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Best Vlogging Cameras

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Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
GoPro HERO12 Black Waterproof Action Camera
GoPro
HERO12 Black Waterproof Action Camera
Most Comprehensive

Whether taking action photography or posting videos on YouTube, this is a top-of-the-line camera that offers everything vloggers need.

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Most Comprehensive
Bottom Line

Whether taking action photography or posting videos on YouTube, this is a top-of-the-line camera that offers everything vloggers need.

Pros

Offers 4K resolution and HDR video for outstanding image quality. Durable, waterproof construction can withstand challenging conditions. The brand's HyperSmooth 6.0 stabilization ensures you get smooth images in action-packed conditions.

Cons

Some owners report charging issues and limited battery life.

Best Bang for the Buck
Logitech C922x Pro Stream Webcam
Logitech
C922x Pro Stream Webcam
Best for Everyday Use

Two microphones capture realistic audio, and this webcam’s autofocus keeps you looking sharp.

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Best for Everyday Use
Bottom Line

Two microphones capture realistic audio, and this webcam’s autofocus keeps you looking sharp.

Pros

Designed with live streamers in mind, this webcam delivers HD 1080p video at 30 fps, as well as 720p video at 60 fps. It has a universal mounting clip. Use the brand’s Personify background technology to replace your bookshelf or wall with any image.

Cons

Buyers struggle to get Windows to recognize this camera’s output as 1080p.

DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging Camera
DJI
Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging Camera
Portable Convenience

If you are looking for a vlogging camera that stands out in terms of portability, this is the one to buy.

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Portable Convenience
Bottom Line

If you are looking for a vlogging camera that stands out in terms of portability, this is the one to buy.

Pros

Small design makes it easy to take on adventures. Produces sharp images with outstanding details thanks to the 4K resolution. Offers three-axis stabilization for smooth videos and photography. Great for beginners and for posting to YouTube.

Cons

Setup can be confusing. The app works better with iOS than with Android.

Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera
Sony
ZV-1 Digital Camera
Simple Yet Solid

This Sony camera is easy to use, making it ideal for beginners who want a simple model for vlogging.

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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This Sony camera is easy to use, making it ideal for beginners who want a simple model for vlogging.

Pros

Features a classic design that's compact and easy to take on the go. The 4K resolution creates clear photography and immersive videos. Flip-out screen on the side is adjustable for photographing at various angles. Suitable for YouTube vloggers.

Cons

Not ideal for low-light photography. Some longevity concerns noted.

Panasonic Lumix G7 4K Digital Camera
Panasonic
Lumix G7 4K Digital Camera
Affordable Quality

A value vlogging camera with full 4K capability and an advanced LCD screen.

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Affordable Quality
Bottom Line

A value vlogging camera with full 4K capability and an advanced LCD screen.

Pros

The touch-enabled rotating LCD screen makes it easy to vlog on the go or take selfies with accurate framing. Can record in full 4K resolution. Wireless file-sharing downloads easily transfer to a nearby device.

Cons

Recording in 4K resolution will quickly fill up most SD cards, requiring extra cards for longer vlogs.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

First Reviewed
August 19, 2021
32
Models
considered
8
Hours
researched
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Buying guide for Best vlogging cameras

Kyle Schurman
Written by Kyle Schurman

Updated February 2024

If you want to take your written blog to the next level, consider video blogging, or vlogging. With vlogging, you can give your fans a whole new perspective on your message.

To make the most of your video blog, you need a high-quality camera that’s easy to use. Although any digital camera or smartphone camera can shoot vlog-worthy video, vlogging cameras have specific features that simplify the process.

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When shopping for a great vlogging camera that will deliver the best video quality, look for one that can record 4K video.

Can't my phone do this?

Though modern smartphones have high-tech cameras, the video and audio quality is always better on a vlogging camera, as these are optimized specifically for taking video. Vlogging is more professional than everyday video capturing and therefore requires higher-grade equipment to achieve a professional-looking product.

Furthermore, vlogging cameras have features like optical image stabilization and large image sensors, plus you have the option to add an external microphone to capture sound farther away from the camera. If you really want to produce a well-made and high quality video, a phone camera won’t cut it.

Important vlogging camera features

As you study these cameras, you might be a little surprised to learn that many digital cameras also work well as vlogging cameras. In fact, you may already be using a digital camera for your videos. However, there are a few features that set the best vlogging cameras apart from the competition, features that can make your video easier to shoot and your channel really stand out.

Audio recording: A vlogging camera has a simple microphone built into the case, so you can easily record audio when you’re near the camera. Look for a model that has a port for plugging in an external microphone for those times when you’re standing far away from the camera.

Image sensor size: A large image sensor gives you better results when shooting in low light. Find a camera with an image sensor of at least one inch for the best results.

