Need the best camera for YouTube videos? We’ve selected the best mirrorless cameras, compacts, DSLRs and more.
Finding the simplest camera for YouTube is that the ideal thanks to kick your channel up to future level – or to finally get one started. whereas a smartphone are often ok for shooting YouTube videos, the best camera can provide you with plenty of} additional choices to enhance the standard of your video output.
It also doesn’t have to be compelled to price the earth. We’ve elect the best YouTube cameras for this shopping for guide, and while there are a couple of high-end premium cameras, there are budget models designed for those that don’t have a lot to pay on their video setup. differing kinds of YouTubers can have completely different needs, and our team have checked and reviewed an excellent deal of cameras so as to analyse that is that the best – you’ll be able to check out our however we have a tendency to test page for additional on our review process.
We’ve enclosed different types of camera during this guide, from DSLRs and mirrorless models to compacts and action cameras. We’ve additionally checked out the specs for every one, as well as their most video resolutions and frame rates, and stacked them up against one another once creating our rankings. If video specs are all a touch new you, scroll to all-time low of this page to check our listing section on all things video.
searching for a additional generalised camera? We’ve additionally got a guide to the simplest cameras overall, that are nice for each photos and video. Or, for augmenting your YouTube setup, scrutinize our guide to the best ring lights accessible now, and for what to try to to along with your footage once it’ shot, look at our guide to best video written material apps for YouTube.
The best camera for YouTube available now
01.Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
A do-it-all compact camera that can live stream 4K video to YouTube
SPECIFICATIONS
Best for: Beginner to intermediateMax video resolution/frame rate: 4K UHD at 30pAF
points: 31Weight: 304gBattery life (CIPA): 235 shots
REASONS TO BUY
+Fast and versatile lens
+Great flip-up touchscreen
REASONS TO AVOID
-10-minute 4K limit
-Middling battery life
A lot of YouTubers extremely rate the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, and if you employ one for yourself, you’ll perceive why. It’ not the foremost exceptional camera in any class really, however it’ an excellent jack-of-all-trades, doing everything that YouTubers want it to do, tired a small body that you simply will primarily take anything.
this small camera is capable of capturing 4K UHD video at 30p, and whereas there’s a recording deadline of ten minutes during this mode, it’ still vastly helpful and appears fantastic. HD video is obtainable at up to 120fps, allowing you to form slow-motion effects, and this Mark III version of the camera adds during a 3.5mm mic jack, that makes a true distinction in terms of audio quality.
this can be a compact camera, that means the 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 lens can’t be changed. However, this zoom vary goes to be fine for many YouTube use, and also the most aperture of f/1.8 is generous enough to make the G7X Mark III pretty cracking in low light.
Another real and for the G7X Mark III as so much as YouTubers are involved is that the reality that it can livestream, broadcasting footage with a clean HDMI out. This adds another string to the camera’ bow, creating it a true one-camera-fits-all as so much as YouTubers are concerned. There are cameras out there with more advanced video specs, however the bulk of content creators won’t want them. this can be a perfect selection for the majority of purposes.
It’ one in all the simplest point-and-shoot cameras you’ll be able to buy, that’ for sure.
02.Panasonic Lumix GH6
The best camera for YouTube at the higher end
SPECIFICATIONS
Best for: Advanced and professional usersMax video resolution/frame rate: 5.8K at up to 30pAF points: 315Weight: 823gBattery life (CIPA): 380 shots
REASONS TO BUY
+Unlimited recording times
+Incredibly customizable video
REASONS TO AVOID
-Chunky and heavy
-Battery life could be better
each YouTuber goes to be at a distinct talent level, with some boast rather more advanced video data than others. If you’re somebody who likes to urge underneath the bonnet of a camera and tinker along with your video footage till it’ exactly perfect, then the Panasonic Lumix GH6 is for you. {this is|this is often|this will be} {one of|one among|one in all|one amongst|one in each of} the simplest shopper video cameras ever made.
If this doesn’t mean a lot of to you, then the Lumix GH6 is perhaps additional camera than you need, and you’ll be able to safely choose a less expensive option. However, for the geeks among us, it’ an completely excellent choice. A CFexpress blood type card slot permits you to insert one in all the quickest and best memory cards to require advantage of the high-quality formats.
03.Sony ZV-E10
An excellent mid-range vlogging camera, with impressive audio
SPECIFICATIONS
Best for: Beginner to intermediateMax video resolution/frame rate: 4K video at 30pAF points: 425Weight: 343gBattery life (CIPA): 440 shots
REASONS TO BUY
+Exceptional video AF
+Solid built-in mic
REASONS TO AVOID
-Rolling shutter in 4K
-Convoluted Sony menus
Sony had for a short while been pain for an ardent mid-range vlogging camera. whereas the ZV-1 compact was nice, what vloggers and YouTubers were extremely once was a mirrorless camera that may enable them to vary lenses and customarily be additional flexible. Step forward, the Sony ZV-E10, AN APS-C mirrorless camera completely loaded with video features.
