With so many options, it can be overwhelming trying to find the best camera for YouTube videos. While you might be tempted to go for an all-purpose camera out of convenience, it's likely not the best fit. There are tons of different kinds of YouTube vlogs and videos, and there's no one perfect camera to capture them all. The key is to find the camera that will best capture your type of content. Keep reading for our tips on how to decide the best camera for your YouTube videos.
1) Walk and Talk: Sony ZV-1F Vlogging Camera
If you're intimidated by gear but still want to take your content creation to the next level, we recommend this Sony vlogging camera. Incredibly user-friendly, it's designed specifically for creators who typically use smartphones for filming. A wide angle lens (20mm) with a flip-out screen makes it perfect for filming yourself. This camera even has face-priority exposure to ensure that your face stays properly lit regardless of where you are. Even more, its internal stabilization makes it great for a walk-and-talk camera. If you're really looking to up your game, we recommend pairing it with their GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip (for an additional $140). We love that this camera can fit right in your pocket. It's perfect for creators who don't need more complex gear but still want to improve the quality of their content. No need for additional bulky lenses or costly accessories. With a base price just under $500, the Sony vlogging camera is an accessible way to go from bigger blogger to next level influencer.
2) Up Close and Personal: GoPro Hero 12
Who doesn't love a good GoPro moment? Those iconic first-person POV shots can grab viewers' attention and reel them in, and we recommend the GoPro Hero 12 to make it happen. Attach the GoPro to yourself to capture dynamic POV shots in action, such as sports and stunts. GoPros are also perfect for mounting above a workspace to create a bird's-eye-view for process videos. This is ideal for cooking, crafting, and any type of artistry. It's crucial, however, to know what GoPros are NOT for. Because these types of cameras have a very specific niche, using them for anything other than their intended type of content creation can actually hurt your quality. For example, never use a GoPro for interviews, dialogue, selfies, or really anything where first-person doesn't make sense. GoPros tend to do bad in low-light environments. Make sure when using a GoPro you are either outside or in a well-lit workspace.
3) Interviews: Canon Vixia HF G70
We've worked with some YouTubers who swear by this Canon cam. It's loaded with great features like dual-slot recording. This means you can record to two SD cards at once, allowing you to simultaneously create a backup of your footage. And you won't have to worry about your SD card getting corrupted during filming (because you already have a second one in the camera!). This cam also comes with an AC adapter, meaning as long as it's plugged in, you don't have to worry about switching out batteries. This makes it ideal for filming long interviews or panels. When making this list, we were considering including a DSLR, but ultimately chose a camcorder because it's a little more inclusive and a little more user-friendly. Regardless, when creating content for YouTube, you want to stay consistent with your video format. As exciting as it may be, you don’t need to be burdened with purchasing different lenses and accessories. While this gear may lack a little versatility, it makes up for that in ease of use and price.
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