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Best Vlogging Cameras of 2024 (for Beginner Youtubers)


Who would have guessed that YouTube would become such a versatile platform, housing millions of craters to date? Back in my day, YouTube was the place where you’d end up when you want to listen to music. That was when streaming platforms such as Spotify and AppleMusic didn’t exist yet. Of course, YouTubers were a thing from the start, and little did they know that branching out through video content creation would give them such a huge payoff. It is not surprising at all that this video-sharing platform is continuing to grow so rapidly, with over 5 billion videos being watched online each day.

If you ended up on this side of the Internet looking to become a content creator yourself, you have probably already realized that the number one tool required for the job is, of course, a good-quality camera. Having one will allow you to start creating watchable content as soon as possible. Chances are, pulling out your old point-and-shoot may not be the most suitable option. For one, if you’re shooting yourself as the main subject, you may not be able to properly compose a shot without a suitable flip-up screen. And sure, some people enjoy experimenting and recording content on their smartphones, however, if you’re looking to become a professional-grade vlogger, you’ll quickly realize that using your smartphone may not be the most functional way of shooting a video. Soon enough you’ll be stuck editing a lot of footage in post and wasting your precious time.

So where does one begin the quest for a decent vlogging camera? There are so many models to choose from out there. But worry not – we’ve got your back, and we have selected the top 6 video cameras for YouTubers. By the end of this article, you’ll not only be able to successfully choose your next vlogging camera, but you’ll have a ton of useful knowledge so you can make an informed decision on your purchase. So without waffling on any further, here is our top pick:

If you want to learn more and you’re as impatient as I am, you can jump to any other section of this article through the links below:

Best Vlogging Cameras of 2024 at a Glance

Top Pick

At the top of our list stands the Sony ZV-1. This is an outstanding vlog camera for anyone dipping their toe into the world of YouTube vlogging. This is by no means a low-class camera. It has all the benefits you’re looking for in a quality vlogging camera – an excellent microphone, reliable auto-focus, flips screen, all of which ensure minimal editing. But this is just the beginning. Check out our full review below, to learn everything about this number one vlog camera.
 

Short on time? Want to quickly check out a review of a desired product? Here’s a summary of our favorite best vlogging cameras:

  1. Our Top Pick – Sony ZV-1
  2. Best DSLR For Video – Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
  3. Best Camera For Wild-and-Wet Vlogging – GoPro Hero 9 Black
  4. Best Vlogging Camera With Built-In Stabilization – Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
  5. Best Splurge – Panasonic Lumix S5
  6. Best Budget Vlogging Camera – Canon EOS M50

Best Vlogging Cameras – Full Reviews

1. Best Vlogging Camera – Sony ZV-1

Type: High quality point-and-shoot | Sensor size: 20.1MP 1-inch Exmor RS CMOS sensor | Resolution: 2160p | Effective focal length: 24-70 mm | Viewfinder: Electronic | Monitor: 1-inch touch screen | Lense Type: Zoom | Size: 4.15 x 2.36 x 1.7 (inches) | Weight: 10.4 ounces | Battery Type: Rechargeable | Battery Life: 45 minutes or 260 frames
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  • 20.1MP stacked back illuminated 1” Exmor RS CMOS sensor w/ DRAM. Large aperture 24-70mm1 F1.8-2.8 ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T lens.Bluetooth : Yes...
  • Fast Hybrid Autofocus and Real Time Eye Autofocus and Real-time Autofocus tracking.
  • Side flip-out 3.0” LCD screen that also tilts up and down for easier to compose selfie shots

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

As far as vlogging is concerned, you won’t go wrong getting the Sony ZV-1. This variation of the RX100 model is often favored by YouTube vloggers because it features a built-in microphone with superb quality. The microphone is also what makes this model unique in comparison to the RX100 model. So, if you’re looking for a pop-flash and viewfinder in the Sony ZV-1, you’ll find they are replaced by a new and improved microphone. The mic additionally comes with a dead cat (Shock! Horror!) Don’t worry, no animals were harmed in the production of this camera – “dead cat” is actually an industry term for windshield that reduces wind noise, so you can rely on great audio all the way through your outdoor adventures, regardless of the weather.

