Top 10 Best Vlogging Cameras for Beginners

Are you looking for the best vlogging cameras for beginners to add to your travel photography gear list? You’re in the right place!

With a decent budget camera, you can shoot impressive videos for YouTube.

The cameras on our list feature easy-to-use controls and auto modes since they are designed to work in the hands of beginners.

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Cameras, Tripods and Accessories for Vlogging

Before we get to the 10 best budget cameras for vlogging, check out this list of other vlogging camera we recommend:

• Best Budget Vlogging Cameras
• Cheap Vlogging Cameras
• Best Vlogging Cameras
• Cameras for YouTube
• Best Lightweight Travel Tripods
• Gift Guide for Vloggers

Best Vlogging Cameras for Beginners at a Glance

Camera	Type	Max Video Resolution	LCD Screen	Connectivity	Record Limit	Price
Sony ZV-1	Compact	4K, 30fps	3.0” Flip-Out Touchscreen	3.5mm Mic, HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi	Unlimited	Amazon | B&H Photo
Canon G7X Mark III	Compact	4K, 30fps	3.0” Flip-Up Touchscreen LCD	3.5mm Mic, Bluetooth, WiFi, HDMI, USB	10 minutes in 4K, 30 minutes in Full HD	Amazon | B&H Photo
Canon 50M Mark II	Mirrorless	4K, 24fps	3.0” Flip-Out Touchscreen LCD	3,5mm Mic, HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi with NFC	29 minutes, 59 seconds	Amazon | B&H Photo
Canon G7X Mark II	Compact	1080p, 60fps	3.0” Flip-Up Touchscreen	WiFi with NFC, HDMI	29 minutes, 59 seconds	Amazon | B&H Photo
Canon EOS Rebel T8i (850D)	DSLR	4K, 24fps	3.0” Articulating Touchscreen LCD	3.5mm Mic, USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, WiFi	29 minutes, 59 seconds	Amazon | B&H Photo
Sony a6000	Mirrorless	1080p, 60fps	3.0” Flip-Up Touchscreen LCD	WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, micro-HDMI, micro-USB	29 minutes, 59 seconds	Amazon | B&H Photo
Canon VIXIA HF R800	Camcorder	1080p, 60fps	3.0” Touchscreen LCD Flipscreen	HDMI, USB	Up to 2 hours in 1080p at 35 Mb/s	Amazon | B&H Photo
AKASO EK7000	Action	4K, 25 fps	2.0″ Flixed LCD	WiFi, HDMI	Up to 90 minutes in 4K, 25 fps	Amazon
Olympus TG-6	Compact	4K, 30fps	3.0” Fixed LCD	GPS, WiFi, HDMI, USB	29 minutes	Amazon | B&H Photo
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80	Compact	1080p, 60fps	3.0” Flip-Up LCD	WiFi, NFC, HDMI, USB	29 minutes	Amazon | B&H Photo

Top 10 Best Vlogging Cameras for Beginners

Here’s our list of the best vlogging cameras for beginners with a list of features, pros, cons, and our thoughts about each one.

#1 – Overall Best Vlogging Camera for Beginners

Sony ZV-1

The Sony ZV-1 and the Canon G7X Mark III have stood the test of time to prove they are two of the best vlogging cameras for beginners.

They both feature easy-to-use controls and come in compact, lightweight designs. And despite being relatively affordable point-and-shoot cameras, they produce excellent quality videos.

These features make them an amazing choice for anyone who is new to shooting YouTube videos. Yet, the Sony ZV-1 seems to have the upper hand in a head-to-head comparison between two!

Sony ZV-1 Key Specs:

• Type: Compact, Point-and-Shoot
• Sensor: 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
• Screen: 3.0″ Flip-Out Touchscreen LCD
• Image Stabilization: Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization
• Zoom: 24-70mm Equivalent Range
• Video: UHD 4K up to 30fps, 1080p up to 120fps
• Record Limit: Unlimited
• Connectivity: 3.5mm Mic, HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and WiFi
• Battery Life: 260 Shots
• Weight: 294 g (Body with Battery and Memory)

The Sony ZV-1 was designed with vloggers and video content creators in mind. That explains why it packs most of the useful features that any YouTuber would need for a seamless vlogging experience.

