Are you in search of a good starter camera for YouTube?
If you are a beginner, you might get overwhelmed by the plenty of options available in the market. As a result, you will end up buying the wrong camera.
Don't worry, we've got your back. Through this article, we'll help you to purchase the best camera for YouTube beginners. We'll guide you about the key factors you should consider while getting a camera to start a YouTube channel. To help you more, we have curated a list of the top 10 best cameras for YouTube beginners in 2024. At the end of the article, we have also covered additional gears that are used with the cameras. Without further ado, let's quickly jump into the guide.
A new camera can be a profitable investment for a YouTuber. However, let's not deny the fact that good cameras are expensive. Thus, it is necessary to fix a budget in the first place. Define a budget that does not dig a hole into your pockets.
If budget is not an issue for you, then it is recommended to go for DSLR or Mirrorless cameras. However, if you do not have deep pockets, compact cameras and camcorders can be a good option.
What is your purpose behind buying a camera? Before buying a camera, asking this question to yourself can help to figure out the best product. Various types of cameras have their unique ergonomics and performance. So, you need to be specific about the features you are looking for in the camera.
It's a no-brainer that video quality plays a vital role when it comes to creating videos for YouTube. So, opt for cameras with at least 1080p. But, if you have the budget to invest a few more bucks for a 4K resolution, just go for it.
Good quality audio is another checkpoint for a successful YouTube channel. Always look for an in-built mic with the camera. Although using an external microphone can provide more clarity and control over the sound. Therefore, check if your potential buyer has mic and headphone inputs.
It can be tempting for you to explore the latest and most professional cameras. As a beginner, you should go for cameras that are easy to handle and use. Afterward, you can gradually upgrade to a high-grade camera.
Starting with the elegantly designed OBSBOT Tail Air camera. The Tail Air camera has compact and sleek ergonomics that make it the best camera for beginner vloggers. Also, it is supported by artificial intelligence. This allows it to provide unique and dynamic functionalities.
Exceptional object-tracking, grid formation, seamless connectivity, and gesture control are some other cool features of this Tail Air camera. Moreover, you can use your smartphone to control the videography even from a considerable distance. Besides, it performs well for all types of video-capturing requirements like vlogging, live streaming, live shows, and interviews. It can be considered an all-rounder in the field of content creation.
Price $499 (price only for reference)
Features:
Presenting a mirrorless camera by Panasonic. Panasonic Lumix G7 is an ideal starter camera for YouTube. It has a black matte finish body with an easy-to-handle grip design. The video resolution offered by this camera is 4K. The 16-megapixel sensor provided in the camera operates like a larger lens found in DSLR cameras. Moreover, Lumix G7 features in-body stabilization. It means that this camera will stabilize any lens used by you.
Price $549 (price only for reference)
Features:
The next camera that we have on the list is the Sony Alpha A6400. It is the most advanced mirrorless camera that you should check if you are not willing to go beyond $1000. Its lightweight and compact body makes it a perfect option for vlogging.
Furthermore, it's a better upgrade to Sony's A6300 with new Bionz X processors and next-level autofocus. With Alpha A6400, you can film highly detailed videos with ultra-HD resolution. On top of that, it also provides a headphone socket to ensure good audio quality of the videos.
Price $899.99 (price only for reference)
Features:
The Nikon D5600 is an amazing YouTube camera for beginners, offering fantastic build quality and image quality. Yet it is suitable for gaming and screen recording purposes with an APS-C CMOS sensor type and 1080p recording at 30p. It also has a great ISO sensitivity range. The viewfinder featured in the camera has excellent on-point color accuracy.
Price $466 (price only for reference)
Features:
With great popularity amongst filmmakers, Blackmagic Pocket Cinema effortlessly provides top-notch video quality. This camera allows you to capture high-resolution cinematic shots with its 4K resolution. It has a full-size 4/3 sensor to give a wider field of view. With an ultra-bright 5-inch screen, 4 built-in microphones, and dynamic button controls, you will have all the tools that you need for a smooth workflow.
Price $1,295 (price only for reference)
Features:
Are you a beauty influencer? Then, let me introduce one of the best Canon YouTube cameras. That is Canon EOS M50 Mark ll. It is the most suitable camera for recording makeup videos. Because it accurately captures the face with on-point eye and face Autofocus. It also reduces blurring by enhancing the stability of the video. However, the stability can be further improved when you use a lens equipped with image stabilization.
Price $699 (price only for reference)
Features:
The Sony A6500 Mirrorless Camera has multiple features that are specially designed for content creators. It is powered by the world's fastest Autofocus speed. Additionally, it has a newly developed APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor with reduced depth of copper wire layering. It boosts the light collection efficiency of the camera. The best part of this device is its wide sensitivity range of 100 to 512005.
Price $645 (price only for reference)
Features:
Another best YouTube camera for beginners is the DJI Osmo Pocket. This one is a little bit smaller than the GoPro Hero 10. However, it still provides interesting features. Due to its pocket-size compact design, it is probably the best camera to carry wherever you go. It also creates a dynamic soundtrack with the Audio zoom feature. It means when you zoom in on the video, the audio will also follow the same thing.
Price $349 (price only for reference)
Features:
GoPro Hero 10 Black is a versatile camera. Powered by a G2 processor, this camera delivers all-out speed with ultimate ease. You are going to experience advanced video stabilization with HyperSmooth 4.0. This camera provides a 5.3K video resolution with improved low-light performance. So, you are all set to capture ultra-sharp videos with higher frame rates.
In addition to this, GoPro is a cloud-connected camera, so the footage captured by you will automatically get uploaded and saved to the cloud.
Price $249.99 (price only for reference)
Features:
Fujifilm cameras are known for their legacy in color science. This ensures superb depth, saturation, and tone that need little or no editing. So, it is perfect for YouTubers who like to keep the tone natural and yet aesthetic. When it comes to the specifications, it has an in-built five-axis image stabilization and a 180° vari angle LCD touchscreen.
Price $899.00 (price only for reference)
Features:
Tripods are necessary when we want the camera to be completely still for the shooting. Also, tripods are helpful in low light conditions where the camera uses a slower shutter speed to capture enough light. In this condition, if you are holding the camera, the shots can be blurry. But the tripod saves the life by providing stability. Similarly, stabilizers ensure shake-free detailed shots.
As we know, the primary focus of the camera is to capture images and videos. Hence, a camera alone has very limited space left for audio. So, an external mic comes in handy. They are specially designed for good-quality audio recording. In addition, if the distance between you and the camera is greater while shooting, then your camera may not be able to record your voice properly. In this case, you should find a portable external mic for yourself.
The need for lighting equipment varies from one setup to another or from one shooting style to another. It changes the depth and composition of the footage. Depending on what are you going to record, you may need lighting setup. So, you can start with LED panels or ring lights.
OBSBOT Tail Air is a great YouTube camera for beginners due to its user-friendly features and quality performance. Besides, it is compact and supports NDI streaming, you can use it for both recording and streaming.
Yes, cell phone cameras are good enough for YouTube, especially newer models with advanced cameras. Consider factors like lighting and stability for the best results.
To start recording videos for YouTube, you'll need a good-quality camera or smartphone, proper lighting, a clear microphone, and a stable surface or tripod. Also, consider using video editing software to enhance your video content and related props.
I hope you got the idea of the different features that you should look for in a camera. Furthermore, to narrow down the options, we have shortlisted the best cameras for YouTube beginners. So, you should check out the cameras on the list.