The Best Camera For Podcasting In 2023

By Author: Ahtasham
Total Articles: 20
Comment this article

Best Camera for Podcasting - The rise of podcasts is undeniable, gaining popularity day by day. Almost everyone tunes in to a podcast at some point, and with such a vast array of options, standing out from the crowd is a challenge. A key factor in setting your podcast apart is having a top notch camera. People prefer to watch podcasts that have a professional and polished look.
Drawing from my extensive experience as a professional photographer with a myriad of owned cameras, I possess the insights to guide you on what to consider when purchasing a camera for your podcast.
This article aims to provide you with clear recommendations on the best podcasting camera, ensuring not only top quality but also the best possible price. With this information, you'll be able to swiftly acquire your new camera and start recording podcasts with ease.
What is the Best Camera for Podcasting?
Having spent years exploring and buying numerous cameras, I've honed my knowledge to guide you in selecting the perfect one. Rest assured, I haven't just thrown together a random list; my goal is to offer you practical recommendations.
...
... For camera newbies, I won't push you toward the priciest options. Instead, I'll suggest more budget-friendly beginner cameras ideal for podcasting. My aim is to assist you in creating top-notch podcasts.
In the camera selection process, I prioritized features like video resolution, settling on 4K24p as it delivers a cinematic look, which is perfect for our podcasting needs. I also made sure that all chosen cameras excel in essential areas like autofocus and overheating.
Once you've got your podcasting camera, don't forget about lenses they're crucial for maximizing your camera's potential.
I'm here to help you make informed choices every step of the way.
Let’s start right away with the first camera.
1. Sony FX30
Price: $1598
For top notch podcasts, you want a reliable camera that won't overheat, and the Sony FX30 fits the bill perfectly. As a cine camera from Sony, it boasts internal cooling, ensuring it stays cool even during extended use.
With the capability to shoot up to 4K120fps, the FX30 offers impressive flexibility. However, for podcasting, the sweet spot is 4K24p, which this camera handles effortlessly. Additionally, it comes equipped with built-in stabilization, allowing you to capture smooth handheld footage with minimal shake.
In my opinion, the FX30 stands out as the ideal video camera for podcasting, delivering the professional quality you need.
Key Features:
• 26 MP sensor
• 4K 120p video
• Oversampled 4K video
• Deep learning autofocus
• Internal cooling

Pros and Cons of Sony FX30:
Pros
• There are several standout features of the FX30 that make it an excellent choice for podcasting. Firstly, it's designed with video-centric users in mind, ensuring that buttons are conveniently placed for filmmakers and podcasters. Unlike some cameras, it skips the unnecessary viewfinder, keeping the focus on video creation.
• One unique aspect of the FX30 is its versatile mounting options, allowing you to attach accessories like an XLR module for additional microphones. This feature sets the FX30 apart as the go-to video camera for podcasting.
• The battery life is impressive, offering up to 2 hours of continuous shooting at 4K24p without overheating. To keep the camera powered up during use, using a wall charger with a USB-C cable is recommended.
• Autofocus is a strong suit of the FX30, effortlessly recognizing eyes even in challenging conditions such as over or underexposure by up to 6 stops. This ensures reliable eye tracking for you and your guests.
• A thoughtful detail is the red light on the camera's front, providing a quick visual cue of whether it's currently recording or has stopped. These features collectively make the FX30 a standout choice for podcasters seeking a reliable and user-friendly video camera.
Cons
• When shooting in 4K120p mode, you get a large crop. Your lens can seem a lot tighter with this mode, compared to the 4K24p video mode.
Best Camera Lens for Podcasting:

