10 Best Budget Cameras For YouTube in 2021 [Creators-Friendly]

With video consumption skyrocketing and YouTube being the number one platform for that, it is no surprise that you want to hop on that train. As you came here looking for the best affordable camera for YouTube, you have certainly made the right call and this article is going to be the only guide you’ll need to find that perfect camera for your recording needs.

Budget cameras have gotten really good over the years and although they don’t offer as much as the flagships, they’re closer than ever. They also provide a lot more control and sheer flexibility over the smartphone cameras in your pocket. That means you get better quality videos and that natural shallow depth of field.

But wait, there is a lot of confusion going on in this budget segment and if you get caught up in that, you may end up with a camera that doesn’t help in your workflow at all. So, according to what kind of videos you want to shoot, you have to pick your preferred features. To help you out with that, I have shortlisted the best budget cameras that are excellent for YouTube.

Best Budget Cameras For YouTube in 2021

All the cameras that made it to the list below, I’ve gone through thorough evaluation and have been considered based on their overall performance and how much money they are asking to deliver that performance. In the end, it came down to 10 cameras and at least one of these should be perfect for your specific workflow.

Now, I know that budget means different price points to different people. So, although I have mostly kept under $1000 options, I have also included a couple of under $1500 options as well for those who need them.

1. Best Overall: Sony A6400

Sony makes some amazing cameras with top-of-the-line video features and for YouTube, the Sony A6400 is probably the sweet spot for the majority of you out there. It has a highly capable sensor with all the modern features you may want for YouTube and it costs less than $1000, which is great if you’re just starting off or upgrading from an ancient DSLR.

Design & Build

Sony has a reputation for nailing the design and build in the Alpha lineup of cameras, so the A6400 is, of course, no exception. The design is carried over from their previous APS-C mirrorless line-up, so it carries over that subtle & minimalistic approach. There is also a 3-inch flip-up LCD touchscreen.

The build quality is also really great with a solid structure made out of premium materials, an excellent in-hand feel while still keeping the weight just around 0.88 lbs. This is really impressive considering the price although, that’s what you’d generally expect from Sony right now.

Video Recording & Features

This is one of the most capable mirrorless cameras under $1000 you can buy to start off YouTube and the reason is its video recording capabilities. Not only it supports up to 4K 30 FPS video, but it can also do that in S-log2 & S-log3 RAW, and HDR10 in HLG. That’s a lot of control for those who want to produce high-quality videos and it even supports 120 FPS slow-mo in 1080P.

The quality of the video is great though. The colors look true to life, the dynamic range is great, there is a lot of detail, and even the low-light performance is great. The HDR footage improves this even further and the RAW video is a huge advantage if you want to do proper color grading and color correction later.

Sensor and Capabilities

Coming to the sensor itself, the company has gone with a 24.1MP APS-C unit. That means you will have a 1.52x crop in your videos and photos, so you need to calculate the distance of the camera accordingly. It is extremely capable though, and alongside shooting great videos, you can also shoot excellent photos with it.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

The company hasn’t compromised on wireless & wired connectivity either. On the wireless side, you get 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and NFC. For wired connectivity, you get Micro HDMI, Micro USB, 3.5 mm Headphone & Microphone Jacks, Multi-accessory shoe, and dual SD card slots which is really helpful if you’re shooting for a long time.

Battery Life

There is an NP-FW50 battery that can last up to 75 minutes of 4K recording on a single charge and up to 125 minutes of 4K recording with continuous shooting. For photos, it can go up to 410 shots with the display or up to 360 shots with the OLED EVF.

Should you get this Camera?

For someone who is just getting into YouTube or upgrading their vintage DSLR with a Mirrorless that actually does video well, I probably can’t recommend a better camera under the $1000 price point. The Sony A6400 has high-end video features & proper external inputs to make your filming experience easier & richer.

2. Best Full-Frame Camera: Canon EOS RP

If you absolutely need a full-frame though, the Canon EOS RP is the best recommendation I can give you. It’s still relatively affordable at just around a thousand dollars and it shoots excellent quality video. Unless you need to shoot 120 FPS slow motion, this Camera is going to be more than enough.

