Using the best vlogging camera for YouTube on your channel can be the difference between a new subscriber, or skipping your video altogether.
Every YouTuber is starting to learn this the hard way.
The problem is this…
The competition out there is fierce. 300 hours of content is uploaded to YouTube EVERY MINUTE. Standing out in the crowd has never been tougher. Nobody has patience for a dark or shaky video.
So how do you establish yourself as worthy of a dedicated following without spending on a big production budget?
Aside from great content, the most important thing to consider is the right equipment. Start with the best camera for your YouTube channel. A good vlogging camera can go a long way.
If you are specifically looking for the best cheap camera for YouTube, you can read our guide here.
Here is our quick comparison table of the YouTuber cameras:
Best Vlogging Camera Round-Up
| Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II | [Best Value] Beginner/ Intermediates | 1080p | $ | ★★★★ | Check Price |
| Sony α7R II | Serious vloggers with big budget | 4K | $$$ | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| Sony α 6500 | Vloggers on the move | 4K | $$ | ★★★★ | Check Price |
| Canon 80 EOS D | [Top Pick] All around value | 1080p | $$ | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
| Panasonic LUMIX DMC- G85MK | Great visuals in any setting | 4K | $$ | ★★★★★ | Check Price |
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
On a budget? Try the Canon PowerShot SX720 instead
Many vloggers want to focus on their content, and just want a camera that is ‘good enough’ to look legitimate, without breaking the bank…
The good news is, Canon Power Shot G7 X Mark II fits that description perfectly.
Actually, Canon cameras are a great place to start in general.
This is is our top recommended camera for beginner and intermediate vloggers because of its solid all around performance, and competitive price.
Technically, it offers excellent results while being relatively easy for beginners to pick up and go. It is not a powerhouse in terms of tech specs, but your YouTube videos will still look crisp in 1080p full HD.
It also has a flip screen which is key for anyone starting a vlog. You can adjust the screen to any angle to see whether you are in the frame or not, and make sure you don’t waste any time on useless takes.
If you do invest in the power solutions, there isn’t too much more to complain about as long as you don’t have your heart set on having the most advanced camera for YouTube.
The Powershot is at its best for those who want to get started, and get things done quickly. Auto-focus is fast and accurate, the touch screen is responsive, and overall the camera is easy to use for first timers so you can focus on your vlog content.
When you aren’t filming, it also comes with a rubber grip that assists you in holding the camera more easily that will prevent it from slipping.
If you have a massive following expecting professional level visuals, then you should keep reading. However, if you want a strong mid-tier camera for YouTube videos, then the Canon Powershot G7 is a great is fit.
More details at Amazon: Check Price & Reviews
- Easy to use for first timers
- Lightweight and portable
- Very responsive touch screen
- Battery included drains quickly
- Need to buy battery adapter separately
- Good quality but not ‘professional’ level
Sony Alpha α6500
On a budget? Try the Sony a5100
If so, pay close attention…
The Sony Alpha α6500 is especially valuable for anyone who is capturing vlog content on the go and in different locations.
It captures video in 4K and its optical sensor resolution is 24.2 (MP) mega pixels which captures clean and beautiful pictures and videos with remarkable clarity while you are on the move.
A great new feature introduced to this Sony camera line is 5-axis in-body stabilization which reduces any blurring from a shaking camera on the move. It is rare to find a stabilization feature this powerful in such a compact package. The auto-focus is highly responsive which also helps on this front.
If you are more often filming what is in front of you, or don’t need to see yourself while you are speaking to the camera, then this won’t be a problem and you will get an otherwise stellar piece of vlogging gear.
Physically, the Alpha a6500 feels great. It is light weight and solidly designed and you will feel good holding it for extended shooting days. This camera works faster in comparison to many others on the market and has solid (though not outstanding) battery life.
For filming on the go, this is a top pick. Even if you are stationary most often, it is an excellent all around vlogging camera.
Check out the price on Amazon: Check Price & Reviews
- Excellent stabilization
- Beautiful 4K video
- Reliable autofocus
- No flip screen
Canon EOS 80D (Our Top Pick!)
On a budget? Get the Canon EOS Rebel T5 instead.
