What Cameras Do Famous Creators and Celebrities Use? (2026 Guide)
Many famous YouTubers, vloggers and celebrities rely on professional cameras to create their content. While some use high-end cinema cameras, many also use mirrorless or compact models that are widely available on the refurbished market at accessible prices.
This guide explores what cameras famous creators and celebrities use, why they chose them, and how you can find refurbished versions at 30–50% less than retail prices. Whether you're starting a YouTube channel, building a photography portfolio, or seeking inspiration, these are the cameras that power some of the world's most-watched content.
Creator Tier System
We've organized creators and celebrities into three tiers based on their camera choices:
- Entry-Level Creators (£300–£800): Compact cameras perfect for starting out or travel content
- Professional Creators (£1,500–£2,500): Mirrorless and DSLR cameras for serious YouTube and photography
- Cinema-Grade (£3,500+): High-end cinema and professional cameras for large-scale productions
Entry-Level Creators: Compact & Accessible
These cameras are perfect for vloggers and content creators starting out. They're compact, user-friendly, and deliver professional results without breaking the bank.
Emma Chamberlain
Emma Chamberlain helped popularise the G7X Mark II during the rise of lifestyle YouTube. The compact size, flip-up screen, and excellent autofocus made it the go-to vlogging camera for a generation of creators.
Why she chose it: Portability, image quality, and ease of use for travel vlogging
Best for: Vlogging, travel, lifestyle content, beginners
Typical refurbished price: £350–£450
Serena Williams
Serena Williams is an accomplished photographer who uses the Fujifilm X100V for travel and lifestyle photography. Its fixed prime lens and retro design make it ideal for creative, intentional photography.
Why she chose it: Compact, high-quality images, and distinctive aesthetic
Best for: Travel photography, lifestyle, street photography
Typical refurbished price: £700–£950
Professional Creators: Mirrorless & DSLR
These cameras are used by serious content creators and photographers who need advanced autofocus, 4K video, and professional-grade image quality.
Casey Neistat
Casey Neistat popularised cinematic YouTube vlogging using the Sony A7S II. Today, many creators upgrade to the A7S III for improved autofocus and advanced video capabilities.
Why he chose it: Exceptional low-light performance, compact size, cinematic video quality
Best for: Cinematic vlogging, low-light content, professional video
A7S II: £800–£1,000 | A7S III: £1,600–£2,000
Peter McKinnon
Peter McKinnon uses the Canon EOS R5 for high-production cinematic videos and photography tutorials. Its 8K video and high-resolution stills make it ideal for professional creators.
Why he chose it: 8K video, high resolution, professional autofocus
Best for: Professional video, high-resolution photography, tutorials
Typical refurbished price: £2,000–£2,600
Zendaya
Zendaya has been photographed using the Canon EOS R for professional and personal photography projects. It's a versatile mirrorless camera that balances professional features with ease of use.
Why she chose it: Versatility, professional image quality, ease of use
Best for: Professional photography, video, hybrid use
Typical refurbished price: £1,200–£1,600
Timothée Chalamet
Timothée Chalamet is known for his interest in film photography and has been spotted using the Leica M6, a classic rangefinder camera favoured by professional photographers.
Why he chose it: Classic design, exceptional optics, film photography aesthetic
Best for: Film photography, travel, professional work
Typical refurbished price: £2,000–£2,800
Cinema-Grade: High-End Production
These are the cameras used by creators with large production budgets and professional teams. They deliver cinema-quality video and are used for major YouTube productions and film work.
MrBeast
MrBeast's production team uses the Sony FX6 for large-scale YouTube productions. This cinema-line camera is designed for professional video creators who need broadcast-quality output.
Why he chose it: Cinema-quality video, professional autofocus, broadcast standards
Best for: Large-scale productions, cinema, broadcast
Typical refurbished price: £4,000–£4,800
Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)
Tech reviewer Marques Brownlee produces some of the highest-quality video on YouTube. His studio uses high-end cinema cameras including the RED Komodo and Sony FX6.
Why he chose it: Highest video quality, professional features, cinema standards
Best for: Professional video, cinema, tech reviews
RED Komodo: £4,000+ | Sony FX6: £4,500+
Gigi Hadid
Gigi Hadid is a professional photographer who uses the Contax RTS III, a professional film SLR camera. It's favoured by fashion and editorial photographers for its exceptional build quality.