Among these features is the flip-out touchscreen, which is one of the most essential things that any vlogger would want in a camera!

ZV-1 also comes with an amazing built-in microphone which complements the flip-out screen for a perfect front-facing recording. And with the 3.5mm mic jack, you can plug an external mic for an even better audio quality.

With this camera, you get unlimited video recording. But just so you, the battery tends to run out after about 1 hour of shooting at 1080p. That’s why we recommend packing extra batteries or a power bank for a smooth experience!

TIP: ZV-1 can be charged with the USB while in use!

What we like most about Sony ZV-1 is its excellent image quality! It records gorgeous image colors right out of the box. The skin tone looks really good. You don’t need to edit your videos to enhance the colors.

Pros:

• A flip-out screen that allows you to see yourself while vlogging.
• Inbuilt image stabilization to suit handheld shooting in low-light.
• Bluetooth and WiFi for easy file transfer to mobile devices for social network sharing and cloud storage.
• Sony provides a wind protector that comes in handy when shooting outside where you may need to block the wind.
• Offers a dedicated HFR mode that boosts the frame rate to a whopping 960fps. 
• Superfast on-sensor phase-detection autofocus system with real-time eye AF.
• Built-in ND filter that benefits shooting in bright lighting conditions.
• A Defocus button that automatically turns the aperture to the maximum such that to isolate/expose your face with bokeh and shallow depth of field.

Cons:

• A subpar battery life, but this can be easily taken care of with extra batteries, a power bank, or charging while shooting. 

The Sony ZV-1 is speedy and incredibly reliable when in the hands of a vlogger. Its easy-to-use controls and nice ergonomics make it a perfect choice for beginners to enthusiast video content creators.

FIND THIS CAMERA AT → Amazon | B&H Photo

#2 – Best Camera for Beginner YouTubers

Canon G7X Mark III

Like the Sony ZV-1 , the Canon G7X Mark III is one of the most popular cameras for vlogging. That might explain why some popular YouTubers, especially influencers and lifestyle vloggers, still use it to create their content.

The G7X Mark III packs most of the essential features of the best vlogging camera for beginners in a lightweight, compact body. You can take it with you just about anywhere since it’s small enough to fit in the pocket or a small purse.

Canon G7X Mark III Key Specs:

• Type: Compact, Point-and-Shoot
• Sensor: 20.2MP 1″ Stacked CMOS Sensor
• Screen: 3.0″ 180° Flip-Up touchscreen LCD
• Image Stabilization: Optical
• Zoom: 24-100mm Equivalent Range
• Video: UHD 4K up to 30fps, Full HD 1080p up to 120fps
• Record Limit: 10 Minutes in 4K, 30 Minutes in Full HD
• Connectivity: 3.5mm mic, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB
• Battery Life: 320 Shots
• Weight: 304 g (Body with Battery and Memory)

The flip-up screen is among the top features that make the Canon G7X Mark III be a YouTube vloggers favorite camera. This design perfectly suits front-facing vlogging and selfie shooting needs!

The camera features a large 20.1MP 1″ stacked CMOS sensor that pairs with a speedy DIGIC 8 image processor to deliver impressive 4K30p video. And it can shoot 1080p footage at up to 120fps!

Just like the Sony ZV-1, you can use this camera while charging via the USB port. You have the option of charging it from a computer or a power bank or by plugging it into a power outlet. 

TIP: If you travel a lot in your vlogging, we always recommend packing extra batteries or a power bank.

The GX7 Mark III features a built-in omnidirectional microphone. It picks sound from all directions, including the background noise. But you can get away with this mic if you’re doing a sit-down vlog indoor.

