What Kind of Camera do YouTubers Use for Vlogging

Girl vlogging is DSLR camera

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Choosing the right camera for YouTube is a tough call because there are so many good cameras to choose from. So it’s not surprising to hear people asking, what are the top cameras for vlogging? After all, you would think that successful vloggers would know the answer. That’s why I spent 48 hours researching the subject. I’ve watched YouTube videos, read blog posts, and reached out directly to vloggers to answer what camera do YouTubers use to vlog.

I picked fifteen vloggers with subscriber levels ranging from the tens of thousands to over 20 million. They were Ryan Higa, Casey Neistat, iJustine, Jason Vong, Jerry Rig Everything, Think Media, JC Caylen, Aspyn Ovard, Nick Nimmin, Potato Jet, Armando Ferreira, Dottotech, Pat Flynn, Peter Gregg, and Justin Reeves.

It turns out some creators use multiple cameras for vlogging. Perhaps a larger full-frame camera in their studio and a compact or action camera when out-and-about.

What I do feel was missing from the list of cameras used by YouTubers, because I know some creators do use them, are camcorders, smartphones, and webcams. For instance, the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920Opens in a new tab. is a webcam used by many YouTubers, and of course, countless creators use iPhones.

Having said that, let’s look at this list of cameras used for vlogging by fifteen YouTubers.

What kind of camera do YouTubers use for vlogging

CameraFlip screenSensor sizeMax resolutionMic/Headphone socketCamera typeUsed by
Canon 80DYesAPS-C1080pYes/YesDSLRJC Caylen, Aspyn Ovard, Nick Nimmin
Canon M50YesAPS-C4KYes/NoMirrorlessThink Media, dottotech
Canon EOS RYesFull frame4KYes/YesMirrorlessPotato Jet, Armando Ferreira, Justin Reeves
GoPro Hero 7 BlackNo1-inch4KYes/NoAction cameraCasey Neistat, iJustine, Pat Flynn
Logitech BRIONoNA4KNo/NoWebcamdottotech
Panasonic Lumix GH5YesMicro Four Thirds4KYes/YesMirrorlessCasey Neistat, Jerryrigeverything
Sony A6400YesAPS-C4KYes/NoMirrorlessThink Media, Armando Ferreira, Jason Vong
Sony A7iiiNoFull frame4KYes/YesMirrorlessiJustine, Peter Gregg
Sony CyberShot RX100 VYes1-inch4KNo/NoPoint-and-shootCasey Neistat

So, what kind of vlog camera do YouTubers use?

You can see, there is no single camera that all vloggers settle on. In fact, some vloggers have several cameras. That’s probably because there’s no single camera that is perfect in every situation. So, there is no single correct camera for vlogging.

That’s a key point to consider as you plan your YouTube channel. Get the right tool for the job or the best one within your budget.

If you’ll have a home studio perhaps look at larger full-frame cameras. But for software tutorials or quick videos at your desk, look at getting a webcam. However, for travel vlogs or when vlogging from conventions, a compact camera in your pocket saves weight and space.

I’ve written a review for each of the cameras shown above, which you can see later in this article, but first here are my top picks from the list.

