4 Best Cameras for YouTube Beginners 2024
Many Youtubers are creating new channels to generate passive income. If you’re starting a new YouTube channel, you can buy a cheap mirrorless camera for high value. Many great mirrorless cameras with 4k video resolution and practical functionalities won’t break the bank. The best brands for these types of compact cameras would be Sony, Nikon, and Canon for shooting youtube videos.
What are the Best Cameras for Youtube Beginners?
Finding the best camera for YouTube beginners can be difficult, so below is a list of what I recommend, close to $1000 or less. All listed mirrorless cameras have 4k recording video resolution at 30fps and 1080p HD at 120 fps with in body image stabilization. 4k is becoming the norm; therefore, I purposely selected these compact cameras for the future. The other practical features of each compact camera are flip screens (it makes it so much easier than the cellphone) and decent low light performance when creating YouTube videos. For audio, generally, I would recommend purchasing an external microphone for good audio.
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Sony ZV-E10
Form Factor Mirrorless
Effective Still Resolution 24 MP
Special Feature 425-Point Fast Hybrid AF; Real-Time Eye AF and Tracking; Directional 3-Capsule Mic and Windscreen
Optical Zoom 1 x
Color Black
Connectivity Technology Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB
Screen Size 3 Inches
Photo Sensor Size APS-C
The Sony ZV-E10 is my personal choice as the best YouTube camera for under $1000. Sony cameras are known for their fast sensor and performance in low light recording. It’s a mirrorless camera, meaning it has interchangeable lenses but comes in a much more compact and lightweight size than DSLRs (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras. This makes it perfect for portability (you can put it in your coat pocket) without sacrificing the quality! Plus, the image stabilization is solid but not as great as Canon and Nikon, where you can see some camera shake if you walk or run. The flip screen makes it easy to frame your shots and review footage on the go.
The Sony ZV-E10 is an excellent choice for video creators making YouTube videos. This interchangeable lens camera has the widest selection compared to Canon and Nikon. This camera is one of those “one size fits all” YouTube cameras and has the best performance/size ratio.
Sony ZV-1
Form Factor Compact
Effective Still Resolution 20.1 MP
Special Feature BIONZ X Image Processor; Fast Hybrid AF System with 315 Phase-Detection Points
Optical Zoom 3
Color Black or White
Connectivity Technology 3.5mm Microphone, HDMI D (Micro), USB Micro-B (USB 2.0)
Screen Size 3 Inches
Photo Sensor Size1-inch
The Sony ZV-1 is the best pocket sized camera for vlogging and YouTube videos. It’s even smaller than ZV-E10, but you’re sacrificing for the interchangeable lenses as it is a fixed lens camera. Despite its size ZV-1 also has a descent digital image stabilization, so you can record video while moving. The fixed lens is a good size and better than most that come with the camera. With features like manual focus and exposure control, the Sony ZV-1 is the perfect choice for YouTubers who want to get started with professional video quality.
This camera is the best for its ultra-compact size that can shoot high-quality video. However, remember that the lack of interchangeable lenses has limitations. Because of this, it may be the best secondary camera choice if you want to record from a different angle from your primary. However, some people don’t believe having interchangeable lenses is necessary for recording YouTube videos. At the least, it is the best budget camera for handheld shooting or capturing footage for B rolls.
Nikon Z30
Form Factor Mirrorless
Effective Still Resolution 20.9 MP
Color Black
Special Feature Face Detection
Optical Zoom 3.1 x
Nikon Z30 is a great option for video creators, especially as an action camera. It has better image stabilization than the Sony cameras, making it stand out from its competitors. Some reviews have said the color is more well-balanced whereas the skin looks more natural. Although this is an interchangeable lens, there are slightly fewer choices than the Sony.
The Nikon Z30 is for those who want a great vlogging camera for high-quality footage and want to start recording videos without tinkering with the settings. It is still considered lightweight and still compact, so it won’t be too much of a burden to take with you on adventures. Lastly, the audio quality on its microphone and stock kit lens is also better than its competitor.
Canon EOS R10
Effective Still Resolution 24.2 MP
Special Feature Lightweight Design
Color Black
Connectivity Technology USB
Screen Size 3 Inches
Photo Sensor Size APS-C
Item Weight 0.43 Kilograms
The Canon EOS R10 is a great vlogging mirrorless camera for ergonomics and ease of holding. It is worth noting that it can shoot at 4k for 60 fps but does crop. It has an electronic viewfinder for the convenience of photography, which is uncommon compared to its competitors. The touchscreen interface makes the screen much clearer and easier to view. Like other Canon cameras, the menu is much more straightforward and has a knob on the top. It is worth noting that there isn’t a headphone port to monitor your audio. Aside from recording a YouTube video, this Canon camera is also great for photography.
Overall, the Canon camera is perfect for vlogging for YouTubers, with the best usability for beginners. Like its competitors, it has excellent video quality and manual control features.
