best starter camera for youtube

If you’re looking to make money on YouTube, chances are that you want to try your hand at vlogging, or blogging with video. As you search the Web for the best starter camera for vlogging, you’ll find many pieces of advice saying that you need an expensive DSLR or mirrorless camera to achieve high-quality video. That’s simply not true!

Why do I need a camera?

The best cameras are expensive. Before you can film a high-quality video, you'll need to purchase a high-quality camera. If you're just getting started with your channel, it's unlikely that your channel will bring in enough revenue to justify an investment of $4,000-$10,000 (depending on what type of camera and other accessories you want to purchase).

For most channels—especially new ones—it simply isn't feasible to spend that much money on equipment upfront. As your channel grows and develops over time, however, it may be worth looking into professional equipment so that you can produce higher-quality videos for your viewers.

To produce high-quality video content on YouTube, you’ll need a couple of things. One, you’ll need decent lighting. The cheaper your equipment is, the more likely it is that your video will appear dark or grainy.

Two, an HD-capable camcorder will allow you to produce videos with 720p resolution—the minimum recommended by YouTube. You can always shoot in standard definition (480p), but those videos won’t be as crisp and clear as HD ones and they could look pixelated on some computer screens or mobile devices.

The Pros and Cons of Using a DSLR

If you’re interested in getting started with a DSLR, there are a few pros and cons to keep in mind. For starters, DSLRs can be very expensive, especially if you’re looking at one that offers higher quality features like an interchangeable lens.

However, it will also take better pictures overall than any smartphone. Because DSLRs have larger sensors than cell phones and camcorders, they allow more light to reach each pixel on your sensor.

DSLRs are great because they offer better quality images. You can also shoot high-definition video on a DSLR, which means your viewers will get to experience it in top quality. However, shooting with a DSLR comes with some negatives: They’re bulkier and more expensive than point-and-shoot cameras.

On top of that, you need to carry around extra lenses if you want to be able to film in different situations (fisheye lens for extreme close-ups, telephoto lens for action shots). If you’re just starting out and aren’t sure how often you’ll use your camera, a point-and-shoot might be a good choice so you don’t have to spend as much money.

What type of DSLR should I choose?

When considering buying a DSLR camera to use specifically with YouTube, one of your biggest considerations should be what kind of lens you’re going to need. Lenses are very expensive and can range from as little as $50 to over $1000.

On top of that, there are different types of lenses like macro, zoom, and wide-angle. Because lenses are so expensive and important, it’s always a good idea to do research before purchasing a DSLR camera.

However, I’ve put together some information based on my own personal experience in hopes that it will help you when trying to choose which type of lens is best for you.

There are two things to consider when choosing a DSLR—the first is the form factor, which means size and weight. The second is megapixels, which refers to how many pixels are in each image taken.

If you plan on recording a lot of videos with sound, it's a good idea to have at least 12 megapixels; if not, 6 will do just fine. Not all cameras offer both options, so make sure that whatever you choose has what you need. Additionally, there are two types of DSLRs available: SLR and mirrorless.

You’ll want to know whether your choice offers an optical viewfinder (such as with Canon or Nikon) or uses electronic viewfinders (such as Sony). This decision often comes down to preference.

1. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a solid choice if you want a small, fairly high-quality consumer camera and can afford it. It has fantastic image quality, great low-light performance, shoots well in poor lighting conditions and is extremely portable.

One major drawback is that it does not perform well in recording video, which is an essential part of shooting YouTube videos (although we have a great list of recommendations).

Another issue with Canon cameras (specifically their compact offerings) is that there are no external buttons for controlling settings or quick navigation – everything has to be done through the LCD screen on top of the camera.

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a good high-end point-and-shoot camera. The new version of it's made for photography enthusiasts and will be ideal for a YouTube vlogger.

It has tons of features that make it great to use, but also more complicated than some. This is going to be fine if you're just making videos at home or out doing stuff in your free time, but if you want something more professional you might want to look elsewhere.

That said, we think most YouTube creators will be very happy with how their vlogs turn out using one of these cameras! It's packed with a lot of great features like 4K video recording as well as lots of manual controls so you can get really creative with your shots.

