As a YouTuber, it’s essential to pick the best equipment to capture jaw-dropping footage for your audience.
It’s perfectly fine to launch your YouTube career with nothing but amazing content ideas and your smartphone camera. Sooner or later, though, it’ll be time to upgrade. A solid camera that can shoot high-res footage is a long-term investment in your channel’s growth.
For one, your audience will appreciate the better image quality and added effects like slow-motion and time-lapse sequences. For another, better footage also helps you cut your video editing costs, as editors won’t have to waste time.
But how do you choose the best camera for YouTube? What specs do you need to look out for? And which are the best models on the market?
Contents
What Does a Good YouTube Camera Need?
To start with, you need to check the resolution in which a camera can record footage. For all intents and purposes, 4K is the way to go. Recording in 1080p – that is, Full HD – is starting to look outdated. While 6K and 8K options are now available, not all video editors are happy working at these resolutions.
Another crucial technical detail is the frame rate – the number of video frames a camera can shoot per second (fps). In 2023, 30 fps is standard and 60 fps is excellent. However, there’s usually a trade-off between frame rate and resolution.
Color depth and color resolution are two more camera characteristics that YouTubers need to watch out for. 10-bit color depth allows for much finer color gradients than the standard 8-bit depth, and is required for HDR imagery.
Color resolution, AKA chroma subsampling, is important for sharp contrasts and contours. The standard is a serviceable 4:2:0 ratio, but you’ll quickly benefit from 4:2:2 if you have a lot of fine detail – text, for example – or if you film with a green screen.
Finally, there’s autofocus (AF). This feature is particularly important for YouTubers, since it lets you move around without immediate blurring. Mirrorless cameras offer particularly good AF.
What Are the Best Cameras for YouTube in 2023?
Now that you have the general overview of the most important features, we can deep-dive into the best cameras for YouTube on the market in 2023. We’ve picked out nine models for you. Here’s the general overview.
| Model | Body Price | Resolution & FPS | Color depth | Color resolution | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony Alpha A7S III | 3,498.00 | 4K + 120 fps FHD + 240 fps 4.2K + 60 fps** |
8-bit 10-bit 16bit** |
4:2:0 4:2:2 |
5-axis IBIS + Active IS for video |
| Panasonic Lumix GH5 | 1,599.99 | 4K + 60 fps 4K + 30 fps |
8-bit 10-bit |
4:2:0 4:2:2 |
5-axis dual IBIS |
| Canon EOS R6 | 2,499.00 | 4K + 60 fps FHD + 120 fps |
8-bit 10-bit |
4:2:0 4:2:2 |
5-axis IBIS |
| Nikon Z50 | 1,346.95 | 4K + 30 fps FHD + 120 fps |
8-bit | 4:2:0 | Digital only |
| Panasonic Lumix G9 | 1,499.99 | 4K + 60 fps FHD + 180 fps |
8-bit 10-bit |
4:2:0 4:2:2 |
5-axis dual IBIS |
| Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K |
2,495.00 | 6K + 60 fps 4K +60 fps FHD + 120 fps |
10-bit 12-bit |
4:2:2 (ProRes) ~4:4:4 (BRAW) |
Digital only |
| Nikon Z 6II | 1,996.95 | 4K + 60 fps FHD + 120 fps |
8-bit 10-bit* |
4:2:0 4:2:2* |
5-axis IBIS |
| Sony ZV-1 | 748.00 | 4K + 30 fps FHD + 120 fps |
8-bit 10-bit* |
4:2:0 4:2:2* |
Digital only |
| Canon EOS M50 Mark II | 699.00 | 4K + 24 fps FHD + 60 fps |
8-bit 12-bit* 14-bit* |
4:2:0 4:2:2* |
Digital Lens OIS |
| Sony ZV-E10 | 798.00 | 4K + 30 fps HD + 120 fps |
8-bit | 4:2:0 | Digital only |
| DJI Pocket 2 | 349.00 | 4K + 60 fps 2.7K + 60 fps FHD + 120 fps |
8-bit | 4:2:0 | Gimbal |
| DJI Osmo Action 3 | 329.00 | 4K + 60 fps 4K + 120 fps FHD + 240fps |
8-bit 10-bit |
4:2:0 | Digital only |
| GoPro Hero 11 | 499.99 | 5.3K + 60 fps 4K + 120 fps 2.7K + 240 fps |
8-bit 10-bit |
4:2:0 | Digital only |
* only with external recorder
** RAW or RAW-like output
Next, let’s talk about these cameras in a little more detail.
Note: We’re using product pictures from Amazon here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
If you’re looking for a high-end camera with advanced features, the Sony Alpha A7S III is your best bet.
This full-frame mirrorless camera is perfect for shooting video in all kinds of situations, from studio shoots to outdoor adventures. It has a 12.1 megapixel image sensor, a wide dynamic range, and impressive low-light performance, so you can capture stunning visuals no matter the environment.
With 4K video recording at up to 120 frames per second, you can capture smooth and detailed images. It’s especially popular with creators who shoot in challenging lighting conditions.
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is another excellent choice for content creators, especially if you need to carry your equipment in a small, portable packages.
This mirrorless camera offers superior video performance, allowing you to shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second. It also features a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, a 20.3 megapixel image sensor, and an impressive autofocus system.
You also get advanced features such as focus peaking and zebra patterning, so you can accurately capture the shot you’re looking for. Plus, there’s a range of creative options, such as slow motion and time-lapse.
The Canon EOS R6 is a great option for content creators on a budget – like when you’re just starting your channel. This full-frame mirrorless camera offers excellent image quality, 4K video recording at up to 60 frames per second, and advanced features like dual pixel autofocus and 10-bit color video recording. The camera also has a 20 megapixel image sensor, so you can capture detailed footage in low-light situations.
