Learn what to look for when buying a webcam

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Although many laptops ship with webcams, there are still plenty of reasons to buy an external one. Whether you need it for business meetings, training webinars, video podcasts, or chatting with your family, getting the right high-quality webcam matters. Take these important factors and features into account to find the best one for your needs.

Webcam Essentials You Need to Look For

Here are some basic features you need to look for when shopping for a new webcam:

Resolution

A webcam with a high resolution is a must. The lower the resolution, the grainier the image looks on the screen. Most modern webcams support only high-definition video capture. Look for a video capture resolution of at least 720p or higher. A 1080p webcam is better, and these are becoming more common and more affordable.

Frame Rate

A high frame rate is also important. Webcams without high frame rates produce images that stutter and periodically freeze on the screen. Frame rate is measured in frames per second, so look for fps on the webcam packaging. A minimum of 15 fps is necessary to stream video.

How to buy your first high-quality camera

A frame rate of 30 fps or higher is recommended. A frame rate of 60 fps is ideal, but it’s not as common in lower price ranges.

The type of lens the webcam has affects its performance. Some entry-level models have plastic lenses. However, it’s wise to stick with a glass lens, which improves performance without significantly raising the price.

How to buy your first high-quality camera

Still Images

Look for a webcam that takes still images that are at least two megapixels. Most current models take images much higher, and 15-megapixel captures are common.

Microphone

A built-in microphone is another standard feature. It’s not difficult to find a webcam with two or more built in. Microphone quality has improved over the years. Omni-directional ones, which record from every direction around the camera, can be found in most mid-range and high-end webcams.

Other Webcam Bells and Whistles

The following features aren’t essential, but these are nice features to have.

Motion Sense

Motion sensing can turn a webcam into a security system, and some models come with this feature built in to the device. If yours doesn’t, you may be able to download software for it. Check the manufacturer’s website to make sure.

How to buy your first high-quality camera

Auto-Focus

Auto-focus is another feature to look for. Most people don’t sit perfectly still while filming. A webcam should refocus, at least a little, to where you’re sitting in relation to it.

Special Effects

Depending on the type of video chatting you do, you may want to include special effects. Many webcams come packaged with these abilities. If the one you want doesn’t, the manufacturer website may provide special effects software for download.

High-Def vs. Ultra HD Considerations

Most webcams capture high-definition videos. If you plan to post clips to social-networking sites, low-quality videos can affect viewers negatively. It’s not difficult to find a quality webcam that records at 720p for a reasonable price. So, even if you want one for occasional video chatting, get an HD camera.

For more professional work, such as uploading videos to YouTube or streaming on Twitch, invest a bit more for a full HD 1080p camera. These are fairly common, and the price won’t break the bank.

If you need the absolute best quality, research webcams that record at resolutions above 1080p, up to 4k Ultra HD.

Only people with monitors that support these resolutions benefit from the increased picture clarity. These cameras should be reserved for special cases or if you make a living from creating online content.

Most webcams are affordable, but you tend to pay for what you get, so be sure to weigh your feature needs and budget needs carefully.

Webcam System Requirements

Not every webcam works with every computer or operating system. Make a note of your computer and operating system, then check the requirements for the webcam that caught your eye. Mac and Linux users need to take special care here. Most webcam manufacturers make sure their cameras work on all current Windows versions. However, finding a camera for Mac or Linux (including Chromebooks) might be challenging.

Most webcams have minimum processor speed, memory, and hard drive requirements. If your computer is new, it should meet or exceed these. If you plan to work with high-definition video on an older system, you may run into compatibility problems.

This buying guide is no longer being updated.
>> Click to see all current buying guides

Our Pick: Canon EOS Rebel SL2 (EOS 200D)

The Rebel SL2 is a very lightweight, compact DSLR with excellent JPEG rendering and manual exposure controls when you’re ready for them. It provides a few useful features that beginners will likely find useful, like a touchscreen and quick Dual Pixel autofocus in live view, and still offers the traditional (albeit small) optical viewfinder that its mirrorless peers lack.

You’ll have plenty of options when you decide to add new lenses to your kit, but you’ll already be well-equipped to get started with the kit lens. Finally, Canon’s useful Feature Assistant beginner mode will ease you into the wide world of setting shutter speed and aperture.