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III got a nice upgrade in 2017, with a brighter lens, improved low-light capabilities, and better autofocus speed.

It’s still an excellent choice if you want to shoot a 4K video, thanks to its smooth frame rate of 60 frames per second and its wide sensor that helps keep footage looking natural.

2. Panasonic Lumix GH6

And while a lot of YouTube stars today are people who have always been passionate about photography, there are plenty of others who got their start by making videos to go along with their photos. Either way, a great beginner DSLR (like Canon’s PowerShot G7 X Mark III) can be your gateway to capturing images.

That will look great on social media and in other digital formats. Before you head out to buy one, though, make sure you read our full guide to finding your first DSLR and consider these crucial questions:

How well do you want your footage to look? What kind of video creator are you? Are video and photo aspects equal or does one come before another?

For 4K footage at a low price, look no further than Panasonic’s Lumix GH6. This $1,000 mirrorless camera is small enough to fit in your pocket, but it has some impressive specs:

A 16-megapixel sensor with 4K video recording capabilities (4096 x 2160 pixels), an electronic viewfinder that flips out and up to face you, an external microphone jack and even an HDMI port.

The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is an outstanding mirrorless video powerhouse. It shoots 4K at up to 60 frames per second and 1080p at up to 180 fps, which makes it a great fit for sports shooters.

And its image stabilization helps ensure you get smooth handheld footage, even when moving around on a bumpy field or track. The 20-megapixel sensor provides plenty of detail.

And keeps file sizes down—and Dual IS technology combines optical and electronic stabilization for impressive video with little blur or jittering.

3. Sony A6000

The Sony A6000 is a great all-around starter DSLR. It’s an affordable option that comes with a host of features, including Wi-Fi connectivity, NFC touch-to-share, in-camera image stabilization, and a built-in electronic viewfinder.

Plus, its lightweight design makes it easy to hold and shoot when filming both photos and videos. The one downside is that it doesn’t have an articulating display screen—just a tiltable rear LCD—but at less than $1,000 (body only), it still gives you plenty of bang for your buck.

Not quite ready to splurge on a high-end mirrorless camera? Consider stepping up to a point-and-shoot that provides full manual control, or invest in Sony's A6000. The advanced DSLR alternative is equipped with some of Sony's best technology.

For just $600, you'll get impressive features such as 5-axis image stabilization, touch screen operation, and Full HD video recording. Like other entry-level models.

There are plenty of dials and buttons to learn; however, you can select from several beginner modes when using automatic settings so you don't have to worry about every setting.

For someone who’s just getting started on YouTube, you really can’t beat Sony’s Alpha 6000 mirrorless camera. The body itself is weather-sealed and comes with a built-in flash and multi-interface shoe.

A big reason why people love these Sony cameras (and mirrorless cameras in general) is that they are so lightweight. At under $800, it's an incredible bang for your buck. Since most videos shot on a DSLR or mirrorless will require some post-production work.

You should get something that's lightweight enough to carry around all day long but still powerful enough to do everything you need it to. Check out our full review here.

4. Sony ZV-1

This 8 MP HD video camera is small enough to carry with you all day, yet is powerful enough to capture beautiful 1080p videos. What’s more, it has a built-in wide-angle lens that allows you to take stunning videos from places that other cameras simply can’t reach. 

And because it records high-definition footage on an SD card (and not directly onto your computer), you don’t have to worry about your camera freezing up when you are recording long clips. Best of all, Sony ZV-1 includes everything you need—from a tripod and a mini-tripod to an HDMI cable—all in one box!

The Sony ZV-1 is a solid 1080p camera with autofocus and HD video recording, along with support for an external microphone. If you are looking to get started making videos, but aren’t ready to invest in an expensive professional setup.

The ZV-1 is worth checking out. It will be more than sufficient when combined with some inexpensive lighting equipment that you can pick up at your local electronics store.

The biggest drawback of course is its limited battery life and storage options (it only records to SD cards). But if you need something quick and easy that doesn’t require much knowledge or technical know-how, it may be worth it to invest in a setup like Sony’s kit.

The Sony ZV-1 offers everything a beginning YouTuber needs to get started: a low price, ease of use, and high quality. With an impressive maximum 24x optical zoom lens and HD video capabilities.

