YouTube. Everyone’s favorite medium for getting your videos out there. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a videographer, a video blogger, or anything else, this is our detailed guide to the best camera for filming YouTube videos.
The act of videography has been a way of life over the years, ranging from the novice who makes videos just for fun as a new hobby to the professionals who use it as a bonafide career.
One aspect of which is the making of YouTube videos – also called vlogging. Vlogging has become a bonefide career for lots and lot of people and you can make a small fortune if you do it right.
So you want to make YouTube videos, or you already are making them. The next thing that cannot be under-emphasized is the need to own a best camera for the job, getting the best camera gives you a priority over others.
Things like portability, image quality, recording time, battery life, durability and audio quality are prioritized when choosing the best camera for making YouTube videos.
The best camera for YouTube or vlogging largely depends on what you are trying to capture:
- Travel YouTubers will prefer lightweight setups with superb image quality to help exhibit amazing locales.
- Beauty YouTubers needs sharp optics, excellent autofocus, and high-quality audio.
- Family YouTubers want highly portable cameras that can withstand the demands of a rough and tumble bunch of kids and all the chaos and fun that they bring.
That’s just a few examples. Let’s get stuck in!
The Best Camera For Filming Youtube Videos
Let’s start our list of the best YouTube video cameras with an absolute classic (and real favorite of mine!)
1. Canon 5D Mark III
Let’s start off with the trusty DSLR. And what better DSLR to feature than the ever-reliable and all-round workhorse, the Canon 5D Mark III?
This camera continued where the older brother (and cheaper) Canon 5D Mark II left off, providing exceptional quality video and photos. If you remember, the 5D Mark II was the camera that really started the DSLR filmmaking revolution.
So the 5D Mark III is a great all-round camera, whether you’re making a narrative film or just filming yourself talking for a YouTube video.
Let’s look at some stats:
Image quality: The Canon 5D Mark III has a supercharged EOS performance and full frame, high-resolution image capture is designed to capture great video. This camera is capable of 22.3 Megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Canon DIGIC 5+ Image Processor.
Special optical technologies: 61-Point High Density Reticular AF and extended ISO range of 100-25600 make this it ideal for shooting footage both indoors and outdoors.
Professional-level high definition video capabilities includes a host of industry-standard recording protocols and enhanced performance that make it possible to capture beautiful cinematic movies in EOS HD quality.
Additional technological advancements include an Intelligent Viewfinder, Canon’s advanced iFCL metering system, High Dynamic Range (HDR), and Multiple Exposure.
This is the only DSLR camera we’re going to mention by name. However, other DSLRs out there could be a great fit, depending on your needs and budget. Both Canon and Nikon make great DSLRs and have a large range of these cameras to fit all budgets and use requirements.
The rest of the cameras here will be cheaper, more entry-level cameras. Not necessarily cameras that are good for narrative (and more serious) filmmaking, but great cameras for filming YouTube videos.
- 22MP full frame CMOS sensor
- 6 frames per second continuous shooting
- 61-point AF system. Image type : JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original), RAW plus JPEG simultaneous...
- ISO 100 - 25600 range with 50 - 102,800 expansion
- 1080p HD video recording with manual controls
2. Digital Camera Camcorders Kimire HD Recorder
Talking about the Video digital camcorder it is 2.7 inch TFT LCD(16:9),available with 270 degree rotation, it comes with a fill-in infrared LED light. On the downside, it can’t use an external microphone.
It is known to be unique with a CMOS image sensor of up to 24 Megapixels(1920X1080P) and a 16X Digital zoom camera, Storage media SD/MMC card (4GB to 32GB),it uses standard tripod for taking moving pictures.
Let’s look at the stats:
Battery life: A Long lasting battery: 1*np-40, 3.7v 1200 mah li-ion battery), an original rechargeable lithium battery. If it is fully charged can be sustainable for up to 2-3 hours.
Video quality features: HD camera camcorder, auto power-off, face capture, anti-shake, with record high-quality image.
