Are you in the market for a vlogging camera that provides superior video recording for podcasts and other content creation? You’re in the right place.
If you want to shoot the best video, you need a better podcast camera (and a quality microphone) that can handle the job without having to perform multiple takes.
There Are SO many cameras on the market but they are often not suitable for podcasting.
For example, the shooting angle may not be wide enough, or the audio quality is off. Many cameras also lack the extra features that make your video pop.
I’ve managed with a basic HD video recorder for years and it shot decent video content.
But, that was the issue. I wanted something better than satisfactory.
If you’re in the same boat, here’s my rundown of the best podcast cameras to take your video from blah to brilliant.
What Are The Best Cameras for Podcasting?
These are the best cameras for podcasting on the market.
- Best 4K Podcast Camera – Insta360 Link
- Best DSLR camera for podcasting – EOS Rebel SL3
- Best budget camera for podcasting – Kictec
- Best USB camera for podcasting – Marantz Professional Turret
- Best podcast camera kit – Panasonic DC FZ80
1. Insta360 Link
Best 4K Podcast Camera
Brand: Insta360
Resolution: 4K Ultra HD
Price: Starting at $284.99
For a 4K resolution DSLR camera, the Insta360 is exceptionally good value. It’s fitted with AI technology to automatically track the subject while the ½” sensor features autofocus and auto exposure for up to 60fps perfect image capture.
Dual microphones are integrated into the camcorder along with noise-canceling technology for crisp, clear audio.
The 3-axis gimbal movement and 4x zoom provide versatile modes for different filming positions, always placing the subject center and first. Top-down filming straightens the subject for a better shot.
Compatible with Mac and Windows computers, the camera attaches to any computer monitor and can be switched to portrait mode. You also have a range of shooting modes, such as “whiteboard” available.
Best of all, the camera can be remotely controlled using hand gestures which the AI picks up and interprets.
Customers love the quality and features you get for the price and say it’s the perfect video camera for beginners.
2. Canon EOS Rebel SL3 EF-S
Best DSLR camera for podcasting
Brand: Canon
Resolution: 4k at 24fps
Price: Starting at $749.99
Canon makes great quality DSLR cameras and the EOS Rebel is no exception. It’s their smaller, lightest DSLR camera available so it’s ideal for live-streaming on the go or shooting outdoors.
The image quality provides 4K HD for both video and time-lapse movies while you get a fast and accurate dual-pixel (APS-C) CMOS sensor along with eye detection AF. The Creative Assist function helps you find interesting new full-frame dimensions for your YouTube videos and other content.
The Variangle touchscreen allows you to select a variety of narrow and wide angles, which are great for both selfie-based filming and standard vlogging.
The built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth allow automatic image transfer from your camera straight to your device.
This camera is especially loved by content creators who appreciate its light, compact design, and ease of use. They also enjoy the choice of angles, which helps them create interesting and captivating shots.
3. Kictek
Best budget camera for podcasting
Brand: Kictec
Resolution: 1080p HD
Price: Starting at $65.99
If you’re on a budget, this Kictec camera really packs in the features. With 1080P resolution and LCD screen, the camera can rotate 270 degrees, built-in fill light, anti-shaking capabilities as well as a “beauty function,” facial capture, and self-timer.
The digital camera allows you to use it like a webcam by connecting it via USB 2.0 to your computer and selecting PC Cam mode. You also have a pause function, which gives you the ability to stop and start your current filming without restarting a new film.
The camera also allows you to record while charging, so you never have to miss a moment, and comes with two 1500mAh 3.7V rechargeable batteries. The long battery life gives you up to 90 minutes per charge.
You can use an SD card 4GB to 128GB with this camera, so you have plenty of storage for your video capture. Finally, the camera also supports an external LED light and fits on a standard tripod.
Customers say this is a good quality budget option with great image stabilization. Vloggers who post on social media love this camera as it’s easy to shoot when out and about.
4. Marantz Professional Turret
Best USB camera for podcasting
Brand: Marantz
Resolution: 1080p HD
Price: Starting at $199
This full HD camera is a freestanding broadcasting system for shooting in real-time that features an internal USB hub along with two USB 3.0 ports plus an integrated headphone amplifier.
Perfect for video podcast recording, the USB condenser microphone has an integrated pop filter along with onboard converters for studio-grade audio capture.
The camera is capable of H.264 video compression, ideal for streaming as well as video conferencing, and thanks to the dimmable LED light ring, you can always set the perfect ambiance for your shot. Included are diffusers for cool or warm light settings.
The external microphone is the finishing touch and provides superior audio quality when you record podcasts.
Customers say this is a great package and provides high-quality videos along with professional-level audio recording.
5. Panasonic DC – LUMIX FZ80
Best podcast camera kit
Brand: Panasonic
Resolution: 4K UHD
Price: Starting at $519.95
Many quality cameras lack the additional extras you need for podcasting but the Panasonic Lumix DC has everything you need.
Along with the camera, you get a 64GB high-speed memory card, a portable LED video light, two rechargeable batteries, a universal flash, a bag, a tripod, a cleaning set, a UV filter, and a USB card reader.
The camera has an 18.1MP High-Sensitivity MOS sensor with long-zoom capabilities for multimedia recording and working in low-light conditions. The Lumix DC Vario lens provides 20 – 1200mm focal length along with an AC adapter.
Customers love the accessories you get with this camera and feel it’s particularly good for working in low-light conditions and shooting wildlife.
What to Consider In a Podcasting Camera
1. Wide Angles
When you shoot a podcast, you want to have everything perfectly aligned in the viewfinder. If your camera can’t handle a wide-angle shot, you’ll likely find that areas get cropped out of the picture.
This doesn’t look great and is especially bad if your podcast often features guests since you won’t be able to fit them into the scene. Therefore, choose a camera that has a wide viewing angle or various angles so you can always cover what you want.
2. Resolution
Crisp, clear footage makes for a professional-looking podcast so you want to make sure that your camera has great resolution. 4K is the best, but UHD and HD will be perfectly fine.
If you plan to shoot in various settings, you must also select a camera with a wide ISO range so your footage will look great in both bright and low light settings.
3. Ease of Use
Not all of us are technically minded, plus the less time you have to spend fiddling with your camera’s settings, the better.
If you like to get to work quickly, choose a camera that’s renowned for its ease of use and automatic functions. That way, you can just point and shoot.
Camera for Podcasting FAQs
What Is the Best Camera to Use for Podcast?
A camera with a wide-angle lense is best for podcasting. You should also aim for 24fps – 30fps (frames per second) to achieve smooth footage.
It also needs a decent image processor so you can easily transfer the footage to your device for editing. Finally, go for a mirrorless camera so you don’t have to deal with a reversed image and thus have backward text, etc, on film.
How Do I Record High-Quality Podcasts?
High-quality podcasts need good-quality equipment. The two things you need to capture perfectly are the images and the audio. A decent wide-angle, HD+ camera is great for the images, while an external microphone will give you the best audio.
How Many Cameras Do You Need to Shoot a Podcast?
You only need one camera to shoot a podcast successfully. However, you must take care to select one that has a wide enough shooting angle so that it fully accommodates your podcast set up in the frame.