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The Best Webcams for Making YouTube Videos: Take Your Pick

Best webcams for making YouTube videos

Last updated on February 19th, 2024 at 02:20 am

Are you getting started with video streaming over YouTube and can’t afford a DSLR camera or aren’t satisfied with the built-in webcam of your laptop?

Yes, you may also use your smartphone for streaming, but you don’t want to be interrupted by an important call or message while streaming.

In any case, the best alternative option is an external webcam. A streaming webcam has the advantage of giving you more flexibility compared to your smartphone. You also get superior picture quality compared to your laptop’s built-in webcam.

A webcam will also be useful when capturing still images, making video calls, or recording a quick video.

Before we look at some of the best webcams for making YouTube videos, let’s learn more about webcams so that you’ll be informed when you’re ready to make a purchasing decision.

Can You Really Use Webcams to Make YouTube Videos?

This question bugs many beginners when it comes to making YouTube videos.

Their experience is that good YouTube videos are made with dedicated cameras like DSLRs and camcorders.

Here’s my take on the matter.

Webcams are not all that bad when it comes to making YouTube videos. Many successful YouTubers have used it at one point or another in their careers.

Here are some webcam pros and cons you ought to consider:

Pros of Using Webcams

The pros will impress those who believe the message is more important than video quality.

Here are pros you ought to take notice of:

  • Affordable: Most computers have built-in webcams, or you can buy a decent external one for under $100.
  • Convenient: Webcams are easy to set up and use, making them perfect for beginners.
  • Personal touch: Webcams give your videos a more personal and intimate feel, which can be especially appealing for certain types of content.

Cons of Using Webcams

You’ll also want to take note of the cons to help you decide whether webcams suit the type of videos you’ll be making:

  • Limited video quality: While some webcams offer decent HD resolution, they generally won’t match the quality of dedicated cameras. Audio quality may be wanting, too, as explained below.
  • Limited features: Webcams typically lack features like interchangeable lenses, manual controls, and low-light performance.
  • Fixed perspective: Webcams offer a limited field of view, which can be restrictive for some types of content.

Webcam Videomaking Tips

If you decide to opt for a webcam for YouTube video making, here are some tips to get the best video quality out of webcams:

  • Lighting: Good lighting is essential for any video, and it’s even more crucial with a webcam. Invest in a softbox or ring light to improve your image quality.
  • Background: Choose a clean and uncluttered background that doesn’t distract from your content.
  • Audio: Sound quality is just as important as video quality. Use a good-quality microphone to ensure your voice is clear and audible.
  • Editing: Editing your videos can help you improve the overall flow, add intros and outros, and fix any mistakes.

Ultimately, whether you can “really” use a webcam to make YouTube videos depends on your goals and expectations. A webcam can be a great option if you’re just starting out or creating content where personality and engagement are key. However, if you need high-quality visuals or want more creative control, you might eventually consider investing in a dedicated camera.

Webcam Audio Limitations

Webcams don’t score big when it comes to audio recording. They can’t replace a quality external microphone.

So, if audio is important (especially if you’re vlogging), you may need to pair a webcam with a decent external microphone.

Webcam Resolution

Only a small number of webcams record in 1080p Full HD. There are a few models that record in 4K. Most of the models support 720p resolution. But then you may not really need 4K or 1080p quality. A 720p at 60 fps resolution with a proper lighting setup can offer decent video quality.

Digital Pan and Zoom

It’s good to learn that you can pan and tilt webcams, and they support zooming. However, bear in mind that these features are software-controlled. In other words, they are digital in nature.

If you have handled camcorders before, you would know the difference between optical and digital zoom. You know the quality of the latter leaves much to be desired.

Operating System Compatability

Most webcam models are designed for Windows. If you intend to use it for Mac, check whether it’s compatible with your operating system.

The good news is that more webcam models support multi-platforms including Chrome OS.

Let’s look at the best webcams for making YouTube videos, whether for live streaming, gaming, or vlogging.

Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam

Do you want a decent webcam and don’t mind splashing out a little cash for it. If so, the Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam will suit your needs.

It is a Full HD 1080p webcam. You can record in FullHD 1080p at 30fps or 720p at 60fps. Either of these resolutions should offer you decent picture quality.

Apart from that, it works well in low-light conditions.

The webcam supports multiple operating systems – Windows 7/8/10, macOS X 10.9 or higher, Xbox One, Chrome OS, and Android 5.0 or above.

This is ideal if you have more than one device you wish to use your webcam on.

There are two built-in microphones that capture stereo audio. They may deliver the sound quality you expect. There’s the automatic noise cancellation feature. It also boasts a high SPL (Sound Pressure Level) that enables distortion-free sound.

As mentioned earlier, arming yourself with an external microphone would be a wise option.

If you’re concerned about a dull background while streaming, you don’t have to run out and get a green screen. With the Logitech C922x, you can make use of the Personify background replacement technology.

Watch the video below to get up close and personal with the Logitech C922.

Check out the Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam.

Logitech Brio 4K Webcam

If nothing less than 4K resolution will satisfy you, look at this Logitech Brio model.

Its auto light adjustment feature sets this 4K model apart from the pack. The Logitech RightLight 3 technology employs HDR technology to bring out the best image quality in low-light and even backlit situations. You get deeper colours and shadows.

You can record in 4K (30fps) and 1080p (60fps), and the webcam works with Windows, Mac, and Chrome OS.

Zoom is at 5X. When it comes to field of view, you have 3 presets to play with – 90°, 78° or 65°, all of which are powered by the dFOV technology via Logi Tune.

The quarrel with this webcam model is its price, but it may well be within your budget.

Check out the Logitech Brio 4K Webcam.

Logitech C270 HD Webcam

If budget is a concern and top-notch video quality isn’t, then take some time to explore the Logitech C270 HD webcam.

As its name suggests, it supports only 720p recording at 30fps.

This webcam will suit you fine if you have an older computer. Computer specs as low as 2.4 GigaHertz Intel Core2 Duo with 2 GB RAM and 200 MB hard drive space are sufficient to make this webcam work.

This is a fixed-focus webcam. So, take note of this limitation.

This HD webcam works with Windows 7 or higher, macOS X 10.10 or higher, and Chrome OS.

There’s also an automatic light correction feature that gives you the best picture quality possible.

This is one of the best webcams for YouTubers on a budget and operating in a niche that doesn’t require top video quality.

Check out the Logitech C270 HD Webcam.

IFROO 1080p Webcam

This IFROO model is an affordable webcam that promises an 82-degree wide-angle view.

It sports an HD lens to make sure images are distortion-free. There’s also a built-in automatic gain mechanism. This will ensure you get decent recordings in weak lighting conditions.

The manufacturer claims the webcam can pick up clear sounds from as far as 3 meters. This should, however, be taken with a pinch of salt for a budget webcam.

This budget webcam works with Windows,macOS, Chrome OS, Linux, and Ubuntu.

For flexibility, the webcam can be manually rotated – 360 degrees horizontally and 30 degrees vertically.

It works well with the free OBS Studio for live streaming and video recording.

Check out the affordable IFROO 1080p Webcam, one of the best for making YouTube videos.

NexiGo N930AF Webcam  with Privacy Cover

If you’re concerned with privacy when working with a webcam, check out this 1080p/30fps NexiGo model.

This autofocus webcam comes with a privacy cover. What does that mean? It keeps away bad hats from accessing your webcam behind your back.

The cover will also help protect the camera lens from dust and debris so that you can make clear recordings.

The USB cord provided is 2 meters long enough for any need. The mounting clip works well with laptops, desktops, smart TVs, and tripods.

The webcam comes with 15 settings. You can adjust brightness, white balance, picture sharpness, contrast, and saturation among others.

Despite all these features, the sound quality may not be to your liking. But then again, you would have an external microphone on standby, wouldn’t you?

Check out the NexiGo N930AF Webcam .

Also, check out the top webcams for making YouTube videos.

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