Finding the perfect content creator camera is a very personal process.
A lot of it will depend on you, as the creator, and your personal filming style. For example, if you like to film UGC while walking around your city, you’ll have different needs than someone who uses their home studio.
That said, there are some SWANKY cameras for content creators out there. Just wait until you see the list I’ve created for you!
But first, let’s discuss whether investing in a new camera is a good idea for you right now and what factors to consider when shopping!
Should I invest in a camera if I’m just starting?
Wow, great question! And the answer is–no, you don’t have to. Assuming you have one of the latest iPhones (or the latest Samsung or Google phones), you’ll be fine using your phone as your content creator camera, at least to start with.
Tbh, brand-new smartphones have uh-mazing cameras, so some professional creators never “graduate” to a regular camera–they just keep creating UGC with their phone!
Of course, that will depend on your personal preferences. If you have your heart set on getting a camera at some point, wait until you get some traction and book some gigs before investing in new, professional gear. Shopping is exciting, and you probably think, “Getting some new equipment will help me get motivated!”
STOP. 🟥 Take that finger off the buy button.
You’d be surprised how many people quit their UGC careers before they have a chance to take off. It can be difficult and take a lot of hard work at first, so you don’t want to spend thousands of dollars on equipment before you even start.
Stick with it for a while, get some gigs, and work with a few brands before you buy yourself a shiny new content creator camera or other gear. It’ll still be there after you know what you need to make UGC!
What factors should creators consider when buying a camera?
If you’re ready to buy your first content creator camera, here are the things you need to keep in mind:
Pricing and budget
Your price and budget will probably depend on where you are in your content creation career and/or your personal finances. Cost is definitely an important factor, but we recommend that you don’t compromise on quality.
You CAN make great UGC on a smartphone, so when it’s time to invest in a camera, make sure it’s exactly that–an investment. If you need to postpone the purchase a couple of months to buy something better, that’s fine–pick the higher-quality option.
If you’re considering buying used, that is a great way to save money! Just make sure the equipment is working correctly. If you’re buying online, check to see if you can return it if it’s damaged when it arrives.
Camera type
Which one will you go for? DSLR, smartphone camera, point-and-shoot, or mirrorless cameras? Let’s talk through the pros and cons of each.
DSLR camera
Pros:
- Photos are SUPER crisp.
- You can change lenses and add manual filters for different filming environments (a lifesaver if you want to add effects or film in low light).
- It looks super professional, but it is still easy to hold.
- It’s easy to blur out the background.
Cons:
- DSLRs are made primarily for photography, so filming (especially panning and focusing on moving objects) can be more challenging than other cameras.
- Focusing can be a challenge.
- They can be expensive.
Smartphone camera
Pros:
- This is the easiest option to carry with you–you’ll have it anyway, and it’s super lightweight!
- You can upload videos seamlessly to the cloud right from your phone.
- It’s not super obvious if you’re filming in public.
- You’ll find it easy to frame shots for reels and TikTok because you’re always looking at a phone.
- It’s pretty easy to stabilize your phone.
Cons:
- The image quality can be bad, especially if your phone isn’t a new model.
- Some lighting environments are still challenging.
- You have to be good at keeping your phone charged. (😂!?)
Point-and-shoot camera
Pros:
- Easy to carry and pull out if you’re on the go.
- You can find point-and-shoot cameras that record in high def.
- They’re often cheaper than DSLRs or brand-new phones.
- Great depth of field.
Cons:
- Typically, image quality isn’t as crisp as what you’d get with a DSLR (at least at the cheaper end of the spectrum)
- You often can’t plug in an external microphone.
Mirrorless camera
Pros:
- They’re better for videos than DSLRs–there are more 4K options, better autofocus, and better processing.
- They’ll give you a super high-quality, cinematic look.
- You can use lenses and filters!
- They take amazing photos.
Cons:
- They’re expensive!
- Their battery life can be pretty short (it depends on the model)
Video content
If you plan to shoot UGC videos, I’d recommend looking for the highest video resolution–ideally 4K. You’ll also want to ensure your content creator camera has built-in stabilization to minimize camera shake and help you create smooth footage.
