If you’re looking for a vlogging camera for your new vlog, then you’re in the right place. Finding the best vlogging camera is not easy and may cost you both time and money.
That’s why we’ve come up with a list of the top cameras for vlogging. After many hours of rigorous research online, I have come up with the best 10 vlogging cameras of 2023 which can deliver high-quality videos.
Vlogging has been in existence for quite some time but it has grown exponentially and it shows no sign of slowing down at the moment. Vlogging may be growing rapidly but the fact still remains that many people don’t know what it is, especially those who have just started using the internet the way it is supposed to be utilized.
In simple terms, vlogging can be regarded to be a branch of blogging, but instead of using your words to express yourself, you use videos to-do-so. A vlog can also be referred to as a video blog.
The videos are usually shot on the top vlogging cameras and they can either be short or long, depending on the amount of content you want to share, and you can capture them in either first-person perspective.
Today, many people have taken vlogging as their career and it has paid off very well. Some of the best vloggers are PewDiePie, Casey Neistat, Shane Dawson, and many more. These top bloggers have millions of followers and they always keep their vlogs up to date with new contents.
If you want to create a powerful vlog for fun or to earn a living from it, then read our guide and review to the end in order to land the best YouTube vlog camera of 2023.
What is a Vlogging Camera?
Vlogging has become so popular but just a handful of people know what it really is. When you think of a vlog, you should think of a shortened version of a video blog. A vlog is similar to a video version of a blog post.
If an individual says that they are vlogging, it means that they’re filming a short video. In the past few years, vlogging has rapidly grown in popularity and it shows no signs of slowing down at the moment. And one of the major reasons as to why vlogging has grown exponentially is because the cost of buying a vlogging camera has reduced a lot. In the past, vlogging cameras used to cost a lot and many people couldn’t afford it. Today, vlogging cameras are cheaper and many people can afford them.
Best Vlogging Cameras of 2023
There is nothing like the best camera as different people have different needs. We’ve tried our best to bring you different vlogging cameras in different categories so that you can select a camera that meets your needs and budget. These are as follows:
Model | Body Type | Weight | Video Quality |
---|---|---|---|
Canon PowerShot G7 X | Compact | 304 g (0.67lb/ 10.72 oz) | 1080p |
Panasonic Lumix G7 | Mirrorless | 410 g (0.90lb/ 14.46 oz) | 4K |
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II | Compact | 319 g (0.70lb/ 11.25 oz) | 1080p |
Panasonic Lumix GH5 | Mirrorless | 725 g (1.60lb/ 25.57 oz) | 4k |
Canon EOS 80D | SLR | 730 g (1.61/ 25.75 oz) | 1080p |
GoPro Hero 5 Black | Compact | 118 g (0.26lb/ 4.2 oz) | 4k |
Canon EOS 70D | SLR | 755 g (1.66lb/ 26.63 oz) | 1080p |
Canon EOS Rebel T6i | SLR | 555 g (1.22lb/ 19.58 oz) | 1080p |
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 | Bridge | 691 g (1.52lb/ 24.37 oz) | 4k |
Nikon COOLPIX L840 | Bridge | 538 g (1.19lb/ 18.98 oz) | 1080p |
Canon is one of the most popular and reliable brands when it comes to cameras. The Canon PowerShot G7 X digital camera has a high-sensitivity CMOS sensor that combines with Canon’s powerful DIGIC 6 image processor.
After being released for the first time, this camera created a buzz but it has definitely lived up to its hype. Actually, it is one of the best cameras fro vloggers as it is also sold at an amazing price.
- Comes with a multi-angle capacitive 3.0” touch screen LCD
- It has a 20.2 MP High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
- Features a 1080p/60p Full HD Video with up to 60 fps
- Fully customizable manual controls
- Outstanding lens of 24 to 100mm
The Canon Powershot G7 X is excellently constructed for durability and ease of use. Moreover, the camera is compact in design for easy carry in your pocket or even backpack. Apart from that, this camera comes with manual control which is a feature that many will love to have. This is because it allows you to have full control of the camera.
Other outstanding features of the G7 X vlogging camera are the built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, excellent 24-100mm lens, and 1080p HD videos. With these features, this is definitely one of the best cameras for vloggers even though it doesn’t come with a hot shoe.
