12 Best Vlogging Cameras: Mirrorless, DSLR, and Action Cameras
Take a look at this list of the 12 best vlogging cameras that include all types of cameras: mirrorless, DSLR, and action cameras!
People always ask us about the travel photography gear we use, and that includes the cameras we use for vlogging.
We also share a list of 10 things we recommend you consider when buying your ideal camera for vlogging.
The cameras in our list have been designed for video content creators! They come with capable image sensors, fast processors, better autofocus, great audio capability, a flip-screen for selfie-mode shooting, and the ability to shoot smooth 4K video among other features!
Yet, even with such pro-grade imaging capabilities, some of these cameras are beginner-friendly and affordable to suit the needs of entry-level vloggers.
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Where Should I Buy a Vlogging Camera?
We get asked this question often. There are two places where we buy our cameras, lenses and other accessories for vlogging: Amazon and B&H Photo.
B&H Photo is our go-to company for buying the high quality cameras, tripods and lenses. They are a reputable company that’s been in business for over 45 years. Their customer service and knowledge about photography equipment gives us peace of mind when spending money on higher ticket items.
Amazon is where we buy most of our camera accessories like filters, memory cards, etc. The free two-day shipping is always a plus. We have bought cameras, lenses and tripods from Amazon with no problem as well. They are good about returns, but won’t be able to answer gear-specific questions.
Camera Gear at B&H Photo
Vlogging Cameras and Accessories
We’ve written quite a few resources to help you find the vlogging camera that is the best for YOU!
How to Find the Best Vlogging Camera
The first step to buying a camera for your vlogging it so know the features that make a vlogging camera GOOD.
Here’s a list of things we recommend you consider when buying your ideal camera for vlogging.
NOTE: All the cameras that we have recommended in this guide perform well in each of these aspects.
1. Low-Light Performance
Find a camera that performs well in low light conditions: night, cloudy or foggy conditions, indoors, shadow areas. A camera with poor low-light performance will reduce its frame rate per second (fps) and the recorded footage might be blurred due to image noise.
2. Sensor Size
The bigger the sensor size, the more light the camera captures, and the better the video quality. Camcorders and action cameras have the smallest sensors while DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have the largest sensors. Compact cameras will fall somewhere in between.
3. Lens Aperture
Find a good quality lens that has a wide aperture. This allows you to capture more light as well as create the blurry background effect you see on many vlogging videos.
4. Optical Image Stabilization
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) helps to minimize the appearance of shake when recording while moving around. Without OIS, the video will be shaky and hard to watch.
TIP: When buying a budget vlogging camera, always look for optical or 5-axis image stabilization.
5. Video and Image Resolution
At the least, a vlogging camera should be able to record 1080p footage at 30fps. For the best video quality we recommend 1080p at up to 60fps! If you’ll also use the camera to capture still photos (for your blog), then you’ll want to consider the megapixels.
6. Audio Quality
Audio is so important! Look for a camera with a decent inbuilt stereo microphone. If you’ll be using an external mic, look for a camera it must have a microphone input for an external mic.
We use and recommend the Rode Wireless Go II!
7. Connectivity
WiFi should be a basic feature of vlogging cameras so you can easily share and transfer files to a mobile/computer device for instant uploading to YouTube and other platforms.
Having NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth and output terminals like HDMI and USB is also a plus.
8. Battery Life
A camera with a good battery life is important! We recommend you ALWAYS have a spare camera battery that’s charged and ready just in case. Recording video drains the camera battery pretty fast so it’s a good rule to always have extra on hand.
9. Weight and Size
A compact and lightweight camera offers portability if you’ll be doing mobile vlogging. One of the best things about most cheap vlogging cameras is their ultra-portable design which makes them great for on-the-go vloggers and travel bloggers.
10. Tripod
A lightweight tripod is another must-have for any vlogger! We LOVE our Peak Design Travel Tripod – check out the video below to see why!
List of Best Vlogging Cameras
Pros
- Great 4k at 24fps or 30 fps
- Sony is known for having a great auto focus
- Easy to add mic and headphones and also works as us a webcam
Cons
- Digital stabilization adds a crop to the video
- Weak battery life so have your backup battery ready
- No 4k60 and only does 1080p for slow motion
Pros
- Great size for vloggers and the build quality is great
- Screen moves to the side for you can see yourself and great picture quality for thumbnails
- 4k 60p with great auto focus
Cons
- The EVF leaves a lot to be desired
- Small buffer
- Dual card slots but only one is UHS-II
- Only five frames per second in continuous focus
Pros
- 24.2 megapixels image quality
- Camera shoots 6k plenty of other quality resolutions
- Great low light performance
- Awesome battery life
Cons
- Physical controls are a bit limited
- Memory card slot only goes up to UHS-1
Pros
- Lightweight and swing out LCD screen
- Supports vertical video recording
- Eye auto focus for videos and stills
Cons
- Cropped 4k video - if 4k video is a must, this camera isn't for you
- Battery life isn't the best and you can't charge with USB
Pros
- 4k 60fps and excellent performance
- 15fps mechanical shutter
- Great 100hz oled view finder
- Pro grade dust and splash protected
Cons
- Price
- Auto focus isn't the best
- It's a large body
Pros
- Awesome image quality for thumbnails
- 4k60p with great low light performance with great auto focus
- Display that come out to the side so you can see what your filming
- 2h of 4k video
- Dust and weather sealed
Cons
- Image quality not class-leading
- Area AF mode not as quick in video mode
Pros
- Lightweight
- Option to add a mic
- Good weather seal
- Great auto focus and a good 32.5 sensor
Cons
- Image stabilization only works in video
- 4k is a little muted compared to his peers
- The lowest frame rate is 24p
Pro
- Light and compact
- 4k video and good quality image
- Easy to use and large buttons
Cons
- Optical view finder isn't the best
- Flash might not go up automatically
- Limited af points
Pros
- 4k with a mic input
- 1 inch sensor
Cons
- lcd screen tilts up so can be hard if you plan on having a mic
- 4k is not available in all modes
Pros
- compact and stylish
- 4k 30fps and 1080 at 120fps
- Good sensor and auto focus
Cons
- Tilt up screen
- Expensive
Pros
- nice for beginners
- 4k 60fps
- cheaper than other cameras
Cons
- lower quality
- fixed focal and aperture
- small display
Pros
- rugged and waterproof
- 5.3k and 4k 120fps with great stabilization
- easy transfer to your phone or laptop
Cons
- short battery life
- not the best at low light
- has a small sensor