Vlogging is steadily becoming a popular way of showcasing ideas or skills. This is because, unlike blogging, video blogging is interactive, straightforward, easy, and enjoyable to the vlogger and the audience too. In this article, we shall take you through the best vlogging cameras
Due to the increased popularity of vlogging, camera manufacturers have in return, awarded the market with a bevy of all sorts of cameras. The latest entrants into the fray are mobile phone brands. We now have some sure-fire Smartphones and Tablets that can record at whopping 4K resolutions.
Luckily, there are thousands of jam-packed cameras dedicated to vlogging. They have way better videos for YouTube than phones or laptop cameras. It’s with no doubt that vloggers are spoiled for choice here.
However, these phones only complement the parent cameras. This is because they don’t allow you to tweak some vital functions like exposure and optical zoom capabilities. So you’ll still need to pull the trigger and purchase a dedicated camera for vlogging at one time.
Unlike in some yesteryears, today’s vloggers (professionals and amateurs alike) don’t have to lug around a load of equipment for their video shooting or photography.
Let’s now get deeper and meet our top picks for the best vlogging cameras. Our selected vlogging cameras are a mix of price, under $1000, $300, $200, and $100, brand, type (Action cameras, Point-and-shoots, DSLR cameras, and Mirrorless cameras).
Our pick for the best camera for making YouTube and vlog videos is Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera
10 Best Vlogging Cameras
1. Sony a7R II
Best Mirrorless Camera
The Sony a7R II (a for Alpha) is smash-hit and ultimately one of the best mirrorless cameras for vlogging ever made. With a price heading north of the 3K-dollar mark, Sony seems to keep it purely for vloggers and photographers who want to see the world as it is and at any price.
The heart of a7R II mirrorless camera features a brand new 42.4MP (the highest so far) back-illuminated Exmor CMOS Sensor. This sensor gives the a7R II super high-resolution stills and movies besides boosting its performance and speeds to unimaginable levels. In addition, this camera gets a notable high ISO sensitivity boost that can expand up to ISO 102,400. Sony claims that the new sensor has a unique structure and copper wiring that makes it 3.5x speedier than its predecessor.
To give you a superb value for your money, a7R II vlogging camera has been mounted with LA-E3 lens mount adaptor. This adaptor opens up a world full of possibilities and infinite versatility in terms of mountable lenses. You can either go with E-mount lenses or A-mount lenses. The latter offers a wide AF coverage with up to 399 AF points, excellent tracking speed, and high-speed response.
Ergonomic-wise, the a7R II looks great with its sporty matte look. Most of its body parts are made of magnesium-alloy plates that make it a good fit for its price. It’s also nicely sculpted to offer a firm grip.
Pros
- Great build
- Excellent high ISO performance
- Lightning-speed autofocus
- Tilting LCD screen
- Repositioned buttons for ease of use
- 5-axis stabilization
Cons
- Pricey
- No touch screen
2. Canon Powershot G7X Mark II
Best Camera For Vlogging And Pictures
The G7X II has slowly become one of the favorite and most used point-and-shoot camera for professional YouTubers everywhere. This pocket-sized vlogging camera punches harder than its weight and has –in my opinion- the best price to value ratio.
Another feature worth mentioning here is its 1-inch super sensitive CMOS sensor. This large format sensor takes in more light and adds more detail.
This camera again features Canon’s Intelligent IS that boosts the clarity of your projects. With this technology, you’ll never have to worry about blurs damaging the quality of your videos or images even when using a tripod. It senses all movements and corrects the shakes for you. It also has several automatic modes for capturing stills and videos.
It retails at way below 1 grand despite being fitted with Canon’s latest and most powerful Digic 7 Image Processor. As expected, this groundbreaking processor offers you a whole new understanding of image sharpness and reduced picture noise thanks to its enhanced subject tracking and detection capabilities. No matter the photography and videoing conditions, Digic 7 Processor allows you to shoot at high ISO speeds (as high as 12800) with relatively low noise even in low light.
Similar to the EOS 70D above, Canon Powershot G7X II also boasts the newest Dual Sensing IS technology that works like a charm in minimizing blur from camera shakes. These 2 features breathe lifelike sharpness and clarity into your videos and photos while reducing unwanted noise and grain.