Design & Build

The design has taken a massive detour compared to Canon’s full-frame DSLRs. It is smaller, more compact & easier to carry around. It’s a slightly boxier shape, with all the necessary physical controls built-in, a 3-inch vari-angle LCD touchscreen, an OLED EVF, and the only thing you don’t get here is the top monitoring display.

Canon’s choice of materials has always been good, so even for the EOS RP, the build quality is great too. The camera feels solid in the hand and weighs just around 1.06 lbs which is pretty impressive for a full-frame. The regular EOS R does have better build quality, but considering the higher price, that’s kinda expected.

Video Recording & Features

The video recording situation is somewhat of a mixed bag though. You get 4K up to 25 FPS (24 FPS is available) and 1080P up to 50 FPS (24 FPS not available). You’re gonna shoot in 4K 24 FPS anyway, but if you want 1080P 24 FPS, you’ll have to downscale from 4K or shoot in 25 FPS instead. Sadly 30 FPS isn’t available.

Video quality is where this camera competes head to head with its more expensive sibling. You get a lot of detail, amazing colors, great dynamic range, and even really good low-light performance. In low-light, the regular EOS-R does perform a bit better, but in good lighting, it’s hard to tell one apart. There is no HDR or RAW video support though.

Sensor and Capabilities

The company is using a 26.2 MP full-frame sensor for the EOS RP and that means you don’t get any crop in your videos or photos. It doesn’t really compete with the higher-end EOS R but it is still a highly capable sensor. It performs really well in challenging situations and it also takes great photos.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

There is no compromise in Connectivity either. On the wireless side, you get 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. For wired inputs, you get USB 2.0 Type-C, USB Type-C with HDMI out, 3.5 mm microphone and headphone jacks, E3 remote jack, multi accessory shoe, and a single SD card slot.

Battery Life

The company is using the LP-E17 battery which can record about an hour of 4K video with continuous recording. Using camera controls while recording will shorten the battery life more, so you will be getting around 40 to 45 minutes in that case.

Should you get this Camera?

If you like how Canon handles the colors in a video and most importantly, you need a full-frame camera to eliminate any cropping in videos, then you should definitely get the EOS RP. The only thing you do need to remember though is that you will need to keep a couple of extra batteries if you are shooting a lot of video with this camera.

3. Best Affordable Fujifilm: Fujifilm X-T30 II

Fujifilm has been laser-focused on photography in the past, but that has slowly been changing with the shift to mirrorless. The Fujifilm X-T30 II might just be one of the best cameras from the company to get into YouTube as it packs some really impressive and unexpected video features while keeping the price in control.

Design & Build

The design hasn’t changed much compared to the original X-T30, but there are some certain changes here and there. You still get the signature Fujifilm look with a 3-inch flip display on the back. That means this one is actually good for vlogging.

Even the build quality is pretty good for this segment. The camera feels solid in the hand and it is still pretty lightweight at just around 0.83 lbs. It’s definitely no competition to the A6400, but I have no complaints in this department.

Video Recording & Features

The video capabilities are really impressive on this one with support for 4K video up to 30 FPS, 1080P with support for up to 240 FPS slow-mo, 10-bit 4:2:2 RAW in F-log. There is no HDR, but that’s not a big deal here. The amount of control you have over your video here is remarkable and great for achieving the exact required look for the post.

Even the video quality is pretty great as well. The colors & the dynamic range are really good and although the low-light performance needs some work, with good lighting, there’s not much to complain about. The autofocusing isn’t as fast as the A6400 or the EOS RP, but it’s still pretty usable.

Sensor and Capabilities

Fujifilm is using a large 26.1 MP APS-C sensor for the X-T30 II. This sensor is a massive improvement over older Fujifilm cameras and it finally performs just as well for videos as it does for photos. It also has better dynamic range and low-light performance across the board.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

The situation when it comes to connectivity is kind of a mixed bag. On one hand, you get 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 for wireless connectivity. However, for wired connectivity you get USB Type-C, Micro HDMI, a multi-accessory shoe, and a microphone jack which is 2.5 mm instead of being 3.5 mm for some reason.

