Top 6 Best DSLR Cameras for YouTube Vlogging 2024

My DSLR set up for YouTube

I’ve used DSLR and mirrorless cameras for my YouTube videos and I must say there’s something special about DSLRs.

They might not be as portable and technological, but some of them have really nice features for vloggers, and their recording quality, especially in low light, is the best.

That’s why I’ve made this list of the 6 best DSLR cameras for YouTube vlogging. Check it out.

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Our Top 3 Favorites

Camera Flip Screen Stabilization Resolution Price
Canon EOS 90D
Canon DSLR Camera [EOS 90D] with Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, 4K Video, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and 3.0 Inch Vari-Angle Touch LCD Screen, [Body Only], Black
Yes No 2160p30 (4k)
$1,199.00
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body
No Yes 2160p30 (4k)
Price not available
Canon EOS Rebel SL3
CANON EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera, Built-in Wi-Fi, Dual Pixel CMOS AF and 3.0 inch Vari-Angle Touch Screen, Body, Black
Yes No 2160p25 (4k)
$649.00

What Makes a Good DSLR for YouTube and Vlogging?

Image quality is probably the first thing that comes to your mind when you think about DSLRs. But honestly, most DSLR and mirrorless cameras offer similar image quality. 

What can really make one stand out are other features that are more important to content creators:

  • Good autofocus: There’s nothing more annoying than a camera that can’t track your face and you keep getting out of focus
  • Flip-screen: You will be incredibly annoyed if you can’t make sure your camera is recording and that you’re inside the frame at all times
  • External Mic port: Audio quality is arguably more important than video quality
  • Image Stabilization: This is needed if you want to walk around with your camera while recording. Thankfully, most affordable lenses have stabilization
  • Weight: If you’re not recording on a static tripod, you need a lightweight camera, and this is the biggest downside of DSLRs. You won’t be carrying only the camera, but also the lens, a tripod and a microphone

Canon EOS 90D

Canon DSLR Camera [EOS 90D] with Built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, 4K Video, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and 3.0 Inch Vari-Angle Touch LCD Screen, [Body Only], Black
SensorAPS-C
Image Quality2160p30 (4k)
Weight701g (1.54 lb)
Flip ScreenYes
External Mic PortYes
StabilizationNo
Price$1,199.00

The Good

  • Made for video (mic jack, flip screen, hot shoe)
  • Really good ​​​​autofocus
  • Good battery life
  • Light for a DSLR

The Bad

  • No in-body stabilization
  • There are many cheaper 4k cameras

Check on Amazon

The 5D Mark IV is an amazing camera, but it might be too much if you just want to record YouTube videos. Besides, it doesn’t have an articulating screen.

If you want a great camera to record your YouTube videos and even make short films, the EOS 90D should be your main option.

Here’s why this one is my personal favorite for video blogging:

The Canon EOS 90D’s autofocus is one of the best you can find for this price.

It is good even in low light.

One of the most common troubles vloggers face is the lack of a good lighting setup. If you know a little bit about lighting, you can, of course, get away with a DSLR that doesn’t perform well in these situations. However, you can trust it when used in non-optimal lighting conditions.

Its battery is good. The Nikon D7200’s battery lasts for a little bit longer than this one. However, it matches the 5D Mark IV — and it saves you $2000.

This gives you an idea of the kind of value you’re getting for your money.

However, the camera isn’t perfect. For example, it doesn’t have image stabilization.

Also, the newer T7i and 77D are both cheaper, but they have the same sensor and all the video features the 90D brings. The 77D is especially focused on filmmaking and comes with a lower price and in-body image stabilization, something you will miss from the 90D.

So, if you plan to only give your DSLR usage for home video, you can sacrifice battery life and extra-sharp autofocus for a cheaper price tag with these camera cousins. If you choose the 77D instead, you will pay less in the initial upfront for the body and for future lens upgrades since you’ll be able to get cheaper lenses that lack the stabilization the 77D includes.

Read our full review of the Canon EOS 90D.

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body
SensorAPS-C
Image Quality2160p30 (4k)
Weight798g (1.76 lb)
Flip ScreenNo
External Mic PortYes
StabilizationYes
PricePrice not available

The Good

  • Top video performance
  • Great battery life
  • Great autofocus
  • Full-frame 4k recording

The Bad

  • Heavy
  • No flip screen
  • No in-body stabilization

Check on Amazon

Canon EOS 5D truly is the king of prosumer-level DSLRs, especially for video. The Mark IV is the latest update, which introduces 4k recording.