Pros
- Highly responsive touchscreen
- High price to performance ratio
- Great design with easy handling
- Superb photo quality
- Excellent processing speeds
Cons
- Records videos at Full HD maximum
3. Canon EOS 70D
Best Canon DSLR Camera Below $1000
Canon’s EOS 70D is one of the best DSLR cameras for vloggers who wish to own a professional camera without exceeding the 1000-dollar mark. However, let me mention up front that this package consists of the body only. So the price may go north depending on the type and the number of lenses you order with it. On the upside, you’ll know no limits regarding quality since you can upgrade to high-end professional lenses down the road.
About performance, Canon 70D borrows several outstanding features from the EOS stable and adds a few unique features to make it the best-in-class camera at its price. Among other things, the 70D uses the same Digic 5 processor used in EOS 5D II model.
Why so? This processor has some pretty good data processing speeds that make continuous shooting at 7fps possible. It also has impressively wide ISO range of between 100 and 12,800 which can, again, be expanded to 25,600.
Canon 70D also offers an articulating 3’’ 1040-k dot touch-sensitive screen. This screen makes it possible to move the autofocus point and also allows subject tracking while record a movie. This touchscreen again offers quick access to extra functions not covered by the physical buttons. Among other new features that the EOS 70D also includes a Dual Pixel CMOS AF autofocus system that has a definitive boost in low-light.
Pros
- Multi-angle super sensitive LCD screen
- Excellent design and easily accessible controls
- Excellent autofocus performance
- Digic 5 processor for fast speed operations
Cons
- Not the best-in-class image quality
4. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100
Best Point-And-Shoot Camera Sony
The DSC-RX100 IV is rated as one of the best point-and-shoot cameras for vloggers that Sony has offered the market so far. There’s so much to like about it right from its construction to performance.
It boasts a smooth aluminum finish that gives it a sleek modern appearance.
A minor nitpick that we found with the RX100 IV is that it does not offer proper finder grips. Fortunately, it makes up for this with its reassuring weight and a pronounced thumb rest positioned at the back. In a bid to make it super compact, Sony has kept the physical control buttons to a minimum thereby making it easy to slide into your pockets.
Regarding performance, this compact vlogging camera features the most revered 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor. This sensor’s performance is then boosted by a superfast Anti-distortion Shutter and an ISO sensitivity range of between 80 and 6400. This can further extend to ISO 25600. So you can be assured of getting 4x enhanced performance than other low-end point-and-shoots even in low light.
Other standout features that make RX100 one of the best vlogging cameras include a retractable OLED Tru-Finer viewfinder, high-resolution 4K movie recording capabilities, and super slow–motion 3 HFR. It also has a multi-angle 3’’ LCD display and built-in Wi-Fi for fuss-free camera-phone connections.
Pros
- Excellent image quality
- Great zoom lens
- Multi-angle 3’’ LCD display
- Great build with a sleek design
- Light and excellent image quality
Cons
- Battery needs some improvement
5. Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX10K
Affordable Point-And-Shoot Camera For Vlogging
If you are not ready to lug behind humungous DSLRs during your photography or video shooting trips, an advanced point-and-shoot camera like Panasonic’s DMC-LX10K could be a great option.
The LX10K directly competes with Sony’s RX100 camera. One noticeable difference between the 2 is that LX10K is a few hundred bucks cheaper but with most features found in RX100. We also found it quite user-friendlier than the RX100 and, therefore, the best point and shoot camera for starter bloggers on budget.
Getting down to its performance, this vlogging camera boasts an unbeatable 20.1MP 1-inch sensor. In case you are new to these gadgets, this is the largest sensor you can ever find on a point-and-shoot camera as at now.
This large sensor works by taking in more light for sharp stills and videos. Panasonic LX10K again combines this sensor with a fast lens that seems to be of a much higher quality than RX100’s. As expected, your photos and videos look great and sharp even at low light.
This camera also boasts ultra high focusing speeds thanks to the Depth from Defocus (DFD) technology used in it. This feature locks fast-moving objects into focus. It goes ahead to capture stills at 6 frames per second.
Pros
- Great photos and videos
- Has aperture and ring for precise control
- Large 1-inch sensor
- Great build and easy to use
Cons
- No viewfinder
6. Gopro Hero9 Black
Best Action Camera For Vlogging Under 500
It’s never easy to discuss the best action cameras without a unit or 2 from GoPro showing up. This brand’s action cameras are unbeatable regarding pricing, ease of use, and versatility.