Another huge benefit, truly making this a hassle-free device, is the zoom lens that comes with the Sony ZV-1. You’ll typically find that at the expense of a reliable body, you’ll have to separately invest in a good-quality video lens, which will only raise your expenses. Sony ZV-1 saves you from all that digging and costly spending. It comes with a 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens, covering all the basics you’ll need as a vlogger. The wide aperture provides shallower depth of field, creating the popular “blurred background effect” that many videographers are aiming for these days. Not to mention this camera literally comes with a Background Defocus Mode as well as a Product Showcase setting, which will automatically grab on the focus (unlike traditional cameras, which require a face block in order to readjust the focus).

The Sony ZV-1 is smaller than a typical smartphone, and it’s more powerful, making it extremely lightweight, compact, and functional for on-the-go vlogging. Bear in mind that when fully charged, this camera’s battery life will last about 45 minutes. So, make sure you’re fully powered when going on your explorations. Speaking of minor drawbacks, this device doesn’t have the best built-in image-stabilization, so you might need to invest in a camera grip or a tripod, in case you’re nitpicky about stabilizing your footage. Keeping all of its benefits in mind, this is an excellent camera for beginners and we absolutely recommend it to anyone just starting off on their vlogging journey.

Pros

  • Background Defocus Button
  • Fast Hybrid Autofocus
  • Forward Directional On-Board Mic
  • Mic comes with a Wind Muff
  • Zoom lens
  • Vari-angle screen

Cons

  • Relatively Short battery Life During Video Recording
  • Mediocre built-in image stabilization

2. Best DSLR For Video – Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

Type: High-quality point-and-shoot | Sensor size: 20.1MP 1-in stacked CMOS | Resolution: UHD 4K at 30p and 25p | Effective focal length: min 5-40 cm | Viewfinder: None | Monitor: 3-inch Touchscreen LCD 180° flip | Connectivity: Wifi, Bluetooth | Movie Resolution: 4k | Lens: 24–100mm f/1.8-2.8 Size: 1.6 x 4.1 x 2.4 (inches) | Weight: 13.1 ounces | Battery Type: Canon NB-13L (3.6V, 1250mAh) | Battery Life: 265 frames
  • 20.1 Megapixel 1.0” stacked CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 Image processor.
  • 4.2x optical zoom Lens (24-100mm f/1.8-2.8) with optical image Stabilizer.
  • 4K 30P/ FHD 120P video.

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The compact Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a multimedia machine assembled in a pretty impressive, yet small body. Don’t be fooled by its size, its 20.1MP 1″ CMOS sensor combined with the DIGIC 8 processor provides fast focus, full resolution shooting at up to 20 frames per second, and UHD 4K footage at 30p when recording video. The camera is equipped with a 4.2x zoom lens 24-100mm (35mm equivalent) with an aperture of f / 1.8-2.8 and an optical image stabilizer, making it suitable for all sorts of shooting scenarios, especially in severe light conditions which is something most vloggers struggle with. This is a crucial element if you’re out and about shooting your videos and you have little control over the intensity of light in your shot.

The inbuilt microphone of this Canon 4K camera, paired with outstanding connectivity, will enable you to record crystal-clear sound. The connection with Wifi and Bluetooth also makes it easy to post and stream live on YouTube. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III facilitates creativity. Whether you're taking portraits, selfies, panoramas, or food photos, the 20.1-megapixel sensor guarantees superb results. You can attract the attention of your audience through the small depth of field that easily puts the subject in ‘the center of the stage’. The video and photos taken in low light are filled with detail and atmosphere. No wonder this Canon vlogging camera is bloggers’ favorite ever since its fathering model, the Mark II, has come out. Not much has changed – the body design and controls are the same, as well as the 24-100 mm lens. You will be happy to know you can shoot high-quality 1080 slow-mo videos at 120p, perfect for adding effects in post.