Battery Life

Battery life is somewhat average for this camera. You can do about 45 minutes of 4K video which can be maxed out up to 60 minutes With continuous recording. So, if you are going to shoot long projects on a single day, keep a couple of extra batteries around.

Should you get this Camera?

In the past, I would have had a very hard time recommending a Fujifilm camera for recording videos, but with the modern improvements that the X-T30 offers, it is truly one of the more affordable options from the company that has some truly amazing capabilities. So, if you like the features, you should definitely give this one a go.

4. Best Compact Powerhouse: Sony ZV-E10

Sony also recently entered the Vlogging camera world and the Sony ZV-E10 is the most advancement they have made in that area. It is a super compact APS-C camera that goes toe to toe with the more expensive A6400 as far as video features go but cuts out in several other areas to achieve that insane price point.

Design & Build

The ZV-E10 is also a complete overhaul in the design and build department compared to its predecessor. This camera also comes without an EVF and it keeps that muted form factor but it has a full-size grip just like the Alpha lineup. You still get a 3-inch flip display for vlogging.

Build quality has also drastically improved. The camera feels a lot more premium in the hand and it has some more heft to it. However, it is still considerably lightweight at just 0.75 lbs. That means for beauty bloggers and vloggers, this camera is going to be super easy to shoot with just a single hand.

Video Recording & Features

Surprisingly enough Sony decided to pack this camera with some top-of-the-line video features from their Alpha series, and although it’s a ZV series camera, they did stick an Alpha branding, so they do seem pretty confident. As far as the capabilities are concerned, you get up to 4K 30 FPS, HDR video, Slog-2 & Slog-3 RAW video, and 120 FPS slow-mo at 1080P.

Now, although these seem very similar to the A6400, the actual video quality is not exactly the same. The low light performance is slightly worse and the same goes for the dynamic range too. Comparisons aside though, the quality is actually great for the price. You get nice colors, a good amount of detail, and the HDR video is great too.

Sensor and Capabilities

The 24.2MP APS-C sensor on the Sony ZV-E10 is a massive improvement over the 1-inch sensor on the ZV-1. It takes much improved videos and photos across the board and the low light performance is significantly better. It even shoots in HDR which is exceptional for this price point.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

In the connectivity department, it is significantly capable as well. You get 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 on the wireless side but no NFC in this case. For what connectivity you’re getting USB 3.0 type C, Micro HDMI 1.4b, 3.5 mm microphone jack and headphone jack, a multi-accessory shoe, and a single SD card slot in this case.

Battery Life

Sony‘s NP-FW50 battery isn’t huge when it comes to capacity, but because of the compact size and The absence of EVF, you can get up to 80 minutes of 4K video out of this thing. With continuous recording that extends up to 125 minutes. That is good battery life but keep an extra battery around anyway.

Should you get this Camera?

The ZV-E10 is literally the most capable camera for shooting videos in its segment right now. This is the camera that I’d recommend to most people to kick off their YouTube journey. Unless you have to have a dedicated EVF, this camera is going to be more than enough for most of you out there.

5. Best with Dual-Band Wi-Fi: Nikon Z50

Nikon has also finally moved on to Mirrorless and although their DSLRs didn’t do great for video, these new cameras change that. The Nikon Z50 is one of the best Nikon cameras I can recommend to you for YouTube right now and it packs in some great punch for video. Alongside having modern video features, it even adds dual-band Wi-Fi to the mix.

Design & Build

As one of the leading camera companies, Nikon has been known for its signature design in its cameras. With the switch to mirrorless, that look has gone through a lot of changes while keeping some of the original vibes. The Z50 is now much more compact and muted with a large EVF and a 3-inch flip-down display.

Build quality has never been an issue with Nikon cameras either and the Z50 is great in that area as well. It is built with High-quality materials giving it a premium feel in the hand and it weighs just around 0.87 lbs. The one issue I have with this build Is the fact that you cannot fully flip down the display if the camera is mounted on a tripod.

