Some are into filming their podcasts, while others stick to strictly audio. Our angle? It’s more of a “why not?” type of question. You’re only getting more content that you can post to YouTube for some more views and money making. Podcast gear in general, especially the camera, is one of those items that you must never get wrong in order to successfully further your podcasting endeavors. However, wading through the numerous models and picking one can be confusing if you are just starting out. You need to choose a camera that best fits your purpose. It all depends on what you need the camera for. Case in point, a pro photographer’s best camera is thousands of miles away from a bird watcher’s best camera. If you are after one for podcasting, the list below entails the best podcast video camera options currently available in the market to help you out in your search.
Picking the Best Podcast Video Camera
We had a difficult time choosing some of these models for a few reasons. For one, DSLR and mirrorless cameras are typically conflicting for us to recommend in uses where you may not have an individual handy to operate the camera. For me personally when recording my podcast, I set it on a tripod and leave it on while we record for up to a few hours at a time. Therefore, DSLR or mirrorless are tough because every 30 minutes they stop recording. You merely have to go up to the camera and press record again. However, that’s really annoying for many, especially if you want to get into a flow when recording your podcast.
If you do have somebody who is watching or can stand by the camera to stay on top of this, be our guest. Or if you record your podcast for 30 minutes and take breaks are cool with having this a part of your work flow, go for it. We recommend a few DSLR and mirrorless down below, but in the second half of our guide since it won’t be as popular of a solution.
Otherwise, go with one of our picks in the beginning half of this guide. Most are ‘camcorders‘ but we have a few professional picks in there as well depending on your budget. Whether you’re starting a podcast or just upgrading your setup, we hope this helps. Keep in mind podcast bundles may interest you if you need more than just a camera.
The Best Video Cameras for Podcasting
Sony HDR-CX405/B
Up first, we want to recommend a pick that will be easy for those starting a podcast from scratch. The camcorder build will allow you for to merely press ‘record’ and let it sit there for hours (we used this one for our podcast a few weeks ago). From ‘Optical Steady Shot’ capabilities, 1.05 wide-angle lens, motion shoot, Exmor CMOS image sensor, to dual memory card compatibility; the Sony HDR-CX405/B easily stands out as one of the most convenient options when it comes to podcast video recording gear.
With up to 1.05 in wide-angle lens, this camera has the ability to capture more of landscape shots as well as indoor scenes, easily capturing a large table with quite a few people podcasting. In addition to this, the high-bit rate XAVC S format helps you take high quality images in case you have a cameraman and want to snap some shots. Storage is also not an issue as the Sony HDR-CX405 includes a built-in USB cable for file transfers and dual memory compatibility given that it has both Micro SD card slots and memory stick slots. To add, the ‘Play Memories Home software’ makes this the best podcasting video camera since this platform allows you to import footage from your camera so as to edit, view, print, burn to disc or even share on the web. In case you don’t have your podcast software already, that is. Regardless, this is one of our favorite video cameras for podcasts.
Nikon D3500
If you are just starting out your podcast, then this is arguably the best podcasting video camera if you’re fine using a DSLR camera. Nikon designed the D3500 with newbies in mind, but this thing is so widely used we can’t count how many times it’s made an appearance in one of our camera guides. The camera is very easy to use with options such as Auto Mode and Guide Mode structured to ensure amateurs are also in a position to take quality videos and pictures.
What’s more, the camera is highly responsive to commands and is quite fast. This way, newbies do not need to fuss with hundreds of controls in order to take a single photo. The Nikon D3500 is also quite portable since it is considerably small. This is accompanied by its sturdy material which allows the camera to withstand heavy impact. Its standout technical specs include Full HD 1080p, 5 FPS continuous shooting, DX format, 24.2 megapixels, and 100-25,600 ISO. The video quality is going to be well worth the fuss of pressing record every 30 minutes, but if you aren’t able to, continue reading for some more camcorder options.
Canon VIXIA HF R800
The VIXIA HF R800 camcorder makes it to the list based on the fact that it possesses some of the latest technologies allowing it to achieve high performance in a more traditional camera that won’t bring you much bells and whistles. These include a ‘Highlight Priority’ mode which adjusts backlight according to the vicinity for clarity and fast/slow recording which enable you to play around with the effects when shooting.
Some other highlights include a 57x advanced zoom, Super Range O.I.S. (optical image stabilization that’s really concerning for those filming moving targets, but won’t hurt for your podcast), as well as a decent DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor (considering the price). As such, it is one of the best video cameras for podcasts since not only does it capture high quality videos but it also allows you numerous ways of experimenting. Using the VIXIA HF R800, there is no limit to you level of creativity.
Sony Alpha a6000
This is one of the most obvious choices in this list if you want to invest in a camera that will span across many uses as opposed to just filming a podcast. The Sony Alpha is ranked as the world’s fastest auto focus cameras with a focus 6 setup that includes 11Fps and 179 AF points. This implies that the camera can take up to 11 frames per second and detects up to 179 points of contact during a wide-angle shoot. Very common in mirrorless cameras, these features aren’t necessary for a podcast but those who want some semi-professional photos on the side as well.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg; the a6000 includes a 24.3 megapixel Exmor APS HD CMOS image sensor that allows you to take images in high resolution. What’s more, with the BIONZ X image processor, this camera produce detailed images with resolute texture in real-time and at high speed. As the saying goes, the images are ‘true-to-life’ making this one of the best podcasting video camera options. The Sony Alpha a6000 is just one of our favorite cameras ever and we usually add it into a video camera guide just because of it’s reputation.
