When looking for the best cameras for vlogging, you have to decide how much versatility you need, how far you want to go with it, and how many kits you are willing to carry. Is the smaller one better? If you’re not based in a studio and you have compact equipment that fits easily in your backpack and can be stuck on a Gorillapod for walking and talking shots, size really matters. If your videos are shot indoors, on a tripod, it’s less important.
For our money, on the whole, mirrorless cameras offer the best content by creating a combination of control, quality, and versatility – and mirrorless cameras are often equipped with an image stabilization system inside the body, which really makes a difference for walking shots or capturing fluid B-rolls without a gimbal. That said, you can get great video with a DSLR or compact camera – and the best camera phones offer brilliant, unforgettable 4K video.
Best Cameras For Vlogging
So here are the best vlogging cameras on the market today, ranging from mirrorless cameras to vlogger-friendly compacts to the latest video-oriented camera phones.
1. Sony Alpha A6400
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with...
- Next Gen speed: experience the world’s fastest 0. 02 sec AF with real-time AF and object tracking
- Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84% of the sensor
- Fast & accurate: up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24. 2MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
- Next Gen speed: experience the world’s fastest 0. 02 sec AF with real-time AF and object tracking
- Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84% of the sensor
- Fast & accurate: up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24. 2MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
- Multiple movie functions: make time lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post processing
- Tiltable LCD screen: customizable for vlogging, still photography or recording a professional film
- In the box: rechargeable battery (NP-FW50) AC adaptor (ac-uud12), shoulder strap, body cap, accessory shoe cap, eyepiece cup, micro USB cable.Metering Range: -2 to 20 EV
The A6400’s lack of internal stabilization and headphone jacks can make the A6400 feel under-equipped for video recording. But its excellent image quality (smooth motion, impressive levels of detail), rugged magnesium alloy construction, affordable price, and most importantly, its superb advanced autofocus system make it an ideal candidate for most 4K cameras. Autofocus, which includes excellent tracking of eyes and faces in real life, makes video and still images much easier to shoot, especially if you frequently film other people – or yourself.
Sony’s A6600, the top-of-the-line model in the range, retains many of the features and functions of the A6400 but adds internal stabilization, a headphone jack, and longer battery life. We’ll be looking at whether this model is worth the price, but for now, the A6400 is our choice at Sony. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for vlogging right now.
2. Panasonic Lumix G100
Panasonic Lumix G100 4k Camera, Mirrorless Camera, Vlogging Camera, Micro Four Thirds...
- NEXT-LEVEL VLOGGING IS HERE: The G100 4K vlogging camera has the superior performance and portability, designed especially for content creators. Shoot, transfer, edit, and upload—in sparkling video and audio
- NEXT-LEVEL VLOGGING IS HERE: The G100 4K vlogging camera has the superior performance and portability, designed especially for content creators. Shoot, transfer, edit, and upload—in sparkling video and audio
- FEATURES FOR BEGINNERS AND EXPERTS: Intuitive, lightweight camera is packed with features to make content creation easy to learn and cultivate, from a Frame Marker to V-LogL recording
- ADVANCED OZO AUDIO WITH TRACKING: Audio tracking auto-adjusts the recording range and direction to record clearly in crowds, and during interviews, speeches, and selfies
- FRAME MARKER : Indicator of final picture area that includes 1:1, 4:5, 5:4 and 9:16 allows to check composition while recording
- COMPACT, LIGHTWEIGHT DESIGN: G100 is lightweight even with a lens attached to support one-handed recording
Bloggers and creative people, in general, will appreciate the simplicity of the Lumix G100, which makes it easy to capture high-quality videos and photos thanks to the accessible button layout. Even people who are not interested in the technical aspects of capturing high-quality videos will be able to achieve results with this device. There is an inherent risk of oversimplifying things when creating a camera for social media creators, but Panasonic has avoided this pitfall with the Lumix G100.
By giving it a decent viewfinder and “good camera” ergonomics, Panasonic has given the G100 an edge in a very competitive market. It’s a great camera to start with if you’re more interested in vlogging than conventional photography and useful improvement over the GX80/85, both in resolution and video features. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for vlogging right now.
3. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III Body Silver
- 20MP live MOS sensor
- Portable, weather sealed design
- 121-point all-cross-type on-chip phase detection AF
- Compact, in-body 5-axis image stabilization (up to approx. 5.5 EV steps of compensation)
- 50MP tripod high-res shot
- 20MP live MOS sensor
- Portable, weather sealed design
- 121-point all-cross-type on-chip phase detection AF
- Compact, in-body 5-axis image stabilization (up to approx. 5.5 EV steps of compensation)
- 50MP tripod high-res shot
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III is an exceptional camera and a worthy successor to the highly acclaimed Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. This new camera uses the latest 20.4 megapixels Micro Four Thirds sensor from Olympus, and although this may put off some people – these sensors are smaller than the APS-C – the image quality is very close, and this makes Olympus cameras and lenses particularly small and portable.
The capabilities of this new camera are astonishing, including excellent 5.5 EV body stabilization, an amazing 30fps Pro Capture mode with 14-frame pre-buffering, C4K, and 4K UHD video, Live Composite and Live Bulb modes, and much more. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for vlogging right now.
4. Fujifilm X-T200
Fujifilm X-T200 Mirrorless Camera Body - Champagne Gold
- X-T200 is equipped with a vari-angle 3.5-inch/ 16:9 Aspect Ratio widescreen LCD touch-screen can be opened and closed between 0 to 180 degrees and rotated between -90 to +180 degree. It also provides intuitive and responsive control over the camera’s features and functionality and can be used to adjust a variety of settings, like brightness, background blur, Film Simulation effects and image aspect ratios
- X-T200 is equipped with a vari-angle 3.5-inch/ 16:9 Aspect Ratio widescreen LCD touch-screen can be opened and closed between 0 to 180 degrees and rotated between -90 to +180 degree. It also provides intuitive and responsive control over the camera’s features and functionality and can be used to adjust a variety of settings, like brightness, background blur, Film Simulation effects and image aspect ratios
- The use of on-sensor phase detection pixels across the sensor and an improved prediction algorithm means focus can be achieved quickly and in a variety of imaging environments. The updated Face/ Eye Detection AF makes focusing on individuals or groups of people quickly and easily. This is even possible when the camera’s LCD monitor is flipped out and is used to make a selfie. Automated functions, like Main Subject Recognition, allow the camera to be set to recognize and track a main subject within the frame. Combined with a burst mode of 8fps, important moments with the right people will surely be easier to frame, focus, and immortalize
- Fujifilm’s legacy in color science has given it legendary status among image-makers across the world. During its 85 years in the industry, it has been responsible for some of the most iconic photographic films in history and this exceptional knowledge has been poured into the 11 digital Film Simulation modes installed into X-T200. Images made with these film simulations carry the look and feel of the actual films that inspired them, which are a great building block to sparking creative imaging making. In addition, 20 Advanced Filters, which includes the new Clear Filter, give even more creative possibilities to image-makers as they seek to express themselves artistically
- The new HDR Video function makes recording footage in high contrast situations much easier and more practical, while its in-camera video editing functions allow for clips to be trimmed and right-sized before they are shared. This means creators can share the perfect section of a super-slow motion clip or the best part of their 4K footage, right from the camera to their smartphone without ever needing to open a computer
- Video Capture Resolution: 4K DCI 2160P
We loved the concept of the X-T100, as a kind of bridge between the high-end professional X-Series models and the more novice shooters, so it was great to see the release of the X-T200, which builds on this concept while correcting some of the problems of the original. The video has been significantly improved over the X-T200, with the 4K now reaching a frame rate of 30p instead of the 15p of the X-T100. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for vlogging right now.
As far as sensors are concerned, although the X-Trans chip is not yet used in high-end cameras, the 24.2MP APS-C CMOS model of the X-T200 is not to be neglected, and additional features such as 8fps burst shooting contribute greatly to the improvement. The camera is usually supplied with the OIS PZ XC15-45mm F3.5-5.6 kit lens, making it an excellent starting point for anyone considering buying their first Fujifilm camera. The large variable angle display is great and the improved 4K video is a big step forward compared to the X-T100, but it’s a shame the price has gone up.
