Are you looking for the best YouTube camera The algorithm doesn’t have to be used to find it? We’ve tested every camera that will appeal to content creators in 2022. The following list will help you decide the right tool for your channel, regardless of whether you are a streamer, videographer, or vlogger.
Which is the best YouTube camera? While YouTubers have different needs, the Sony ZV-1 is our top choice. It offers 4K video on the move with its compact size and 1-inch sensor. A Hot-shoe mount and a microphone port make it convenient to carry around, while live-streaming support makes it easy for you to reach your audience.
This is only one option. The way you share and shoot videos will determine which YouTube camera is right for you. Our buying guide covers everything, from high-end webcams that stream sharply to mirrorless flagships that record top-notch 4K videos, to premium webcams.
You are looking for a mirrorless hybrid that has great video specs? The Fujifilm X-S10 is a mirrorless hybrid with great video specs. It has a variety of video modes as well as image stabilization, external mic input, and image stabilization. This makes it ideal for YouTube content. It’s also a great option for channel art captures with its 26.1MP APSC sensor.
The DJI Pocket 2 is the perfect option for those who prefer to travel alone. It features a stabilizing stabilizer, subject-tracking smarts, and support for useful accessories. This makes it ideal for recording while you walk or talk.
No matter what kind of content you want to create, this list features our top picks for the best YouTube cameras available in 2022. There are options for everyone, regardless of their budget or skill level. We have included the most recent models, along with some older models that are great for YouTube stars. This list is also updated regularly as new YouTube cameras are released. Are you overwhelmed by the choice? The buying guide at the bottom of the page is worth the effort.
The top YouTube cameras of 2022
1. Sony ZV-1
The Sony ZV-1 provides everything a YouTuber needs in a compact package. Sony’s class-leading Real-time tracking and Real-time Eye AF systems will keep your focus while you move around the frame. The bright lens and large 1-inch sensor size ensure sharp images in all conditions and attractive background bokeh – both rare on small-sized cameras.
There are many thoughtful touches. You’ll find thoughtful touches everywhere. The hot shoe can hold an external mic or LED lamp without blocking the side-flipping touchscreen. The video record button is larger than regular compacts and a built-in ND filter allows you to capture smooth movement even on brighter days. The hot shoe even has a feature called “Product Showcase” that is targeted at YouTubers who are primarily focused on reviews. This allows you to quickly adjust settings for the best shooting of objects. YouTube live streaming will also be available via software updates in July 2020.
The touchscreen controls are not perfect. Sony has chosen to use the older micro USB port over a more flexible USB-C. It’s also not the best in video stabilization and it doesn’t have weatherproofing. It’s still the best pocket YouTube camera if you don’t plan on shooting in difficult conditions.
2. Fujifilm X-S10
The Fujifilm X-S10 is a great mirrorless all-rounder, especially considering its price. It’s also one of the most versatile YouTube cameras due to its video capabilities and versatility.
The 26.1MP X Trans CMOS 4 sensor is paired with the X Processor 4, which allows for some of the most advanced video functions such as 4K/30p recording.
You can also use an external microphone source to produce 4:2:2 10-bit video or Full HD at up to 240p. This will give you a slow-motion effect as well as a great in-body image stabilizer system.
It all comes in a stylish package that is easy to use. The specs inside make it a very affordable option.
3. Panasonic GH5 Mark II
The first-generation GH5 from Panasonic was a great camera for creating YouTube videos. The GH5 offered all the video capabilities in a lightweight, well-built body. The Mark II builds on that foundation and adds wireless live streaming. The GH5 II supports the RTMP/RTMPS protocol and can be used with YouTube straight out of the box – a huge win if you want to provide real-time content for your audience.