Nikon COOLPIX B500
Need cool pictures and videos? This is made possible by its 16 megapixel low-light CMOS image sensor and 40x Zoom-NIKKOR ED glass lens. However, what makes this camera standout the most is its incredible zooming capabilities. It qualifies as the best podcasting video camera simply because it brings your audience even closer to you. The 40x optical zoom and ‘Dynamic Fine 80x Zoom’ gives the camera upper telephoto power, thus, allowing you to triple the reach of your viewing angle.
What’s more, you can easily connect the camera to any of your smart devices with its inbuilt NFC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capabilities. And for those used to handheld video shoots, the Nikon B500 has a Lens Shift VR (Vibration Reduction) that allows you to maintain image sharpness even in adverse conditions. Of course, many of these won’t be too useful for podcasting if you’re merely sitting that camera down to film yourself and others while you chat, but if you’ve made it this far into the guide, maybe you haven’t found what you’re looking for.
SOSUN HD 1080p
SOSUN is one of the least popular brands in this list but it is pretty great for the price. Its plethora of features makes it one of the best podcast video camera alternatives currently available in the market. These include a 24 megapixel video camera with 1080p resolution, 16x digital zoom, AVI 3.0 inch video format, and a TFT LCD display with 270 degree rotation. What’s more, the camera is portable as it is lightweight and easy to use even on the go. With a USB 2.0, it is also relatively easily to connect the device to your computer for video editing.
On the flipside, its battery life is limited to 8 hours but the 3.7 volts 1250 mash Li-ion battery is capable of charging while you record. As such, you do not need to worry about the camera going off in the middle of a podcast session. The SOSUN HD 1080p is a simple solution if you don’t want to get too crazy with your purchase and simply film your podcast without any stress or damage to your wallet.
Canon XC15
Since you’ve made it this far, we’re assuming you either are a professional or need something very hefty. Never mind the additional weight, with the CarePAK PRO, your Canon XC15 can serve you for decades making it the ideal investment with regards to being the best video camera for a podcast. The CarePAK Pro protects the gadget from damage in case of an accident. What’s more, the camera is ideal for both seasoned and amateur photographers.
It is an Ultra-High-definition camcorder with 4K capabilities ensuring that you capture all the memorable moments in high definition. Also, the camcorder includes up to 10x zooming at an angle of 71 degrees. It also boasts of the Canon Auto Focus system with reliable Face detection technology. Lastly, with three stabilization modes; Powered, Dynamic, and Standard, there is very little chance of you going wrong with specific regards to image quality. Definitively for professional podcasting.
Kicteck Full HD 1080p
This is the best lower-end multifunctional camcorder with webcam tech, Full HD, pause function, and white balance. It includes an image resolution of 24 megapixel, and FHD videos at 1080p. White balance, on the other hand, allows you to take high quality images during the day or night, even when it is cloudy. As such, you can very easily record good quality outdoor images and videos for your podcast.
Other standout features that make this one of the best podcast video camera alternatives include a fixed lens, up to 32 GB memory card support, 3 inch TFT LCD display, face detection, and 16x digital zoom. For its price, the Kicteck Full HD 1080p definitely worth every cent if you’re fine with off-brand stuff.
Canon EOS Rebel T6
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is an ideal choice for podcast gurus looking to up their imaging game. It comes fully equipped with the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor and an 18 megapixel CMOS image sensor for high details. Altogether, this camera is powerful enough to take vibrant videos in areas with low light. It is a prudent choice for indoor podcasts given that you will be in a position to offer your viewers clear visuals despite the location. The ISO 100-6400, which is expandable to H: 12800, allows the camera to take the finest details without necessarily using the flash. It is easily used in a variety of conditions, including positioned on a tripod stand or handheld.
Additionally, the camera is NFC and Wi-Fi enabled which implies that you can very easily connect it to smart devices. Canon Connect Station CS100 allows you to go ahead and upload your videos or images to social media sites straight from the camera. Other notable features include a huge 3 inch LCD monitor, a high performance ‘Optical Viewfinder’, and a 9-point AF system. With all these high-end specifications, it is easy to see why the Canon EOS Rebel T6 is considered to be one of the best podcasting video cameras.
Canon EOS 5D Mark III
Let us start this paragraph with this advice: this one is way overkill if you’re just filming a podcast. You need to be into photography as well if you want to make this one worth it, which is why we have it last as a ‘just in case’. What makes the Canon EOS 5D Mark III one of the best podcasting video camera options? The answer lies in its EOS autofocus and advanced photography capabilities. It comes fully equipped with supercharged EOS performance and high resolution, full frame image capture.
This camera includes unique optical technologies such as an extended ISO range of 100-25600 with an expansion limit of up to 102400 (H2), 51200 (H1), and 50 (L). As such, the camera is perfect for indoor and outdoor shots. The camera also comes fully equipped with a 22.3 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor, the DIGIC 5+ Image Processor for fast processing speed as well as noise reduction, and the latest technology in reticular AF with a 61 point high density arrangement. The best video camera for filming podcasts? Sure, but only if you want to take on professional photography as a career on the side as well.
