best camera for youtube vlogging

Time to upgrade your vlogging camera? Or maybe you’re looking to start vlogging for the first time and need some advice on what camera to buy.

We have the answers in this review of the best cameras for youtube vlogging, detailing all the best features, settings, and accessories you need to get started or get better at vlogging today!

The Benefits of Recording Videos With a DSLR

There are plenty of options out there when it comes to recording videos on your YouTube channel, but if you’re looking to up your game, it can be beneficial to record with a DSLR.

At first glance, a DSLR may seem more complicated than other video recording devices like camcorders or smartphones. However, if you know how to use them properly and make smart purchases.

They can help you record high-quality footage that can stand out in an oversaturated market. Follow along as we break down what makes DSLRs ideal for shooting YouTube videos and offer some suggestions on which models work best!

The main benefit of using a DSLR is, of course, its price. When it comes to video-recording equipment, you can’t beat digital single-lens reflex cameras.

They are both versatile and relatively affordable, making them very appealing to consumers just getting into videography or anyone looking to save some money on a new gadget.

In addition to that, DSLRs have lenses of better quality than other types of cameras do, which means sharper and more detailed images. No matter what you’re recording — a time-lapse or an interview — having great picture quality is essential if you want your videos to be successful.

DSLR Advantages Over Point-and-Shoot Cameras

If you are serious about starting a YouTube channel and want to take high-quality videos, then you will want to use a DSLR. Most point-and-shoot cameras don’t give you full control over your shooting environment.

Which can mean grainy video, shaky shots, and a lot of what-ifs if something goes wrong during filming. A DSLR gives you more control over focus, depth of field, and color.

You also have access to a plethora of lenses that allow for all kinds of creative video angles and shots that would be impossible with just a regular point-and-shoot model. If nothing else, using a DSLR is better than using your smartphone!

DSLRs have several advantages over point-and-shoot cameras. First, DSLRs let you control your composition manually because they’re equipped with an optical viewfinder or electronic viewfinder (EVF) and manual controls.

Second, they are excellent in low light due to having larger sensors than point-and-shoots. Third, DSLRs offer more creative options such as interchangeable lenses, more advanced autofocus systems, and in some cases, better image quality.

They also tend to be faster shooters than a lot of point-and-shoots because of their ability to change lenses quickly. However, these advantages mean that DSLRs generally have a steep learning curve when compared to simpler point-and-shoot models.

Best Camera for YouTube Vlogging

Compact cameras are great for YouTube vloggers—you can easily bring them along in your bag, which means you’ll be more likely to film your life and experiences.

The video quality is good, but won’t necessarily be as crisp as a DSLR or mirrorless setup. One option is to purchase a cheaper DSLR or mirrorless body that has a kit lens included; when you already have lenses it makes no sense to buy two lenses!

1. Fujifilm X-S10

The Fujifilm X-S10 is a high-end consumer superzoom that offers an unparalleled focal range (100mm to 600mm equivalent) in a relatively small package. Image quality at lower ISOs is very good and the dynamic range is above average compared to other cameras in its class.

The user interface can be complicated but it's fast, powerful, and offers lots of customization options. Compared to other cameras in its class, it has slow autofocus, doesn't have built-in image stabilization, is lacking in features such as 4K video recording and electronic viewfinder (EVF), and lacks Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity.

if you’re just starting out and are looking to invest in your first high-quality video camera, I recommend that you give a look at Fujifilm X-S10.

This mirrorless video cam is not only packed with top-of-the-line technology but it also has a sleek design and it is available at an affordable price tag. You can shoot your videos in 4K resolution and if you don’t want to miss any special moments.

You can take pictures of them. In order to fully appreciate its benefits, consider purchasing extra lenses that will allow you to take stunning photos even when it’s dark outside.

This compact point-and-shoot camera has several features that make it perfect for any YouTube channel. It’s lightweight, easy to use, and takes high-quality pictures. Plus, it costs less than $300—more than affordable!

2. Sony A6400

If you want to get into video, then you’ll need a high-quality camera. Sony is one of our favorite brands and we love their mirrorless cameras.

