Ultimate Guide
11 Best Cameras for YouTube Beginners in 2024
YouTube isn’t just fun and games anymore and as the second largest search engine in the world, starting a new channel can mean big revenue for any personal brand.
As YouTubers ourselves, we know starting out and selecting a camera can be frustrating to say the least. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to decide which camera is best for your needs. That’s why we felt it was necessary to create a guide to find the best cameras for YouTube.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll break down what to consider when starting out along with some top recommendations for beginners.
You’ve got enough to worry about trying to start a channel, let picking a camera not be one of them.
Let’s get started.
What to Consider When Buying a Camera for YouTube Videos
When it comes to selecting the best camera for your YouTube needs, there are several important factors to keep in mind. Let's take a closer look at each of these considerations:
Budget
Cameras can range anywhere from tens of dollars (for a basic webcam) to several thousand dollars (for professional-grade cinema cameras). Knowing how much you're willing to spend will help you narrow down your options and ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
While you’re shopping, don’t forget that some of these higher end cameras only come with the body and you’ll need extra budget to kit out the lens.
Video Type and Shooting Needs
When recording YouTube videos, the style you plan to shoot in will also play a significant role in your camera selection. Are you primarily filming vlogs, where portability and ease of use are key? Or do you need a camera that can handle more complex, cinematic shots with features like interchangeable lenses and advanced manual controls?
Consider factors like:
- Portability and size
- Stabilization capabilities
- Autofocus performance
- Video resolution and frame rates
- Audio recording options
Camera Features and Capabilities
Once you've determined your budget and video needs, it's time to check out specific features and capabilities of different camera models. Some key things to look for include:
- Manual controls (aperture, shutter speed, ISO, etc.)
- Sensor size and image quality
- Lens compatibility and interchangeability
- Battery life and power options
- Connectivity and wireless features
- Video-centric features like microphone inputs and clean HDMI output
Usability and Ease of Use
Finally, consider how user-friendly the camera is, especially if you're a beginner. Some cameras are designed with simplicity in mind, offering automatic modes and intuitive controls, while others are more geared towards experienced videographers who want full manual control. Think about your own skill level and comfort with technology to find the right balance.
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Camera Recommendations By Budget
Now that you have a better understanding of the key factors to consider, let's dive into our top camera recommendations for YouTube across a range of budgets:
Best Budget YouTube Camera Options
If you're just starting out and have a limited budget, don't worry – you don't need to break the bank to get great-looking YouTube videos. In fact, many of the biggest YouTube channels out there use nothing more than a webcam or their smartphone to capture their content.
Some excellent budget-friendly options to consider:
Logitech Brio 100
Price: $40
A budget-friendly webcam that offers 1080p Full HD video quality, a built-in microphone, and automatic light correction, making it suitable for most users' basic video conferencing needs.
This plug-and-play functionality, compatibility with various operating systems, and compact design make it an easy-to-use option for those who don't require advanced features.
For beginner YouTubers, the Brio 100's affordable price point, decent video quality, and ability to handle low-light situations could be beneficial for starting their channel without a significant initial investment. This option is ideal for streamers or over the shoulder tutorial style videos.
Logitech MX Brio 4K
Price: $200
The Logitech MX Brio is a high-end 4K webcam that offers excellent video quality, versatile features, and strong low-light performance, making it suitable for both video calls and streaming. Its 4K Sony Starvis sensor paired with a wide f/2.0 lens provides sharp, well-exposed video, while the included ‘Show Mode’ allows users to easily display their desk or work area.
For those starting out on YouTube, the MX Brio's high-quality video output, built-in microphone array, and compatibility with multiple software options (including Logitech G Hub for streamers) make it a valuable tool for creating professional-looking content without the need for extensive additional equipment. You can get your hands on this webcam for around $200.
Insta360 Link
Price: $250
The Insta360 Link is a premium 4K webcam that offers exceptional video quality, AI-powered tracking, and versatile mounting options, making it an excellent choice for content creators.
Its standout features include a 3-axis gimbal for smooth movement, gesture controls for hands-free operation, and various intelligent modes like whiteboard enhancement and overhead capture, which can significantly elevate the production value of YouTube videos.
While the $250 price tag may be steep for beginners, the Link's ability to produce professional-looking content with minimal setup and its user-friendly software make it a worthwhile investment for those serious about improving their video streaming presence.