Video Recording & Features

The video capabilities are surprising considering this is a lower mid-range Nikon camera. Not only it supports 4K video up to 30 FPS, it even does 120 FPS slow-mo at 1080P. For regular video, you can shoot up to 60 FPS in 1080P and for both 4K and FHD, you do have the option to shoot 24 FPS as well.

As far as the actual quality is concerned, it is pretty good. Nikon has kept the familiar color science alongside a lot of detail, good dynamic range, and good low-light performance as well. The autofocusing still doesn’t match up to competition from Sony & Canon, but it’s still way better now.

Sensor and Capabilities

The 20.9 MP APS-C sensor in the Nikon Z50 is A massive upgrade over Nikon’s mid-range DSLR camera sensors. It is more capable with support for things like 120 FPS slow motion & 4K 30 frames per second video and even for photos, it has improved performance even in low-light situations. So even if you are going to do some photography, this camera is still going to perform really well.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

Nikon is one step ahead of the competition when it comes to wireless connectivity as they have provided dual-band 802.11 b/g/n/ac Wi-Fi in the Z50 and you also get Bluetooth 4.2 which should have been 5.0 considering what the company was doing. Wired inputs include Micro USB, Micro HDMI, a 3.5 mm microphone jack, and a multi-accessory shoe. There is no headphone jack on this one.

Battery Life

There is an EN-EL25 battery powering the Z50 and it can do up to 75 minutes of 4K video. This is pretty good battery life but again for long shoots, you should keep one or two extra batteries around. Continuous recording does improve this time a bit but as that’s an unlikely situation, keeping the extra batteries is a good idea.

Should you get this Camera?

It was impossible to get a Budget or Mid-range Nikon camera that had excellent video capabilities in the past, but the Z50 and the rest of the Mirrorless line have changed that. You can get some really good-looking videos and those same signature Nikon photos out of the Z50. If you wanted a Nikon camera, this is the one you should go for.

6. Best From Panasonic: Panasonic LUMIX G95

Panasonic has been making some pretty impressive cameras under the $1000 price point and the Panasonic LUMIX G95 is the latest addition to that. It is the direct successor to the G85 and although it may not seem much different at first, it does have some really significant upgrades including better video.

Design & Build

The company hasn’t made any massive upgrades to the design this time around. But there are subtle tweaks here and there to make the G95 stand out. It kinda looks like a hybrid of a compact Mirrorless and an old-school Point-and-shoot camera. It also has a 3-inch full flip display.

They did improve the build quality though. It now feels more premium in the hand and although it doesn’t compete with Sony or Canon at this price, it’s now pretty close. The weight is just around 1.0 lb, it’s not too heavy so it’s great for YouTube.

Video Recording & Features

There are multiple improvements with video recording in the G95. You can still record up to 4K 30 FPS video, but now it is possible to shoot in V-log RAW at 8-bit 4:2:2. This is a huge advantage if you want to do color grading in post. For 1080P you do get up to 60 FPS and again, 24 FPS is also available.

The quality of the video itself has improved as well. Compared to that 16MP sensor on the G85, this new one captures more details, has better dynamic range, and also handles low-light performance better. Even with post-processing, you get a lot more flexibility with RAW. This makes the G95 a much better bargain compared to its predecessor.

Sensor and Capabilities

The 20.3MP Micro 4/3 sensor is a significant improvement over the G85 and how do you still get a two times crop, you get some noticeable improvements for both photos and videos. This new sensor has slightly better light sensitivity and it also enables raw video recording which wasn’t something Panasonic was able to provide around this price point in the past.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

For wireless connectivity, you get 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2 and for wired connectivity, you get Micro USB, Micro HDMI, 3.5 mm microphone and headphone jacks, a multi accessory shoe, and an SD card slot. Considering this is a Panasonic camera, that is actually a pretty good selection of wired and wireless connectivity at this price.

Battery Life

While recording 4K video, you can get around an hour of battery life at most from this camera, and it is going to extend slightly with continuous recording. But this is still not A lot of juice, so definitely keep spare batteries around to avoid dead camera situations in the hour of need.

