YouTube has become the go-to platform for entertainment, information, and education, with millions of people watching videos every day. YouTube has over 2 billion monthly active users worldwide.
If you want to start your own YouTube channel, you need a camera that can capture high-quality footage. However, with so many cameras on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best one.
This article will review the best cheap cameras for YouTube in 2024 to help you find the perfect video camera for your needs.
- What is the Best Youtube Camera for Beginners?
- 1 – Canon M50 Mark II
- 2 – Canon EOS R5
- 3 – Sony a7S III
- 4 – Sony Alpha a6400
- 5 – Sony ZV-E10
- 6 – Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
- 7 – GoPro Hero10 Black
- 8 – Nikon Z30
- 9 – Sony ZV-1
- 10 – Fujifilm X-S10
- 11 – Panasonic Lumix GH5 II
- 12 – Canon EOS 90D
- 13 – Nikon Z6
- 14 – DJI Pocket 2
- How to Record HD Quality Video With Your YouTube Camera
- How should I choose the best camera for YouTube?
- Action cameras for YouTube
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Tip: If you want to start your YouTube channel, read our advanced guide to the best YouTube equipment for beginners. We cover all the gear you need to succeed on YouTube, not just the cameras!
What is the Best Youtube Camera for Beginners?
The best camera for YouTube beginners is one that is easy to use, produces high-quality video, and fits within your budget. There are several options to choose from, and we will review some of the best cameras in the market.
1 – Canon M50 Mark II
Best YouTube camera for beginners
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a budget-friendly mirrorless camera that's perfect for beginners. It offers a 24.1-megapixel APS-C DIGIC 8 image sensor and 4K video recording at up to 24 fps. The camera has a flip-out touchscreen and in-body image stabilization, ensuring smooth footage.
The EOS M50 Mark II has a hot shoe for external microphones and a headphone jack for audio monitoring. Additionally, it has an excellent autofocus system that ensures sharp footage, making it an ideal camera for vloggers and video makers who want a compact and lightweight camera that can capture high-quality video.
2 – Canon EOS R5
Best YouTube camera for professional content creators
If you're looking for the ultimate mirrorless camera that can handle any situation, the Canon R5 is an excellent choice. It's perfect for serious YouTubers who demand the best quality video, and it's an excellent camera for hybrid shooters who want to shoot both photos and videos with one camera.
The Canon R5 features a 45MP full-frame CMOS sensor that can capture stunning images and 8K video with excellent dynamic range and low-light performance.
The Canon R5 is also equipped with in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which can help reduce camera shake when recording handheld footage. It has a fully articulating flip-out screen, which is great for vlogging, and a hot shoe for mounting external microphones and other accessories.
Additionally, the camera can shoot up to 20 frames per second in burst mode, which is perfect for action shots.
3 – Sony a7S III
The Sony a7S III is a full-frame mirrorless camera that excels at low light and video shooting. Its 12.1-megapixel sensor allows for up to 4K video resolution at 120fps in 10-bit 4:2:2, with in-body image stabilization ensuring smooth footage.
With a long battery life of up to 510 shots per charge, this YouTube camera is perfect for vloggers who want to take their video quality to the next level. Its full-frame sensor captures high-quality footage even in low light, with a dynamic range of up to 15 stops, dual card slots, and a hot shoe for external microphones.
4 – Sony Alpha a6400
The Sony Alpha a6400 is a compact, lightweight mirrorless camera perfect for vlogging. It has a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, can shoot up to 4K video at 30 fps, and has in-body image stabilization. This camera also has real-time autofocus tracking, ensuring sharp footage, even when you're moving around. It also has a flip-up screen that makes it easy to see yourself while filming.
This camera is an excellent option for beginner and intermediate YouTubers who want to upgrade their video quality.
5 – Sony ZV-E10
The Sony ZV-E10 is an excellent choice for YouTubers and vloggers who want a versatile, feature-packed camera. Its 24.2-megapixel CMOS sensor can record 4K video up to 120 fps. It also features real-time autofocus tracking, ensuring sharp and smooth footage.
