5 Best YouTube Cameras for Content Creators – 2021 Review & Buyer’s Guide

It is very wise for Canon to develop a camera that’s very specific for uploading exquisite videos on platforms like YouTube. Due to its great set of features, saving photos, videos, and even capturing them are made easy. 

“Canon has been in the market for so long a time and it’s very interesting that they released their first EOS M model that can shoot 4K video,” said Summers, “For YouTubers, the ultra high definition is a great weight especially if they are always dealing with live videos that need crisp and sharp footages Most of all, it is smaller and lighter compared to other cameras.” 

The M50 has a very impressive built-in electronic viewfinder unlike other mirrorless cameras such as its sibling, the new EOS M6 Mark II. Its high-resolution viewfinder has a 100 percent coverage of 2.36 million dots. Add to this, the M50 has a vari angle touchscreen LCD which makes changing the light adjustments and the focus more instant due to its responsive touch. Most of all, it allows you to video yourself since you can adjust it to face you.

Furthermore, this camera has an improved Dual Pixel CMOS AF. Thanks to the said feature, autofocus subject detection, and tracking precision are at ease. The on-sensor phase-detection AF can have a maximum of 143 points depending on the lens fitted on it.

Lastly, the M50 has the new CR3 Raw format. With this, instead of the downsized not-full-function M-RAW and S-RAW formats, you get a compressed full resolution. This will help you save up more space on the memory card without losing the quality and details of the images. Hence, a perfect solution for content creators who need to use their cams every now and then.

In terms of ergonomics, Summers shared that the large grip of the cam will enable a beginner to avoid fatigue while handling the camera even for a long period of time. It is lightweight, with 387 grams (for the black model) or 390 grams (for the white model), including the battery and memory.

To conclude, EOS M50 is a lightweight camera that every YouTuber needs from stunning video quality to its capability to store images with low memory consumption. Most of all, it is one of the reasonably priced cameras on the market, making it a true star on the list.

This GoPro Hero9 is among the few cameras that can take a 5K video and 20MP stills with great clarity and stunning details. Nonetheless, besides delivering images with richer colors and great contrast and shadow details, the in-camera auto-correct horizon leveling is very helpful if you are obsessed with videos with leveled horizons. This makes it a popular choice among YouTubers who create content focusing on extreme activities. Moreover, with its front screen, creators won’t have a problem framing themselves on the camera. 

"This GoPro's newest action camera isn't just all about capturing stunning shots.” Summers said. “It can also deliver the best videos ever through its 5K resolution and even if you need to film everything by yourself, it is very easy. The front screen is a huge help. This, together with its lightweight nature and other software features, it is undeniable that it is one of the most convenient YouTube cameras ever."

Further, according to Summers, Hero9 has also improved some of its other features such as the HyperSmooth and TimeWarp by upgrading them to the 3.0 version. It also comes with additional features like scheduled and duration capture and HindSight, with the last one enabling you to capture 30 seconds of the scene before pushing the shutter button. 

“The upgraded versions of Hero9’s features are very flattering,” Summers said, “Especially the Hypersmooth 3.0 which gives you stabilized videos in any resolution you fancy. This is very exciting, not to mention that its Boost feature helps a lot to get more even shots.”

If you are a YouTuber who constantly reviews products, this camera is for you. The Sony ZV-1 features a “Product Showcase Setting” that focuses on your featured item. You just need to hold your product in front of your camera and it automatically defocuses on your face to clearly showcase the product that you are holding. This became possible due to its autofocus point of 315 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection. 

“The Product Showcase Setting of this camera is very excellent. It detects the item precisely and the transition of focus (from me to the object) is very fast. Therefore, you can smoothly shoot your YouTube content even by yourself,” Summers said.

Apart from the featured setting, Sony has also upgraded this cam. Sony ZV-1 boasts a fully vari-angle screen versus the previous simpler tilting screen of Sony releases. With this, you are capable of shooting your videos vertically, as well. You are free to shoot and frame yourself at ease based on your preference. 

Another best feature of this cam is the three-capsule mic and the windshield. Summers pointed out that when shooting outside a windy environment, there are lots of elements that can distort your voice and overall audio. But with Sony ZV-1, it is not a problem since the built-in microphones are designed to filter unnecessary sounds around your environment.

In terms of camera specifications, this cam has a 20.1 megapixels sensor and an ISO range of 100 to 12,800. Despite its size, it is also equipped with 4K up to 30p and Full HD up to 120p. Sony ZV-1 also utilizes the SteadyShot joint optical and electronic stabilization system which helps you give shake-free videos at all times. As per its ergonomics, YouTubers can handle the camera comfortably because it is compatible with all-in-one Bluetooth grips. Due to its size, at only 4 ¼  by 2 ⅜ by 1 ¾ inch, adding additional accessories such as a grip will not cause a hassle in the recording.

“Canon is moving at par with the YouTubers’ demands. This is why Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III introduced the most convenient way to directly create videos online through its Live Streaming feature. This camera can do scheduled live streaming exclusively on YouTube. Once you have completed the registration on the website, image.canon, you are one step closer in maximizing the potential of the cam. Imagine doing that in such a cam with this size,” Summers said. 

Also, it comes with a new 1.0-inch 20.1 megapixel stacked CMOS sensor. It helps you capture a considerable amount of details and enjoy the capability of the cam itself. Another thing that the team finds very interesting with this cam is that it can capture 4K videos without cropping them. You can utilize the framing by shooting 4K at 30p. In the same way, you can also capture 120p or 100p in Full HD. Also, it boasts of 20.1 megapixels resolution for your stills.  

Likewise, this camera is equipped with an excellent autofocus (AF) system, flip-up screen, easy in-camera charging without removing the battery, external microphone support, and an HDMI output connection. All of these features are compactly organized in this very handy 304-gram point-and-shoot camera. Great!

The DJI Pocket 2 is an upgraded version of the Osmo Pocket. It boasts a wider FOV at 93° and larger aperture at f/1.8 compared to its precedent with 80° FOV and f/2.0 aperture. Hence, more excellent photos and videos can be captured since its qualities are combined with the all-new 64 MP sensor. 

Likewise, the DJI Pocket 2’s 3-axis gimbal takes video stabilization to a whole new level. Also, it allows you to upload 4K video resolution on YouTube with no bulky image stabilization equipment.

"Despite its small size, the smoothness of the generated video is stunning," Summers noted, "it continues to remain the best way to capture balanced 4K video and seamlessly flowing time-lapses without having to lug around a full-sized DSLR gimbal as well as heavy camera gear."

Another noteworthy feature of this YouTube camera is the inclusion of accessories with this Creator Combo. Instantly, you will have a DJI Pocket 2 cover, mini control stick, tripod mount, wrist strap, USB cable, smartphone adapter, do-it-all handle, micro tripod, and a wide-angle lens. Meanwhile, if you want to have a larger screen to monitor your footage, you can attach it to your smartphone. This setup will also enable you to do live streaming. The best part? Besides Facebook and Youtube, it also comes with RTMP support. That said, you have a vast selection of other services where you could use it.