What Camera do YouTubers Use in 2023? (+ Photographers & Celebrities)

If you’re just getting into vlogging, you’ll definitely want to know what cameras YouTubers use.

They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, so go ahead and get some inspiration before you go camera shopping!

(You might also be surprised how many successful YouTube careers were launched with budget cameras and vlogging gear.)

In this guide, we’ve investigated what cameras YouTubers use in 2023 and also uncovered the cameras that popular photographers and celebrities use too.

Let’s dig into the secrets!

• Which Camera Is Best For Vlogging?

What Camera do YouTubers Use in 2023?

Peter McKinnon

Peter McKinnon uses a Canon EOS R5. Although in his video “What’s ACTUALLY in My Camera Bag” from 2021, he comments that he uses the R6 as a backup camera when they’re shooting BTS videos. 

Then, in the video “Finally Switching Cameras,” we see that he decided to switch to a Leica Q2 for his photography work.

He also uses a DJI Mini 2 drone for aerial shots and the GoPro Hero9 for action shots.

Other accessories Peter McKinnon uses include:

• Canon RF 15-35mm f/2.8 LI S USM: His most used lens is a fast wide-angle zoom lens. The L series is the top-level quality in Canon lenses. This lens costs over $2000.
• Canon RF 50mm f/1.8 STM: He mostly relies on a nifty fifty for portraits. It’s also suitable for detailed photos. This is a high-quality, inexpensive prime lens.
• Canon RF 70-200mm f/2.8 LI S USM: He uses this bright zoom lens for a telephoto. Although light and compact, this lens is part of the Luxury line. It delivers the best quality images.
• Rode Video Mic: A popular shotgun mic that costs under $500 and delivers great audio for vlogging.
• Jolly GorillaPod 5K: A portable tripod with flexible legs and a fantastic grip.

Casey Neistat

Casey Neistat uses a Sony A7S III camera for his vlogging. However, he switches to a Sony RX 100 VII or a GoPro Hero9 Black when he needs to be on the move. 

That said, you can see in his videos that he owns many other cameras and crashes many more. 

Other accessories Casey Neistat uses include:

• Sony FE 12-24mm f/2.8 GM: An ultra-wide-angle zoom lens that fits everything you need into the frame, even in tight spaces.
• Sony 24-70mm f/2.8 GM: A bright zoom lens that goes from a wide-angle to a short telephoto. It’s a great multi-purpose lens.
• Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS: This large telephoto lens offers excellent zoom capabilities and image stabilization.
• DJI Mavic 2 Pro: A 20MP drone with a Hasselblad camera that handles up to 30 minutes of flight.
• DJI Mavic Air 2S: A portable drone with a 20MP camera.
• Manfrotto Element Traveler: A compact and lightweight tripod. 
• Joby GorillaPod 5K: A portable tripod with flexible legs. 
• Rode VideoMic + Shotgun: A high-quality microphone that can be mounted on a camera for vlogging.

Emma Chamberlain

Emma Chamberlain started her vlog using a Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II. Later, she upgraded to a Canon EOS M50 Mark II. 

Other accessories Emma Chamberlain uses include:

• Contax T2: A film camera from 1990.
• Sony CX 405 Handycam: An affordable camcorder that captures full HD video and 9.2 MP photos.

Pokimane

Pokimane streams using a Sony Alpha a6000 mirrorless camera with a SELP 1650 16-50mm EPZ lens. She also has a Sony Alpha 7s and a Canon Powershot G7 Mark III. Her blog is all about gaming – so we’ll also list some of her gaming setups.

Other accessories Pokimane uses include:

• Elgato Cam Link 4k: Used to connect the camera to the computer. 
• DMW-DCC8: A dummy camera battery.
• Electro-Voice RE20: An industry-standard cardioid microphone.
• HyperX Cloud Alpha: A headset.
• HyperrX Alloy Origins 60: Keyboard.
• Falcon Eyes SO 28 TD: Circular LED light.

Roman Atwood

Roman Atwood uses a Sony Cybershot RX100 IV and a Canon G7X Mark II for his vlog. 

He also uses a Canon EOS 1DX Mark II and a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV.

Other accessories Roman Atwood uses include:

• DJI Phantom 4: A 12MP drone capable of capturing raw files. It records 4K video, and it’s capable of flying for 28 mins uninterrupted. 
• DJI Magic Pro: A compact quadcopter equipped with a 4k/12MP camera. It flies up to 27 mins per battery charge.

Bald and Bankrupt

Bald and Bankrupt uses a Sony FDR X3000 to make his vlog. This action cam is perfect because he’s always on the move.