Wi-Fi automatically adjusts the resolution to match your connection strength. The maximum speed is a respectable 1080/60fps. Do you need to capture some stunning B-roll footage? The GH5 can capture stunning 4K footage even when you aren’t online. It supports 10-bit 4:2;2 videos as well as smooth Full HD slow motion. The Micro Four Thirds sensor is a little too small for low-light performance, but the five-axis in-body image stabilization does a good job and allows you to take photos handheld with a minimal shake. The GH5 Mark II offers a wide range of options for capturing content, thanks to its excellent handling and fully articulating touchscreen.
4. Sony ZV-E10
The ZV-E10, which is a hybrid of the Sony ZV-1, and the more photo-oriented Sony A6100, is a great choice for those who shoot YouTube videos at home or need a reliable live-streaming tool. It is built on older hardware, such as the 24.2MP APSC sensor from the A6100. This means that it can suffer from rolling shutter distortion when you take a lot of pain shots. A viewfinder and in-body imaging stabilization (IBIS) are also missing from the ZV-E10. There is also no 4K/60p mode.
It’s a great YouTube camera for the price, especially if you don’t mind its limitations. It has interchangeable lenses that allow you to capture stunning video and photos, unlike the ZV-1. It is most useful for small film crews. The autofocus is great, with Real-time eye AF and tracking remaining locked to your face. Or, if you use the handy Product Showcase mode, switch to a product that you hold to the camera and back to your face. It’s a great choice for home-based YouTubers.
5. DJI Pocket 2
The DJI Pocket 2 was designed for vlogging. The Pocket 2 is a combination of a stabilizing camera and a small body, allowing you to quickly capture steady handheld footage. Although its smartphone-style sensor will not impress seasoned videographers it is sharp enough to capture watchable vlogs at 64MP. Performance has been improved by an additional 1.7-inch dimension. You can also record more action with Pocket 2. The Pocket 2 has a wider field of view at 93 degrees than the original.
You also get HDR support, an ISO range that is wider, better audio capture, and slow-mo in Full HD. The Creator Combo contains an external wireless microphone, ultra wide-angle lens, and tripod legs. DJI’s Do-It-All Handle is also included for third-party audio. Low light is still a problem for Pocket 2, and the touchscreen is too small to be useful for framing previews. It’s not perfect but it has impressive subject-tracking skills and is a great video tool to have in your back pocket.
6. Olympus OM–D E-M5 Mark III
YouTubers rejoice! The E-M5 Mark III interchangeable lens camera is lightweight and has impressive in-body image stabilization. The E-M5 Mark III also boasts impressive video specs. It can shoot Cinema 4K at 24fps, a bit rate of 237Mbps, and can capture some 1080p video at 120fps.
Although the Four Thirds sensor may not be as large as some mirrorless competitors, the E-M5 Mark III’s image quality is excellent. It also has great color rendition and detailed video. Self-shooting is made easy by the vari-angle touchscreen.
We would have loved to see a headphone port for audio monitoring and a larger grip for handheld shooting. However, the E-M5 Mark III is an incredible package for creating videos.
7. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Canon’s G7 X Series has been updated with a 4K recording and a microphone socket. They slot in well alongside the large sensor (1 inch), excellent image stabilization, tilting touchscreen, and USB charging, making this compact a great choice for creating YouTube content.
It also comes with YouTube live streaming support. Simply tether the camera to your smartphone or Wi-Fi network to broadcast live to the entire world. The camera is sturdy and comfortable to hold in your hand.
The microphone socket does not have a hot shoe so you will need to mount your mic somewhere else. Additionally, the contrast-detection autofocus system on the Sony ZV-1 is less advanced than hybrid systems. This camera is still a good option for YouTubers who are looking for a small, pocket-sized camera.
8. Fujifilm XT4
Although its sturdy shell may look old-fashioned, the X-T4’s design is modern and cutting-edge. Fujifilm’s most advanced APSC camera is still packed with a variety of features that make it great for capturing YouTube content. The X-T4 is sturdy and weather-resistant. It’s also a great camera to use, thanks to its fully articulating touchscreen, which makes it easy to frame shots. The video performance of the X-T4 is excellent across the board. It supports Cinema 4K at up to 60 frames per second, as well as HMDI out up to 400Mbps bit-rate, 10-bit internal recording, and F-Log profiles.