But if you want to make your vlogs in restaurants, parties, or places where you’ll talk to people, we recommend getting an external mic. The Canon G7X Mark III gives you an option to plug an external microphone via the 3.5mm mic jack. Most of the established vloggers use the Rode VideoMicro mic with the UURig R016 L-Plate Cold Shoe Mount for Canon G7X Mark III. Both are small and lightweight to complement the sleek design of the G7X Mark III.

Pros:

• A sleek, lightweight, and pocketable design to complement the lifestyle of on-the-go vloggers and influencers. 
• The body is well-constructed with a super comfortable grip, especially if you have a small hand. 
• The flip-up screen makes it a perfect camera for vloggers. 
• Impressive image stabilization even when shooting in 4K.

Cons:

• Compared to the Sony ZV-1, the built-in microphone offers a subpar performance when filming in windy or noisy areas.
• Canon would have offered unlimited recording, instead of the 30 minutes limit!

If you shoot your vlogs in noisy, crowded settings, then we recommend the Canon G7X Mark III over the Sony ZV-1. Why? Because the flip-up screen design of the 7X Mark III gives you the room to hook up an external mic without overlapping the screen, which is an issue with the Sony ZV-1!

FIND THIS CAMERA AT → Amazon | B&H Photo

#3 – Best Beginner-Friendly Mirrorless Camera for Vlogging

Canon 50M Mark II

When it comes to the best vlogging cameras for beginners, we often recommend point-and-shoot cameras, since they are easy-to-use, affordable, compact, and lightweight.

You don’t want to start your vlogging journey while also trying to learn how to work with interchangeable lenses and other camera accessories. Your initial goal is to create great quality vlogs that offer value to your audience. 

Maybe that might explain why Canon designed the M50 and later made a little Eye Detection autofocus upgrade on the 50M Mark II . It’s super-easy to use and you can easily get around it, even if you’re new to mirrorless cameras.

Canon M50 Mark II Key Specs:

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• Screen: 3.0″ Flip-Out Touchscreen LCD
• Image Stabilization: 5-Axis Image Stabilization
• Zoom: Depends on the Lens in Use
• Video: UHD 4K at 24fps, Full HD 1080p at 60fps, and HD 720p at 120fps
• Record Limit: 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds 
• Connectivity: 3.5mm Mic, HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, WiFi with NFC
• Battery Life: 305 Shots
• Weight: 387 g (Body with Battery and Memory, But Without the Lens)

At first glance, the Canon 50M Mark II looks like an average mirrorless camera. But it’s actually one of the best all-around vlogging cameras that a beginner can get their hands on! 

Canon designed this camera mainly for vlogging. It features a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor that pairs with a DIGIC 8 Image Processor to deliver impressively clear video footage and stills. 

The M50 Mark II also has a flip-out touchscreen, which an essential for front-facing vlogging. It shoots UHD 4K at 24fps, Full HD 1080p at 60fps, and HD 720p at 120fps, which is quite useful for slow-motion. 

Our favorite feature with this camera is the improved Sensor-based Dual Pixel CMOS AF that offers speedy focusing and refined Eye Detection AF performance. This autofocus can detect the eyes even when the subject is further away. TIP: The M50 Mark II offers a way to attach an external microphone. This feature makes it a super cool vlogging camera for those who want to film in noisy, crowded places like parties, events, overcrowded waiting lobbies (travel), and so on.

Pros:

• Affordable, super-easy to use, lightweight, and compact which is perfect for beginners. 
• An integrated 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder that permits bright, clear eye-level monitoring. 
• A built-in pop-up flash that offers extra illumination when working in low-light. 
• A good number of connectivity options for quick file sharing and transfer.
• Despite its affordable price point, the camera features a built-in 5-axis digital image stabilization that benefits hand-held vlogging. 
• It offers both live streaming and webcam functionalities, these are super useful for vloggers and influencers. 