Canon has really made shooting videos an effortless task with this Mark III.The intuitive touch screen rotates forward to make it easier to shoot vlogs and selfies. With the help of the device’s exceptional Bluetooth Connectivity, you can now pair the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III with your smartphone or tablet to instantly share content online. One thing you have to make sure is to be equipped with plenty of storage. The company even introduced a phone and Instagram-friendly unique feature, enabling you to shoot vertical videos, perfect for keeping your social media presence up to standard. Use the Canon Camera Connect app to take pictures or record remotely. Canon technology will give you an unfair advantage in comparison to other brands, and yes, in comparison to some Sony models it has slower autofocus, which is perhaps its only setback. That, however, doesn’t mean that you can’t be confident in your purchase – we can wholeheartedly say you’re definitely paying little for the great value you’re getting.

Pros

  • Amazing 4k footage without a Crop
  • Direct YouTube Live Stream
  • Rotating 180-degree 7.5 cm (3.0 ”) touch capacitive LCD display
  • USB-C, HDMI Micro (Type-D), 3.5mm microphone input
  • Lightweight and Compact
  • Vertical Video Shooting Feature- Perfect for Social Media Content
  • A waterproof video recording device
  • Front display is perfect for video framing

Cons

  • Auto focus isn’t as advanced as the Sony ZV-1
  • Some users report overheating issues

3. Best Vlogging Camera For Wet-And-Wild Vlogging – GoPro Hero 9 Black

Type: Action Camera | Sensor: 1-Chip CMOS | Effective focal length: 16.5 mm | Viewfinder: none | Monitor: Rear 2.3-inch touch, front 1.4-inch | Connectivity: Wifi | Movie Resolution: 5K (30 fps) / 4K (60 fps) / 2.7K (120 fps) / Full HD 1080p (240 fps) | Size: 2.79 x 2.16 x 1.32 (inch) | Weight: 0.34 pounds | Battery Type: 1x rechargeable battery (1720mAh), replaceable | Battery Life: 2 hours and 11 minutes
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  • 5K Video - Shoot stunning video with up to 5K resolution, perfect for maintaining detail even when zooming in
  • 20MP Photo with SuperPhoto - Capture crisp, pro-quality photos with 20MP clarity. And with SuperPhoto, HERO 9 Black can automatically pick all the...
  • Front Display plus Rear Touch Screen - A new, larger rear touch screen with touch zoom on HERO9 Black and a dazzling new front display makes for easy...

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re the adventurous type, chances are a regular DSLR won’t be the ideal camera to stick to your motocross helmet or bring on your underwater diving explorations. So what do you do? Go pro. Literally. The GoPro Hero 9 is an impressive camera for anyone producing action content, sports in particular. The unique POV that GoPro offers makes it the only logical choice for those who consider themselves adrenalin junkies. Technically, we’re not introducing you to an innovative product idea. We want to simply tell you why this Hero 9 is such a great camera. One of the first things that will impress you about the Hero 9 is the built-in stabilization – you can be riding a bike on a dirt track and you’ll notice that this tiny camera really holds a lot of power to it. The unique HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization provides extremely smooth video recording, and the TimeWarp 3.0 function allows you to record super-stabilized time-lapse videos.

In comparison to the GoPro Hero 8, this model actually comes with a large 1.4-inch front display, extremely convenient for vlogging and selfies. Not just that but the rear 2.27-inch touch screen is approximately 15% larger than the previous model by GoPro. The Hero 9 Black also has convenient voice control in 11 languages, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection, and compatibility with a full set of mods – Max Lens Mod, Media Mod, Light Mod, and Display Mod. This action camera offers a set of presets suitable for various situations. They can be easily and quickly selected through the main touch screen, such as face recognition, smile detection, blinking, and more.

When talking about video quality GoPro Hero 9 Black definitely doesn’t compromise. It is a 5K action camera (yes, it records five times the quality of Full HD) and it’s also waterproof. You can shoot content under up to 10 meters without additional housing (50 m with protective housing), which captures 5K video at up to 30 frames per second, 4K at up to 60 fps, Full HD 1080p at up to 240 fps and allows live streaming with FullHD quality. The HyperSmooth 3.0 stabilization works efficiently at all resolutions and frame rates, so the Hero 9 Black can offer smooth video stabilization as if you were using a gimbal. The action camera predicts your movements and corrects any camera shakes to provide you with amazingly smooth shots. Did we mention you can also shoot video at night with the Night Lapse mode in 4K? Already you can see how this is an above-average video recording tool, and in comparison to a DSLR, you’ll be spending less money too. GoPro Hero 9 Black truly might be worth investing in, especially if you’re an action-vlogger-adventurer.

