What is the best camera for vlogging? Well, today we’re going to break down the best vlogging cameras by way of three criteria: features, quality, and value. We’ll also explore each camera’s unique strengths and weaknesses by looking at video reviews. But before we get into the rankings, let’s quickly review vlogging cameras and relevant equipment.
what is a vlogging camera
Vlogging cameras disclaimer
The term “vlogging camera” simply refers to a camera used for vlogging. What is vlogging? Simply, video-logging. So, how do we know which camera is good for vlogging? Well, we look at what it’s going to be used for.
Action cameras are great for documenting adventures, such as biking, snowboarding, kayaking, surfing, etc.
Mirrorless cameras are great for “walk and talks” because they have electronic viewfinders (EVFs), aka display screens. Many of these EVFs tilt 180 degrees, allowing the user to see whether they are in frame while recording.
Word of warning: some of the cameras on this list are reliant on additional equipment. Here are a few items you may want to consider purchasing: a lens, a gimbal, a Lav mic, and a lighting kit.
With those notes out of the way, let’s jump into the best vlogging cameras!
A Good Vlogging Camera
9. DJI Pocket 2
Best Vlogging Camera Cheap • DJI Pocket 2
TECH SPECS
- Sensor: 1/1.7” CMOS
- Effective pixels: 64 MP
- Lens: FOV 93° f/1.8; Format equivalent: 20 mm
- Storage: Micro SD
- Video: 4K, up to 60fps
Full technical specifications on DJI’s website.
Best Vlogging Cameras • DJI Pocket 2 Vlogging Camera Reviews by Peter McKinnon
The DJI Pocket 2 is a unique action camera due to its gimbal-integration – but is it any good? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. Want to shoot smooth, decent looking video? Then, yes, the DJI Pocket 2 is good. Want to shoot smooth-ish, great looking video? Then, no, the DJI Pocket 2 is not good.
Here’s the crux of the DJI Pocket 2 purchase decision debate: if you have a capable camera, like a recently-released iPhone or camera phone, get a gimbal and use that instead. If you don’t have a capable camera, consider purchasing the DJI Pocket 2.
Action-Wise, A Good Vlogging Camera
Conclusion
The DJI Pocket 2 may be enticing to camera enthusiasts who want smooth 4K/60fps video on the fly – but it’s just too expensive to warrant purchase for most prospective buyers.
Price: $349
Best Vlogging Camera for Beginners
8. Canon Powershot G7X Mark III
Best Vlogging Cameras • Canon Powershot G7X Mark III
TECH SPECS
- Image sensor: 20.1 Megapixel, 1.0-inch stacked CMOS
- Video: 4K30FPS, 1080p60FPS
Full technical specifications on Canon’s website.
Best Vlogging Cameras • Canon Powershot G7X Mark III Review by Tech Through the Lens
The Canon Powershot G7X Mark III is a tiny beast. Seriously, the ability to zoom up to 100mm is insane. That said, the G7X Mark III isn’t without controversy.
Canon’s autofocus problem took a big step back with the G7X Mark III. It wasn’t great in the G7X Mark II… but somehow it got worse with the Mark III. However, Canon has released AF-improving firmware updates since the camera’s launch.
Good Vlogging Camera
Conclusion
The Canon G7X Mark III is marginally better than the Mark II. Keep an eye out for either model on sale.
Price: $749.99
Good Vlogging Camera
7. Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II
Best Vlogging Cameras • Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II
TECH SPECS
- Image sensor: Four thirds (17.3 x 13mm)
- Video: 4K60FPS (10 bit)
Full technical specifications on the B&H Photography product page.
Best Vlogging Cameras • Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II Review by DPReview TV
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II modernized the legendary GH5 for a new era. It’s not a revolutionary camera by any means; but it's more than capable of executing all of your vlogging needs.
Livestreaming is a major focus for the GH5 Mark II; as is image stabilization. Those two unique benefits are things that’ll excite most vloggers. However, Panasonic has announced that the Lumix GH6 is coming soon. That doesn’t mean it’ll necessarily make purchasing a GH5 Mark II a bad decision, but it is something to consider.