Should you get this Camera?

If you have been eyeing a Panasonic camera, the G95 might make a lot of sense for you. However, be sure you want Panasonic‘s processing and their RAW video format. Otherwise, the price seems to be a bit high for what this camera is offering overall.

7. Best Multipurpose Camera: Fujifilm X-S10

Fujifilm has also released their new X line-up of cameras and they have some significant improvements over the older models. Previously, the cameras were mostly focused on photos but currently, with the Fujifilm X-S10 company is making some excellent advancements in the video department making them a great choice for YouTube.

Design & Build

The company has a very good reputation for maintaining premium aesthetics and good build quality in their products and the X-S10 is no exception. The camera looks pricier than it actually is and it also comes with a 3-inch flip touchscreen which makes it great for vlogging.

Build quality on Fujifilm cameras has always been really good and the X-S10 is no exception either. The quality of the materials is premium which gives the camera a pricier vibe and it is actually a bit hefty with a weight of 1.06 lbs.

Video Recording & Features

Video has come a long way in Fujifilm cameras and the X-S10 takes things to the next level. You can shoot 4K up to 30 FPS and 1080P up to 60 FPS, but you can shoot those in 10-bit 4:2:2 V-log, and you can even do FHD slow-mo at 240 FPS. Even the autofocusing is a lot faster now.

The video quality itself has evolved a lot as well. There is a lot more dynamic range now, the colors look much better while retaining the original Fujifilm color science, and even the low-light performance has improved a lot. If you’re getting this camera, you won’t really have to worry about the footage.

Sensor and Capabilities

Even with the X-S10, the company has used a 26.1MP APS-C sensor. I’m not sure if this is the same sensor as the X-T30 II, but it definitely performs much better in certain areas. It has better dynamic range and low light performance in videos as well as in photos. Even things like 240 FPS slow motion and 10-bit video, put it directly into competition with the big players.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

The connectivity department is also great. On the wireless side, you are getting 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.2. For wired connectivity you are getting USB 3.2 Type-C, Micro HDMI Type-D, 3.5 mm microphone jack, remote jack, a multi-accessory shoe, and an SD card slot. No idea why the company skipped on the headphone jack.

Battery Life

Sadly enough, Fujifilm’s battery problem for videos is still there. You get around 40 minutes of 4K video or around 55 minutes of 4K video with continuous recording. The NP-W126S battery isn’t capable of doing more in this camera and I feel the company needs to start using bigger batteries as it’s no longer laser-focused on just photography.

Should you get this Camera?

For those invested specifically in Fujifilm, but looking for something slightly better than the X-T30 II, the X-S10 is going to be the best bargain. Although the features are very similar, you do get better quality video and photos. So, if that makes sense to you, get the X-S10.

8. Best Point & Shoot Camera: Sony ZV-1

For users looking for a good point & shoot camera for YouTube, the Sony ZV-1 is the only one worth recommending as of now. It has a lot of high-end features that you can find in pricier models from the company and it even brings some extras on the table specifically for creators.

Design & Build

The ZV-1 is one of the most budget-friendly cameras made by the company and that does reflect on the design. It’s a significantly muted look and there is no EVF. There is a 3-inch display though and it’s a Vari-angle Touchscreen. That means you will be using the display as a viewfinder.

This reflects on the build quality as well. Although this is a really good build quality for the price, it is just not competing with the ZV-E10 or the A6400. It’s pretty clear that the material used isn’t as premium, but for the price, I have no complaints.

Video Recording & Features

There are some surprising features when it comes to video. This includes 4K video at 30 FPS and HDR video in HLG, 1080P video up to 60 FPS which you can also shoot in HDR and if you need slow-mo, you can go up to 120 FPS. It even has special modes, like Portrait Video, Product Showcase, and Beatification specifically built for YouTubers.