The 4K UHD detail and quality is excellent, whereas Full HD are often stepped up to 120p for slow-motion footage. Also, while shopping for an external mike is often better, if you’re operating to a good budget, the constitutional mics on the ZV-E10 do a completely credible job, thanks partially to the larger grille on prime that permits for higher-fidelity sound capture.
It’ not a perfect camera – there’ a marked rolling shutter impact that happens once you attempt to pan in 4K, and as is therefore usually the case with Sony, the menus are confusing and headache inducement in use. These are little points however, and also the core expertise of the Sony ZV-E10 really is incredibly solid.
04.Nikon Z30
Nikon’s new vlogger kid on the block
SPECIFICATIONS
Best for: Beginner, Intermediate usersMax video resolution/frame rate: 4K 30pAF points: 209Weight: 405gBattery life (CIPA): 330 shots
REASONS TO BUY
+Uncropped 4K video
+Vlogger-focused ergonomics
REASONS TO AVOID
-Limited lens selection
-Omission of headphone jack
Nikon currently has 3 APS-C cameras in its Z mirrorless range, and the Z30 is that the unabashedly vlogger-focused. It’ got no viewfinder, simply a vari-angle screen, and is capable of shooting uncropped 4K UHD video. Tidy and compact, the Z30 is light-weight enough to hold just about anywhere, and that we love its chunky, sticking hold that produces one-handed shooting a breeze.
The Z cameras are still in comparatively early days, particularly those with smaller APS-C sensors. this suggests that there aren’t as several lenses wide accessible to specifically work these cameras – not nearly as many as there are for the Z30′ nearest obvious rival, the Sony ZV-E10, that advantages from the long history of Sony E-mount.
Still, this can be a smartly designed camera with loads going for it, like in-camera stabilisation for video, and an honest constitutional mic with a wind-noise reduction feature.
05.Sony A6000
The best camera for YouTubers on a tighter budget
SPECIFICATIONS
Best for: Intermediate and budget usersMax video resolution/frame rate: Full HD at 60pAF points: 179Weight: 344gBattery life (CIPA): 360 shots
REASONS TO BUY
+Amazing value for money
+Autofocus still great
REASONS TO AVOID
-No 4K
-Menus a bit dated
though this line of Sony cameras has full-grown massively as of late, the first Sony A6000 still proves to be one in all the foremost common models. Newer YouTubers that are however to bring enough revenue to get hold of fancy kit can rejoice at the lower price of this camera. however it ought to be noted that there’ a limit of Full HD quality video (no 4K, unfortunately) therefore bear that in mind if it’ a deal-breaker. Otherwise, the camera has rock-solid foundations within the form of a large 24MP APS-C device and a capable image processor with a 179-point optical device system.
like {better to|value additional highly to|favor to|opt to} combine the camera with one in all Sony’ E-mount lenses for increased shooting flexibility and nice image quality. This camera is a reminder that you simply don’t continually want the newest, flashiest device to supply quality video for YouTube. generally there’s better price in older models.
See our full Sony A6000 review for more details.
06.Canon EOS R5
The high-end choice, and one of the best cameras ever made
SPECIFICATIONS
Best for: Expert usersMax video resolution/frame rate: 8K at 30pAF points: 5940Weight: 650gBattery life (CIPA): 320 shots
REASONS TO BUY
+Crystal-clear 4K
+Best-in-class autofocus
REASONS TO AVOID
-Maybe more than you need
-Infamous 8K recording limits
If you’ve got budget to spare, and are viewing the high finish of camera tech, then we’d suggest considering the Canon Greek deity R5. It’ a hybrid camera designed for each stills and video shooters, however its video options are a number of the simplest-in-class. The headline specification is 8K at 30p, that is over you wish for YouTube, but this additionally offers you the choice to crop in and acquire glorious 4K footage, or shoot in 4K natively and luxuriate in some of the best-looking video you’ll be able to get. you’ll be able to even dial 4K up to a frame rate of 120fps if you want.
Canon’ twin picture element CMOS II optical device is one in all the best systems in the business, ANd it works fabulously for video additionally as stills. Video also advantages from in-body image stabilisation, creating it a less complicated task to capture swish footage whereas victimisation the camera hand-held. The burgeoning choice of RF lenses is additionally fantastic, with a number of the sharpest optics around, and if you have already got EF DSLR lenses, then the EF-to-RF adapter permits you to use them on the R5 with full functionality.
