Youtube is the largest video hosting website in the world and the second biggest search engine behind only Google. Likewise, creating videos on Youtube has become a way to make a full time or part time income. So investing into the right equipment and making it a more enjoyable experience for the viewer, should be something to pay attention to. The two keys for having a good equipment setup for Youtube is having the proper sound/microphone and having a quality camera. You can check out our article on our suggestion for top microphones here.
When buying a new camera it is important to consider things like budget, portability, image and audio quality, recording time, and battery life. You must decide on what you are looking to do with your camera. Will it be stationary with little movement? Are you going to be travelling and doing vlogs?
In this article we tried to address each of the different video styles and compile a list of some of the top recommended cameras for YouTube based on a combination of price, quality, popularity and style.
Canon G7 X Mark II is a great pocket sized camera that is lightweight and easy to move around. This could be a good camera to use for vlogging or travelling as thanks to its optical image stabilizer, which reduces image blur, all shots are always smooth and clear. It comes with a big 1.0-inch 20.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 image processor, which provides an excellent detection and tracking functions.
Unfortunately, you are not able to shoot 4k video format with this camera. It does however support JPEG, RAW modes and full HD video at 60 fps. An added bonus is the built-in flash which guarantees great results in almost any lighting conditions.
The only addition to this list that can go underwater, plus it actually look good doing it. The GoPro HERO7 provides tremendous shots, is very small and lightweight, and has some very unique features. If you are looking for a rugged camera with hyper smooth video stabilization, look no further. You can shoot in 4k format at 60fps and this camera can connect to WI-Fi for the option of Live Streaming
. This is the most expensive camera on our list, but it is the top of the line as a professional camera for Youtube. This mirrorless camera provides excellent video recording and shooting in 4K as well as 5-axis image stabilization to smooth all the blurs.
There is also a shooting speed of 10 fps and an option of face detection focusing (which is useful for vlogging). This model has weather sealing and also features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC connectivity.
The Canon Eos 80D is our top pick out of DSLR cameras for Youtube use. DSLR means Digital Single Lens with reflective mirror that bends the lite path. This camera is a little more pricey than some of the other options, but still comes in under $1000. It is not great as far as being a mobile camera, as you will find the body being very heavy and hard to store. However, it makes up for these negative factors with some of it’s great abilities.
It is designed to take high-grade shots as well as videos with 24.2mp (APS-C) CMOS sensor. This DSLR camera is good at catching fast-moving subjects as has a Dual Pixel CMOS AF and its continuous shooting speed reaches up to 7 fps. Like most modern cameras, the Canon EOS 80D also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity which allows sharing photos immediately.
If you are looking for a mirrorless camera, our pick is the Panasonic Lumix G85. Mirrorless cameras have the advantage of usually being lighter, more compact, faster and better for video; but that comes at the cost of access to a small amount of lense choices or accessories.
The Panasonic Lumix G85 offers 4K and FHD60 video support with a 5-axis dual image stabilizer. The camera is actually pretty rugged with a weather seal, splash and dust proof seal. The 16mp digital live MOS sensor without a low pass filter, delivers detailed and sharp images.
Stepping up your video and image game for Youtube can be a big help in growing your channel. Remember to choose the model that best suits your video taking method. If you will be moving a lot, choose a lighter camera that is easy to carry. If you will be mainly stationary, you might get more benefit out of a less mobile model. If you do a lot of adventurous activities, the Go Pro might be a good option as it is rugged and can go underwater. Think about what you are mainly doing in each video, and base your purchase off of that.
Also pay attention to the price you are willing to pay and weigh the benefits at each price point. You will find that when it comes to cameras, you really get what you pay for. Think of the price as an investment in building your personal brand and Youtube channel. For a beginner, it might be best to go with a less expensive model, until you learn exactly what you need out of a camera.
As mentioned at the start of this article, to go along with a good camera you will also need a good sound setup. We also reviewed our favorite microphone setups for Youtube here.