5. Olympus PEN E-PL9
Olympus PEN E-PL9 Body Only with 3-Inch LCD (Pearl White)
- 16 Megapixel live MOS sensor
- TruePic VIII Image Processor
- 3" 180 Degree Flip down touch screen
- In body 3 axis image stabilization
- 4K video & still image capture from 4K video
- 16 Megapixel live MOS sensor
- TruePic VIII Image Processor
- 3" 180 Degree Flip down touch screen
- In body 3 axis image stabilization
- 4K video & still image capture from 4K video
Wait, this is not the latest Olympus PEN mode camera. Why is it here? Well, while the E-PL10 is a very good camera in itself (as you’ll see below), the fact is that it is a disappointingly minor update to the E-PL9, so much so that the old camera probably offers better value for money. The E-PL9 is a high-performance street, vlogging, and fashion camera. It has a 180-degree screen for vlogging and 4K video recording, although when it came out, we were a little disappointed that Olympus kept its old 16.1-megapixel sensor instead of replacing it with its latest 20.4-megapixel sensor.
The Olympus E-PL9 is of excellent quality despite its compact and lightweight construction, and its small size makes it ideal for travel photography, especially when combined with Olympus’ remarkably small 14-42mm EZ “pancake” lens. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for vlogging right now.
6. Canon EOS M6 Mark II
Canon EOS M6 Mark II Mirrorless Digital Compact Camera + EF-M 15-45mm...
- High image quality with 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor
- High-speed continuous shooting of up to 14 fps with AF/AE tracking
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 5, 481 manually selectable AF positions, and eye AF Servo support
- High image quality with 32.5 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor
- High-speed continuous shooting of up to 14 fps with AF/AE tracking
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF with 5, 481 manually selectable AF positions, and eye AF Servo support
- 4K UHD 30P/ Full HD 129P video
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
Canon’s lightweight EOS M series without mirror may not have the weight of Canon’s EOS R full-frame cameras, but that’s what makes it ideal for loggers who don’t want to carry too much gear. The M6 Mark II is a great choice for the potential vlogger, as it can shoot impressive uncropped 4K video while using the impressive dual-pixel autofocus. Lightweight and easy to carry, it uses the same lenses as the EF-M.
Although this lineup doesn’t have a Canon EF lens catalog (although you can adapt these full-frame lenses if you wish), there should be enough for the vlogger’s needs. And with many useful features like a microphone jack, an articulated touch screen, and video stabilization to keep things running smoothly, the EOS M6 Mark II is a versatile camera that’s extremely rugged for any vlogger. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for vlogging right now.
7. Sony ZV-1
Sony ZV-1 Camera for Content Creators, Vlogging and YouTube with Flip Screen...
- Fast Hybrid AF, Real Time Eye-AF3 and Real-time AF tracking
- Quickly switch between two modes of defocused background bokeh
- Product showcase setting transitions focus from face to object
- Face priority AE keeps faces bright in backlit or dim condition
- Fast Hybrid AF, Real Time Eye-AF3 and Real-time AF tracking
- Quickly switch between two modes of defocused background bokeh
- Product showcase setting transitions focus from face to object
- Face priority AE keeps faces bright in backlit or dim condition
- What's in the box: Rechargeable battery pack (NP-BX1), Micro USB cable, wind screen, wind screen adaptor, strap
Some might think of the ZV-1 as just another variant of the Sony RX100, but it’s much more than that. The sensor and lens may be familiar, but the body, controls, audio, and rear screen are all new and different and have been brilliantly optimized for vlogging. There are a few small details. The huge change in minimum focus distance when zooming is annoying and the SteadyShot Active stabilization didn’t work very well for us, but the autofocus is outstanding and the ZV-1 is a pleasure to use, especially because there is finally a vlogging camera that is really designed specifically for vlogging, right down to the fully variable angle rear monitor and the included microphone windscreen, which works really brilliantly. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for vlogging right now.
8. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III Digital 4K Vlogging Camera, Vertical 4K Video...
- 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.
- Turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam--Learn more: canon.us/livestream
- 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.
- Turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam--Learn more: canon.us/livestream
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
When the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II showed its popularity with vloggers, Canon wisely looked at the issue and gave us the Mark III, a compact design that enhances it in every way possible to provide the perfect compact vlogging solution. It features 4K video without cropping, an external microphone port, and even allows you to stream live to YouTube! Overall, this is one of the best cameras for vlogging right now.
It’s also possible to extract high-quality photos from 4K footage (useful for thumbnails), and the excellent autofocus system works well with the 24-100mm (equivalent) f/2.8-1.8 lens and 1-inch CMOS sensor stacked to produce videos of enviable quality. It even allows you to make vertical movies that are very suitable for phones and Instagram’s history – an incredibly useful feature. It’s really everything a vlogger needs in one device: if you like simplicity, look no further.
