Picking the best YouTube camera isn't a simple question of one-size-fits-all. Depending on what kind of videos you want to create, and the kind of channel you're running, there are all sorts of different cameras that could potentially be right for you. So, in this guide, we've prepared a wide-reaching list of cameras for different purposes and budgets.
Our list includes everything from all-in-one compacts to versatile mirrorless and high-end cinema cameras, as well as hardy waterproof action cameras for the more adventurous. If you're not sure which is right for you, scroll to the bottom of the page where we've included some pointers on how to choose the right camera for YouTube.
We've used all these cameras and we think they are the best choices for YouTubers right now, but they reflect very different shooting styles. You can read our full list to get a sense of which option is suitable for which type of user, and place yourself accordingly. We've stuck to dedicated cameras for this list, but if you prefer to shoot on a phone, check our rundown of the best phones for video.
Sebastian Oakley
For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. He has been taking photographs since the days of film, but is also keenly interested in video, having used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He brings this expertise to picking out the best cameras for YouTube.
I have put a few ZV vlogging cameras on this list, which reflects how good they are and how big this market has become. The ZV-E10 II sits as the cheapest interchangeable lens ZV camera, which allows a bit more creative freedom with lens choices, than its fixed lens siblings.
Best overall Mirrorless cameras are the most popular choice for serious video shooting – offering you an interchangeable lens system that means you can pick the right lens for what you are shooting. Read more below
With versatile sensor, the Hero 12 Black can shoot in an 8:7 ratio – perfect vertical video. Elsewhere, it's got all the GoPro quality we've learned to love.
DJI has refined its gimbal camera formula, and the Osmo Pocket 3 is the best yet. With a larger screen and sensor, it's easier to operate and produces better results.
A YouTuber perennial, Canon's popular PowerShot G7 X Mark III compact is an all-in-one package for videos and streaming alike, with a mic input and uncropped 4K.
This is an 8K 360-degree camera, which lets you see everywhere and aim the shot later. That's amazing for action. It's also an great 4K action camera (two of them), and very rugged.
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Best for vloggers
(Image credit: Gareth Bevan / Digital Camera World)
Maximum continuous shooting speed: 11fps for 116 JPEGs
Max video resolution: 4K
Reasons to buy
+
Great quality 4K with (mostly) no crop
+
Generous grip for a small camera
+
Hugely improved battery life
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Better quality streaming options
Reasons to avoid
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No AI processor means limited subject recognition
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Misses out on cool auto-framing tricks
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Tiny body doesn’t pair well with bigger lenses
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No IBIS
Buy it if:
✅ You like the idea of changing lenses: Sony's other affordable ZV cameras all have fixed lenses, the ZV-E10 II gives the option to make your footage stand out a little more with one of the hundreds of E-mount lenses available. ✅ You want great audio without a separate mic: the built-in audio in the ZV-E10 II is way beyond other cameras and rivals a decent external mic.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want a very simple camera: while the ZV-E10 II is not complex, it isn't as easy to use as other Sony cameras like the ZV-1F or ZV-1 II. ❌ You want more of a hybrid camera: you'll get some decent photos here, but the viewfinder and more photo-focused controls on Sony's a6xxx range are a better hybrid experience.
The Sony ZV-E10 II is first-and-foremost a vlogging and content creation camera aimed at video. A big upgrade from the first version, it improves on every criticism of Sony's menus and video from the first model, now with next to no crop on footage and easy-to-use touch menus.
It packs a large and well-performing internal microphone (with clip-on muffler) and offers some very good 4K video. For serious video makers, you won't find any complex oversampling or multiple codec recording options here. This camera is for anyone who is taking their video a little more seriously than recording on a phone but isn't quite ready or willing to jump into a more professional level of videography.
The ZV-E10 II is not going to be a first-choice photography camera, as it lacks the EVF that photographers would expect, however, with the same sensor and processor as the Sony a6700, its specs are decent enough. If you are looking for something more hybrid, then cheaper cameras in the Sony A6xxx series (a6000 or a6400) are a better, although aging, option.