Now, the quality of the footage is kind of a mixed bag. In daylight or indoors with a good amount of lighting, the footage looks really good with nice colors and a good amount of detail. However, the dynamic range could have been better and in low light situations, the camera doesn’t do very well. However, having that f/1.8 aperture helps a lot in these situations.

Sensor and Capabilities

Sony is using a 20.1MP 1-inch type sensor for the ZV-1. This sensor is highly capable in several areas of video like HDR, 4K 30 FPS, etc., which is a huge win in this price segment and in this product category. However, it doesn’t do well with low light situations and if you are planning to use this camera for photography, then it’s not gonna perform great in that area either.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

Surprisingly enough, there were no major sacrifices in Connectivity. You get 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless connectivity alongside Micro USB 2.0, Micro HDMI, 3.5 mm microphone jack, a multi-accessory shoe, and an SD card slot. I would have loved to see a headphone jack as well, but I can’t complain at this price.

Battery Life

With respect to its tiny size, it pulls around 45 minutes a 4K video with regular recording, and around 75 minutes with continuous recording from that NP-BX1 battery. This is okay considering they had to use the smaller battery, but as this camera is targeted towards Vlogging and YouTube, you will need to keep extra batteries anyway.

Should you get this Camera?

If you need a highly capable camera without the hassle of changing lenses, the Sony ZV-1 brings those features from higher-end cameras and packs them into a compact package. If you are looking for that and you need those creator-focused features, then definitely get the Sony ZV-1.

9. Best Cinema Camera: Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K

If you want to go full filmmaker though, The Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is the best option you can go for. It gives you the full flexibility of a cinema camera while costing more like a midrange mirrorless camera. If you want the most control over your footage and you don’t mind digging through the manual settings, this might be the best option for you.

Design & Build

For a cinema camera, the BMPCC is pretty small, hence the inclusion of “Pocket” in the name. Although, you should know it won’t be fitting most of the pockets in real life. It does have a lot of manual controls on the body and although The 3.5-inch display on the back is a touchscreen, it is a fixed display.

The build quality is solid though. The camera feels extremely rigid and Blackmagic is definitely using good quality materials here. It is a bit on the heavier side at 1.6 lbs and that’s expected considering all the extra hardware it has. But, it is still pretty comfortable to use.

Video Recording & Features

The video recording capabilities are exceptional at this price point. You can record 4K video up to 60 FPS, and 1080P up to 60 FPS as well, but you get the flexibility of recording in black magic raw. This is the format a lot of production houses use and this is great for color grading in Davinci Resolve.

Because this is a completely manual camera, you get a lot more control over how the footage looks. Although the sensor is a bit smaller it can still retain a lot of detail and the dynamic range is also surprisingly good. Just don’t expect some huge miracle in low light. There is some visible noise in these situations.

Sensor and Capabilities

Blackmagic doesn’t mention the megapixel count for the sensor but it is in fact a Micro 4/3 sensor in the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. That means you get that two times crop so the subject needs to be a bit away from you. As far as the quality is concerned, this sensor handles challenging situations really well. However, this camera is only for recording video, so it can’t double as your photography camera.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

Connectivity is the area where you will have to make a nasty compromise. This camera doesn’t come with any kind of wireless connectivity. However, when it comes to wired Connectivity, you are getting a full-sized HDMI, USB Type-C, 3.5 mm microphone and headphone jacks, dual mini XLR ports, and dual storage slots including one for SD cards and one for the CFast cards.

Battery Life

The company has gone with Canon’s LP-E6 battery for the BMPCC4K and it can shoot up to 60 minutes of 4K video in one charge. As this camera is for professional-level shoots, you will have to keep extra batteries around. However, I feel like they could have gone for a bigger battery for this camera.

Should you get this Camera?

You have to be a very specific type of creator if you are going for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K. This camera is made for movies, documentaries, and professional projects, so it makes sense to get it and learn all those manual controls when you’re shooting something similar. For regular videos, the extra hassle may not be worth it.

10. Best For Indoor Shoots: Sony A6600

Coming back to a more mainstream setup, the Sony A6600 is one of the best cameras that I can recommend if you are upgrading from an old DSLR or a baseline mirrorless camera. It costs a little bit more but brings some significant improvements over the A6400, especially for video recording.