This camera can provide high-fidelity sound with a solid built-in microphone and a large grille for high-quality audio capture. Furthermore, the ZV-E10 has in-body image stabilization, a flip-out touchscreen, and a hot shoe for external microphones.
This APS-C mirrorless camera from Sony is an excellent option for those looking for a more flexible camera that can change lenses. Its video autofocus is exceptional, while its built-in microphone can capture high-quality audio.
With 4K UHD video resolution at 30fps and up to 120 fps, the Sony ZV-E10 is an excellent choice for those who want a versatile and feature-rich camera for their YouTube channel or vlogging needs. The camera has a flip-out touchscreen, in-body and optical image stabilization, and a hot shoe for external microphones. Additionally, it features a larger grille on top, making sound capture even more accurate.
6 – Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a compact, lightweight camera perfect for vlogging. It has a 20.1-megapixel 1-inch sensor and can shoot up to 4K video at 30 fps. This camera also has a flip-up screen that makes it easy to see yourself while filming. Additionally, it has a fast and versatile lens that is perfect for low-light shooting.
7 – GoPro Hero10 Black
The GoPro Hero10 Black is an ideal action camera for capturing footage on the go. It has a 23.6-megapixel sensor and can shoot up to 5.3K video at 60 fps. This camera also has HyperSmooth 4.0 video stabilization, which ensures smooth footage. Additionally, it has a waterproof design, making it perfect for capturing footage while swimming or diving.
8 – Nikon Z30
The Nikon Z30 is an affordable and compact mirrorless camera that is perfect for beginners and content creators on a budget. It features a 20.9MP APS-C sensor and can shoot up to 1080p video at 60 frames per second. The camera has a fully articulating screen, which is great for vlogging. It also has a hot shoe for mounting external microphones and other accessories.
The Nikon Z30 has a built-in time-lapse mode, which can easily create stunning time-lapse videos. It also has a built-in microphone, which is excellent for recording audio on the go. The camera is lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for travel vloggers and content creators who are always on the move.
9 – Sony ZV-1
The Sony ZV-1 is a compact camera that is perfect for YouTubers who want a camera that is easy to use and can capture high-quality video and photos. The camera features a 20.1MP 1-inch CMOS sensor and can shoot up to 4K video at 30 frames per second.
It also has a fully articulating screen, which is great for vlogging, and a built-in microphone, which is great for recording audio on the go. You can also connect an external microphone with the standard 3.5mm mic jack.
The Sony ZV-1 also has various video features for YouTubers, such as Background Defocus Mode, which can help blur the background and focus on the subject.
It also has a product showcase mode, which can help focus on products and showcase them in detail.
Additionally, the camera has a hot shoe, which is excellent for mounting external microphones and other accessories.
10 – Fujifilm X-S10
The Fujifilm X-S10 is a compact, lightweight mirrorless camera with a 26.1-megapixel sensor and 4K video resolution recording up to 30 fps. The camera also features in-body image stabilization, which ensures smooth footage.
The X-S10 has a flip-out touchscreen, making it ideal for vlogging. It also has a built-in microphone for high-quality audio. Additionally, it has a hot shoe for external microphones and an excellent autofocus system that ensures sharp footage.
11 – Panasonic Lumix GH5 II
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 II is a hybrid mirrorless camera designed for both photo and video shooters. It offers a 20.3-megapixel sensor and 4K video recording at up to 60 fps.
The camera has a flip-out touchscreen and in-body image stabilization, which ensures smooth footage. Additionally, it has a hot shoe for external microphones, a headphone jack for audio monitoring, and a built-in microphone.
The GH5 II also has an excellent autofocus system that ensures sharp footage, making it an ideal camera for vloggers and YouTubers.
12 – Canon EOS 90D
The Canon EOS 90D DSLR camera offers a 32.5-megapixel sensor with a DIGIC 8 image processor and 4K max video resolution at up to 30 fps. The camera has a flip-out touchscreen, making it ideal for vlogging. It also has in-body image stabilization, ensuring smooth footage.
The EOS 90D has a hot shoe for external microphones and a headphone jack for audio monitoring. Additionally, it has an excellent autofocus system that ensures sharp footage, making it an ideal camera for video makers who also want to take great photos.