It’s an extremely versatile tool for filming YouTube footage, especially when you include super slow-motion (Full HD at up 240fps). For those who prefer slow-mo magic to walk-and-talk, there’s five-axis image stability. Sensor shift and digital stabilization reduce shake. YouTubers will also benefit from longer battery life and an improved eye-and face-detection automatic focus. Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth connectivity should compensate for the absence of a headphone port. Although it is expensive, the X-T4 can be a very useful tool for YouTube vloggers.
9. GoPro Hero 10 Black
The GoPro Hero 9 Black is a great camera for content creators on the go, thanks to its compact dimensions, rugged build, and creative shooting modes. The Hero 10 Black is a new version of the Hero 9 Black that makes it even more useful for YouTubers. The new GP2 processor provides a smoother shooting experience with a slicker touchscreen interface. The chip’s upgrade also increases 5K frame rates to a smooth sixty frames per second, and 4K at 120fps results in buttery slow-mo B-roll. The upgraded chip has better stabilization, including built-in horizon-leveling that can keep footage straight even when you are moving at angles of 45 degrees. The good news is that streamers can stream 1080p video to YouTube with Hypersmooth enabled. This will ensure your viewers have a more steady viewing experience. Although it isn’t the most expensive action camera, it’s a great choice for YouTube content capture in all weather conditions.
10. Fujifilm X-T200
Fujifilm’s entry-level mirrorless model is a great all-rounder and has some unique features that will appeal to video producers. YouTube creators will love this widescreen touchscreen. It flips to face forward and is large at 3.5 inches. It’s also sharp at 2.78 million dots. The new digital gimbal features use a gyroscope with clever cropping to smooth handheld footage that has been captured while you are moving. This feature will only work with 1080p videos or lower resolutions.
USB-C charging is also a great feature. However, the camera’s outstanding AF technology was designed with stills in view. The face and eye detection tracking tech don’t work while filming so be careful not to wiggle your head too much.
11. Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K PRO
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Pro, a confusing camera for beginners, is a great option for video enthusiasts who want their videos to be seen on YouTube. The 6K Pro is dedicated solely to videography and skips many of the common features that you would expect from a consumer-level camera. This means that there is no image stabilization, tracking autofocus, or limited still capabilities. You also get a tilting touchscreen of 5 inches – perfect for framing – built-in dual microphones and two mini XLR inputs. There is also the option to add an OLED viewfinder or battery grip. The 6K Pro’s compact size makes it ideal for shooting b-roll or other material. Simple controls make it easy to use and give it a focused, uncluttered feel. It can also capture 6K video in raw, with integrated ND filters, which are time-saving and great for speed. The 6K Pro is an extremely powerful tool, especially if you are familiar with video cameras and have the bandwidth and computing power to process large files.
12. Instagram 360 Go 2
The Insta360 Go 2 is the perfect match if you are looking for portability, versatility, and value in a YouTube camera.
The Insta360 Go 2 is not a 360-degree camera, despite its name. It is a small camera with various accessories.
Although it can’t record a 4K video, the 1440p footage that we captured with the Go 2 was impressive and superior to its predecessor. Although it doesn’t match the GoPro Hero 9 Black in terms of quality, it is comparable to its predecessor. This is impressive considering the camera’s size and versatility.
The new charging case is particularly useful because it comes with a tripod, which allows you to set it up on a flat surface or table for quick to-camera work. Although the in-camera image stabilization can be quite poor, it is possible to get great stabilization if you use Insta360’s companion app and desktop software.
There are two downsides to this process: it is more complicated than a GoPro and audio is limited to one microphone. Insta360 Go 2 does not have a screen that can be used to compose photos. If none of these issues matter to you, the Insta360 Go 2 is a great choice for roaming YouTubers.
