Are you looking for the best cameras for YouTube? We at netbooknews.com have analyzed tons of cameras and ranked our best 13 cameras to film and produce YouTube videos. The first thing most people think about when they hear “YouTube videos” are ‘YouTubers.’ But Youtube offers an excellent marketing channel for anyone who wants to give their products or services the visibility they need in the digital world. The platform currently stands as the number 2 most used search engine behind Google and is home to over 2.3 billion users. This represents a vast pool of potential clients and audiences to reach out to. Also, 79% of all internet users have YouTube accounts.
Our Evaluation Methodology
To find out which YouTube cameras are the best, we have compared prices, features, reliability, reputation, and customer satisfaction. We emphasize industry standards, customer ratings, reviews, product specifications, user manuals, analysis from experts, best-list ratings, etc. Once we have settled on what brands we consider the best, we juxtaposed them with each other – compare video quality, specs, variety, setup, ease of use, microphone, lens, autofocus, benefits, cost, etc.
The 13 Best Cameras for YouTube Videos September 2021
- Sony ZV-1 Camera for Content Creators – Perfect if you need a camera that fits into your pocket while on-the-go.
- Fujifilm X-S10 Mirrorless Digital Camera – Ideal for those looking for a minimalist-designed YoutTube camera.
- DJI Osmo Pocket – It matches perfectly with all types of smartphones.
- GoPro Hero 9 Black – It is ideal if you need an action camera that comes with a variety of third-party accessories to pair with.
- Canon EOS M6 Mark II – It perfectly suits any solo blogger that requires wide-angle shots.
- Sony Alpha A6600 – This is perfect for anyone who needs a mirrorless camera with a battery that can handle hours of workload.
- Huawei P30 Pro – It is the perfect rival for high-end smartphones with pro-quality video shooting capabilities.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus – This is the perfect multi-purpose smartphone that gives super inbuilt video editing options you will not find in other brands.
- Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 Digital Camera – It is perfect for any Vlogger or Youtuber looking for a less expensive but high-quality camera.
- APEMAN A79 4K Action Camera – It is probably one of the cheapest YouTube cameras that deliver 4k video recording.
- Canon G7 X Mark III Digital Camera – It delivers high-quality HD video, with a wide-angle lens, at an affordable price.
- Canon EOS Rebel T8i – It offers one of the best point-and-shoot effects you can find in a YouTube camera.
- Nikon Z6 Mirrorless Camera – This is Nikon’s flagship camera when it comes to competing with the best 4k recording cameras currently on the market.
Different Reasons to Create YouTube Videos
There are several reasons why you should create YouTube videos. Here are a few of them:
Marketing
Currently, Youtube videos and video marketing, in general, are the trendiest and one of the most effective forms of digital marketing.
Creating How-To videos
You can use YouTube to create How-To content on different DIY topics concerning your products or services or other topics of your interest
Building an Audience
YouTube videos are also an excellent way of gathering a huge following for your brand across various social media platforms.
Streaming
You can also use YouTube videos for live streaming, podcasting, vlogging, as well as distributing Webinars and other videos related to your business.
What to Consider When Buying a Camera for YouTube Videos
Determine why you want to buy a video camera.
We have already mentioned some of the several benefits of buying a camera for Youtube videos, whether for marketing your business, personal brand, vlogging, educational videos, etc.
Camera formats
There are many formats that you need to consider when buying a camera. These include smartphones, webcams, action cams, point-and-shoots, DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, camcorders, and cinema cameras. The right format will depend on the purpose behind your YouTube video.
Microphone types
There are also various types of microphones to consider, depending on the purpose behind your Youtube videos. You can choose from Lapel mics, Shotgun mics, Condenser mics, etc. You can also consider the brand, as there are various brands like Canon, Sony, GoPro, etc., available to choose from.
Best Compact Cameras for YouTube
Sony ZV-1
Sony ZV-1 is easily considered the best compact camera for YouTubers. It has a sensor size of 1 inch accompanied by 20.1 megapixels of resolution. Its compact size means carrying it around is easy, as it can fit into your pocket. It has a focal length of 24 to 70 mm and a 3-inch monitor touchscreen that can vary at different angles.
