You don't need to spend thousands to launch a popular YouTube channel, but the best YouTube cameras will help you create quality content for your audience. To help you find the right one, we've tested a huge number of video-focused cameras and rounded-up our top picks here. We've covered everything from pocket shooting tools to premium mirrorless models.
Based on hours of testing, our favorite camera for YouTube is currently the Panasonic Lumix GH7. It's a high-performance hybrid with a vast array of video features that we think make it perfect for YouTubers. It's also one of the best vlogging cameras you can buy, but we know it won't be right for everyone.
Our guide is designed to make it easy for you to find a YouTube camera for your needs and budget. Each entry has been fully tested by our team of experts, to check factors such as video quality, battery life and ease of use. You’ll find the results summarized below, together with useful buying advice to keep in mind.
Top 3 picks
Use the summary round-up below to get an overview of the best YouTube cameras. When you find one that fits your need and budget, you can use the links beneath each entry to jump down to our full insights.
The best YouTube camera with AI tools
Equipped with AI framing and tracking smarts, the ZV-E1 makes it easy to shoot high-quality handheld solo vlogs for YouTube.
The best premium compact for YouTube
Feature-packed and pocket-friendly, the Sony ZV-1 is our favorite compact camera for recording Youtube videos.
Best by use-case
The best YouTube camera for enthusiasts
A 6K workhorse with phase detection autofocus and effective stabilization, the Lumix S5 II ideal for YouTube videographers.
The best 6K camera for enthusiasts
Automated modes and better subject tracking complement 6K/30p video to make the X-S20 an APS-C winner for YouTubers.
The best budget YouTube camera
Travel-friendly and easy to use, DJI's upgraded gimbal pairs subject tracking with superb stabilization for solo YouTube vloggers.
The best YouTube camera for beginners
Modern autofocus, good handling and 4K/30p video cropped from 6K make the Canon EOS R10 a great option for beginners.
The best value compact YouTube camera
4K video, a 3.5mm mic input, a flip-up screen and livestreaming to YouTube mean this compact still offers great value.
The best YouTube action camera
It's not a huge upgrade, but new audio options and a crop-friendly aspect ratio make the Hero 12 Black great for content creators.
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The best value pro YouTube camera
It’s not without quirks, but the 6K Pro is a tidy, relatively affordable tool for pro YouTube videographers to shoot footage at 6K/50p.
The best webcam for YouTube
It’s pricey for a webcam, but if streaming is your YouTube niche, the Kiyo Pro does it at a buttery 60fps.
Tim is TechRadar's Cameras Editor. With more than 15 years in the photo video industry, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge of all things camera related. He's shot video with a range of different models, so he has a unique insight into what makes a great YouTube camera. Tim notes, "YouTube cameras today come in a range of shapes and sizes, spanning everything from pocket-friendly action cameras to full-frame mirrorless models. Recognizing that different YouTubers have different shooting requirements, we've covered all bases and budgets in the list below."
The best YouTube cameras in 2024
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Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best YouTube cameras in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best YouTube camera for most people
Panasonic Lumix GH7 sample video
✅ You want powerhouse all-rounder: The GH7 shoots sharp stills in addition to its incredible set of video options, making it an excellent hybrid choice.
✅ You need steady handheld video: Superb image stabilization means the GH7 can capture smooth, steady shots even when shooting handheld.
❌ You want the most portable camera: The GH7 is well-designed with direct-access controls, but it's not the most compact Micro Four Thirds camera.
❌ You don't need high-end video skills: If you only need a simple YouTube camera to get started as a creator, the GH7 could be overkill for your requirements.
The Panasonic Lumix GH7 is physically identical to its predecessor, sharing the robust build and accessible buttons that we appreciated before. Most of what Panasonic has changed is internal, retaining the best bits of the GH6 while ironing out any kinks. Based on our tests, the result is an incredibly competent camera with a huge array of video options and no major drawbacks for YouTube creators.
A new phase-detection system brings the series up to date with autofocus performance that we found “deadly accurate” in our review. The GH7 also gets the Micro Four Thirds sensor from the G9 II, which delivers superlative quality to compete with the best video cameras. As with the GH6, we found image stabilization incredibly effective for smoothing out walking shots, while forced-fan cooling means you still get unlimited recording times – useful for long-form YouTube content. Together with an arsenal of modes that covers all bases (including 5.8K 30p/5.7K 60p 10-bit 4:2:0 MOV) and class-leading connectivity, there’s very little reason not to consider the GH7.
Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix GH7 review
The best YouTube camera with AI tools
Sony ZV-E1 sample video
✅ You’re a solo YouTuber: Compact and equipped with clever AI modes that automate framing, the ZV-E1 is ideal for working alone.