13. Panasonic G100
The Panasonic G100 is a strong contender if you are looking for a YouTube camera with a dual purpose.
The G100 is a compact camera that has a viewfinder, unlike the Canon G7X Mark II and Sony ZV-1. It also features a 3.69 million dot EVF. This is not necessary for video vlogging, but it can be useful for taking photos in bright lighting.
How about its video skills. These are strong, but not class-leading. The G100’s Nokia Ozo equipped triple microphone set is a standout. It does a better job than many cameras at isolating background noise and cleverly integrates with the camera’s face-tracking.
The video quality is excellent, with clear colors and lots of detail. The G100 is not higher on this list because it has a large 1.6x crop when 4K mode is enabled (which could be an issue for YouTube channels that are ‘walking and speaking’). It also uses a slightly older contrast AF system rather than the hybrid phase-detection offered by the Sony ZV-1.
This might not be an issue if your subject tends to remain relatively still in YouTube videos. The G100 is otherwise one of the best 4K all-rounders available at this price and size.
14. Canon EOS M6 Mark II
The EOS M6 mark II is compact even for mirrorless standards. It features an APS-C sensor that has a high 32.5MP resolution. While video-focused users might not be able to get the same results as stills photographers, there are plenty of YouTubers to enjoy.
Flip-up touchscreens are handy for self-shooting. It can capture crisp uncropped 4K at 30fps and smooth 1080p at 120fps. The camera delivers pleasing color and detail right out of the box. Dual Pixel CMOS-AF with eye detection keeps your face in focus.
The M6 Mark II’s EOS M systems lack a viewfinder. However, the limited number of native lenses isn’t a problem for YouTube content. You can use the screen to compose shots and will likely only need one or two lenses for most situations. If you want to expand your photography horizons, then there is always the option to adapt Canon’s vast array of EF lenses.
15. Panasonic Lumix S5
Due to several key issues, Panasonic’s full-frame mirrorless cameras failed to attract the attention of the world. The Panasonic S5 addresses those issues by bringing a smaller, more portable, and better autofocusing body to the table. It also retains the same video-friendly specs that YouTubers and vloggers have come to know and love about the company.
4K recording is available with cropping at 60p (but it’s not at 30p), fully-articulating screens, V-log support, and dual memory cards. The standard kit lens is 20mm in length, which makes it ideal for filming clips to the camera (even without cropping). It is also compact and matches the S5’s smaller size than its Micro Four Thirds counterpart, the G9.
The S5’s inability to autofocus super fast is a problem. Other cameras have the ability to outperform it. Another issue is the bulkiness of other lenses. This is a great all-rounder for anyone who likes to both shoot video and still images.
16. Panasonic Lumix G90/G95
The G95, also known as the G90 in North America, was designed with video in mind. It has many functions and features that make it great to shoot YouTube videos. The G100 is the smaller brother to the G95, but it is worth looking at because it has in-body image stabilization.
It is a versatile and powerful performer with its flip-out OLED touchscreen, microphone input, headphone output, mic input, and Hotshoe IBIS.
Some evidence shows rolling shutter at certain points. This is something you will need to be careful to avoid. Even though the G90 is a mid-range model, it’s quite expensive. This is especially true when you add the power zoom kit lens. It’s cheaper than the Panasonic GH5 and the GH5S video flagships but offers many of the same benefits.
17. Canon EOS 90D
DSLRs still have plenty of life and many make great video tools. These cameras may not be as shiny, small, or as modern as the mirrorless models, but they still have a lot to offer video producers and photographers. Canon’s EOS 90D captures beautiful uncropped 4K footage at 30fps or 1080p at 120fps. It can also work in adverse weather conditions and has access to a wide range of EF and EFS native lenses – all great things for YouTubers.
It doesn’t offer in-body image stability and is heavier than many mirrorless options. It is not inexpensive, and you will pay a lot for still-focused features and performance you won’t even use. The older and cheaper 80D may tempt you to choose the 80D, but it does not support 24p or 4K video.
