best budget camera for youtube

Concerned about your video quality on YouTube? Don’t be! You don’t need to buy the most expensive camera out there to get high-quality footage to share with your audience on YouTube—in fact.

It’s much better to start with something cheaper that you can use for years instead of buying the newest and latest gadget every time you want to make a video.

What You Need to Know When Buying a Camera

If you’re starting out in YouTube, or any kind of video production really, there are a few basics you need to know when it comes to cameras. Most videos will be shot on an HD-ready DSLR (or Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera—not a point and shoot.

Point and shoots are easier to use, but they don’t give you many options when it comes to shooting in different conditions or with different lenses. What they lack in versatility, DSLRs make up for with great image quality.

Many top YouTubers have a variety of lenses, but don’t worry if that sounds like too much work—almost all DSLRs come with a basic lens which will cover most of your needs.

When you’re starting out, it can be easy to forget that gear matters. But cameras are actually pretty important. Not only can good gear help you make a better video (because of features like autofocus and image stabilization).

But it also improves your odds of success because you’ll be more confident in handling your gear (and on-camera mistakes are embarrassing). You probably don’t need an expensive DSLR—these days, even cell phones shoot high-quality video.

But there is a sweet spot in quality and price that we think is best for new videographers: a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Yes, they cost more than point-and-shoot cameras (though not much more), but their portability and professional capabilities pay off over time.

1. Canon Rebel T7i

The Canon Rebel T7i is a very good beginner DSLR because it allows you to start taking pictures and videos with a higher-end camera while still keeping your cost down.

Even if you decide to upgrade later, these skills will help you master your next model. This camera will cost you about $650 and it has a flip screen that flips out so that you can see yourself when recording video.

In addition, there are many features that are available in more expensive models, such as built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and GPS for geotagging.

While it’s true that you don’t need a professional-level DSLR to create great YouTube videos, if you want to achieve Hollywood-worthy results on a tight budget, look no further than Canon’s brand new Rebel T7i.

This compact DSLR comes with an impressive 24.2 MP sensor and is capable of recording full HD video at up to 60 frames per second (fps). In addition, its phase detection autofocus system ensures all your video is in focus.

The Canon T7i can shoot 1080p video at 60 frames per second, but it’s not as good a choice as cameras that cost hundreds more. It has a touch screen and built-in Wi-Fi, which makes it more appealing to new users than old models without such features.

The touch screen helps with image stabilization while shooting video (there is also an electronic viewfinder) and lets you tap to focus. However, all of these features come at a steep price — literally.

This is one of most expensive entry-level DSLRs on our list and by far the most expensive option under $1,000. But if you want quality in your YouTube vlogs, it may be worth it. Check out our full review here.

2. Canon 77D

The Canon 77D is a great choice if you're just starting out on your YouTube channel. It has a fast processor, decent screen resolution, and built-in Wifi and NFC.

The 18 megapixel sensor produces high quality images and videos. Videos can be up to 1080p 60 fps in MP4 or M4V formats. There's no 4K video with this model but it does come with Canon's DIGIC 7 image processor for low light photography which has helped improve ISO performance.

If you’re looking to record in 4K, you need a camera that can capture such high resolution. The Canon 77D is one of those cameras and features Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF tech and 19 AF points.

You can shoot up to 7 frames per second with continuous autofocus. And, thanks to its APS-C sensor, it has an ISO range from 100-25600.

If you want a lightweight, versatile video DSLR that offers excellent video quality for vlogging on YouTube (as well as other services), check out the Canon 77D. It should be available for less than $1000 by August 2018!

YouTube vloggers are often pretty specific in what they want in a video-making setup. Since much of their content is shot in front of an audience, it needs to be of high quality.

And given that most YouTube personalities create their own videos and don’t hire videographers, finding a good camera at an affordable price can be tricky. A great option is Canon’s 77D, which lists at $899 but can usually be found online for around $749 or less.

In addition to being inexpensive (for a full-frame DSLR), it has great image quality and excellent low-light performance—two factors you won’t find together on many other models at its price point.