Pros

  • Night Lapse mode for 1080p to 4K night time-lapse videos
  • Extremely compact and lightweight
  • You can attach it to a body harness or helmet and shoot POV
  • HyperSmooth video stabilization
  • Supreme 5K Quality
  • Ultimate action camera – cheaper than DSLR

Cons

  • Slightly larger than the previous Hero 8 model
  • Some users report GPS and other connectivity issues

4. Best Vlogging Camera With Built-In Stabilization – Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

Type: Micro Four Thirds | Sensor size: 2.0х crop (17.3 х 13.0 mm) 4/3” LMOS RGB sensor | Effective focal length: 40 mm | Viewfinder: Electronic (OLED) | Monitor: 3-inch Movable touch LCD display | Connectivity: Wifi, Bluetooth | Movie Resolution: MOV/H.264, DCI 4K (4096 x 2160) @ 24.00p [237 Mb/s], UHD, Full HD and regular HD | Size: 4.9 x 3.4 x 2 (inches) | Weight: 0.9 pounds (inclusive of battery and SD card) | Battery Type: 1 x lithium-ion battery BLS-50 | Battery Life: | 330 frames
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  • 20MP live MOS sensor
  • Portable, weather sealed design
  • 121-point all-cross-type on-chip phase detection AF

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a state of the art vlogging camera. First of all, you don’t have to worry about the autofocus or the quality of your video as the camera has 121 cross-type autofocus points for phase detection, combined with 121 autofocus points with contrast detection for fast and precise AF and tracking of the recorded subject. Equipped with a 20.4-megapixel MOS sensor and TruePic VIII processor, the E-M5 III offers a high-speed series of 10 frames per second when using a mechanical shutter, up to 30 frames per second when using an electronic shutter, as well as DCI / UHD 4K video recording. This highly-efficient combination of sensor and processor allows a wide range of light sensitivity and an ISO of up to 25600 dots. In addition, the 5-axis image stabilization compensates for any hand shaking with up to 6.5 steps for sharp hand-held photos in harsh lighting conditions.

Shall I go on with more benefits? You’re probably thinking, okay this will be a heavy camera – after all, it looks pretty vintage, doesn’t it? So it must be heavy. Wrong! The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is a compact micro Four Thirds type camera, meaning it’s practically mirrorless. This makes it very light – they replace the reflective mirror with electronics, interchangeable optics, and a micro 4/3 sensor that offers a combination of speed, precision, and versatility. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is also dustproof and waterproof and can withstand cold temperatures down to 14° F.

You also don’t have to worry about the resolution of your footage. Thanks to the 20.4MP Live MOS sensor, you can achieve sharp and clear images with additional detail, even when shooting on the go or in low light conditions. The anti-reflective coating also reduces any glare and unwanted reflections. Not just that but the TruePic VIII processor contributes to the remarkable speed and quality of images. The combination of the sensor and the processor that we previously mentioned, provides high performance, with a great light sensitivity range and many possibilities for recording 4K video, as well as all other HD types of footage.

You can choose to shoot handheld if you wish – you won’t need a tripod, thanks to the powerful built-in stabilization. This camera also features a Live Composite setting. This is a unique continuous exposure mode that allows you to gradually build the image over time without overexposing key elements in the frame. This mode only works to record newly discovered light sources and allows you to watch the image develop, making it suitable for capturing traces left by stars as the Earth moves or other moving light sources. Overall, you won’t be disappointed by the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, especially if you’re just starting out with mirrorless micro Four Third types of cameras. It’s a great investment if you’re planning on developing your photography and video-recording skills.

