videos you want to create.
For example, the best cameras for casual vlogging won’t be the best choice if you intend to make a short movie.
You can certainly use them, but you will need to upgrade your camera to get better-quality footage.
In this section, we’ll tell you everything you need to consider when choosing the right camera for your needs.
You need to consider the camera sensor as it’s a crucial element to the overall video quality. Therefore, cameras with bigger sensors tend to take higher quality footage, even in low-light situations.
There are two main types of camera sensors: Active-Pixel Sensor (CMOS) and Charge-Coupled Device (CCD). If you’re a beginner, it’s best to choose a camera with a CMOS sensor as CCD sensors tend to be present in more professional-grade cameras — making them more expensive.’
You might also find cameras with full-frame, APS-C, and micro 4/3. Check this video out to find out exactly what these three are good for.
Main takeaways:
These days, top video quality is crucial for YouTube videos as viewers will expect nothing less. Therefore, you should always record your videos in at least 1080p HD resolution.
If you’ve got a bit more to spare on your budget, you also choose a camera that records 4K videos as there is an increasing number of people who use TVs that support 4K resolution.
As we know, watching shaky videos is not a fun experience. It can even be nauseating at times. This is why you should choose a camera with image stabilization to reduce the video’s shakiness.
Image stabilization is essential if you tend to record videos while you’re on the move a bit more than inside a studio. Fortunately, most modern cameras have image stabilization, but some are better than others.
One of the newer image stabilization technologies is IBIS, or in-body image stabilization, which helps stabilize your videos to the point that it looks shake-free.
Alternatively, you can also use a gimbal to stabilize your camera when you’re on the move, but it’s a bit more expensive and can be pretty tricky to set up. You can always use a tripod to ensure your footage isn’t shaky if you're just standing relatively still.
Although using the right camera is crucial for creating YouTube videos, using a good microphone will go a long way to making your videos look professional. Not only that, the combination of HD quality and stable footage with crisp audio will result in a great viewing experience for your viewers, making them want to watch your video to the end.
You do indeed get lenses when you first purchase a camera to state the obvious. However, there might come a time when you need more than what your current camera offers.
One way you can upgrade your camera is by buying lenses. However, lenses are relatively expensive, sometimes more pricey than the camera itself, so be sure to have some money to spend.
While expensive lenses may burn a hole in your pocket, these kinds of lenses tend to be long-term investments because they will last longer and is most often a better deal than cheaper ones.
Speaking of burning a hole in your pocket, we recommend setting a budget to prevent this. This is because figuring out how much money you want to spend to buy a camera determines what type of camera you’re able to buy.
For example, if you find a camera that suits your needs but is a bit more expensive than the budget you’ve set, you should look for them in second-hand marketplaces. Who knows, you might just find what you’re looking for on there.
If you’re a beginner with money to spend, the urge to buy the most professional camera might be hard to resist. However, the many features it offers might just overwhelm you. This is why, in the beginning, it’s better to pick a camera you’re comfortable with.
Invest in a more professional-grade camera when you’re used to using your camera and feel like you’ve outgrown it.
If you’re someone that shoots vlogs or other kinds of videos that requires you to always be on the go, you’re going to want your camera to be compact and portable.
This is crucial to make it easier to go around without being weighed down by your camera.
With this in mind, you should opt for mirrorless cameras as you’ll get many professional features minus the hefty weight.
Frame Rate or Frames Per Second (FPS) is how many still images a camera can capture every second. This is why, generally speaking, the higher the frame rate, the higher the video quality.
For example, if you record 4K videos, it should have a higher than 30 fps frame rate. If you tend to shoot more dynamic footage that features fast-moving objects, you should opt for cameras with a 60 fps frame rate to make your videos look much smoother.
To keep everything simple when recording videos, having a camera with an autofocus feature is vital. Better yet, if the camera has eye-tracking, capturing great videos is going to be even easier for you as your camera will automatically adjust its focus to wherever you’re located in the shot.
This way, you’ll be able to shoot your videos to look how you want with the highest quality.
If you spend more time in a studio when shooting your videos, battery life won’t matter too much as you’ll be able to charge it whenever you want. However, battery life is crucial to consider if you tend to record outside more often. This way, you can shoot videos without constantly worrying about low batteries.
If you film yourself often, then getting a camera with an articulating screen is very important., regardless of whether it pivots up or flips sideways. This is because it enables you to get a live preview of the shot your camera is taking.
Furthermore, this type of screen makes it easier to adjust aspects like shot composition, focus, and exposure. Therefore, with the basics done quicker, you’ll be able to focus on other elements of your video faster too.
If you’re a streamer, you’ll be glad to know that there’s an increasing number of cameras that have built-in YouTube livestreaming support. Therefore, if you have money to spend, you should go out and get one to make it more efficient to shoot livestreaming content.
After knowing what factors to consider to choose the right camera, you’ll need to determine the type of camera that suits your needs. While we have mentioned some camera types beforehand, we’ll discuss them in greater detail in this section.
