If you are thinking about being a vlogger or a YouTuber, you might probably want to find out what cameras do YouTubers use, right?
Plenty of people are starting their vlogs every day. It is becoming a popular way to earn a decent income and show yourself to the world on the most popular video platform.
This trend has become so hyped that it entices almost all ages to start creating their own vlogs and dream of having the same success YouTubers sensation and vloggers have achieved.
In practice, many people who want to start a brand new YouTube channel or just upgrade their vlogging equipment try to stay on the same road as their favorite YouTubers and vloggers.
This is the main reason why we have reviewed cameras that famous YouTubers use to vlog.
Our Favorite YouTubers Vlogging Cameras
What Kind of Cameras do YouTubers use for Vlogging?
Our team has come up with a list of cameras famous and popular YouTubers use, and one thing is clear about this.
There is no such thing as a one camera fits all solution for YouTube vlogging. They each have their preference based on the brands they carry, their audience, and what they are shooting on any day.
Technically speaking, popular types of cameras that famous YouTubers have invested in are Flip-screen, point-and-shoot, mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, and camcorders.
Which one you should purchase depends entirely on your vlogging needs. It is crucial to know each camera’s advantages before purchasing it so you will not end up buying something expensive yet useless as it may not cater to all your vlogging needs, especially when you are starting a YouTube channel.
The selection of models we listed below suits a variety of needs, but we recommend you pay close attention to the features of each as it varies from model to model. Moreover, each camera is excellent for different reasons why well-known YouTubers have used it throughout their vlogging journey. It all boils down to what they need to maintain their YouTube channel.
If you are not sure what to look for in the best vlogging camera, we got you covered as this article could be your ultimate guide on how famous YouTubers choose their cameras.
12 Vlogging Cameras That YouTubers Use
Knowing what kind of camera famous and popular YouTubers use is a good indication of having the best pick to start and become a YouTuber. It will narrow your choices to purchase your next vlogging camera.
Camera | YouTuber | Check |
---|---|---|
MrBeast | Price | |
MrBeast | Peter Mckinnon | Justin Escalona | Mikey Butos | Sam Kolder | Sam Sheffer | Price | |
Jason Lanier | Markiplier | JacksepticEye | Casey Neistat | Price | |
Kylie Janner | MoVlogs | FazeRug | Roman Atwood | Sammy Robinson | Rebecca Ellie | Price | |
A lot of YouTubers | Price | |
Logan Paul | Jake Paul | Casey Neistat | Vuhlandes | Evan Edinger Travel | Matti Haapoja | Price | |
Zoella | iJustine | Matt Haapoja | Kritika Goel | Jessica Kobeissi | Sara Dietschy | Price | |
Will Smith | Price | |
Graham Stephan | KSI | David Dobrik | Casey Neistat | Lavendaire | Price | |
Graham Stephan | Price | |
Peter Mckinnon | Tyler Babin | Price | |
Jordan Matter | Price |
Sony FDRAX53/B
YouTuber: MrBeast
Main features:- Video resolution: 4K videos up to 30fps, 24fps and Full HD videos (1080p) up to 60fps, 30fps and 24fps
- Image stabilization system: Optical steady shot (BOSS)
- Autofocus: Fast Intelligent AF
- Screen: 3 inches tiltable LCD touchscreen
Why does MrBeast use this camera?
MrBeast can afford any camera he wants and one of his video cameras/camcorders for YouTube videos is Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD.
Its unique selling point is its Balanced Optical Steady Shot image stabilizer, which helps him shoot smooth video footage for his YouTube channel.
Other YouTubers love to use this video camera because it offers an extremely efficient recording codec XAVC-S 4K that records 100Mbps guaranteeing digital artifacts’ best quality. It supports a new time-lapse feature with shooting intervals of 1/2/5/10/30/60 seconds.
This Handycam is integrated with Lock-on AF and Face detection so that vloggers can focus on their subjects accurately, and Fast Intelligent AF is responsible for faster focusing of subjects.