If you can choose higher-resolution sensors and advanced image processing, choose that. You’ll also want to ensure you can shoot in low light, so look for a wide ISO range and built-in noise-reduction technology.
What are the best content creator camera options on the market?
There are SO MANY cameras out there (and so many photographers and videographers out there with opinions) that it can be hard to choose. That’s why we will talk about some specific camera models you can use to create UGC (and why you might–or might not–want to choose them!)
Smartphone (iPhone 14 or iPhone PRO Max)
I offer no apologies. I am a huge fan of using what you have, and if you have a newer smartphone, you can make it work for UGC. If your smartphone is new (like from 2022, 2023, or 2024), it should be adequate for making content.
Although a phone may not always have the best camera available, it’s versatile, easy to use, and you probably already have one in your pocket. It deserves a spot on the list.
Pros:
- You probably already have it–no need to put off getting started making UGC!
- It’s easy to use.
- It’s lightweight and inconspicuous if you’re filming on the go.
- You can quickly and easily upload everything you’ve recorded to the cloud, which allows you to access it easily on all your devices.
Cons:
- It’s not *quite* as good as some of the cameras on the market.
- The lens gets dirty quickly, so you must wash it off a lot. (before every content session, lol)
- As mentioned, you must be good at keeping your phone charged.
Who is it for?
- Beginner content creators
- More experienced content creators
Pricing
- It depends, but these usually cost around $1,000 or slightly less. The good thing is that most carriers will let you upgrade without paying this price upfront! It might be the best affordable camera for content creators.
Panasonic Lumix GH5
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a mirrorless camera that delivers impressive results. It’s a favorite with videographers and content creators alike!
Pros:
- You can shoot for 2 hours in 4K without changing the battery.
- The video quality is excellent, with excellent low-light shooting and image stability.
- People REALLY like how sturdy and easy it is to hold (while still being lightweight, like most mirrorless cameras).
- You can connect it to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.
Cons:
- It’s on the expensive side.
- The autofocus isn’t great.
- You must buy V-log (Panasonic’s exposure correction software) separately–it’s not built into the camera.
Who is it for?
- More experienced content creators
Pricing
- You can get it for $1,899 on Amazon.
Fujifilm X-S20
The Fujifilm X-S20 is a mirrorless camera with a small, compact body and a flip-out screen.
Pros:
- You can shoot in 6.2K.
- You can shoot for 2 hours on one battery.
- It has a nice, sizeable flip-out screen.
- Like other Fujifilm cameras, it allows you to create “Fuji recipes,” which are custom mixes for your video–like exposure settings–to create a specific aesthetic you can reliably shoot in.
Cons:
- You can’t just flip a switch to shoot in manual mode.
- Because it’s small, it can sometimes be hard to hold when using larger lenses.
- It can overheat if used too long and is not weather-sealed.
- Autofocus can be spotty.
Who is it for?
- More experienced content creators
Pricing
- The body of the camera starts at $1,300, but if you need lenses, it’ll run you closer to $2,000
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
While it’s more geared toward photography than videography, the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II is a point-and-shoot camera. Since its release in 2016, it’s been a popular choice for influencers and vloggers!
Pros:
- It’s as small or smaller than a phone and lightweight.
- It has a nice flip-up touchscreen.
- Low light is no problem for this little camera!
- It has a mic jack.
Cons:
- You can’t film at 4K, but you can film at 1080p.
- The video quality won’t be as crisp as a mirrorless camera–it’ll probably be about as good as your iPhone.
- The video features are somewhat limited.
Who is it for?
- Beginner content creators
Pricing
- You can find the upgraded version of this camera online (the Mark III) for around $1,200, but you can buy this one used for around $700.
Sony ZV-1
The Sony ZV-1 is a sophisticated little point-and-shoot ideal for content creators.
Pros
- You can use “product showcase” mode, which focuses on whatever’s closest to the camera–even switching between your face and products as you hold them close to the camera. This feels like it was created specifically for UGC.
- The highly visible little fuzzball on top of the camera is a windscreen for a 3-dimensional mic that’s perfect for quick vlogs or POV shots.
- Films in 4K!