If you are searching for a kick-ass digital action camera for your snorkeling, mountain climbing, biking, and any other sporting activities, Hero 5 Black is always our first recommendation.
Like any other action camera, Hero is super compact at 1.7’’ x 2.4’’ x 1.2’’ and weighing around 1.1 pounds. It also comes with curved and flat adhesive mounts and a buckle for flawless mounting. Designed for furious athletes, Hero 9 features GoPro’s Advanced Wind Noise Reduction Technology for clear audios.
True to GoPro’s firm foundations, Hero 9 can also be submerged in water (fresh and salty) to a depth of up to 33ft. But what makes it unique from its siblings is that you don’t require the clanky transparent cases any longer. Again, this camera has a tough plastic body with grippy rubber finish that gives it that serious, robust design you’d want in an action camera. It can be tossed, dropped, and knocked around with almost zero impact to its performance.
Another superb addition that makes Hero 9 the best action camera for vlogging is its touch-sensitive2’’ LCD display. About performance, Hero 9 can capture videos at 5k resolution at 30fps and 4k at 60fps. It also offers a wide dynamic range. To sum it up, you get a camera with Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS), Wi-Fi, and GPS.
Pros
- 5K resolution
- Excellent photo and video quality
- Electronic Image Stabilization
- Voice control and Waterproof body
- 2’’ touchscreen display
Cons
- Poor battery especially with GPS and Wi-Fi on
7. Sony Alpha A6500
Best Compact Vlogging Camera
Next on the list is one of the best vlogging cameras by Sony. It’s a bit pricier than most of the units that we’ve reviewed thus far, but for some good reasons. This mirrorless camera was unveiled just a few months after its predecessor, Sony a6300. Though nothing much has changed between the 2, the new camera has some pretty good ergonomics and feels lighter and sturdier. It also has a bevy of great features you’d require in the best vlogging cameras.
Performance-wise, the a6500 currently boasts one of Canon’s greatly enhanced buffers that make it a great unit for shooting action. It also borrows a6300’s 4D focus system and the 24.2MP APS-C Exmor sensor. Sony claims that this sensor has improved circuit processing capabilities that enhance light collection efficiency. This sensor coupled with Bionz X image processor work together to ensure minimal noise across this camera’s 100- 51200 ISO range.
A great improvement though is the addition of a new touch-sensitive 2.95-inch LCD screen. This screen vastly boosts focus capabilities. The intuitive and super fast focus response, on the other hand, makes it easy to capture the desired subjects. It also offers smooth focus point shift when shooting video clips.
Without forgetting, the a6500 Canon vlogging camera is currently the only camera in this category with a 5-axis SteadyShot image stabilization system. This technology significantly reduces blur caused by camera shakes from 5 directions; pitch, yaw, roll, vertical, and horizontal.
Pros
- Wi-Fi and NFC sharing options
- 2 memory recall modes
- In-body 5-location image stabilization
- Excellent buffer capacity
- Wide video options
- Superfast AF system
Cons
- LCD isn’t clear in sunlight
8. Nikon D3400
Budget Friendly DSLR Camera For Vlogging
If you’re just upgrading from a rather simple unit to one of the best DSLR cameras, the D3400 is a great starting point for you. In fact, if you’re not sure of what other add-ons to purchase for your new camera, this bundle has about everything you need to enter the world of DSLRs in style. It’s way economical and quite irresistible. The package brings you a pair of lenses, focus flash, spare battery, 32GB memory card, remote control, and a 3-piece filter kit. You also get a bag to carry your gadget all at a price south of 1000-dollar price point.
So why did we include the D3400 in our list of the best cameras for vlogging? First, the D3400 is an advanced version of the D3300. Ideally meant for vloggers who are just jumping ship from their Smartphones to advanced shooting platforms, its controls are easy to navigate and not technical in any way. To make it more user-friendly, Nikon has included its revered Guide Mode feature in this camera too.
About performance, the D3400 is fitted with a 24.2MP sensor. Double this with Nikon’s Expeed 4 ImageProcessor, and you should expect some real good performance whether you are into photography or YouTube clips.