It’ not an ideal camera – it gained one thing of a name on unleash for its recording limits in high resolutions because of an heating issue. It’ not a unhealthful issue, simply one thing to remember of; as we have a tendency to created plain in our full review, this can be still {one of|one among|one during all|one amongst|one in every of} the foremost advanced and best cameras you’ll be able to purchase right now, full stop, and it’ one of the most versatile buys that YouTubers can make.
scan our full Canon Greek deity R5 review for additional on this unbelievable mirrorless machine.
07.GoPro Hero10 Black
The best camera for YouTube adventurers
SPECIFICATIONS
Best for: Outdoor users, sports, travel vloggers of all ability levelsMax video resolution/frame rate: 5.3K video at 60pAF points: None (fixed focus)Weight: 158gBattery life (CIPA): Not specified (real-world tests indicate about 90-100 mins continuous shooting)
REASONS TO BUY
+Useful front display
+Class-leading stabilisation
REASONS TO AVOID
-Relatively expensive
-Small image sensor
Throw it in a lake, drop it off a mountain, or bounce it on on a mountain bike, if you wish extreme sturdiness then GoPro is that the brand for you. If you intend on capturing sports for your YouTube channel, regardless of however extreme, then the little and strong GoPro Hero ten Black is for you. Livestreaming is changing into ever-popular on the world’ biggest video site, and also the Hero 10 Black can do that, too.
This refashion is updated to contend with rivals just like the DJI Osmo Action by as well as a helpful front screen to create selfie vlogging easier and it’s class-leading HyperSmooth 4.0 image stabilisation which might capture smooth, steady footage once being thrown around in extreme conditions.
The Hero10 Black currently captures even additional detail because of the 5.3K video resolution (91% over 4K) that it records at an improbable 60FPS. There’ additionally a brand new video feature of 4K at 120FPS for those that prefer to capture footage for slow motion. Extreme shooters that require a camera that may maintain with them ought to choose the Hero10 Black if they require swish video and reliable results.
See our full GoPro Hero10 Black review for more details.
08.Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
The best camera for YouTube pros
SPECIFICATIONS
Best for: ProfessionalsMax video resolution/frame rate: 6K at 50pAF points: Not specifiedWeight: 898gBattery life (CIPA): Not specified (real-world tests indicate approx 45 minutes of 6K shooting)
REASONS TO BUY
+Superb 6K footage
+Canon EF lens mount
REASONS TO AVOID
-Battery not great
-No articulating screen
Blackmagic contains a name among filmmakers and camera operators alike as glorious plug-and-film devices. They manufacture cameras capable of capturing terrific footage as handily as possible. The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K contains a giant Super thirty five device and may shoot 6K Raw footage at 60fps, creating it an excellent possibility for manufacturing high-resolution YouTube videos that stand out from the gang – one thing that’ vital on the world’ biggest video sharing platform.
because of the Canon EF mount designed into the BPCC 6K, users can expect to use any variety of the EF line-up of Canon lenses that expands affordability and suppleness once it involves selecting glass. Anyone considering YouTube regular might want to take a position during this camera as a result of not solely will it pack pro-level options into a conveyable body whereas being lighter on the billfold than most cinema cameras as well. once we reviewed the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, we found this to be a camera that gives great quality and features for an excellent price.
See our full Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K review for additional details.
09.Canon EOS 90D
A hefty DSLR with classic handling and excellent video specs
SPECIFICATIONS
Best for: Intermediate to advanced usersMax video resolution/frame rate: 4K video at 30pAF points: 45 (all cross-type)Weight: 701gBattery life (CIPA): 1300 shots
REASONS TO BUY
+Strong battery life
+Weather sealed
REASONS TO AVOID
-Only one card slot
-No in-body stabilisation
Canon designed on the Greek deity 70D’ quality amongst YouTubers by manufacturing this latest option, the 90D. Aimed squarely at the video market, it captures careful uncropped 4K UHD video and may even shoot motion picture 120fps once the resolution is born to Full HD. It even captures 32.5MP stills for multimedia system video content, do you have to want it. Canon additionally revamped the I/O by putting in external mike and earphone connections to assist with audio watching and recording.
The Greek deity 90D is chunkier and heavier than alternative cameras on this list as a result of it attracts on its DSLR heritage. however a giant advantage to it is its weather-sealing, that means you’ll be able to keep shooting though it rains or snows. we have a tendency to found to be satisfying to handle, too, with a large, bright optical viewfinder. At this price, it’s AN absolute steal for video producers who don’t mind one thing slightly bulkier.