Also consider: Olympus OM-D E-M10 III

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 III has a lot of premium features, such as built-in image stabilization, a high-res electronic viewfinder, dual control dials and 4K video capture, but it’s also remarkably accessible to beginners, assuming that they don’t wander into the confusing menu system.

Despite all that tech, the SLR-styled E-M10 III manages to have a capable Auto mode, twenty-seven scene modes, several time-lapse models and fun ‘Art Filters’ to make your pictures more interesting. The camera is responsive, well-built and has an autofocus system that handles most situations well. Its photos look great straight out of the camera, though they can be overly saturated in Auto mode.

With its abundant controls and expansive feature set, the E-M10 III is a great option that won’t intimidate novice users, but will give them plenty of room to grow when they’re ready to.

We considered all of the cameras below when picking our winner, and even though we think the SL2 and E-M10 III are our top picks, the cameras on our short list are all worthy contenders. If you’re not convinced by our choices, read through this buying guide for a detailed breakdown of each camera’s strengths and weaknesses.

Also consider:

* This camera has not been reviewed and is thus not eligible for an award.

by Eleanor
(Manchester)

How to buy your first high-quality camera

Buying A New or Old Canon

Hi there,
I have 0 clue about cameras and i’m looking to buy one. I would really like a high quality camera that is easy to use. i want a camera that i can have for a really long time as i want to take photos throughout life. I was just wondering what you would recommend? My price range is up to £300

Welcome to the the world of too many camera options. I’ll try to help you choose a new camera. First I’d suggest you take advantage of my free one-on-one camera advisor questionnaire. That will give me an even deeper look into what might work for you.

Buy New or Used Camera

If 300 is your limit for investing in a “new” digital camera, you will be limited to just a few new models or a lot of solid used camera models. You might also enjoy reading an article I just posted yesterday: Safely Buying a Used Canon.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Bruce

Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.

View some of Bruce’s photos on Instagram and Flickr . Join the Tribe: YouTube . Visit the Canon Geek FaceBook Group. Bruce runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.

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How to buy your first high-quality camera

I have an EF M 18-150mm lens. I want to purchase screw on ND filters. What size is compatible? I’m confused about the sizing. Should I purchase 55mm?

Canon Photographer Resources That Will Help Improve Your Photography

Where I get help with my questions about Canon lenses and equipment. These are the Canon photographer resources that I recommend for you to try.

Sign up for a monthly update

is NOT associated with Canon Inc. or any of its subsidiaries.

My goal is to provide useful information and sometimes I recommend products that I believe will help you with your photography, but there are no guarantees. I have used most, but not every single one of these products personally. There are simply too many (millions) for one person to try. I base my recommendations on the performance of the product, other photographers’ feedback I gather, as well as my personal experiences with photography equipment since 1969. Yes, I’m that old! THANK SO MUCH! Bruce

by Eleanor
(Manchester)

How to buy your first high-quality camera

Buying A New or Old Canon

Hi there,
I have 0 clue about cameras and i’m looking to buy one. I would really like a high quality camera that is easy to use. i want a camera that i can have for a really long time as i want to take photos throughout life. I was just wondering what you would recommend? My price range is up to £300

Welcome to the the world of too many camera options. I’ll try to help you choose a new camera. First I’d suggest you take advantage of my free one-on-one camera advisor questionnaire. That will give me an even deeper look into what might work for you.

Buy New or Used Camera

If 300 is your limit for investing in a “new” digital camera, you will be limited to just a few new models or a lot of solid used camera models. You might also enjoy reading an article I just posted yesterday: Safely Buying a Used Canon.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Bruce

Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.

View some of Bruce’s photos on Instagram and Flickr . Join the Tribe: YouTube . Visit the Canon Geek FaceBook Group. Bruce runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.

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How to buy your first high-quality camera

I have an EF M 18-150mm lens. I want to purchase screw on ND filters. What size is compatible? I’m confused about the sizing. Should I purchase 55mm?

Canon Photographer Resources That Will Help Improve Your Photography

Where I get help with my questions about Canon lenses and equipment. These are the Canon photographer resources that I recommend for you to try.

Sign up for a monthly update

is NOT associated with Canon Inc. or any of its subsidiaries.

