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If you're just getting into makingYouTube videos, your smartphone camera is probably the best, mostcost-effective starting place. Using what you already own alsoleaves more room in your budget to invest in a good microphone and lighting setup, which is key to creating videos that will stand out in the sea of content on YouTube. That said, there are somethings a smartphone can't do. Going with an interchangeable-lens camera gives you more control over the look of your videos. You can try different lenses to create a nice shallow fielddepthfor talking head videosor start shooting with Log profiles and learn how to color-grade your footage. If you want to step up your video game, plenty of options at different price points willlet you produce great video content to share online.
We've bought and tested over 100cameras, and below, you'll findthe best cameras we've tested for YouTube content creators.If you're looking for something even more advanced, you can check out our picks for thebest filmmaking camerasor thebest 4k-capable camerasmore generally. If shooting sports is more your thing, you can also look at thebest video cameras for sports.
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Best YouTube Camera
Sony ZV-E1 8
Vlogging
7.9
Studio Video
8.4
Action Video
8.0
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
Full FrameSee all our test results
The Sony ZV-E1 is Sony'sfirst full-frame vlogging camera and the best camera for YouTube if money is no obstacle. Like other models in the ZV lineup, it hasa fully articulated screen that's great for self-recording, a built-in directional vlogging mic, and no viewfinder. It's also one of the most compact full-frame cameras on the market, though it isn't the most portable option forwalk-and-talk style vlogs.
With a full-frame sensor that's optimized for low-light shooting, this is a great choice if you tend to shootin less controlled lighting conditions. Features like auto framing or modes like'Intelligent Auto' and 'Cinematic Vlog' do the heavy lifting to get the right look for your videos. On the other hand, the camera alsosupportsinternal 10-bit 4:2:2 Log recording, with4kat up to 120 fps, making it a good fit foradvanced 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.
See our review
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Best Upper Mid-Range YouTube Camera
Sony α6700 17
Vlogging
7.8
Studio Video
8.3
Action Video
7.6
Body Type SLR-Style
Mirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
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 lacksthe exceptionallow-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 classthat can record atup to 120fpsin 4k, albeit with a significant crop.
Beyond that, it features in-body image stabilization 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 videosat this price point, don't overlook the Fujifilm X-S20. Unlike the α6700, it can record6.2k video from the full resolution of its sensor and supports RAW video output to a compatible external recorder. That said, its AF isn't as reliable, and this model can't shoot 4k 120 fps.
See our review
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Best Mid-Range YouTube Camera
Fujifilm X-S10 5
Vlogging
7.8
Studio Video
7.7
Action Video
5.6
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
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 isnotably 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 outat 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 in-body image stabilization.
That aside, it's alsowell-built, with accessiblecontrols, a comfortable grip, and a fully articulated screen toeasily 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 upwell 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.
See our review
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Best Budget YouTube Camera
Sony ZV-E10 9
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
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 asthe Fujifilm X-S10, but it's an excellent vlogging camera for the price. It even has neat extra features, includinga specialized 'Product Showcase' mode thatautomatically switches focus to any objectheld up in the frame, making it a great choice for product and beauty vloggers.
If you're looking for better stabilization, the similarly priced Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV comes with five-axis in-body image stabilization, 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.
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Best Cheap YouTube Camera
GoPro HERO10 Black 2
Vlogging
6.0
Studio Video
4.9
Action Video
9.0
Body Type
Action CamMirrorless
YesSensor Size
UnspecifiedSee all our test results
If your smartphone isn't cutting it, but you can't afford an interchangeable lens camera, then a GoProis your best bet for a cheap YouTube video setup, as long as you don't mind the trade-off in video quality. The GoPro HERO10 Black is one of the best-value options you can get. Though GoPro has since releasedthe GoPro HERO11 Black and the GoPro HERO12 Black, the HERO10 is still a powerhouse action camera that can do most of the same things, and you can find itat a lower price.
Thanks to a handy front-facing screen, you can monitor yourself while recording, making this a great option for action videos and standard walk-and-talk style vlogs. GoPro's HyperSmooth stabilization is the best in its class and ensures your footage looks smooth. The camera also has more frame rate and resolution options than you'll need, with 5k up to 60 fps and 4k up to 120 fps.
See our review
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Best Point-And-Shoot YouTube Camera
Sony ZV-1 5
Vlogging
7.8
Studio Video
6.8
Action Video
5.2
Body Type
Point and ShootMirrorless
YesSensor Size
1-inchSee all our test results
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 otherZV series cameras recommended above. It has a fully articulated screen, dedicated vlogging focus modes, and a microphone optimized for vlogging, complete with a detachable windscreen to reduce ambient noise. However, its compact, fixed-lens form factor makes it much more portable, so it's a good fit for walk-and-talk 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 fuss around with 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, so you might end up with a cropped image anyway with e-stabilization enabled. The biggest drawback of a compact camera is a smaller battery, a shorter battery life, and a tendency to overheat during long recording sessions. If that isn't a dealbreaker, the ZV-1is one of the best compact cameras for YouTubers.
See our review
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Best Pocket YouTube Camera
DJI Pocket 2 2
Vlogging
6.0
Studio Video
7.1
Action Video
7.0
Body Type
Action CamMirrorless
YesSensor Size
1/1.7-inchSee all our test results
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. 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 shootstabilized handheld video without spending a fortune.
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Recent Updates
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Feb 06, 2024: Added mention of the DJI Pocket 3 to ensure the article is up to date with current market conditions.
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Jan 08, 2024: Replaced the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III with the OM SYSTEM OM-5 as a Notable Mention.
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Nov 29, 2023: Removed the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III from the Notable Mentions due to limited availability.
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Nov 02, 2023: Replaced the Fujifilm X-S20 with the Sony a6700 as the 'Best Upper Mid-Range YouTube Camera' because of its better autofocus and wider range of frame rate options.
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Oct 04, 2023: Added the Fujifilm X-S20 as the 'Best Upper Mid-Range YouTube Camera' to cover a wider range of budgets.
All Reviews
Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the best video cameras for YouTube for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to findor almostout of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose foryourself, here's the list of all our reviews forcameras. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.
