📱 Smartphone Camera

Best for: Beginners, mobile creators, proving your model before investing.

Specs (Modern Phones)

• Video: 4K at 30-60fps (iPhone 11+, Samsung S20+, Google Pixel 5+)
• Photos: 12-108MP depending on model
• Stabilization: Built-in (electronic or optical)
• Special features: Portrait mode, night mode, slow-motion

Pros

• ✅ You already own it ($0 investment)
• ✅ 4K video quality is excellent
• ✅ Portable and easy to use
• ✅ Edit and upload directly from phone
• ✅ Constant software updates improve quality
• ✅ Front camera for hands-free selfie content

Cons

• ❌ Poor low-light performance (compared to dedicated cameras)
• ❌ Digital zoom is terrible (use rear camera and get closer)
• ❌ Battery drain during long shoots
• ❌ Limited manual control over settings
• ❌ Overheating during extended 4K recording

Pro Tips

• Use rear camera whenever possible (better sensor than front camera)
• Lock exposure & focus in camera app (tap and hold)
• Shoot in natural light near windows for best results
• Use gridlines for better composition
• Record at 60fps if you plan to slow down footage in editing

💻 Webcam

Best for: Live streaming, cam shows, desktop-based creators.

Recommended Models

• Logitech C920 ($70-90) — 1080p, auto-focus, industry standard
• Logitech C922 ($90-110) — 1080p 60fps, background removal
• Logitech Brio ($150-200) — 4K, HDR, best webcam available
• Razer Kiyo ($80-100) — 1080p with built-in ring light

Pros

• ✅ Plug-and-play (no setup complexity)
• ✅ Perfect for live streaming with OBS
• ✅ Always positioned and ready to go
• ✅ No battery concerns
• ✅ Works seamlessly with cam sites and streaming platforms

Cons

• ❌ Lower quality than phones/cameras (720p-1080p max for most)
• ❌ Fixed to desktop (not portable)
• ❌ Requires external lighting (built-in ring lights are weak)
• ❌ Not ideal for recorded clips (better for live streaming)

📷 Mirrorless Camera

Best for: High-quality clips, cinematic videos, creators earning $1K+/month.

Recommended Models

• Sony ZV-E10 ($600 with kit lens) — Creator-focused, flip screen, great autofocus
• Canon EOS M50 Mark II ($600-700) — Beginner-friendly, 4K, compact
• Fujifilm X-S10 ($900-1000) — In-body stabilization, film simulations
• Sony A6400 ($900-1100) — Professional autofocus, 4K 30fps

Specs (Typical)

• Video: 4K at 24-30fps (some up to 60fps)
• Photos: 20-26MP
• Lens System: Interchangeable lenses
• Special features: Eye autofocus, flip screen, stabilization

Pros

• ✅ Professional 4K video quality
• ✅ Excellent low-light performance
• ✅ Interchangeable lenses (35mm for portraits, wide-angle for full-body)
• ✅ Shallow depth of field (blurred background, cinematic look)
• ✅ Full manual control over exposure, focus, color
• ✅ Flip screen for framing yourself

Cons

• ❌ Expensive ($600-1500 for body + lens)
• ❌ Learning curve (exposure triangle, focus modes, settings)
• ❌ Requires SD cards, batteries, charging
• ❌ Bulkier than phone (but more compact than DSLR)
• ❌ Footage requires computer for editing (can’t edit on phone)

📸 DSLR Camera

Best for: Photography-focused creators, those who want a traditional camera with optical viewfinder.

Recommended Models

• Canon EOS Rebel T7i ($600-700) — Beginner-friendly, flip screen, great photos
• Nikon D5600 ($600-800) — Lightweight, touchscreen, long battery life
• Canon EOS 90D ($1200-1400) — 4K uncropped, weather-sealed

Pros

• ✅ Excellent battery life (800+ shots per charge)
• ✅ Optical viewfinder (easier in bright light)
• ✅ Interchangeable lenses
• ✅ Great for photography + video combo
• ✅ Robust build quality

Cons

• ❌ Bulkier and heavier than mirrorless
• ❌ Video autofocus is slower than mirrorless
• ❌ 4K video often cropped (sensor crop factor)
• ❌ Industry trend is shifting to mirrorless (DSLRs being phased out)

If you’re just starting (under $500/month):

Use your phone. Invest $50 in lighting instead. Phone cameras are excellent—lighting is what separates good content from great content.

If you do live cam shows:

Get a Logitech C920 webcam ($70-90). Plug-and-play for streaming, no battery concerns.

If you’re earning $500-1K/month and want to upgrade:

Sony ZV-E10 ($600). Creator-focused mirrorless with flip screen, excellent autofocus, and 4K video.

If you’re earning $1K+/month and want pro quality:

Sony A6400 ($900) or Fujifilm X-S10 ($900). Professional autofocus, 4K, in-body stabilization, cinematic quality.

If you mostly shoot photos (not video):

Canon EOS Rebel T7i ($600) or used DSLR. Excellent photo quality, good battery life, easy to learn.

Starter Lens (Comes With Kit)

• 18-55mm kit lens — Covers most situations, decent for beginners
• Pros: Versatile, affordable, good enough to start
• Cons: Not great in low light, slower autofocus

Best Upgrade: 35mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.8

• Price: $150-300 (budget lenses), $400-700 (pro lenses)
• Pros: Beautiful background blur (bokeh), excellent low-light performance, sharp portraits
• Best for: Close-up shots, portrait-style content, cinematic look

Wide-Angle: 16mm or 24mm

• Price: $300-800
• Pros: Captures more in small rooms, full-body shots, vlog-style content
• Best for: Small spaces, wide angle POV, room tours