Whether you’re reviewing products or traveling around the world, the best vlogging cameras ensure your video content is high-quality. Although smartphones have advanced photography features, dedicated cameras are tough to beat. Vloggers and viewers know.
But in a market saturated by an expansive lineup of products, what are the best cameras for vlogging? Below, we zoom in on the top-rated models you can buy today.
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Best Vlogging Cameras Comparison Chart
Sony ZV-1
Best vlogging camera for YouTube
One of the top considerations about vlogging is how portable a camera is. The Sony ZV-1 has no problem meeting this criterion. Just over four inches wide and weighing just 294 grams, the compact camera fits neatly in most bags. In fact, you’d find it stores well even in your pocket.
Despite its size, the camera is big on vlogging functionality. For instance, the Sony ZV-1’s Product Showcase feature is configured especially for shooting product reviews. In this mode, the camera offers seamless transitions as you focus on your face or the object you place in front of the lens — perfect for YouTube product reviewers.
If you’re up and about, the ZV-1 makes walking-and-talking shoots easy with its three-inch flip-out touchscreen. You also get a directional three-capsule mic that captures clear vocals in front of the camera. There’s no need to worry about shooting outdoors, either. Sony includes a windscreen to reduce wind noise as you vlog your day out.
Like most compact cameras, the Sony ZV-1 comes with pre-loaded modes — from slow-motion to timelapse effects. Transferring files is also a cinch, thanks to the Imaging Edge Mobile app. The app also automatically tags vertically-oriented videos, so you can readily upload smartphone-screen-friendly content. The camera’s only downside is its 45-minute battery life.
Sensor: 20.1MP | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Max. Resolution: 4K
Canon EOS 90D
Best vlogging camera for beginners
If you’re new to vlogging but want pro video quality, the Canon EOS 90D makes the next step less intimidating. The upper midrange DSLR is equipped with a 32.5MP sensor, ensuring you can crop photos you take without losing detail.
For at-home vloggers, the 90D’s advanced autofocus and 4K at 120 fps resolution means cinematic-level shots, too. Like the Sony ZV-1, the Canon EOS 90D comes with a timelapse mode, perfect for content like room makeover or day-in-your-life videos that show dynamic change over time.
The camera also has an articulated LCD monitor, allowing you to shoot from any angle. The LCD even comes with adjustable brightness levels. Aspiring vloggers will appreciate that the 90D has headphone and microphone ports. Plus, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity mean you can send any of your footage straight to your smartphone.
However, there are some missed opportunities here. One is that there’s no image stabilization. The other is the lack of a USB charging option, so you’ll need extra charged batteries on hand.
Sensor: 32.5MP | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Max. Resolution: 4K
Fujifilm X-S10
Best vlogging camera with advanced features
If you’re serious about filmmaking, cameras with flip screens make directing shots and recording videos better. But the mirrorless Fujifilm X-S10 is far more than its articulated monitor. Behind its premium exterior is a versatile array of video recording capabilities for any vlogger.
Do you want to shoot while taking a picture? The X-S10 can through a dedicated Movie Recording Button that applies your current image quality settings. Meanwhile, exposure and focus settings are automatically controlled while recording.
One gripe about recording using a camera is that the microphone picks up the sounds of setting adjustments you make. On the Fujifilm X-S10, the dedicated movie operation allows you to make these changes to settings via touchscreen.
For clearer audio, the camera has a 3.55mm microphone jack for recording and an included headphone adaptor for listening to playback. The unit boasts digital stabilization, so you can eliminate camera shake even when in hand-held mode.
The X-S10 comes with wired and wireless connectivity. Through Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, you can send files to your paired device and readily share content with social networking sites. You can also link the camera to a compatible Instax printer to print your best images instantly.
Sensor: 26.1MP | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C, HDMI | Max. Resolution: 4K
Insta360 One RS
Best cameras for travel vlogging
For those who already own a professional-grade camera, the compact Insta360 One RS should be a nice companion. Sold as a modular unit, the twin edition configuration is our pick for action-packed travel vlogs.
With this setup, you get the new One RS core, a 4K Boost lens, the 360º module, and a battery base that brings all components together. You can easily swap one mod for another, allowing you to adapt to any vlogging environment. Moreover, the entire unit is waterproof up to 17 feet.
Do you need to record yourself? Just mount the wide-angle 4K lens for up to 6016 x 2560 at 25/24fps resolution. This allows for detailed footage under a 6K widescreen mode. Looking to capture outdoor adventures? You can change to the 360º camera for a dual-lens module to record the action from all angles. Plus, it hides your selfie stick for drone-like footage.
The One RS offers image stabilization, a feature built into the wide-angle lens. Its new core also comes with an additional mic and a wind noise reduction feature.
You also get a range of modes — from slow-motion and hyper-lapse to HDR and loop recording. All this is possible with a battery base that offers 21% more runtime. Editing is also a breeze thanks to the Insta360 app.
Sensor: 48 MP (4K Boost lens) | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Max. Resolution: 6K
DJI Pocket 2 Gimbal
Best budget camera for vlogging
DSLR cameras, however, are expensive. Even action cams like the Insta360 One RS retail for over $500. If you’re on a budget, try picking up the DJI Pocket 2 Gimbal. The pocket-sized device is actually a gimbal/camera hybrid. This means you get the motorized stabilization of a gimbal and the clarity of a 64MP CMOS sensor in one. All for a package that sells for under $500.
With the Pocket 2 Gimbal, you get a portable mini control stick that controls camera direction and zoom. Above it, you’ll find a built-in touchscreen monitor to make sure your shots are perfect, including those with glamor effects. Even if you’re far from the subject, you can easily focus with the 8X zoom. The gimbal also turns 180º, so you can enjoy point-and-shoot action.
DJI’s hybrid offering can record 4K Ultra HD and 2.7K HDR video resolution. It also comes with five video modes, including timelapse and hyperlapse. If you want to emphasize a shot, you can try out the slow-motion feature as well.
As for sound recording, DJI has equipped the Pocket 2 Gimbal with four mics to reduce wind noise and capture clearer vocals. It’s also capable of zooming into the audio source as you focus on a video subject.
You get about 140 minutes of battery life from Pocket 2 Gimbal. The unit also comes in two colors — Classic Black and Sunset White.
Sensor: 64 MP | Connectivity: USB-C, Lightning | Max. Resolution: 4K
Verdict
Upgrade your video content by getting any of the cameras on this list. If you want to splurge, however, go for the Fujifilm X-S10. For those on a budget, opt for the DJI Pocket 2 Gimbal.
Vlogging is one of the most accessible mediums of content creation. But what sets impactful vloggers from the rest of the pack is the quality of their videos. You can only get it with the right setup. So if you want to stand out, you’ll need to invest in a dedicated camera.
While all five models reviewed come highly recommended, we give a nod to two standouts. The Fujifilm X-S10 is our pick for vloggers who want to upgrade their current setup. It’s a sophisticated device packed with advanced features for cinematic-like content.
Meanwhile, newbies on a budget will benefit most from the DJI Pocket 2 Gimbal. While it’s not a rugged action camera, the two-in-one device is much easier to use. For something so compact, you already get 4K Ultra HD video resolution, motorized stabilization, and directional audio. Everyone’s going to ask how you went pro with vlogging so fast.
FAQs
The DJI Pocket 2 Gimbal is not waterproof. If you want to use it on water, you’ll need to buy a separate waterproof case.
The Insta360 One RS comes with an extended one-year warranty.
You can record up to 65 minutes of full HD videos using the Fujifilm X-S10.
Sony’s ZV-1 Digital Camera uses a touch panel TFT LCD.