They’re small and stylish, but still of professional quality. The A6400 is an affordable option that won’t break your bank but still does everything you need it to do to shoot videos on YouTube or other social media platforms.

It has WiFi capabilities so it’s easy to share your videos with friends, family, and clients and comes with a touchscreen as well as dials if you prefer more manual control. There are also several dedicated shooting modes that make setting up simple.

Including Portrait Mode if you’re trying to take professional-looking pictures of people. Most people don’t need a professional-level DSLR or mirrorless camera—they simply need something that captures decent video in most situations.

The A6400 is a stellar option. It shoots video up to 1080p at 60fps, 720p at 240fps, and has automatic zoom (it adjusts as you move closer or farther from your subject).

Like other Sony cameras, it has face detection autofocus and object tracking features so you can spend less time worrying about focus and more time recording awesome moments.

If YouTube is your side hustle, it’s hard to beat Sony’s basic series of cameras like the A6400. Also: check out our full guide to finding and buying an amazing first DSLR.

The Sony A6400 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that is as close to a professional setup as you can get without having to spend more than $1,000.

Its autofocus system and excellent low-light performance are two features that are not available on cameras that cost thousands of dollars more.

Plus, with Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity built-in, sharing your content online or uploading it straight from your phone has never been easier. The one downside?

3. Panasonic Lumix G100

The Panasonic Lumix G100 was a big hit when it launched at CES 2013, and we love that it offers a solution to both photo- and video shooters who might otherwise have to buy two separate devices. The G100 can take 1080p videos at 60fps.

Has an articulated screen, and its kit lens is one of our favorites in all of 2013. The Lumix GX7 will also be released soon—with a 4K video recording—so keep your eyes peeled for that announcement. For now, though, we really like what Panasonic’s doing here; best of all: It's less than $500 on Amazon right now.

This is one of my favorite cameras. It has a flip screen, so you can see what you’re filming without having to hold it at an angle. This makes it perfect for vloggers because it means you can frame exactly how you want and don’t have to worry about working around your arm getting in a shot.

It also has a good zoom, so if you’re filming something far away, there’s no need to zoom in when editing - just record as it is! This means much more stable footage.

The only downside is that I found its autofocus isn't as quick as other cameras I've used, but that might be due to me being used to DSLRs.

The Panasonic Lumix G100 is an affordable, all-around good choice if you’re looking to step up your YouTube game. Built with video and photo enthusiasts in mind.

It’s a small camera that comes with an interchangeable lens system. This allows you to swap out lenses depending on what sort of shots you need to get and makes you more flexible on location.

4. Panasonic Lumix S5

If you’re looking to vlog but can’t quite afford a video camera, then your next best option is a mirrorless compact. The Panasonic Lumix S5 is not just easy on your wallet—at around $450 on Amazon, it offers all of the features you need. Plus, because it’s a compact.

It offers portability that many other cameras in its price range don’t. If you want to shoot in 4K and 360-degree formats (something only two other cameras on our list do), though, then you might want to consider upgrading to something like Samsung Gear 360 or Ricoh Theta V.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 is a mirrorless hybrid still/video camera that is great for serious Vloggers. For $600, you get a video mode with 4K resolution at 30 fps and 1080p video at 60 fps. The camera can also capture 10-megapixel photos, so you don’t have to worry about blurred images.

The rear LCD screen can flip 180 degrees, so if you want to shoot your videos selfie-style, you can do that as well. This means that you don’t have to worry about running into any issues with lighting or getting pictures of yourself right when recording yourself talking to your audience on YouTube.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 is probably one of my favorite cameras on the market today. It’s a true point-and-shoot, but it boasts an F1.8 lens and 5x optical zoom, meaning you can take nice pictures even in low-light situations.

The 3-inch LCD screen looks great and while it doesn’t have an LCD viewfinder like some DSLRs do, it works pretty well in bright light and takes good shots even when being handheld.

5. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

If you’re looking to upgrade your YouTube channel or just looking to get started, it’s hard to beat a good DSLR. While they aren’t cheap, their image quality and flexibility are unmatched in comparison to any other type of camera on today’s market.

The only problem is that most cameras—even entry-level ones—cost thousands of dollars, making them out of reach for anyone who doesn’t have a ton of cash sitting around waiting to be spent. But what if you want a powerful DSLR without spending $3k+?

That's where Olympus comes in: their OM-D E-M5 Mark III line packs plenty of power and versatility into a small, lightweight body with an amazing lens kit.

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a pro-level mirrorless camera, but with its small size and interchangeable lenses, it's an excellent choice for travel photographers or videographers. The E-M5 Mark III has an updated sensor and is weatherproof.

So you can take it out in any kind of weather without worrying about damaging your investment. It also shoots 4K video with a relatively high bit rate (100 Mbps) at 24p or 30p, which is great for YouTube videos.

If you're looking to jump into mirrorless cameras and upgrade from your smartphone's awful video quality, pick up an E-M5 Mark III—you won't regret it. You can learn more about its features here.​ 

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a Micro Four-Thirds system DSLR, featuring a 16.1-megapixel sensor and a TruePic VII processor.

The maximum ISO ranges from 25600 to 102400, with extended ISO values up to 204800 available in video mode. It has 12 frames per second continuous shooting and can record 1080p video at 24, 25, or 30 fps.

6. Canon EOS M50 Mark II

The EOS M50 Mark II is one of Canon’s best entry-level mirrorless cameras that includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. It also has an APS-C CMOS sensor, DIGIC 8 image processor, 24.1MP, ISO 160-12800, 4K video recording at 30p (no external mic), and more. 

It is a solid DSLR alternative if you are looking to expand your budget and have no room for lighting or other peripherals in your initial outlay on a new setup.

With 4K recording in hand, you will be able to take even higher quality videos without having to shoot in cinematic mode like many vloggers do with their smartphones nowadays.

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a solid small-sized mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that comes with built-in 5-axis image stabilization. Even though it has a 24MP APS-C sensor, you won’t notice any noise because of its Digic 8 image processor.

The focal length of lenses designed for APS-C cameras will work on full-frame DSLRs, too, but you have to multiply by 1.6x (For example, an 18mm lens becomes a 28mm lens on full-frame).

If you use your kit lens as your default option and plan to buy other Canon EF lenses in addition to it, then we recommend getting a Canon EOS M6.

This 4K mirrorless EOS M50 Mark II features built-in WiFi and NFC, making it easy to share videos on social media in real-time. Smaller than DSLRs, it’s a great option for those who want to travel light.

The Canon EOS M50 is ideal for selfies and vloggers. A flip screen helps you film yourself hands-free, while multiple auto-focus points ensure your subject stays in focus—no matter how close or far away they are from your lens.

7. Sony ZV-1

If you’re looking to record in HD, there is no better option than the Sony ZV-1. With an amazing 10x optical zoom and a large 1/2.3 image sensor, it records 1080p video at 30 fps and 720p video at 60 fps—all in AVCHD.

It offers three different picture modes: Stills, 1080i MPEG-4, or AVCHD/MPEG-4 which are all adjustable from easy to high quality via a simple button on top of the camcorder.

In terms of portability, nothing beats Sony’s ZV-1. It’s a large camera (relatively speaking), but it's very light and slim. At about $400, you get an HD video camera with a built-in zoom lens that will make your videos look like they were shot with a pricey DSLR.

You can fit it in your coat pocket or keep it in your purse and record everything around you. A compact and a lightweight full HD camera that’s easy to operate and suitable for indoor or outdoor recording. Since it offers a wide range of lens options.

You can record in close-up with a 1 cm lens if you need to, or back up and capture an entire room in 4K. Using your smartphone as a viewfinder is convenient, but we prefer Sony’s XR OLED viewfinder (which connects via Wi-Fi) because it gives us more control over what we see.

If portability is important to you, don’t let its small size fool you: This camcorder has all of Sony’s advanced technology inside, so you get high-quality results even when shooting outside.