It is equipped with a new 5.1 channel built-in microphone that captures sounds from different locations. Still, it offers an external microphone and headphone jack useful for monitoring and recording video footage’s sound quality.
Its 3.0″ tiltable LCD touchscreen is integrated with WhiteMagic technology to increase visibility even in broad daylight.
If you are looking for a mainstream 4K camcorder with no budget restraint, then Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD is the one you should consider for your video blogs.
Canon EOS 1DX Mark II
YouTuber: MrBeast | Peter Mckinnon | Justin Escalona | Mikey Butos | Sam Kolder | Sam Sheffer
Main features:- Video resolution: 4K at 60fps
- Autofocus: 61-point AF, Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology
- Image stabilization system: None
- Screen: 3.2 LED touchscreen – not tilting
Why do YouTubers use this camera?
Peter McKinnon said that there might be no pop-up flash for EOS-1DX Mark II, but it is still an excellent camera for YouTube and every vlogging task requirement or needs. It has Focus Peaking and Assist that help him stay on the spot whenever you need to.
The lack of stabilization and its 3.2-inch screen that cannot be tilted or articulated can be a deal-breaker for some. For better video stabilization, you should check for an additional lens for vlogging.
Sam Sheffer says he is stuck with the Canon camera because of its “autofocus, colors, and user interface.”
Markiplier relies heavily on this camera when he wants to vividly capture every facial expression and emotion. This is a full-frame compact camera that offers many customizable options from dynamic range, white balance, and the color gradient is manually adjustable to have the output you want.
Lastly, its autofocus is fast and accurate, which is useful for Markiplier’s videos. Thanks to its viewfinder that recognizes heads and faces accurately while the AF Smart Controller have you to control the AF points easily thanks to its computer mouse design rather than a joystick. The sensor moves across your screen and makes the AF easy to operate.
The Canon EOS-1DX Mark II is highly recommended for professional videographers as its settings might be too confusing for beginners.
So if you want to take your vlogging to the next level and have deep pockets, you should consider investing in this professional vlogging camera.
Sony a7R II
YouTuber: Jason Lanier | Markiplier | JacksepticEye | Casey Neistat
Main features:- Video resolution: 4K up to 30fps/ 24fps
- Autofocus: Fast Hybrid AF technology
- Image stabilization system: 5-axis stabilization technology
- Screen: 3″ tilting TFT LCD
Why do YouTubers use this camera?
Jason Lanier used this camera in his shoot-out videos that gained almost 1.3 million views.
This camera has a 42.4-megapixel sensor that undoubtedly produces excellent video and image quality with clean details. It solves the dilemma between sensitivity and low resolution that many vloggers encounter with their other vlogging cameras.
He likes to use his Sony a7R II when 4K videos are his top requirement for his vlogs. This camera can capture good quality videos at 4K Ultra HD in 30fps or 24fps in XAVC-S format up to 60-100Mbps with full pixel readout and no pixel binning.
It can also produce video footage in Full HD (1080p) resolution at 60fps, 30fps, or 24fps per second in XAVC-S format up to 50Mbps.
Other YouTubers use this camera because of its unique and reliable autofocus system and its 4K video shooting capacity with a high ISO facility.
Canon G7X Mark III
YouTuber: Kylie Janner | MoVlogs | FazeRug | Roman Atwood | Sammy Robinson | Rebecca Ellie
Main features:- Video resolution: Full HD (1080p) at 60fps, 30 fps and 24fps
- Image stabilization system: Intelligent optical stabilization
- Autofocus: 31-point AF
- Screen: 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen
Why do YouTubers use this camera?
Here’s the deal:
Canon G7X Mark III is one of the most popular cameras for vlogging and making YouTube videos among the world’s best YouTubers.
Many popular YouTubers use this compact camera for vlogging because of its 3.0″ 180-degrees tilting LCD touchscreen and its portable weight of 304g, including its battery and memory card. It makes it mobile and lightweight to bring everywhere and shoot all day without soreness.
