Last Updated on March 16, 2021
Are you looking to start vlogging or to improve your video equipment at a good price? I have reviewed the most popular video-blogging cameras available on the market today and I will let you know which models are the best performing and value for the money.
You can see the top picks below, see the links for the price and customer reviews.
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What Is Vlogging?
If you are not already aware, vlogging just refers to a video based blog. There are thousands of people who regularly post their vlogs on YouTube and other video hosting sites on topics of all kinds. If you are planning to start or already have a vlog, it is important to continuously post new content to inform and keep your audience engaged.
When producing a successful vlog there are a number of factors that impact your level of success and one of those is the production quality of your videos. If your equipment is subpar you will struggle to produce videos that offer quality image and audio. Great image and audio quality will help you keep your audience engaged and for you to grow your audience.
What Is a Vlogging Camera?
While it is possible to use any camera with video capture capabilities to record your blog, it is definitely worth it to invest in a camera that is designed with vloggers in mind if you want to produce the best video quality possible.
With that in mind check out the following factors to consider when selecting your vlogging camera.
Portability
If you intend to vlog on the go or while traveling it is absolutely imperative that your camera is not too bulky. A compact and portable vlogging camera will make set up and moving your vlogging rig much easier and less time consuming. For this reason, I do not recommend using a camcorder for vlogging and instead to use a camera no larger than a DSLR.
Flip Screen
One of the most important features most vloggers will need is a flip screen camera. Unless you have someone shooting for you, a flip screen is a must. In fact, the very best vlogger cameras has a screen that comes out to the side so as not to cover the hot shoe.
Mic Port
If you want to capture truly professional audio quality you will want to select a camera with mic input. While most cameras have a built in camera you will likely quickly outgrow it and want a higher performing microphone for your camera. Having a mic input will allow you to easily upgrade your audio quality without having to upgrade your camera.
Video Resolution
Video resolution capabilities of your camera dictate final production quality levels. Most cameras will offer you the ability to shoot in 4k quality. While many hosting services only allow up to full HD, shooting in 4k allows you more options when completing post production edits on your videos. Another important note is that most 4k capable cameras will allow you to shoot slow motion in 1080p.
Stabilization
While you can use a gimbal in studio shooting sessions, if you are shooting on location or travel frequently, a camera with image stabilization technology is definitely the way to go. If you shoot in hand you will also want to have image stabilization to improve image quality. Even with image stabilization I do recommend shooting with a tripod or Gorillapad whenever possible. It will definitely help you achieve better video quality.
Best Top Rated Vlogging Cameras
After reviewing the most popular styles and models currently on the market we have compiled the top performing models for vloggers. Vlogging cameras can be found in a wide range of prices and great cameras were found that fit every budget. Like with most things, you do tend to get more features and better performance if you are able to invest more.
Interchangeable Lens Vlogging Cameras
The following picks are excellent cameras to get if you are looking for a multi purpose or dedicated vlogger camera. These cameras allow you to select the lens best suited for the environment meaning they are very flexible and great for upgrading as you grow as a vlogger.
Canon EOS 90D
The 90D is a very popular DSLR with multiple types of photographers making it a great multi purpose camera that handles shooting video well. It is a relatively large camera making it best suited for shooting from a tripod. It has a big APS-C sensor and an excellent build quality. It has an external mic input while also allowing you to monitor your sound via headphones. It is equipped with Canon’s excellent Dual Pixel autofocus which will help you capture sharp video images. It does great at focusing on your face and maintaining focus even as you move. It comes with one SD card slot and shoots 4k video at 30 fps. If you wish to have a camera that shoots great stills as well, the 32mp camera resolution will not disappoint.
Panasonic G95
This Lumix can be found with two names (the other is the G90) and the difference comes down to what accessories come in the bundle. I particularly like this bundle for vlogging due to the mic and tripod. This mirrorless camera offers excellent image quality with a great grip making this a good camera to shoot in hand or mounted on a tripod. The weather protected body and sealed buttons make this a great option if you shoot your vlog outdoors. The screen flips out which is a huge plus when shooting. You can capture video in 4k at 30fps and there is a V-Log mode for increasing the dynamic range. When shooting in 4k, it is important to remember that only part of the sensor is utilized.