The camera has a 12MP sensor and records 4k video.

Unlike many of his colleagues, he doesn’t seem to feature any fancy gear.

Bald and Bankrupt also uses a selfie stick.

Logan Paul

Logan Paul uses a Canon G7X Mark II to make his lucrative YouTube channel. He also uses a Sony A7S II and a GoPro Hero9.

He enjoys taking polaroid pictures. He recently sold his Polaroid collection entitled 99 Originals as NFTs for tens of thousands of dollars (per polaroid).

Other accessories Logan Paul uses include:

• Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM: A bright all-purpose zoom lens that goes from wide-angle to short telephoto.
• Sony FE 16-35mm f/4 GM: An ultra-wide to wide-angle zoom lens.
• Rode Video Mic Pro: A camera-mount shotgun for cameras and portable recorders.
• Rode Deadcat  Wind Cover: A furry wind cover to minimize noise and work in windy environments. 
• Sure SM7B Microphone: A professional microphone for podcasting and broadcasting.
• GorillaPod Action Video Tripod: The foldable legs allow you to secure your camera anywhere. It supports up to 2.2 pounds.
• GorillaPod Focus Camera Tripod: A sturdy tripod that supports up to 5kg with flexible legs.
• DJI Mavic Pro: A compact drone with a 12MP camera that records 4K video.
• Astro A 50: Gaming headset with 40mm Drivers.

TommyInnit

TommyInnit uses a Sony A7III and a Logitec C922 webcam. Since his streaming and YouTube popularity are about gaming, his equipment setup is built around that. 

Other accessories TommyInnit uses include:

• Logitech G Pro Wireless Ghost:  Mouse.
• Razor BlackWidow: Keyboard.
• Hyper X Cloud II: A headset.
• AKG P120: A cardioid condenser microphone with an isolation filter.
• AMD Ryzen 9 3950X: A 16-core processor with 32 threads.
• INVIDIA GeForce RTX 3090: A powerful graphics card for gaming.

Jake Paul

Jake Paul uses a Canon XA 30, which is a professional camcorder. Whenever he needs something more compact, he uses a Sony A7S II. 

Other accessories Jake Paul uses include:

• Sony 16-35mm Vario Tessar TFE F4 ZA OSS: A versatile wide-angle lens for the Sony A7S II.
• Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM: An all-purpose range for his Sony A7S II.
• GoPro Hero7: actioncam
• Rode VideoMic Pro+: A top-of-the-line microphone that works well with both camcorders and mirrorless cameras.
• DJI Phantom 4: A camera drone packed with ActiveTrack to follow the subject and a sport mode for faster reaction times.
• GorillaPod SLR Zoom: This portable tripod supports small and medium size cameras. It has flexible legs and a strong grip.
• GorillaPod Focus: Slightly bigger than the GorillaPod SLR Zoom. Thanks to its flexible legs, it’s a very versatile tripod.

FaZe Rug

FaZe Rug uses many cameras in his videos. He has a Canon G7X; he also uses a Sony A6500 and a Canon 80D with its kit lens 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS. 

Other accessories FaZe Rug uses include:

• Manfrotto MTPIXI-B Pixi Mini Tripod: A portable tripod. 

James Charles

James Charles uses a different camera according to the type of video. He uses a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV when moving around the house. Then, he uses a Canon EOS 1DX Mark II for his beauty videos. 

Other accessories James Charles uses include:

• Profoto D2 Air 1000 TTL: A fast monolight adjustable in 1/10 stop intervals available in 500W and 1000W.
• Profoto A1X Air TTL: A small but powerful studio light. 
• Kino Flo Diva Light 415: Ideal light for videographers. It has a barndoor frame and allows for 5-100X dimming and 2-lamp / 4-lamp switching. 
• Diva Ring Light Nova with Stand: A 500W light with a 5500K temperature for perfectly even lighting.

David Dobrik

David Dobrik uses a Canon EOS 80D with a kit lens 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and a vlog camera Sony DSCHX80/B.

Other accessories David Dobrik uses include:

• Fujifilm QuickSnap 400: A disposable camera with 27 exposures of Superia X-TRA film ISO 400.

Mr Beast

Mr Beast uses multiple cameras. He uses the Sony FDRAX53/B $K HD for most of his vlog videos. He also uses a Canon EOS 1DX Mark II, a Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II, and a GoPro Hero7.

Other accessories Mr. Beast uses include:

• Rode Video Mic GO: A lightweight camera microphone.

Matti Haapoja

Matti Haapoja uses a stunning gear lineup. He has a Canon C300 MK II, a Canon 1D X2, and a Canon EOS R for his vlog and Leica cameras for his photography. 