Cons:

• A subpar battery life. But you can always pack extra batteries or a power bank. 

The Canon 50M Mark II would suit beginner vloggers who want an affordable, compact camera but with the ability to use interchangeable lenses. We recommend getting it as a complete vlogging kit with the 15-45mm lens.

FIND THIS CAMERA AT → Amazon | B&H Photo

#4 – Best Camera for Beginner Beauty Vloggers

Canon G7X Mark II

The Canon G7X Mark II is the older version of the G7X Mark III. Both the two models are almost similar with the main difference being the faster processor of the newer model. 

Yet, as a beginner vlogger, you can still shoot impressive content for YouTube and other platforms with the G7X Mark II. It was actually the YouTubers’ favorite vlogging camera before the G7X Mark III and Sony ZV-1 came out.

Canon G7X Mark II Key Specs:

• Type: Compact, Point-and-Shoot
• Sensor: 20.1MP 1″ CMOS Sensor
• Screen: 3.0″ Flip-Up Touchscreen LCD
• Image Stabilization: Intelligent IS Image Stabilization
• Zoom: 24-100mm Equivalent Range
• Video: 1080p up to 60fps
• Record Limit: 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds 
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi with NFC, HDMI, USB
• Battery Life: 265 Shots
• Weight: 320 g (Body with Battery and Memory)

The Canon G7X Mark II packs all the essential vlogging features that you get with the newer GX7 Mark III. However, the Mark II doesn’t shoot in 4K and also lacks an external microphone input port. 

So, why do we recommend it to makeup and beauty vloggers? Well, most of your followers and YouTuber traffic will view the content from their phones. In most cases, in 720p and 1080p. Therefore, you don’t really need 4K.

Furthermore, the Canon G7X Mark II is arguably the most used camera for lifestyle, beauty, and makeup vlogging. Some popular YouTubers and vloggers still use it, but others have upgraded to the Mark III and the Sony ZV-1.

The audio quality of the G7X Mark II is good when shooting your vlogs indoors. But that can’t be said when vlogging in the windy or noisy outdoors. But as a beauty vlogger, you will mostly use the camera indoors, so this isn’t a big issue!

Pros:

• Affordable, compact, and lightweight.
• An ergonomic design with a comfortable grip.
• The flip-up screen is perfect for vlogging.
• It also captures amazing shots, which could be useful for your Instagram and Facebook. 

Cons:

• Doesn’t shoot in 4K.
• Doesn’t have an external mic port. 

The Canon G7X Mark II is sleek, lightweight, and pocketable. You can go with it just about anywhere! It perfectly complements your lifestyle if you travel a lot and you’re looking to start beauty and makeup vlogging.

FIND THIS CAMERA AT → Amazon | B&H Photo

#5 Best Beginner-Friendly DSLR Camera for Vlogging

Canon EOS Rebel T8i

At times, a beginner-friendly DSLR might be all that you need to create good-quality vlogging content. The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is such a capable DSLR that shoots 4K24p videos. 

Canon EOS Rebel T8i Key Specs:

• Type: DSLR
• Sensor: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• Screen: 3” Articulating Touchscreen LCD  
• Image Stabilization: 5-Axis (Video Only)
• Zoom: Depends on the Lens in Use
• Video: 4K/24fps, 1080p/60fps  
• Record Limit: 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds 
• Connectivity: 3.5mm Mic, USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, WiFi
• Battery Life: 1240 Shots
• Weight: 515 g (Body with Battery and Memory, But Without the Lens)

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is a solid entry-level DSLR for beginners. It’s perfect for vloggers who are just starting out or upgrading from a smartphone. It features a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor that pairs with a super-fast DIGIC 8 image processor.

The processor pairs with the superfast processor to deliver impressive video and stills with low noise, even in low lighting conditions.

When recording your vlogging content or shooting in live view, you will benefit from the Dual Pixel CMOS AF system. It offers smooth and fast focusing performance with accurate subject tracking. 

