The best camera for YouTube vlogging in 2024

Streaming giant YouTube has made the careers of many a successful content creator, and that's due in no small part to some of the best cameras too. Thanks to increasingly affordable camera gear, people can now create the kind of content they want to see. And you don't need a budget to match that of MrBeast or DanTDM either. Even low-budget video cameras are the perfect option for some creators. To coin and adapt a phrase: The best camera for YouTube vlogging is the one you have with you. But, why not make sure that the one you have is a bit better than your iPhone?

Before you do splash out on an expensive rig used by your favourite YouTuber, there are a few things you’ll need to consider. If you're a live streamer, you might consider a camera with that capability built-in, plus a mic for streaming; that way you can stream on the go without a whole computer or laptop to lug around. Live or not, you'll still need a camera with good automatic settings for exposure and focus. You'll want to be in front of the camera and trust the camera to sort the rest.

However, it's not all about the lenses - microphone options are important too. Cleaner audio in general will tell your viewers that you've invested in some good kit, particularly when filming outside. If you can afford it, your camera should have an external mic input. If not, buy a budget microphone that can connect to your phone for recording audio separately. So, all that said, which YouTube vlogging camera is right for you? That's where we come in.

Our expert picks below are great for any budding YouTuber, or creators looking to upgrade. We’ve got popular go-to options like the Canon G7X, a GoPro for thrill seekers, and even a great gimbal option for ultra-smooth footage. So, get ready to say "like, subscribe and hit that notification bell" - you're about to get inspired with the best camera for YouTube vlogging this year.

Best camera for YouTube vlogging in 2024

Best camera for YouTube vlogging in 2024: Buyer's guide

Every vlogging camera has its specific strengths and weaknesses. So, to find the one that's best for you, let's press pause for a moment and consider your vlogging needs.

Where are you recording?

If you’re looking to vlog from home or an indoor studio, your camera choice may be different from someone capturing their trek up the mountainside. If you’re planning on any outdoor filming, keep a little budget aside for weather protection, a decent camera bag, and extra batteries.

If indoors, you don't want to have to rely on your existing indoor lighting. Not only is the colour temperature of indoor lights often awful for video, your camera may even register their flicker. Sometimes, the only other way to overcome that dreaded low-light grain is with portable LED lights. They're lightweight and can transform your shoots, with small LED ring lights for video blogging and larger LED light panels for larger scenes.

Are you wearing or holding your camera?

If you’re capturing your day out hang-gliding, rock-climbing or skiing, then you need a small and light camera with quick autofocus and high frame rates. Therefore, GoPro cameras are an instant go-to option here, as they can be worn and mounted on a range of sporting equipment. If you're not an adrenaline junkie, you might just need image stabilisation (in-built or via a gimbal) to smooth out your shots as you walk and talk. This will ensure that your movements are silky smooth.

Are you recording yourself?

If so, try to pick a video camera with a flip-out tiltable screen. You can then glance at the camera to make sure you’re in frame or in focus without having to move. If you’re recording while walking around, image stabilisation (either built-in or via a gimbal mount) will give you smooth footage. If holding a camera at arms-length sounds a little too tiring, grab a good old-fashioned tripod or comfortable hand-held mount to take some of the strain.

Don't forget the sound

These days, you'll probably be fine with your camera's internal microphone - they've become much better at filtering unwanted background noise in recent years. However, they're not perfect, and wind noise can really ruin your content. Therefore, for faultless higher-quality audio, you'll probably want to invest in an external mic. These can be wired or Bluetooth. Some are clip-on lapel mics, others are mounted to the camera or a tripod, such as the RØDE Auxiliary VideoMic GO.

Many cameras will support Bluetooth connections, others will have a standard 3.5mm mic jack input on the camera itself. As a workaround, a microphone with a 3.5mm jack can be connected to a mobile phone for recording good sound. You can then dub that onto your video footage in post-production.

Best camera for YouTube vlogging in 2024: FAQs

What vlogging camera do YouTubers use?

Every YouTuber has different needs, and the most successful probably use half a dozen different cameras depending on what they're shooting. As always, it's best to think of cameras as a creative tool to help you get the results you want when you create your video content. No camera, no matter how much you spend, is the key to YouTube success - that would be you and your ideas.

What YouTube vlogging camera is best for 4K?

We think the Sony Alpha ZV-E10L above is a brilliant all-rounder for everything, from 4K resolution to sound recording. Although, it is worth mentioning that, as impressive as 4K is, many creators don't need to shoot in 4K. Not all content will need that level of detail, so consider why you need it before you stump up the cash. It's also not guaranteed that you'll be able to edit 4K footage, as you'll need a decent computer - or one of the best laptops for video editing - and software to deal with the larger file sizes.

What's the best beginner vlogging camera?

As touched on above, anyone making videos for YouTube will usually need to edit them - and not all cameras record in the same file format. Beginners should probably steer clear of 4K for the time being. That's good news because most Full HD cameras are a lot cheaper. We recommend the Canon SX740 HS PowerShot, it's our pick for the best budget vlogging camera.

Do I need a tripod?

No vlogger camera kit is complete without one; whether that's a flexible table-top version like a Joby GorillaPod or a full-sized fluid-head tripod like the Victiv T72. Even in-camera image stabilisation or a gimbal isn't foolproof, and if you're doing a lot of presenting to camera you probably should consider a tripod. You can get creative with small tabletop tripods too, placing the camera into tight corners and framing things up nicely. Recording yourself without worrying about propping your expensive equipment up on a pile of books is both wise and great for shot quality.

Best camera for YouTube vlogging in 2024: Jargon buster

Frame rate

Frame rate, normally measured in FPS (Frames Per Second) is key when considering any camera. It's the number of images the camera captures per second. The higher the frame rate you can afford the better - especially as higher frame rates can be slowed down for slow-motion effects. Common frame rates are 50fps, 60fps, and 120fps.

Resolution

Resolution is the number of pixels that make up each video frame of your video. Expressed as width x height, the most common resolution you'll find in high-end cameras for YouTube vlogging is 4K. That's 3840 x 4320 pixels. If you'd like to know more, check our expert guide to resolutions.

Image stabilisation (OIS / EIS)

There are two main types of stabilisation: OIS (Optical Image Stabilisation), and EIS (Electronic Image Stabilisation). With electronic stabilization, the device analyses the video for shakey movement and adjusts it in-camera. However, to achieve this the image is always cropped at the edges as part of generating the stability. OIS is better and normally found in high-end cameras due to the engineering involved. These cameras have internal gimbals to keep the internal lens balanced.

Chris Duffill is a Tech Product Writer for What's The Best. He specialises in audiovisual, computing, and gadgets. He also writes for Yours.

Subscribe to the What's The Best Newsletter to keep up to date with more of the latest reviews and recommendations from the rest of the What’s The Best team.