Other accessories Matti Haapoja uses include:

• Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8 L III USM: A fast ultra-wide angle lens.
• Sigma 35mm f/4 Art DG HSM: A third-party wide-angle lens compatible with Canon cameras.
• Sigma 24mm f/1.4 DG HSM: Super fast wide-angle lens. 
• Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 L III USM: A telephoto zoom lens with a fixed aperture.
• DJI Ronin-S Handheld 3-Axis Gimbal Stabilizer: A superior stabilization system for DSRL and mirrorless cameras.
• DJI Mavic 2 Pro Drone: A powerful drone packed with a 20MP Hasselblad camera that allows FHD 1080p video recording.
• Rode NTG3: A broadcast-grade shotgun microphone.
• GorillaPod 5K: A strong and sturdy portable tripod with flexible legs. 
• Aputure AL-M9 Amaran LED: A portable LED light that you can attach to your camera. 
• Aputure AL-MX Amaran AL9: A pocket-size powerhouse with 128 LEDs.
• Aputure 120D Mark 2, 120D II LED: A white LED light ideal for video recording.
• Aputure Light Storm 120D: A 3000 lux, 5500K LED light with Bowen S mount to fit a wide variety of accessories.
• Aputure Light Dome 35″ Softbox: A 35-inch octagonal lightbox with Bowen S mount.
• Tiffen Variable ND: An adjustable neutral density filter to fit different light conditions.
• Manfrotto 244 Variable Friction Magic Arm: A friction arm that extends up to 53 cm with an ergonomic handle.
• Rode Video Mic Pro+: An on-camera condenser microphone ideal for filmmakers. 
• Manfrotto MVH502A,546BK-1: Tripod that supports up to 6 kg and extends to 166cm. It has a fluid video head. 

What Camera do (Popular) Photographers & Celebrities Use?

Annie Leibovitz

Annie Leibovitz uses a Hasselblad camera with a phase one digital back as her main camera. She also uses a Mamiya RZ Pro. Medium format has been her preference since the mid-’80s.

As far as 35mm, she used a Minolta SRT-101 at the beginning of her career. Then, she exchanged it for a Nikon F in the ’70s, which she kept using even after she started with the medium format. In the ’90s, she also started using a Leica M6. 

She made the change to digital with a Canon 5D, and she has used several digital DSLRs since then.

• Who Is The Most Famous Photographer In The World?

Steve McCurry

Steve McCurry uses a Leica SL camera for his documentary work and is a Leica ambassador. He recently put the Leica SL2 to the test in China, and the results were amazing.

He also partnered up with Xiaomi for the “My Unsung Heros” campaign shooting with the new Mi10T smartphone.

During an interview in 2019, he said he was shooting with a Nikon D850 and a Hasselblad H6D-100c.

Although, he shot the famous Afgan Girl with a Nikon FM2.

Joe Cornish

Joe Cornish uses a Sony A7R II. He became famous for his large-format film landscapes.

Then, he started using a Nikon D800 before his current Sony camera. He usually pairs it with a 24-70mm f/2.8 G Master lens.

He carries his gear in an Ajna 37L Duradiamond backpack.

His favorite piece of gear is his Gitzo GT 3543 XLS tripod.

According to him, trends aren’t important. It’s better to, in his words, “Find a camera that you love. Don’t change it until you have to.”

Robert Irwin

Robert Irwin uses a Canon EOS 1DX Mark II for his wildlife photography. He also uses a Leica rangefinder for film photography.

He tried the Canon EOS R5 and was very impressed. However, he considers himself “old-fashioned” and prefers to stick to the DSLR system.

As for the lenses, he uses a 500mm f/4 L telephoto and two wide-angle lenses. He uses his 16-35mm for details and macro shots and his 8-15mm for underwater photos.

Zendaya

Not only does she have a thriving career as a model and actress, but she also loves photography.

Zendaya uses mainly film cameras – a Contax G2 and a Contax T2. 

She inherited her passion from her grandfather and great-grandfather.

For her Contax G2, she uses a Contax Carl Zeiss 45mm f/2 Planar lens.

Final Words

So, there you have it. That’s what your favorite vloggers, videographers, and photographers are using to create their content. 

As they say, the best camera is the one that you have. So, don’t wait until you have the most expensive setup to start working.

That said, it’s worth considering the investment of upgrading your equipment when possible because it can increase the quality of your work and give you more flexibility.

I hope you found this article interesting. What other creator’s equipment would you like to find out about? Let us know in the comments!