Pros

  • Light and compact – perfect for adventurers
  • Waterproof, dustproof and cold-resistant
  • Advanced AF system
  • Superb image stabilization
  • 4K video quality
  • Flexible and interchangeable lens system

Cons

  • 4K doesn’t support 60p video
  • More expensive than previous models

5. Best Splurge – Panasonic Lumix S5

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: Full-Frame (35.6 x 23.8mm) | Resolution: 4K | Viewfinder: 2 360 000p (0.74x) OLED | Monitor: 3-inch | Connectivity: Wifi, Bluetooth | Movie Resolution: 4K (UHD)60p & FullHD/180p 10-Bit | Size: 8.70 x 6.80 x 4.60 (inches) | Weight: 1.59 pounds | Battery Type: 1 x DMW-BLK22 Li-Ion battery | Battery Life: 440 frames
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  • A LIGHTWEIGHT, POWERFUL HYBRID CAMERA FOR VIBRANT STILL PHOTOGRAPHY AND CINEMATIC VIDEO: Realize your creative vision with extraordinary 4K 60p,...
  • DETAILED PHOTO AND VIDEO THAT WILL DELIGHT ENTHUSIASTS AND EXPERTS ALIKE: Capture content in impressive high quality with 96MP High Resolution mode,...
  • IMPROVED, HIGH-PRECISION AUTOFOCUS AND POWERFUL IMAGE STABILIZATION: Improved autofocus includes detection of the head as well as eyes, face and body,...

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Panasonic Lumix S5 is a compact full-frame camera with excellent photo and video recording parameters – 10-bit internal UHD 4K recording with up to 60 fps, Dual Native ISO, wide dynamic range of 14 steps, and five-axis image stabilization. It is a state-of-the-art camera, compact and full of features, perfect for running-gun shooting, fashion photography, and of course – vlogging. The autofocus of this camera is extremely impressive and reviews keep mentioning its benefits. If you’re relying on using continuous autofocus and face tracking, the S5 will become an invaluable part of your creative routine. If you’re a video content creator or a hybrid content creator, the Panasonic Lumix S5 is the camera for you, and I really encourage you to take a look at it.

Whether you prefer to shoot with the full touch capabilities of the 3,040,000 dots 3.0-inch mobile LCD in recording and playback modes, or with the OLED Live viewfinder, rest assured you'll be shooting a masterpiece. Of course, the needs of the content creator vary according to the task at hand, so the LUMIX S5 includes an impressive range of recording modes such as 4K 60p 4: 2: 0 10-bit and 4K 30p 4: 2: 2 10-bit – plus 4K 8-bit with no time limit for video recording. This is perfect for vloggers who find it so annoying to playback in order to fix a mistake caused by time limitations. The 10-bit setting supports 4: 2: 2 10-bit HDMI output, along with simultaneous recording on an internal disc / SD card, giving you flexibility and creativity during a shoot.

The S5 shares the same 24.2-megapixel sensor as the Panasonic S1and S1H, so you can expect a very similar rolling shutter and low light performance. Low light is great on this camera, and what’s really interesting is that the S5 has the same dual native ISO found on the S1H with one exception, you can’t choose between the ISO ranges as the camera will automatically switch between high and low for you. When it comes to the body of the Panasonic Lumix S5, it is both lighter and smaller than the S1H. Even though it’s smaller, it doesn’t sacrifice button count and the controls are pretty intuitive. If you have other compatible Panasonic lenses, the L-Mount on the S5 is perfect with them. You also have great in-built stabilization features, even if it has 5 stops instead of 6 (like in the S1). Truthfully, reviewers don’t seem to tell a huge difference when filming.

The biggest ergonomic difference between this camera and the S1 and the S1H is, of course, the flip-out screen, making this a very vlogger-friendly camera. The touch screen feels great, but the monitor is slightly smaller than the S1 and S1H models. You can also use two SD cards simultaneously or in relay mode. With the USB input, you can transfer data, while also powering up your device. When shooting at 4K, the battery typically lasts about 2 hours. With a power-supported USB battery, however, the camera can record for over 4 hours. There’s also a mic jack so you can add an external microphone if you wish, as well as a headphone jack. Other great features are the built-in frame markers with different modes and aspect ratios, ideal for cropping and editing in post. The only thing not to like about this beautiful camera is the price – this professional-grade recording equipment is made for people who are planning on experimenting with exceptional-looking footage and this camera truly does a lot for its price.

