7 Best Camcorders for YouTube in 2024 – Reviews & Top Picks

Last Updated on Jan 03 2024

With the advanced capabilities of smartphones, just about anyone could use their device to become a successful YouTuber. If you want to elevate your videos on YouTube, it’s important to invest in the right equipment.

Camcorders offer many advantages over a smartphone for producing professional, polished videos. These aren’t your 1980s camcorders—they’re small, lightweight, and packed with features. Check out our reviews for the 7 best camcorders for YouTube videos.

A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2024

	Image	Product	Details
Best Overall		Canon VIXIA HF R800 Portable Video Camcorder	57x zoom CMOS Image Sensor SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer	CHECK PRICE
Best Value		Sony HDRCX405 HD Video Recording Handycam Camcorder	Creates automatic highlight videos Face detection with noise reduction Affordable	CHECK PRICE
Premium Choice		Panasonic HC-X1500 4K Professional Camcorder	Professional quality Face detection and Electronic Image Stabilization Flexible framing	CHECK PRICE
		Panasonic HC-V770 HD Camcorder w/SanDisk	Crystal Engine for video quality Full HD Low light performance	CHECK PRICE
		Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder	1080p recording at 60 fps Intuitive touchscreen Five-axis stabilization	CHECK PRICE

The 7 Best Camcorders for YouTube

1. Canon VIXIA HF R800 Camcorder with Audio Input – Best Overall

The Canon VIXIA HF R800 Portable Video Camera Camcorder with Audio Input is the best overall camcorder for YouTube for its array of features. It has a 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD screen with excellent visibility and color reproduction, even in bright sunlight. The 57x advanced zoom offers more versatility in video creation and ensures you won’t have disruptions while shooting. To eliminate shakiness, the SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer corrects the shaking and allows for sharp and steady filming, even when handheld.

Another highlight of the Canon is a high-resolution HD CMOS Image Sensor that features extra sensitivity for full HD video with natural color, even in low light conditions. The camcorder can be converted into a webcam easily with an HDMI output. Some reviewers said that this camera doesn’t offer professional-level footage. It also has poor microphone quality and no manual audio control for the microphone.

2. Sony HDRCX405 HD Video Recording Handycam Camcorder – Best Value

If you’re looking for an affordable camcorder, the Sony HDRCX405 HD Video Recording Handycam Camcorder is the best camcorder for YouTube for the money. Complete with many features, this Sony camcorder can record in 1080p at 60 fps and features a wide-angle lens for the best possible field of view. The Intelligent Auto system also matches the camera settings to the ambient light conditions for seamless shooting.

Like other folding camcorders, this model is portable and can be taken just about anywhere. SteadyShot technology reduces camera shake and other disruptive issues while shooting. Another highlight is the face detection feature, which reduces “noise” around the subject’s face to provide clearer images. However, this camcorder doesn’t have an external microphone connection, so you must use your microphone setup while filming.

3. Panasonic HC-X1500 4K Professional Camcorder – Premium Choice

The Panasonic HC-X1500 4K Professional Camcorder is a premium option with features designed for professional videographers and vloggers. The camcorder has 24x optical zoom and flexible framing with 25mm wide-angle to 600mm tele. Among the industry’s smallest and lightest, this camcorder is ideal for shooting in remote locations or on the go.

Several features provide a professional-quality video, including face detection to keep the focus on the main subject and precise tracking of distance and exposure. Electronic Image Stabilization can detect and correct camera shake for a more production-quality experience. You can also stream live with full HD in .mp4, .mov, and AVCHD, as well as 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi via RTP, RTDP, RTMP, and RTMPS streams. This camcorder is expensive, however, and reviewers commented on the small image sensor.

4. Panasonic HC-V770 HD Camcorder w/SanDisk

The Panasonic HC-V770 is a mid-range camcorder that offers professional-level features like slow-motion HD video at an affordable price. The camcorder is available in 32GB basic, 64GB Premium, and 64GB Pro, so you can choose the quality level that best fits your needs and budget. You can record in full HD at 120 fps, but you can register video at 240 fps with the Crystal Engine chip.

One of the best features of the Panasonic HC-V770 is the Crystal Engine, which keeps the image and video quality as clear as possible. This feature has different modes to adjust shooting to the ambient conditions and determine the best settings. It also has a backside illumination sensor to shoot in low-light conditions. You can connect smart devices and shoot or view remotely as well. There are a few cons to this camcorder, however, such as poor customer service and missing essential features like a neck strap.

5. Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder

The Canon XA11 Professional Camcorder is an advanced camcorder that’s the choice of professional YouTubers. This model features a touchscreen with an intuitive menu and an array of settings. Given its professional quality, this camcorder can shoot in full 1080p HD at 24 fps or 60 fps. It also has a microphone holder and a built-in microphone, giving you options for how you record audio.

Another benefit is the five-axis image stabilization, which is a top feature for vloggers who need a steady portable camera. The camera has a short minimum focal length, improving the film quality close up. Unfortunately, this camcorder doesn’t perform well in low light conditions, and it’s quite expensive, especially for new YouTubers.

6. Canon VIXIA HF R700 Camcorder

The Canon VIXIA HF R700 Camcorder is an affordable camcorder option. It has a myriad of desirable features, including a Canon 3.28 megapixel HD CMOS Image Sensor and DIGIC DV 4 image processor that captures video at 1920 x 1080 resolution for excellent image performance. The Advanced Zoom and SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer also keep the film steady for more professional videos.

With the removable SD memory card, you can record full HD video. The 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD has increased brightness and a user-friendly interface for menu navigation and simple access to videos. This is the predecessor to the R800, which is also on this list, without a ton of unnecessary features. It does have overexposure issues and poor sound quality with the built-in mic, however.

7. Sony FDRAX53/B 4K HD Camcorder

Sony FDRAX53/B is a professional-quality camcorder that records in Ultra HD. In 4K mode, you can shoot at 24 fps or 30 fps, and you can film in 60 fps if the quality is reduced to 1080p. The LCD screen has a touch panel to make navigation quick and easy. The camcorder has a built-in five-directional microphone as well, so you don’t need an external mic.

One of the best features for a YouTuber with this camcorder is the AutoFocus feature, which has Fast Intelligent AF. This technology allows for fast focus shifts to limit editing wasted film space while the camera refocuses. Wi-Fi and NFC allow you to connect to devices and transfer files or record remotely for more convenience. The display is susceptible to glare, and the interface can be disruptive. This camera is also expensive.

What to Look for in a YouTube Camcorder

YouTube is a diverse platform with a bunch of different types of videos. Choosing a camcorder is about more than uploading to the platform—you need to find the right features for the types of videos you’ll be creating.

Here’s what to look for:

Conclusion

YouTube may be more relaxed than professional film productions, but viewers still require high-quality image and sound. Our best overall camcorder is the Canon VIXIA HF R800 Portable Video Camera Camcorder with Audio Input, which offers a lot of features in an affordable package. For value, choose the Sony HDRCX405 HD Video Recording Handycam Camcorder. The premium choice is the Panasonic HC-X1500 4K Professional Camcorder, which includes features designed for professional videographers and vloggers.