13 – Nikon Z6
The Nikon Z6 is a full-frame mirrorless camera with a 24.5-megapixel sensor and 4K Ultra-HD video recording at up to 12 fps. The camera has a flip-out touchscreen and in-body image stabilization, which ensures smooth footage.
The Z6 has a hot shoe for external microphones and a headphone jack for audio monitoring. Additionally, it has an excellent autofocus system that ensures sharp footage, making it an ideal camera for video makers who also want to take great photos.
14 – DJI Pocket 2
The DJI Pocket 2 is a tiny camera that packs a big punch. It's perfect for YouTubers who want a pocket-sized camera to capture high-quality video and photos. The DJI Pocket 2 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and can shoot up to 4K video at 60 frames per second and 64MP photos. It also has a fully articulating screen and a built-in gimbal, which can help stabilize footage and reduce camera shake.
The DJI Pocket 2 has a built-in microphone, which is excellent for recording audio on the go. It also has a standard tripod mount, perfect for mounting the camera on a tripod or other accessories. Additionally, you can use this pocket camera with various accessories, such as a wide-angle lens, which can help expand the field of view and capture more of the action.
How to Record HD Quality Video With Your YouTube Camera
Recording high-quality videos with your YouTube camera is key to attracting and retaining viewers. Here are some tips to help you record HD-quality video with your camera:
- Set the video resolution: Ensure your camera is set to the highest possible resolution. Most cameras can shoot in 1080p or 4K video resolution, and using a higher resolution will result in sharper, clearer footage.
- Check your lighting: Lighting is essential for capturing high-quality video. Make sure your subject is well-lit, and avoid shooting in low-light conditions. If you're shooting indoors, use natural light or invest in affordable lighting equipment.
- Stabilize your camera: Shaky footage can be distracting and unprofessional. Use a tripod or a stabilizer to keep your camera steady.
- Use an external microphone: Audio quality is just as important as video quality. Invest in an external microphone to capture clear, high-quality sound.
- Use manual focus: Most cameras have autofocus, but it's not always reliable. Use manual focus to ensure your subject is in focus and stays in focus throughout the video.
By following these tips, you can record HD-quality video with your YouTube camera and produce content that will captivate and engage your audience.
How should I choose the best camera for YouTube?
If you're planning to start a YouTube channel, choosing the right camera that meets your video needs is essential. Here are some of the best YouTube cameras in 2024 that will meet the needs of different video genres:
Beauty tutorials: When it comes to beauty tutorials, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is an excellent choice. It has a 24.1-megapixel sensor, a flip-out touchscreen, and fast autofocus, making capturing sharp and detailed shots of makeup applications easy.
Travel vlogs: The Sony ZV-1 is a perfect option for travel vlogs. It has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around while traveling. The camera features a vari-angle screen, fast autofocus, and excellent low-light performance, ensuring you capture incredible footage in any lighting condition.
Gaming videos: The Sony a7S III is an excellent choice if you're into gaming videos. It has a full-frame sensor and can shoot 4K video at 120fps, making it perfect for capturing high-quality gaming footage. The camera also has in-body image stabilization, ensuring that your footage is smooth and steady.
Headshot videos: For headshot videos, you'll want a camera that can deliver sharp and clear footage with accurate color reproduction. The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is an excellent choice for headshot videos because it has a high-resolution sensor, fast and reliable autofocus, and superior image quality. It can also record 4K max video resolution at 24 frames per second, which is ideal for high-quality headshot videos.
Additionally, it has a flip-out screen that makes it easy to frame yourself and a hot shoe for attaching an external microphone to ensure that your audio is crisp and clear. With its compact size and excellent video quality, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is perfect for creating professional-looking headshot videos for your YouTube channel.
Sensor Size
The sensor size is an essential factor to consider when choosing a camera for YouTube. The larger the sensor, the better the camera can handle low-light situations with a better dynamic range.
Full-frame cameras have larger sensors than APS-C or Micro Four Thirds cameras, which gives them a significant advantage in low-light conditions. However, they also come with a higher price tag.