This update took a long time — around 4 years — and I’m sure it was mainly due to Sony mirrorless cameras becoming more popular.

But that doesn’t matter now. We already got the update we needed for arguably the one of the best DSLRs on the market.

This camera has the great autofocus and dynamic range for high-contrast scenes. It also offers great sharpness and colors. This makes it really good for makeup and beauty. This is why it’s a very popular camera between wedding photographers.

Most cameras lose some color quality in higher ISOs, but this one simply doesn’t. It maintains its sharp colors even if you need to record at high ISO.

You can trust this camera will live up to the challenge of giving the best quality in low light—unless you’re recording in a cave, of course.

Now, one of the biggest downsides is that this camera isn’t the lightest DSLR. But for vloggers, the main problem is the lack of an articulating screen. This can be a deal breaker for Youtubers.

Still, remember that this is a full-frame camera, so it’s really hard to end up outside of the frame by accident. Still, even for me, the lack of an articulating screen can be annoying.

This is why the 5D Mark IV might be the highest quality camera you could get for Youtube, but it might not be the right one for you.

Canon EOS 77D

Canon Cameras US 24.2 Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Black (1892C001)
SensorAPS-C
Image Quality1080p60
Weight544g (1.2 lb)
Flip ScreenYes
External Mic PortYes
StabilizationNo
PricePrice not available

The Good

  • Made for video (stabilization, flip screen, mic jack and hot shoe)
  • Effective dual-pixel autofocus
  • Better sensor than the 80D
  • Small and lightweight

The Bad

  • No 4k recording
  • Not weather-sealed

Check on Amazon

The Canon 77D is a 24.2-megapixel DSLR camera marketed for advanced amateur videographers and photographers. Often said to be a midpoint between the lower-end Canon T7i/800D and the higher-end Canon 80D, the 77D shares a lot of common features with the other two.

All three are equipped with APS-C CMOS sensors, have articulated LCD touchscreens and external microphone ports. They are also equipped with an impressive dual-pixel autofocus system which is one of the most effective autofocus systems for DSLRs.

So, what makes the 77D standout from its siblings?

Well, for a significantly lower starting price, the 77D offers a higher ISO capability than the 80D. This is because the 77D (as well as the T7i) has a more advanced image processor than the 80D. Thus, giving the latter a step of ISO advantage, which may be useful when shooting in extremely dark situations.

The Canon 77D also has a 5-axis image stabilization feature in video mode which makes it better for handheld operation as compared to the 80D. This is also an advantage when compared to the T7i.

It is also unfortunate that the 80D does not offer 4k video recording. Now, the 77D doesn’t offer 4k as well but getting the 80D for that high price tag might not be worth it for you as they offer the same video features and quality.

On the other hand, the 77D and the T7i are almost identical. You might ask then, “why would I go for the more expensive 77D then?”. Well, there are some features the 77D has that you might want to spend those extra dollars on.

One of them is anti-flicker recording mode which counters light flickering when you’re shooting in a particularly sunny setting.

But most differences are about design. For example, the 77D has an LCD screen on top of the camera for easy review of shooting settings. It also has a quick control dial to navigate the options more easily

But the most important one is the inclusion of in-body stabilization, which will allow you to get cheaper lenses without OIS.

And although neither the 77D nor the T7i has a weather-sealing, the 77D’s body is constructed to be more rugged than the T7i’s making it the better choice for vlogging outdoor activities.

However, like most DSLR’s the 77D is a bit bulky and heavy especially compared to the more sleek and pocketable mirrorless cameras.

Canon EOS Rebel T8i

Canon EOS Rebel T8i EF-S 18-55mm is STM Lens Kit, Black
SensorAPS-C
Image Quality2160p24 (4k)
Weight499g (1.1 lb)
Flip ScreenYes
External Mic PortYes
StabilizationNo
Price$979.00

The Good

  • Entry-level DSLR for video
  • Made for video (flip screen, mic jack, hot shoe)
  • Better sensor than the 80D

The Bad

  • Expensive for a camera for starters​​​​​
  • No in-body stabilization
  • 4k without eye-tracking autofocus

Check on Amazon

Canon’s Rebel line has been the favorite between YouTubers for quite some time. Starting from the T3i, these cameras have been the main choice when buying your first DSLR for video.