LCD screen: You’ll have an easier time recording video if you have a camera with a swivel LCD screen. The swivel screen can be flipped 180° so you can see it while you’re recording. This makes it possible for you to frame the shot properly at all times. Having a touchscreen is helpful, too.

Travel vlogging: If you’ll be vlogging while away from home, you’ll want a small camera that’s easy to carry. You might want a zoom lens, too, so you can shoot objects in the distance. Additionally, optical image stabilisation counteracts any vibrations while you're walking and recording at the same time.

Action vlogging: If you’re planning to vlog your experiences in action, from biking to snorkeling, a typical vlogging camera won’t do the job. Action cameras allow you to capture footage in even the most rugged conditions. These can mount to your gear to show first-person views, or you can hold them in order you to video yourself; overall, they’re able to get whatever shot you need.

Understanding video resolution

When looking for the best camera to capture footage for your video blog, it’s important to understand your video resolution options. Most cameras can shoot more than one by simply adjusting the camera settings. This feature can be helpful when you need to conserve storage space on a memory card, which is accomplished by shooting at a lower resolution.

4K video: A 4K resolution camera provides extremely sharp video quality with a recording resolution of 3840x2160 (otherwise known as 4K). Among vlogging cameras, 4K usually is the maximum video resolution you’ll find. Occasionally, a vlogging camera can shoot better than 4K resolution. However, because most display screens are limited to 4K, higher resolution isn’t really necessary at this time.

One downside to 4K video is it requires quite a bit of storage space. You might need multiple memory cards on hand if you plan to shoot a lot of 4K video.

Quad HD video: Some vlogging cameras give you the option of recording in Quad HD (or QHD) video resolution, which records 2560 x 1440 pixels (or 1440p).

Not a lot of display screens can show 1440p video at its native resolution, usually downscaling it to full HD, so it’s more common for vloggers to shoot at 4K or full high definition (full HD) rather than QHD.

Full HD video: Vloggers often record full HD video, which has a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels (or 1080p). It provides excellent video quality while occupying roughly one-quarter of the storage space of 4K video. Older or less expensive cameras are often limited to full HD resolution or less. You will need a relatively new or more expensive camera to achieve 4K resolution.

HD video: HD video measures 1280 x 720 pixels (720p). It requires about one-half the storage space of full HD video. When viewing 720p HD video on a smaller screen, such as a computer display, tablet, or smartphone, it appears sharp.

SD video: Standard definition video (SD) records 640 x 480 pixels at a 4:3 aspect ratio. Although modern television rarely uses SD video, it’s still used in Internet video because it loads very quickly. However, it doesn’t have the overall quality of full HD, QHD, or 4K resolution video.

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Expert Tip
The weight of your camera will be an important consideration if you shoot in different locations.
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Vlogging camera prices

Inexpensive

You can find basic vlogging cameras for less than $200, perhaps even as low as $100. These cameras usually have optical image stabilization, and they’re lightweight for use on the go, but they won’t offer many other features to simplify the process, such as swivel display screens. Many of these won’t be able to record full HD video. They have small image sensors, too, so they struggle with recording in low-light conditions.

Mid-range

These vlogging cameras cost from $200 to $400. In this price range, you might be able to find a camera with one or two high-end features, but it’s rare to find one with three or more. They can shoot full HD video, and some may shoot at QHD or 4K, too. You can also sometimes find a swivel LCD with a touchscreen in this price range. Some of these cameras have large image sensors, making them good choices for shooting in low light.

Expensive

Cameras that provide several desirable features for vlogging cost at least $400, and can be as high as $2,000. In this price range, nearly every camera has a large image sensor and excels in low-light situations. Nearly all of these cameras have microphone ports and can shoot 4K video. However, you might have to shop around to find one that has a swivel LCD screen.

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If you always vlog from one location, use a tripod to hold your camera in place at the desired angle.

FAQ

Q. Can I use my vlogging camera for everyday photography, too?

A. Yes, although some will be better at video recording than still image photography. If taking still images is important to you, shop around to find a vlogging camera that excels in both areas.

Q. How can I avoid a shaky image?

A. Modern digital cameras usually have optical image stabilization built in (sometimes shortened to optical IS). This feature automatically adjusts the position of the camera’s internal components to compensate for tiny movements as you hold the camera. Optical IS doesn’t overcome huge bobbles, but it works well for tiny tremors. Always look for a camera with optical IS rather than digital IS, which isn’t as effective.

Q. What is the best vlogging camera when shooting in dark conditions?

A. A large image sensor (in terms of physical size) will give you the best results in low light. Large image sensors include one-inch sensors, 4/3 sensors, APS-C sensors, and full-frame sensors. Look in the camera’s specifications to find the image sensor size.

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