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Choosing the best camera for your YouTube channel can be a challenging task. Hours of research and in store testing. There are so many amazing cameras on the market these days that makes it difficult to choose the right one. Luckily, we are here to help. This article will cover:
Determine Your YouTube Channel Theme
Camera Breakdowns
What Cameras Do Your Favourite YouTubers Use?
1. Determine Your YouTube Channel Theme
Before rushing into purchasing an expensive camera, make sure you establish what your YouTube Channel is going to be about. Vlogging, gaming, makeup reviews and tutorials just to name a few (here’s a handy guide for how to come up with YouTube video ideas).
These all require different types and styles of cameras to create the best quality content. If a makeup artist wants to film close up shots of their intricate work, a vlogging camera would not be recommended as it does not have the same focus, zoom and stability quality as a DSLR or EOS camera. If you are a travel vlogger, an underwater camera should be on top of your list.
Most beauty and lifestyle channels will most likely use a bigger camera to film their sit down videos, and a smaller, more portable camera to vlog. Although buying two different cameras can be extremely expensive. Finding your happy medium is key. Starting yourself off with a high quality, mid range in size camera is probably best if the main theme of your channel is not established yet as this will allow you to film anything you desire with the best possible quality. Good quality cameras are available even if you're on a budget.
2. Camera Breakdowns
A) Best Cameras For YouTube Vlogging Videos
Here is a list of our top 3 cameras for YouTube vlogging in low to high price range.
i. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II – Clipchamp Top Choice
Extremely compact
High video quality
Vlogging aspect – large 20.1-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor
Built-in NFC and Wi-Fi
Manual control options
Flip and touchscreen
This device will attract any YouTuber who needs a compact camera for vlogging and traveling, as it is extremely light and won’t attract much attention. The flip, folding screen allows you to comfortably watch yourself record. Many popular vloggers such as Zoella, Faze Rug and Trisha Paytas all use the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II.
(Image credit: Rae Jonhston 2016)
ii. Canon EOS M50 – Best All Round
5 axis image stabilizer
Vlogging aspect – DSLR-Size sensor
Embedded Vlog friendly features
Easy to use
Excellent EVF
Touchscreen
The Canon EOS M50 presents all key features a vlogger requires to create the best content possible. Combining the compact feel, powerful processor and 4K video format recording in full HD, gives this camera the best all round vote. This particular model is perfect for vloggers wanting a excellent quality camera for a low price, yet high replaceable optics. Well known YouTuber, Peter McKinnon uses this camera with raving reviews.
iii. Panasonic Lumix GH5 – Premium Choice
4K recording
Combined image stabilization
20.3MP 4/3 matrix low pass filter
Large and bright EVF
Touchscreen interface
Quick performance
Durable build
Another great option for vloggers, is the high class, Panasonic Lumix GH5. Although having a higher price range then its competitors. This camera would be more useful to advanced users. Well known YouTuber EverythingApplePro, having over 7.2 million subscribers has raving reviews about this camera.
B) Best Cameras For YouTube Lifestyle Videos – sit down / tutorial
Here is a list of our top 3 cameras for YouTube Lifestyle videos in low to high price range.
i. Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D – Most Balanced DSLR
Modern processor DIGIC 7
Full HD 60 FPS video
Dual Pixel CMOS AF system
Excellent battery life
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D is one of the smallest DSLR cameras in the world, making it highly popular within the YouTube community. Combined with removable lenses, full HD 1080p video and perfect image quality. Again being very compact, although more powerful than its competitors.This camera also has unique additional accessories leaving great opportunities for different video ideas.
ii. Canon EOS 70D DSLR – Clipchamp Top Choice
19-point autofocus system
Built-in stereo microphone – can also connect external microphone
Built-in WiFi
Full HD video
The Canon EOS 70D DSLR camera is perfect for creating professional looking videos as it has clear autofocus and fast processing. Popular YouTubers Shani Grimmond and Casey Neistat both use the Canon EOS 70D DSLR to film their videos.
iii. Canon EOS 80D DSLR – Clipchamp Top Choice
DIGIC 6 image processor
Full HD 1080p video
Built-in WiFi
HDMI and USB inputs
Autofocus system
The Canon EOS 80D DSLR is for the YouTubers who want an absolute elite video quality for their uploads. With new mirror vibration control system helps reduce the blur in shutter shock. Headphone sockets have been added to compliment its microphone port, as well as having majority of controls accessible via the articulating rear touchscreen. The body is also fully sealed against any dust or moisture. Well known YouTubers Patricia Bright uses this camera to film her amazingly crisp videos.
3. What Cameras Do Your Favourite YouTubers Use?
Figuring out what camera best suits you and your style can be a lot easier when comparing your genre of videos to the YouTubers you already watch and gather inspiration from.
Usually, if the YouTuber is feeling helpful, they will list the equipment used in their description box of every video they upload. For example Australian beauty guru, Shani Grimmond posting her camera and editing equipment in the description box of every video.
Generally this is the best way to see what type of camera you would like to buy, as you can view the filming quality in their videos already. Watching YouTube videos that have already been edited and uploaded using the camera you want to purchase is a great way to gather an insight into the camera.
Young YouTube entertainer, Eva Gutowski, having over 9.9 million subscribers has shared her tips and tricks to shoot the best travel vlog, showing to be very helpful to her younger audience. Unlike reading reviews, this shows real life footage of the camera in action.
Some Youtubers also have created dedicated videos to the ‘behind the scenes’ of their filming process. Influencer Patricia Bright has shared her secrets and recommendations in her YouTube video “The Truth Behind YouTube Videos – Filming And Editing Secrets Revealed”. If you are wanting to create a similar vibe on your channel, this video would be extremely helpful.
Now that you have discovered the ins and outs of different camera models, Clipchamp can also assist you with your YouTube editing needs. By editing through our helpful, free online video editor, we can help you create the best quality YouTube videos to suit your awesome new camera. We have also created our very own YouTube channel, posting helpful tutorials such as, How To Make A Video With Clipchamp. And if you’re looking for inspiration, look no further than our YouTube Video Templates for everything from Vlogs, Intros and Outros.