This camera also offers you a wide 100-25,600 ISO range that offers you some vibrant projects in different lighting conditions. Other features include a fixed 3’’ LCD screen (921-k dot), 11-point AF system, and 5fps continuous shooting capability.
On the downside, the D3400 lacks built-in Wi-Fi. It uses Bluetooth and Snapbridge instead. Again, it lacks an external microphone port. So you have to rely solely on the built-in mic.
Pros
- Compact and lightweight
- Battery lasts long
- Above average single-shot AF performance
- User-friendly
Cons
- Non-touch fixed screen
- Has no Wi-Fi
9. Panasonic LUMIX DMC-G85MK
Best Mirrorless Camera For Vlogging Under 1000
For those in need of the best mirrorless camera for vlogging under $1000, Panasonic gives you the G85MK. This is their latest addition to the market and a handy camera for vloggers who record while on the go. Does its performance justify its mid-range price point? In our opinion, it does.
One thing that clearly puts the G85MK as the best vlogging camera in Panasonic’s series is its serious weather sealing and metal chassis. This means that splashes, light showers, or dust won’t stop your vlogging. Though this also adds some heft in terms of weight, holding it assures you of a camera that you’ll use for years.
The G85MK again introduces us to Panasonic’s Magnetic Electronic Shutter technology. This is a huge reap towards solving the ‘’shutter shock’’ problem that faced the G7. Shutter shock refers to vibrations that occur as the shutter opens and closes and which could ruin your stills’ quality. Magnetic Electronic Shutters now have a smooth whisper silent mechanism that ensures optimum quality.
Other features that rank the G85MK among the best mirrorless cameras for vlogging include the absence of low pass filter and its not-too-bad 16MP CMOS sensor. As expected of many mirrorless cameras, Panasonic G85MK also works well in low light. It has an ISO range that can extend between 100 and 25,600.
Pros
- Performs well in high ISO ranges
- Has fast and accurate autofocus
- Performs well in high ISO ranges
- Good image quality
Cons
- Mic jack is in the way for vlogging
10. Canon VIXIA HF R800
Best Vlogging Camera For Beginners
Canon VIXIA HF R800 is a great option if you are looking for the best vlogging camera for beginners. Pro vloggers also give it the nod given all the high-end features that have been tucked in it and its affordability.
The Canon Vixia R800 is amongst the cheapest vlogging cameras in Canon’s series. Other high-end cameras can’t match some of the features tucked in this unit including its 57x optical zoom capability. This advanced zooming capability helps in capturing distant scenes while ensuring clarity and detail.
To make it the best vlogging camera for distant recording, Canon VIXIA HF R800 also flaunts SuperRange OIS. This ensures that your recordings are steady and stable as you zoom in and out. It also has Zoom Framing Assist that helps in maintaining the objects within the frame.
Another feature that makes it the best vlogging camera for beginners is its Smart Auto. This is a handy addition especially if you are using a camcorder or an advanced camera for the first time. This camera automatically detects your shooting scenarios from a pool of 38 built-in programs to ensure that your photos and videos are clear and well-detailed.
It’s also worth noting that the R800 has a touch-sensitive LCD screen. In the same vein, this 3.0 capacitive display screen is large and clearly visible when used both indoors and outdoors. Moreover, this camera has a 3.28-megapixel CMOS Sensor that records videos in 1920 by 1080 resolution. The sensor has pretty good videos and photos when shooting in the sunshine. These qualities make it the best vlogging camera for a travel vlogger on budget.
Pros
- Microphone input and headphone jack available
- Camera supports up to 6 hours of recording
- Affordable vlogging camera
- Clear touch-sensitive flipping camera
- 57x optical zoom
- Intuitive controls
Cons
- No Wi-Fi
Best Cameras for YouTube Vlogging Buying Guide
Types of vlogging cameras
There are several types of vlogging camera; they include;
Action cameras
These are compact cameras mostly used to record sports and other adrenaline-filled activities. You can mount them on your helmet, chest, and on your bike to record a skill that you’ll later talk about on your vlogging channel. Most of these cameras also have waterproof cases. They are, as such, the best cameras for underwater filming, kayaking, and snorkeling. GoPro and Sony reign supreme in this category.
