10 Best Camera for YouTube Videos in 2023 – The Latest Buying Guide

If you aren’t making YouTube videos then you’re missing out on a platform with great potential. The latest stats show that almost 1 billion hours of video content are watched on this platform alone. So, it would really be a good thing for you to also take advantage of these eyeballs to showcase your work.

The problem, however, is that the greater the number of videos posted there, the higher the competition for attention gets. And for that reason, you’re better off getting the best camera for vlogging or unboxing videos.

By the time you settle for any camera model, it’s important to keep some important factors in mind. These include:

• Image and audio quality
• Battery life
• Recording time
• Budget
• Portability

But generally, the best camera for Youtubing largely depends on your unique style and what exactly you’d like to capture. Below is run-down of some of the most sought-after models.

Camera for YouTube Videos – Comparison

Here now is a quick run-down of some top 10 camera picks for YouTubers. We’ve tried to include different varieties so you can find a combination of price and popularity. So, simply scan the markets with the table below.

For a detailed review of each one of them, you’ve got to read the detailed reviews by scrolling down.

1. Canon-EOS 70D DSLR Camera

Canon-EOS 70D DSLR Camera is designed with state-of-the-art technology features to offer videographers professional quality videos. It’s, therefore, a good pick for YouTube videos and Vlogging.

The camera is a DSLR digital camera with an autofocus sensor, an articulating touchscreen, built-in Wi-Fi among other features. The articulating touchscreen makes it easy to navigate through the menus.

In addition, it has a Dual Pixel CMOS AF which makes it possible to autofocus in movie mode and live view. More so, the live view autofocus system in this camera stands tall among other brands.

The 20.2 Megapixel APS-C CMOS image sensor, and 1080p are sufficient to deliver quality videos.

Further, the camera’s inbuilt Wi-Fi system and EOS Remote app allow for instant sharing and remote control. In addition, the device can be installed with a GPS.

The camera does quality image processing using the DIGIC 5+ processor. It has a 19 AF for good autofocusing capabilities. Besides, the camera has an inbuilt stereo microphone for best sound effects, or you can use the external microphone terminal.

Further, the camera is also an excellent still photography unit.

The camera’s construction is from sturdy materials, and it is lightweight weighing 1.66lbs, for durability and easy portability.

Pros

• It is an excellent camera for still and video photography
• It has many features to offer professional videographers value for money
• It delivers good quality images and good audible sound
• It is easy to operate and suitable for newbies videographers
• It has a durable construction
• It is not heavy and therefore travel-friendly

Cons

• It is a bit pricey in comparison with other brands
• Because it is a DSLR, it doesn’t exceed 30 minutes of continuous video shooting

2. GoPro-HERO7 Digital Camera

GoPro-HERO7 Black is a quality camera to buy if you are on a budget. It is devised with several features to make it a good choice for Youtube videography.

The hyper smooth feature provides high-quality footage that is not shaky when filming while in motion and makes this unit perfect for adventure, travel, water sports, horse riding. The hyper smooth feature also makes it possible to shoot without a stabilizer.

Get 4k 60fps videos and 12 mp still photos with this camera. What’s more, the camera has an easy to operate touchscreen.

The app in the camera gives it live streaming capabilities to Facebook, Instagram or Youtube without requiring third-party software. However, social media sharing is limited to 720p resolution only. The good thing is that you can save the images on the SD card in high resolution.

It also has a good voice control system.

More so, it is a waterproof device and ideal for water sports and other adventures.

Pros

• Video stabilization for smooth footage
• The camera is quite affordable
• It is live streaming enabled
• It is waterproof without a case
• It has a touchscreen which is easy to navigate

Cons

• The battery quality is wanting
• A bit hard to understand how the voice commands works
• Social streaming is limited to 720p resolution

3. Sony-RX100 III 20.1 MP Digital Camera DSCRX100M3/B

Sony-RX100 III 20.1 MP Digital Camera is a pocket-sized unit and one of the series in the Sony RX camera. The camera is very light at 290gms.

It is a moderately priced camera and will suit you if you are on a budget.

Although it is a relatively old model released in the year 2014, the camera still has some useful features to make it a good Youtube videography unit. It is fitted with a Bionz X processing engine which allows easy sensitivity adjustment and produces HD videos.

In addition, it is a high-resolution sensor camera of 20.0 MP. It has 10fps which are reasonably fast.

Though it is pocket-sized, it has a fast lens and a bigger sensor than other cameras of its size. The camera delivers low light performance well and a shallower depth of field for high-quality images.

Additionally, the camera boasts wireless connectivity with the Wi-Fi/NFC control for secure connection to smartphones and sharing. The camera also has a viewfinder which helps in monitoring the quality of your images in advance.

