What is the Best Camera for Content Creators? Our Top 5 Choices

If you’re looking for the “best camera for content creators” online, you'll find SO MANY articles about vlogging.

Many of the best cameras for content creators are also the best for vloggers, but why is vlogging getting all the love? Don’t people know we’re out here trying to make a living as content creators? 😂

So, we’ve set out to change that. We contacted creators on our platform and asked them for recommendations.

Below, you’ll find their recommendations on the best digital camera for content creators, in no particular order. We’ve included options for videography AND photography, so there’s something here for you, no matter what content you create!

Because these are genuine opinions from our creators, you won’t find any sponsors or affiliate links from us–just recommendations we wanted to pass on to you.🩷

Are you ready? Let’s figure out the best camera for content creators together!

iPhones or other smartphones

Were you surprised to see the iPhone at the top of our list? We were, too. But when we asked our creators at Clip to share their go-to cameras, the iPhone was a recurring favorite.

And, when you think about it, the iPhone IS one of the best cameras for content creators. Its videography and photography quality are hard to beat, especially for short-form, vertical videos. Steve Jobs would be pleased.

Plus, the latest iPhone models DO have excellent cameras. This only applies to newer models–don’t expect an iPhone 3GS to deliver the quality brands look for.

The creators we talked to mostly used iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 PRO Max models–and these are excellent choices, especially if you’re just getting started.

The best part is that you don’t have to buy a lot of sophisticated equipment to get started as a UGC creator. You just need a nice, newer phone, and you can get started!

If you’re more of an Android person, there are good options there, too. The Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra is a fantastic tool. You could also opt for the Google Pixel 7. Both feature cameras with fantastic photo and video quality.

One tip for using phones to record: ALWAYS wipe your camera before filming–phone lenses pick up dust and lint quickly! It’ll make a massive difference in the quality of your videos.

If you have the latest phone model, that’s a fantastic way to start your UGC journey. Bookmark this article for when you’re ready to upgrade your equipment–because we also have a few advanced options here.

Osmo Pocket 3

The Osmo Pocket 3 has several options that make it a good fit for content creators:

• It’s made specifically for social media content creators–that’s you! 🙌
• The portrait mode and facial tracking features make filming selfie-style videos a breeze.
• You can hold the camera while walking or set it down using a tripod, and it will follow you while keeping the camera steady.
• It’s tiny but comes with a gimble-style handle that makes walking and using it easy.
• The video quality is top-notch.
• One battery charge can allow you to record around 2 hours of 4K recording (and it recharges quickly!)
• It can fit in your pocket, just like a phone.
• It’s sturdy and will recover from a few bumps.
• You can buy the “Creator Combo” package, including a mini tripod, mic transmitter, and other goodies designed explicitly for content creators.

As of May 2024, the Osmo Pocket 3 standard bundle costs $519 or £489, while the Creator Combo costs $699 or £619.

However, there are a few downsides:

• It’s better for video than for photography, so if you’re looking for a good photography camera, this isn’t it.
• While it rocks portrait mode and slow-mo, it’s not great for high-speed action shots.

The Osmo Pocket 3 is a great option if you’re looking to level up your recording game. If you like to film your videos on the go, it will drastically reduce the amount of time and effort you spend recording. If you also shoot vlog-style content, you’ll like how easy it is to use as you walk.

Sony ZV-1F

The Sony ZV-1F is a starter-level recording camera with a flip-out screen so you can see yourself while recording.

Here are some other highlights:

• The camera is designed to film you talking, so it has many features that keep the camera focused on your face: eye-tracking autofocus, skin tone algorithms, and face-brightening and skin-smoothing options.
• The 360-degree articulating screen means that you can film from any angle.
• It records 4K footage easily and processes it quickly.
• It records higher-quality video footage than a smartphone.
• It allows you to send files straight to your phone for easy uploading.
• It’s intuitive and easy to use.
• It’s on the less expensive side.

As of May 2024, the Sony ZV-1F is $498 or £449.00. It takes decent photos, too–although they’re about as good as you’ll get with a newer smartphone.

There are a few downsides to this camera, too:

• The image stabilization isn’t great, so if you like to hold or walk around with your camera, this may not be a good fit for you.
• It only has a digital zoom option.
• The colors and light outdoors aren’t great.