My goal is to provide useful information and sometimes I recommend products that I believe will help you with your photography, but there are no guarantees. I have used most, but not every single one of these products personally. There are simply too many (millions) for one person to try. I base my recommendations on the performance of the product, other photographers’ feedback I gather, as well as my personal experiences with photography equipment since 1969. Yes, I’m that old! THANK SO MUCH! Bruce

Learn what to look for when buying a webcam

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Although many laptops ship with webcams, there are still plenty of reasons to buy an external one. Whether you need it for business meetings, training webinars, video podcasts, or chatting with your family, getting the right high-quality webcam matters. Take these important factors and features into account to find the best one for your needs.

Webcam Essentials You Need to Look For

Here are some basic features you need to look for when shopping for a new webcam:

Resolution

A webcam with a high resolution is a must. The lower the resolution, the grainier the image looks on the screen. Most modern webcams support only high-definition video capture. Look for a video capture resolution of at least 720p or higher. A 1080p webcam is better, and these are becoming more common and more affordable.

Frame Rate

A high frame rate is also important. Webcams without high frame rates produce images that stutter and periodically freeze on the screen. Frame rate is measured in frames per second, so look for fps on the webcam packaging. A minimum of 15 fps is necessary to stream video.

How to buy your first high-quality camera

A frame rate of 30 fps or higher is recommended. A frame rate of 60 fps is ideal, but it’s not as common in lower price ranges.

The type of lens the webcam has affects its performance. Some entry-level models have plastic lenses. However, it’s wise to stick with a glass lens, which improves performance without significantly raising the price.

How to buy your first high-quality camera

Still Images

Look for a webcam that takes still images that are at least two megapixels. Most current models take images much higher, and 15-megapixel captures are common.

Microphone

A built-in microphone is another standard feature. It’s not difficult to find a webcam with two or more built in. Microphone quality has improved over the years. Omni-directional ones, which record from every direction around the camera, can be found in most mid-range and high-end webcams.

Other Webcam Bells and Whistles

The following features aren’t essential, but these are nice features to have.

Motion Sense

Motion sensing can turn a webcam into a security system, and some models come with this feature built in to the device. If yours doesn’t, you may be able to download software for it. Check the manufacturer’s website to make sure.

How to buy your first high-quality camera

Auto-Focus

Auto-focus is another feature to look for. Most people don’t sit perfectly still while filming. A webcam should refocus, at least a little, to where you’re sitting in relation to it.

Special Effects

Depending on the type of video chatting you do, you may want to include special effects. Many webcams come packaged with these abilities. If the one you want doesn’t, the manufacturer website may provide special effects software for download.

High-Def vs. Ultra HD Considerations

Most webcams capture high-definition videos. If you plan to post clips to social-networking sites, low-quality videos can affect viewers negatively. It’s not difficult to find a quality webcam that records at 720p for a reasonable price. So, even if you want one for occasional video chatting, get an HD camera.

For more professional work, such as uploading videos to YouTube or streaming on Twitch, invest a bit more for a full HD 1080p camera. These are fairly common, and the price won’t break the bank.

If you need the absolute best quality, research webcams that record at resolutions above 1080p, up to 4k Ultra HD.

Only people with monitors that support these resolutions benefit from the increased picture clarity. These cameras should be reserved for special cases or if you make a living from creating online content.

Most webcams are affordable, but you tend to pay for what you get, so be sure to weigh your feature needs and budget needs carefully.

Webcam System Requirements

Not every webcam works with every computer or operating system. Make a note of your computer and operating system, then check the requirements for the webcam that caught your eye. Mac and Linux users need to take special care here. Most webcam manufacturers make sure their cameras work on all current Windows versions. However, finding a camera for Mac or Linux (including Chromebooks) might be challenging.

Most webcams have minimum processor speed, memory, and hard drive requirements. If your computer is new, it should meet or exceed these. If you plan to work with high-definition video on an older system, you may run into compatibility problems.

by Eleanor
(Manchester)

How to buy your first high-quality camera

Buying A New or Old Canon

Hi there,
I have 0 clue about cameras and i’m looking to buy one. I would really like a high quality camera that is easy to use. i want a camera that i can have for a really long time as i want to take photos throughout life. I was just wondering what you would recommend? My price range is up to £300

Welcome to the the world of too many camera options. I’ll try to help you choose a new camera. First I’d suggest you take advantage of my free one-on-one camera advisor questionnaire. That will give me an even deeper look into what might work for you.

