What Camera Do YouTubers Use to Make Videos?

Whether amateurs or pros, YouTubers have finally realized that a higher click rate on their YouTube content is partially dependent on video quality.

On the other hand, the camera the YouTuber uses to make the video determines the quality of the footage.

A camera is like a diet. We may never come to a consensus on what’s best for everyone.

YouTubers specialize in different types of content—live streams, tutorials, outdoor videography, commentary, to name a few.

All require different shooting styles and unique camera features.

In this article, I’ve sampled some of the leading cameras used by YouTubers for different types of content.

So, what camera do YouTubers use to make videos? Let’s find out.

What Camera Do YouTubers Use to Make Videos?

1. Sony ZV-1

On top of its compact size, the Sony ZV-1 offers all that a YouTuber would need for recording and instantly sharing 4K videos.

The camera features a 1’’ sensor, superb autofocus, and a side-flipping articulating screen. 

Additionally, it has an external mic port and a hot-shoe mount (for LED light or shotgun mic) that perfectly enhance its versatility.

Although its image stabilization function lags behind its peers, it draws its strength from a bright lens —24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 — and Sony’s Real-Time AF technology that keeps a moving object in focus.

When this is complemented with the 1’’ sensor, you get clear, crisp images and thus making it ideal for shooting quality vlogs.

Key Features

• Quality 1-inch sensor
• High resolution of 20.1 MP
• An excellent focal length of 24-70 mm boosts its effectiveness
• 3.00’’ flexible touchscreen that can tilt up and down
• Wireless connection (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi)
• Autofocus tracking (real-time)
• Has Automatic Exposure (AE) that tracks faces and ensures their exposure to light is optimal
• Maximum Video resolution of 4K 30p
• Weighs 294g
• Viewfinder not featured

What I like

• Autofocus (AF): Incredible autofocus
• Size: Highly portable with a compact design
• Mic slot: Standard 3.55mm mic jack and MI hot-shoe create external microphone capabilities.
• Articulating Screen: Side-flipping screen helps in taking good videos
• Lens: Has a bright lens that takes well-lit videos
• Ease of use: It’s simple for beginners, although packed with professional features.

What I don’t like

• Stabilization: The image stabilization mechanism is just average.
• Ports: Doesn’t have a USB-C slot but instead has Micro USB
• Controls: Few touchscreen controls

2. Canon EOS 70D

The Canon EOS 70D fits the bill for that YouTuber who needs a host of video features.

You can alter the quality or appearance of your videos by switching between the various modes like Movie Digital Zoom and Video Snapshot, to mention a few.

The latter has the remarkable capability of taking short videos resembling GIFs and merging them.

The EOS 70D is fitted with the Dual Pixel CMOS, a superb autofocus mechanism.

It’s a cutting-edge technology where each pixel is separated into two photodiodes—left and right—which can be read separately.

The Camera has a built-in stereo mic with a wind filter to block noise for good sound quality.

It also features a fully articulating screen (touchscreen) for better access controls.

Ultimately, you won’t get it rough while connecting the EOS 70D to other gadgets. It’s fully compatible with wireless connections (Wi-Fi).

Key Features

• High resolution of 20.2MP with CMOS sensor
• Fast focus while filming and live view.
• It supports a 7 fps continuous shooting
• 3-inch articulation LCD screen with a capacity of 1040000 dots
• Built-in flash and integrated Speedlite 
• Hot shoe feature available

• Highly effective viewfinder with electronic overlay
• Video capture resolution capabilities—1080P (30,25,24 fps), 720P (60,50 fps)
• Wireless connection(Wi-Fi) for instant sharing
• Has “silent” shutter settings
• SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slot featured
• Video capture format-MP4, H.264
• Battery life: 915 photos
• Weight:755g

What I like

• Video Capture modes: The camera has many video capture features
• Autofocus: Featuring the Dual Pixel CMOS AF, the EOS 70D is in a class of its own.
• Wireless connectivity: Data transfer from the camera is just a breeze due to the wireless (Wi-Fi) feature

What I don’t like

• 4k video unavailability: EOS70D can’t handle 4k video resolution.

3. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

The Canon PowerShot G7X M2 is immensely popular among YouTubers due to its “jack of all trades” tag.

With the ability to capture 4K video Livestream on YouTube, shoot 4K ultra High Definition videos at 30fps, and high portability, it’s just enough for many vloggers.

Although the shooting of the 4K videos has a time-limitation (10 minutes), you still have the option of stepping down the resolution to HD.

With HD, you can shoot at a remarkable 120fps for incredible slow motion.

G7 X Mark II is a point-and-shoot camera. Therefore, you cannot change the lens.

Nevertheless,  PowerShot G7X M2’s powerful lens (24-100mm f/1.8-2.8) is enough for most YouTube content.

With a 3.5mm jack, you can fit in an external microphone to enhance audio quality.

Key Features

• High resolution of 20.2MP with DIGC 6 Image processor and CMOS sensor
• Multi-angle 3-inch LCD touch panel for great selfies
• Supports Full HD video (1080p) with a framerate of up to 60fps
• Many shooting modes, for example, Toy Camera effect, Monochrome, Soft Focus, Background defocus, and much more.
• It has a maximum video resolution of 4K and a framerate of 30p
• Weight: 304 g
• Battery life: 235 shots

What I like

• Ease of use: Easy to operate for beginners
• Lens: Lens is fixed but fast and versatile
• Articulating screen: Flip-up touch screen that assists in quick and accurate settings before shooting
• Portability: Compact and thus highly portable
• Affordability: It’s a cheaper option than the Canon EOS 70D
• Controls: You can customize the manual controls
• Playback ports: Features HDMI output port in case you want immediate playback of videos

What I don’t like

• The 4K resolution cap: The 4K Video resolution has a shooting cap of 10 minutes
• Duration of use: Battery life is just average
• Speed: Setting up video takes a few minutes

4. Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II

Panasonic Lumix GH5 M2 features a built-in wireless live stream function. It relies on the RTMP/RTMPS protocol to conveniently relay real-time content. 

Impressively, the video resolution for Wi-Fi streaming adjusts automatically to match your connection strength, but at a strong connection, it can reach HD 1080P/60fps.

Besides live streaming, the camera can take 4K videos and smooth Full High-Definition videos in slow motion.

The GH5 M2 runs on a Micro Four Thirds sensor.

Although this sensor is not fully efficient in low light, the camera’s superb image stabilization (5-axis in-body stabilization) significantly improves the image quality.

Key Features

• Camera type: Mirrorless
• Micro Four-Thirds Sensor Type
• High resolution of 20.3 MP
• EVF viewfinder (368,0000 dots)
• 3-inch articulating touchscreen (1840 dots)
• Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth) 
• The maximum movie resolution is 4K at a frame rate of 60fps.
• Weight is 727g
• Supports live streaming
• External mic socket available

What I like

• Live streaming: Supports unlimited live streaming, ideal for indoors and outdoors. It supports both wired and wireless live streaming.
• Photo presets: The camera settings allow style presets, for example, Monochromes, and Cinelike D2, that minimize after capture editing.
• Rigid material: The camera is magnesium alloy, splash, and dust resistant, and can withstand heavy outdoor use.
• Image stabilization: Features a dual image stabilization (5-axis) that corrects all lenses and lets the camera take top-quality photos when handheld.
• Affordability: GH5M2 is one of the most affordable 4K video camera

What I don’t like

• Slight Upgrade: The Panasonic GH5M2 doesn’t feature any significant upgrade from its predecessor, the Panasonic GH5. You don’t need this camera if you’re not looking for live streaming and already have a GH5.
• Still photos limitation: The GH5M2 sensor has a low burst speed that limits the camera’s appeal for still images.

5. Panasonic Lumix GH6

Although the GH6 is a newer version than the GH5 M2, it doesn’t have the streaming option.

Though that’s quite a letdown, it makes up for that on aspects like the camera sensor—the effective 25.2 Megapixel Micro Four Thirds.