Pros

• The price is in the medium range
• It is light at 290gm and pocket-sized for easy portability
• It has wireless connectivity
• It produces HD videos

Cons

• The series has been replaced by newer models
• The camera has no touchscreen
• It has a restricted zoom range

Read more: The Best DSLR Camera Backpack for Hiking  – Review and Buying Guide

4. Nikon-D3300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR

Nikon-D3300 24.2 is an excellent entry level camera 24 MP camera. It is a DSLR camera that is small, light weighing 0.95lb. The features make this camera a very portable unit and an excellent travel camera. In addition, it is very pocket-friendly, and it comes with a simple design.

Though the body is plastic, the camera is durably constructed. In its category of cameras, this camera has one of the best sensors and high resolutions at 1080/60 video recording for excellent video quality. More so, it has a good battery life.

The camera comes with an excellent autofocus system. In addition, though the menu is detailed, it is simple to operate both still photography and videography. The cameral has 5fps, an optical viewfinder with 95% coverage, and an 11-point AF system for your convenience. Unfortunately, the camera has a fixed 3″ LCD and no inbuilt Wi-Fi.

Pros

• It is a product of Nikon which is reputable for making high-quality cameras
• The camera stands tall in its class as far as sensor-power and High resolutions are concerned
• It is small and travel-friendly
• It is very affordable
• It is easy to operate the camera

Cons

• The camera lacks a built-in Wi-Fi system and has a fixed LCD.
• There are newer brand innovations in the market offering many features at a pocket-friendly price
• It is limited to not more than 30 minutes of continuous video shooting

5. Panasonic-Lumix G7 4K Mirrorless Camera

Panasonic-Lumix G7 is designed like a DSLR though it is a mirrorless camera. Like other mirrorless cameras, although it is small, it is a powerful unit. It is a 16MP CMOS image sensor for relatively good quality images.

The camera is reasonably priced but slightly more expensive than budget cameras. It is lightweight weighing 410gms for easy portability.

In addition, the camera has 4k video with 8fps recording for superb filming of explicit videos. Though it has no NFC, the unit has an inbuilt Wi-Fi. Further, the camera has an electronic viewfinder which provides a preview of the images for monitoring the quality of your work.

The camera has a fully- articulated 3” LCD touch-screen. More so, the camera responds well in low light conditions.

The camera has an accurate and fast autofocus. Unfortunately, because it is mirrorless, it doesn’t have an optical viewfinder.

The features of this camera make it a good beginner camera.

Pros

• The camera is reasonably priced
• It has superb video quality and yet not bulky
• It is lightweight and great for outdoor use
• It is touch-screen operated
• It is a 4K videography unit

Cons

• The sensor resolution is a bit low at 16MP
• The manual controls limits video recording
• It cannot exceed 30 minutes of continuous filming.

6. Canon-EOS T5-Rebel DSLR Camera EF-S 18-55mm IS II Lens

Canon-EOS T5-Rebel is a basic DSLR camera for non-professional still photography and filming. It is much better than a point and shoot camera unit offering DSLR features.

The camera is a budget-friendly camera that comes with a simple design. Therefore it is easy to operate with four buttons for navigating the menu. The camera is suitable for newbie camera users.

The camera has a 3” LCD screen for easy review and recording. Besides that, it has 18MP and CMOS image sensor in addition to a DIGIC 4 image processor for conveniently shooting HD videos. The DSLR has a nine-point autofocus system for excellent autofocusing.

Worth noting is that the Canon-EOS is a good entry level Canon DSLR camera for beginner videographers. The camera lacks features of latest camera models.

Though it is slightly small and lightweight at 3.45 pounds, there are lighter and smaller DSLR models in the market. It also lacks an articulating touchscreen display.

It has 1080p video capture at 3fps which is low speed.

Pros

• It is very pocket-friendly
• At that price range, it is a good enough DSLR for the money
• It has 18MP and CMOS sensor image for quality photos and video
• DIGIC 4 image processor for quality videos

Cons

• It is an old model in the series, launched back in the year 2014
• It lacks features to make it a professional camera
• It cannot shoot continuously exceeding 30 minutes

7. Sony a5100 16-50mm Mirrorless Digital Camera

Sony a5100 is a mirrorless Digital camera. The Sony a5100 is quite affordable and a good bargain as a first mirrorless Digital camera. It is small in size and lightweight at 0.62lbs and yet powerful, unlike DSLR cameras which get big as the models get more and more powerful.

It is a 24MP APS-C sensor camera for high-resolution images. In addition, 1080/60 provides relatively good videos. It comes with a mirror flip up screen which provides overall convenience.