Pros

  • You can use high-quality lenses by Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma with the L-Mount
  • Versatile video recording settings
  • Exceptional 4K quality
  • Compact and durable camera body
  • Flip screen perfect for vlogging
  • Advanced focusing technology
  • Double image stabilization
  • 24.2-megapixel full-format CMOS sensor with Dual Native ISO technology

Cons

  • Hefty Price Tag
  • Uses a mini HDMI slot

6. Best Budget Vlogging Camera – Canon EOS M50

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: 24 megapixel APS-C 22.3 x 14.9mm CMOS sensor (1.6x) | Resolution: RAW: (3: 2) 6000 x 4000, (4: 3) 5328 x 4000, (16: 9) 6000 x 3368 and more | Viewfinder: 0.39-type OLED electronic viewfinder Approx. 2,360,000 dots | Monitor: 3-inch (7.5-cm) touch LCD (TFT) display. Image ratio 3: 2. Approx. 1,040,000 dots. Electrostatic capacitive Movable | Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wifi | Movie Resolution: 4K Video | Size: 4.6 x 3.5 x 2.3 (inches) | Weight: 0.85 pounds | Battery Type: 1 x LP-E12 lithium-ion rechargeable battery | Battery Life: 235 frames or 2 hrs
  • Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast, accurate autofocus that helps you get the photo you want right as the moment happens
  • 241 Megapixel APS C CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 8 Image Processor delivers incredible color, clear details, and stunning range
  • Vari angle touchscreen LCD has a flexible tilt range ideal for high angle and low angle shooting, and reviewing your photos

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

At first glance, this extremely portable and compact Canon 4K camera might not look like it has much to offer, however, this is truly one of the best all-round tools from Canon, in terms of photography and video. You’ll also find that most people love it because it’s at the right price. When talking about the specs of this Canon vlog camera, the 24-megapixel sensor is the same as all the other sensors in Canon products. What makes it stand out, though, is the DIGIC 8 processor. This Canon vlogging camera is equipped with a Vari-Angle touch screen with Touch-and-Drag autofocus and a large, central electronic viewfinder. The EOS M50’s modern design is perfectly weighted in the hand and delivers a refined, intuitive shooting experience. This camera really is designed for beginners and people who are ready to step up from recording footage on their phones. If you want better noise performance when you’re shooting low light, or more intense depth of field, you can even use interchangeable lenses to achieve your desired effect. The Canon 4K camera also has a beginner’s mode menu system which you can turn off if you like. This can help you understand what the settings are and it works almost like a guide. It truly is a great camera and I would recommend it to someone who’s just starting out.

The processor also brings better image stabilization, which is especially great for video recording. This makes hand-holding this camera looking much more natural and less jagged than other models. When it comes to the housing of this canon 4K camera, this model has the beloved selfie flip screen, making this one of the best mirrorless Canon cameras for intuitive video recording. This is something YouTubers will truly benefit from. The viewfinder is great, and you get a mic input, so you can rejoice knowing you’ll get excellent audio as well. The placement of the jack input, however, is a little impractical (it’s on the side, covering part of the flip screen), this could have been thought through much better. If you want to check out other excellent cameras with flip-out screens, take a look at our article on the subject!

The autofocus system for video is also worth mentioning – you get dual pixel autofocus (common amongst other Canon vlogging cameras), but combined with the digit 8 processor, the noise performance is truly outstanding. This camera can also record at a high frame rate – 120 frames per second, (at 720p mode), which is great for B roll footage and slow-motion. The 1080 p at 60fps will probably be your preferred setting when shooting slow-mo, because it won’t have any zoom distortion, slowed down to 25fps. This camera can also record up to 4K time-lapse. You’ll also be happy to know that it also has a great Wifi and Bluetooth connection, so you can easily connect it to your phone and enjoy the great response time. You can turn on Auto Transfer, lock your phone and go back to shooting videos or pictures. You will end up finding all your content in your phone’s photo gallery.