The ZV-E10 fits in an APS-C sensor, which means it is able to make use of Sony's extensive range of E-mount lenses. However, due to its very compact body, the camera does not balance well with larger Sony lenses, but Sony has a good range of quality smaller optics, as well as a huge number of third-party lens options. The body also features an articulating touchscreen which is vital for vlogging from low or awkward angles.
The ZV-E10 II has a very appealing price tag, it's a shame that there is no in-body image stabilization, but for a very specific audience looking for the perfect balance between affordability and features, this camera hits the nail on the head.
Max continuous shooting speed: 30fps (electronic shutter)
Max video resolution: 6K (Full-sensor readout)/29.97/25/24/23.98p
Reasons to buy
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Value for money
+
Best-in-class stabilization
+
Professional video functionality
+
Unlimited recording
+
- Filmic image quality
Reasons to avoid
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No tally lights
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No CF Express slot
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Flip-out screen blocked by cables
Buy it if
✅ You want the best of both: With open-gate 6K 30p, 4:2:2 10-bit, LongGOP, SSD recording,, and 24MP stills this is a content creator's dream!
✅ You rely on stabilization: When you don't have a gimbal, the incredible in-body image stabilization (up to 6.5 stops) outperforms even higher-specced competition.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You rely on a tally light: A rare miss for the otherwise excellent video features is the lack of a tally light, to indicate when the camera is recording.
Mirrorless cameras are the most popular choice for serious video shooting – offering you an interchangeable lens system that means you can pick the right lens for what you are shooting.
The Panasonic Lumix S5 II is our top pick for videographers - but its full-frame sensor make it a great camera for shooting stills too. It builds on the original Lumix S5’s tough compact frame, class-leading 5-axis in-body image stabilization, and excellent color science.
In my review, the most significant new addition to this camera is the Phase Hybrid autofocus system that combines PDAF with Contrast Detect AF to provide 779-area metering. The S5 series was always a favorite, but this newer model is now much, much better at getting the focus right on low-light and moving subjects.
We were also impressed that the Lumix S5 II gives you truly unlimited 4K/60p 4:2:2 10-bit recording internally - and FHD/180p for slow-motion effects- making it a highly versatile camera for content production. And at $2500/£2000, we think the Lumix S5 II is astonishingly good value for money.
✅ You do a lot of handheld shooting: The image stabilization goes up to 6.5 stops (lens dependent) and delivers shake-free footage. ✅ You'll be shooting outdoors often: The GH5 II's magnesium body is resistant to splashes and dust, and freezeproof down to -10 °C (14°F) for any cold weather spells.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want BIG resolution: The 20.3MP sensor is outclassed by several options on this list and isn't the most generous for landscape or fine art images. ❌ You need dependable run and gun AF: The GH5 II's autofocus for video is effective if you stay still, but not in the same league as rival cameras with phase AF.
The clue is in the name. A Mark II version of anything is likely to be a refresh rather than a whole new camera, and it’s the same here. But while the GH5 II might appear superficially similar to its predecessor, it incorporates a large number of improvements and additions that make quite a difference when you add them together – and they are even more impressive given the price. While sequel cameras like the Lumix GH6 have since come along, the GH5 II still represents excellent value for money.
This camera dates from the era when Panasonic was sticking with its own DFD contrast-based autofocus even though rival makers have switched to faster and more reliable phase AF. Panasonic's DFD AF has steadily improved, but it still tends to hunt and lose contact with subjects – which is bad news if you are trying to film yourself.
With an articulating display that opens out to the side, it won’t be blocked by a shotgun mic mounted on the hot shoe, so you can vlog obstruction-free, and it also has a full-sized HDMI-out, for easy-to-access clean video – perfect for pairing with an Atomos Ninja V, for example. The Lumix GH5 II would be best suited to a more advanced YouTuber who can make the best use of its advanced video settings and won't be fazed by its quirky AF.
