If you want to get quality videos as a creator – which is essential if you want to stand out, you need to use durable and high-resolution video cameras. Unfortunately, a lot of the best cameras can be quite expensive. Especially if you haven’t started getting brand endorsements.
That’s why in this article, we will unveil some of the specifications to look out for when getting a high-resolution camera and five affordable video cameras you can use to improve your content creation journey.
Things to Look Out for When Choosing a Camera
When picking out a video camera for your Youtube channel, here are seven features you should absolutely look out for;
- Video quality is the most important feature you need as a content creator. For starters, get a frame rate of at least 30fps, 1080p resolution, and H.264 camera codec options. These are the standard options that’ll provide you with great video quality while saving your storage space.
- Lens option: As a creator that does not like just one lens for different shoots, you must research cameras with different lenses to offer a wider field view so that you won’t have to switch between channels.
- Image quality: for your visual content to come out nice, look for cameras with a high-resolution sensor, good performance in low light conditions, and the ability to shoot in high dynamic range(HDR)
- Sound: Be sure that your camera has a built-in microphone or the ability to accommodate an external one for your videos to have good sound quality.
- Waterproofing: If you are going to be using your camera in wet conditions like white sandy beaches, areas with heavy rainfall, and so on, then you should confirm if it’s at least water resistant.
- Portability: You need a camera you can easily carry, especially when making travel vlogs or outdoor content. This is why we recommend opting for portable or pocket-size cameras.
- Budget: Finally, create a budget and be strict with how much you’re willing to spend on a camera. However, we recommend a budget of at least $200 to get a solid and durable one for your content.
The Top 5 Budget Cameras for Creators
We’re sure you’re thinking about which video cameras are the best for shooting your Youtube videos. However, there’s a wide range and it simply depends on what you’re looking out for. Here are some of the best affordable cameras you can purchase as a Youtube content creator.
1. Canon EOS M50 Mark II Body Black
Key specifications
- Type: Mirrorless camera
- Lens: 15-45mm Zoom lens
- Color: Black
- Sensor size: APS- C CMOS
- Screen: 3.o-inch vari-angle touchscreen LCD
- Megapixels: 24mp
- Viewfinder: 2.36M- dot electronic
- Special feature: DIGIC 8 image processor, Built-in-flash, combination 5-axis image stabilization
- Max video resolution: 4k
- Connectivity: WI-FI, NFC
- User level: beginner or enthusiast
Price: $589.95
This is a mirrorless camera that is suitable for vlogging. It has an Eye AF for still videos and the option of shooting vertical videos if you’d want to create TikTok videos or Instagram reels. This video camera can be used to live stream directly on YouTube as long as it’s connected to a strong Wi-Fi signal. It has an auto light optimization and it’s also good in low light conditions.
The only shortcoming of this camera is that it reduces 4k videos by 1.56x. It even increases to 1.75x if the digital image stabilization is on. So, if you are willing to stick to 1080p, then it’s a camera you can start with.
2. GoPro Hero 8
Key specifications
- Type: Action camera
- Lens: Fixed wide lens
- Screen: 2-inch rear display
- Mid port: Yes
- Sensor: ½.5 inch
- Megapixels: 12mp
- Viewfinder: No
- Max video resolution: 4k 60p
- User level: beginner or enthusiast
Price: $249.99
GoPro Hero is a well-specified camera that can shoot video in 4k, has a 12 MP sensor for stills, and it is 33ft (10m) waterproof without any external housing. It also has four different lenses- distortion-free linear, narrow, wide and super view.
This camera is an action camera that is very useful for recording any sports like running, cycling, workout routines, and outdoor shoots. With it, you don’t have to heavily invest in video editing. It contains an automatic backup as well as voice control and face recognition.
We particularly love the live burst and timelapse feature that allows you to record 1.5 seconds of the before and after of your shoots and you can apply slow and fast effects to it. GoPro is one of the best choices for creators because it’s a portable yet durable camera for streaming in 1080p.
3. Zoom Q8n-4k Handy Video Recorder
Key specifications
- Type: Camcorder
- Lens: F2.8/150degree with 5 different views
- Screen: 2.7-inch flip-out touchscreen LCD
- Mic port: Dual combo XLR/TRS inputs
- Sensor: ⅓-inch
- Megapixels: 3mp
- Viewfinder: No
- Max video resolution: 4k
- User level: intermediate or enthusiast
Price: $349.99
This is an ideal camera for content creators, filmmakers, and musicians who need to keep their production setup small. It has four tracks of audio recorder that has four channels, 4k UHD video, an interchangeable mic capsule system, and two ports in case of an external mic.
It saves video in AAC and WAV files depending on your choice. This camera has 2304×1296 pixels, at a frame rate of 30p and it can also stream via USB. We also love the brightness adjustments for low-lighting conditions.
4. Panasonic Lumix G100
Key specifications
- Type: Mirrorless
- Mic port: Yes
- Megapixels: 20.3
- Lens: 12-32mm
- Screen: 3-inch vari-angle, 1,840, 000 dots
- Max video resolution: 4k UHD
- Sensor: Micro Four thirds
- Lens mount: MFT
- Viewfinder: EVF, 3,690,000 dots
Price: $547.99
This is a 4k mirrorless video recorder. It’s portable so if you need a lightweight camera, we recommend this. In addition to its lens kit lens, it has a high-quality LCD and a big viewfinder which makes it easy to use.
Panasonic Lumix G100 uses a three-built-in mic system for accurate audio recording. The MFT interchangeable lens provides you with a variety of options to choose from. You’re also assured of the highest video quality at 4k.
The limitation of this camera is that it can only record video for 10 minutes when shooting in 4k/30fps but it can record up to 30 minutes in 1080bp.
5. DJI Pocket 2
Key specifications
- Type: Compact
- Screen: 1-inch touchscreen
- Sensor: 1/1.7inch
- Resolution: 64mp
- Viewfinder: none
- Max video resolution: 4k 60bp
- User level: beginner or enthusiast
Price: $309
This is a tiny camera that is pocket-sized and portable which allows you to record memorable moments. That’s why we highly recommend it if you do a lot of travel vlogging. This camera covers a 93-degree field of view than the original which permits you to record more action at once. It also has a 1/1.7 inch sensor that captures images at 64mp and 4k for videos.
DJI pocket 2 also consists of four microphones that grant audio recording in different directions including audio zoom and soundtrack. It has an AI editor that combines all your clips with different transitions and music.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t have enough low light and the small touchscreen requires frequent adjustment except for framing previews.
Wrapping up
The list of video cameras above is a great start for any creator because they are affordable. Their features also guarantee that you’ll get quality videos during every shoot.
Creating videos is just the beginning of your creator journey. You need to monetize your craft and earn as a creator. We recommend starting with a Creathor account to get the tools you need to make money from your videos.
