Best Camera for YouTube Vlogging

YouTube currently boasts of more than 2 billion people who are ready to watch content every day. And thanks to the ever-changing technology world, it’s now easy to record a professional YouTube video without paying a dime. However, you’ll need the best camera for YouTube videos to create high-quality and engaging 4K videos smoothly. So, if you’re not sure about your options, this review guide will show you the best video camera for YouTube to get you off the mark.

Key features:

• 20.1MP 1” Exmor RS sensor
• 24-70mm focal length
• 3” vari-angle touchscreen
• 4K/30fps maximum video resolution
• Bluetooth/Wi-Fi connectivity

With its autofocus to match, the Sony ZV-1 is arguably the best YouTube camera of 2020. It comes with 4K capabilities, an inbuilt mic jack, and a ton of other options. Here, vloggers will get an f/1.8 lens aperture, although with less zoom. This feature can be essential if you’re shooting up-close with more background blur. Also, the inbuilt neutral density makes a comeback here, which allows you to shoot in bright surroundings comfortably and efficiently. Moreover, it boasts of a bigger recording button and a front-facing recording indicator. The only concern is the lack of flash and electronic viewfinder.

Key features:

• 20.1MP 1.0” CMOS sensor
• 4K/30fps maximum video resolution
• 3” touch-sensitive LCD screen
• 24-100mm field of view
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity

Although the PowerShot G7 X Mark III is an affordable YouTube camera at $700, it packs features that might be just what you need to propel your channel to stardom. It arrives with a robust 20.1MP 1” CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 image processor for capturing sharp 4K UHD videos at up to 30fps. In addition to that, it comes with a 3.5mm mic input with the vlogger’s favorite YouTube live streaming functionality. It also goes without saying that the camera packs a flip-up LCD screen, 265-shot battery, 24-100mm range, and NFC/Wi-Fi connectivity.

Key features:

• 12MP CMOS sensor
• 4K video at 30fps
• 2” touchscreen monitor
• 3.5mm microphone input
• Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and MicroSD connectivity

GoPro is basically the pioneer of the action camera world. That said, the Hero 5 is the best camera for YouTube live streaming, especially if you like taking your endeavors underwater. It can withstand water conditions up to 33 feet deep, making it perfect for any filming situation. It can take stunning 4K footage with its signature wide-angle field of view. And as with all GoPro cams, it features remarkable image stabilization for keeping your videos and photos as clear as possible. Plus, Hero 5 uploads footage automatically to your cloud storage for seamless editing on your phone.

Key features:

• 20MP CCD sensor
• 720p video at 25fps
• DIGIC 4 image processor
• 2.7” fixed screen
• Wi-Fi, NFC, SD, SDHC, SDXC, and USB 2.0 connectivity

From the pocket point of things, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 is the best budget camera for YouTube vlogging. Its 12MP sensor backed up by the DIGIC 4 image processor shoots 720p HD videos at up to 25fps, which is unacceptable these days. Also, it offers 10x optical zoom and an optical image stabilizer for capturing the tiniest of details with minimal blur. For the easiness of use, this point-and-shoot camera has inbuilt NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity for sharing your unforgettable moments.

Key features:

• 24.2MP APS-C sensor
• 3” 921,000-dot tilting touchscreen
• BIONZ X image processor
• 4K video at 30fps
• 100 to 32,000 (expandable to 102,400) ISO range

Sony continues to dominate the action camera space and rightly so. Its A6400 model features a unique combination of 24MP APS-C sensor, 4K video, inbuilt viewfinder, and a wide 180-degree screen. It can shoot 4K video at up to 30fps on its vlogger-favorite 180-degree rotating screen. In other aspects, the autofocus system is exceptionally advanced with an excellent buffer capacity. Also, the A6400 boasts of the latest BIONZ X image processor for an improved signal to noise ratio. All in all, if you’re a single-handed video shooter looking for superior image quality and resolution, this camera is a desirable option.

Key features:

• 12MP 4.5x6.2mm sensor
• 16-27mm effective focal length
• 2” touchscreen monitor
• 4K video at 60p
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity

GoPro’s Hero series just got better with the Hero8 Black. It offers freakishly smooth footage under its rugged and waterproof construction that can go up to 33 feet deep. Quickly moving forward, the HyperSmooth 2.0 video stabilization will give you some jaw-dropping slow-motion footage even better than the Hero7 Black. It can also capture 12MP images with its improved HDR with serious detail and reduced blur even in low-light areas. But more importantly, vloggers will enjoy its excellent live streaming in 1080p. And, your Hero camera is now pocketable that ever, thanks to Hero8’s streamlined design.

Key features:

• 3” flip-out touchscreen
• 20.4MP Live MOS Sensor
• 121-point AF detection
• Shockproof/freezeproof/splashproof construction
• 30fps of continuous shooting speed

If you intend to roam in the most remote places on earth, get the OM-D E-M5 Mark III. It’s compact, lightweight, and comfortable in hand. This camera comes with a powerful 20.4MP live MOS sensor and a TruePic VIII image processor for taking vibrant photographs with edge-to-edge sharpness and true-to-life color. Although it doesn’t have the most autofocus points on this list, the 121 phase-detection points are all cross-type and will cover a wide sensor area. And yes, it offers 10fps of continuous shooting speed with the mechanical shutter. Overall, it ticks all the checkboxes of an ideal action camera.

Summary

These are the best camera for YouTube videos in 2020. We’ve considered features such as external microphone ports, fully articulating screen, AF system, the all-important 4K video, and of course, the price. So, if you want the most affordable YouTube camera, I advise the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS. But if you have some money to spend, you can check out the Sony ZV-1 as well as the GoPro Hero8 Black. In short, it all depends on your use-case and what you’re willing to spend.