- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
- Sony ZV-E10
- Panasonic Lumix GH6
Choosing the best camera for YouTube is a key consideration for anyone looking to make their mark on what remains the world’s biggest video sharing platform. Whether you’re just getting started or you want to take an existing channel to the next level, it is well worth taking the time to find the best camera for YouTube for your needs.
For some, one of the best camera phones might be all you need. But most YouTubers will benefit from having a dedicated camera for YouTube, which can radically improve the quality of content, both in terms of video and audio.
In this buying guide, we’ve selected the best vlogging cameras, and while we’ve included some premium cameras, we’ve also included options suitable for beginners who might not be ready to commit to a hefty investment. Different types of YouTubers will have different needs, and our team has tested and reviewed lots of cameras to bring you the best choices available.
We’ve included different types of cameras, from DSLRs and mirrorless models to compacts and action cameras. For each option, we compare the pros and cons and the main specs provided, including maximum video resolutions and frame rates. If the terminology used for video specs is new to you, scroll down to the FAQ section at the bottom of the page.
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
A lot of YouTubers highly rate the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, and it’s easy to see why. It’s not the most exceptional camera in any category really, but a superb jack-of-all-trades, doing everything that YouTubers need it to do, all in a tiny body that you can basically take anywhere.
This little camera is capable of 4K UHD video at 30p (although there is a recording time limit of 10 minutes), and HD video is available at up to 120fps, allowing you to create slow-motion effects. The Mark III version adds a 3.5mm mic jack, which makes a difference in terms of audio quality. The 24-100mm f/1.8-2.8 lens is fixed and can’t be changed, however, this zoom range is fine for most YouTube use, and the maximum aperture of f/1.8 is generous enough to make the G7X Mark III pretty nifty in low light.
Another real plus for YouTubers are concerned is that the camera can livestream, broadcasting footage with a clean HDMI out. There are cameras out there with more advanced video specs, but the majority of content creators won’t need them. This is an ideal choice for the majority of purposes. It’s one of the best point-and-shoot cameras you can buy..
Sony ZV-E10
Sony had for a while been hurting for a dedicated mid-range vlogging camera. While the ZV-1 compact was nice, what vloggers and YouTubers were really after was a mirrorless camera that would allow them to change lenses and generally be more flexible. Step forward, the Sony ZV-E10, an APS-C mirrorless camera absolutely loaded with video features.
The best Sony vlogging camera is an excellent mid-range camera.
The 4K UHD detail and quality is excellent, while Full HD can be stepped up to 120p for slow-motion footage. Also, while buying an external microphone is always better, if you’re working on a tight budget, the built-in mics on the ZV-E10 do a thoroughly credible job, thanks in part to the larger grille on top that allows for higher-fidelity sound capture.
It’s not a perfect camera – there’s a marked rolling shutter effect that occurs when you try to pan in 4K, and as is so often the case with Sony, the menus can be confusing. These are small points, however, and the core experience of the Sony ZV-E10 truly is very solid.
Panasonic Lumix GH6
Every YouTuber is going to be at a different skill level, with some boasting much more advanced video knowledge than others. If you’re someone who likes to get under the bonnet of a camera and tinker with your video footage until it’s precisely perfect, then the Panasonic Lumix GH6 is for you. This is one of the best consumer video cameras ever made.
The beating heart of the camera is its new 25MP stacked sensor, which enables much faster readout speeds, and means that it puts many more video options at the user’s disposal. It can shoot using basically every conceivable codec a filmmaker or YouTuber could want, and it can go up to 5.7K resolution at 30fps in Apple ProRes format.
If this doesn’t mean much to you, then the Lumix GH6 is probably more camera than you need, and you can safely go for a cheaper option. However, for the geeks among us, it’s an absolutely superb choice. A CFexpress Type B card slot allows you to insert one of the fastest and best memory cards to take advantage of the high-quality formats.
How should I choose the best camera for YouTube?
The best camera for YouTube for you will depend on what type of video you’re looking to share on your channel. If you want good quality video, then you’ll want the ability to record in Full HD (1080p). That said, many cameras now offer 4K, which YouTube now supports (see below).
You also want a camera that can adapt to different lighting settings, and check the camera’s video length limit if you’re planning to record long videos (see below for more on that).
Video isn’t the only thing to consider. There’s also sound. The best cameras for YouTube also offer excellent sound recording via a built-in microphone with noise-cancelling capabilities – although you may still want to consider mics depending on the type of video you’re producing.
You also need to consider portability because some cameras may prove to be too big and heavy if you’re often filming on the move. In our selection of the best cameras for YouTube, we’ve included some good compact options that are convenient for carrying in a bag.
What kind of camera do YouTubers use?
There’s no one answer here, as all different types of camera are popular on YouTube. Some like compacts such as the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, while others prefer mirrorless cameras or even DSLRs. And of course, some YouTubers get by using their smartphones. It’s all about figuring out what works best for you.
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