Best Video Camera for Vlogging
Conclusion
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 Mark II is perhaps better suited to vlogging than any other Panasonic camera — but you may want to wait to see the GH6 before purchasing.
Price: $1,697.99
Quality Camera for Vlogging
6. Panasonic Lumix S5
Best Vlogging Cameras • Panasonic Lumix S5
TECH SPECS
- Image sensor: 35mm full-frame (35.6mm x 23.8mm) CMOS sensor
- Video: 4K30FPS at full-frame, 4K60FPS at APS-C image crop
Full technical specifications on Panasonic’s website.
Best Vlogging Cameras • Panasonic Lumix S5 Review by Gerald Undone
The Panasonic Lumix S5 is a professional-grade full-frame mirrorless camera that ticks just about every box for high-end vlogging. That said, there’s one caveat — and it’s rather dissuading for vloggers.
For all of the Lumix S5’s strengths — V-Log, battery, and RAW support to name a few — the brutal truth is that autofocus tracking is hit or miss. Sometimes it’s great. Other times it’s horrible.
This issue has been documented extensively on camera forums and YouTube videos (shoutout Gerald Undone in the video above). But still, camera enthusiasts and vloggers haven’t turned away from the S5; which means two things: some people don’t care that much about AF tracking, and some people prefer the camera’s pros over its major con.
Best High End Vlogging Camera
Conclusion
The Panasonic Lumix S5 may be too expensive to justify the price of purchase for an entry-level vlogging camera — but it’s a great value, especially when packaged with a good kit.
Price: $1,997.99
Action-Wise, Best Camera for YouTube Vlogging
5. GoPro Hero 10
Best Vlogging Cameras • GoPro Hero 10
TECH SPECS
- Photo: 23 megapixels
- Video: 5.3K60, 4K120 +2.7K240 Wide FOV
- Audio: 3.5mm Audio Mic Input with Media Mod for HERO10 Black or Pro 3.5 Mic Adapter (Sold Separately) | RAW Audio Capture (.wav Format)
Full technical specifications on GoPro’s website.
Best Vlogging Cameras • GoPro Hero 10 Vlogging Camera Reviews by DC Rainmaker
GoPros are great cameras for action vloggers — and reviews suggest that the Hero 10 is one of the best iterations in years. The GoPro Hero 10 is pretty versatile with 5.3K at 60FPS to 2.7K at 240FPS. It also features some common-sense improvements including a new hydrophobic lens cover and wired connection capability via USB-c.
The GoPro Hero 10’s display screen is also much improved over the previous generation’s model; video playback at high resolutions is way smoother on the Hero 10 than the Hero 9.
Best Vlogging Camera for Beginners
Conclusion
The GoPro Hero 10 isn’t leaps and bounds better than the (much cheaper) Hero 9, especially considering the 10’s hydrophobic lens is compatible with the 9. Still, display improvements and versatility make this the go-to GoPro for vlogging – just be mindful that there have been reports of overheating.
Price: $599.97
Best Video Camera for Vlogging
4. Fujifilm X-T4
Best Vlogging Cameras • Fujifilm X-T4
TECH SPECS
- Image sensor: 23.5mm x 15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 4 with primary color filter
- Video: 4K60FPS
- 18 film simulation modes
Best Vlogging Cameras • Fujifilm X-T4 Review by The Hybrid Shooter
The Fujifilm X-T4 is basically the X-S10... but bigger and better. Well, maybe better isn’t the right word. How about feature-rich? Does that count as one word? Regardless, the X-T4 has a few features its little brother lacks; namely dual memory slots, weather sealing, better IBIS, and longer battery life.
Many people ask if they should get the X-T4 over the X-S10 – and the answer to that question depends on one thing: money. There’s no doubt about it: the X-T4 is a more feature-rich camera, but it may be excessive for your needs.