Design & Build

The design of the Sony A6600 it’s very similar to the A6400 with slightly more premium vibes, and an extra monitoring display on the top. You still get all the necessary controls you need and a 3 inch tilt-up LCD touchscreen and a High-res OLED viewfinder. The device definitely looks more premium and professional.

The build quality is also excellent. It weighs around 1.1 lbs and that’s because of the improved build material it gets over the A6400. It’s still not too heavy though and you can easily vlog with it handheld. If you do attach a very heavy lens though, you will need a tripod.

Video Recording & Features

The A6600 is the top flagship of Sony’s APS-C line of alpha cameras, and it has some significant advantages over its cheaper counterparts. You get full 4K 30 FPS video recording which the company claims is downscaled from 6K, with up to 120 FPS slow motion on 1080P. You also have access to HDR video in HLG, 10-bit RAW with S-log2 and S-log3.

As you may expect, this is the camera that will give you the best quality video in this entire listing. The quality is exceptional for the price, with amazing details and color, top-of-the-line dynamic range, excellent low-light performance, and super-fast autofocusing. It’s great for getting the best-looking footage without the hassle of too much manual tweaking.

Sensor and Capabilities

Sony is using a 24.2MP APS-C sensor in the A6600 and compared to the competition, it brings extras like 4K video in HDR, better dynamic range across videos and photos, improved low light performance, and much faster autofocusing. This sensor is enough to handle professional projects.

Wireless Connectivity and Inputs

Is this the flagship-level camera, there is an excellent selection of both wireless and wired connectivity. On the wireless side, you are getting 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, and NFC. For wired connectivity, there is Micro USB, Micro HDMI, 3.5 mm microphone & headphone jacks, Multi-accessory shoe, and dual SD card slots that support the faster UHS-II speeds.

Battery Life

Not only is this camera one of the most capable devices on the list, it also has the best battery life. Sony is using a large NP-FZ100 battery which can last up to 150 minutes with 4K video going up to 250 minutes with continuous recording. This is the only camera that you may get away with, without extra batteries.

Should you get this Camera?

In case you are still looking for a compact mirrorless camera that can shoot excellent 4K video and maintain consistency even in challenging conditions, then the Sony A6600 is going to be perfect for you. It costs a little more, but I feel the extra cost is justified.

Frequently Asked Questions

Verdict

Budget cameras are getting really good when it comes to video quality and considering how better quality video is becoming a priority for YouTube, this is definitely a step in the right direction. Right now, you can shoot amazing quality YouTube videos with a budget camera and you can even shoot in HDR or RAW. So, if you do need these features, you no longer need to spend a fortune.

Now, If you have read the entire article, you probably already have selected the perfect camera for yourself. However, if you skipped right to the end or if you want to be extra sure, here is a summarized version of the same:

• If you need the best possible video quality under $1000, with all the advanced perks you can get, get the Sony A6400.
• For those looking for a full frame camera that won’t compromise in quality and won’t crop in, the Canon EOS RP is the best option.
• If you need your camera to work simultaneously for your YouTube videos and photography, get the Fujifilm X-T30 II.
• In case you are looking for a compact and affordable camera that doesn’t compromise on features, get the Sony ZV-E10.
• For those looking for a camera with dual-band Wi-Fi, get the Nikon Z50. You can also get this camera in case you just wanted something from Nikon anyway.
• If you liked the X-T30, but you want a Fujifilm camera that performs better, get the X-S10. This is also the camera you should get if you need 240 FPS slow motion.
• In case you want the best quality 4K video possible, get the Sony A6600.
• If you need a cinema camera for professional projects, get the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K.
• For those who don’t want the hassle of changing lenses, but don’t want to compromise on video features either, the Sony ZV-1 is a perfect choice.
• In case you are specifically looking for a Panasonic camera, get the LUMIX G95.

I hope I was able to help you find the best camera for your YouTube videos. If you found this article to be useful, consider sharing it with others who might be in the same dilemma as you were in, before reading this.