Camera
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Canon EOS R, Vlogging and Content Creator Camera 4K UHD, Digital...
RECOMMENDED
Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera...
BEST COMPACT
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens...
BEST BUDGET
Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm Lens, Black
Canon EOS R, Vlogging and Content Creator Camera 4K UHD, Digital...
Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera...
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens...
Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm Lens, Black
Features
Excellent image quality / Articulated touch screen / Dual-Pixel AF in HD & 4K / Mic in + Headphone out
Excellent image quality / Eye-detect AF / Full frame 4K / IBIS
Excellent image quality / Small form factor / Good set of features / Pop-up screen
Excellent image quality / Small form factor / Articulated touch screen / Dual Pixel AF and face/eye-tracking
Price
$1,789.99
$1,798.00
$848.00
$595.89
Delivery
-
-
EDITOR'S CHOICE
Camera
Canon EOS R, Vlogging and Content Creator Camera 4K UHD, Digital...
Canon EOS R, Vlogging and Content Creator Camera 4K UHD, Digital...
Features
Excellent image quality / Articulated touch screen / Dual-Pixel AF in HD & 4K / Mic in + Headphone out
Price
$1,789.99
Delivery
-
RECOMMENDED
Camera
Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera...
Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera...
Features
Excellent image quality / Eye-detect AF / Full frame 4K / IBIS
Price
$1,798.00
Delivery
BEST COMPACT
Camera
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens...
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens...
Features
Excellent image quality / Small form factor / Good set of features / Pop-up screen
Price
$848.00
Delivery
BEST BUDGET
Camera
Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm Lens, Black
Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm Lens, Black
Features
Excellent image quality / Small form factor / Articulated touch screen / Dual Pixel AF and face/eye-tracking
Price
$595.89
Delivery
-

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Reviews of all the vlogger cameras

Canon 80D

Opens in a new tab.

Not that long ago this was the vlogger’s go-to camera, even Casey Neistat upgraded from his 70D to this camera, although he then went back to using the 70D again. This 24MP APS-C camera was released in February 2016 but remains a very solid performer. It includes Canon’s dual pixel AF, a fully articulated screen, plus mic and headphone sockets.

The video quality is excellent, especially at lower ISOs. Unfortunately, the highest quality setting is full HD 1080p at up to 60fps. Also, the camera will feel heavy if you’re holding it to vlog. If you can’t hold it up for longer sequences, you’ll want to put this camera on a tripod.

Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D] with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image...
  • Merging power, precision and operability, the EOS 80D is a dynamic SLR camera for anyone's creative...
  • Providing a comprehensive view, the EOS 80D camera’s Intelligent Viewfinder helps bring the thrill...
  • The Intelligent Viewfinder displays AF points and AF mode, have a grid display, a horizontal...
  • For AF operation, the EOS 80D camera has a wide-area, 45-point, all cross-type AF system with low...

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Canon 80D Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Good image qualityNo 4K
Dual Pixel AFHeavy
Fully articulating screen
External mic socket
Headphone socket

Canon M50

Opens in a new tab.

The Canon M50 mirrorless camera was released in February 2018 and its compact and light design packs an impressive punch.

It has a 24.1MP sensor and a Digic 8 processor that enables high ISO noise reduction and good low light performance. It has dual pixel autofocus and face and eye autofocus tracking.  If you’re moving around in front of the camera you should stay in focus. The available video resolutions and frame rates are 4K at 24fps and full HD at 24, 30, and 60fps.

The fully articulating vari-angle touchscreen allows vloggers to check their framing, but that, and remote control of the camera, can also be done using the Canon Camera Connect app on a smartphone because of the camera’s built-in WIFI capabilities. Also of use to vloggers is the external mic input socket. Unfortunately, there’s no headphone socket.
As with other Canon EOS M series cameras, the M50 uses the Canon EF-M lens mount. However, with the addition of an adapter, such as the Viltrox EF to EOS M2 lens adapterOpens in a new tab., the camera can use an extensive range of quality Canon EF lenses.

Sale
Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera Kit with EF-M 15-45mm Lens, Black
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast, accurate autofocus that helps you get the photo you want right as the...
  • 241 Megapixel APS C CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 8 Image Processor delivers incredible color, clear...
  • Vari angle touchscreen LCD has a flexible tilt range ideal for high angle and low angle shooting,...
  • Built in high resolution electronic viewfinder features approximately 2,360,000 dots to see high...

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Canon M50 Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Compact and light4K is cropped
Excellent vari-angle touchscreen4K uses contrast AF
Dual Pixel AF and face/eye AF tracking4K only at 24fps
Access to Canon EF lenses with an adapterNo in-body stabilization
WIFI remote control from a smartphone
Can load Technicolor Cinestyle profile

Canon EOS R

Opens in a new tab.