Mic input: Bluetooth or 3.5mm with optional Media Mod
Headphone jack: Bluetooth
Reasons to buy
+
Excellent stabilization
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Dual-channel audio
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Useful 1/4" 20 tripod thread
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Higher resolution than Osmo Action 4
Reasons to avoid
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Struggles in low light
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Misses out on magnetic mounting
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Very similar hardware to 11 Black
Buy it if:
✅ You share across platforms: If you edit the same clip across platforms the 8:7 sensor will help you ✅ You want to record your speed: This is the last GoPro with built-in GPS, a great feature for recording your movement
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want external microphones: GoPro will need you to buy an external media mod to connect a microphone ❌ You want to shoot in low light: GoPro cameras don't love working in lower lighting.
The Hero 12 Black is the latest in GoPro's supremely popular line of action cameras. For YouTubers, it's an excellent choice for a number of reasons – especially for those who want to create content for YouTube's vertical video service (a.k.a. its TikTok clone) YouTube Shorts. This is because of the 8:7 ratio sensor, introduced in the Hero 11, which allows for lossless cropping in all different aspect ratios.
The Hero 12 Black captures 5.3K at 60fps, 4K at 120fps, or 2.7K at 240fps if you're looking for super slow motion shots. GoPro's HyperSmooth stabilization is better than ever before, the updated hardware and software make it even more powerful and video quality is very good, except for in dimly lit environments.
Low-light performance isn't much better than it's ever been, though the Hero 12 Black does introduce a few new features, including support for Bluetooth microphones and headphones. You can now shoot HDR video and shoot in a flat Log profile for maximum dynamic range and latitude when it comes to colour grading. It's not a big jump over the Hero 11 Black – but for serious content creators, it's worth the investment.
✅ You need to vlog: Stable shots and mic compatibility are well covered here. ✅ You want a stable shot: The gimbal offers possibilities software stabilization can't manage.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want rugged: It's tough for what it is, but it won't survive as much as a true action camera
DJI's Pocket cameras have long been popular among YouTubers for their ability to capture smooth moving footage while used handheld. They're built around an integrated gimbal that compensates for camera movement – essentially the same unit DJI uses in its drones. However, with DJI's ActiveTrack technology built in, cameras like the Osmo Pocket 3 can also intelligently follow subjects and keep them in frame.
The Osmo Pocket 3 features a raft of updates compared to the previous Pocket 2, and more than justifies the price hike. One of the key additions is a larger 1-inch sensor, which means it performs much better in a range of lighting conditions. It also has a much bigger LCD monitor – a 2-inch screen that smoothly rotates from horizontal to vertical orientation as needed. It's so much easier to see what you're doing than it was on the smaller screen in previous versions of this camera, not to mention making use of the touchscreen functionality.
The camera isn't as small or as resilient as the 'Pocket' designation implies – you'll want to be more careful with it than you would with, say, a GoPro. However, it's unquestionably the best iteration of the form we've seen yet, and can be brilliantly accessorised with wireless mics for improved audio.
✅ You want 4K: with its 4K30p this is the perfect camera for those wanting 4K streaming
✅ You want zoom options: with its built-in 24-100mm lens you can always make sure you;re framed correctly
Don't buy it if:
❌You want to change lenses: while its built-in zoom lens offers a vast zoom range, you can't change it for a faster one
❌ On a budget: for a compact, it is a bit pricey, but it can be used for other things than just streaming
One of the biggest bugbears vloggers and video makers have with Canon is the crop factor when shooting 4K on many of its cameras, but the G7 X Mark III bucks the trend – thank goodness. This high-end compact packs a similar body and an identical lens to the G7 X Mark II, but includes a new sensor and no 4K crop. It was also the first camera of its kind with a microphone input – vital if you want clean audio, not to mention the ability to Livestream straight to YouTube.
This means that even if you’ve got an expensive cinema camera if you also have a G7 X Mark III you can create a fuss-free live setup without any expensive capture cards and a PC. With its flip-out screen, the G7 X III also gives vloggers a clear view of themselves when they shoot, and thanks to its 20.1MP 1-inch stacked CMOS sensor and Digic 8 processor it’s also able to capture great stills, so your custom thumbnails can pop nicely.
