Every youtuber wants to have the best camera for making videos on Youtube!
The truth is that it is not an easy choice: it is an important investment and you need not to make mistakes and make the right choice.
It is natural that creating quality content, using the best equipment and promoting yourself well is essential, but a good camera offers you a competitive advantage compared to the thousands of competitors who seek to emerge and grow their channels.
It is quite rare, in 2019, for a user to stop and watch a grainy, fuzzy video with mediocre audio quality.
Fortunately, there are many video and camera options for making good quality videos on Youtube, both for beginners and more or less established youtubers. Some want to have the best possible camera right from the first video, while others prefer cheaper solutions from an economic point of view.
It all depends on the needs and the type of video you record. In this article I have divided what I consider the best 7 cameras to make videos on Youtube in 7 different categories, precisely according to the needs that a youtuber can present.
The 7 best cameras to make videos on youtube
• Best SLR: Canon EOS 70D
• Best Economic Camera: Nikon COOLPIX B500
• Best Flip Screen: Sony a5100
• Best Action Camera: Yi 4k Action Camera
• Best Camera: Canon LEGRIA HF R806
• Best Webcam: Logitech C922 PRO
• Best Point And Shoot Camera: Canon SX720.
Canon EOS 70D:
DSLRs have long been considered the most sophisticated and high-end cameras for videographers and photographers. If you want to get both videos and high quality images, these could be the best cameras for YouTube and for your channel.
Advantages of reflex cameras:
DSLRs are the most popular cameras among professional youtubers because they usually guarantee the highest quality images for both videos and photos.
The high image quality is given by the fact that digital SLRs tend to have larger image sensors and therefore the sides of the larger pixels. A good SLR also excels in automatic focus, image stabilization and video capture mode.
You also have greater flexibility in the possibility of changing lenses. Among the many accessible functions and the various lenses available for purchase, anyone can create quality videos for YouTube with an SLR.
Disadvantages of reflex cameras:
The biggest complaint about reflex cameras is the price. It can be difficult (though not impossible) to find an inexpensive reflex camera under € 500. So if you have a limited budget, you can go directly to the next review 🙂
Another major flaw is their size. Some people consider them too large and prefer a camera that they can carry around in their pockets, or put in a small backpack.
Which channels should you use an SLR for?
If you are creating content like mini documentaries, music videos, short films, skits or spectacular montages, an SLR will probably provide the best results without spending many thousands of euros on a professional video camera.
For example, if you combine them with the right stabilizer, you can get deep and fluid video footage of very different places. Likewise, a good external shotgun microphone will improve audio capture, so that it is safe and clear for the audience.
SLR cameras are excellent even if you are also trying to create a successful Instagram account (for which you need exceptional photos).
Reflex recommendations
The Canon EOS 70D digital SLR is the best video camera on YouTube. While it’s not the most expensive or ‘higher-end’ camera on the market, it has everything a vlogger could want for under $ 1,000.
The EOS 70D has all the most important key features for a camera to make videos on YouTube: a reliable flip screen and a weatherproof design that makes it durable and easy to take to the road. It also has an excellent dynamic range that maintains wonderful shots in almost all light conditions.
The only weak point is the lack of 4K video, but since half of YouTube views come from mobile devices, having a 4K video camera is a big expense that will be appreciated only by a limited amount of viewers.
Best budget camera: Nikon coolpix b500:
Advantages of budget cameras
In the beginning, all you need is a good tool that will bring you the result. This choice saves money and also reduces the risk of investing in something that you risk breaking or that you don’t use very often. Especially for those who are starting out, it is comforting to know that there is a good solution to start, with a limited investment.
Budget cameras usually have fewer features than more expensive models, and all in all, this can be an advantage. If you are a beginner with videomaking or photos, then it is better to learn to master the basics than to immediately devote yourself to advanced functions.
If you save something in an affordable camera, you will have a little more budget for other equipment such as lights or external microphones, which will improve the quality of your videos.
Disadvantages of cheap cameras:
The biggest sacrifice that an inexpensive camera will force you is related to the quality of the videos. While it is still possible to find good YouTube cameras under € 300 that record in HD at 1080p, general clarity, autofocus, image stabilization and low-light performance are weak points that you need to take into consideration.
Less expensive cameras usually cut costs by using less expensive components, so they are often relatively fragile and may not have an input for any external microphone.
Which channels should you use an inexpensive camera for?
If you have just started on YouTube you should seriously consider buying a low cost camera. In the future, if things go well, you can always upgrade your equipment, as many famous youtubers do.
You could also decide to invest in a cheap camera because in your videos you don’t appear very often and then an expensive camera may not be a smart investment.
The Nikon COOLPIX B500 is a good choice for anyone starting on YouTube. Full HD 1080p video recording at 30 fps.
If you plan to use it to film yourself, I suggest you pair it with a tripod.
Miglior flip screen: Sony a5100:
Advantages of flip screens:
These cameras have 180 degree screens which are a key feature for anyone filming on YouTube. They allow you to see yourself during filming, so that you can frame yourself the way you want.
Since even the smallest digital cameras include this feature, they are ideal for vlogs in different settings.