When it comes to lenses for the Sony FX30, I've handpicked a selection that stands out as the best for podcasting. These lenses don't break the bank, aligning with the notion that you don't need the most expensive ones for great results.
First up is the Sony 10-20mm lens, offering an expansive view to capture the entire scene. Perfect for those overview shots with all your guests, this lens adds a dynamic perspective to your podcast visuals.
Next, the Sony 18-105mm lens is an all-around performer, providing versatility for both wide and zoomed shots. This allows you to seamlessly transition between capturing the entire setting and zooming in for more intimate shots of your guests.
For those captivating moments where you want to spotlight a guest, the Sony 70-200mm telephoto lens comes into play. It enables you to get up close without the risk of the camera interfering with other shots. Think of those TikToks where a guest takes the spotlight this lens makes it happen seamlessly.
2. Panasonic FZ300
Price: $448
If you're not keen on investing in loads of gear, I get it. Opting for a compact camera is a smart move, especially one that packs a punch with zoom capabilities while maintaining top-notch quality.
Enter the Panasonic FZ300, a stellar choice for budget-conscious podcasters and potentially my top pick for cameras under $1000. It brings the heat by offering 4K video recording with stabilization, making it tough to produce anything less than professional podcasts. Stay tuned, because the lens is also a star in its own right more on that in a bit.
Key Features:
• 12 MP sensor
• Image stabilization
• 4K30p video
• Constant F2.8 aperture
• 24x optical zoom
• HDMI output
Pros and Cons of the Panasonic FZ300:
Pros
• When it comes to shooting 4K videos, the Panasonic FZ300 pleasantly surprised me with its stellar image quality. Despite being a budget-friendly podcasting camera, it stands out from other inexpensive options known for subpar quality.
• What makes the FZ300 shine is its constant aperture of F2.8. This feature ensures that the image stays bright and clear even when you zoom in, a common issue with many budget cameras. In low-light settings, like a studio, the FZ300 produces crisp and sharp images, enhancing the overall visual appeal.
• With an impressive 600mm zoom range, this camera makes it a breeze to capture focused shots of your guests, perfect for those attention-grabbing moments we often see on platforms like TikTok.
• The 4K video mode on the FZ300 is a winner – delivering sharpness that hits the mark and vibrant, vivid colors that bring your podcasts to life. This budget-friendly camera proves that quality doesn't always have to come with a hefty price tag.
Cons
• The FZ300 does not have the best autofocus, you don’t have these fancy ai technology. I recommend using manual autofocus so you’re sure that the shot is in focus.
3. Fujifilm X-S20
Price: $1299
If you're a host with a bit higher standards, the Fujifilm X-S20 is a fantastic choice. While a 6K video mode may not always be necessary, it's good to know that the X-S20 has got you covered when you do need it.
This camera also allows seamless recording of 4K videos without any time constraints. To prevent overheating, you have the option to invest in an external cooling fan that can be conveniently placed on the back of the camera.
In summary, the X-S20 earns its stripes as the best hybrid camera for podcasting, offering versatility and quality that aligns with elevated standards.
Key Features:
• 26 MP sensor
• Image stabilization
• 6K30p video
• 4K60p video
• External cooling fan
Pros and Cons of Fujifilm X-S20:
Pros
• The autofocus on the Fujifilm X-S20 is not only speedy but also spot-on accurate, especially crucial for podcasting where eye tracking is key.
• Here's the standout feature: the X-S20 allows shooting impressive 6.2K30p videos, providing outstanding detail and a visually appealing image. This is a game-changer, especially for content creators looking to crop and edit for platforms like Reels and TikTok.
• What adds to its allure is the capability to shoot in F-Log2, one of the market's best profiles. It produces a natural look and opens up a myriad of creative options during post-processing.
• Worried about filming for extended periods? Set the warning temperature to 'high,' and the X-S20 can go the distance. For those planning marathon podcast sessions, there's also the option to use an external fan to prevent overheating.
• And let's not forget the impressive battery life, offering around 2.5 hours of continuous recording on a single battery. That's quite remarkable for a camera of this caliber, making the X-S20 a solid choice for podcasters on the go.
Cons
• If you want to record for a long time, you should connect the external cooling fan, which can be annoying after a while.
Best Camera Lens for podcasting:
When it comes to lenses for the Fujifilm X-S20, I've handpicked a selection that stands out as the best for podcasting. These lenses won't break the bank, and as I mentioned earlier, you don't need the priciest ones.
Starting with the Fujifilm 8mm, this wide lens lets you capture a broad view, perfect for those shots with all your podcast guests in the frame. It adds a dynamic touch to your podcast visuals.
Next up is the Fujifilm 16-80mm lens, an all-around performer that covers both wide and zoomed shots. This versatility allows you to smoothly switch between capturing the entire setting and zooming in for more intimate shots of your guests.
For those moments when you want to put a spotlight on a guest, the Fujifilm 50-140mm telephoto lens comes into play. It allows you to get up close without risking the camera being in the view of other cameras. Think of those TikToks where a guest takes center stage – this lens makes it happen seamlessly.
4. Panasonic S5 II
Price: $1698
If you find yourself needing to record in low-light conditions or desire the advantages of a full-frame sensor, the Panasonic S5 II is the camera that fits the bill. The full-frame sensor excels in darker settings and high ISOs, ensuring excellent performance in challenging lighting conditions.
While the 6K video function offers impressive zoom capabilities, for uninterrupted podcasting sessions, opting for 4K recording is recommended. This minimizes the risk of overheating, ensuring a seamless recording experience without sudden interruptions.
In summary, the S5 II takes the crown as the top choice for a full-frame camera in the realm of podcasting, delivering the quality and features needed to elevate your podcasting game.
Key Features:
• 24 MP full-frame sensor
• 6K30p video
• 4K60p video
• No video limit (8-bit)
• Pretty affordable
Pros and Cons of Panasonic S5 II:
Pros
• The S5 II stands out as the first on the list with a full-frame sensor, promising superior image quality in shadows and high ISO conditions. This feature ensures your visuals look top-notch, even in challenging lighting situations.
• While the 6K video function offers the ability to digitally zoom while maintaining 4K quality, it's important to note that, for podcasting purposes, this feature might be unnecessary. It requires a super-fast SD card, and for most podcasters, the benefits may not outweigh the added complexity.
• When it comes to recording 4K in 8-bit, the S5 II has your back with no video limits. This means you can film your podcast for as long as you need without any hiccups – an ideal solution for those extended discussions or hour-long podcast sessions.
• Considering the specs, the S5 II boasts a commendable price-quality ratio, making it a standout choice. It's challenging to find a camera that offers such features and performance at this price point, making the S5 II a solid investment for podcasters looking for value.
Cons
• If you want to record 6K videos or 10-bit videos, the camera has a limit of 30 minutes per recording, so keep this in mind.
5. Canon G7X III
Price: $749
Similar to the FZ300, the Canon G7X III falls into the category of compact or point and shoot cameras. This feature proves handy when you need to record something swiftly without the hassle of extensive setup. Podcasting is about the content, not spending half an hour configuring cameras.
Equipped with a 4K video function, the G7X III delivers quality sufficient for podcasts, and its built-in lens holds its own. While you can't swap out the lens, the one it comes with does the job well. If you're on the hunt for the finest compact camera for podcasting, the G7X III is a top contender.
Key Features:
• 20 MP sensor
• 4K30p video
• 4x optical zoom
• F1.8-F2.8 aperture
• Lightweight & compact
Pros and Cons of Canon G7X III:
Pros
•
The Canon G7X III is incredibly small and compact, fitting into any pocket effortlessly. You often find yourself having to bring an entire setup, but this camera changes the game.
• With a 4x optical zoom, you can effortlessly capture both wide shots and telephoto shots, eliminating the need for additional cameras. Having a couple of G7Xs should suffice for most podcasting needs.
• The aperture range of F1.8-F2.8 is a standout feature, allowing ample light intake and reducing the need to crank up the ISO. In simpler terms, this keeps the image quality consistently high, even in challenging lighting conditions.
• Don't worry about missing out on video quality the G7X III supports 4K video recording at 30fps, which is more than sufficient for podcasting. No need to splurge on a pricier camera when this one gets the job done without unnecessary expenses.
Cons
• You don’t have professional features like C-Log3 for an improved post-processing process, you really have to buy another camera for that.
What should you look for in a camera for podcasts?
Video Quality & Resolution
When choosing a camera for podcasts, the top priority is the image quality. A professional appearance with sharp details is crucial. This is especially important if you need to digitally zoom, requiring a high resolution.
Opt for cameras capable of recording at least 4K videos. This ensures that even when zoomed in, you can maintain a crisp 1080p quality, perfectly suitable for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram Reels.
Don't overlook the importance of a good lens; it helps prevent shaky footage. While I've recommended some lenses for each camera, it's worth noting that more expensive lenses often offer better quality. However, for online podcasting, you don't necessarily need the absolute best lens quality as the difference in sharpness is minimal and may not be noticeable. Focus on finding a camera that can handle at least 4K video recording to meet your podcasting needs.
Autofocus
Focusing is a critical aspect, as even the best camera with a top-notch lens won't deliver if the image isn't sharp. There are two main approaches to focus.
Firstly, the simple method involves placing the camera on a tripod and setting the lens to manual focus. This ensures the camera won't mistakenly focus on the wrong elements, keeping your subject consistently sharp. However, this approach has limitations, especially if your subject moves in different directions.
That's where the second method comes in. Opt for a camera with robust tracking capabilities. If the camera can recognize faces, that's a good indicator. This way, you won't need to focus manually, and even if your subject moves around, the camera adjusts to keep everything in focus seamlessly. Consider this when choosing a camera for your podcasting needs.
Connection Options