The main reason Rebels are the first DSLR many YouTubers start with is because they achieve good cinematic quality and are video friendly. It’s also because Canon offers a huge float of high-quality lenses for any kind of Youtuber, and you’re able to use them for a relatively low price thanks to Rebel cameras.

Now the Rebel lineup is much better, they now come with video autofocus, WiFi, NFC, more MPs and better performance in low light.

Also, compared to the previous version, this one comes with a new sensor. It gets really close to the image quality you get from the more expensive Canon EOS 90D, and the main reason is that this one is using an even more up-to-date sensor.

It can record 4kp24, which is the least we can ask for, since there are already several mirrorless and compact cameras that can record 4k at this price range.

However, the autofocus goes to contrast mode only for 4k. This will make it not as reliable when focusing moving objects. This is why DSLRs like these are better used on a static tripod, which is just what you want to do for YouTube.

This camera also has an articulating screen and a pretty decent battery duration of around 1240 shots. This is also part of the reason why it’s a popular YouTube camera.

It might still be a good idea to get the T7i instead of this one for the price difference. However, remember this new sensor will give you more quality in low light.

Canon EOS Rebel T7i

Canon EOS Rebel T7i US 24.2 Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD, Black (1894C002)
SensorAPS-C
Image Quality1080p60
Weight531g (1.17 lb)
Flip ScreenYes
External Mic PortYes
StabilizationNo
Price$1,299.00

The Good

  • Good DSLR for starters
  • Made for video (mic jack, flip screen, hot shoe)
  • Cheaper price

The Bad

  • No 4k recording
  • No in-body stabilization

Check on Amazon

Even though Canon REBEL cameras were supposed to be the low-price lineup for Canon video DSLRs, their price went up a lot as they released new models.

That’s why getting an older Rebel camera is not a bad idea. The T7i is still a pretty decent camera for Youtube starters.

The camera has all the basics for video, but it’s like a toned-down version that is slightly cheaper.

It comes with an older image processing technology, which results in slightly noisier images in high ISO. It also has the same focus points (45) and less battery life (820vs. 1240 shots) than the T7i.

These differences make it seem as a viable option if your budget is getting tight.

After all, it still has a flip screen, mic jack, hot shoe, 1080p30 recording, touchscreen, WiFi, and NFC.

Canon EOS Rebel SL3

Canon EOS Rebel SL3 Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm Lens kit, Built-in Wi-Fi, Dual Pixel CMOS AF and 3.0 Inch Vari-Angle Touch Screen, Black
SensorAPS-C
Image Quality2160p25 (4k)
Weight449g (0.99 lb)
Flip ScreenYes
External Mic PortYes
StabilizationNo
Price$649.00

The Good

  • Affordable with good value
  • Made for video (flip screen, mic jack, hot shoe)
  • ​Light and small

The Bad

  • No in-body stabilization

Check on Amazon

If I had to choose a DSLR and I didn’t have a big budget, I’d choose the Canon Rebel SL3, no doubt.

The price/quality relationship of this camera is great for a DSLR.

Of course, nowadays I’d always go for a mirrorless instead because they’re my favorite, but if I HAD to choose, then it would be the SL3.

Canon loves to market this one as the lightest and smallest DSLR camera, at least for now.

So this is as close to a mirrorless as a DSLR has gotten — my prediction is that we will end up getting rid of DLSRs entirely and going full mirrorless eventually.

It’s one of the first Canon cameras to come with 4k, flip screen, and basically everything you need to record good video for a relatively low price.

And image quality is also nice for the price thanks to its new sensor.

So this one is definitely the best “cheap” DSLR and the one you’ll want if you have a lower budget.

The downside? Well… it’s not a mirrorless, so it lacks its technologic advantages.

Why not just make it mirrorless?

Are DSLRs Really The Best Vlogging Cameras? An Alternative

This used to be true a while ago, but now the camera industry has changed.

Competitors like Sony and Panasonic are developing cameras that come with the same sensors as DSLRs, but that are smaller, and with the only downside of lacking battery duration.

They are called mirrorless cameras. To this day, they are the most common choice for vloggers.

If you want to take your camera out with you a lot, you’ll be better off with a mirrorless camera. You can find on this other page our top mirrorless cameras for vlogging.