What is the best camera for creating an online course?

Are you thinking of creating a video course but feeling overwhelmed by all the camera options out there? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered, in this article I will discuss the best camera for creating an online course. As an online course creator myself, I’ve had my fair share of camera woes and triumphs. But don’t let technology paralyze you. Remember, the most important thing is to GET STARTED and share your expertise with the world.

Option #1 Mobile Phone

First up, let’s talk about the camera you probably have in your pocket right now – your mobile phone camera. I know what you are thinking. “Mobile phones are for shooting professional video, how can this be the best option for creating an online course?” Mobile phone have come a long way and the camera on your mobile phone is actually a very good camera. Yes, that’s right, your trusty smartphone can be a powerful tool for creating a video course. Here are the pros and cons.

Pros:

• Convenience. You always have your phone with you, so you can easily record on the go.
• Affordability. If you already own a smartphone, you don’t need to spend any extra money on a camera.
• Accessibility. You don’t need any prior camera knowledge to start recording with your phone.
• Many mobile phones come with the ability to shoot in 1080P and 4K, some in 30 FPS and some in 60 FPS.
• If you have an iPhone you can use continuity to pair up your phone with your Macbook so that you can use it to record.

Cons:

• Quality. While phone cameras have come a long way, they may not produce the same high-quality video as a DSLR or camcorder camera.
• Limited features. You may not have the same level of control over settings like aperture or shutter speed.
• Potentially an unprofessional impression. Using a phone camera may not be the best quality, however, don’t let this be a show stopper. Unless you are doing a videography course, your users likely won’t notice.

Option #2 Webcam

Next up, let’s explore the trusty webcam. Many of us have been using webcams for years for remote meetings and webinars. But can they be used for creating a video course? Most laptop nowadays come with a built in webcam and in most instances it’s a pretty decent camera. I’ve done many videos with my Logitech C920 which cost me around $100.

Pros:

• Affordability. A basic webcam can be purchased for a relatively low cost.
• Convenience. If you’re creating a course that requires screen sharing, a webcam can easily capture both your screen and your face at the same time.
• Accessibility. Like a phone camera, a webcam requires little prior knowledge to start using.

Cons:

• Quality. While webcams have improved over the years, they still may not have the same quality as a dedicated camera.
• Limited range of motion. If you want to move around while teaching, a webcam may not be the best option.
• Unprofessional impression. Similar to a phone camera, a webcam may give the impression of a lower quality course.

Option #3 DSLR Camera

Now, let’s talk about the DSLR camera. These cameras are known for their high-quality images and versatility for different shooting environments. These types of cameras are perfect for shooting course videos. I recently purchased a Canon EOS M50 which works really well.

Pros:

• Quality. DSLR cameras are known for producing stunning, high-quality video.
• Flexibility. With a variety of lenses and settings, a DSLR camera can be used in different environments and lighting situations.
• Professional impression. A DSLR camera can give the impression that your course is of a higher quality and more professional.

Cons:

• Cost. A DSLR camera can be a significant investment, especially if you’re just starting out. Plus you may need to purchase an additional lens and memory card.
• Complexity. DSLR cameras may require some prior knowledge and experience to get the most out of the settings and features.
• Bulky. DSLR cameras can be large and heavy, making them less portable than a phone or webcam.
• Many DSLRs are incapable of recording more than 30 minutes at a time. If you plan on creating video content longer than 30 minutes for one single video, be sure to do your research. Some DSLRs do record longer than 30 minute increments.

Option #4

Lastly, let’s explore the camcorder option. While they may not be as common as they used to be, many camcorders still produce high-quality video and have a dedicated following.

Pros:

• Quality. Camcorders are designed specifically for shooting video, so they often produce high-quality results.
• Features. Camcorders often come with features like image stabilization and built-in microphones, making them a great all-in-one option.
• Professional impression. Like a DSLR camera, using a camcorder can give the impression of a higher quality course.

Cons:

• Cost. Camcorders can be a significant investment, especially for higher-end models.
• Limited flexibility. Camcorders may not have as much flexibility in terms of lenses and settings.
• Size. Like a DSLR camera, some camcorders can be bulky and less portable than phone or webcam options.

So, what is the best camera for creating an online course? It really depends on your specific needs and budget. While a DSLR camera or camcorder may produce the highest quality video, a phone camera or webcam can be an affordable and accessible option to get started. Don’t let the choice of camera hold you back from sharing your expertise with the world. The most important thing is to GET STARTED and keep improving with each video.

Also keep in mind that recording video at 1080P is sort of the current sweet spot. For a full guide on recording video checkout my post on creating epic video. If you decide to go all in at 4K, make sure that your video hosting platform can serve up your videos at lightning speed because 4K videos require a little more bandwidth. Our S3 Media Maestro plugin is a great option because you can use Amazon’s AWS S3 to store your video and AWS CloudFront to deliver your video at lightning speeds.

Remember, technology is just a tool. The real magic happens in the content you create and the value you provide to your students. So, grab that camera (or phone, or webcam), press record, and start sharing your knowledge with the world. Your future students are waiting for you!