When this full-frame mirrorless camera launched in September 2018 there was an avalanche of negativity from YouTube creators. About a year later most had changed their minds and started using the camera.

So why the change of opinion? It’s because of the beautiful image, the fully functioning touch screen, good audio preamps, an easy-to-use menu system, Canon’s great color science, the incredibly good Dual Pixel autofocus, clean HDMI output in 8 and 10-bit, and c-log straight out the box. In short, it’s the best full-frame vlogging camera with a mic input, headphone socket, and a proper flip-out LCD touch screen. The camera body is magnesium alloy, and the camera is weather sealed.

Of course, it isn’t perfect. It doesn’t have in-body stabilization or 120fps at 1080p, and the 4K has a whopping 1.74x crop factor. Even so, the results look great. The camera can shoot 4K 24 & 30p, 1080 24, 30 & 60p, 720 30, 60, & 120p.

But why get the EOS R instead of the other Canon cameras on this list? Well, even excluding having access to 4K, the EOS R’s 1080p footage looks noticeably sharper than footage from the M50 or 80D. The downside is that it’s one of the more expensive cameras, but quite a few vloggers seem to think it’s worth it. It’s also worth noting that since the launch Canon has reduced the price by about $500, so the EOS R and Sony A7iii are about the same price.

Canon EOS R, Vlogging and Content Creator Camera 4K UHD, Digital...
  • FULL-FRAME CMOS SENSOR & DIGIC 8 30.3 MP IMAGE PROCESSOR: Ensures crisp photos and high-resolution...
  • DUAL PIXEL CMOS AF: Features an impressive 5,655 manually selectable AF points** and delivers sharp...
  • RF MOUNT COMPATIBLE: The EOS R camera is designed to work effortlessly with RF lenses; it maintains...
  • HIGH-SPEED CONTINUOUS SHOOTING: With speeds of up to 12fps, this camera can capture the most dynamic...

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Canon EOS R Pros and Cons

ProsCons
A fully functioning touch screenA little pricey
Articulated screen4K crop factor of 1.74
Comes with c-log120fps only available in 720p
Great customizationNo in-body stabilization
Good low light performanceHeavier to hold
Weather sealed
Dual-Pixel AF in HD & 4K
10bit external recording
Pros

GoPro Hero 7 Black

Opens in a new tab.

This action camera was released in September 2018 and includes many excellent features in a tiny package. It’s Apple MFI compatible, so it will pair more quickly with an iOS device. You can live stream by connecting to your smartphone or to WIFI, however, the footage is limited to rather poor 720p.

The audio has been improved, compared to the last few models, and the introduction of HyperSmooth stabilization makes the footage much better to watch. HyperSmooth can be activated in both 4K 30 and 60fps. The TimeWarp feature also smooths and removes the jerkiness from time-lapse videos.

You can show off your aquatic adventures safely with this GoPro since it’s waterproof down to 33ft but be aware that it does not float should it come adrift. And if you post to Instagram, you may like the fact that this GoPro can shoot portrait mode video.

GoPro Hero 7 Black Edition with Two Extra USA Batteries + Sandisk Extreme...
  • RITZ CAMERA BUNDLE INCLUDES 5 ITEMS -- ALL BRAND NEW ITEMS WITH ALL MANUFACTURER-SUPPLIED...
  • GoPro Hero 7 Black Edition Camera, Sandisk 64GB U3 MicroSDHC & Polaroid 16GB MicroSDHC card, and Two...
  • Rugged + Waterproof: Share experiences you can’t capture with your phone. HERO7 Black is rugged,...
  • HyperSmooth: Get gimbal like stabilization – without the gimbal. HERO7 Black corrects for camera...

