The 10 Best Cameras For YouTube
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in December of 2018. Whether you're producing a dramatic or comedic web series, or creating personal or informative content for a specific set of viewers, the cameras for YouTube on our list will give you the power to make compelling videos that look great. We've included models suitable for creators of all types in a good range of prices, with an emphasis on picture quality, versatility, and ease of use. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Sony Alpha a6600
2. GoPro Hero 8 Black
3. Panasonic Lumix GH5S
Editor's Notes
August 12, 2020:
A handful of the models included in our previous ranking have been updated, like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV and the Canon EOS 90D, which gained 4K over its predecessor. We also added a pair of mirrorless models from Canon and Nikon in the Canon EOS RP and the Nikon Z50 Compact, with the Nikon winning out despite a slightly smaller sensor, mainly due to the face that a full-frame sensor is a little bit of overkill for content destined to suffer Youtube's compression algorithm. Still, like the Z50, the RP is the least expensive option from the company's mirrorless lineup, and its small form factor and excellent lenses deserve a place.
We made a similar choice when replacing the Sony a7 III with the Sony Alpha a6600, as the cost of the former's full-frame sensor was somewhat unnecessary, and as the 6600 has the ability to maintain things like eye and face tracking in its autofocus while live streaming, which is incredibly useful for content creators who want to move in their frame. The 6600 also keeps its display screen active during live streaming, while its predecessors turned the screen off once output over HDMI began.
January 09, 2019:
An interesting cross section here of models in a particular price range but intended for a pretty variegated audience, as YouTubers have a broad range of needs depending on what exactly they produce. Sony has a few solid entries, as they got a big head start on innovating mirrorless devices suitable for video capture, but companies like Nikon and Canon reliably make a showing, as well.
4. Nikon Z50 Compact
5. Canon EOS RP
6. Canon EOS 90D
7. Sony RX100VII
8. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
9. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
10. Fujifilm X100V
Daniel Imperiale holds a bachelor’s degree in writing, and proudly fled his graduate program in poetry to pursue a quiet life at a remote Alaskan fishery. After returning to the contiguous states, he took up a position as an editor and photographer of the prestigious geek culture magazine “Unwinnable” before turning his attention to the field of health and wellness. In recent years, he has worked extensively in film and music production, making him something of a know-it-all when it comes to camera equipment, musical instruments, recording devices, and other audio-visual hardware. Daniel’s recent obsessions include horology (making him a pro when it comes to all things timekeeping) and Uranium mining and enrichment (which hasn’t proven useful just yet).