The 6 Best Cameras For YouTube - Spring 2024 Reviews

The Sony ZV-E1 is Sony's first full-frame vlogging camera and the best camera for YouTube if money is no obstacle. Like other models in the ZV lineup, it has a fully articulated screen that's great for self-recording and a built-in vlogging mic. It doesn't have a viewfinder, but it's one of the most compact full-frame cameras on the market, though full-frame lenses can still add some bulk, so it isn't the most compact option for on-the-go vlogging.

Still, if you tend to shoot in less controlled lighting conditions, this is a fantastic choice, thanks to a full-frame sensor optimized for low-light situations. Features like auto framing or modes like 'Intelligent Auto' and 'Cinematic Vlog' do the heavy lifting to get the right look for your videos. However, the camera also supports internal 10-bit 4:2:2 Log recording, with 4k at up to 120 fps, making it a good fit for advanced shooters who want more flexibility over the production process, from shooting to uploading the final product. All said and done, these features combine to make this one of the best cameras for content creators, period.

If the Sony ZV-E1 sounds like overkill, you'll be all set with the Sony α6700, which is one of the best 4k cameras for YouTube at its price point. Though it lacks the exceptional low-light capability of the Sony ZV-E1, it's a fantastic and well-rounded APS-C camera. With internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, you can capture very high-quality video with more leeway to edit and color-grade your footage. It's also one of the few cameras of its class that can record at up to 120 fps in 4k, albeit with a significant crop.

Beyond that, it features in-body image stabilization (IBIS) for smoother handheld recording, no recording time limits, and the same exceptional AI-driven autofocus found on the ZV-E1. While the α6700 is the best camera for YouTube videos at this price point, don't overlook the Fujifilm X-S20. Unlike the α6700, it can record 6.2k video from the full resolution of its sensor and supports RAW video output to a compatible external recorder. That said, its autofocus isn't as reliable, and this model can't shoot 4k video at 120 fps.

The Fujifilm X-S10 is the predecessor to the Fujifilm X-S20 mentioned above, and while the X-S20 offers some significant improvements, the X-S10 is notably cheaper and still has plenty to offer for those on a tighter budget. Unlike the Sony α6700, it doesn't support internal 10-bit recording, has a shorter battery life, and maxes out at 30 fps in 4k. However, it uses the same sensor as the X-S20, so video quality is still excellent, and it's one of the few cameras at this price point to feature IBIS.

That aside, it's also well-built, with accessible controls, a comfortable grip, and a fully articulated screen to easily monitor yourself while recording. For those who prefer a more hands-off approach, Fuji's film simulation profiles allow you to change up the look of your videos in-camera. Add in an autofocus system that can keep up well in video and a high frame rate mode in 1080p for slow-motion recording, and you've got a super versatile camera for a range of video styles.

The Sony ZV-E10 is one of the best cameras for YouTube beginners on a budget. It's similar to the Sony ZV-E1 above but with less advanced internal recording specs and an APS-C sensor. Like its higher-end stablemate, it lacks a viewfinder, so it isn't as versatile for photography as the Fujifilm X-S10, but it's an excellent vlogging camera for the price. It even has neat extra features, including a specialized 'Product Showcase' mode that automatically switches focus to any object held up in the frame, making it a great choice for product and beauty vloggers.

If you're looking for better stabilization, the similarly priced and more compact Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV comes with five-axis IBIS, making it a great alternative if stabilization and portability are priorities. However, it has a much less reliable autofocus system and uses a smaller Four Thirds sensor. Ultimately, the ZV-E10 is still the best camera for YouTube beginners on a budget, thanks to its larger sensor, class-leading autofocus, and microphone input.

The DJI Pocket 2 is unique on this list. This tiny camera has a built-in three-axis stabilized gimbal that ensures your footage looks smooth. While the video quality and low-light capability can't compete with some of the larger-sensor options above, the Pocket 2 can be a powerful all-in-one tool in any content creator's belt, especially if you're on a tight budget. The gimbal makes it incredibly easy to record super smooth handheld footage, and it has a slow-motion capture mode that lets you shoot at up to 240 fps in 1080p.

The camera also has an 'Active Track' feature that automatically follows a person or object, which you can use to get creative when shooting products or action footage. Though it's since been replaced by the DJI Pocket 3, the Pocket 2 is a great deal for content creators who want to shoot stabilized handheld video without spending a fortune on gimbals or extra accessories.

A point-and-shoot camera like the Sony ZV-1 offers portability and convenience if you want something small and simple. It's similar to the other ZV series cameras recommended above. It has a fully articulated screen, special focus modes, and a vlogging microphone, complete with a detachable windscreen to reduce ambient noise. However, its compact fixed-lens design makes it much more portable, so it's a good fit for on-the-go vlogging. While you don't get as much flexibility with a fixed lens, it's an easier jump from your smartphone since you don't have to worry about switching out different lenses.

If you prefer a wider-angle lens, the new Sony ZV-1 II has a wider field of view that, on its face, is a little better suited to vlogging. Just be aware that it's pricier and lacks optical stabilization, with an e-stabilization feature that crops in your field of view anyway. The biggest drawback of a compact camera is a shorter battery life and a tendency to overheat during long recording sessions, but if that isn't a dealbreaker, the ZV-1 is one of the best compact cameras for YouTubers.