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

GoPro Hero 7 Black

ProsCons
Easy user interfaceLive streaming limited to 720p
Hyper Smooth, almost gimbal-likeThe audio could still be better
Offers timed clips

Logitech Brio

Opens in a new tab.Logitech BRIO

When you ask, what kind of camera do YouTubers use to vlog, the answer doesn’t always have to be an and expensive DSLR or mirrorless camera. It can be a webcam.

The Brio can record 4K, 1080p, and 720p and must be the cheapest way to get into vlogging in Ultra HD. Although for HD recording Logitech’s C922x Pro Stream and C920 HD Pro are still excellent choices at even less cost.

It’s easy to mount in multiple positions due to its removable clip. It can be installed on a monitor or desk, and with the included ¼” tripod mounting thread the BRIO can be mounted on a tripod.

The webcam works with USB 2.0 and 3.0, although 4K recording or streaming, requires a USB 3.0 connection. It automatically adjusts the image quality depending on your lighting and offers 5x digital zoom allows capabilities.

One of the beauties of using a webcam for YouTube is that you need little in terms of studio space. Furthermore, depending on how sophisticated you want to be with your lighting, you could be ready to start recording or streaming in just a few seconds.

Sale
Logitech Brio 4K Webcam, Ultra 4K HD Video Calling, Noise-Canceling mic, HD...
  • SUPPORT WORK FROM ANYWHERE WITH SYNC: Whether employees are in the office, at home, or somewhere...
  • Ultra 4K HD resolution: 4 times the resolution of a typical HD webcam; look your best and enjoy...
  • Auto light adjustment: Logitech RightLight 3 uses HDR technology to show you in the best light, even...
  • Noise-canceling technology: Dual omni-directional mics suppress background sound so you can be heard...

Last update on 2024-03-10 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Logitech Brio

ProsCons
Relatively inexpensiveMust be linked to a PC
Shoot up to 4K videoLimited image control
Can monitor yourself on your PC
Little or no setup time prior to a video shoot

Panasonic Lumix GH5

Opens in a new tab.

The GH5 uses a 20.3MP micro four-thirds sensor and includes 5-Axis in-body image stabilization, although with compatible lenses the IBIS can be combined with lens IS. The result is silky smooth camera movements. The 4K also looks great and can be recorded in 4:2:2/10bit at 24p and 30p frame rates, and 4:2:0/8bit at 60p.

The 3-inch flip-out screen can flip out to the side and be rotated to face forwards. This is like the way the screen works on the Canon cameras and a much better arrangement than that on the Sony cameras. 

The color science is good, though not quite as beautiful as on the Canon cameras. The camera body is made from a magnesium alloy and is weather-sealed, advertised as splash, dust, and freeze-proof.

Although the GH5 is now an older model it still is an excellent camera that produces beautiful results. However, once you add some lenses, it represents a significant investment.

Panasonic LUMIX GH5 4K Digital Camera, 20.3 Megapixel Mirrorless Camera...
  • Professional photo and video: 20.3 Megapixel micro four thirds sensor with no low pass filter to...
  • Splash or Freeze Proof Design: Freeze proof to 10 degrees the durable magnesium alloy body...
  • Dual image stabilization: 5 axis dual image stabilization corrects all lenses, including classic...
  • 4K video capture: Records silky smooth 4K 60P by 50P (QFHD 4K: 3840 x 2160 ; MOV or MP4) video with...

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Panasonic GH5 Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Solid stabilization (IBIS + lens)Large
Can record 4:2:2/10bit at 4K 30pStill expensive
Good touch screen
External mic socket
Headphone socket
No record time limit

Sony A6400

Opens in a new tab.

This small mirrorless camera with a flip screen has an APS-C sensor. It could be used as a travel vlog camera, but don’t expect the smoothest of shots since it lacks in-body image stabilization. However, it does have a 24.2MP sensor with 425-point AF and advanced real-time eye-AF. The pop-up screen allows you to see yourself, but its touch screen functionality is limited to focus. If using an on-camera microphone you should get the SmallRig Cold Shoe Relocation PlateOpens in a new tab. so that the microphone can be mounted off to the side and not cover the screen.

