It also has a disappointing battery life, although that's fairly typical of compact cameras. Unfortunately, its menu system can be somewhat tricky to navigate, with more advanced settings being harder to find and limited touchscreen navigation. There's also a built-in 'Background Defocus' button that quickly blurs the background to give your videos a Bokeh effect. On top of that, it has a fantastic autofocus system, including specialized modes like 'Product Showcase' that automatically switch focus to objects held up in frame without having to block your face. The camera records high-quality 4k video, and though it can only record up to 30 fps in 4k with a slight crop, it offers several frame rate options in 1080p, allowing you to shoot cinematic-looking video or slow-motion footage. It also comes with a detachable windscreen to reduce ambient background noise when recording audio outdoors with the built-in microphone.
It has a fully articulated screen that you can flip around to face you, and its simple design is easy enough to use for anyone to pick up and start recording.
This fixed-lens vlogging camera is incredibly portable and lightweight, and it comes packed with features intended to make vlogging easier. The best compact camera for YouTube of those we've tested is the Sony ZV-1. Check out our recommendations for the best compact cameras, the best mirrorless cameras, and the best cameras for filmmaking. These picks were selected not only based on their overall performance but also their feature set and price. We've tested over 70 cameras, and below you'll find our recommendations for the best cameras to buy for making YouTube videos. Whether you're a sit-down vlogger or you want to share your extreme sports adventures, choosing the right camera for your needs will help you create the content you want to make.
Depending on what you need, you may want to look into a compact camera that comes with features aimed to make vlogging easier, a mirrorless or DSLR camera for studio setups and higher quality video, or an action camera to take with you wherever you go. A good microphone, a tripod, and lighting are all key, but the heart of any YouTube setup is your camera.