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| Best streaming camera |  | Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam – Full 1080p HD Camera | SEE IT | No matter what site you’re broadcasting on, this full HD lens will capture high-resolution 1080p video at 30 frames per second, so you can be sure your stream syncs up to the game. | |
| Best travel camera |  | Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera | SEE IT | With AI-based tracking, 4K video, and a large aperture zoom lens, this pick can capture any adventure in stunning high-quality footage. | |
| Best vlogging camera |  | Sony Alpha A6600 Mirrorless Camera | SEE IT | Shoot stunning vlog content with ease. This pick offers real-time AF, object tracking, 11fps continuous shooting, and body stabilization. |
There isn’t one to rule them all when it comes to cameras for YouTube. Finding the best camera for vlogging really comes down to what kind of content you’re creating. If you’re streaming Among Us from your desk you may not need as many frills as someone who is filming themselves leaping off waterfalls, exploding canisters of carbonated beverages, or showing off their brand-new Bugatti.
Depending on your circumstances, the right camera may mean one that is ultra-portable and allows you to frame yourself as you walk and talk. Or perhaps the most important consideration is getting the best image quality possible. We’ll guide you through the best cameras for every kind of content creator and give you a look at some options that offer adaptability.
- Best streaming camera: Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam – Full 1080p HD Camera
- Best for travel: Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera
- Best action: GoPro HERO9 Black
- Best vlogging camera for battery life: Sony Alpha A6600 Mirrorless Camera
- Best full-frame: Sigma fp Mirrorless Full-Frame Digital Camera
- Best budget: Canon PowerShot SX620 Digital Camera
The best cameras for YouTube: Reviews & Recommendations
Best streaming camera: Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam – Full 1080p HD Camera
Amazon
The folks at Logitech created the C922X streaming camera with YouTubers in mind. It streams in full HD at 30 frames per second and offers light correction so that shadows and natural lighting shifts don’t mar your content. Its autofocus function means you can get animated without losing followers. Its two microphones can sub in for a full mic if you haven’t picked up a professional option yet. You can find YouTube cameras with 60 FPS, but they can lead to stuttering and blocky images.
Best for travel: Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera
Amazon
Don’t let the Sony RX100 VII’s size deceive you—it’s an extremely powerful vlogging camera, built for capturing vivid images and 4K video on the go. Its Zeiss Vario Sonnar large-aperture, high-magnification zoom lens delivers stunning image quality up close and at a distance. AI-aided, real-time tracking keeps your subjects in focus, while Active mode provides image stability as you walk and talk. The 4K video is crisp, and a built-in microphone with audio output means you won’t need to bring an extra mic and travel lighter.
Best action: GoPro HERO9 Black
Amazon
The GoPro HERO9 has become a go-to for action-oriented YouTubers, thanks to its durable body and image-stabilization software, which keeps the footage crisp. Allowing up to 5K video, the HERO9 captures impeccable images in any setting, relying on its HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization software. Built with content creators in mind, the HERO9 allows for live streaming in 1080p on social media. A nifty new feature called Hindsight also can capture video 30 seconds before you press record, so you never miss that insane stunt your buddy just pulled. The added slo-mo and time-lapse settings make for the perfect action camera for YouTube.
Best vlogging camera for battery life: Sony Alpha A6600 Mirrorless Camera
Amazon
The Sony Alpha A6600 Mirrorless Camera brings with it all the advantages of mirrorless technology–improved video, improved image speed, long battery life, and lighter bodies. It boasts a battery known for being inexhaustible for stills and capable of filling up multiple memory cards with 4K video before needing a recharge. Sony’s tracking technology makes filming a breeze. The caveat here is the entry price. Mirrorless cameras are quite pricey at the moment but are likely to come down as the technology becomes more common.
Best full-frame: Sigma fp Mirrorless Full-Frame Digital Camera
Amazon
The Sigma Mirrorless camera features a back-illuminated, 35mm, full-frame sensor that provides sharper and deeper images than most other cameras on the market. Sigma claims the camera is the smallest and lightest full-frame camera in the world, and we don’t doubt it. The tiny body and mirrorless technology mean this pick is ultra-portable, making it suited for any day trip or adventure. It’s also dust and splash-proof, so while you won’t want to bring it into the pool, it can probably survive some intense family blogging.
Even better, you can stash it in a pocket just as easily you can in a suitcase. It also supports UHD 4K at 24, 25, and 30 frames per second for super-sharp images. The drawback here for some will be the price; combining full-frame and mirrorless technology makes for a premium entry fee. Another concern is the lack of a mechanical shutter. The camera’s petite size is due in part to the use of an electronic shutter, which may increase “rolling shutter” effects when focused on fast-moving subjects.
Best budget: Canon PowerShot SX620 Digital Camera
Amazon
This Canon camera features full HD with a 20.2 CMOS sensor and decent image stabilization to stamp out any unwanted motion blur. Recording straight to MP4 means that the built-in Wi-Fi makes it extremely easy to transfer videos to your computer for editing and uploading. This won’t produce flashy images and it doesn’t come with image stabilization, it still handles the basics at a reasonable price.