3. Panasonic Lumix G7

Despite being at a lower price point than many other cameras on our list, Panasonic’s Lumix G7 gives you everything you need to get started in photography. Whether you’re interested in shooting videos or taking stills, it can do it all.

This waterproof camera even has WiFi and Bluetooth so that you can connect to your smartphone app and control every function of your camera.

It comes with a touchscreen display as well as a viewfinder so that you can determine what works best for your needs. And perhaps best of all, it offers 4K video recording so that nothing is lost when zooming in on an image or scene.

Featuring a 20.3-megapixel sensor, as well as 4K and even 3D photo capabilities, it’s hard to find a camera that beats out Panasonic’s Lumix G7—especially in terms of value.

While expensive cameras can pack more megapixels and lens options into their bodies, they often do so at two costs: cost (both financially and in size) and quality.

The Lumix G7 stands out by giving you all of those things without breaking your bank account or taking up too much space in your bag. You could pay more and get a mirrorless or DSLR, but in our tests.

We found that you can’t beat a good point-and-shoot for ease of use. Our favorite is Panasonic’s Lumix G7 ($499). Its image quality is just as good as our top pick’s and.

It offers better low-light performance at a much lower price. It also has an electronic viewfinder, WiFi connectivity and a headphone jack so you can see yourself record.

4. GoPro HERO7

If you're a filmmaker or vlogger, it's hard to beat GoPro's top-of-the-line offering. The HERO7 Black is fully waterproof with an impressive battery life of up to two hours on each charge and supports 4K video and 12MP stills.

It also includes voice control, GPS functionality and image stabilization. It's priced around $400. That makes it one of the most expensive options on our list, but if you're serious about your videos, it might be worth every penny. (The GoPro HERO7 White is more affordable at $200.)

Capture life as you live it with HERO7 White, our newest GoPro featuring voice control and one-button simplicity. The perfect gift, HERO7 White is waterproof to 33 feet (10 meters) without a housing so it can go wherever your life takes you.

Featuring new QuickStories, HERO7 makes it easy to create short videos that are automatically captured in their best format. When connected to Wi-Fi, simply press a button and tell your GoPro to start recording—it's that simple.

And with improved audio performance and intelligent sound recognition, HERO7 captures every detail. Enhanced video stabilization provides stunning footage even when you're on the move.

While a lot of people recommend getting an DSLR, they’re usually too bulky and can be hard to carry around on a daily basis. If you want something more portable and easy to take with you wherever you go, we recommend going with a GoPro.

They’re much smaller than traditional cameras and give some really high-quality video that professional producers use on YouTube all of the time. It’s also waterproof so if you do decide to get in your swimming pool while making videos, it won’t break!

5. The Logitech C922

Although one of our writers calls it the worst GoPro, GoPro has built its reputation on being an action-camera company and has managed to maintain that reputation over several iterations. The HERO7 shoots video in resolutions up to 4K at 60fps or 1080p at 240fps.

You can also take pictures with a 12MP resolution, but they will be interpolated. If you want to control your camera remotely while recording, you can do so by using GoPro’s brand-new app, QuikStories.

It allows you to use your phone as a remote trigger and even automatically transfers footage from your new camera right onto your phone.

The C922 is a solid choice. It shoots high-quality 1080p video and includes a better, smarter autofocus system that other consumer cameras can’t match.

The main downside to Logitech’s offering is its lack of optical image stabilization, but it also sports a wider f/2.0 aperture than competitors at its price point, which should lead to better low-light performance. 

At $150 (directly from Logitech or on Amazon), it costs less than many other cameras we tested and gets you very close to professional quality without breaking your bank account. It’s an easy pick as our favorite consumer webcam.

This 1080p webcam is a top-of-the-line performer at a great price. The C922's greatest asset is its low light performance, which makes it perfect for nocturnal streaming or recording videos.

It also has an insanely wide field of view and autofocus that allows you to set up your shot, forget about it, and come back later to find everything in focus. It also delivers stellar video quality, though some users may notice a slight blurring around their faces during video calls.

You won't see anything like that on professionally produced content, but then again most professionals don't have to worry about $60 cameras with built-in webcams.