Overall, the Sony ZV-1F is a solid option if you want something other than a phone–of those on our list, it is the best affordable camera for content creators. However, most reviewers agree it’s still a “starter” option for content creators.

Insta360 Go 2

The Insta360 Go 2 isn’t your average camera–it’s a clip-on camera that enables you to capture unique points of view.

Here are some highlights:

• You can use it to record from places phones and regular cameras can’t reach–perfect for unboxing videos or any context where you’d have to hold your phone to your chest, out at an angle, or mount it somewhere that’s a little sketchy.
• You can use the case as a tripod to record regularly.
• It’s waterproof and super lightweight so you can take it anywhere.
• It has stabilization and focus features that make videos look great.

As of May 2024, the Insta369 GO 2 is $289 or £259.00.

And of course, there are some downsides:

• Although it can take photos, they are low resolution, so it’s not great for photography.
• It doesn’t record in 4K.
• The battery lasts only 30 minutes outside of its case and 2.5 inside the case.

If you want different camera angles, the Insta360 GO 2 could be a great fit! However, if you’re looking for a more standard camera option, this probably isn’t your best bet.

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

• It features a flip-up screen so you can perfectly frame your shots when recording.
• It records in 4K–so you’ll get high-resolution video!
• They added an external mic socket so your audio can be CRISP!
• Photography is GREAT–they initially made it for photographers, so the image quality is excellent.
• It records well in low-light environments.
• It has a large, easy-to-use touch screen.
• You can fit it in your pocket!
• You can easily extract stills to use for product photos.

As of May 2024, the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III is $749.99 or £699.99. However, you may have to buy it used or refurbished because most major retailers are out of stock at the time, but feel free to check again later.

And, while every camera on this list has some downsides, the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III has surprisingly few:

• You may have to help it initially focus on your face.
• There’s no viewfinder if you want one of those.
• It’s more expensive than the other options in this article.

If you’re looking to upgrade your content but still want something that fits your pocket, you can’t go wrong with this one. It’s the best video camera for content creators, hands down–but it has a price tag to match!

Do you need a new camera? Our thoughts

All the options we’ve covered in this article are excellent. But, to be frank–if you own the latest smartphone, that’s the best way to start. You can record on it for quite a while without needing to upgrade to one of the more sophisticated camera options.

In the list above, we’ve tried to include only the best cameras for beginner content creators (read: you don’t have to be a videography or photography pro to use them). We’ve included the pros and cons so you can pick the one that best suits your needs.

But if you want to level up your content creation skills, a new camera may not be what you need.

Upgrades that aren’t cameras

The amazing Alison McFarland, one of our top creators on Clip, recommends that you check out these tools if you’re looking to level up your content creation:

• A tripod for on the GO. This tripod is a lifesaver if you travel a lot or like to film while walking. Check it out on Amazon.
• An in-house tripod. If you film more in your home, you might want a tripod you can leave set up. Check it out on Amazon.
• Filming lights. While they’re a bit more expensive, having filming lights helps a lot when natural light isn’t at its best. Plus, it’s worth investing in lighting since it will last for ages and HUGELY elevate your videos. Find some options on Amazon.
• Portable external hard drives. High-quality video takes up a lot of space–so have something external instead of keeping it on your computer. You don’t want to lose that data if something happens to your computer! External hard drives are pretty easy to find–and we recommend going for 1-4 terabytes of storage.
• Flash drives for iPhones. If you film on your iPhone or another smartphone, you might want to invest in a flash drive. You can store videos on it and easily connect it to your computer for editing. This isn’t a must, but it is nice to have. We recommend going for a minimum of 128 gigabytes.
• A portable charger power bank. If you film a lot on your phone or any gear above, your batteries go FAST. Invest in a good portable power band to save you hours of stress. These are also super easy to find on Amazon!

Oh, and although we linked to the Amazon UK store in a few places, don’t fret. These products are also easy to find in the US, Australia, or other countries.

What do you think?

Okay, we’ve done our best to give you the skinny on the best camera for content creators. Now, the choice is up to you:

Will you stick with your phone, buy a camera, or invest in gear to improve your content?

The choice is yours! Let us know what you choose in the comments below. ⬇️