It also features an electronic viewfinder, a facility for monitoring the quality of photos before taking them. The camera has a good image stabilization feature which provides quality films using any lens. The 179 AF autofocus feature saves you time in trying to adjust the focal point while producing good quality images.

The camera’s Bionz X processor and Exmor CMOS sensor makes the camera produce excellent low light photos.

Besides that, the inbuilt Wi-Fi makes it easy to share photos and videos online.

Overall, Sony A5100 is a good camera for Youtube and Vlogging.

Pros

• It is reasonably priced
• It is small and travel-friendly
• It has Wi-Fi and ANC for sharing images on social media via a smartphone
• It has an excellent viewfinder
• It has a good image stabilization system
• The autofocus is also top in its class

Cons

• Its video shooting capacity is limited to 30 minutes stoppages.
• The features are limited for professional photography

8. Canon XA20 Professional Camcorder

Canon XA20 is an excellent device for Youtube and Vloggers seeking a portable unit providing professional, high-quality videos and still images.

Although some of its features qualify it to be an entry-level camcorder, it still has many other professional-grade features.

It has a capacitated audio recorder saving you the trouble of having a separate audio recorder that is usually necessary when using a Digital camera. The camcorder is fitted with an infrared light source which helps in low light capabilities and makes it a perfect night photography or low light photography unit.

The camcorder also has a five directional dynamic optical image stabilization system for steadiness. Additionally, it has a wide angle lens at 26.8mm which allows the capturing of more footage. The 20X zoom control features make focusing on objects easy for close-ups.

Further, it has an external dslr microphone holder, a top-mounted detachable handle and audio control panel housing for your convenience.

More so, it has a built-in Wi-Fi technology for sending images and video to wireless devices.

Pros

• It is powerful and a perfect professional camcorder
• It is lightweight and easy to travel with and operate for extended hours
• It has an excellent audio recorder that you cannot get from Digital cameras
• The camera’s image and videos quality is high

Cons

• It is quite expensive when compared to digital cameras units

9. Logitech-C930e Webcam 1080P HD Video 90 Degree Wide View

Logitech-C930e is a reasonably priced business Webcam. It delivers state of the art technology to your video conferencing. The webcam has a 90-degree field of view which is wide field and ideal for taking group webcams.

The webcam is lightweight weighing 5.6 ounces and easy to carry around. Although it has a plastic construction, it is solidly built for longevity, and it has a good lens cover. The unit also features a good noise cancellation system for high-quality audios.

It features 1080 HD video recording at 30fps which is reasonably fast speed. The unit takes sharp photos and videos.

It is easily mountable on a laptop or any monitor with its tripod-ready universal clip. In addition, it has a tripod hinge on the underside for installing it on a camera stand for using on a desk.

It is compatible with many video chat services including Google Hangouts and Skype.

Unfortunately, it lacks a video and photo capture software. Another disadvantage is that its color quality is poor.

Pros

• It is competitively priced when compared to other webcams
• It has a wide view and excellent for group webcams
• It provides professional quality video and still photos
• Superior noise cancellation
• It has a wide 90-degree field of view

Cons

• Poor color accuracy
• Because it is a webcam, it has to work with a laptop or computer

10. Canon-EOS 7D MarkII DSLR Camera

Canon-EOS 7D MarkII is a professional level camera. It is an upgrade of the Canon EOS 7D model. It is a 20.2MP camera with an APS-C sensor for sharp images and videos. In addition, it has 10fps. Canon-EOS is one of the fastest DSLR’s in the market.

The Camera boasts various features in connectivity, including having a USB 3.0, audio out, audio in, flash sync, remote control, a built-in GPS and two memory cards slots.

Though it is an expensive model, the camera has high-quality images and photos and ideal for professional work. It has state of the art Dual Pixel CMOS AF for quality video shooting. More so, its Live View autofocus performs well in low light conditions.

The 65AF adjustable autofocus and continuous shooting capacity sets this unit apart and makes it a perfect nature and sports camera. The camera has a fast video autofocus with various autofocus modes to choose from. Additionally, it is fitted with extensive lens access.

Unfortunately, the camera lacks an inbuilt Wi-Fi.

Pros

• It is a professional level camera
• It is very fast
• It has an adjustable 65Af autofocus, which is one of the best in digital technology
• It has many connectivity features

Cons

• The price is a bit on the higher side
• The rear LCD is fixed

Camera for YouTube Videos – Buying Guide

So, what makes a good Youtubing camera? There are different kinds of features you should be aware off. Compromise on any one of these and you’re likely to end up producing laughable content.

What’s Your Budget?

Normally, the kind of budget you’re willing to set aside for the purchase matters a lot. The higher you go up the price list, the more the features you’re likely to get.