It comes with a 20.1-megapixel one-inch sensor, a microphone socket to boost your audio quality and offers uncropped 4K video footage. Unfortunately, it has no headphone jack.
The Face Select and Track features work well in video mode, and its autofocus modes enable you to get the subject accurately and fast.
It comes with a built-in 3-stop ND filter, which is very handy to use in shooting wide-angle in bright conditions.
One of the upgrades that appeal to these YouTubers is shooting a live video directly to YouTube and offering a vertical video mode for social media posts.
Canon G7 X Mark II is a compact and pocketable camera, best for beginners and amateurs with its video-centric features that will help you start your YouTube channel. This camera also caters to enthusiasts who are upping their photography and videography skills.
Canon G7X Mark II
YouTuber: The Most Popular Vlogging Camera Among Beginner YouTubers
Main features:- Video resolution: Full HD (1080p) at 60fps, 30 fps and 24fps
- Image stabilization system: Intelligent optical image stabilization
- Autofocus: 31-point AF
- Screen: 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen
Why do YouTubers use this camera?
First of all, The G7 X Mark II has cool vlogging features, almost like a total package available for vloggers on a tight budget. It offers a time-lapse feature, wireless connectivity, an excellent autofocus system, a flip LCD touchscreen display, and is capable of recording slow-motion video.
Moreover, the G7 X Mark II has superior image quality thanks to its 1-inch sensor type, and because of this, it shoots better in low-lighting conditions.
Faze Rain and Cutie Pie, popular YouTubers who used this camera, loved it because of its portability and lightweight feature and a tiltable LCD touchscreen.
The G7 X Mark II seems to be a total steal, but the absence of a microphone port and 4K video quality might be a deal-breaker for professional vloggers.
Anyway, it is still an ideal camera for long-term usage and perfect for outdoor vlogging too. It is hard to look for other alternatives that will fit your tight budget and pocket literally.
Sony A7S III
YouTuber: Logan Paul | Jake Paul | Casey Neistat | Vuhlandes | Evan Edinger Travel | Matti Haapoja
Main features:- Video resolution: 4K UDH video at 2160p resolution
- Image stabilization: 5-axis in-body
- Autofocus: Fast Hybrid AF technology and 759 autofocus system
- Screen: 3″ fully articulated LCD touchscreen
Why do YouTubers use this camera?
Most YouTubers purchase it for its superior video capabilities and precise and detailed image and video quality. It can capture 4K videos up to 120fps and Full HD videos in slow motion up to 240fps.
It upgraded its BIONZ XR image processing engine to easily track the subject with its real-time human and animal Fast Hybrid AF technology.
What’s more, it can be utilized for up to 3 hours of shooting video on one single charge. Really great numbers, right?
Matti Happoja justified the 12.1-megapixel feature of the Sony A7S III. She said that the Sony camera was used to maximize the video-centric quality of its camera. Also, to make the pixels bigger and better than its predecessor.
This is why it is the perfect camera to show off your surroundings. Though Alpha A7S III is an expensive investment as most Sony cameras, upgrades and new features create a desirable deal to take.
This camera is ideal for run-and-gun video content.
Sony ZV-1
YouTuber: Zoella | iJustine | Matt Haapoja | Kritika Goel | Jessica Kobeissi | Sara Dietschy
Main features:- Video resolution: 4K up to 30fps
- Image stabilization system: Optical SteadyShot
- Autofocus: 315 phase-detection AF points, Fast Hybrid AF system
- Screen: 3″ articulated TFT LCD touchscreen
Why do YouTubers use this camera?
The ZV-1 is a compact and probably the best camera for vlogging with a microphone port and a reliable and fast autofocus system. Additionally, you can able to control everything from its flip-out touchscreen LCD. It is packed with features that most new vloggers are looking for.
It also offers a built-in ND filter and profiles like S-Log2, which is useful for post-production editing.
To make even better content, it is equipped with a built-in forward directional microphone to capture excellent sound. The downside is that it has no headphone jack to check your video footage’s sound quality while filming.