This camera can shoot great 4K and 1080p footage, but some people reported overheating problems when shooting 4K. Fortunately, Sony fixed this problem, but a few people still report random overheat switch-off.

Sale
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens...
  • Next Gen speed: experience the world’s fastest 0. 02 sec AF with real-time AF and object tracking
  • Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84% of the sensor
  • Fast & accurate: up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24. 2MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
  • Multiple movie functions: make time lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post processing

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sony A6400 Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Small form factorAn on camera mic can hide the screen
Good 4KNo IBIS
No 29’59” record limit

Sony A7 III

Opens in a new tab.

Released in March 2018 this camera comes with a 24MP full-frame sensor in a weather-sealed body. Unlike its Canon EOS R rival, the A7iii does have 5-axis IBIS, dual card slots, full-frame 4K up to 30fps, and 1080p at up to 120fps. What it doesn’t have is a vari-angle screen, so you can’t see yourself while vlogging. In addition, it’s only a touch screen for focus, unlike the EOS R. But you do get an external mic input and headphone socket. The Sony NPF C100 battery lets you shoot a video for about 2½ hours, but you can also use the USB socket to power the camera from a power bank. The HDMI socket can output clean 4K at 4:2:2.

The A7iii uses 693-point hybrid autofocus with excellent face/eye-tracking. You can set it going and be sure you will remain in focus while you vlog.

Sony a7 III ILCE7M3/B Full-Frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera...
  • Advanced 24.2MP BSI full frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed.Aspect Ratio - 3:2, Headphone...
  • 15 stop dynamic range, 14 bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800. Compatible with Sony E mount...
  • Up to 10fps silent or mechanical shutter with AE/AF tracking. Battery life (Still Images): Approx....
  • 693 phase detection / 425 contrast AF points w/ 93 percent image coverage. Focus sensor: Exmor R...

Last update on 2024-03-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sony A7 III Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Eye-detect AFThe screen does not flip-up
Full frame 4KTouch screen only for focus
IBIS
External mic socket
Headphone socket
Dual card slots

Sony CyberShot RX100 V

Opens in a new tab.

Released in October 2016, this is a great but tiny camera since you get a lot for your money. Consider it among your list of good first vlog cameras. It would be an ideal out-and-about or product b-roll camera, sporting a 20MP 1-inch sensor and a Zeiss 24-70mm equivalent lens that f/1.8 at its widest and still an impressive f/2.8 when zoomed in, ideal for dimly lit spaces. Also perfect for vloggers is the flip-up screen but there’s no external mic socket.

The image quality is good, the camera can shoot 4K at 24 and 30fps, and 1080p at 24, 30, 60, and 120 fps. Very impressive for such a small and affordable camera. But not so good is that 4K clips are limited to just 5 minutes due to the sensor overheating. Sony advises you to wait several minutes between shooting 4K clips. But to this camera’s credit, it does have in-body-stabilization, zebra stripes to aid setting the exposure, a built-in ND filter, fast autofocus, has s-log2, and fits in your pocket.

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 V 20.1 MP Digital Still Camera with 3" OLED, flip...
  • ELECTRONIC VIEW FINDER: retractable Tru-Finder EVF provides sharp resolution, bright...
  • AUTO FOCUS: World’s fastest (0.05 sec.) hybrid AF system (contrast + phase) which is great for...
  • AF DETECTION: The most comprehensive phase detection coverage in a compact camera utilizing 315 Auto...
  • SHOOTING SPEED: World’s fastest continuous shooting speed at 24fps3 w/ autofocus and auto exposure...