✅ You like streamlined edits: Tools like Auto Framing limit the need for editing, while the Cine Vlog setting looks good out of the camera.
❌ You don’t shoot slow motion: If higher frame rates aren’t in your content calendar, the Sony ZV-E10 may offer better value.
❌ You’re a serious videographer: For cooling vents, dual card slots and unlimited record times, you’ll want to look at the Sony FX3.
If you want a compact YouTube camera that’s easy to use, the Sony ZV-E1 should sit high on your list. The ZV-E10 trumps it for outright portability, but as the smallest, lightest full-frame camera with image stabilization, the ZV-E1 is arguably the ultimate combination of convenience and quality for shooting YouTube content on the move. During our review, the ZV-E1 captured crisp 4K 30p video in a range of shooting scenarios. Its in-body image stabilization also proved impressive, delivering fantastically smooth footage that’s ideal for run and gun YouTubers who want to shoot handheld without a gimbal.
The ZV-E1 uses AI smarts to make life easier for solo content creators: Auto Framing can reliably track subjects across a scene, which leaves less to edit later. With no cooling vents and only a single card slot, the ZV-E1 isn’t the perfect YouTube camera for power users. It was also a little tricky in testing to see the touchscreen when shooting outside. But for individual creators who want a full-frame tool that’s clever and easy to use, the ZV-E1 is a top choice for 4K filming.
Read our in-depth Sony ZV-E1 review
The best premium compact for YouTube
Sony ZV-1 sample video
✅ You want a powerful pocket tool: Small yet capable of 4K that beats your smartphone, this is the best compact for YouTubers.
✅ You want class-leading autofocus: A bright lens and top-tier autofocus make a great combination for recording at close quarters.
❌ You want the smoothest handheld video: Active SteadyShot stabilization is good but the gimbal on the DJI Pocket 2 does better.
❌ You need an all-weather camera: While the Sony ZV-1 is well-made, it lacks weather-proofing, so it can’t be used in all conditions.
The Sony ZV-1 delivers pretty much everything the roaming YouTuber needs, all in a compact package. Sony’s class-leading Real-time tracking and Real-time Eye AF systems keep you in focus as you move around the frame, while the bright lens and large 1-inch sensor size mean clear, crisp images in most conditions, as well as attractive background bokeh – a rarity on pocket-sized cameras. Naturally, it’s not completely flawless: we found the touchscreen controls a little limited and Sony’s stuck with the ageing microUSB rather than a more versatile USB-C port. Video stabilization also falls just short of the best.
That said, we found thoughtful touches everywhere in our review. The hotshoe can accommodate an external mic or LED light without blocking the side-flipping touchscreen; the video record button is larger than on regular compacts; and a built-in ND filter helps you shoot smooth movement on brighter days. It even offers a 'Product Showcase' feature aimed specifically at reviews-based YouTubers. The ZV-1F is a simpler grab-and-go option, while the ZV-E10 is a clear step up for vloggers. But if you want the best balance of price, performance and portability, the Sony ZV-E1 is the top premium compact for YouTubers.
Read our in-depth Sony ZV-1 review
The best YouTube camera for filmmakers
Panasonic Lumix S5 II sample video
✅ You crop your clips: Uncropped 6K recording means you can easily crop video to different aspect ratios for different platforms.
✅ You’re a run-and-gun shooter: Image stabilization, phase detection AF and a lightweight body make the S5 II ideal for shooting on the move.
❌ You shoot a lot of slow-mo: There’s a limiting 1.5x crop on 4K/60p video, which can be limiting when you want a wide view.
❌ You want stylish camera: Design is subjective, but the angular DSLR styling of the S5 II won’t be to every taste.
Many YouTubers don’t need a full-frame camera. But if you want to record YouTube videos with a larger sensor, we highly rate the Panasonic S5 II. It weighs less than the Panasonic GH6, yet still feels solid in the hand. We also found it intuitive to control in testing, aided by a crisp vari-angle touchscreen. While some will feel the absence of a tally light, the introduction of phase detection autofocus for video is an overdue and welcome one. We particularly appreciate the ability to change speed and sensitivity, which allows for smooth focus shifts.
From our review, the Panasonic S5 II excels when shooting video. It produces excellent 6K/30p footage for YouTube, capturing rich colors and wide dynamic range. Usefully, 6K is recorded using the full area of the sensor, which means you can crop content for different uses within your videos. Effective image stabilization also makes it capable of shooting YouTube content handheld. 4K/60p does come with a restrictive 1.5x crop, while features such as wireless IP streaming are kept back for the more expensive Lumix S5 IIX. All the same, we rank the Lumix S5 II as a convincing hybrid package for YouTubers.
Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix S5 II review
The best YouTube camera for enthusiasts
Fujifilm X-S20 sample video
✅ You plan to record all day: With a battery life double that of the X-S10, the X-S20 will last for a full day of moderate use.
✅ You’re a beginner with ambition: It’s pricey, but the X-S20 is beginner friendly while offering lots of room to grow.
❌ You need a tough camera: The X-S20 has excellent build quality, but it isn’t sealed against the elements.
❌ You’re on a tight budget: The X-S20 is a highly capable 6K hybrid, but you’ll pay for the privilege of its skills.
With automated features designed to make vlogging easier, the Fujifilm X-S20 is a user-friendly upgrade from the X-S10 – already one of the top YouTube cameras. The 26.1MP sensor inside has already proven its abilities in the X-S10 and X-T4. But the X-S20 steps things up with 6K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording. This will be more than most YouTubers need, but it makes the X-S20 a great choice for hobbyists who are serious about shooting and sharing video. Better in-body image stabilization also proved effective in testing for recording handheld.
We found it comfortable to handle in testing, too, with straightforward top plate dials making it easier to control more advanced settings. The balanced design and articulating touchscreen of the X-S10 continue to serve it well. We only wish that Fujifilm had added weather sealing. Still, with creative settings – such as ‘Background Defocus’ and ‘Product Priority’ – just a tap away in the dedicated Vlog mode, the X-S20 is a tempting proposition for creating YouTube content, even if its price tag will discourage some beginners,
Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-S20 review
The best budget YouTube camera
DJI Osmo Pocket 3 sample video
✅ You want steady YouTube Shorts: Portrait recording with stabilization at 3K resolution makes the Pocket 3 a content creator's dream.
✅ You record videos alone: Face auto-detect and dynamic framing mean the Pocket 3 can do the job of a recording crew, without breaking the bank.
❌ You already own a Pocket 2: If you don't need portrait recording or low-light improvements, you'll find better value by waiting for the Pocket 4.
❌ You like a large touchscreen: While the 2-inch display is twice the size, it's still on the small size compared to mirrorless rivals.
Like the Pocket 2, DJI's latest vlogging camera is a handheld, three-axis gimbal camera that shoots stabilized 4K video on the fly. It's also the most affordable model in this list, and benefits from a fleet of new features that make it a more compelling YouTube camera. Chief among them is a new 1-inch sensor. In testing, we found that it delivers excellent dynamic range, while improving low-light performance. Paired with the introduction of live-streaming support and portrait 3K recording, we think it has huge appeal for YouTube Shorts creators.
The upgraded battery capacity impressed in our review, too, offering a significant jump in longevity, while simultaneously halving the recharge time. ActiveTrack 6.0 performed flawlessly as well, with dynamic framing and automatic face tracking making it easy to shoot sharp videos solo. And at twice the size of the display on the Pocket 2, the Pocket 3’s touchscreen is still small but much more useful. We also appreciated its overall ease of use. As a travel- and budget-friendly tool for shooting detailed YouTube footage, the Pocket 3 is hard to beat.
Read our in-depth DJI Pocket 3 review
The best YouTube camera for beginners
Canon EOS R10 sample video
✅ You’re a beginner YouTuber: Small, easy to use and equipped with powerful video features, the R10 is great for beginners.
✅ You want a hybrid camera: The R10 does stills and video very well, making it a great all-rounder for its size and price.
❌ You want a pro setup: With no headphone port or image stabilization, the R10 has entry-level skills for YouTube shooting.
❌ You like a wide choice of lenses: The R10 lacks a wide range of native lenses, which could limit creative flexibility.
Pairing accessibility with performance, we think the Canon EOS R10 is a great APS-C hybrid for fledgling YouTubers to get to grips with. In testing, we found it comfortable to hold, with a combination of dials, a joystick and an articulating touchscreen making it easy to control and shoot with. As well as a mic input, the EOS R10 features Canon’s multi-function accessory shoe, something not found even on some full-frame Canon models.
Low-light recording options are limited because the sensor isn’t backside-illuminated and there’s no in-body image stabilization. Even so, the EOS R10 performs well against mirrorless rivals. Uncropped 4K/30p is oversampled from the sensor’s 6K resolution, and even with a 1.56x crop, the ability to shoot 4K at 60fps is useful for YouTubers who want to create half-speed cut-scenes. While there’s no flat color profile, there is a useful ‘HDR PQ’ mode that delivers 4:2:2 10-bit quality, plus you can record clips for up to two hours. All of which make the EOS R10 a very capable hybrid shooting tool for new YouTube creators.
Read our in-depth Canon EOS R10 review
