In this day and age, vlogging has become a norm for creating content. Depending on your choice, you can shoot videos for popular social platforms such as YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. You can do vlogging using a smartphone or a camera but let’s talk about the latter. Cameras come in varying sizes, covering pocket-sized varieties to compact and mirrorless varieties. Below are the 7 best cameras for vlogging for every budget in alphabetical order.
1) Canon EOS M50 Mark II
The word “compact” is the best word to describe the mirrorless Canon EOS M50 Mark II, thanks to its lightweight design at just 387g. It has a nice grip to it, even though you have to get used to the cramped buttons, especially if you have large fingers. The camera sports a fully articulating touchscreen, offering greater flexibility for shooting high, low or even selfies.
The camera supports 4K capture but only if you can accept cropped results. However, if you are fine with 1080p video, you can make use of the dual-pixel autofocus system that tracks your subject accurately. The Canon EOS M50 Mark II has a 3.5mm audio jack included, allowing you to use an external microphone for better sound recording upon vlogging.
2) DJI Pocket 2
It’s small, convenient and yes, it’s pocket-friendly too. But despite its petite size, DJI Pocket 2 packs a punch with a larger 64MP sensor (a quantum leap from the first-generation’s 12MP) and supports a 93-degree field of view. Interestingly, a super lightweight design like DJI Pocket 2 can easily result in a camera shake. But thankfully, it comes with a 3-axis motorised gimbal, allowing you to shoot steady and stable handheld shots.
Other highlights include a 4K/60fps video capture, HDR support and built-in immersive audio. However, DJI Pocket 2 is not without its flaws, notably its struggle with low-light performances.
3) Fujifilm X-S20
If you have a bigger budget, you might want to consider the Fujifilm X-S20. This well-designed mirrorless camera sports a compact body at just 491g with a large and comfortable grip. It can shoot 4K and even up to 6K videos and even performs well in low light. The camera has a vari-angle touchscreen, allowing you to flip it out from its body to shoot low angles and video selfies. There’s even a dedicated Vlog mode, where you can easily access essential functions such as face/eye detection, priority focus and self-timer.
If that’s not enough, the Fujifilm X-S20 features a 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system that helps to minimise camera shake upon shooting in a handheld mode. It has dual 3.5mm jacks too so you can plug in your external microphone and headphones. So, what about the downside of this camera? Well, there’s no weather-sealing so you need to be careful when handling your camera in certain conditions.
4) GoPro HERO 12 Black
Looking for a recommended action camera for vlogging? The GoPro HERO 12 Black might be the one you are looking for. It’s small but mighty in its features and performances, beginning with its streamlined and user-friendly Easy Mode. It supports HDR video including 4K and 5.3K footage with a buttery-smooth HyperSmooth 6.0. The latter helps to stabilise your video no matter if you are say, cycling on a hilly terrain while vlogging.
Some of the notable highlights include an upgraded Bluetooth feature that can support up to four Bluetooth devices. You can also shoot ultra-wide at 156° field of view at up to 8:7 aspect ratio. The GoPro HERO 12 Black, however, struggles in low-light performances.
5) Nikon Z30
This beginner-friendly Nikon Z30 boasts a lightweight and compact design that makes it easier to hold. It has a fully articulating LCD touchscreen for shooting low, high or video selfies while the hybrid autofocus system tracks static or even moving subjects accurately. There’s even a 3.5mm jack for plugging in an external microphone.
The Nikon Z30 supports both Full HD and 4K/30p video quality and has an in-camera electronic vibration reduction a.k.a. e-VR to help stabilise your handheld shooting. However, it’s advisable to invest in a gimbal for better steady shooting results.
6) Panasonic Lumix S5 II
A professional-level mirrorless camera from Panasonic, the Lumix S5 II boasts a large full-frame sensor at 24.2MP capable of shooting impressive 6K/30p videos. And yes, uncropped videos too but you have to make do with the 1.5x crop if you plan to shoot 4K footage. The camera excels in its 5-axis in-body image stabilisation system that minimises shake, making it ideal for handheld shooting. The phase-detection autofocus system works like a charm when capturing video on human and animal subjects.
Other highlights include a 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, wireless support including WiFi & Bluetooth and dual 3.5 jacks for an external microphone & headphones. The Panasonic Lumix S5 II is also built tough to withstand minor-to-moderate dust and splashes, thanks to its sturdy magnesium alloy body.
7) Sony ZV-1F
Sony ZV-1F’s entry-level camera is designed with content creators and vloggers in mind. It’s small and light enough at just 256g so you can vlog your way without experiencing noticeable hand strains even for a long period. Small as it may seem, the Sony ZV-1F boasts plenty of features such as SteadyShot for shooting handheld videos. The autofocus system tracks human and animal subjects reasonably well.
The camera can record up to 4K/30p videos with its 20.1MP CMOS sensor and supports 5x slow motion and 60x hyper-lapse modes. Its built-in directional 3-capsule mic captures your voice clearly but if you want a more professional mode, it’s best to attach an external microphone since it comes with a 3.5mm jack.
