Best Vlogging Cameras 2024: for stunning video content creation

When you’re making videos for Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, the best vlogging cameras make it easy to record great videos for your viewers. Our team of experts put together this guide to help you find the best tool for your vlogging needs and your budget. When you vlog, or blog with videos, you can share your life and interests with the world and maybe even make money at the same time. What you’re interested in food, travel, hair care, makeup, pugs, parakeets is likely also interesting to someone else.

With more than 2 billion users, YouTube is the most popular place to make vlogs. If your videos get enough views, you can make money from them by getting a cut of the money made from ads. If you want to make money from vlogging, you don’t have to start one, but it is possible. You can share your adventures and interests with friends on your channel, just like you would on any other social media site.

With some luck, hard work, and interesting content, you can eventually get past the magical 1,000-subscriber mark and start making money from your hobby. You need a vlog first, though. And you need at least a camera to make a vlog. Here’s a list of things you might already have and some tips to help you get started. You can start with a camera you probably already have and move up to more expensive options as your vlog and experience grow.

What to Look for in a Vlogging Camera?

Getting the right vlogging camera is important if you want to make high-quality videos. When looking for a vlogging camera that fits your needs, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some important things to remember:

???? Video quality and resolution: Ensure your camera can record at least in Full HD (1080p) resolution or higher. Many vloggers now use cameras that can shoot in 4K resolution because it gives clearer videos and makes your content more future-proof.

???? Low Light Performance: Consider a camera that excels in low light conditions. Vlogging often happens in various lighting situations, so having a camera that can perform well in low light without producing excessive noise is crucial.

???? Stabilization: Seek built-in stabilization, such as optical or digital image stabilization, to create smooth, steady videos without the need for additional tools like gimbals.

???? Autofocus: Prioritize quick and accurate autofocus if you want to maintain focus on your face or subject while on the move. Look for cameras equipped with autofocus systems that operate swiftly and effectively.

???? Flip Screen or Articulating Display: Opt for a camera with a screen that flips out or articulates, enabling you to see yourself while recording. This feature is essential for vlogging, allowing you to ensure you’re in the right position and in focus.

Best Vlogging Cameras Comparison Table

If you want to record your vlogs on the go rather than from a fixed location, you usually need a small piece of equipment that is easy to carry and quick to set up. Ease of use should be at the top of your list when looking for the best vlogging camera for beginners. The good news is that camera manufacturers are responding to the growing industry by developing dedicated vlogging camera models over the past year, and more are on the way.

GoPro Hero 9 Black

The GoPro Hero 9 Black offers excellent 20MP images and 5K video recording and is one of the best cameras for vlogging. We’re talking eye-catching front displays that enhance your vlogging camera efforts with not one, but two screens. The GoPro Hero 9 offers an impressive array of vlogging- and photography-friendly features for less than $400. With HyperSmooth 3.0, you get state-of-the-art video stabilization that ensures your clips run as smooth as butter. Not to mention, the design is very durable and has great features.

The camera is designed by GoPro and is waterproof to a depth of 33 feet. It can also be used with about 30 different mounts and attachments, which makes it incredibly handy for vloggers who are constantly on the go in different terrains. If you love the concept of organizing, sharing, and editing your movies and photos on the go with the same software, there’s also a GoPro Quik app. If vlogging on the go is your specialty, there’s really nothing wrong with it. Lear more about it in our GoPro Hero 9 Black review

Sony Alpha a6600

The Sony Alpha a6600 is one of the best cameras for vloggers who want more control over their video footage. Focusing and selecting a subject to follow can be done with just a tap on the 3-inch touchscreen LCD, which flips up and faces forward when the camera is rotated 180 degrees. Like other flip-up screen cameras, the Sony a6600 has a microphone and headphone jack, but requires a cold shoe mount to keep the microphone from covering the LCD. Autofocus performance is quite good thanks to Sony’s excellent face and eye AF, which ensures sharp images even when shooting 4K video.