We recommend pairing it with the 18-55mm kit lens that provides a 28.8-88mm equivalent focal length range. The lens features optical image stabilization that minimizes the appearance of camera shakes during handheld shooting.

Pros:

• An affordably priced, beginner-friendly DSLR.
• A flip-out, articulating touchscreen that’s perfect for front-facing vlogs.
• The Movie Servo AF mode offers a smooth, natural focusing when changing from different subjects within a scene.
• Great battery life for DSLR of its price range!

Cons:

• The Dual Pixel AF doesn’t work in 4K. 

The Canon EOS Rebel T8i is a capable, entry-level DSLR that will perfectly suit your vlogging needs. The articulating screen, 4K video recording, speedy autofocus, and excellent battery life make it one of the best vlogging cameras for beginners.

FIND THIS CAMERA AT → Amazon | B&H Photo

#6 – Best Mirrorless Vlogging Camera for Beginners

Sony a6000

Most beginner vloggers want a compact camera that offers the versatility of shooting pro-level videos in different situations. And a mirrorless camera that adopts a compact and lightweight design like the Sony a6000 might be a perfect choice!

Sony Alpha a6000 Key Specs:

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: 24.3MP APS-C Exmor HD CMOS Sensor
• Screen: 3-inch Flip-Up Touchscreen LCD 
• Image Stabilization: None 
• Zoom: Depends on the Lens 
• Video: 1080p up to 60 fps 
• Record Limit: 29 minutes 
• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, Micro-HDMI, Micro-USB 
• Battery Life: 400 shots 
• Weight: 283 g (Without a Lens)

The Sony a6000 is a portable, entry-level mirrorless camera that finds a place in this list due to its affordable price, ease of use, and flip-up touchscreen. 

It pairs a 24.3MP APS-C-sized Exmor HD CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor which allows it to record 1080p video footage at up to 60fps. It can also shoot vibrant, print-quality stills!

To complement the imaging capabilities, it features a fast Hybrid AF system that delivers quick, accurate, and consistent focusing. This autofocus is especially useful for on-the-go vlogging where the subjects keep changing!

The a6000 also features built-in WiFi connectivity with NFC. You can link it with mobile devices for image live viewing, file sharing, and remote camera control.

Pros:

• A compact and lightweight design that offers portability.
• Captures some of the best night shots for a mirrorless camera of its budget.
• Shoots both JPEG and RAW.
• A decent inbuilt stereo mic.

Cons:

• Lacks a camera in-body image stabilization.
• Lacks an external mic jack.

The Sony a6000 is a perfect fit for beginner travel and lifestyle vloggers who want to capture the best possible shots but don’t want to carry a bulky DSLR. When paired with the 16-50mm lens, it still keeps its portable design and will perfectly fit inside a small purse!

FIND THIS CAMEA AT → Amazon | B&H Photo

#7 – Best Vlogging Camcorder for Beginners

Canon VIXIA HF R800

The Canon VIXIA HF R800 is the perfect camcorder for beginner vloggers. It features a lightweight and portable design to complement the lifestyle of on-the-go vloggers. 

Canon VIXIA HF R800 Key Specs:

• Type: Camcorder
• Sensor: 3.28 MP 1-Chip 1/4.85″ CMOS 
• Screen: 3” Touchscreen LCD Flip Screen 
• Image Stabilization: SuperRange Optical
• Zoom: 32x Optical, 57x Advanced (Optical) 
• Video: 1080p up to 60fps 
• Record Limit: Up to 2 hours when recording in 1080p at 35Mb/s 
• Connectivity: Mini-HDMI (Type C) and USB 2.0 Mini-AB output 
• Battery Life: 3 hours 
• Weight: 305 g (including battery, memory card, and grip belt)

The Canon VIXIA HF R800 can make a great cheap vlogging camera for entry-level YouTubers. Thanks to the flip-screen and the 3.28MP CMOS Image Sensor that pairs with a capable DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor.