Video resolution: 8K 30fps / 5.7K 60fps / 4K 100fps
Memory: MicroSD
Battery life: 75 min at 8K / 135 min at 5.7K
Waterproof: Yes 10m (dive case for 50m)
Reasons to buy
+
8K resolution makes a significant difference to 360
+
4K60 single camera means it can be your only action camera
+
Rugged design including detachable lens covers
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Can connect to external mics like DJI Mic 2
Reasons to avoid
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Battery life when shooting 8K could be better
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You need an invisible selfie stick to get the best shots
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"Shoot first, frame later" isn't for everyone.
Buy it if:
✅ You want sharp 360 video: The 8K makes for much more flexibility than most other ✅ You want a great all-rounder: The camera is powerful enough to turn itself to nearly any task, including one-camera action camera modes.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You are on a tight budget: There are cheaper options (including the previous generation X3) which still provide a lot of quality. ❌ You want top-notch low-light: With 1/2-inch sensors the HDR is good, but low-light performance is only so-so.
When I tried this camera, I knew immediately it would find itself at the top of this buyer's guide. It's a great choice for people like me (owners of the X3 looking for more resolution and processor power) and an equally sensible choice for anyone getting into 360-degree photography for the first time, whether their goals are serious content creation or fun.
A couple of things set the camera apart. A big one is the Insta360 software, which is comfortably ahead of the offerings from others at the moment. As well as an excellent phone app (iOS/Android), there is an Insta360 Studio for Mac/PC and plugins for Premiere and Final Cut Pro so creating content can happen almost immediately for social, or in careful detail later. The AI subject tracking is excellent too, saving hours in manual keyframing compared to GoPro's offering.
That, though, is available with the X3 too. The headline feature here is the 8K resolution, and the processing power which delivers it. The boost makes for significantly better quality, especially when zooming into video in the edit. It also provides a lot of other upgraded resolutions, like single action camera mode at the crucial 4K60fps threshold, as well as features like bullet time now at 5.7k/120fps.
Other refinements exist too, like the removable lens covers which make the device extra rugged and the ability to connect microphones. All seem to result from a company listening to its customers and making improvements over generations. Whenever improvements suit the users like that things are good (and a word to the wise – this camera's 5-star review was earned in 2024, not 2020).
Finding the right camera for YouTube is not just about choosing the best or most expensive camera. The trick is to choose the right kit for what you want to video. If your channel is filled with dynamic, action-packed adventures, an action cam is an obvious candidate. The best action cameras capture really high-quality footage these days, or for a different perspective, what about one of the best 360 cameras?
If your style of filmmaking is more measured, then a mirrorless camera is the obvious candidate. This will give you access to cutting-edge video technology, higher-quality capture, and the ability to swap lenses.
A third alternative is a compact camera where the lens is part of the camera. You lose out in versatility, but compact cameras tend to be much more affordable and simpler to use, and there's a lot less to carry around than with a mirrorless model.
One more thing. Do you want to do live streaming? In this case, the choice narrows a little – not all cameras can livestream straight out of the box. Our guide includes a few, but see our guide to the best cameras for streaming for a more extensive selection.
How we test cameras
We test cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and, for DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, in carefully controlled lab conditions. Our lab tests measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range. We use both real-world testing and lab results to inform our comments in buying guides.
FAQs
Do you need a professional camera for YouTube?
The short answer is no! While professional cameras will deliver far superior results when wielded by people who know how to use them, a standard or phone camera is perfectly capable of producing results that are more than acceptable on YouTube. Many of the cameras we've included in this guide are suitable for beginners and intermediate users.
Having the latest 6K or 8K camera is not a big priority – we'd say for now, as long as you can capture footage in at least 4K you'll be all right, and Full HD will also work okay. More important is getting something that can capture clean audio, whether that's with a plug-in microphone, a wireless microphone, or a sophisticated built-in mic setup like the one on Sony's ZV-1 vlogging compact.
Are phone cameras good for YouTube?
It depends on the phone – but potentially yes. Smartphone cameras have got much better in recent years, and flagship phones these days are capable of capturing 4K video pretty much as standard (though frame rates vary from model to model). We have a dedicated guide to the best phones for video if this is the route you prefer to go down.
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For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.
He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing. He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association.
He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.