Overall, the Canon EOS M50 is one of the best mirrorless cameras for shooting videos. It’s definitely a competitor to some of the best DSLR for video out there, and for this price, it truly is the best deal in Canon’s lineup. If you’re looking for more affordable cameras, here are some cheap vlogging cameras! This camera may not be that exciting for professionals and advanced photographers, but what will get your blood pumping is the potential of Canon’s mirrorless system. This is the perfect 4K for hybrid shooting, whether you want to use it for photography or video recording. Even two years after its release, it still lives up to the initial hype, and in comparison to other models in the same price range, it is the absolute winner.

Pros

  • Great DIGIC 8 processor
  • Vari-Angle Touch screen
  • Shoots up to 4K video, 4 times the image quality of Full HD
  • Perfect Wifi and Bluetooth Connectivity
  • Tiny price tag for great value
  • Interchangeable lens system
  • Lightweight and Compact
  • Perfect for beginners

Cons

  • Placement of the mic input is awkward
  • Battery lasts about 30 mins when recording video

Best Camera For Vlogging – A Buyer’s Guide

By now, you have probably realized that every camera will give you a unique shooting experience. It can be overwhelming at first, especially if you’re just starting out as a video content creator, so I’ve rounded up the most important information and key characteristics to consider when purchasing your new vlogging camera. This way you can feel confident when making your purchase!

Types of cameras

There are so many cameras to choose from! Companies nowadays really seem to be in it for the competition, as fresh new models fill the shelves each year. I won’t bore you with minor nitpicky details that probably won’t even make a noticeable difference for you at first, so instead, I’ll give you the most essential information about cameras. Let’s start with the different types first:

DSLR

You have probably come across this a thousand times – DSLR stands for digital-single-lense reflex camera. Light travels through the lens, onto a mirror, and then reflects the image onto a prism or viewfinder. This technique usually makes the camera bulkier and heavier. DSLRs are extremely popular for hybrid shooting and they’re easy to spot because they usually have interchangeable lenses for the camera body. People use them for video recording, as well as photography but vloggers may find them a little straining on the wrist, if you know what I mean.

YouTube vloggers would typically prefer to go for lighter cameras like point-and-shoots, especially when shooting on the go. They wouldn’t want something heavy to carry around with them. However, if you’re a make-up or beauty vlogger of some kind and your content tends to situate around a single space where you can leave the camera somewhere, these cameras will suit you best. Some argue that DSLR technology is becoming less popular, making way for new technology, such as mirrorless, action and micro Four Thirds type cameras.

Mirrorless

Next on the list come Mirrorless cameras – we had a few of those on the list as well. Mirrorless cameras (also called MILC) are lighter versions of DSLRs, that use slightly different technology inside. They are mechanically simpler and therefore smaller, lighter and quieter. Mirrorless cameras allow for interchangeable lenses as well, but since this is a slightly more recent technology, lenses aren’t as common as those for DSLRs.

Of course, the appeal of these cameras comes from their light weight and small body. They are ideal for people looking to carry their cameras around when travelling or in the outdoors. Bear in mind they usually have relatively small battery life in comparison to DSLRs, and their autofocus can lag a bit. Putting those issues aside, these types of cameras can be perfect YouTube beginner vloggers.

Action Cameras

We already spoke about an action camera on our list – the GoPro Hero 9 Black. Action cameras were super popular in the early 2000s, largely due to their size. They can literally fit in the palm of your hand and are compact with amazing features. They are typically favoured by people who like to go on backpack trips or are into some form of extreme sports (like mountain biking, snowboarding, deep diving, skydiving…the list goes on), as they can attach them to the outside of equipment. They are sturdy and most of them are waterproof and resistant to low temperatures. They are pretty impressive, but like any other thing in this world, they have their limitations.

They have a small inbuilt sensor and the focal length is fixed, so don’t expect a dramatic change in the depth of field with this tiny camera. Action cameras usually do not have a viewfinder and their memory can run out pretty fast. These tiny and compact cameras don't have a flip screen. But they benefit users who are into active content creation that wants to impress viewers with dynamic video recording. Action cameras can be used as a great add-on video recording tool, offering your audience more content diversity.