Best Camera for Travel Vlogging
Conclusion
The Fujifilm X-T4 is one of the best reviewed APS-C vlogging cameras on the market – but its extraordinary features come at a hefty cost.
Price: $1,699.99
Best Camera for YouTube Vlogging
3. Sony ZV-1
Best Vlogging Cameras • Sony ZV-1
TECH SPECS
- Sensor Size and Maximum Photo Resolution: 1-inch / 20.1 MP
- Maximum Movie Resolution and Frame Rates: 4K / 30p HD / 120p
- Zoom and Lens (35mm equivalent): 2.7x / 24-70mm F1.8-2.8
Full technical specifications on Sony’s website.
Best Vlogging Camera? Sony ZV-1 by Parker Walbeck
The Sony ZV-1 entered the camera market with the goal of bridging the gap between “grab and go” cameras, such as GoPros, and “pack and prepare” cameras, such as heavier mirrorless cameras and DSLRs. And although the ZV-1 isn’t a perfect camera, it more than succeeded in its primary goal.
The strengths of the ZV-1 include a swivel display screen, recording indicator light, auto rack focus for product showcases, and audio capture. Conversely, the camera suffers from a tiny battery; promising just 45 minutes of continuous shooting.
Best Vlogging Camera Cheap; Relatively Speaking
Conclusion
The Sony ZV-1 is an awesome vlogging camera for those who want something more than a travel camera but also don’t want to break the bank. Just be mindful of its short battery life.
Price: $749.99
Best Camera for Travel Vlogging
2. Fujifilm X-S10
Best Vlogging Cameras • Fujifilm X-S10
TECH SPECS
- Image sensor: 23.5mm x 15.6mm (APS-C) X-Trans CMOS 4 with primary color filter
- Video: 4K30FPS, 1080p60FPS
- Image stabilizer (30% lighter than X-T4’s)
Best Vlogging Cameras • Fujifilm X-S10 Review by DPReview TV
Fujifilm largely broke with their vintage/retro aesthetic to deliver the ultra-modern looking X-S10. But despite the camera’s minimalist exterior, it’s still classic Fujfilm.
At a current listed msrp of $999.99, the X-S10 hits a comfortable price point between the ZV-1 and the X-T4. The X-S10 features a lot of the best aspects of Fujifilm cameras, including great color, build quality, and compatibility.
Quality Camera for Vlogging
Conclusion
The Fujifilm X-S10 is a popular camera with vloggers for its in-body image stabilization. Just be mindful that it hits a sweet price point because of its small form factor and small battery.
Price: $999.99
What is the Best Camera for Vlogging?
1. Sony Alpha 7 IV
Best Vlogging Cameras • Sony Alpha 7 IV
TECH SPECS
- Image sensor: 35 mm full frame (35.9 x 23.9 mm), Exmor R CMOS sensor
- Video: 4K60FPS crop
Best Vlogging Cameras • Sony Alpha 7 IV Review by Potato Jet
The Sony Alpha 7 IV was a highly anticipated camera — and I’m happy to report that critics largely lauded it for its high megapixel count, intuitive autofocus, and ergonomics.
Is it overkill for vloggers? Well, maybe. But it’s really, really good.
Sony essentially took all of the shortcomings of previous models, including poor battery life, displays, etc., and improved on them in every way.
Best High End Vlogging Camera
Conclusion
The Sony Alpha 7 IV is a fantastic vlogging camera for those looking for the latest and greatest.
Price: $2,499.99
UP NEXT
How to Choose the Right Lens
Now that we’ve reviewed our picks for the best vlogging cameras, let’s continue on with our primer on how to choose the right lens. Finding the right camera lens can seem like an indomitable task, but fear not, we’re going to show you everything there is to know about camera lenses, from focal lengths to mount compatibility and everything in between. By the end, you’ll know which camera lens makes the most sense for your camera.
Up Next: Understanding Camera Lenses →
Showcase your vision with elegant shot lists and storyboards.
Create robust and customizable shot lists. Upload images to make storyboards and slideshows.
