best camera for shooting youtube videos

Youtube is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms and everyone wants to get in on it. You can use your iPhone or Android phone as well.

But if you want the best possible quality youtube videos, you need to use a camera that’s made specifically for this purpose. Here are our picks of the best cameras available right now and how they stack up against each other.

Good Image Stabilization

This can be a huge benefit if you’re shaky or have shaky hands and is something many people don’t consider when choosing a new camera. A good way to test stabilization is to hold your phone at arm's length out in front of you and rotate it 360 degrees.

If everything moves on screen (as it would during an actual shoot), you need better image stabilization. Many smartphones have manual controls that can help with these issues, but it depends on how much access you have to those controls.

So check before purchasing or downloading apps. As a rule of thumb, newer phones are typically better than older ones at handling shakes, as advancements in tech make image stabilization more common.

Most of today’s cameras have pretty solid image stabilization, but it never hurts to do a little research. Most DSLRs these days feature Optical Image Stabilization, which helps prevent blur in your photos and video when shooting from a hand-held position.

If you have your heart set on a certain camera model or lens, be sure to check out whether or not it offers OIS—it can make all of the difference between a steady shot and one that’s slightly shaky. 

Digital Image Stabilization is more common in camcorders than in standalone cameras but does still show up in some models. It uses software to adjust pixels that would otherwise be blurred during handheld operation to smooth out your footage.

Creative Features

It’s important to choose a camera that comes with some sort of image stabilization feature. Shooting handheld video can be challenging, especially when you’re trying to frame shots in unpredictable environments.

Image stabilization systems correct vibrations caused by hands, resulting in smoother footage and crisper images. Our favorites? Sony’s Balanced Optical SteadyShot, Canon’s Dynamic IS, and Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR).

If your camera doesn't have built-in stabilization features but allows for an additional lens, consider adding an external image stabilizer like Dolica's Xtend VR. If your current lens doesn't have any image stabilization capabilities at all, try a lens brace from Feiyu Tech or Ravelli.

If you’re planning on using your camera to shoot vlogs and YouTube videos, some features are going to be more important than others. Pay attention to things like video resolution, and frame rate (how many frames per second can it shoot?).

Audio support, and special effects—like focus adjustment and image stabilization. For a high-quality YouTube experience, you’ll want a camera that can record at 1080p or higher resolution at 60 fps or more.

Most cameras will also allow you to plug in an external microphone or another recording device via 3.5mm input; just check under Settings or Preferences in your favorite editing software to see if it supports that capability.

Great Low Light Performance

If you shoot in low-light situations often, it’s important to choose a digital camera that can capture as much detail as possible in those conditions. For example, Sony’s flagship full-frame mirrorless Alpha 9 Digital Camera does an excellent job of capturing fine details and color balance even when using slow shutter speeds.

When coupled with its high-quality 4K video recording capability and fast autofocus system, it is a top choice for videographers who shoot at night or inside dimly lit spaces.

While Sony’s Alpha 9 Digital Camera is on the more expensive side (retailing at around $3,200), there are many other options that are more affordable and still have great low-light performance capabilities.

Low light or nighttime settings can be a challenge when you're trying to film outdoors, even if you're only filming in your backyard. High dynamic range (HDR) captures a wider range of light, providing better contrast and improved video quality in low light.

The Nikon D5600 has 3x less noise at high ISO speeds (1600) than its predecessor, which will make it easier to capture clean video no matter what lighting conditions you’re in.

1. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

Want to step up your game and take your YouTube channel to a new level? What you need is a Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III. This top-of-the-line model has all of today’s modern features, including 4K video capabilities and 1080p HD video at 60 frames per second. 

Plus, it offers an impressive ISO range of 80-12800 (expandable up to 25600), helping you take clear photos in even low-light settings. From still images to high-definition clips, you can capture every moment in stunning detail with incredible ease.

This user-friendly digital camera comes complete with advanced manual controls that allow you to experiment with color and white balance settings to your heart’s content!

Despite its small size, it’s a surprisingly powerful video shooter. Its 1-inch sensor is nearly twice as large as those found in most smartphones and even some compact cameras.