These features allow it to deliver Full HD video recording with natural color even in dimly lit conditions. The sensor has been designed with an on-chip noise reduction technology that enhances the image and footage clarity in every frame. 

Our favorite feature in this camera is its powerful 57x Advanced (Optical) Zoom that provides for a seamless long-range shooting experience. It’s a terrific feature to have as a beginner, especially if you’re into fast-paced sports vlogging.

Pros:

• An affordable and easy-to-use camcorder with a touchscreen LCD flip-out screen.
• Captures vivid, noise-free videos and photos, even in dark situations.
• SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer that quickly corrects camera shakes across the zoom range.
• Records slow-motion at 0.5x and fast-motion at top speeds of up to 1200x.
• A mic input and headphone jack terminals.

Cons:

• Lacks wireless (WiFI, NFC, Bluetooth) connectivity.
• A poor quality inbuilt mic.
• Doesn’t shoot in RAW.

The Canon VIXIA HF R800 is compact and lightweight. It has been equipped with a high capacity 2760 mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery and supports super-high capacity SDXC cards of up to 2048 GB. These features allow it to earn a place among the best vlogging cameras for beginners.

FIND THIS CAMERA AT → Amazon | B&H Photo

#8 – Best Budget Underwater Vlogging Camera for Beginners

AKASO EK7000

The AKASO EK700 is a terrific camera for beginner vloggers. It’s an inexpensive action camera that looks and works almost like a GoPro. 

AKASO EK700 Key Specs:

• Type: Action
• Resolution: 12 Megapixels 
• Screen: 2.0-inch Fixed LCD 
• Image Stabilization: None 
• Zoom: None 
• Video: 4K/25 fps 
• Record Limit: About 90 minutes (depends on battery charge) 
• Connectivity: WiFi and HDMI 
• Battery Life: Records up to 90 minutes of 4K/25fps footage per charge 
• Weight: 59.5 g (with battery)

The AKASO EK700 does almost everything a GoPro can do. That includes 4K video recording, time-lapse, still photos, and burst mode. In fact, the photos and videos look almost similar to the ones captured by GoPro. And it has inbuilt WiFi!

From the camera design to the packaging material, this is clearly a GoPro imitation. Just like GoPro, the EK7000 comes with waterproof housing that is rated down to 30 meters (100 feet). The mounting system is also the same!

The great thing about this camera is its much simpler controls. It shoots 4K footage at up to 25fps, 1080p at up to 60fps, and 720p at up to 120fps for slow-motion playback. It takes images of up to 12MP that measure 4608×2592 pixels. NOTE: The EK7000 only has one field of view of 170 degrees, which isn’t as wide as that of a GoPro!

Other photo sizes that you can capture with the camera include 8MP, 5MP, and 4MP wide that measure 3760×2120, 2976×1672, and 2648×1504. The only drawback of this action camera is the lack of in-camera image stabilization capabilities. 

Pros:

• An affordable and worthy GoPro alternative with simpler controls.
• Two 1050mAh batteries and a dual dock charger included.
• Connects to iOS and Android devices with the iSmart DV app. 
• A micro-USB port for charging (USB cable included) and a micro-HDMI port for file transfer.
• The package includes a small 2.4GHz wireless remote control, clips, small mounts, straps, and tethers to help you get started.

Cons:

• Only takes 3 photos in 1.5 seconds in burst mode.
• Lacks a touchscreen.
• Audio mutes when using the waterproof housing.

If you’re looking for a cheaply priced GoPro alternative, then you have all the reasons to get the AKASO EK700 . But with a few extra bucks, you can get the AKASO EK7000 Pro that comes with an in-camera EIS, adjustable view angle, and a touchscreen display.

FIND THIS CAMERA AT → Amazon

#9 – Best Extreme Adventure Vlogging Camera for Beginners

Olympus TG-6

If you’re into extreme adventure, then you want to get a rugged camera that can withstand such harsh conditions. The Olympus TG-6 is a perfect vlogging camera for extreme outdoor activities like mountain climbing and off-road biking.  