18. Razer Kiyo Pro
The Razer Kiyo Pro is the best webcam for home-recorded footage. It can be clipped to the top of any monitor, just like a DSLR lens. This allows for easy sit-down streaming. The tripod attachment can be used to position the Pro in a flexible manner. This is ideal for creative framing and recording handheld segments such as unboxings. Due to its powerful sensor, the camera is much larger than a regular webcam and can capture footage at 60fps.
The standard exposure is great and the adaptive sensor does an amazing job of capturing all available light. HDR mode reduces frame rate to 30fps but improves the balance between highlights and shadows. The webcam can sometimes misfire if there is low ambient lighting. However, this can be easily fixed by a brief burst light. The setup is easy and you can adjust settings using Razer’s Synapse software, which includes three fields of vision. This makes the Kiyo Pro perfect for any type of YouTube content.
19. DJI OM 4
YouTube is not everyone’s cup of tea and they don’t all want to spend a lot on a dedicated camera. You don’t have to buy a new camera just for YouTube.
It allows you to create smooth footage with your smartphone using the OM4’s 3-axis gimbal. It attaches to the phone using magnets. This allows you to quickly remove it from your phone when you need to use it for another purpose.
The gimbal can be folded down for easy transport. Even with large phones (phablets), the gimbal will fit most phones. However, thicker cases might be more difficult to use.
CHOOSING YOUR YOUTUBE CAMERA
How to choose the best YouTube camera
Although your requirements will differ depending on what kind of videos are being shot, there are five key features you should look out for in a YouTube camera.
- Articulating screen
An articulating screen can be used to flip the screen to the side or to pivot up the top. It allows you to see the composition of the shot, the exposure, and the focus in real-time so that you can concentrate on other aspects.
- Good autofocus
While manual focus is still an option in filmmaking, it’s better to choose a camera that has excellent video autofocus. If you are prone to moving around in your videos, eye tracking and/or face tracking can help. The focus will automatically adjust to compensate.
- Built-in stabilization
It is possible to film on the hoof and have shaky footage that is difficult to view. Modern cameras have image stabilization, either optical or electronic. This allows for automatic motion compensation. It should be noted that some cameras do it better than others. A gimbal, however, can be used to stabilize any camera without adding bulk.
- Audio options
The built-in microphone on a camera can record sound. However, an external microphone will greatly improve clarity and reduce unwanted ambient noise. You can check out potential purchases for microphone inputs and hot shoes for mounting mics. Headphone sockets are also an option: they enable you to record audio and monitor the level of your sound.
- Livestreaming options
While this might not be necessary for people who upload videos after editing and filming, it is important for those who want to stream live. This technology is not limited to smartphones and webcams. More and more cameras are being added.
Which camera do YouTubers use most often?
YouTubers have a variety of cameras that they use to capture their content. The list shows that YouTubers use a variety of cameras to capture their content. There are some cameras that are very popular among a variety of YouTube content creators.
When YouTubers ask about their gear, the Sony A7S III is often mentioned. It’s not surprising: Sony’s Alpha series is long loved by videographers. The A7S III combines mirrorless performance with interchangeable lenses versatility with a full-frame sensor that’s optimized to record 4K video. The A7S III supports all types of filming formats. This makes it ideal for content creators who want to edit their footage before sharing it online. The A7S III is a costly option, at US$3,500 / PlayStation3,800 / AU$5,799.
Similar story for some of the equipment YouTubers use. Cameras like the Panasonic Lumix S1H or Canon EOS R5 are popular because they have extensive video specs but their price tags can be prohibitive for new content creators.
YouTubers are increasingly using less-expensive cameras that can still capture high-quality footage. YouTube vloggers are increasingly using the Sony ZV-1, which is a popular model. The original Panasonic Lumix GH5 continues to be used by many YouTubers.