- You can use it as a webcam if you like. (It can be great for discovery calls!)
Cons
- You can’t use image stabilization if you want to record with a wide-angle lens.
- It may overheat if you’re in a hot environment.
- It doesn’t have an electronic viewfinder.
Who is it for?
- Beginning content creators
- Vloggers
Pricing
- You can buy it new for $750
Sony Alpha z7S III
The Sony Alpha z7s III is a mirrorless camera designed to be an absolute workhorse for recording.
Pros:
- It’s designed for video, not photography (although you can take photos with it, too!).
- You can record in 4K!
- The electronic viewfinder provides an excellent alternative for shooting on bright days, with adjustments so you can actually *see* what the video will look like.
- You can use the camera’s touchscreen to focus, like a phone!
- The color balancing works well with the camera.
- It shoots well in dark environments.
- It doesn’t overheat quickly.
- If you search for this camera, you’ll find tons of videographers and YouTubers who’ve had it for years raving about how great it is. If that’s not a recommendation, I don’t know what is.
Cons:
- It’s a lil pricey, not gonna lie.
- It’s slightly heavier than some of the other cameras on this list, so it may not be as easy to carry if you’re filming on the go.
- This isn’t the most incredible photography camera ever.
Who is it for?
- More experienced content creators
Pricing
- You can get a new Sony Alpha z7S II for $3,500 without lenses.
Osmo Pocket 3
The Osmo Pocket 3 is a “gimbal camera.” Its built-in gimbal keeps it extra steady as you walk. This camera is perfect for vlogging or if you like to move around a lot while creating content!
Pros:
- It’s great for filming while walking or moving.
- It tracks your face while recording, so you can talk naturally to the lens without staring at the screen.
- It’s super cute and tiny!
- Like beefier cameras on this list, you can record for 2 hours in 4K on one battery charge.
Cons:
- It’s 100% a video camera. While you can shoot photos with it, they’re not photos you can give clients.
- It’ll probably lose some details if you’re filming something super fast-moving.
Who is it for?
- Content creators who like to film “selfie-style” UGC.
- Vloggers
Pricing
- You can find the Osmo Pocket 3 for $519
Insta360 Go 2
The Insta306 Go 2 is called an “action camera,” which basically means it’s a tiny point-and-shoot that clips on your clothes to capture unique POVs.
Pros:
- It’s waterproof!
- It clips on your clothes!
- It’s adorable.
- The case is also a fold-out tripod, so if you need to record a standard shot of your face, it’ll hold it steady.
- It has image stabilization and built-in focus. Yay!
Cons:
- It takes terrible photos, so don’t consider getting it if you need a camera that does both.
- The battery life is pretty short–about 30 minutes.
- 4K video isn’t a thing with this camera.
Who’s it for?
- Content creators who need unique angles. It’s perfect if you’re in the fitness or outdoor spaces.
Pricing
- The Insta360 Go 2 costs between $270 and $320, depending on the accessory bundle you choose.
What other tools or gear do I need as a content creator?
We wrote a WHOLE article about this, so I won’t bore you with too many details. But here’s the short version of what you need to be a content creator:
- Something to keep your camera steady. This will probably be a tripod, but you can look at gimbles if you plan to walk a lot while recording.
- Lighting so you’re not limited by rainy weather.
- Backups for your batteries and storage.
- Editing tools like Canva, Adobe Lightroom, or CapCut.
Slime of these you’ll need right away (like the tripod), but others you can wait a little bit to get if you want to. Thankfully, NONE of the things I listed above even come close to the price of a camera, so you shouldn’t go broke stocking up on some essentials.
How to pick the right camera
So, basically, the right content creator camera kit for you will depend on many things. How much can you pay? How do you plan to use it? What kind of camera works best for your content?
If you’re just starting, I recommend either using the phone you already have or upgrading it. It’s the easiest solution, and you can make UGC that slaps with a phone for your entire career if you want.
But if you’re ready to upgrade (or, you know, invest in a backup for the days your phone dies), this article has some GREAT options!
I hope this helped! Did I miss anything? Feel free to comment with YOUR thoughts on the best camera for content creators!