Why she chose it: Professional film quality, fashion photography heritage
Best for: Fashion photography, film work, editorial
Typical refurbished price: £800–£1,200
Robert Pattinson
Robert Pattinson is an accomplished photographer who uses the Leica M3, a legendary rangefinder camera from the 1950s. It's considered one of the finest film cameras ever made.
Why he chose it: Classic design, legendary optics, film photography
Best for: Film photography, professional work, travel
Typical refurbished price: £1,500–£2,500
Luxury & Iconic Choices
Some celebrities choose cameras for their iconic status and heritage rather than just technical specs. These are the cameras that define luxury and craftsmanship in photography.
Taylor Swift
Taylor Swift is known for her love of film photography and has been seen using the Contax T2, one of the most famous compact film cameras ever made. It's highly sought after by photographers worldwide.
Why she chose it: Iconic design, exceptional optics, film aesthetic
Typical refurbished price: £900–£1,500
Kendall Jenner
Kendall Jenner has developed a reputation for her interest in photography and uses the Leica M10, a premium digital rangefinder known for exceptional image quality and minimalist design.
Why she chose it: Luxury brand, exceptional optics, professional quality
Typical refurbished price: £4,000+
David Beckham
David Beckham has spoken about his love of photography and uses Leica cameras during travels. The Q2 is a compact full-frame camera with a fixed lens and exceptional image quality.
Why he chose it: Compact luxury, travel-friendly, professional quality
Typical refurbished price: £3,000–£4,000
Bella Hadid
Bella Hadid is known for her film photography and uses the Pentax K1000, a simple and reliable film SLR camera that's perfect for learning manual photography.
Why she chose it: Simplicity, reliability, film photography aesthetic
Typical refurbished price: £150–£300
Quick Comparison: Cameras by Price Tier
| Camera | Refurbished Price | Best For | Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pentax K1000 | £150–£300 | Learning, film | ENTRY |
| Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II | £350–£450 | Vlogging, travel | ENTRY |
| Fujifilm X100V | £700–£950 | Travel, lifestyle | ENTRY |
| Canon EOS R | £1,200–£1,600 | Professional hybrid | PRO |
| Sony A7S III | £1,600–£2,000 | Cinematic video | PRO |
| Leica M6 | £2,000–£2,800 | Film, professional | CINEMA |
| Leica Q2 | £3,000–£4,000 | Luxury travel | CINEMA |
| Sony FX6 | £4,000–£4,800 | Cinema, broadcast | CINEMA |
Budget-Friendly Alternatives
If you love a particular camera but find it outside your budget, here are some excellent alternatives that deliver similar results at lower prices:
- Instead of Sony A7S III (£1,600–£2,000): Try the Sony A7 III (£800–£1,100) — slightly older but still excellent for video and photography
- Instead of Canon EOS R5 (£2,000–£2,600): Try the Canon EOS R (£1,200–£1,600) — fewer features but still professional-grade
- Instead of Leica M10 (£4,000+): Try the Leica M6 (£2,000–£2,800) — film camera but exceptional optics and heritage
- Instead of Sony FX6 (£4,000–£4,800): Try the Sony A7S III (£1,600–£2,000) — not cinema-line but excellent for professional video
- Instead of Contax T2 (£900–£1,500): Try the Yashica T4 (£300–£500) — similar compact film camera at a fraction of the price
Why Buying Refurbished Makes Sense
Many of the cameras used by famous creators and celebrities are expensive when new. Buying refurbished can make these models far more accessible while still delivering professional image quality. Refurbished cameras can often be 30–50% cheaper than buying new, especially for previous-generation models that are still widely used by photographers and creators today.
Professional refurbished cameras from retailers like Wex Photo Video, MPB, and eBay UK come with warranties and have been thoroughly inspected, so you get peace of mind along with the savings.
Ready to Start Your Creator Journey?
Whether you're inspired by Casey Neistat's cinematic vlogs, Emma Chamberlain's lifestyle content, or any of the creators featured here, the right camera is within reach. Browse our buying guides, compare cameras, or use our Camera Finder tool to discover which refurbished camera suits your budget and creative goals.
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