Buy New or Used Camera

If 300 is your limit for investing in a “new” digital camera, you will be limited to just a few new models or a lot of solid used camera models. You might also enjoy reading an article I just posted yesterday: Safely Buying a Used Canon.

I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks,
Bruce

Bruce Lovelace is the publisher of Canon Camera Geek. Read more about him on the About Page. He also publishes how to articles and camera gear reviews at the Photography Tips website.

View some of Bruce’s photos on Instagram and Flickr . Join the Tribe: YouTube . Visit the Canon Geek FaceBook Group. Bruce runs photo workshops and provides 1 on 1 digital photography coaching.

You might like these

Cheap Canon Lenses. Three Ways to Get Affordable Lense For Your Canon

Everybody wants to save a buck on theri canon camera accessories. Here’s what you need to know about cheap canon lenses.

Macro Lens for Canon. Comparison And The Obvious Choice for Best Lens

Save Time and Money. Do you want the best macro lens for Canon cameras? Here is what you need to know

What Is A Fast Canon Lens. When And Why You’d Want To Use A Fast Lens

Why A Fast Canon Lens is Good For Sports, For Low Light Shooting, and Controlling Your Background. Which Canon FAst Lens Makes the Most Sense.

  • HOME
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  • Canon Cameras
  • Canon Lenses
  • Newest Posts
  • About

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can I shoot in monochrome and highlight items in colour on my 90d. I know some cameras can do this Hi Dave, You want to know about using the monochrome

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Simple list of canon digital camera sensor sizes. What size sensor does each Canon camera have? Lists of full frame and crop sensor Canon cameras.

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It’s the best way to save $ on buying a nice Canon camera, but Is it safe to buy a used Canon Camera. Three simple steps you can take to make a safe camera buy.

ND Filters For Canon EF M 18-150mm Lens

How to buy your first high-quality camera

I have an EF M 18-150mm lens. I want to purchase screw on ND filters. What size is compatible? I’m confused about the sizing. Should I purchase 55mm?

Canon Photographer Resources That Will Help Improve Your Photography

Where I get help with my questions about Canon lenses and equipment. These are the Canon photographer resources that I recommend for you to try.

Sign up for a monthly update

is NOT associated with Canon Inc. or any of its subsidiaries.

My goal is to provide useful information and sometimes I recommend products that I believe will help you with your photography, but there are no guarantees. I have used most, but not every single one of these products personally. There are simply too many (millions) for one person to try. I base my recommendations on the performance of the product, other photographers’ feedback I gather, as well as my personal experiences with photography equipment since 1969. Yes, I’m that old! THANK SO MUCH! Bruce

What telescope should you buy?

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How to buy your first high-quality camera

Telescopes give skygazers a great way to see magnified views of objects in the sky. But whether you’re buying your first, second, or fifth telescope, it’s important to be fully informed before heading to stores so you can make the best choice. A telescope is a long-term investment, so you’ll need to do your research, learn the terminology, and consider your needs. For instance, do you want a telescope to observe planets, or are you interested in “deep-sky” objects? Those intentions will help you determine which telescope to get.

How to buy your first high-quality camera

Power Is Overrated

A good telescope is not just about its power. Three hundred-times magnification sounds great, but there’s a catch: While high magnification makes an object appear larger, the light gathered by the scope is spread over a larger area, which creates a fainter image in the eyepiece. Sometimes, lower magnification power provides a better viewing experience, particularly if observers are looking at objects that are spread out across the sky, such as clusters or nebulae.

Also, “high-powered” scopes have specific requirements for eyepieces, so you’ll need to research which eyepieces work best with a given instrument.

Eyepieces

Any new telescope should have at least one eyepiece, and some sets come with two or three. An eyepiece is rated by millimeters, with smaller numbers indicating higher magnification. A 25-millimeter eyepiece is common and appropriate for most beginners.

Just like magnification power, a high-power eyepiece does not necessarily mean better viewing. For example, it may allow you to see details in a small cluster, but if it’s used to look at a nebula, it will only show a part of the object.