Audio quality features: an internal microphone, speaker, LED light, connectivity USB port 2.0, TV output PAL/NTSC,
Language options: Multi-Languages, with operating system requirements of Windows 7/2002/XP/Vista.
Durability and portability: They are lightweight and easy to carry about.
The camcorder is designed for amateurs, not professional users primarily. Charge the battery up to 8 hours the first time you use it. If it is fully charged then it can be sustainable for 2-3 hours. Please format the SD card before using the camcorder in order to avoid system malfunction.
- Video digital camcorder: 2.7 inch TFT LCD(16:9),available with 270 degree rotation, fill-in infrared...
- CMOS image sensor: Max to 24 Megapixels(1920X1080P),16X Digital zoom camera, Storage media SD/MMC...
- Long lasting battery: 1*np-40,3.7v 1200 mah li-ion battery (package included),Original rechargeable...
- Camcorder features: Hd camera camcorder, auto power-off, face capture,anti-shake, with internal...
- Lightweight and small camcorder: Easy to carry and store, High-class material and advanced...
BEST CAMERA FOR FILMING YOUTUBE VIDEOS
What Are Cameras For Filming YouTube Videos?
YouTube videos are a great way to get your message out there, but you may be wondering what camera is the best for filming YouTube videos.
The answer to this question really depends on how you plan to use your video and what type of content you are planning on shooting.
A lot of people will use their smartphones as their cameras and that’s fine if it’s just for personal or small business use.
But if you’re looking for something more professional, then I would recommend investing in an actual camera with interchangeable lenses.
3. Canon VIXIA HF R800 Camcorder (Black)
Canon black VIXIA HF R800 Camcorder is ready to shoot in nearly any scenario. Whether you’re recording your YouTube videos, home videos, events, or recitals, the 57x Advanced Zoom ensures you can get the shot from the back rows of an auditorium if need be.
The Super Range O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilization) keeps the image steady at longer focal lengths. MP4 files are also highly compatible with video hosting services and social media websites without format conversion. That’s very helpful for YouTubers.
Introduced with the HF R800 is backlight correction within the Highlight Priority mode for brighter images. The backlight correction analyzes the incoming video signal and recognizes your subject within the frame, and will expose for the subject, rather than an overexposed backlit background. This way if the sun is behind your subject, you can still get a vibrant image.
All of these aspects makes the Canon VIXIA HF R800 score very highly in our list of the best camera for filming youtube videos.
What do the stats say:
Image Sensor: This model is equipped with a 3.28MP Full HD CMOS image sensor that supports 1920 x 1080 resolution video capture. Canon’s high-resolution HD CMOS sensor features extra sensitivity that delivers life like Full HD video with natural color, even in low light.
The increased performance allows for better noise reduction and leads to brighter, more noise-free images, even in dark scenes.
Powerful 57x Advanced Zoom: It takes the camcorder’s focal length from 32.5mm all the way to 1853mm (35mm equivalent), which provides extraordinary flexibility in shooting. This rally maks shooting more convenient and gives you better creative control over your videos.
Super Range Optical Image Stabilization: Canon’s sophisticated Super Range Optical Image Stabilizer prevents camera shake instantly, so even handheld video taken at long focal lengths is sharp and steady. Providing continuous adjustment throughout the entire zoom range to correct a broad range of motion (with extra compensation applied at wide-angle focal lengths).
Memory Card Slot: The camcorder records Full HD video directly to a removable SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card. Widely available in several capacities.
Capacitive 3″ Touch Panel LCD: A capacitive 3″ touch panel LCD screen that makes recording and other operations easy. Open the panel and the power is on. A gentle touch activates the display’s intuitive functions.
Slow & Fast Motion Recording: Record fast motion at up to 1200x and slow motion at 1/2x for increased creative possibilities.
Highlight Priority Mode: The Highlight Priority Mode is a gamma setting that gives an HDR-like quality to your video. By reducing the mid to high-brightness compression of the standard gamma mode, the Highlight Priority mode helps prevent loss of detail in high-brightness areas.