The speed of the video autofocus can be adjusted, so you can get some interesting effects. And as a bonus, there are movie markers, including a safety zone, as well as zebra and peaking tools. The Sony a6600’s 5-axis image stabilization ensures smooth video, even when you’re walking.

It also offers 250 minutes of battery life, customizable buttons, and the ability to turn the camera into a webcam with Sony’s free Imaging Edge webcam software. With all of its features, the Sony a6600 is one of the best vlogging cameras for those who want to take advantage of the camera’s many capabilities. Read our Sony Alpha a6600 review to know more about it.

Nikon D780

Anyone who thought DSLRs were no longer necessary should reconsider. The Nikon D780 is a marvel. It provides the ideal tool for stills and video, combining the simplicity of DSLRs with the cutting-edge technology of mirrorless cameras. It is a fantastic camera to have with you whenever you are out in bad weather. Its uncropped video is stunning, and handling the bulky, weather-resistant body is a real pleasure. The Nikon D750 is a few years old and a bit more expensive, but it’s still one of the best vlogging cameras in its own right. Read more about this device in our Nikon D780 review

Olympus S OM-D E-M1 Mark III

The Olympus S OM-D E-M1 Mark III is a high-quality Micro Four Thirds camera with top-notch specifications, an elegant yet sturdy body, a state-of-the-art viewfinder, and countless other interesting features. What makes the Olympus S OM-D E-M1 Mark III one of the best cameras for vloggers and content creators is the built-in microphone feature. Not only is it built into the camera and ready to go at a moment’s notice, but it also has several features that allow you to perform soft editing tasks while recording.

You can quickly optimize your vlog movies for quick upload by choosing the ideal settings and using these features, such as wind noise reduction and microphone volume limiter. In addition, dubbing of still images is possible for up to thirty seconds. You can still install an external microphone and use it in its place if for some reason you don’t like it. Read more about this device in our Olympus S OM-D E-M1 Mark III review

Sony Alpha 1

A top-notch vlogging camera calls for the Sony Alpha 1, and you might be wondering what incredible range of video-friendly features it offers. First and foremost, the camera is a top-notch prototype from Sony that serves as a one-stop shop for all your vlogging needs. It has a network that keeps even the most complicated setups running, 8K recording, image sensitivity, fast and smart focusing, and more. Sony has introduced the Alpha 1, which features a revolutionary 50.1MP full-frame integrated Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor and BIONZ XR processing engine.

The superior sensor design and enhanced processing power deliver outstanding results for vloggers and videographers. Even in low-light conditions, vloggers can capture spectacular photos thanks to the Alpha 1’s high sensitivity and versatile shooting capabilities. Another feature is the built-in fast 759-point hybrid AF system, which provides extremely good subject tracking and real-time autofocus performance and can detect any shape, including people and animals. Read our article on Sony Alpha 1 review to know more about this amazing vlogging camera.

Panasonic Lumix GH6

There are not many cameras for filmmakers that can compete with the Panasonic Lumix GH6. The company’s Micro Four Thirds cameras in the G series all have excellent video capabilities, but the GH series is where the technology really makes interesting and innovative strides. The Lumix GH6 is one of the best vlogging cameras on the market today, and the only reasons it’s not the best camera on this list are its price and complexity.

Because of the small size of the MFT sensor, some people might dismiss the Lumix GH6, but that would be a mistake. It’s not really advertised for beginner vloggers. The Lumix GH6 can record high-resolution video internally without the need for an external recorder, thanks to its stacked sensor and super-fast readout rates.

Some of the highlights include 5.8K 10-bit anamorphic using the full sensor range, 4:2:0 10-bit Cinema 4K 60p internal (4:2:2 HDMI output), and 5.7K 30p internal video in ProRes 4:2:2 HQ. Congratulations, you just saved $2,000, and even if you don’t understand what those terms mean, one of the cheaper cameras on this list will still work perfectly. If that’s the case, we can almost certainly say that this camera is the one you’ve been looking for.