Sony ZV-1 is a reliable option for vloggers with its fast lens, excellent image and video quality, superb ergonomics, and user-friendly interface system. This camera is worth considering for amateur and professional YouTubers alike.
Here’s the deal:
To our editors’ minds, according to its price and functionality, this camera is the best from Sony for vlogging and making YouTube videos.
Canon PowerShot G1X Mark III
YouTuber: Will Smith
Main features:- Video resolution: Full HD (1080p) up to 60fps
- Image stabilization system: 5-axis stabilization
- Autofocus: Dual Pixel AF system
- Screen: 3″ vari-angle LCD touchscreen
Why does Will Smith use this camera?
Will Smith uses the G1 Mark III because of its incredible features packed in a point-to-shoot compact camera.
It is equipped with the new DIGIC 7 image processor that allows the camera to process data quickly. It is also integrated with Auto Lighting Optimizer and Diffraction Correction features to reduce image distortion.
Other YouTubers opt for this camera because it is probably the only camera with a zoom lens and APS-C sensor that can fit easily into your pocket. So if you are into more of a travel-kind or on-the-go type vlogger and YouTuber, you do not mind bringing extra batteries when using this capable camera.
Overall, really nice camera to vlog, starting from beginners and ending with professionals.
Canon EOS 80D
YouTuber: Graham Stephan | KSI | David Dobrik | Casey Neistat | Lavendaire
Main features:- Video Resolution: Full HD (1080p) up to 60fps
- Autofocus: 45-AF points, Dual Pixel CMOS AF technology
- Image stabilization system: New Mirror Vibration Control System
- Screen: 3″ articulating LCD touchscreen
Why do YouTubers use this camera?
This is used by a lot of popular YouTubers to shoot their video vlogs because it offers a flip screen, optical image stabilization, and continuous autofocus with excellent and professional video footage. For example, Casey Neistat has had this camera in his equipment too.
The upgraded 24MP sensor is capable of filming in extremely low-lighting conditions.
Lavendaire, a lifestyle vlogger, used this camera and loved its AF system for its accuracy and speed. This camera provides superb image quality with incredible and real-life details, and its viewfinder is reliable with stunning accuracy for results.
As it belongs to high-level cameras, it offers both a headphone socket and a microphone port, providing YouTubers options to plug in their external microphone to have better audio quality in their videos.
If you are looking for an upgrade and want to have high quality video without breaking your bank savings to purchase one, take Canon EOS 80D.
Canon EOS 7D Mark II
YouTuber: Graham Stephan
Main features:- Video resolution: Full HD videos (1080p) up to 60fps/ 24fps and HD videos (720p) up to 60fps
- Autofocus: 65-point AF system
- Image stabilization system: None
- Screen: 3″ LCD display
Why does Graham Stephan use this camera?
For those interested in investing, side-hustling and quality content, we encourage you to check out his YouTube channel, if you haven’t already. One of our favorite YouTubers in 2024.
Anyway, Graham Stephan likes to use the EOS 7D Mark II for his videos because of its excellent AF system, uncompressed Full HD via HDMI output, and he can monitor his footage’s sound quality with its headphone microphone jacks.
Moreover, 7D Mark II is capable of a 10fps fast burst rate, ideal for sports and wildlife video footage.
Another feature that YouTubers love about this camera is introducing its new optical distortion correction in movie mode and support for timecode and silent movie mode.
The Canon 7D Mark II is an exceptional stills camera and a truly professional tool for fast-moving scenes and ideal for sports or action scene video content.
Canon EOS R5
YouTuber: Peter Mckinnon | Tyler Babin
Main features:- Video resolution: 8K videos up to 30fps, 4K videos up to 120fps
- Image stabilization system: 8-stop in-body
- Autofocus: 5,940 AF points for still images and 4,500 AF points for videos
- Screen: 3.15″ fully articulating touchscreen LCD
Why do YouTubers use this camera?
This excellent camera for YouTubers’ headline attraction is its video capability to capture an uncropped 8K video up to 30fps. Apart from that, this camera can use 4K video capture that records up to 120fps.