Framing Assistance Function: Reduces the zoom magnification when you lose sight of a subject during zooming, making it easier for you to find re-locate your subject and zoom in again.
File Lock Function: With one simple setting, you can keep your videos safe from any accidental operational errors. The File Lock function disables deletion, dividing, trimming, copying, MP4 conversion, and thumbnail changes with a touch, giving you peace of mind when children or others use your camcorder.
Camera Window Software: Camera Window software is available as a downloadable application. The software makes it easy to import MP4 and JPEG files from your VIXIA camcorder to a PC or Mac, where they can be shared and edited.
- A 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD screen that is bright and clearly visible, even outdoors in...
- SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer helps correct camera shake quickly, so even handheld video taken...
- The 57x advanced zoom allows you to create videos with dynamic variety, and is less likely to...
- High-resolution HD CMOS Image Sensor features extra sensitivity that delivers beautifully lifelike...
- Turn your VIXIA camcorder into a high-quality webcam using its clean HDMI output
4. Ablue 4K Ultra HD WiFi Portable Digital Camcorder
Ablue video camera records sharp full 4K (ultra HD video) is designed for mainly for amateurs and not for professionals. Ablue camcorder is lightweight, portable and it is so easy to carry anywhere. It also comes with a little carrying bag where you can store when not in use which helps to prevent scratches.
This is a solid video camera for people who love taking videos, especially when traveling or on a special event, but might not want the advanced features of more professional level cameras out there.
The big selling point here is that this camera will record 4K footage, which none of the other cameras on this list will (with the one exception being the Canon 5D Mark III with Magic Lantern settings).
Let’s see how this camera measures up:
Image Sensor: 13 Mega pixels CMOS sensor (up to 48MP Interpolation)
Image Resolution: 9212*5184(48MP Interpolation), 7936*4480(36MP Interpolation), 6340*3600(24MP Interpolation), 4640*3480(16MP Interpolation), 4608*2592(12MP) , 3840*2160(8MP)
LCD screen: 3.0 capacitive LCD, 16:9, 270 degrees rotation With Touching Screen
Zoom: 16x digital zoom
Battery life: If fully charged can take video recording for 90 minutes and take photos for 150 minutes
Language: Multilanguage
Supports standard tripod and memory card slot: SD/SDHC/TF card (64GB max)
Wide Angle Lens: Includes Super wide angle lens and Macro Lens (Detachable for single use). Wide angle catches a wide view, while the Macro lens captures more close up subjects.
WIFI Function: With Wi-Fi, you can instantly connect to your iPhone or other mobile device and upload videos easily.
This feature also allows you to control the camera by using the smartphone, which will be very useful if you do not have an assistant to control on a second camera.
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BEST CAMERA FOR FILMING YOUTUBE VIDEOS
Best Methods For Filming YouTube Videos
• Save money by shooting videos at home with your phone.
• Find out what makes an excellent title.
• Discover the best strategies for optimizing your videos.
• Learn the best camera setups for shooting videos.
• Learn how to use video editing software to make your videos look professional.
5. Sony HDR-CX405 HD Handycam
It offers high definition 1920 x 1080 60p videos and takes high quality 9.2MP still images.
Sony’s back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor is designed for compact cameras and camcorders. The sensor relocates the photo diodes above the support circuitry, which maximizes the light gathering area per pixel and achieves excellent results in low light conditions.
Wide Angle Carl Zeiss Lens: The lens has a 35mm equivalent of 26.8mm at the wide end of the focal range. Shoot distant subjects with a 30x optical zoom.
2.7″ LCD Display: The 2.7″ (16:9) LCD features 230K dot resolution for sharp, bright, vivid images, enabling you to change settings to best represent the scene.
Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization with Intelligent Active Mode compensates for greater degrees of camera shake to deliver smooth video from wide-angle to full telephoto shooting.
- 50Mbps XAVC S1 1920x1080 at 60P, AVCHD and MP4 codecs. 30x Optical / 60x Clear Image Zoom to get...
- Automatically creates highlight video in MP4 from multiple clips. Optical SteadyShot image...