Things to consider when shopping for the best cameras for YouTube
Finding the best cameras for YouTube can be painstaking, especially with so many options now available at a click of a button. No need to spend hours scouring online research for the best vlogging camera, because we’ve rounded up only the best for you to choose from. We’ve got you covered with the highlighted features to look for that will help you take your content to the next level.
Will you be live streaming with your vlogging camera?
If you’re a streaming YouTuber positioned in front of your state-of-the-art gaming PC, giving people the 411 at a desk, or doing nuanced tutorials, you’re going to want a streaming camera that produces a top-notch image, has a good frame rate, stays in focus, and isn’t drastically impacted by changes in room light. This will ensure that you capture all your video in detail without inconsistencies in lighting or focus as the subject moves in-frame.
For travel content creators, the YouTube camera needs to be durable, powerful, and compact
We want to vlog everything, from family vacations to solo adventures in new destinations. To produce top-notch video while traveling you’ll want a vlogging camera that is not only portable but also offers the kind of lens and software that can produce sharp and steady images while on the go. A strong zoom lens tends to be very important for capturing breathtaking views, surprise visitors, and distant landmarks without losing focus. You’ll also want a reliable built-in microphone so that you don’t have to lug other gear along with you. When selecting your travel content camera, check out how much your pick weighs so you can be sure it won’t weigh you down while exploring.
Searching for the best cameras for YouTube to keep up with the action?
If you’re splashing in the pool, filming a game, conducting crazy outdoor experiments, or doing anything involving serious action, you’re going to need a camera that can survive accidents while providing a steady image. Waterproofing is a must, as is a body that can protect its tech from drops and impacts. Image stabilizing is equally essential to avoid shaky footage while performing stunts or action. This pick should be durable, while still offering high-quality footage so your viewers don’t miss out on any of the action.
Those who film long-form videos need a vlogging camera with great battery life
If you’re making long-form content there is no more important consideration than battery life. Losing power and cutting short your viewer’s experience can be deadly to the follower count. However, you want to make sure you aren’t sacrificing decent image quality for a camera that will stay charged. Before buying, check to see how many batteries your camera comes equipped with, as well as the charge time. This can ensure you never lose out on valuable moments due to lack of battery power.
A full-frame camera that streams over USB makes everything easier
Full frame cameras offer a slew of upgrades to image quality, including bigger pixels and the ability to capture more light, which results in more vibrant colors. USB streaming allows you to easily transfer footage for editing, making the process faster and more seamless. With this added feature, you can crank out content in no time by uploading with the click of a button.
On a budget? Here’s what you can get for under $300
If you’re just dipping your toe into YouTube, experimenting with your content style, or stretching funds, it may be better to pick up a cheap catch-all model. This will allow you to grow and hone in on your content before committing to a more expensive camera. That will mean you probably won’t be delivering the highest quality images, and you won’t be getting any underwater footage. But if you’re producing compelling content, a budget camera will still get you seen.
FAQs
Q: Which camera is best for YouTube beginners?
Which is the best cameras for YouTube beginners really depends on the kind of content you are creating. If you plan to remain relatively stationary something like the above-mentioned Logitech should serve you well, as it provides a steady video output along with autofocus and light correction. If you’re planning to spend most of your time on the go you’ll probably want to consider a low- to mid-range GoPro that provides stabilization and protection from the elements.
Q: How much is a good camera for YouTube?
If by “good” you mean “top of the line” we’re talking multiple thousands of dollars. But if you’re looking at something functional with a decent number of quality-of-life features you can do it for between $350 and $400.
Q: What makes a camera good for YouTube?
A good YouTube camera needs to provide a level of image quality that won’t lose you followers, at the least. After that, you’ll want to consider what kind of content you’ll be creating. If you’re on the move, image stabilization is essential, as is battery life. If you’ll be streaming from your desk you’ll want to make sure your camera has autofocus and can adjust for changes in lighting.
A final word on buying for the best cameras for YouTube
- Best streaming camera: Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam – Full 1080p HD Camera
- Best for travel: Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera
- Best action: GoPro HERO9 Black
- Best vlogging camera for battery life: Sony Alpha A6600 Mirrorless Camera
- Best full-frame: Sigma fp Mirrorless Full-Frame Digital Camera
- Best budget: Canon PowerShot SX620 Digital Camera
We loathe to say it, but content is king. When shopping for a YouTube camera you’ll need to consider what you’ll be doing with it. Providing commentary on a DOTA stream has far different demands than capturing extreme sporting events or documenting trips to the outback. It will mean the difference between buying a stationary streaming webcam and purchasing a mirrorless, a full-frame wonder of modern photography.
No matter what you’re creating, you’ll want a decent image, but just how good really depends on what kind of standards you can afford to support and what kind of standards you’re growing audience demands of you. End your search for the best vlogging camera and get yours today!
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We also get that buying a camera is a big decision, which is why we’re dedicated to helping folks choose the right one (or, in our case “ones”) for their needs. Case in point: Handing over top dollar for an expensive rig may leave you unsatisfied if it doesn’t fit your preferred shooting style. Sure, a $6,000 sports-oriented DSLR can capture landscapes, but do you really need to do it at 30 frames-per-second? No, you don’t.
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