What strikes most YouTubers about this camera is its AI-powered deep learning AF system that focuses accurately on the human eye, face, and head tracking. With this technology, it incorporates a new feature capable of Animal AF that can track the eyes, looks, and body of animals, including birds, on flight precisely.
The main issue about this camera that everyone is so concerned about is overheating. It tends to overheat while shooting above 4K 30fps video.
Overall, EOS R5 Canon camera is a great camera and one of the best cameras to beat when it comes to high-speed photography and superb quality videos. So if you can go around the overheating issue by recording only for a few minutes, this camera will actually suit your needs.
Nikon Z7
YouTuber: Jordan Matter
Main features:- Video resolution: 4K UHD videos up to 30fps
- Image stabilization system: In-body 5-axis
- Autofocus: 493 PDAF points
- Screen: 3.2″ tilting touchscreen LCD
Why does Jordan Matter use this camera?
Jordan Matter has used this camera in his YouTube vlogs because of its powerful and impressive video features. He likes how it is easy to shoot hand-held shots with maintained focus and stabilization. Its Flat Picture Profile makes it easy for run-and-gun video projects.
Other YouTubers loved to use this camera because of its excellent dynamic range and separate setting menus for stills and video, a useful vlogger feature.
The Z7 appeals to be a credible action camera with its 10fps continuous autofocus and 45.7-megapixel sensor responsible for its superb quality, which is undoubtedly its primary selling point.
So if you are looking for your first mirrorless camera for your vlogging needs and do not mind paying a lot, Nikon Z7 is a great choice.
What Makes a Camera Good for YouTube Vlogs?
Surfing the net to look for available vlogging cameras will be exhausting and most probably will blow your mind away since there is a wide selection of cameras available in the market today.
Here are some of the criteria and qualities you should consider in choosing your camera for YouTube vlogging.
1. Image Quality
This is the most critical aspect you should look for and this also indicates the video resolution. As of 2024, there are 3 video resolutions most vlogging camera has:
- 720p (HD);
- 1080P (Full HD);
- 4K (Ultra HD).
Cameras with 1080p and 4K video resolutions are highly recommended but it is more expensive and can cater to the cinematic features you are looking for. Though 720p can still shoot decent YouTube videos, it is also for people who are on a tight or start-up budget.
2. Weight
Vloggers are on the move most of the time, so their gear needs to be portable and lightweight so they can easily carry the camera around all day or wherever they might go for shooting locations. Some heavier DSLR vlogging cameras can be set on a tripod, so you do not have to hold it all day while shooting.
3. Image Stabilization
This feature is essential for vlogs that involve many movements or activities. Although, some video editing software or separate lenses can fix your shaky video footage. Most famous vloggers still prefer the video quality produced by a vlogging camera with built-in optical image stabilization.
4. Audio
Many agree that audio quality is more important than video quality because no one will watch your entire video content if they cannot hear what you say.
While most cameras come with a built-in microphone, these microphones usually pick up unwanted background noises. That is why we recommend you choose a camera that has a mic input and invest in an external microphone as your vlogging equipment priority.
5. Autofocus
This is one of the vital features that vloggers find useful in their vlogging cameras when they point a camera to a different subject, it can quickly put it in focus. Having to wait for your camera to focus or have a shot out of stress can be extremely frustrating and exhausting for vloggers. So having fast and accurate autofocus is ideal for making vlogs.
6. Flip-screen
This will help make sure everything is fine, and it will avoid recording an entire YouTube video just to find out later that something is not right with your video footage.
Conclusion
Vlogging on YouTube has become extremely popular in the past few years and there is no sign that it is slowing down.
It is trending more than ever. As an example, a lot of people are looking for information on how to become a YouTuber and what kind of cameras famous vloggers use.
We have a quick tip for you:
Before you start creating YouTube videos, try to choose the suitable and best vlogging camera for your needs and the level of skills you have. If you are just starting your YouTube career, don’t go with expensive vlogging cameras that YouTubers.