Your Smartphone
Price: Varies with your cell phone plan and model
Often when we think of a compact camera, we don’t think about what is already in our pockets. Many modern smartphones now offer impressive video capabilities, often rivaling dedicated cameras.
Just be sure to use a tripod or gimbal for stable footage when you need to move around. Which brings us to the next tier for content creators that need to be out and about.
Best YouTube Cameras Under $500
If you’ve got the budget to invest a bit more in your YouTube setup, there are some excellent camera options available for under $500. These models offer a step up in image quality, features, and versatility compared to basic webcams and smartphones.
Here are our top picks.
Sony ZV-1F
Price: $500
The Sony ZV-1F is a compact vlogging camera, featuring a 20MP Type 1 sensor, 4K30 video capability, and a wide 20mm F2 prime lens ideal for self-recording.
For beginners, the camera's wide-angle lens, digital stabilization, and user-friendly features like the Product Showcase autofocus mode and Soft Skin effect could be beneficial, but the autofocus issues may be frustrating for self-recorded, present-to-camera footage.
GoPro (Hero 12)
Price: $400
A compact camera for on the go shooting, the GoPro Hero 12 Black offers impressive video stabilization and high-quality 5.3K video capture at 60 fps, ensuring smooth and professional-looking footage for YouTube content.
Its ability to shoot vertical video natively is particularly advantageous for YouTubers creating content for Shorts. The camera's new 8:7 aspect ratio allows for easy cropping to different formats, providing flexibility in post-production and enabling creators to repurpose content for various social media platforms, all for around $400.
With high-quality video output, this GoPro offers versatility in content creation, and ease of use, allowing new creators to produce professional-looking content without extensive technical knowledge or equipment.
Insta360 Ace Pro
Price: $450
The Insta360 Ace Pro offers impressive 4K video quality at 120 frames per second and 8K at 24 fps, providing YouTubers with high-resolution footage for their content. Its front-facing touchscreen and AI-powered subject tracking make it easy for beginners to frame shots and keep themselves in focus while vlogging.
The camera's excellent image stabilization, waterproof design, and long battery life (160 minutes of 4K/30 fps recording) make it versatile for various shooting conditions, allowing new creators to shoot professional-looking content in diverse environments.
Insta360 X3
Price: $450
The Insta360 X3 is a versatile 360-degree camera that captures high-quality 5.7K video and 18MP/72MP photos, offering beginner YouTubers the ability to create immersive content with its dual ultra-wide lenses.
Its waterproof design (IPX8), compact form factor, and user-friendly interface make it ideal for vloggers and travel content creators who want to capture everything around them without worrying about framing.
The camera's powerful editing software, available for both desktop and mobile devices, allows beginners to easily reframe footage, add creative effects, and export videos in various aspect ratios, making it simple to produce engaging content for different social media platforms.
Best YouTube Cameras Over $500
Now we head to the big leagues. For those with a larger budget, there are some top shelf camera options that offer even more advanced features and capabilities. These models are better suited for more experienced YouTube creators who require greater creative control and professional-level video quality. While we don’t advise starting out with these, it’s good to see what you can work up to over time, or if you simply have some cash to burn.
Our top picks in this category are:
DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Price: $520
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a compact, powerful vlogging camera that offers exceptional image quality with its 1-inch sensor, impressive battery life, and intuitive user interface. This camera stands out with its smart tracking features, including face tracking and object following, which ensure you stay in frame without constant adjustments.
The Osmo Pocket 3 also boasts excellent built-in audio quality, with the option to connect external microphones and record backup audio tracks, making it an all-in-one solution for creating high-quality YouTube content on the go.
Sony ZV-E10
Price: $700 (body only) or $800 with a kit lens
The Sony ZV-E10 is a vlogger-focused camera that combines a 24MP APS-C sensor with interchangeable lens capability, offering high-quality 4K video and excellent autofocus performance.
It features a high-quality built-in three-capsule microphone, a front-facing LCD screen, and specialized functions like Background Defocus and Product Showcase, making it ideal for content creators who want professional-looking results without extensive technical knowledge.
For starters, the ZV-E10's user-friendly design, including one-touch operations and a dedicated record button, along with its compact size and ability to use various lenses, provides a versatile and powerful tool to elevate their video content beyond smartphone capabilities.