It’s also important to remember that while a higher-magnification eyepiece may provide more details, it can be harder to keep an object in view. To get the steadiest seeing in such cases, you may need to use a motorized mount. A lower-power eyepiece makes it easier to find objects and keep them in view. It will also require less light, so viewing dimmer objects is easier.

High- and low-power eyepieces each have their place in observing, so their value depends on the interests of the stargazer.

Refractor Versus Reflector: What’s the Difference?

The two most common types of telescopes available to amateurs are refractors and reflectors. A refractor telescope uses two lenses. The larger of the two, called the “objective,” is at one end; the lens the observer looks through, called the “ocular” or the “eyepiece,” is at the other.

A reflector telescope gathers light at its bottom using a concave mirror called the “primary.” There are many ways the primary can focus the light, and how it is done determines the type of reflecting scope.

Aperture Size

The aperture of a telescope refers to the diameter of either the objective lens of a refractor or objective mirror of a reflector. The aperture size is the true key to the “power” of a telescope—its size is directly proportional to the scope’s ability to gather light. And the more light a scope can gather, the better the image an observer will see.

However, that doesn’t mean you should simply buy the telescope with the largest aperture you can find. If your scope is inconveniently large, you are less likely to use it. Typically, 2.4-inch (60-millimeter) and 3.1-inch (80-millimeter) refractors and 4.5-inch (114-millimeter) and 6-inch (152-millimeter) reflectors are popular for amateurs.

Focal Ratio

The focal ratio of a telescope is calculated by dividing its focal length by its aperture size. The focal length is measured from the main lens (or mirror) to where the light converges to focus. As an example, a scope with an aperture of 4.5 inches and focal length of 45 inches will have a focal ratio of f/10.

A higher focal ratio typically implies higher magnification, whereas a lower focal ratio—f/7, for example—is better for wider views.

Telescope Mount

A telescope mount is a stand that holds it steady. While it may seem like an add-on accessory, it is just as important as the tube and optics. It is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to view a distant object if the scope wobbles even in the slightest, so a high-quality telescope mount is a good investment.

There are essentially two types of mounts: altazimuth and equatorial. Altazimuth is similar to a camera tripod. It allows the telescope to move up and down (altitude) and back and forth (azimuth). Equatorial mounts are more complex—they are designed to follow the movement of objects in the sky. Higher-end equatorials come with a motor drive to follow the rotation of the earth, keeping an object in the field of view longer. Many equatorial mounts come with small computers that aim the scope automatically.

Buyer Beware

Just as with any other product, it is true with telescopes that you get what you pay for. A cheap department-store scope will almost certainly be a waste of money.

This is not to say that you should drain your bank account—most people do not need an overly expensive scope. However, it’s important to ignore cheap deals at stores that don’t specialize in scopes and will give you a low-quality viewing experience. Your strategy should be to buy the best one for your budget.

Being a knowledgeable consumer is key. Read about different scopes, both in telescope books and in articles online about the tools you need for stargazing. And don’t be afraid to ask questions once you’re in the store and ready to purchase.

If you’re on a limited budget and are just getting started in photography, you may be wondering if you should spend more money on a better camera body or better lenses.

I’ve been asked this quite a lot, and when I first got started, I wondered the same thing.

Because most of us can’t afford the very best of both in the beginning, we usually have to make a choice between spending more money on better lenses or more money on a better camera body.

So what’s the best option? Well, the short answer is it’s usually better to spend more money on higher-quality lenses than a higher-quality body.

As a general rule, cheaper lenses use cheaper materials and optical elements which can result in disappointing photos.

Cheaper lenses are usually slower, too, so you’ll have a harder time capturing low-light scenes or achieving super shallow depth of field.

It’s possible that you’ll also deal with some optical issues with higher-quality lenses, but it’s not as common. And of the two options, you’re usually better off using a high-quality lens with an entry-level DSLR body than you would be using a cheap lens on a pro-level body.

There are exceptions to this rule, of course. One of my favorite lenses is Canon’s f/1.8 50mm lens that cost me a whopping $90. The image quality is way above what you’d expect of a Flower Girl at a Wedding shot with the Canon 50mm f/1.8 by Kim Olson

From the research I did before I bought any photography equipment, I learned that the majority of new DSLR bodies that have been introduced within the last few years will likely meet most people’s image quality requirements.