Furthermore, it can shoot 5.7K videos at an impressive frame rate of 30fps.

The camera has a robust build, tilting articulating screen (touchscreen), and an algorithmic upgrade from GH5M2 to boost its image stabilization.

If you can do without live streaming and top-notch phase detection autofocus; this camera has all a YouTuber needs for quality vlogs.

Key Features

• Sensor type: Micro Four-Thirds
• Camera type: Mirrorless
• High resolution of 25.2MP
• EVF Viewfinder (5.67 million dots)
• 3-inch articulating screen (1.80 million dots)
• Wireless connectivity-Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
• Maximum video resolution of 5.7K and a frame rate of 60fps
• Weight: 823 g

What I like

• Video options: The camera has a wide range of video capture modes
• Duration of use: Unlimited recording times
• Image stabilization: The feature is available and excellent
• Affordability: The camera is comparatively affordable
• Articulating screen: Tilts to many angles and can swivel
• Portability: Weighs a little less than a kilogram, fits in a small camera bag, and is thus convenient to carry.
• Ease of handling: Its shape makes it easy to handle whether you’re shooting from behind or in front of the camera.

What I don’t like

• Autofocus: The contrast-based autofocus system lags behind that of hybrid systems in high-end cameras
• Not Full-frame: It lacks some advantages of full-frame, for example, high-quality shots in low light
• Weight: It’s heavier and more significant than the Panasonic Lumix HG5

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Camera for YouTube

Not sure what features or aspects of a camera to look for when choosing?

Worry not; I have compiled a list of critical factors to consider when selecting the best camera for your Youtube content.

1. Camera’s Video Resolution

YouTube supports the 4k Video Resolution, and the leading YouTubers are currently using it.

4K’s perfect quality has toppled full HD from the top of the charts as the ultimate video quality.

However, if 4K is beyond your budget, you shouldn’t bang your head on the wall.

Most YouTube users use their smartphones to play the videos, which downgrades the video quality to a level compatible with the smartphone’s video player.

A full HD video or even lower would just be as good in such cases.

2. Autofocus

A camera with excellent video autofocus tries to track the human face and eyes, especially if there’s a lot of movement.

The focus automatically readjusts if the point of focus changes positions.

Highly sensitive and fast autofocus is the best. 

3. Image Stabilization

A great videographer continuously moves the camera to capture moments that strike people’s interest.

However,  movements like this cause blurred images.

High-end cameras have image stabilization software to compensate for motion and produce sharp images.

However, you can purchase a gimbal for image stabilization if your camera doesn’t have the feature.

Unfortunately, it makes your camera bulky.

4. Compatibility with External Storage

Some Cameras come with mammoth internal storage.

However, you may need larger storage for ultra HD videos, especially when filming for more than one hour.

External storages help you increase storage capacity and transfer videos to other platforms. 

A camera compatible with large capacity SD cards like 64GB or 128GB would suit YouTube users taking long videos.     

5. Wireless Connectivity

Connectivity via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi is crucial for YouTube cameras.

Such gadgets can swiftly and conveniently transfer video clips or images to other devices for editing and publishing.

Bluetooth is ideal for device-to-device transfer, whereas Wi-Fi is handy for moving files to online cloud storage.                      

6. Livestream Capability

Live streaming is no longer a preserve of smartphones and webcams.

High-end modern cameras are coming with an inbuilt YouTube live streaming technology.

Therefore, if you intend to use your camera predominantly for streaming, you must consider this.

Final Thoughts

If I were to make an informed verdict for you, I would go for Sony ZV-1.

Why? It’s so versatile—regardless of whether you’re still taking photos or filming.

It has a  top-notch 1-inch sensor, autofocus, microphone port, and mounting device.

However, I’m not pushing the Sony ZV-1 down your throat. The best pick depends on the type of content you need to handle.

Some cameras perform well in particular situations but flop in others. The other four cameras are highly competitive alternatives.

Feel free to make an informed choice and go for that machine that perfectly suits your preferences.