Alternative Vlogging Cameras

With enough creativity and willingness to experiment, any camera can be used to record videos, but those who want crisp and stunning video content typically pick one of the above choices. Of course, you can always go for a Micro Four Thirds type of camera, similar to Mirrorless cameras, lightweight and compact again, but they are infamous for doing poorly in low-light conditions. Smartphones, of course, are another option, but their memory is limited and they don’t offer a lot of flexibility in autofocus and depth of field. There are many other types of cameras out there that probably deserve some honorable mentions, like camcorders and point-and-shoot cameras, but they simply aren’t built for the kind of content vloggers strive to create.

Movie Quality

This is a super important feature to look out for when buying a camera, especially if you’re forward-thinking and want to start building an audience on Youtube in the next few years. Surely you don’t want people to skip through your videos because of low quality, right? So choosing a 4K camera or a camera that supports Full HD is essential.

4K

It is called 4K because it records four times the quality of a Full HD content (1080p). Some cameras even have 5K movie resolution, which is absolutely mindblowing. Some recent smartphones introduced this feature, as demand for crisp-clean quality is growing larger each day. So skipping on good quality footage is a huge mistake when investing in a camera. Thankfully, the models we have listed all have 4K video as a feature, so you don’t have to worry about choosing one over another based on this quality.

Other Useful Features

Microphone Port

Having a microphone port gives you a lot of real time audio recording that you don’t have to bother linking in the editing process. This feature will dramatically improve your audio and with that, your content as a whole. The Sony ZV-1 has this feature, making it an extremely desirable camera for vloggers. Clean sound just makes your video more professional and personal (and this will give you some interesting ideas for creative ASMR content as well).

Flip Screen

This is a must – it’s a tough job trying to adjust a composition without this feature. Sure, you can project in your mind how things are going to look, but it’s definitely a pain in the neck. And why would you? Most cameras nowadays come with a flip screen, so why skip on this feature? Touch Flip Screens also help you control focus – you can constantly check in on the quality of light, sound, and most importantly, whether you have forgotten to press the record button! Of course, the biggest reason is keeping in check that your footage has been focused properly, making sure any products, subject, or yourself are visible.

Auto Focus System

Some lenses on cameras just aren’t made with an autofocus feature, so if you’re one of those people who enjoy building a collection of interchangeable lenses, always check if auto focus is available. You just won’t be able to control that while also filming yourself. For those who have chosen cameras without interchangeable lenses, good for you! Do check if your desired camera has effective autofocus tracking, or if it has features like face or eye-tracking, which will make your life so much easier when filming. If you’re looking for the best budget cameras with a flip screen, take a look at our article covering this topic!

Connectivity

Cameras with Wifi and Bluetooth connectivity have become very popular. After all, anything that will save you time when exporting footage is welcomed in the vlogging world. Some above-average cameras will provide this feature, so you can connect your camera to your phone and upload content straight onto it. This is especially useful if you’re creating videos or photos for social media and you don’t want to go through the trouble of uploading photos to your computer and then transferring them to your phone just so you can upload a photograph of your lunch on Instagram. Wifi and Bluetooth Connectivity make this a lot easier, but it has its own downside – you need to make sure you have enough storage space on your smartphone. You’ll probably be shooting RAW or in the best JPEG quality you can, and these photos can take up a lot of space. Not to mention that if you’re shooting a 4K video, you might need to upgrade on data storage to fully enjoy this feature. However, if you’re planning on using Wifi connectivity just to upload files onto your computer or laptop, you’ll probably find it extremely useful and time-saving. Look out for this feature in your next vlogging camera.

Price tag

Perhaps the most dreaded of all things to look out for is the price of your next video camera for YouTube content creation. Finding the best camera for vlogging sometimes means spending a lot of money, but it shouldn’t have to. There are plenty of affordable and cheap cameras, which you can find in our article on best budget vlogging cameras. Usually, the price will depend on a lot of different things. Some of the newly released models will obviously be more expensive than older ones, which is expected, but you won’t be compromising on innovation and quality. On the other hand, you can find a cheap body and decide to invest the chunk of money you have left on building your very own lens collection. It really is up to you. What’s your style?

Top Rated Vlogging Cameras

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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