Which CAMERA to use for YouTube in 2023?

Whether you are an amateur or a video professional, you have probably already wondered which camera to use in order to have a better rendering of your YouTube videos . Given the offer which changes all the time, it is not always easy to find your way around. 

Which camera to buy to make YouTube videos  ? Should you spend more than 6,000 euros for a box or will a 35 euro webcam do the trick? What are the differences ? What really matters? 

You will find all the answers to these questions in this article. Then, I will show you the camera, lights, stand, microphone kit that I recommend for YouTube, all for less than 900 euros. 

If you prefer watching a video to reading, don't hesitate to take a look at the explanatory video we made on the subject right at the end of the article.

The different types of cameras for YouTube video

To make a video, we have several cameras on the market such as webcams, camcorders, compact or sports cameras and cameras that film.

In fact, they do not have all the characteristics necessary for producing quality YouTube videos. Let's start with the webcam.

The webcam is an inexpensive camera. It is well suited for lives on social networks. But the image quality is insufficient for making YouTube videos . In addition, the webcam is very limited in terms of settings.

However, if you really want to have a webcam, 3 models stand out today, in 2023:

• the Nexigo N60 , which offers very good video quality for only €40;
• the Razer Kiyo Pro , which also shoots good quality videos, even in low lighting;
• the Insta360 Link , which is undoubtedly the best webcam on the market . Much more expensive than the others, it is better in all areas.

• The camcorder is a very easy camera to use. All you have to do is press the button and everything happens automatically. But the problem with the camcorder is that it has a small sensor which does not allow you to work on depth of field . Which makes the videos mediocre.

  Do you still want to have a camcorder? Here again, 3 models are particularly interesting today.

  Starting with the Sony HDR-CX240 . Released in 2014, it remains one of the most popular camcorders. His strength ? Its very affordable price. For only €200, you have a very good quality device.

• If you're looking for a professional-grade camcorder, the Panasonic X1500 might be right for you. It offers excellent image quality and the settings are numerous.

• As the name suggests, these are sports cameras. They are compact, easy to attach to any surface, water resistant and can fall to the ground. These are cameras that we could carry anywhere with us. 

  Apart from the sports side, the disadvantage of these cameras is that the quality is insufficient in terms of sound and the image distorts the face since we are on a wide angle.

  In addition, using these cameras is quite complex and therefore I do not recommend them for YouTube videos. 

  You can also film a YouTube video with your smartphone: 

• Smartphones are good enough to start your videos on YouTube. They are inexpensive and everyone has one. We always have it with us and it does the job, especially with current smartphones which have efficient and stabilized cameras . 

  Additionally, today there are several video editing apps available on phones that you can use to make your edit. 

  Basically, today you can film, edit your videos on your smartphone and export them directly to YouTube . 

  Smartphones also work for lives on social networks. You will just need a few accessories such as a lavalier microphone, a lens and a tripod .

• The tripod allows you to have a stable image and the lavalier microphone allows you to have decent sound . The lens allows you to widen the camera angle so that viewers have a full view of your background. As a result, they are not fixed only on your face and do not get tired.

  However, there are challenges and limitations to using smartphones for YouTube videos. It's difficult to get a cinematic look because you can't adjust the depth of field and the dynamic range is very limited as well. 

  There is also the fact that you may be disturbed while making your videos by notifications, calls and the like. This problem does not arise when using cameras that film. 

  People who read this article also read:   How to add tags to your YouTube videos in 2023!

  This is what we will see in the next chapter.

  Cameras that film

  For making YouTube videos, cameras that film are by far the best devices you can use to have a professional look and very pronounced image quality.  

  Generally, there are two types: mirrorless and reflex cameras . The problem with cameras that shoot videos is that they stop recording after 30 minutes. 

  It is a European law which means that they are not considered and taxed as camcorders. 

  Here is the difference between the two types of cameras that film:

• A mirrorless camera is a camera in which there is no mirror like the CANON M 50. It is more compact, smaller and lighter. 

  Hybrids are the future of photography, because they have lots of advantages and very few disadvantages. There is no doubt that “SLRs” will eventually disappear over time. 

  They allow you to directly see the result on the small window and it doesn't make any noise unlike the SLR.

  However, they have weak points. First, they have small batteries so the battery life is quite low , the autofocus is a little slower and the ISO increase is more limited.

  However, some models stand out from the crowd, like the Sony ZV-E10 . It targets a video audience and is more intended to make videos rather than photos. Its autofocus mode is interesting.

  Let us also mention the Panasonic Lumix GH5 , considered the King of video . It offers complete features and above all unlimited recording.

• In English DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflect), reflex cameras are cameras that use the reflection of light on the mirror to arrive in the viewfinder. 

  They are of two types. We have small format and full format SLRs:

  1. Reflex: small box

  Small format SLR cameras have small APS C sensors . You can find one with an optical kit for 700 euros. The advantage of having small boxes is that you can take it everywhere with you, for vlogs for example. 

  You can make very beautiful videos with these kinds of devices. The small sensors also allow you to zoom in on the image when filming events or conferences.

  But optics for small sensors are not compatible with large sensors. 

  2. Reflex Full frame/Full frame

  The advantage of full-frame SLRs is that they allow you to have an image similar to that of cinema and to work on the depth of field. So, with this type of device, the quality of your image is incredible . 

  If you go full format, your lenses and bodies will need to be full format . It's a big budget, but the difference is clear compared to small format SLR cameras.

  Take for example, the CANON 1dx ii case which costs more than €6,000, the card to record the video material costs €600, the optics costs more than €2,000. Plus the spare batteries, we're at almost €9,000!

• Bonus: The camera kit for YouTube, all for less than 900 euros

  For less than $900, I've put together a kit that's perfect for getting started on YouTube or taking it to the next level. 

  In this kit, you will find the equipment that we talked about above apart from the camera: light, sound, stabilization, spare battery, SD card. It is an easy-to-use equipment that ensures very professional video quality.

  There is also an entry-level kit, around €100, and a high-end kit.

  Conclusion

  We have seen the characteristics of several types of cameras that you can use to make your YouTube videos . It's now up to you to choose the camera that suits you best: your smartphone, a hybrid, a small or large format reflex. 

  This choice will be made taking into account the image quality you want, the context of your videos and your budget. However, this should not be an excuse not to make videos. 

  Start with what you have now. 

  If you liked this article, please share it. 

  Resources

  ► Subscribe to Video Strategy to learn how to make beautiful, inexpensive videos that PROFIT BIG 

  ► 9 ways to RADICALLY speed up your video editing (FREE E-book)

  ► Recommended software and hardware to get a pro look with your videos 

  ► To stay up to date with industry updates, join our secret Telegram group. It's free, but be careful, it's reserved for people who have an entrepreneurial project with their YouTube channel and who need an effective strategy (curious refrain). 

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