Point-and-shoots
Point-and-shoot cameras are compact high-end units that can slide into your pockets easily. So toting them around is much easier than most DSLRs. In fact, you don’t need a backpack for these since some are way smaller than most phones. While they may not have been the best units a few years back, these cameras have undergone a tremendous change. Some like the Canon G7 and S110 currently make the best point-and-shoot cameras for vlogging this year.
DSLR cameras
If you are into professional vlogging, this is a great place to start your search. DSLR cameras are known for their versatility. They are in fact considered the crème de la crème in the vlogging and photography community. They have large sensors that are ideal for low light performance and also offer superb background blur (bokeh). Their juicy part is that their lenses are interchangeable so you have a world full of options and endless versatility regarding video quality and sharpness.
Mirrorless cameras
Mirrorless cameras are the newest kids on the block. They are a hybrid between point-and-shoots and DSLRs. As you can imagine, they offer you the endless versatility of a DSLR camera in a small footprint unit.
Key Features Worth Considering
While there are many types of vlogging cameras out there, not all of them have the best quality video clips. It’s, therefore, quintessential to consider a few tips before making a purchase.
Zoom, Megapixels, and built-in flash- do they matter?
In most instances, vlogs are short videos of a thing that you like doing or a course that you offer online. As such, there are several features with the best cameras for YouTube that you don’t require so much. For instance, zooming and the built-in flash won’t contribute so much to your vlogs. Megapixels also matter only if you’ll be capturing some stills for your vlogs. Otherwise, you need not beat yourself so much in finding the best vlogging camera with the most pixels.
However, it’s not a sin to have a camera with all these features. You may find them so handy especially if you plan to use your camera for other uses besides vlogging.
Indoors vs. Outdoors
Where do you plan to shoot your vlogs? Will you do it at home or are you among those who travel a lot while vlogging? As a travel vlogger, you’ll want a compact camera that you can tuck in your backpack easily and safely. If you vlog indoors, go for the best vlogging camera for low light conditions.
What types of vlogs are you into?
Different types of vlogs require cameras with different features. As a travel vlogger, for instance, you may want a lightweight unit with excellent autofocus and high-quality videos to display the beauty of different locales. In the same vein, travel vloggers should consider cameras with excellent optical image stabilization. This feature helps in eliminating the shakiness that might occur if you move while recording.
Are you shopping for the best vlogging camera for beauty? You’ll certainly need a camera with good colors, sharp optics, and excellent audio. All these features also apply to the best vlogging cameras for cooking vlogs.
Low light performance
Regardless of the type of content you intend to create or where you plan to do your vlogging thing, your ideal camera should be able to perform well in low-light environments. The size of the sensor affects how good a camera records in low light.
Small sensors let in a small amount of light which affects the frames per second. Camcorders have the smallest sensors. On the other hand, high-end DSLR vlogging cameras have the largest sensors.
You should also consider the size of the aperture. The best cameras for vlogging have lenses with wide apertures. These let in more light thereby improving the quality and aesthetics of your vlogs.
Audio Performance
Needless to mention, you want a camera that lets your viewers hear every word you say. Keep in mind that your audience may withstand poor videos but not poor audio. Most vlogging cameras have built-in microphones. While some of these mics work just fine in quiet environments, others are outright unreliable. As such, it’s always sensible to go for the best vlogging camera with a microphone jack input. The market also flaunts several affordable mics for vlogging cameras. Here are our best recommendations; Rodeo VMGO and Blue Yeti iCE mic for desktop vlogging.
Wi-Fi and Near Field Connectivity
The next big feature to consider while choosing the best camera for YouTube vlogging is the ease of uploading your videos to your channel. The good news is that some advanced models have a wireless connection that allows you to upload your content directly from the camera. So check that out too.
If you are to edit lots of video clips, you need to consider a camera that lets you transfer the files super fast. Near-Field connectivity is the current trend when it comes to sharing images and videos between 2 smart devices. The best vlogging camera with Near Field connectivity would, therefore, be a huge leap in the best direction.
Final Thoughts
That’s all there’re for now on our list of the best cameras for Vlogging. Before heading out, however, always keep in mind that it’s great content that commands a following on your YouTube channel. Clear and sharp videos only complement this.
We hope that our collection of the best vlogging cameras was of help to you. Tell us what you think about our picks in the comment section.