Olympus TG-6 Key Specs:

• Type: Compact, Point-and-Shoot
• Sensor: 12MP BSI CMOS Sensor
• Screen: 3.0″ Fixed LCD
• Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift 
• Zoom: 4x Optical 
• Video: 4K/30fps, 1080p/120fps
• Record Limit: 29 minutes 
• Connectivity: GPS, WiFi, HDMI, USB 
• Battery Life: 340 Shots 
• Weight: 253 g  (with Battery and Memory)

The Olympus TG-6 is such a rugged camera that records 4K Ultra HD footage at up to 30 fps and captures impressive 12MP stills. It pairs a 12MP BSI CMOS sensor and a TruePic VIII image processor to deliver its apt imaging capabilities even in low-light situations. 

This camera features a tough and durable design to withstand harsh conditions. It is dustproof-rated to IP6X, freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14°F/-10°C, and shockproof for falls from 2.1 meters (7 feet). And its crushproof rating that can withstand up to 220 lbf/100 kgf of pressure!

If your idea of extreme fun has to deal with some underwater sports like scuba diving and snorkeling, then the TG-5 is worth a look due to its waterproof rating of up to IPX8 for use underwater to depths of up to 15 meters (50 feet).

Pros:

• An affordable, lightweight, and rugged camera for adventure vlogging.
• A versatile 4x optical zoom lens with f/2 maximum aperture to benefit working in low-light situations.
• Inbuilt GPS, manometer, thermometer, and compass.
• A fast 20 fps continuous shooting.
• A high-speed Full HD 1080p at 120 fps for slow-motion playback.

Cons:

• Lacks a touchscreen.
• The menu structure can be a bit confusing.

The Olympus TG-6 checks all the boxes of an ideal adventure camera for beginner vloggers. Its build quality is sturdy and virtually indestructible, while its imaging capabilities allow it to stand out as one of the best budget vlogging cameras out there.

FIND THIS CAMERA AT → Amazon | B&H Photo

#10 – Best Cheap Vlogging Camera with Flip-Screen for Beginners

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80

Budget point-and-shoot cameras often lack a flip-screen, which is quite a useful feature for most vloggers. So, when you find an affordably-priced compact camera like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 with this feature, then it is such a worthy bargain!

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 Specs:

• Type: Compact, Point-and-Shoot
• Sensor: 18.2 MP 1/2.3″ Exmor R CMOS 
• Screen: 3-inch Flip-Up LCD 
• Image Stabilization: Optical (5-Axis) 
• Zoom: 30x Optical 
• Video: 1080p/60fps 
• Record Limit: 29 minutes
• Connectivity: WiFi, NFC, HDMI, USB 
• Battery Life: 360 Shots Weight: 245 g (including battery)

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 is the answer to anyone looking for a cheap, compact vlogging camera with a flip-screen. It features an 18.2MP BSI Exmor R CMOS Sensor that pairs with a fast BIONZ X Image Processor.

These features allow it to capture smooth, vivid images with reduced noise, even in low-light situations. And in addition to the sensor and processor combination, it’s also equipped with a 30x Optical Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. 

The lens covers a 24-720mm equivalent focal length range that allows it to capture wide-angle to super-telephoto perspective. Complementing the lens is a 5-axis Optical SteadyShot image stabilization that minimizes camera shakes. 

Our favorite feature is the 180° flip-up 3.0-inch 921k-dot LCD monitor that facilitates taking front-facing vlogging and working from low angles. 

Alternatively, you can consider shooting through the unique pop-up 638k-dot OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder. The viewfinder is pocketable to maintain the camera’s sleek form factor!

Pros:

• A lightweight and versatile compact camera for the beginner vlogger.
• 10 fps continuous shooting rate.
• WiFi with NFC for file transfer and remote camera control.
• A large right-hand grip for increased comfort when shooting for longer sessions.
• Excellent inbuilt stereo mic.