Specs
- 24 minutes continuous shooting
- Zoom lens type
- 20.1 megapixels
- Realtime AF tracking
- Face priority AE
Pros
- Compact and easy to use
- Touchscreen monitor
- Wi-fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Strong battery
Cons
- Average video stabilization
- Limited touchscreen controls
Fujifilm X-S10
Fujifilm X-S10 also rivals the best on the market for compact cameras for YouTube videos. It offers great shots with mics that deliver quality audio to match. It features a 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, paired with an X Processor 4 capable of delivering 4k/30p video recordings. It comes with full HD specs up to 240p for slow-motion effect. This mirrorless camera comes with a great in-body image stabilization system.
Specs
- Zoom lens type
- 26.1 megapixels
- X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor
- 240p for slow-motion effect
- In-body image stabilization
Pros
- Great handling
- Excellent sensor
- IBIS in a compact design
Cons
- Lack weatherproof features
- Limited touchscreen functions
Best Action Cameras for YouTube
DJI Osmo Pocket
If you’re looking for a camera that best captures action footage with strong lenses, then you should consider the DJI Osmo Pocket. This all-in-one gimbal/camera combo can capture up to 4K footage and 12MP photos while delivering silky-smooth stabilization in a compact body. It comes with a small screen to monitor your footages and as room for microSD cards. You can also connect with Dji’s for Android and IOS to get better granular control.
Specs
- 4k footage
- 12 megapixels
- Hand-held 3-axis gimbal
- Silky-smooth stabilization
- Compatible with camera and cell phones
- ActiveTrack, FaceTrack, and Time Lapse features
Pros
- Great pocket or compact size design
- Fantastic stabilization effect
- Viewing screen
- 4k recording capability
Cons
- No charging adaptor included
- No mic port
- No option for mounting out of the box
GoPro Hero 9 Black
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is a perfect sidekick for any YouTuber looking for the best professional action camera. This world-class flagship camera delivers excellent stabilization with perfect image quality with options for different modes and frames, ideal for Vloggers. Its 1.4-inch front-facing screen also makes it one of the best action cameras, as it offers easy framing of videos and selfies. Plus, you can also look forward to a wide variety of third-party accessories to pair it with.
Specs
- 5k video capture
- 1.4 inches front-facing screen
- 5 inches optical sensor size
- Bluetooth connectivity
- 20 megapixels camera
Pros
- Various accessory options
- Powerful stabilization
- 5k maximum video resolution
- 20 megapixels
Cons
- Less-than-impressive microphone
- No head jack
- Pricey
Best Mirrorless Cameras for YouTube
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
This mirrorless YouTube camera delivers high image quality in full HD 1080 pixels. The Canon EOS M6 Mark II is also the first mirrorless camera from Canon to capture full 4k videos uncropped. It features a dual-pixel AF, ideal for solo vloggers with wide-angle needs. It also comes with 32.5-megapixel specs with a tilting touchscreen for any viewing angle. It features a USB C port as well as a microphone jack. Plus, there is also an inexpensive adapter that comes with it.
Specs
- 32.5 megapixels
- 1080 pixels full HD image quality
- 4k videos
- Dual-pixel AF
Pros
- Eye-tracking capabilities
- Uncropped 4k video recording
Cons
- No weatherproof features
- No in-body stabilization function
Sony Alpha A6600
If you’re looking for a mirrorless vlog camera with an impressive processor and a strong battery life, then the Sony Alpha A6600 should be on your list. It easily falls within the best-camera range for several reasons. Its impressive range of specs includes an APS-C sensor, 24.2 megapixels camera, Sony E lens mount, a tilting display screen measuring 3 inches, Viewfinder feature, 4k maximum video resolution, a mic input, and a headphone jack feature. The Sony A6600 is easily the best camera for any vlogger interested in shooting videos all day long because of its long-lasting battery life.