Fujifilm X-S10

In our opinion, the Fujifilm X-S10 is such a great camera that it even takes first place on our list of the best Fujifilm cameras. It lacks the external exposure control of the Fujifilm X-T4, which may frustrate die-hard Fujifilm fans, but it’s still a fantastic device.

It’s a great option for vlogging thanks to its flip-out screen, 4K video capability, and 6-stage in-body stabilization. If you want to take photos as well, you can do so in great quality thanks to the 26.1-megapixel APS-C sensor. When it comes to features, size, and handling, this is probably the best vlogging cameras you can get at this price.

Sony ZV-1

One of the best vlogging cameras available today is the Sony ZV-1, which combines the best video features of the Sony RX100 series, including the industry-leading autofocus system, with design changes that make it perfect for filming YouTube videos at home or on the go.

Its main selling point is the combination of Sony’s Real-Time Tracking and Real-Time Eye AF technologies with the brilliant 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens. Together, they make it easy to capture high-quality vlogs with seductive background blur and stable focus, thanks to the ZV-1’s 1-inch sensor, which is larger than the sensors in today’s smartphones.

Canon EOS R

Canon’s EOS R series offers mirrorless cameras with a full-frame sensor and an advanced dual-pixel autofocus system in a body that’s a small fraction of the size and weight of DSLRs. There are cheaper (like the EOS RP) and more expensive (like the EOS R5) models within the series, but we’re opting for the Canon EOS R for post-production and vlogging in particular.

The camera’s external buttons and internal interface will look familiar to all Canon DSLR users, but the body is much slimmer, making it ideal for vloggers (as is the foldable screen). The Canon EOS R is a mirrorless camera with an RF lens mount, unlike Canon’s DSLR cameras. The good news is that you can use all your EF lenses with the RF lens mount, thanks to the inexpensive adapter.

DJI Osmo Action

Although its specs resemble those of a simple webcam, this little action recorder is one of the best cameras for vlogging. The Osmo Action is DJI’s attempt to confront the GoPro Hero series head-on, and I have to say, they’ve done a brilliant job. Not only does it undercut the GoPro Hero 7 competitor in price, it surpasses it in some features. It’s on par with the GoPro Hero 7 in most technical aspects, but has a larger, longer-lasting battery and a very, very handy color screen on the front.

This offers far better functionality than the GoPro Hero 7, as you can see what you’re vlogging while filming with the video camera. By most accounts, DJI’s electronic image stabilization, called RockSteady, is arguably as good as a physical gimbal, which is incredible. It should be noted, however, that when RockSteady stabilization is turned on, there is a slight delay between what the Osmo Action films and what you see on the viewfinder.

Canon EOS M50

When Canon announced the Canon EOS M50, its first entry into the 4K mirrorless market, fans of the brand were excited. The EOS M50 is part of Canon’s upper mid-range lineup and offers features not found in lower-priced versions. In other words, the Canon EOS M50 is a camera for enthusiasts because it has a lot of features without being overly complex.

The video image is good, though I must point out that 4K shooting results in a 1.6x crop. In order to shoot stabilized 4K footage, the sensor needs to be scaled down 1.6x. This is fine if you want to shoot close-ups, but if you want a very wide perspective with the kit lens (15-45 mm), it might be difficult to get everything in focus. Overall, this is one of the best vlogging cameras.

Sony Alpha a6400

The Sony A6400’s front-facing camera makes it ideal for lone videographers who need to talk directly into the camera. Although a front-facing panel with a variable angle would have been desirable, the 180-degree flip display is still preferable when all you need to see is yourself. In addition to producing 4K video, the A6400 is also a fantastic stills camera for creating multimedia content.