Last update on 2024-02-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Sony CyberShot RX100 V

ProsCons
Pocket sized cameraNo external mic socket
Plenty of featuresFiddly to use
Superb Zeiss lens
Fast AF
Flip-up screen
Full HD at 120fps
Can record to external recorder

A cheaper vlogging camera for beginners

Asking what type of camera YouTubers use to vlog is a good starting point when choosing a vlogging camera for beginners. But many of those cameras are expensive. Even worse, some have interchangeable lenses that can cost more than the camera body. Yikes! How does anyone ever get started vlogging?

Don’t worry. It’s your ability to tell a story that is more important than the vlogging equipment you use. Owning the most expensive camera won’t guarantee success. You need to understand how to tell your story and how your camera can help you do that.

If you’ve got the money, sure, go ahead and get whatever camera you want. But if you’re on a budget, what can you do? Well, how about choosing a webcam or camcorder for vlogging?

You may also like: How to use a webcam for YouTube Videos

Camcorder vs Camera for vlogging

I know a camcorder doesn’t look as cool as using a DSLR or Mirrorless camera but forget about what camera do YouTubers vlog. The right camcorder can give you a lot of features for a lot less money. But one piece of advice is to ignore the ridiculously cheap unknown brands that claim to be for vlogging. Their inferior quality will not impress anyone.

What will impress viewers is the Panasonic Full HD Camcorder HC-V770. Read on and you’ll realize it’s much more than a domestic camcorder that you pack for vacations.

Panasonic Full HD HC-V770 Camcorder for vlogging

Opens in a new tab.

As well as iA mode (intelligent Auto mode) you can access manual mode for full creative control. You can set the shutter speed, White Balance, and brightness (iris/gain). Focus can be adjusted with the thumbwheel control that’s beside the lens. However, by staying in iA mode the camcorder will use face detection tracking with autofocus, which works very well indeed as you move within the scene.   

You will also be able to shoot handheld shots that don’t look shaky because the V770 has 5-axis hybrid optical image stabilization. It’s a combination of optical and digital IS that would be a highly effective vlogging camera stabilizer.

The 3-inch flip-out touch screen gives you access to the camcorder’s menu, but it can also be turned through 180 degrees to point forwards. Now that’s an obvious feature for vloggers. Another giveaway that this camcorder is intended for creators and not for ordinary consumers is that it has both an external mic input and a headphone socket. You don’t get that on some of the cameras on my list

You also get a clean HDMI output and wifi connectivity. Use your smartphone to see what the camcorder sees and control the camcorder remotely. Even better, your smartphone can act as a sub-camera that will appear as a picture-in-picture on the camcorder. That would be an extremely useful feature if you want to show the subject of whatever you’re vlogging about but also want to appear in a box at the bottom of the frame.

Lastly, the V770 can shoot full HD 1080 30 and 60p and comes with a 20x optical zoom.

Panasonic Full HD Video Camera Camcorder HC-V770, 20X Optical Zoom,...
  • 20X Optical Zoom: Long 20X zoom draws in the scene from far away; Compatible with Remote Pan Tilt...
  • HDR Movie Feature: Exclusive high dynamic range feature suppresses blown highlights and blocked...
  • Wireless Twin Camera: Wirelessly connect your smartphone's video camera as a sub-camera for a...
  • 1/2.3 Inch BSI Sensor: The Back Side Illumination Sensor has a large effective area with 6.03M...

Last update on 2024-02-01 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Panasonic Full HD HC-V770 Pros and Cons

ProsCons
Solid face tracking AFIt looks like a camcorder (doh)
Manual controls
Mic and headphone sockets
3-inch reversible touch screen
Great value for money
5-Axis hybrid IS

Choosing your best camera for YouTube vlogging

Do you really need to spend thousands of dollars to start vlogging?

Of course not.

These days you can get an excellent quality image out of the better webcams. Even so, successful vloggers are making enough money from YouTube to be able to afford to buy top-quality gear. They may even be professional photographers, so they’ll have professional-grade cameras and lenses before starting their YouTube channel. It isn’t surprising that their videos look great.