If you’re a hobbyist photographer, there’s a good chance you probably won’t notice much difference between the overall image quality you’ll get from an entry- to mid-level DSLR and a much higher priced pro-level body. And you’ll save a ton of money, too.

When prices can vary from about $600 all the way up to $6,000 for a DSLR body, I think it’s safe to say most of us will be a lot happier if we stay in the lower $600-2000 range.

I thought it might also be helpful to tell you what camera equipment I have and what I started with.

Camera Body

Initially, I opted for the Canon 40D body. It was a step above the Canon Rebel, but far less expensive than the 5D or 1D bodies. The 40D had a cropped sensor, so I took that into consideration when buying my lenses.

When I decided to pursue photography full time a couple of years later, I did upgrade my body to the Canon 5D Mark II which has a full-frame sensor.

Overall I’m still happy with the 5D MII, but one thing I really don’t like is that Canon omitted a popup flash. Because I like to keep things simple, I don’t usually carry around my Speedlite 580EX II, so I’m left completely flashless. A simple popup flash would really come in handy for just a little bit of fill light once in a while.

Camera Lenses

In the beginning I researched like crazy and finally ended up settling on three Canon lenses that I felt provided me with a good spectrum, from a wide angle to telephoto:

  • 17-40mm f/4.0L
  • 50mm f/1.8
  • 70-200mm f/4.0L IS

I still have these same lenses today, and overall l’m pretty happy with my choices.

I opted for the 70-200mm f/4.0 over the faster f/2.8 because it was cheaper ($900 vs. $2100 USD) and lighter (1.7lbs. vs. 2.9lbs). I’m OK with tradeoff and honestly, I already don’t bring my 70-200mm with me or use it very often. It’s so conspicuous that I don’t really like whipping it out all that much. I do like the quality of the images, though.

Bride Laughing during her Wedding. Canon 70-200mm f/4.0L IS. By Kim Olson

I will say, though, that now that I no longer have a cropped-sensor body, sometimes I’ll find that the 17-40mm is almost too wide for most of the things I like to capture. At times I do love the wide angle, like for the shot below, but sometimes it distorts the edges more than I’d like.

Matsumoto Castle in Japan. Shot with Canon’s 17-40mm f/4.0L IS. By Kim Olson

My next lens (which will likely replace my 17-40mm) will probably be either Canon’s 24-105mm f/4.0L IS or 24-70mm f/2.8L. I feel like these would be more suitable as a “walkaround” lens for everyday use, especially when traveling.

You may find that it’s pretty frustrating trying to figure out exactly what it is you should buy. There are so many different combinations of camera bodies and lenses to choose from that you could sit there in indecision for quite a while. But don’t.

Do just enough research so you feel pretty confident in your choices but not so much research that you get stuck and don’t do anything.

It’s all about finding the sweet spot by keeping in mind what types of things you like to shoot most, how much gear you’re willing to carry with you (higher-quality lenses will be bigger and heavier) and how much you’re willing to spend.

Do you agree or disagree with spending more on lenses than your camera body?

Have you already invested in your gear, and if so, how did you go about buying your camera body and lenses?

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Are you shooting corporate videos for your office? Starting a DIY YouTube channel? Looking to start shooting stock footage? Maybe you are a photographer who is looking to start shooting video as well, and you have no idea how to choose a video camera?

There are so many video camera options available – it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the choices. Instead of picking a specific camera or brand, it’s best to first decide what type of camera you need. Here is a handy guide for choosing the best video camera for your needs.

Cell Phones

You may be gawking, but today’s cell phone cameras are no joke. Many manufacturers like Apple and Samsung offer 4K video in the palm of your hand.

With built-in image stabilization, users can easily capture decent footage. You can also edit video on your phone and immediately upload your videos online. There is already an entire Swiss news channel shooting on iPhones.

While the footage quality is often sufficient, it can be difficult to capture quality audio, especially if your subject is too far away from the built-in microphone. You’ll probably want to go ahead and invest in a separate audio recorder.