While its large aperture lens allows you to get really nice shots with beautiful bokeh (out-of-focus background). Plus, it has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making sharing your new clips super easy. (Here's one we shot.)

If you’re looking to up your YouTube game and need a video camera that can shoot great content, look no further than the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III. It’s packed with lots of features that make it easy to capture great videos and images.

This compact video camera has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities so you can easily share your photos, as well as apps that let you edit the content on your smartphone.

With full HD 1080p 60p recording (and excellent audio quality), you’ll never want to go back to a flip phone again! The best part? You can purchase one on Amazon right now for around $350. Click here to learn more.

2. Panasonic Lumix GH6

The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is a mid-level mirrorless camera released in 2016. It’s a popular choice among many vloggers and offers great image quality thanks to its high megapixel count and large sensor. Its compact design makes it perfect for traveling.

But don’t be fooled by its size—the GH6 comes with plenty of features that are designed to help you get great shots. The GH6 is also known as one of the best video cameras on which to shoot 4K video footage.

Making it a good choice if you plan on getting into video. While not a professional-level camera, it is highly recommended as a first or second DSLR-like camera.

Since YouTube is constantly adding new features, it's important to buy a camera that will keep up with them. The Panasonic Lumix GH6, available at B&H Photo and Amazon, shoots in 4K video and comes equipped with a 3-inch touchscreen LCD monitor.

The GH6 also offers exceptional image quality in both stills and video modes, something that's not easy to find on most other cameras in its price range.

And while it might be overkill if you're just starting out on YouTube, it's an ideal choice for those looking to level up their production values over time.

The GH6, a mirrorless digital camera, is capable of 4K ultra-high-definition video. This model supports 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording via an SDXC card slot and has built-in Wi-Fi, so you can upload your content directly to YouTube or another video-sharing site from anywhere in range.

3. Sony A6000

This is a hot seller with more than 3,800 Amazon reviews and a 4.4-star rating. The price point makes it particularly appealing. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket but has professional features including WiFi, NFC, and touchscreen controls.

It also comes with free cloud storage on Sony’s site, so you can save all your pictures and upload them directly to YouTube. Its APS-C format will produce video at Full HD resolution (1080p). You can get it in black or silver.

Most people who use it are happy with its performance—including novices who just want to make quality video without breaking their bank account or buying an expensive piece of equipment they might not understand how to use right away!

The Sony A6000 is one of my favorite mirrorless cameras on the market today. It offers a great blend of portability and performance, even with an APS-C sensor (just slightly smaller than a full-frame). 

Its 24.3MP sensor is capable of producing stunning photos, while its autofocus system keeps up with most situations. And with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, you can easily share your photos to social media without having to connect it to a computer first. 

Another bonus? It's super affordable at just $600 or so. For only $150 more, you can get its bigger brother: The A6300. If you’re a YouTuber, vlogger, or just looking to shoot professional video content on a budget, then Sony’s A6000 is an excellent choice. 

Starting at $448 and featuring a 20.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and Full HD 1080p video recording capabilities, it can go toe-to-toe with cameras three times its price in terms of quality.

4. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K

Blackmagic offers a range of cinema cameras, but its most affordable one is great if you’re looking to get started with serious video work. It features a Micro Four Thirds sensor and shoots in 6K resolution at up to 30 frames per second, which results in some pretty sharp footage.

(It also supports 4K capture at 60 fps.) Blackmagic hasn’t skimped on things like frame rates: The Pocket Cinema Camera 6K can shoot 720p video at up to 240 fps for those who want to slow down action without losing quality. It also comes with full-color science filters so you can get creative with your movie-making.

For under $3000, you get a 6K cinema camera with RAW video capability, three image sensors that give you 13 stops of dynamic range, global shutter technology (very important for eliminating rolling shutter distortion), and a built-in SD card recording.

The downsides are that it only shoots up to 30fps in 6K, but most online video projects don’t require super high frame rates. This $1,000 camera is Blackmagic’s latest and greatest (as of September 2018).

It shoots in a 6K video, which looks fantastic at 1080p. Plus, it’s tiny! This makes it easy to travel with or hide from your cat. The large sensor also allows for a shallow depth of field that mimics professional cameras costing tens of thousands more. And if you need a rig to mount it on, check out our favorites!