It can take crystal clear photos and footage from over 75 feet away. While it isn’t as fancy as some of its more expensive competitors, it comes with every basic feature a budding filmmaker would need – but not much else.

5. GoPro Hero10 Black

At first glance, you might be forgiven for thinking GoPro's latest offering is just another action cam; it certainly looks like one. But don't be fooled - it packs a powerful punch, delivering 1080p video at 60fps and 4K video at 30fps, both of which can be saved in H.264 or GoPro's own .MP4 format.

It also includes an impressive 8x digital zoom feature that lets you get in tight without losing quality. As if that wasn't enough, there are some nifty additional features including image stabilization to make sure your footage comes out nice and smooth, plus built-in GPS.

This new GoPro Hero10 is a great choice if you are looking to start making YouTube videos. It’s about $400, which can seem steep at first but considering that most professional cameras that make YouTube-quality videos are over $1,000.

It’s actually not bad. It has built-in stabilization so you don’t have to purchase a gimbal and it has 4K (maximum 30fps) video and 12MP photos!

The new GoPro Hero10 Black has everything you could ever want in a video camera—and more. With features like live streaming, voice control, a touchscreen, and waterproof housing to shoot in virtually any condition, there’s little that can keep you from capturing your most exciting moments on film.

And if you’re shooting in high definition (HD), or even ultra-high definition (UHD), you’ll get an optimal picture that is crystal clear and full of color. For footage that looks as incredible as it feels, start with a GoPro Hero10 Black.

6. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K is a Super 35 Digital Film Camera with 13 Stops of Dynamic Range. It can shoot at 12 Megapixels (6K) up to 30 Frames Per Second or 8 Megapixels (4K DCI) up to 60 Frames Per Second.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K has an active Micro Four Thirds Lens Mount so you can use a wide range of available lenses with no adapters required and it records onto SD Cards.

It’s also capable of recording onto popular professional formats including ProRes, DNxHD, and RAW. If you want a camera that has real film-style color science instead of a video look, then the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K is right for you!

YouTube has recently made it easier than ever to start producing and posting your own videos. You don’t need any expensive equipment to get started—just a smartphone with a built-in camera will do. Still, you might want something that produces more professional-looking videos.

For instance, if you want to take higher-quality videos of your kids’ sports games or concerts, you might want something with a bit more zoom and resolution (and the ability to record audio).

For example, one option is Blackmagic Design’s $1,295 Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, which packs in features such as 6K video resolution (6016 x 3160 pixels), 13 stops of dynamic range, and an EF mount.

The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K ($1,295) is an ultra-affordable way to get into cinematic shooting. It shoots gorgeous footage in a variety of aspect ratios.

And its interchangeable Micro Four Thirds lens mount is compatible with some incredible lenses—especially if you shoot with Panasonic’s relatively new 42.5mm f/1.2 Nocticron.

7. Canon EOS 90D

Reviewed in 2019, Canon’s EOS 90D is designed to be a high-quality video-making tool with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. In fact, it’s billed as the best option for any videographer looking to get started without breaking the bank.

The 90D has a wide variety of zoom capabilities – from 7.5X to 45X – that are great for shooting interviews and other closeups of your subject or scene. It also has an improved autofocus system, letting you refocus your shot after it’s been captured by tapping on your phone or computer screen.

YouTube is filled with stories of people who turned their love of photography into a successful career. While some YouTubers go pro with powerful DSLRs and fast lenses, others can get started on a budget.

The Canon EOS 90D is one of our favorite cameras to recommend to new photographers because it delivers impressive image quality in an affordable package that's easy to use and carry around. It has an entry-level price point (around $800) but provides more in terms of features than most cameras in its price range.

It has a 24-megapixel sensor capable of shooting 4K video and also captures slow motion at up to 120fps. A flip-out touchscreen means you can easily show off your work when streaming on YouTube or playing back content directly from your memory card.

Canon makes a lot of great cameras, but if you want to start making videos and don’t want to break your bank in order to do so, then I would recommend starting with Canon’s EOS 90D.

It is a great all-around mirrorless camera that can produce high-quality images and it is fairly easy to use. The kit comes with everything you need and more: a lens, batteries, SD cards, memory card reader.