Thirdly, this aspect is crucial, especially if you use multiple cameras for your podcast, which is common when hosting multiple guests. Having just one camera isn't sufficient in such cases.
To ensure all your cameras work together seamlessly, it's essential to have an HDMI out feature. Most cameras come equipped with either a mini HDMI or micro HDMI, meeting this requirement. This connection allows you to sync your cameras to a computer, ensuring a smooth and coordinated recording experience for your podcast.
Battery Life

One often overlooked aspect is the camera's battery. Podcasts can go on for hours, and a camera abruptly shutting down is far from ideal. Many mirrorless camera batteries aren't designed for extended filming.
A practical solution is to invest in an extra battery with a power cable. This way, you can charge it while actively recording your podcast, ensuring a continuous and uninterrupted filming session.
Certain cameras, particularly from Nikon, offer the convenience of being charged using a power bank. This provides an additional option, giving you flexibility in how you manage your camera's power during podcast recordings. Consider these battery options to keep your podcasting sessions smooth and hassle-free.
Budget

Avoid unnecessary expenses by not opting for the priciest camera. Many affordable cameras are excellent for podcasting.
Start your search by setting a budget. I recommend cameras in various price ranges, ensuring there's a suitable option for every podcasting need.
Remember, getting just a camera isn't enough. You'll need to purchase a lens, and depending on your setup, consider additional items like microphones or studio lights. Keep in mind that podcasting involves more than just the camera, so plan your budget accordingly.
Ease of Use

Lastly, consider the ease of use, a crucial factor. Nobody wants to spend half an hour setting up cameras for every podcast episode. In a studio with consistent lighting conditions, you may only need to configure the camera settings once.
For those unfamiliar with cameras, opting for cheaper beginner-friendly models is a wise choice. They come with user interfaces designed with beginners in mind, making the overall podcasting experience more straightforward and accessible. Prioritize user friendly features to ensure a smoother recording process for your podcast episodes.