We understand that webcams might not be the most enticing option, but this type of camera can be an excellent choice for specific uses. For example, a webcam is perfect if you want to start livestreaming and show screen recordings from your computer.
However, make sure to get a webcam with HD quality and a separate high-quality microphone to ensure crisp audio as most built-in mics from webcams are terrible.
If you travel a lot and tend to record videos in rough locations, you should get an action camera. These cameras were designed to be much sturdier and much more robust and sturdy than most other cameras.
Constant technological innovations mean that your smartphone’s camera has also evolved and is slowly but surely, reaching pro-level video quality. If you’re just starting and on a tight budget, your phone’s camera can perfectly record high-quality videos.
DSLR or Digital Single-Lens Reflex cameras offer extreme flexibility as you can easily switch between lenses depending on the requirement of your shots.
Combine this with the massive selection of lenses available; the kinds of footage you can take with DSLRs are endless.
Mirrorless cameras offer many professional-grade features of DSLRs with just a fraction of the weight. Some would even argue that this camera takes more color-accurate recordings than DSLRs.
Be that as it may, mirrorless cameras tend to be more power-hungry than DSLRs, making them run out of battery faster.
If you’re constantly moving around, then getting a point-and-shoot camera can be an excellent option for you. This is because it usually comes in small sizes — making it easy for you to just take them out of your pocket and quickly record something with a click of a button.
Remember that they’re not as good as mirrorless and DSLRs, so be sure to use them sparingly to keep your video’s overall quality consistent.
Camcorders helps streamline the video-capture process because this kind of camera essentially has everything you need to record videos in one compact package.
Although it doesn’t have an extensive range of accessories like other cameras do, camcorders are engineered so that the existing parts just work perfectly well together.
However, the video you take from camcorders is often relatively low quality, but don’t worry, superb cameras are still available. And features like built-in ND filters and advanced input/output ports still make this type of camera highly regarded among videographers.
If you need comprehensive customization options, cinema cameras might be the right option for you. Cinema cameras enable you to chop and change several aspects of the camera like the video monitors, lenses, power supplies, file storage, and many more to make it precisely what you envisioned it to be. Cinema cameras also let you record videos in true raw.
The disadvantage of this kind of camera is that it’s much more expensive and far more complex to use than most other cameras. Furthermore, most YouTubers don’t use cinema cameras as this camera is possibly overqualified for most YouTube video needs.
However, if you’re interested in using a cinema camera, we’ve listed a cinema camera in this article that you can use.
After getting a better understanding of how to choose the right camera for your needs and the various types of cameras available, now it’s time to delve right into some of the best cameras for YouTube videos.
Here are 10 of the best ones.
The Canon EOS M50 is one of the most-used cameras for YouTubers because it has several creator-friendly features, some of Canon’s top-of-the-line technology, and a relatively reasonable price point.
Although it’s not the highest-performing Canon camera, the M50 Mark II is a great budget option at $699.99.
Specifications:
Pros
Cons
Canon’s PowerShot G7X Mark III is an upgraded version of one of Canon’s highest-selling camera lines among content creators. It packs several in-depth video features on what was already a favorite among vloggers — making it one of the best cameras for YouTube.
Furthermore, the interface is easy to navigate and is similar to the EOS line, which should make it easy for you to upgrade if you’re used to using Canon cameras. And with a more secure handgrip than previous models, the G7X III can make it much more comfortable for you when recording videos.
Additionally, it has direct Livestreaming support to YouTube over Wi-Fi that enables you to stream whatever you’re recording to YouTube.
This camera can also record 4K videos, but it can’t record slow-motion footage at 120 fps, and its autofocus system is not as reliable as other cameras. What’s even worse is that you can’t use it while charging, and it has a risk of overheating when used for long periods.
The Canon PowerShot G7 X retails at around $749.00.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
Sony’s A6400 model is a relatively old camera model but still includes many essential features and has the specs that help content creators to shoot YouTube videos.
The combination of being an older model and having vital features to modern YouTube creators makes this camera becoming an excellent budget camera option.
Sony is one of the brands constantly fighting to be the top choice among the best budget cameras for YouTube, and the A6400 is old enough to be budget-friendly but new enough to include a lot of must-have features and specs for content creators.
The starting price for the Sony A6400 is $898.00 (body only).
Specifications
Pros
Cons
The Sony ZV-1 results from reimagining one of Sony’s most-favored camera lines, The RX100 series, to bedesigned explicitly for vloggers. One of the many features of this highly compact camera is recording videos up to 1,000 FPS.
Additionally, you’re also able to record videos for however long you want, thanks to its unlimited video recording feature and surprisingly good audio quality because of its built-in three capsule mic.
You’ll also be able to get a live preview of your shot quickly, thanks to its fully articulating LCD touchscreen.
The ZV-1 combines both optical and electronic systems in terms of image stabilization. All these features we’ve mentioned above should create fantastic vlogs as you’ll be able to record stable videos for as long as you want, with crisp audio and you’ll get live previews as you record!