Disadvantages of flip screens:
Buying a filp screen tends to be slightly more expensive than buying a camera that doesn’t have a flexible screen. If you don’t plan on using this feature, it’s best to save some money.
If you buy one of these cameras to record videos on YouTube, you will have to be very careful because they are delicate because the screens are prone to break. If you damage the screen while it is flipped over, repairs can be expensive or even make the screen unusable.
Which channels should you use a flip screen for?
Vlog! The channels in which it makes more sense to use flip screen cameras are those of vlogging because the vloggers themselves are usually the main visual focus of their videos. Seeing yourself helps you feel comfortable with the camera, and reduces wasted or out of focus attempts.
A fantastic budget camera with a flip screen is the Sony a5100. The Sony Alpha series is excellent for vlogging, and the a5100 is among the cheapest options.
It records videos in 1080p HD and has an above-average autofocus system, considering its price. Its small size and weight make it ideal for youtubers on the move.
Miglior action camera: Yi 4k Action camera
Advantages of action cameras:
GoPro and other action cameras have provided us with new ways to capture incredible moments that viewers will want to replicate firsthand. Bungee jumping, shark diving, or anything else amazing that people do to post crazy content. Action cameras are the best way to film such experiences.
These cameras are designed to be resistant to shocks, atmospheric agents and are often waterproof, so that they can accompany you anywhere, even at the bottom of the sea. Compared to high-end cameras, they are relatively cheap, so more and more people are adding them to their camera collection to make videos on YouTube.
Disadvantages of action cameras:
Action cameras aren’t always full of features that offer you many shooting options. Generally you use them to film what you see with your own eyes – that’s all.
These cameras are not meant to replace a good camera. They can also take very nice photos, but do not confuse them with the quality that a reflex or mirrorless camera can give you.
Which channels should you use an action camera for?
Traveling youtubers are the perfect target for an action camera. These are small and easy objects to take anywhere, and also you will not have to worry if while you use them it will start to rain heavily or if you have to dive in the middle of the sea.
Anyone who practices sports or adrenaline will probably find themselves in a situation where a good action camera will be the best choice for filming this type of activity.
Many youtubers love the GoPro Hero action camera series, but in my opinion the real alternative is the YI 4K Action. It is a cheaper action camera, capable of recording truly amazing 4K videos.
Best video camera: Canon legria hf r806:
Advantages of video cameras
Camcorders are often little appreciated by youtubers, but if you are only interested in the quality of the videos and the price, then they may be the best choice.
Most camcorders cost less than € 300 and record in 1080p HD with more than adequate video clarity. If you film in an environment with discreet lighting, then you may be very satisfied with the results obtained, in relation to the investment made.
Camcorders are small and easy to carry around, so you can use them for different shooting positions.
Disadvantages of video cameras
First of all, video cameras are not ideal for those who want to improve their photographic skills.
In addition, video cameras today are a bit unlucky compared to cameras. You will see few youtubers out there unboxing or bragging about their new camera. On the other hand, what is missing in the form is compensated by the substance.
Which channels should you use a video camera for?
They are good for those channels where you put your camcorder on a tripod and start recording on a fixed screen. In these cases, for popular or informative content, a video camera can be a fairly satisfactory choice.
The best video camera for Youtube is the Canon LEGRIA HF R806. In exchange for a reasonable price, you will get clear HD videos in 1080p, which are also good with not exactly perfect lighting. It is small and portable and represents an excellent investment when starting the channel.
Best webcam: Logitech c922 pro:
Advantages of webcams:
A big advantage for youtubers who use the webcam for streaming or vlog is that they are very inexpensive tools compared to other inexpensive cameras. They don’t provide the best video quality, but some manage to produce exceptional 1080p HD content. They usually cost less than € 100 and this is the biggest selling point.
Some webcams also have very useful features for gamers, such as creating a green screen-like effect that resembles what many pro gamers incorporate into their gaming videos.
Disadvantages of webcams:
If you decide to buy a WebCam for YouTube, it is probably because you will only want to shoot videos in your home. Sure, you can install a webcam in other places (as long as it’s connected to a computer), but it’s usually not a convenient and effective solution.
In theory, a webcam stays still in one place and is never used for photography, but only for streaming
Which channels should you use a webcam for?
The answer is: if you make gaming videos. Gamers have to stay close to their console or PC to play, so lack of portability isn’t a problem, and since gaming equipment is generally expensive, saving money on the webcam is a good solution.
Logitech have consolidated experience in the production of exceptional equipment for gamers. The Logitech C922 Pro is inexpensive, produces exceptional videos and offers gamers other fantastic options useful for recording their content.
As a last tip, if your goal is to quickly grow your channel and earn hundreds or thousands of euros per month with your content, I recommend following the best course on this topic: Tubemastery.
It is a course created by Marcello Ascani and Stefano Mongardi. Marcello is one of the most famous youtubers in Italy and has a channel with over 200,000 subscribers. Stefano is a very successful digital entrepreneur and has launched dozens of online businesses that have allowed him to earn enough money to move to Los Angeles and live in the United States.
If you are interested in learning more, I have also written a review on the course, which you can find here:
