Vlogging cameras are different from those designed for still photography or event videos. For starters, they’re designed for solo operation since the person in front of the camera is the one operating the camera.
When it comes to great cameras for vlogging, you have a lot of options whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned vlogger. However, you won’t find there’s one best camera since everyone’s looking for different options and features. Budget is one consideration, along with portability and experience level.
With this in mind, this guide offers a broad range of choices catering to different needs. You’ll find recommendations for mirrorless cameras and DSLRs with changeable lenses and larger sensors, along with compact cameras for those on a budget and action cameras you can take just about anywhere. So if you’re ready to create some amazing video content, check out our guide now.
Features to look out for
If you’re just experimenting with vlogging, a smartphone with great video could be enough. You might look for one with 4K HDR high-definition recording, such as the OPPO Find X3 Pro, or even the ZTE Axon 30 Ultra 5G with its 8K video recording.
However, if you’re ready to get serious with a dedicated camera, these are some of the features to look out for.
- Rotating screen or front-facing screen
- Comfortable to hold (for filming while walking)
- Easy to set up on gimbal or tripod
- High-quality audio with external mic input
- Accuracy and reliable autofocus and automatic metering
Best Cameras for Vloggers
1. Sony ZV-1
The Sony ZV-1 is one of the best all-round cameras for vloggers. Notably, this compact (not mirrorless) is designed for online video content. It caters to a mid-range price point and features an integrated zoom so there’s no need for a separate lens.
The ZV-1 comes with a compact body, a solid 1-in sensor, and sophisticated autofocus. What’s more, it has face-first AE metering, so the camera sets the exposure based on the vlogger’s face, not the environment. No more dimly lit faces in backlit settings.
Finally, there’s an in-built three-capsule directional microphone with a bundled windshield. This gives you high-quality audio in any condition, whether you’re live streaming a somber farewell of a loved one for those who can’t attend or out and about in a rugged environment.
Key specs
- Type: compact
- Resolution/frame rate: 4K video at 30p
- AF points: 315
- Weight: 294
- Battery life: 260 shots
- 24-70mm equivalent F1.8-2.8 lens
- Resolution: 20.1-megapixels
- Lens zoom: 2.7x
- Size: 4.15 x 2.36 x 1.7 inches
- Weight: 10.4 ounces/294 grams
- Effective focal length: 24-70mm
- 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 921k dots
Pros
- Designed for vlogging
- Integrated zoom
- High-quality images
- Solid in-built microphone with windshield
- Compact and light
- Fast lens
- Rotating screen
- Super fast autofocus
Cons
- Average touchscreen
- Unexceptional stabilization
- MicroUSB (no USB-C)
- Small rear screen, not 16:9
2. Canon EOS M6 Mark II
Canon’s EOS M6 Mark II is a great vlogging camera for enthusiasts who have a bit of experience under their belt. It features an outstanding Dual Pixel Autofocus, which is associated with its more premium offerings like the EOS 90D DSLR. With its outstanding 32.5MP APS-C sensor, user-friendly interface, and UHD 4K video capability, this is an all-rounder camera at a good price point.
Key specs
- Type: mirrorless
- Video resolution/frame rate: UHD 4K video at 30p
- Full HD 120p high frame rate for slow motion
- AF points: 143
- 32.5MP APS-C sensor
- Weight: 408g
- Battery life: 305 shots
Pros
- Sophisticated 32.5MP APS-C sensor
- Accurate video autofocus
- High-speed and high-precision focusing
- Lightweight body
- Rechargeable via USB
- User-friendly interface
- Face tracking and eye detection
- 3-inch touchscreen tiltable to a forward-facing 180 degrees
Cons
- Average battery life
- Limited native lenses
- No image stabilisation
3. Panasonic Lumix GH6
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is an excellent choice if you have a larger budget. This premium mirrorless camera has a huge range of settings, making it a versatile, flexible, and powerful camera no matter where and what you’re shooting. Keep in mind it’s geared toward expert vloggers and filmmakers. Given this, if you’re not making use of the wide range of video options, splurging on the GH6 might be a waste of your funds.
Key specs
- Type: Mirrorless
- Micro Four Thirds sensor
- 25.2MP
- Video: 5.7K up to 60p
- Screen: 3-inch vari-angle, 1,840k dots
- Electronic, 3,680k dots viewfinder
- Micro Four Thirds mount lens
- 75fps (electronic shutter) 14fps (mechanical shutter) continuous shooting speed
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Viewfinder: EVF, 5.68 million dots
- Monitor: 3.0-inch articulating touchscreen, 1.84 million dots
- Size and weight: 138.4×100.3×99.6mm, 823g
Pros
- Huge variety of video options (formats, frame rates, and resolutions)
- Advanced stabilization
Cons
- More complex; best suited to experts
- Autofocus could be better
- No phase detection AF
4. DJI Pocket 2
For vloggers seeking a budget-friendly, compact camera for walking and talking, the DJI Pocket 2 makes a great choice. This handheld pocket camera has a built-in 3-axis motorized gimbal for extra stable footage while you’re filming while walking or in the car. In addition, it features a wider field of view, great video quality, and four in-built mics powered by DJI Matrix Technology for clear audio.
Key specs
- Type: compact
- Super compact
- 3-Axis Stabilization
- 64MP Photo
- 4K UHD up to 60fps video
- ActiveTrack 3.0
- Automatic Editing
- DJI Matrix Stereo
- 1/1.7-inch CMOS sensor
- 20mm equivalent f/1.8 lens
- ISO range: 100-6400
- Dimensions: 124.7×38.1×30mm
- Weight: 117g
- Wi-Fi connectivity
Pros
- Outstanding stabilization
- Good video quality
- User-friendly point-and-shoot interface
Cons
- Not optimized in low light
- Heats up when filming 4K
5. GoPro Hero 10 Black
The GoPro Hero 10 Black could be the best option if you’re looking for a waterproof camera to capture outdoor action. GoPro’s flagship offering boasts a 5.3K resolution with a super smooth frame rate of 60p, three microphones, and water resistance to a depth of 33 feet. The powerful GP2 processor means a lightning-fast user interface and a doubling of the frame rates. For action vloggers, the Hero 10 Block is one of the most versatile cameras out there, with a rugged build to rival, for example, the toughness of body cameras.
Key specs
- Max video resolution/frame rate: 5.3K video at 60p
- AF points: N/A, fixed focus
- Weight: 158g or 5.3 ounces
- Battery life): about 70 mins recording per charge
- Max Video Resolution: 5K/60 fps
- Max Photo Resolution: 23 MP
- 23-megapixel image sensor
- Touch Screen: Yes (2)
- Battery Life: 1:41
- Water Resistance: 33 feet
- Size: 2.75 x 1.9 x 1.6 inches
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- HyperSmooth 4.0 and horizon leveling image stabilization
Pros
- Outstanding image stabilization
- Removable lens
- Powerful GP2 processor
- Front-facing display
Cons
- Average battery life
- Cheaper alternatives are available
- Heavy
- Could handle low light better
Conclusion
The best cameras for vlogging should feature good video resolution, rotating cameras, and capable processors. As this list shows, there’s no single perfect option for every vlogger. It depends on what you’re doing with your video creations. Along with your budget and filming environment, consider your level of expertise and how user-friendly the user interface should be. By doing research and putting thought into your purchase, you’ll be likely to find a camera that ticks the key boxes for you.
