“How can I make a video like Ankur Warikoo? I don’t have the budget for a camera.”
“How can I record a podcast? I don’t own a high-tech camera.”
These were some of the questions emerging content creators asked us in our recent LIVE session.
However, little did they know we would come up with a blog post specially to answer them.
So, we reviewed the 7 best cameras for recording YouTube videos for this blog. And yes, we ensured they were all under your budget.
But first, let’s understand what features you should look for when buying a budget camera for recording YouTube videos.
Factors to Consider Before Buying a Camera For Recording YouTube Videos
If you’re planning to start or grow your YouTube channel, creating high-quality videos and choosing the right camera- both are crucial. Here are some important factors you need to consider before buying a camera for YouTube video recording:
- Image Quality: Make sure your camera can take high-quality, sharp, and well-lit photos. Generally, a high-resolution camera can help you do just that.
- Video Resolution: The quality of the video improves with increased resolution. A camera with a 1080p resolution is suitable for YouTube, but if you want to ensure the viability of your films, think about investing in a 4K camera.
- Portability: Portability is crucial because you might need to capture your videos while you’re on the go. Think about getting a portable, lightweight camera.
- Lens Options: The lens is a crucial aspect to take into account. You may select the ideal lens for each shot with an interchangeable camera.
- Pocket-friendly: Keep your budget in mind. Cameras come in various pricing points, so picking one that meets your demands and matches your budget is critical.
7 Best Budget Cameras For Recording YouTube Videos in 2023
Don’t have time? Here’s a highlight of the section. 👇🏻
| Camera | Best For |
| Sony ZV-1 | Dedicated vlogging focus modes |
| Sony ZV E-10 | Image Stabilization |
| Sony ɑ6400 | Real-time object tracking |
| Fujifilm X-S10 | Reliable Autofocus |
| GoPro HERO10 Black | Advanced Video Stabilization |
| DJI Pocket 2 | Portability |
| Panasonic GH Mark II | Shooting sharp B-rolls |
1. Sony ZV-1
The Sony ZV-1 is one of the best mid-range cameras we’ve tested for YouTube, especially if you like the ease of a built-in lens.
What Did We Like About Sony ZV-1?
- Pixel-perfect Recording: The Sony ZV-1 can record high-quality video up to 4K resolution, which is ideal for YouTube content creators.
- Portable: ZV-1 is a small, lightweight camera, making it easy to carry around for vlogging and shooting.
- Enhanced Autofocus: It has an advanced autofocus system that tracks the subject’s face and eyes, making it easy to focus even when moving around.
- Low Light Mode: Even if you’re shooting in darker settings, it provides outstanding image quality right out of the box with very little noise or softness, even at higher ISO levels.
Overall, the Sony ZV-1 has a completely articulated screen and focus modes designed explicitly for vlogging, making it an ideal choice for YouTube content creators.
2. Sony ZV-E10
A camera with interchangeable lenses made for content creators who want to add more artistic flair to their work.
Certainly, one of the many possibilities you should consider to elevate your material is the Sony ZV-E10.
What Did We Like About Sony ZV-E10?
- 4K Resolution: To begin with, the Sony ZV-E10 can record high-quality video up to 4K resolution at 30fps, which is perfect for creating high-quality content.
- Vari-angle Screen: The camera features a 3-inch vari-angle LCD screen that can be flipped out and rotated, making it easy to frame shots from different angles.
- Accessories: A unique lineup of 60 lenses designed especially for Sony cameras tailored to movie-making.
All this makes Sony ZV-E10 a versatile choice for YouTube creators to grab attention-grabbing photos and capture their visual experiences most gloriously.
3. Sony Alpha 6400
A mirrorless camera with a real-time detection tracking facility makes this an excellent choice for creators looking for lightweight cameras with speedy performance.
What Did We Like About Sony Alpha 6400?
- Real-time Tracking: A quick and precise autofocus system that can track moving subjects making it the perfect choice for vlogging.
- Long Battery Life: With its long battery life, the camera can take long, uninterrupted videos.
- Wider Angle: Though it doesn’t have a vari-angle screen, the camera has a 180-degree flip-up touchscreen, which makes it easy to frame shots and adjust settings while recording.
Overall, the Sony Alpha 6400 is a popular camera with sophisticated features that allows Youtube creators to take awesome videos and photos with low noise and superb clarity.
4. Fujifilm X-S10
A mirrorless 4K camera with plenty of features dedicated to the creators for various video styles.
What Did We Like About Fujifilm X-S10?
- Higher Resolution: It can shoot 4K video at up to 30 frames per second and Full HD video at up to 240 frames per second for slow-motion footage.
- Reliable Autofocus: With a fast and reliable autofocus system that can track subjects effectively, the camera makes capturing sharp, well-focused footage easier.
- Image Stabilization: In-body image stabilization (IBIS) can compensate for camera shake and produce smoother footage, especially when shooting handheld.
In short, Fujifilm X-S10 is a great camera for YouTube creators with excellent features that can produce high-quality video footage.
5. GoPro HERO10 Black
High-end action cameras like the GoPro Hero black have advanced video stabilization technology that makes your footage smoother and more professional-looking.
GoPro Hero Black is a go-to option for vloggers and travellers who like to create content on the go.
What Did We Like About GoPro HERO10 Black?
- Unreal 5.3K Resolution: The GoPro Hero 10 Black can record videos in up to 5.3K resolution at 60 frames per second, which means that your videos will look sharp and detailed.
- Durablity: The GoPro Hero 10 Black is waterproof; you can use it to capture footage underwater or in wet conditions.
- Unlimited Storage: You get unlimited cloud backup and an easy footage-sharing option meaning you don’t need an SD card.
The GoPro Hero 10 Black is an excellent camera for YouTube video recording since it’s small, adaptable, and able to capture high-quality footage under a variety of shooting circumstances.
6. DJI Pocket 2
The DJI Pocket 2 is a compact camera designed for capturing high-quality video and photos on the go. Yes, another one for the vloggers out there!
While you can’t compare it with other big lens cameras, it remains an incredible option for capturing and sharing breathtaking visual experiences with your audience.
What Did We Like About DJI Pocket 2?
- Better Stabilization: The 3-axis gimbal on the Pocket 2 provides excellent stabilization, ensuring that your videos are smooth and professional-looking.
- Excellent Image quality: The Pocket 2 shoots 4K video with a 1/1.7-inch sensor, producing high-quality footage with excellent detail and colour reproduction.
- Accessories: The Pocket 2 comes with a range of accessories, such as a tripod mount and a wireless microphone, that can further enhance the quality of your YouTube videos.
The DJI Pocket 2 is a fantastic camera for YouTube video recording due to its portability, superb image quality, exceptional stabilisation, user-friendliness, and availability of attachments.
7. Panasonic GH Mark II
A mirrorless camera with a 20.3-megapixel sensor and new features like live streaming capability, a red recording frame indicator, and longer battery life.
What Did We Like About Panasonic GH Mark II?
- Gorgeous Video Quality: Supports high-quality video capabilities, which include 4K video at up to 60 frames per second and 10-bit 4:2:2 colour depth.
- Advanced Autofocus: Advanced autofocus technology ensures that your subject remains in focus even when moving around.
- Add Ons: Additional features like live streaming capabilities, a flip-out touchscreen LCD, and a microphone input for capturing high-quality audio make it an ideal choice for YouTube creators.
Wrapping Up
There are many excellent low-cost cameras available for capturing YouTube videos. These cameras provide top-notch video quality, cutting-edge functionality, and user-friendliness at a reasonable cost.
Though all cameras provide excellent value, each is designed for a specific purpose.