Action cameras for YouTube
Action cameras like the GoPro Hero 10 Black are also great options for shooting videos for YouTube. They are compact, lightweight, and can capture high-quality footage even in extreme conditions.
These cameras are perfect for vloggers who want to record videos of their outdoor activities, such as hiking, surfing, or skiing.
FAQ
What kind of camera is best for making YouTube videos?
The best camera for making YouTube videos depends on your specific needs and budget. Compact cameras like the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III or the Sony ZV-1 are great options for beginners.
More advanced users may prefer using mirrorless cameras or DSLR cameras with interchangeable lenses, like the Sony a7S III or the Canon EOS R5.
What is a good beginner camera for vlogging?
A good beginner camera for vlogging is one that is compact, easy to use, and has a flip-out screen for easy framing. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III and the Sony ZV-1 are excellent options for vloggers on a budget.
Which camera is best for video making?
The best camera for video making depends on your specific needs and budget. Consider mirrorless or DSLR cameras like the Sony a7S III, Canon EOS R5, or Panasonic Lumix GH5 II for high-quality video recording. Action cameras like the GoPro Hero10 Black are also great for capturing on-the-go footage.
What camera should a beginner Youtuber use?
A beginner YouTuber should use a camera that is easy to use and has good video quality. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, Sony ZV-1, and Canon EOS M50 Mark II are excellent beginner options.
What cheap camera do YouTubers use?
Many YouTubers use compact cameras like the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III or the Sony ZV-1, both affordable options offering excellent video quality.
What camera does a vlogger use?
Many vloggers use compact cameras with a flip-out screen, like the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III or the Sony ZV-1. These cameras are easy to use and offer good video quality.
Are expensive cameras better for capturing YouTube videos?
Choosing a camera for YouTube that fits your needs and budget is essential. Expensive cameras may offer better features and higher video quality. Still, it is possible to create great content with a budget camera.
Do I need a 4K video for YouTube?
While 4K video is unnecessary for YouTube, it can provide higher resolution and sharper images. However, it's important to note that 4K video resolution requires more storage space and may require more powerful hardware to edit.
Which budget camera is best for YouTube videos?
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, Sony ZV-1, and Canon EOS M50 Mark II are all excellent budget cameras for YouTube videos. They offer good video quality and are easy to use.
What is a good starter camera for YouTube?
A good starter camera for YouTube is one that is easy to use and has good video quality. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, Sony ZV-1, and Canon EOS M50 Mark II are the best video cameras and all excellent beginner options.
Which budget camera is best for videography?
The Sony a6400 and the Panasonic Lumix GH5 II are great budget videography cameras. They offer excellent video quality and are easy to use.
What camera do content creators use?
Content creators use a variety of cameras depending on their specific needs and budget. Some popular options include mirrorless and DSLR cameras like the Sony a7S III, Canon EOS R5, and Panasonic Lumix GH5 II.
Conclusion
Finding the best cheap camera for YouTube can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. From the Sony a7S III and Canon M50 Mark II to the GoPro Hero10 Black and DJI Pocket 2, plenty of cameras on the market offer high-quality video resolution, great battery life, and excellent audio quality for creating amazing YouTube videos.
With so many options available, consider your needs and budget before deciding.
My top picks of the best YouTube cameras:
- Canon M50 Mark II: best cheap camera for YouTube.
- Canon EOS R5: best camera for YouTube with full-frame 4K video resolution.
- Sony a7S III: one of the best mirrorless cameras for YouTube.
Ultimately, the best camera for YouTube is the one that meets your specific needs and helps you achieve your creative goals. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced video maker, the best cameras for youtube that we've highlighted in this article offer a range of features and capabilities to help you create stunning content for your YouTube channel.
With the right camera for YouTube, you can capture high-quality footage, build your audience, and achieve success on this popular video-sharing platform.
So, consider your needs and budget if you're looking for the best cheap camera for YouTube. Then, please take a closer look at the cameras we've recommended to find the one that's right for you.
Do you want to know more? Read our guide to the best YouTube equipment for beginners!
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