Since launching my very first YouTube channel, I’ve watched it grow like wildfire!
Even though my videos are high quality now, when I first got started, I had no idea where to begin when it came to video making. I had never made videos before. I didn’t even know that lighting was an important part of video production.
I’ve put together this list of the best cameras for YouTube so that you don’t have to hunt around the internet to figure out which camera you should invest in to boost the quality of your channel.
1. Your iPhone or SmartPhone
I got started filming YouTube videos using my smartphone. Surprisingly, the quality was actually pretty good. I recommend this route for every beginning video creator.
The reason I recommend using your phone is that you’ll accomplish a few things:
- You’ll get over the fear of putting out videos into the world.
- You’ll learn how to speak comfortably on camera.
- You’ll give yourself time to figure out whether or not YouTube is right for you.
If you decide that you like YouTube and are willing to put in the work necessary to grow your channel, then you can invest in one of the premium cameras below.
2. Canon EOS Rebel T6i Video Creator Kit
The first thing that I did when I realized I wanted to make higher quality YouTube videos was to seek out experts. Every expert that I spoke with recommended that I invest money in a DSLR camera.
Of course, I could have gotten a good cheap point and shoot camera, but I knew that I was just going to have to upgrade it again anyways. All of the top users use a professional DSLR camera, unless they’re vlogging or on the go.
The Rebel T6i video creator kit gives you a lot of functionality and it’s still relatively cheap for a DSLR camera. The microphone ensures that you’re going to shoot some kickass videos.
3. Cannon EOS 70D Creator Kit
This is actually the package that I ended up buying, largely because I wanted better autofocusing technology. The Cannon EOS 70D is magical. I love it, so much!
The great thing about this camera is that you don’t have to worry about being a video expert to use it. While yes, you can take manual control and customize all the setting to exactly how you like it, you can also just use the autofocusing technology. You can turn on the camera, and start filming.
To be honest, you are going to get great results out of both the 70D and the T6i. It’s going to be a huge step up from any point and shoot camera. I was willing to invest in the higher price tag, but you might be more interested in using that budget to acquire lights or other accessories.
4. Canon PowerShot ELPH
If you’re more of a vlogger and looking for something that you can carry around and that will give you better quality video that your smartphone, you could look into the Cannon PowerShot.
Remember that every camera has it’s own best use cases. I wouldn’t carry around my EOS 70D if I was filming in the streets of Manhattan (though some YouTubers do that). This camera is light, portable, and takes premium videos.
This camera has been recommended by a few different YouTubers and bloggers and one way to up the quality of your YouTube videos. It also won’t break the bank!
5. Sony HD Video Recording HDRCX440 Handycam
I can’t film my videos unless I can see myself in the camera display. That way, I can make sure that my chair is property in the shot. I can also get an idea of my energy level while I’m talking to the camera.
If you want a point and shoot camera that will also let you see yourself in the frame, you could look into a camcorder style camera, like the Sony HD Video Recording HDRCX440.
This is a cheap option if you’re just starting out and want to wait before you fully plunge into the YouTube swimming pool and invest in a high quality DSLR camera.
6. GoPro Hero
When I was in Thailand, I saw a bunch of tourists, families, and even internet entrepreneurs filming YouTube videos with a GoPro Hero.
Some of them had a waterproof version, so they could take the camera into the waves with them. Since the camera is inexpensive and durable, they could also take it on backpacking trips!
While this might not be your ideal choice when filming YouTube videos in your home, you could certainly incorporate this into a vlog-style channel.
What’s Next?
Having a nice video camera will certainly boost the quality of your YouTube channel. However, don’t think of it as a silver bullet. You still have to get good at speaking on camera! If you’re shy and having a hard time getting started, I’ve put together a few essential public speaking tips to further enhance the quality of your videos. Enjoy!