This camera’s price starts at around $648.00
Specifications
Pros
Cons
The Panasonic LUMIX GH5 II is a powerful and compact video camera with a Micro Four Thirds sensor that supports various recording formats.
Furthermore, the overall 4K video quality the GH5 II delivers is great and it has incredible internal recording capabilities — enabling you to record 10-bit 4:2:0 4K videos at up to 60 fps.
Several inputs and outputs help you connect auxiliary microphones, external HDMI recorders, and headphones. Combining all of the above with an easy-to-navigate and perfectly spread out menu system makes the GH5 Mark II be an intuitive camera to use.
However, despite everything, this camera does have its drawbacks. For example, the autofocus is only OK, and it doesn’t perform well under low-light conditions because of its small sensor.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
If you’re a videographer with a YouTube channel, the Nikon Z6 can be an outstanding choice. This is because its autofocus is so powerful that it even rivals the best cameras from Canon and Sony.
The most significant advantage of using the Z6 is that it enables you to record uncropped 4K videos with N-Log capabilities with 5-axis IBIS (in-body image stabilization).
If you want to buy the Nikon Z6, you’re going to need to spend a little more money than the other cameras we’ve mentioned in this list because this camera’s price starts at $1,596.95 (without lens).
Pros
Cons
Sony’s a7S III is one of the best from a long line of a7 cameras and has most of the best features in an outstandingly compact body.
With this camera, you can take advantage of Sony’s fantastic video quality and shoot uncropped 4K footage with 10-bit 4:2:2 thanks to its full-frame sensor.
Furthermore, the Eye AF technology gives you top-class autofocus capabilities. But one aspect that truly sets the a7s III apart is the optional adapter for the multi-interface hot shoe that enables you to use professional-grade XLR microphones.
This compact yet powerful camera with top-of-the-line autofocus capability is suitable for creating YouTube videos while you’re on the go or even in the studio, as long as you’re not thinking of recording slo-mo footage.
To do that, you’re going to need to buy CFExpress cards. At the time of writing, the Sony a7S III is available at around $1,998.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
Unlike most Panasonic cameras that usually have a 4/3 sensor, the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H has a full-frame sensor with a breadth of features and settings that perfectly suits a videographer’s needs
Thanks to features such as 6K recording capability and multiple frame-rate options, your YouTube videos will look like it was produced professionally. This camera will be perfect for creating short films and high-end vlogs that will wow your viewers.
However, all those high-quality and high-performance features mean that the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1H comes at a high price of $3,497.99.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
Blackmagic cameras have a reputation in the filmmaking community for efficiently delivering fantastic footage, and the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K is no exception.
The ability to shoot 60 fps 6K footage with its massive Super 35 sensor makes this camera a fantastic option to create high-quality YouTube videos. Furthermore, the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K also has a Canon EF mount that enables you to save money and use various lenses from Canon.
If you’re thinking about becoming a full-time YouTuber, then picking the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K as your camera of choice will do you a world of good.
However, you’ll need to save up a bit as this camera costs $2,699.
Specifications
Pros
Cons
Different content creators usually utilize various cameras to fulfill their video recording needs. Therefore, there's not really one answer to this question. Be that as it may, our list above catches some of the best cameras available.
We suggest portable and moderately affordable cameras like the Sony ZV-1 Mark II or the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III because of their versatility and suitability for vlogging. However, if you’re on a tight budget, you can always start using your smartphone camera.
Although higher-end models often have higher resolutions, better video stabilization, and a bigger sensor, expensive cameras are not always the best choice. The right camera for you should perfectly fit your video content needs and shooting style.
While recording in 4K is not mandatory for YouTube, doing so will do you no harm. It can even be beneficial for you as 4K is slowly but surely becoming the ancient Full HD resolution because of the emergence of 8K videos.
Video length limits are camera-forced cutoff points on a video’s recording length. For example, if a camera has a 15-minute video length limit, it will stop recording after 15 minutes.
Like we’ve mentioned before, this boils down to the kind of YouTube video content you intend to create. Decide on that first and choosing the best camera for you will be much more straightforward.
Your smartphone can be an excellent place to start, but ensure it’s got at least 1080p resolution. Assuming you're searching for a different camera, try using the Sony ZV-1 Mark II we recommended above.
These days, an increasing number of people are starting to create YouTube videos. Regardless of whether it’s a family home video, personal vlogs, or content marketing videos from businesses to get new audiences to convert, the right camera for every need is sometimes just around the corner.
We hope the 9 cameras we’ve listed above have helped you get a much better understanding of what camera you should be picking. And although we’ve listed several things to consider when choosing the right camera, you need to ensure two things: 1080p resolution and crisp audio.
And when you’ve successfully picked the right one for you and created that amazing video content, why not use Offeo to edit your videos?
We have 3000+ templates to help you speed through your editing process and transform your recorded footage into one engaging YouTube video. And if you run out of ideas on how to start and end your video, you can always use our YouTube intro maker and outro maker.
Sign up for Offeo today, and let us help you jumpstart your journey into a successful YouTuber!
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