- Face Detection with voice enhancement and noise reduction. Get creative w/ 7 picture effects for...
- View on 2.7” Clear Photo Plus LCD display. Intelligent Auto (60 different scene combinations...
- This product does not have an external microphone input. USB Charging- DC 5V 800mA
Minimum Illumination and Intelligent Auto selects from ten different settings including Portrait, Baby, Walk, Tripod, Backlight, Landscape, Spotlight, Twilight, Macro and Low Light to choose the best settings for your shot.
Scene Modes: Available scene modes include auto, night, sunrise & sunset, fireworks, landscape, portrait, spotlight, beach, and snow.
Video format options: Record video in the AVCHD and MP4 formats for high-quality or easy transfer and sharing. For the greatest flexibility, you can even record AVCHD and MP4 formats simultaneously.
AVCHD provides premium video that can be enjoyed on large screen HDTVs and is ideal for capturing precious memories at special occasions, family vacations and other moments you want to treasure for a lifetime.
On the other hand, MP4 is great for those moments that you want to quickly share on your social networks or store on the cloud.
Supported Media Cards: Memory Stick Micro, Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC and a built-In USB 2.0 Cable
Types of cameras for YouTube videos
Types of Cameras for Vloggers can be classified into:
Digital single-lens reflex саmеrа
DSLRs, оvеr the years, have been the standard when it comes to photography and they make excellent vlogging cameras as well. With the option to change lenses, the ability to control things like ISO, focus points, and depth of field, excellent low light performance, and superb image quality, these cameras give you tons of options.
Mіrrоr-less саmеrаѕ
These cameras are becoming wildly popular with videographers and photographers alike due to their relatively lightweight, interchangeable lenses, versatility, and crystal-clear images. Opting for a camera that comes with most of the bells and whistles of a heavy DSLR, but in a much smaller and lighter package, a mirror less camera is perfect.
Pоіnt аnd ѕhооt саmеrаs
On the more entry level end are point and shoot cameras. They are small and lacking a lot of the features of a DSLR. But they have lots of upsides, especially for vloggers who like to take their camera everywhere. A good point and shoot camera can provide excellent high-resolution images, often offers the manual control of a DSLR, and fits right in your pocket.
Action Cameras
Action cameras are designed in such a way that can be strapped to your chest when you go skydiving, taken underwater, or suction-cupped to the front of your surfboard. Think of cameras like the famous GoPro.
But that’s not all they’re good for. Action cameras are small in size but pack a huge punch when it comes to features, video quality, and durability. If you are the type of vlogger who wants to take video of yourself swimming in a waterfall and then talk about it on your YouTube channel afterward, then an action camera may be perfect for you.
Camcorders
Camcorders are designed to give you everything you need to take beautiful videos. This makes them lightweight, extremely portable, and perfect for people who want to focus strictly on videography and not photography.
Smаrtрhоnеѕ
There’s a good chance that you have a powerful vlogging tool on you right this very moment. While smartphones can’t touch the quality and versatility of an actual camera, they’re still pretty capable and assuming you own your phone already, they will cost you nothing.
What is the Best Camera for Filming YouTube Videos?
As always, the best camera for any particular situation is dictated by your particular requirements and use case. So when you’re looking for the best camera for filming YouTube videos, everything depends on exactly what you need it for.
For example, if you’re looking for a great image quality, then the DSLR options are the best to go for. If you want something that’s easy to use and travel with, then the Canon VIXIA HF R800 might be exactly what you need.
If taking photos is also important to you, then the DSLR we mentioned here (the 5D Mark III) will be a solid option for you.
As you can see, your individual requirements are everything when it comes to choosing the best YouTube camera. We’ve given a number of options here, including entry-level options and a more advanced camera.
What camera do you use for YouTube? Let us know in the comments right below here.
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great list of cameras this has been really useful
Thanks, jack. 🙂
The list was great… but I need the best vlogging camera under $200…Any suggestion?
Hi Bunny,
Numbers 2 through 5 featured here are all under $200.
Thanks for the comment.