Cons:

• No external mic jack.
• The LCD is not touch-enabled.

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 is a versatile, compact superzoom camera with excellent photo and video shooting capabilities. The unique pop-up viewfinder and flip-up screen allow it to stand out among other compact cameras, making it a wonderful, beginner-friendly choice for vlogging.

FIND THIS CAMERA AT → Amazon | B&H Photo

Check out: 10 Best Budget Vlogging Cameras

How to Choose the Best Vlogging Camera for Beginners

The Essential Features of a GOOD Vlogging Camera

The first step to buying a vlogging camera is understanding the essential features available, and which ones you really need.

The following are the main aspects you should 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

When you’re just starting out as a vlogger, you most likely don’t have enough money to spend on lighting equipment. As such, you should consider getting a camera that performs well in low light conditions. Keep in mind that “low-light” not only implies night time but also conditions where there is no enough natural lighting. That includes indoors, a cloudy or foggy scene, or in shadow areas like behind buildings or under a bridge. A camera with a poor performance in low-light will reduce its frame rate per second (fps) as it tries to let in more light when capturing the frames. The footage recorded 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 footage quality. Sensor sizes are determined by the camera type. Camcorders and action cams have the smallest, while DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have the largest sensors. Compact cameras will fall somewhere in between, but some models feature larger 1-inch sensors. To improve their low-light performance, some compact cameras utilize a back-illuminated sensor. These sensors use a novel arrangement of the imaging elements to allow more light to be collected thus improving the camera’s low-light performance.  

3. Lens Aperture

A good quality lens will have a wide aperture, which allows it to capture more light. With a wide aperture, you will also be able to achieve the blurry background effect. This gives your vlogs nice aesthetics, especially if you’re shooting lifestyle videos while sitting in front of your camera. Lens apertures are denoted by f-stops. A good f-stop range is from f/1.8 to f/22. The lower the number, the wider the aperture and, therefore, the more the light captured. Simply put, an f/1.8 aperture will let in more light and achieve a more blurred background than an f/22 aperture.

4. Optical Image Stabilization

Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) helps in stabilizing the footage by minimizing the appearance of shake when recording while moving around. Without OIS, the video will be shaky and hard to watch. When buying a vlogging camera, always look for optical or 5-axis image stabilization.

Some cameras will have Digital Image Stabilization (IS). Digital IS might do the job, but at the budget level, it isn’t as effective as OIS. Keep in mind that most budget DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras don’t come with internal image stabilization. Simply because there are a lot of affordable lenses with OIS. If you’re planning to record your videos while walking around with the camera on your hands, you will need a camera with optical image stabilization (OIS).  

5. Video and Image Resolution

A good vlogging camera should record 1080p footage at 30fps. Some of the cameras that we have recommended above can shoot 1080p at up to 60fps, which is great. The AKASO EK7000 and Olympus TG-5 can shoot 4K footage at up to 25fps and 30fps respectively. If you’re intending to capture some stills for your photography blog, then you’ll want to consider the megapixels. A 12MP camera is pretty decent for social media and blog images. Anything above this is overkill unless you’re planning to print the photos.  

6. Audio Quality

Nothing turns off your audience like having good vlog content with poor audio quality. As such, always get a camera with a decent inbuilt stereo microphone. Having a microphone input for an external mic is a huge plus for a vlogging camera. We LOVE the Rode Wireless Go line!

7. Connectivity

WiFi should be a basic feature of most, if not all, vlogging cameras. With WiFi, 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 will allow you to shoot massive footage and photos before you run out of charge. You can always get spare camera batteries if your favorite camera’s battery isn’t sufficient for your needs.  

9. Weight and Size

A compact and lightweight camera offers portability. You can slip it in your backpack, purse or pocket. One of the best things about most budget cameras is their ultra-portable design which makes them great for on-the-go vloggers and travel bloggers.