Specs
- 24.2 megapixels
- APS-C sensor
- Sony E lens mount
- Viewfinder feature
- 4k maximum video resolution
Pros
- Long-lasting battery life
- Unlimited 4k video recording
- Headphone and microphone jacks
Cons
- The mounted shotgun mic may block the screen
- No 10-bit video
Best Smartphone Cameras for YouTube
Huawei P30 Pro
Very few smartphones can capture life like the Huawei P30 Pro. This smartphone device is your ideal partner if you love capturing YouTube videos on-the-go. It features a selfie camera of 32 megapixels and a back camera spotting an impressive 40 megapixels camera. And the rear camera can deliver 4k video resolutions. Although you may have to worry about connections for your headphones, this smartphone comes with wi-fi connectivity and even offers slow-motion effects.
Specs
- 32 megapixels front camera
- 40 megapixels back camera
- 4k video resolution
- Wi-fi connectivity
Pros
- Versatile video camera
- Greeting zooming effect
Cons
- Limited video editing features
- Selfie camera only delivers full HD maximum
Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus
It is impossible to mention camera quality without mentioning Samsung. And although there are better Samsung phones in terms of camera quality, the Note 10 Plus is perfect for Youtube videos. This smartphone features a 10mp selfie camera, a 12mp triple rear camera, and a maximum video resolution of 4k. It also comes with a 6-8 inches OLED screen, delivering 1440 x 3040 screen resolution. The design also makes room for micro USB support. But that’s not all; the phone also comes with an onboard editing app, which allows you to do some serious, pro-level editing.
Specs
- 4k video recording
- Onboard editing app
- Bluetooth and wi-fi connectivity
- 10 megapixels selfie camera
- 12 megapixels rear camera
- 1440 x 3040 screen resolution
Pros
- Onboard editing application
- 4k video recording
- All-day battery life
- Lightweight
Cons
- No manual video option
- Very expensive
Best Camera for YouTube Under $500
Canon PowerShot ELPH 190
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 is our first entry of the best camera for YouTube under &500. It features a wide-angle lens that combines with 10x Optical Zoom effect and Image Stabilization functions. It also offers 720p HD video plus built-in wi-fi. And this cheap camera comes under $500.
Specs
- Smart AUTO
- 20.0 Megapixel CCD sensor
- Built-in wi-fi
- 4x digital zoom and 10x optical zoom
- DIGIC 4+ Image Processor
- 720p HD video
Pros
- Cheap camera
- Delivers excellent video quality
- Optical zoom effect
Cons
- Less-than-impressive interface
APEMAN A79 4K Action Camera
Temporarily unavailable
Just as its name suggests, the APEMAN A79 camera is a 4k action camera on the cheap side. Despite its price, it offers all you want in video recording. You can rely on its APS-c Sensor, Bluetooth, high quality, DSLR camera, and video recording capabilities. Although it falls short of the 60fps you may be used to (it offers 30fps), it does deliver 4k video recording resolution with an LCD touch screen measuring 2.0 inches. The APEMAN A79 4K action camera will also give you a full Hd video – maybe not with the wide-angle lens you might want.
Specs
- 20 megapixels
- 4k videos
- Wi-fi connectivity
- External mic
- EIS/ISO and advanced sensor
Pros
- Very affordable
- Deliver 4k video recording
Cons
- Only 30fps
Best Camera for YouTube Between $500 and &1000
Canon G7 X Max III
The Canon G7 X Max III will deliver high-quality HD video, with a wide-angle lens, at an affordable price. It features the same compact design as its predecessor, although it has been upgraded to shoot your videos at 4k. It also comes with a 30fps or full HD effect of up to 120fps. It features an impressive image processor and offers optical image stabilization built into the lens to ensure that you shoot very smooth-looking videos. You can also use the Canon G7 X Max III to stream directly to your YouTube page and other social media platforms.