As I’ve already mentioned, even today’s consumer cameras offer superb performance. In the hands of professionals, they can produce outstanding results. So, what camera do you get? Ignore the cheap ones since that gear is unlikely to do you any favors.

Look for features that you will realistically use, there is no point in buying a camera that’s packed full of features you’ll never use. For example, if you are only going to record talking head videos with your camera on a tripod do you really 5-axis in-body image stabilization and the ability to record full HD at 120fps? Of course not.

Pick the right camera for the job, that way you will get the best value for money.

So, what should you look for in your vlogging camera?

Resolution and frame rates

Comparison of 4K vs Full HD vs HD frame sizes

You want to shoot in at least full HD 1080p. Many vloggers are choosing to record in 4K but it isn’t really necessary. Since most people watch YouTube videos on their smartphones the benefit of 4K will be lost.

If you want 4K because you want the flexibility to use a single camera but punch into a tighter shot to simulate a two-camera shoot that’s a legitimate reason to shoot in 4K. But understand there is a hidden cost to 4K. The files are much bigger than 1080p files, so you’ll need higher capacity SD cards and a PC with a larger hard disk, a faster processor, a beefier graphics card, and more RAM. None of that is going to come cheap.

Ordinary HD is 720p, full HD is 1080p and 4K is Ultra HD or 2,160p. Therefore, a 4K frame is four times the area of full HD. Although 720p is passable I would urge you to shoot in 1080p or 4K.

The frame rate is the number of frames per second. If you want your videos to have a more cinematic look then look for a camera that can shoot 24fps. However, most YouTubes will shoot 25fps (if you are in a country that uses the PAL broadcast system) or 30fps (NTSC broadcast countries, like North America). In recent years 60fps has also become available and is meant to make motion look smoother.

It doesn’t matter which of those frame rates you choose because YouTube will sort out the playback. So, a video recorded by a British vlogger at 25fps will look fine when played back in America, and vice versa.

If you want to use slow-motion effects. you can shoot at 60fps but playback at 30fps. That way you’ll get motion at half speed. If you need even slower motion, choose a camera that can do higher frame rates. For example, even my iPhone SE can manage 1080p at 120fps and 720p at 240fps when using the FiLMiC ProOpens in a new tab. camera app.

Camera low light performance

The low light performance of your camera is important if you are going to shoot in a home studio where your lighting is low and moody, or if you are filming outdoors early or late.

You could brighten the image by bumping up the ISO or gain, but that may also increase the video noise in the image, that’s the random color dots that shimmer and dance around, especially in the shadows. 

Just because the camera can be set to a high ISO doesn’t mean the image is going to look good. The more light your lens can potentially let into the camera the better.

For low-light situations, you need a fast lens to gather more light. A fast lens is one with an f-number of f/2.8 or less. Note that as the f-number goes down the actual size of the aperture goes up.

The downside to fast lenses is that they get heavier and more expensive as the f/ number goes down. Also, the smaller the f/ number (the larger the aperture) the shallower the depth of field. You might want a blurry background in some cases, but a fast lens also means you will find it difficult to keep everything in sharp focus.

If possible, favor camera lenses that have lower f-numbers.

Another way of getting improved low light performance is to consider the sensor size inside the camera. Generally, the larger the sensor the better. However, the bigger the sensor the more expensive the camera is likely to be. So, a camera with a 1/3-inch lens will probably be much cheaper than a full-frame mirrorless camera.

To summarize…

Large Aperture + Large Sensor = Good low light performance

Camera audio input

Generally, the internal microphones on cameras will not record the best sound. Ideally, you should use an external mic that is close to your subject.

In most cases, vloggers use either a short shotgun mic mounted on top of the camera or a small lavalier mic clipped on to their clothes or even attached beneath a layer of clothing. It will save you time if you can record the sound from the external onto the video, but that requires the camera to have a mic input socket.

Even better would be to also have a headphone socket. This will allow you to monitor the audio that is being recorded or at least check it at the start of recording.