Size limitations are another major problem. If you are shooting long videos or a ton a footage, you need plenty of space on your phone to store the video files.

If you don’t plan on shooting much and are only interested in making quick short videos, this may be your best camera for filming. If you’d like more production value, then you’ll need to look into one of the following options.

With cell phone video, the cost is minimal. The greater investment will be time in production and post.

Camcorders

Camcorders are the standard video camera for amateur users. While they are limited in features compared to DSLR and cinema cameras, they are great for those who don’t want to get into technical menus and camera settings.

Most camcorders have a built-in zoom and will autofocus on your subject. They also often have touchscreen LCD monitors. Portability and ease of use are the two biggest factors here, making camcorders a good choice if you’re on-the-go or have a simple video setup (like a corporate address).

Most camcorders shoot 1080p resolution, but there are some that shoot 4K. All camcorders have built-in microphones that capture ‘decent’ audio, but pale in comparison to the quality of an external mic.

The top video camcorders worth checking out are from Canon, Sony, and Panasonic. These cameras are great for online videos or quick corporate projects.

Plan to spend several hundred dollars (on up to $1,000) for a quality video camcorder. ‘Prosumer’ camcorders command a higher price, but typically have a better lens and inputs for external microphones. They can also deliver cleaner shots in darker conditions.

DSLR and Mirrorless Cameras

DSLRs double as both still and footage cameras, so they are especially advantageous to photographers looking to shoot video. Not only can you get fantastic HD or 4K quality video, you can also use interchangeable lenses to get more out of your camera.

In the past, Canon (5D, 7D, t5i) has been known for the 1080p video quality on their DSLR cameras. Now, there are plenty of competitors offering equally fantastic options. Both Sony (a7S) and Panasonic (GH4) offer 4K video in their newest models.

You will need a separate audio recorder and microphone to capture decent audio. You will also need to invest in support gear like a tripod or a stabilizer rig. If used handheld, the footage will be very shaky — possibly unusable.

These cameras are for users that are (or want to become) more advanced. To get the most out of the camera, you will have to learn the basics of shooting — framing, white balance, focus, ISO, shutter speed, and more.

These cameras are great for music videos, web series, independent films, and small commercial work.

Plan to spend around a thousand dollars for an entry level DSLR or several thousand for a high-end DSLR or mirrorless camera.

Professional and Broadcast Video Cameras

Professional video cameras are the top eschelon of camcorders. Most have high-end sensors and use interchangeable lenses. They shoot HD and 4K footage.

These cameras are for advanced users. Not only will you need to be familiar with the previously mentioned basics of shooting, you’ll need to know color grading, setting audio levels, and have an understanding of video codecs.

These cameras are not simple to set up either. You will need the proper lenses for the camera’s mount, a monitor or viewfinder, battery packs, as well as any other necessary support gear.

If set up properly, professional video cameras will capture stunning images. You may also have high-quality audio built in depending on the model, and all of these cameras feature professional inputs and outputs for gear.

There are many professional camera options, some of the most popular being Canon (C100, C300), Sony (FS7, FS5), Pansonic (AG-HMC80), and Blackmagic (Pocket Cinema Camera)

These cameras are designed for news broadcasts, professional interviews, documentary films, music videos, and commercial work.

Plan to spend a couple thousand dollars on a professional camera. With the necessary support gear, it could be well over ten thousand.

Cinema Cameras

If you are looking at making high-end commercial work or feature films, a cinema camera is going to be your best option. It’s also best to have an entire camera crew dedicated to working with these cameras, as their operation is more complex than simply ‘hitting record’.

Some of the cameras you’ll most likely see on major commercial sets are from ARRI (Alexa), RED (Epic, Scarlet), Blackmagic (Ursa), Sony (F55), Canon (C500) and Phantom (Flex)

While the price of just a camera body may look appealing, don’t let these prices fool you. These cameras are EXPENSIVE! The camera body is not the only thing you will need. Support gear is absolutely necessary to make these cameras function.

Plan on spending at least ten thousand dollars for a functioning camera with gear. Most of these cameras will cost more than a car.

In the market to buy a camera? Check out this recent post on PremiumBeat that answers 10 questions you should ask when buying a video camera.

Need other equipment for professional videos? Get all of the equipment for the perfect shoot!