5. Canon EOS 90D

The Canon EOS 90D is a high-performance DSLR, perfect for vloggers and video creators. The EOS 90D offers touchscreen control and is powered by a DIGIC 8 image processor, with 60fps at 1080p full HD video recording.

It also features a 45-point cross-type autofocus system as well as a 7 fps continuous shooting performance that lets you capture fast action and dynamic movement in an instant.

And with Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth connectivity built right in, plus expandable SD card storage of up to 512GB, you'll be ready to shoot without missing a beat.

The 90D is an improvement on one of our favorite beginner DSLRs, and it comes at a great price. It has Wi-Fi built-in and a top LCD, so you can shoot from your smartphone or view photos directly off your SD card.

The quality of photos is excellent, as are its 1080p video capabilities. All in all, it’s a strong choice for YouTube vloggers looking to save some money.

The Canon EOS 90D's compact, lightweight design makes it a great choice for bloggers who want to keep their kit as light as possible but don't be fooled into thinking that it's a substandard spec. On paper at least, it's one of the best-specced cameras on our list.

With its 24.2MP sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor, it’s capable of shooting 4K/30p footage (the Sony RX0 II can shoot 4K/60p) and you’ll benefit from its optical viewfinder, which is preferable in certain situations over an electronic viewfinder. The flip-out touchscreen display is also handy if you prefer hands-on control over autofocus.

6. DJI Osmo Pocket

This is DJI’s newest offering, a $299 camera that fits in your pocket. The company calls it a camera, but its capabilities are more like a GoPro: It shoots 1080p video and 13-megapixel stills and will even take audio via its built-in microphones.

But unlike GoPros, which needs to be paired with an external monitor or phone to view what you’re shooting, you can use DJI’s GO app to view footage in real-time.

The Osmo Pocket isn’t just a portable device—it has mounting points for tripods and selfie sticks as well as controls on top so you can turn it on and start recording without pulling out your phone first.

The DJI Osmo Pocket is essentially a smaller, less expensive version of its full-size counterpart. At just $349, it’s an incredible bargain if you’re looking to film a great video on your phone.

The compact device makes it simple to add professional shots to your work without having to break out complicated rigs or mess with clunky tripods. Just keep in mind that you need a smartphone with at least an 8MP sensor and an Android 5.0 Lollipop or higher.

The Osmo Pocket is a great piece of gear. It captures 4K video and it comes with features like timelapse and hyper-lapse modes, which are perfect for pulling together videos of your experiences in an engaging way.

The Osmo Pocket has a 1/2.3 CMOS sensor, one-touch photo capture, 8x digital zoom, and optical image stabilization (OIS). This camera also has built-in WiFi capabilities that let you control everything from your smartphone or another device.

7. Sony ZV-1

When it comes to high-end camcorders, few names are more respected than Sony. The ZV-1 is specifically designed with video bloggers in mind, delivering features like a 60x Optical Zoom Lens and a built-in shotgun microphone that promises to pick up high-quality audio even when you’re zoomed in tight.

With 50GB of internal storage, USB connectivity, and an SD card slot (as well as a built-in HDMI cable), you can easily share your videos once you’ve finished capturing them.

The Sony ZV-1 packs plenty of features at a reasonable price point - making it one of our favorites if you’re trying to shoot professional-quality vlogs without breaking your budget.

If you are an aspiring blogger or amateur filmmaker, it is a good idea to invest in a high-quality, HD camcorder. The Sony ZV-1 comes equipped with 28x optical zoom and 32GB of internal memory to capture all of your filming needs.

With 1080p recording and 12x digital zoom, you can easily capture those far-away moments with impressive clarity. With features like HDR technology and LED video lights for filming in dark settings, all your film dreams will come true.

This camcorder also has Wi-Fi connectivity so you can easily transfer footage to any device. Plus, it is waterproof so you can take it on all of your adventures!

Sony’s flagship Handycam series is worth looking into. The FDR-AX100 records at 4K and shoots video in XAVC S, which produces smoother footage than most other file formats at 4K.

Although it doesn’t have many of the advanced recording capabilities that some of Sony’s more expensive cameras boast, it makes up for them with a smaller price tag and easy compatibility with various lenses.