Although having a mic in and a headphone-out socket is ideal, it’s not always necessary if you’re just starting out and have a limited budget. For instance, you could record your audio using a lav mic that’s plugged into a smartphone. You would then synchronize your video and audio on your PC or Mac.

Camera image stabilization

No one likes shaky videos, so stabilization is important. If you are going to use a tripod you won’t need any camera or lens stabilization because the tripod will be holding the camera firmly in place. But if you are holding the camera while moving about some stabilization will improve your footage.

There are three types of stabilization you will come across.

  • In-body-image-stabilization (IBIS). This is where the camera sensor moves to compensate for the movement of the camera.
  • Lens stabilization. The stabilization takes place in the lens.
  • Digital or electronic stabilization. The camera’s processor is used to try and smooth out the camera motion.

Cameras like the GH5 combine IBIS and lens stabilization to produce solidly stabilized shots. Whereas the Canon EOS R uses lens stabilization plus digital stabilization on the camera.

Finally, you could also mount your camera on a gimbal for epic shots. But that ads cost and weight.

Record time limit

You probably aren’t going to record long videos, but perhaps your type of videos will involve setting up your camera and letting it roll for an extended time. If that’s the case, you should know that most DSLR and mirrorless cameras have a record limit of 30mins for video files. If you need to record for longer than half an hour in one stretch, you can choose the Sony A6400, Panasonic GH5, or a camcorder.

Autofocus

Look for a camera that has fast autofocus with good face or eye-tracking. When vlogging you want to be able to set the focus on yourself and then forget it. Nor do you want an autofocus system that continually hunts for the focus point.

If you have a choice between Contrast based autofocus and Phase Detection autofocus, choose Phase Detection. Canon’s Dual Pixel autofocus is widely held as one of the best.

Camera size, weight, and build quality

The smaller and lighter your camera the easier it will be to have it at hand whenever you want to shoot.

However, larger cameras such as the Sony A7iii, Canon EOS R, or Panasonic GH5 will probably produce a more beautiful shot. The downside is that you’ll need arm muscles of steel if you’re recording longer shots.

Another consideration is the build quality and weather sealing. If you will be doing a lot of hiking, scrambling over rugged terrain, and filming in damp conditions, you will want a camera that’s built to match those conditions. A canon SL2’s plastic body will be fine set up in your studio but a Panasonic GH5 will take those outdoor conditions in its stride.

Flip out selfie & touchscreen

If you want to frame yourself properly, you’ll need a flip-out selfie screen. Although many YouTubers don’t bother with one and just point the lens at themselves, a selfie screen does give you more control of what appears in the video. There are workarounds but having a flip-out selfie screen built-in is far better.

A proper touch screen is something that you will appreciate. Being able to control camera settings and focus by just tapping the screen will make your life a lot quicker and easier.

WiFi/Bluetooth/NFC connectivity

Connecting your camera to a smartphone might present some advantages. You can easily transfer images to your smartphone for sharing on social media. But you can also use your smartphone as an external monitor and remote control. That second point may be an advantage if the camera doesn’t have a selfie screen.

Learning Curve and Requirements

This isn’t a feature to look out for, it’s more about what features you require and your skill level.

There is little point in paying extra for features you will never use. Likewise, if there’s so much packed into the camera that it becomes complicated to use then the complexity will impact negatively on your workflow.

If you have never used a DSLR or Mirrorless camera you will find it much more complicated than a camcorder or your smartphone. If you really want to buy one, make sure you’re prepared to learn how to use it.

Tosh Lubek runs an audio and video production business in the UK and has been using the Canon EOS R since it was released in the Autumn of 2018. He has used the camera to shoot TV commercials for Sky TV, promotional business videos, videos of events and functions, and YouTube creator content. He has also won international awards for his advertising and promotional work. You can meet by visiting his “video booth” at HashTag business events across the country.

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