Another perk of the Canon EOS R6, especially for creators shooting solo, is its flip-out touchscreen display.
The Nikon Z50 is a great camera for content creators who want a compact, lightweight camera with excellent video quality. This mirrorless camera can capture 4K video at up to 30 frames per second, and it has an impressive 20.9 megapixel image sensor.
You also get advanced features like an OLED viewfinder, a silent shutter mode, and a touchscreen display.
Another excellent choice for content creators who want a powerful, reliable camera with plenty of features is the Panasonic Lumix G9.
This mirrorless camera can shoot 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and can take still images at up to 20 frames per second. You also get features like dual image stabilization, focus peaking, and a fully articulated LCD screen.
Do you want to shoot at fantastic resolution to give you maximum flexibility for cropping, zooming, and motion-tracking in post-production? Then this is the camera for you.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera can effortlessly shoot 6K footage and is designed for video first and foremost. It utilizes a Super 35-mm sensor and an EF lens mount, which means it’s broadly compatible with a wide range of popular lenses.
Plus, the camera comes with a free copy of the $300 Studio version of Blackmagic’s Da Vinci Resolve, one of the most popular video editing suites out there.
The Nikon Z6 II is the successor of Nikon’s popular 24MP multimedia full-frame mirrorless camera. In comparison, it adds more processing power as well as an upgraded autofocus and a few other perks to what was an already well-rounded feature set.
Users can shoot full-sensor UHD 4K footage at up to 30 fps and carry out continuous shooting at up to 14 fps. Plus, this model comes with a tilting 2.1M-dot read touchscreen.
The Sony ZV-1 is a good camera for YouTube because it is specifically designed for vloggers and content creators.
It has a compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry and use on the go. It also has a flip-up screen, which allows for easy framing of shots and recording of yourself.
Additionally, the camera features a built-in microphone and wind noise reduction, which ensures clear audio recording. A number of features make it ideal for video production, such as 4K video recording, a fast autofocus system, and a built-in image stabilization system.
Apart from that, the camera has face detection, a bokeh switch, and a background defocus mode which makes it easy to take professional-looking photos and videos.
Finally, the camera has a number of connectivity options that make it easy to share your content with others.
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a good camera for YouTube because it offers a feature combo that’s well suited for vlogging and content creation.
Compact and lightweight, it’s easy to carry and handle while on the go. Additionally, it features a high resolution electronic viewfinder and a vari-angle touchscreen that allows for easy framing and focusing. The camera also has Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast and accurate autofocus and a DIGIC 8 image processor that enables 4K resolution video recording.
Apart from the built-in microphone, you can use an external microphone, making it easy to record high-quality audio. Additionally, the camera has WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Overall, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a great choice for anyone looking to create professional-looking YouTube videos.
As a vlogging camera, Sony’s ZV-E10 promises a lot: It shoots oversampled 4K/24p video using the full width of its sensor, features a selfie touchscreen, a good built-in directional microphone, headphone/microphone ports, and offers class-leading video autofocus.
Battery life is also top of its class and the camera is livestream ready right out of the box.
As a first vlogging camera, it’s not a bad budget choice. There are some limitations, though: 4K video capture results in a distracting ‘jello effect’ for clips with movement and/or fast action. Full HD video shows poor detail capture compared to the competition.
Do you want to shoot action-packed outdoor footage? Then DJI’s Osmo Action 3 is an excellent choice at a lower price point. At 4K, it can shoot at 120 fps, plenty to give you dramatic slo-mo shots to wow your audience.
Plus, this camera is perfectly adapted for rough outdoor conditions. It comes with a solid magnetic clip system, fantastic battery life, good stabilization, and dual touch screens.
Finally, the GoPro Hero 11 is a slightly more pricey action cam alternative if you want to shoot fast-paced action footage. No matter if you go hurling yourself out of airplanes on a skydiving adventure or if you want to take your viewers along on a downhill mountain bike ride, the GoPro Hero 11 has you covered.
It has some serious advantages over the Osmo Action 3 as well as earlier GoPro Hero models. Not only does it allow you to shoot at 5.3 K at 60 fps (or 4K at 120 fps), it also offers 10-bit color and HyperSmooth 5.0 with a 360 degree horizon lock. Additional perks for action and travel YouTubers include voice control and 1080p webcam and live stream capabilities.
The Bottom Line: The Best YouTuber Cameras in 2023
Which is the best YouTuber camera for you depends on your own unique needs and budget. Do you mostly shoot stationary indoor footage like clothing try-on hauls and makeup tutorials? Or do you also want to capture exciting action outdoor footage?
Depending on the answers to these questions, you’ll be able to pick the perfect fit from the list above.
The YouTubers
Lastly, many thanks to the three YouTubers who shared their experience with us! 👍
Rick Costa is an electrical engineer. On Houselectric, he shares his expertise on a wide range of electronic gear as well as improving the efficiency of different appliances.
The best cameras for YouTube are the Sony Alpha A7S III, the Panasonic Lumix GH5, and the Canon EOS R6. If you shoot lots of outdoor and action footage, consider the DJI Osmo Action 3 and the GoPro Hero 11.
Good YouTuber cameras need to be able to capture 4K footage at frame rates of 30 fps or more. They need to have solid autofocus options as well as color depth and resolution. Features like forward-facing displays for solo shoots are serious perks.
First, you need to be aware of your own needs. Do you mostly shoot stationary footage indoors? Or do you want to capture outdoor action? Next, you need to decide on your budget. When comparing cameras, pay attention to the frame rate, resolution, color depth, and autofocus features they offer.