We’re not fans of the design, as it’s barely changed since the A6000’s introduction and is starting to look a little dated. But given the state-of-the-art focusing technology and excellent Eye AF performance, we can almost forgive that. Sony has since launched the slightly cheaper A6100 and the more sophisticated A6600, but in our opinion the A6400 offers the perfect balance between price and quality for vloggers.

Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition

The Insta360 One RS Twin Edition can perform all kinds of vlogging and filming functions, including 360-degree videos, making it a true all-in-one action camera. The secret lies in its modular design, which allows you to swap out different lens modules. Depending on what you want to shoot, you can choose between the 360-degree Fisheye lens and the 4K Boost lens. This is undoubtedly one of the best vlogging cameras that you can buy right now.

In addition, the Insta360 One RS Twin Edition has a wide range of internal capabilities. Thanks to the robust core module, you can output video at a data rate of 100mpbs with the H.265 codec and lossless ProRes 422 if you purchase Insta360’s Studio Desktop software. There’s also a 6K widescreen option for true cinema, although it can look pretty jerky without the gyroscope’s six-axis FlowState stabilization.

Canon PowerShot G7X III

The PowerShot G7X Mark III improves on Canon’s most popular compact camera with some surprising new features that will especially delight videographers and vloggers. Despite the addition of a 3.5mm port, the ability to stream directly to YouTube via WiFi, and the ability to shoot vertically formatted video for Instagram Stories and other phone platforms, it retains the older 24-100mm lens and essentially the same body and controls. The stacked CMOS sensor enables 4k video, 1080 slow motion up to 120p, and fast continuous shooting at 20 frames per second or in RAW-only mode at 30 frames per second, while maintaining the 20-megapixel resolution.

Although a firmware update in October 2019 at least increased the G7X III’s video AF speed over its initial release, the sensor is likely the same as on Sony’s older RX100 IV, meaning that while the G7X III gets 4k and additional speed, it unfortunately doesn’t get the phase-detection AF introduced on the later RX100 Mark V, which means autofocus is less reliable than on the latest Sonys.

Oddly, the G7X III also lacks eye detection and loses 24p video from its predecessor. Although the RX100 VA’s better autofocus and flip-up viewfinder are hard to overlook, it also costs a third more than the G7X III and lacks a touchscreen, microphone input, live streaming, and a slightly wider zoom range.

Sony RX100VA

The RX100 VA is also beautiful because it can be used by so many different people. With the VA, you’re all set, whether you’re traveling with a simple point-and-shoot camera or prefer to experiment with more sophisticated shooting settings. You can take it almost anywhere because it’s so portable and easy to use (an advantage compact cameras have over DSLRs). When we need to travel light, we use our camera as a travel camera. It’s perfect for those who like to vlog with a small camera, as it also offers a 4K video mode with image stabilization. In fact, in our opinion, it’s one of the best vlogging cameras on the market.

How to Choose the Right Vlogging Camera for You?

To make sure you get the right vlogging camera for your needs, style, and budget, you need to think about a few things. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed choice:

???? Set a spending plan: Figure out how much you are willing to spend on a camera for vlogging. There are cheap cameras and high-end cameras, so knowing how much you want to spend will help you narrow down your options.

???? Think about the tone of your content: Think about what kind of content you want to make. If you’ll be shooting mostly inside or in a controlled environment, you might not need weather-sealing features. If you want to move around while vlogging, you should think about getting a camera with good stabilization.

???? Quality of video: Choose how good the video needs to be. Even though 1080p (Full HD) is still used a lot, 4K resolution offers better clarity and more options for editing.

???? Size and Portability of a Camera: Think about where you’ll be doing your vlogging and if you need a small, light camera for traveling or a bigger one with more features.

???? Lenses that can be changed: If you want to be creative with your photos, you should look for a camera with lenses that can be switched out. Different lenses give you different angles, depth of field, and the ability to shoot in low light.

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