Sony Alpha ZV-E1
Price: $2,200 (body only), $2500 (with a 28–60mm zoom lens)
The Sony ZV-E1 is a powerful full-frame vlogging camera that combines a compact body with advanced features like in-body image stabilization, AI-powered autofocus, and high-quality 4K video recording.
Creators can benefit from the user-friendly features such as a clear-sounding built-in microphone, a front-facing LCD screen, and AI-assisted framing and stabilization, making it easier to create professional-looking content without a crew.
The ZV-E1's Auto Framing, Product Showcase mode, and one-touch Background Defocus function allow novice creators to achieve dynamic, visually appealing shots with minimal technical expertise, enhancing the overall quality of their vlogs. This results in sharp and detailed footage for your YouTube channel.
Best Camera Based On Filming Format
Now that we’ve gone over cameras based on budget, it’s time to flip the script and make some other comparables based on the type of filming you will do. Sometimes without this perspective, it is difficult to narrow down your choices. Here we go.
Talking Head Videos
If you're looking to create stationary, talking head-style YouTube videos, the Sony a6700 (retails $1,900) is a solid choice. This compact mirrorless camera offers interchangeable lenses, allowing you to achieve the perfect framing and background blur for your videos.
When paired with the Sigma 16mm lens, the a6700 delivers a classic "YouTuber" look, with a medium-wide shot that keeps the focus on you while subtly blurring the background. This setup is perfect for small spaces or home offices, where you'll be filming yourself directly addressing the camera.
For a more budget-friendly option, consider the Sony ZV-E10 from our section above. This camera offers similar features to the a6700, including 4K video, a flip-out screen, and a microphone input, all for under $1,000 when paired with a suitable lens.
Vlogging
If your YouTube content is more focused on capturing your daily life and adventures, a compact, point-and-shoot camera like the Sony ZV-1 Mark II is an excellent choice for vlogging.
The ZV-1 Mark II has a built-in lens, so you don't have to worry about swapping lenses or carrying extra gear. It also features a great built-in microphone , as well as the ability to connect an external mic for improved audio quality.
One of the key advantages of the ZV-1 Mark II over using your smartphone is the dedicated camera features, such as advanced autofocus and image stabilization, which can help you capture smooth, professional-looking footage even in challenging environments.
As previously mentioned you also can’t go wrong with the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. This compact, gimbal-stabilized camera delivers impressive 4K video quality and is designed specifically for on-the-go content creation. The built-in stabilization ensures your footage is smooth and steady, even when you're walking or moving around.
Video Podcasts
If you're looking to create high-quality video podcasts, the Sony FX30 is a fantastic option. This cinema-style camera is designed for long-form video recording, with features like unlimited recording time and built-in cooling fans to prevent overheating.
One of the standout features of the FX30 is its ability to connect directly to professional XLR microphones via the optional top handle accessory. This allows you to achieve the rich, radio-level audio quality that's essential for a successful video podcast.
If you're on a tighter budget, you can opt for the FX30 body-only and pair it with a more affordable microphone solution, such as the Rode Wireless Pro system. This will still give you the benefits of the FX30's cinema-grade video performance and long-form recording capabilities.
Another option for video podcasting is to use a camera like the Sony FX30 in conjunction with a device like the Blackmagic ATEM Mini. This setup allows you to record your video feed directly to an external storage device, bypassing any potential overheating issues and giving you more flexibility in your production workflow.
Live Streaming
While all the cameras we've discussed so far can be used for live streaming, the Sony Alpha ZV-E1 is a notable mention for creators who want to take their live content to the next level.
As a full-frame mirrorless camera, the ZV-E1 offers superior low-light performance and a more cinematic depth of field compared to the other options on our list. This can be particularly beneficial for live streams, where lighting conditions may not always be ideal.
The ZV-E1 also features advanced autofocus and image stabilization, ensuring your live YouTube videos look smooth and professional, even when you're moving around or the lighting changes.
Wrapping Up
Choosing the best camera to record YouTube videos is all about finding the right balance between your budget, shooting needs, and desired features.
Whether it's a compact camera you need or a full cinema camera, by carefully considering the factors we've outlined in this guide, you'll be well on your way to selecting the perfect camera to elevate your video content and take your channel to new heights.
And don’t forget to check out reviews on the cameras before you invest your hard earned dollars. Cameras are a key part of the process and worth taking time to consider your options.
Happy filming!