Don’t be thrown off by the lack of 4K resolution. The combination of 1080p resolution video capture and its incredibly powerful dual pixel auto-focus still makes for great videos. Many vloggers out there swear by this camera.
The auto-focus system of this series of cameras is considered best in class. You have almost no chance of wasting a shot due to out of focus visuals. You will look great on camera in any lighting situation.
This brings us to the LCD viewfinder…
This thing is awesome!
First of all, it is big. 3 inches may not sound like much, but you will definitely notice how well you can see every detail of the shot while in flip-screen mode. The screen is actually quite flexible allowing you to adjust the angle as necessary. It is also extremely responsive for taking advantage of the great auto focus.
At the end of the day, it produces professional looking videos, even if it doesn’t capture in 4K. If your focus is how you will look when speaking to the camera, then this is a proven winner.
Physically, the 80D comes in a compact package with a comfortable hand-grip. It is lightweight, and has respectable (if unremarkable) battery life
The 80D has also revamped its menus from its predecessor and fortunately it has made things a lot easier for beginners. Key features are easy to find, and you will get comfortable very quickly.
Check out our top pick on Amazon: Check Price and Reviews
- High quality video and auto-focus
- Excellent flip screen
- Good overall value
- Doesn’t capture in 4K
Panasonic LUMIX DMC- G85MK
On a budget? The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FZ300K is a great alternative.
The DMC-G85MK is a mirrorless camera known best for its outstanding video performance and durability. It delivers 4K resolution and almost always manages to keep the right things in focus. Still images won’t dazzle you as the 16 megapixel photo resolution, but it still does the trick with no major complaints.
Similar to the Sony α 6500, the LUMIX DMC- G85MK is a good camera for vloggers on the move. They use ‘Dual IS’ which means that stabilization in the camera works in tandem with stabilization inside the LIMUX lens to correct any shakiness. This also helps deliver clarity in standard tripod filming.
The point is this:
Your videos are going to look sharp, and if you are moving around, they are going to look remarkably smooth.
Let’s talk about some other key features.
This is one of the more enjoyable cameras in terms of user experience. It is easy to create your own custom settings, and recall back to your favorites.
As you would expect for a top vlogging camera, the DMC- G85MK comes equipped with a flip screen.
It is also one of the most durable high end cameras. First of all, it is splash proof and dust proof. Weather won’t slow you down. It is also made sturdy enough to withstand frequent changes of shooting location.
That makes this camera an especially good pick if you are a travel or action vlogger capturing your own footage everywhere you go. It is a small, ergonomic package that you can work with all day without it feeling cumbersome – a common advantage of mirrorless vs DSLR cameras.
Good fit for you? Check Amazon for details: Check Price & Reviews
- Good quality video on the move
- Very durable
- User friendly camera options
- Average still image quality
Sony α7R II
On budget? Check out the Sony a7 Full-Frame Mirrorless Digital Camera instead
If you are looking for the best of the best video quality, then it doesn’t get much better than the Sony α7R II.
It is flat out one of the best vlogging cameras that we have seen. This is for serious vloggers looking to grow their YouTube audience, and willing to pay a premium to look like the real deal.
Pictures and videos look fantastic with the a7R II. It captures with 4K resolution and deserves applause for its strong performance in all light conditions. Auto-focus is extremely fast and accurate, though we did notice that it is a bit slower in low lighting.
If you are willing to invest in the quality of your vlog, the good news is you are going to get your money’s worth. Beyond the high end tech specs, the Sony a7R II checks all of the secondary boxes you want for a great vlogging camera. It includes a flip screen, the battery power is excellent, and given its durability and light weight, it is easy to take your vlog to different settings which can be a good way to mix things up for your audience.
Some people will be scared off by the price tag, but we like that the Sony α7R II is the noticable jump in quality from mid range cameras. Of course, you can spend even more if you want to, but the increase in quality becomes less noticeable to the average person.
If your goal is to take the next step into YouTube stardom, then we strongly recommend this camera.
Interested? Here is the Amazon link: Check Price & Reviews
- Among the best video quality you will find
- Performs well in different light conditions
- Durable and lightweight
- High end price
- More powerful than beginners will need
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