Panasonic GH5
The Lumix GH5 is the step up from the G95. It is a true professional quality mirrorless camera that is popular with photographers and vloggers alike. It provides exceptional image and video quality at 10 bit 4:2:2 in 4k 30fps. You additionally have the option to shoot in 4k 60fps in 8 bit 4:2:0 and the ability to shoot in slow motion in 1080p. With two SD card slots you can record at a 400 Mbps bitrate. The built in image stabilization technology works great allowing you to shoot in hand without diminishing image quality. The video quality is top notch making this a camera you won’t likely outgrow making it a great investment if you are a serious vlogger. With the performance you receive at a very reasonable price, this is an excellent value vlogging camera.
Olympus OM-D E-M1 II
This mirrorless camera from Olympus is a great camera for those with a slightly lower budget but still want ample features and rock solid performance. The G5 above definitely provides higher quality video, but this camera is no slouch. It offers excellent all around functionality with a sensor stabilizer that is one of the best you can get. You can capture 4k video at 30fps and this camera offers two UHS-II SD card slots. The autofocus is quick and accurate, and is one of the fastest in a micro four thirds camera. It also offers burst shooting mode and is an all around great value.
Olympus OM-D E-M5 III
The Olympus E-M5 MkIII is a modern camera with a package ideal for video blogging. It is compact and quite lightweight. It offers a solid build quality making it durable enough to stand up to frequent use. The 5 stop sensor stabilization is great for shooting in hand, but it works just as well mounted on a tripod. The autofocus system is fast and accurate to ensure you stay in focus even if you move in your videos. The 4k video capture is clear and crisp and you get one SD card slot.
Sony Alpha A6600
I am a huge fan of the A6000 and it is popular with professional photographers around the world. It also makes for a top end vlogging camera. It is lightweight and a top performer. It feels good shooting in hand and comes with a built in 5 axis image stabilizer. If you shoot without a gimbal you can still achieve shake free video. It is fully weather proof making this camera ideal for shooting on location in the elements. I’ve heard some reports that the weather proofing wasn’t 100% but I have never had an issue with my camera. This Sony has an APS-C sensor with plenty of resolution for vloggers. You can capture uncropped 4k video at 30fps without any time limit. Because you can change lenses, this camera offers more versatility than most vloggers will need meaning you will not feel the need to upgrade your camera anytime soon.
Fixed Lens Cameras for Vlogging
If you are looking for a simpler camera rig for vlogging a fixed lens model may be just what you are looking for. A fixed lens camera is just what it sounds like, it has a single lens that does not come off. It does limit you to some extent but if you shoot in a similar environment every time it is a great option.
Canon G7X III
This Canon compact camera is extremely popular thanks to easy function and it’s good performance. The large (for a compact camera) one inch sensor helps you achieve good image quality. You can shoot in 4k and it offers you manual control if not shooting in 4k. While it is one of the more expensive compact cameras on the market, it is still much more affordable than a mirrorless camera. And this bundle is a great all in one vlogging package that will allow you to get right up and shooting.
Sony RX100 VII
This Sony compact camera is one of the best performers on the market. It packs a lot of punch in a small package. The RX100 offers superb image quality and 4k 30fps video capture. The autofocus is very fast and accurate and was the best of the compact models reviewed. In fact, it is the same autofocus system as the A9. If you want to be able to shoot great stills, this versatile compact will offer low noise even when shooting at high ISO. One note is that if you have larger hands you may find the grip not ideal for shooting in hand. If you have small to average sized hands this likely will not be an issue. This model is more pricey than the option above, but if you want a compact with top performance this Sony is well worth the investment.
DJI Osmo Pocket
Originally designed as a direct competitor to the GoPro for the action photographer crowd, the Osmo Pocket has turned out to be a great vlogging camera. It is essentially a gimbal with a camera and for a low price to entry it is a very serviceable camera many vloggers employ. It is truly tiny and if traveling or a small size is important to you this camera fits the bill. This camera provides silky smooth 4k video quality thanks to the gimbal design. You do lose some image quality compared to the cameras above but if portability and stabilization are priorities this camera is a great option. One other trade off is that due to it’s small size there is no screen and you will need to pair your smartphone with it. An external mic can be used with an adapter. For a unique design and a very low price this is a great option for some vloggers.
Panasonic FZ2500
Panasonic has a loyal, if small, following in the photography world and this offering is an interesting option for vloggers. It allows you to shoot in 4k 30fps with a single SD card. And with an HDMI you can get 10 bit 4:2:2. With the option to upgrade to V-Log L it is a great value camera. The built in 24-480mm zoom lens offers great image quality and it has built in image stabilization. The lens offers an ND filter which is ideal for vlogging allowing you to achieve great image quality even in very bright lighting.