But even then, there’s no denying that you can still find a good camera below 500. You simply need to look around a bit.

In fact, some of the features you can look forward to at that price range include the ability to record high-quality 1080p content. And in fact, with cameras like the Lumix Fz80, you can seamlessly record 4K content.

That said, in our view, the high-end or professional-grade are difficult to find with an under 1000 budget. So, you may need to fork out a couple more thousands to seal the deal.

What Exactly Do You Need?

If you are yet to make up your mind on the exact features you need, you might have a difficult time arriving at a final choice. So, you need to ask yourself what exactly you’d like to get out of your camera.

You’re likely to find out that you actually don’t need to spend thousands of dollars! Maybe all you’re looking for is a decent camera that can record good enough content.

And, therefore, there’s absolutely no need to go for a pricey 4K camera. And also, would you like to be capturing some slo-mo content? Then you probably want a camera with a high frames per second.

But if you’re not capturing details, then you really don’t need to worry a lot about the FPS figure.

Different Camera Types to Choose From

There are four different types of cameras available. And so, you need to determine which one sounds like the ideal one for your specific situation.

DSLR cameras are quite a common option. They are known for being highly powerful although they tend to come with cheap sound recorders. And for that reason, your best bet is to consider getting an external microphone for DSLR cameras.

Moving on, the second type is the mirrorless camera. It’s one of the trendiest models available nowadays. Mirrorless cameras are smaller and highly portable.

The third variety of cameras is the point and shoot variety. This is a family of compact cameras which have since become a popular choice for travelers.

Lastly, there’s the sports and action camera variety. This should be your go-to choice if you’re looking to record some fast-action scenes. They also are known for recording in high frames per second.

Are You A Vlogger?

Vlogging requires a special kind of cameras. And don’t get me wrong – you don’t have to break the bank for these so-called special features.

In fact, there are quite a few features that are virtually useless to a vlogger. Some of these include:

• Flash
• Zoom

The only time when you’d need a powerful zoom feature is of you regularly record travel vlogs. But if you’re just looking for a basic camera for standard vlog videos, you’ll be happy to learn that you don’t need any advanced features.

Low Light Performance

If you record your videos as a hobby or for your growing YouTube channel, chances are that you don’t have the cash to set up a complex lighting system. In other words, you’re likely to find yourself recording in low light situations, most of the time.

So, just to be on the safe side, it makes perfect sense to go for a camera that can perform well in low light conditions. That said, low-light cameras seem to work best when used indoors. So, you’d need to know how to manually adjust them when shooting some content outdoors.

Stabilization

Unless you’re a professional videographer, chances are that you’re going to face issues trying to capture a stable footage. And this is where the stabilization features in your camera would come in handy.

It’s always a good idea to find a device that comes with built-in optical image stabilization. This feature comes in handy especially when you need to keep moving your camera to capture footage.

You don’t want to bore your audience with shaky videos.

Wi-Fi Connectivity

The digital world is a fast paced one and, therefore, your best bet is to for a camera that offers Wi-Fi connectivity. This way, you would have a much easier time uploading your content online.

A camera that lacks this feature would require you to remove the memory card from it so you can feed it to your computer. And unfortunately that can be a time wasting process – plus you run the risk of having your content compromised if you load it on a computer with malware.

But with a camera that’s Wi-Fi enabled, you’d simply need to hit the upload button and let the content sync in automatically.

Consider the Possibility of Getting a Microphone Input

As we have already noted, most cameras come with below-par built-in microphones. And unless you use them for up close recordings, chances are that you’d be disappointed with the quality of their output.

This is why it’s important to get a camera that comes with a handy microphone input. That alone would give you the freedom to choose an external microphone that works best for you.

Without such a port, you’d have to put up with mediocre sound quality no matter what. And that would definitely be quite frustrating especially when sound quality is of the essence.

Which One Is The Best?

The Canon EOS 70D is what in our view qualifies as the gold-standard of YouTube cameras. It has a powerful CMOS sensor of 20.2MP which makes it a sure bet for anyone who’s after quality.

Moving on, the 70D has a pretty decent ISO range which qualifies it as an ideal bet for anyone looking for excellent light sensitivity. And that’s not to mention the fact that it provides you with a mid-range 7FPS shooting system.

The only issue we have with this camera is that it’s quite pricey. And, therefore, you might not like it if you’re on a really budget.

In that case, we’d vouch for the ever-magnificent GoPro Hero7. Not only does it come with some awesome image stabilization features but also boasts 4K recording power. Above all, the unit is quite cheap.

Final Thoughts

Depending on what exactly you’re looking to accomplish with your content, quality is always king. So, think quality first before you focus on any other factors.

And that way, you’ll be assured to find an excellent camera for recording YouTube videos with!