10.DJI Action 2
A super small modular camera that offers competition to the GoPro
SPECIFICATIONS
Best for: Beginners, intermediate users, travelling lightMax video resolution/frame rate: 4K video at 60pAF points: Not specifiedWeight: 116gBattery life (CIPA): 140 minutes
REASONS TO BUY
+Unique style and super portable
+Smart modular accessories
+Good app experience
REASONS TO AVOID
-Not waterproof with modular battery
-Overheats with high-resolution filming
The DJI Action a pair of is an implausibly compact standard action camera with premium styling. It can’t beat the video quality or utility of its main challenger the GoPro Hero ten Black (see above) however it’ an amazing selection for YouTubers who price vogue and compact portability.
once we reviewed it, we were affected with the blasted metal finish, though it did strike United States as additional vulnerable to dents than the GoPro. however we have a tendency to were most affected with the neat magnetic, standard accessories, which might add further battery life, small Mount Rushmore State card support and a USB-C port counting on that package you go for. you’ll be able to add a selfie screen, a macro lens and more. The draw back is that once modules are added, the device isn’t any longer waterproof while not additional housing. however the largest limit for YouTubers are its overheating, which implies you can solely record the very best quality fourK footage for bursts of up to around 4 minutes.
See our full DJI Action a pair of review for additional details.
11.Panasonic Lumix S5
A terrific full-frame video camera offering tremendous value for money
SPECIFICATIONS
Best for: Advanced usersMax video resolution/frame rate: DCI 4K at 30pAF points: 225Weight: 445gBattery life: 440 shots
REASONS TO BUY
+Pro-spec video options
+Well-built, weather-sealed body
REASONS TO AVOID
-Some modes incur 30min limit
-Only one UHS-II SD slot
The Panasonic Lumix S series has wowed camera folks and school geeks alike since its arrival a couple of years ago, with the Lumix S1H being accessorial to the list of cameras approved by Netflix to be used shooting its content. The Lumix S5, a more moderen model, primarily inherits most of the S1H’ practicality and crams it into a way more within your means body, that makes it a winner in our book.
able to capture 10-bit administrator and UHD 4K full-frame video at up to 30p with 10-bit 4:2:2 color, the Panasonic Lumix S5 is seriously spectacular for just about any user. the twin gain device delivers impressive dynamic vary at low ISO settings, and also the variable frame rate perform that permits you to switch from high frame rates to low ones to dramatically cut down and speed up your footage.
whereas shooting are often unlimited on the Lumix S5, some modes do incur a 30-minute limit. It lacks a couple of of the S1H’ top-of-the-line features, like 6K video, however honestly on YouTube you virtually definitely don’t need them. this can be an excellent YouTuber’ camera, with a chic full-frame device that produces astonishing detail.
however should to i select the simplest camera for YouTube?
the simplest camera for YouTube for you’ll rely upon what kind of video you’re wanting to share on your channel. If you would like sensible quality video, then you’ll want the flexibility to record fully HD (1080p). That said, several cameras currently supply 4K, that YouTube now supports (see below).
you furthermore mght desire a camera that may adapt to completely different lighting settings, and check the camera’ video length limit if you’re reaching to record long videos (see below for additional on that).
Video isn’t the sole issue to think about. There’ also sound. the simplest cameras for YouTube also supply glorious audio recording via a constitutional mike with noise-cancelling capabilities – though you will still need to consider mics counting on the kind of video you’re producing.
you furthermore mght have to be compelled to consider movableness as a result of some cameras may sway be too massive and significant if you’re usually photography on the move. In our choice of the best cameras for YouTube, we’ve enclosed some sensible compact choices that are convenient for carrying during a bag.
Do dearer cameras capture higher footage for Youtube?
Not necessarily. Of course, higher finish models sometimes return equipped with higher resolutions, better dynamic vary and fewer image noise. however the simplest camera for the work is that the one that suits your shooting style. A vlogger that likes to edit videos before uploading and needs extremely careful stills images of subjects might mean a lean towards dedicated mirrorless cameras.
Do i would like 4K video for YouTube?
whereas you don’t want 4K to create a video for YouTube, it definitely will no harm. As video resolution and net speeds improve we have a tendency to’re able to stream higher resolution video, sharing the simplest quality footage with our audiences. 8K video footage is currently oozing through the camera market and 4K is slowly changing into what Full HD was once 4K was introduced not see you later ago.
If you notice a camera with ‘just HD’ video capability we now raise ‘why?’ – actually because makers are attempting to make things smaller, lighter, or cheaper. though your outcome can be bestowed in 1080p, 4K still delivers the next quality downsampled image.
What will video length limit mean?
Video length limits are camera-imposed limits on recording length for video. for instance a ten minute video length limits mean that once 10 minutes the camera can stop recording video. {you can|you’ll|you’ll be able to} begin recording once more after this time, however you won’t be able to record any more footage. If you wish to stay recording for as long as possible, in one long take, make sure to appear for recording length restrictions when buying a brand new camera for YouTube.
What reasonably camera do YouTubers use?
There’ nobody answer here, as all differing kinds of camera are common on YouTube. Some like compacts love the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, whereas others like mirrorless cameras or maybe DSLRs. And of course, some YouTubers get by victimisation their smartphones. It’ all concerning working out what works best for you.