Specs
- Up to 120fps full HD effect
- Image stabilization effect
- 4k video recording
- 20.1 megapixels
- 4 2x optical zoom Lens
Pros
- Image stabilization effect
- 4k video recording
- Direct streaming to YouTube
- Up to 120fps
- Compact design
Cons
- Less-than-impressive interface
- Limited video editing features
Canon EOS Rebel T8i
If you prefer DSLR flexibility of point and shoot effect, you should consider picking the Canon EOS Rebel T8i. It comes with feature-rich full HD-video options without needing to sacrifice its portable, sleek, and compact design – which is one of the main things the Rebel is known for. The design also maintains the Rebel’s 24.2 megapixels sensor with 7fps of bursting video shooting. Plus, you also get to enjoy an impressive 4k video recording effect. The Canon EOS Rebel T8i also comes with a time-lapse feature, ideal for creating time-lapses in-camera.
Specs
- 24.2 megapixels sensor
- 7fps
- UHD 4k video recording
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
- Optical Viewfinder
Pros
- Fully articulating touch screen
- Digital image stabilization
- UHD 4k video recording
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF
Cons
- Maximum recording time limited to less than 30 minutes
Best Camera for YouTube Above $1000
Nikon Z6
Although Nikon is a known brand for cameras, it seemed to have lagged regarding video quality. But the newly introduced Z series mirrorless cameras are meant to be the game-changers, as they come with all the specs vloggers and Youtubers will love. The Nikon Z6 is a powerful video shooter, offering a powerful video autofocus feature that easily competes with the likes of Sony and Canon. It also delivers uncropped 4k video recording capability with N-log features. And unlike some of the Nikon Z6’s rivals, it also comes with fully-integrated 5-axis in body digital image stabilization.
Specs
- 4k video recording
- N-log features
- Fully-integrates 5-axis digital
- 24.5 Megapixel Full-Frame Sensor
- 50-204,800 Extended ISO
- Z Mount Mirrorless System
Pros
- 50-204,800 Extended ISO
- Z Mount Mirrorless System
- 4K Recording
- 24.5 Megapixel Full-Frame Sensor
- Very comfortable to use
- Impressive autofocus
Cons
- Very expensive
Compare All YouTube Cameras
- Sony ZV-1: 1-inch sensor, 20.1 megapixels, 24 to 70 mm focal length, 3-inch monitor touchscreen.
- Fujifilm X-S10: 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor, X Processor 4, 4k/30p video, 240p slow motion effect, in-body image stabilization system.
- DJI Osmo Pocket: 4K footage, 12MP, smooth stabilization, compact body, microSD cards slot.
- GoPro Hero 9 Black: 1.4-inch front-facing screen, powerful stabilization, 5k maximum video resolution, 20 megapixels.
- Canon EOS M6 Mark II: 1080 pixels, 4k videos, dual-pixel AF, 32.5 megapixels, USB C port, microphone jack, Eye-tracking capabilities.
- Sony Alpha A6600: APS-C sensor, 24.2 megapixels camera, Sony E lens mount, 3 inches tilting display, Viewfinder, 4k maximum video resolution, mic input, headphone jack.
- Huawei P30: 32 megapixels front, 40 megapixels back camera, 4k video resolution, wi-fi connectivity.
- Samsung Galaxy Note 10 Plus: 10mp selfie camera, 12mp triple rear camera, maximum video resolution of 4k, 6-8 inches OLED screen, 1440 x 3040 screen resolution, onboard editing app.
- Canon PowerShot ELPH 190: wide-angle, 10x Optical Zoom effect, Image Stabilization functions, 720p HD videos, built-in WiFi, Optical zoom effect
- APEMAN A79 4K Action Camera: 4k action camera, high quality, DSLR camera, video recording capabilities, 30fps, 4k video recording resolution, 2.0 inches LCD touch screen, full Hd video.
- Canon G7 X Mark III: high-quality HD video, compact design, 4k videos, 30fps up to 120fps, image processor, optical image stabilization.
- Canon EOS Rebel T8i: full HD-video, compact design, 24.2 megapixels sensor, 7fps, 4k video recording, fully articulating touch screen, digital image stabilization, Dual Pixel CMOS AF.
- Nikon Z6: uncropped 4k video recording, N-log features, fully-integrated 5-axis in-body digital image stabilization, 50-204,800 Extended ISO, Z Mount Mirrorless System, 24.5 Megapixel Full-Frame Sensor, autofocus