- Exceptional design and build quality
- Manuals controls are a great addition for versatility
- Outstanding image quality
- The lens is ample for different scenarios
- The camera features Wi-Fi and NFC for ease of use
- It doesn’t come with a hot shoe
- It has a below average battery life
Panasonic is another big name in the camera industry. The Panasonic Lumix G7 is a good camera for vloggers looking for a quality and affordable camera for vlogging. Unlike many high-end cameras, the Panasonic Lumix G7 is sold at a great price but it still offers features found in high-end cameras such as high-quality 4k video recording.
- 3 unique 4k ultra HD video
- 16-megapixel sensor
- Built-in Wi-Fi for sharing
- Exceptional autofocusing
- Features an amazing kit lens for beginners
- Interchangeable lenses
Besides offering 4k video recording, this unit comes with manual control such as the twin control dials and several other buttons and switches that allow you to have total control over the camera. If you want more details, there is nothing to worry about as the camera has a 2.36-million dot electronic viewfinder.
On top of that, the G7 has a 16-megapixel MFT sensor that can shoot clear videos regardless of the resolution you’re using or the conditions that you’re in. Also, the G7 gives the user the option of choosing between a single lens and dual lens.
The greatest challenge of using this unit is that it is not as sturdy as other top DSLRs as it is made of plastic.
- The 4K video recording is a great addition
- It is easy to control the camera with the intuitive user interface
- It is smaller and lightweight for easy storage and use
- The electronic viewfinder function is amazing
- The 16-megapixel sensor operates excellently
- The sensor is not great with the depth of the field
- It is cheaply made as it has a plastic body
If you’re a vlogger who travels a lot, you will find the Canon PowerShot G7 Mark II to be a great camera for you. As sleek and compact as this camera is, it still provides exceptional full HD video quality and shoots continuously at up to 8 fps. If that’s not enough, the unit is also has a fast f/1.8-2.8 zoom lens with an excellent 24 to 100mm effective range.
- It has 20.1 megapixels BSI CMOS sensor
- It features a built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
- It has a tilting 3.0” LCD screen
- It shoots continuously at up to 8 fps
- Equipped with full HD capability
The Canon PowerShot G7 Mark II comes with an improved processor that makes it perform outstandingly in low light situations. In addition, the high-resolution 3.0” LCD touchscreen can tilt up to 180 degrees and down to 45 degrees. This allows you to access different settings on the screen with just one touch.
One of the features that stand out from this unit is the optical image stabilization, which makes low life shots look even better than before. However, this camera lacks a proper viewfinder to add in videography.
- It supports RAW format shooting
- The camera works exceptionally in low-light
- The touchscreen is easy to control as it can be tilted
- It features manual controls for easy use
- It has optical image stabilization which is very crucial
- It comes with a limited zoom range
If you want to get the best videos for your vlog, then the Panasonic Lumix GH5 should be on top of your list. Despite the hefty price, the GH5 camera is worth every penny. The camera shoots outstanding high-quality 4k videos making it to not only be a good camera for vloggers but as well as for professionals.
- It has a 20.3 MP micro four-thirds sensor with no low pass filter
- 4k video recording
- Durable magnesium alloy body
- Excellent dual image stabilization
- It has the ability to capture 10-bit 4k at 30 fps
- It can shoot 180 fps in 1080p
Whether you’re shooting in 1080p resolution or 4k resolution, the quality of the videos is still exceptional. Furthermore, the camera features a large electronic viewfinder that allows you to see the vibrant colors and shoot quality videos.
Apart from offering top-notch features, the camera is built to last and is ergonomically designed for easy use. The only challenge that I came across is its low autofocus but besides that, this is a good camera for vloggers and professionals.
- It has an easy to use LCD touchscreen interface
- Exceptional video quality
- It has an excellent viewfinder
- It is sturdily built for longevity
- The autofocus is slightly slow
- It is quite expensive
If you’re a full-time vlogger and want a camera that will last for several years to come, then you’re better off with the Canon EOS 80D camera. The EOS 80D camera is from the well-performing EOS Canon series and it has some exceptional features that vloggers will fall in love with. Though it is quite costly and you should be ready to spend in order to acquire.
- It has a 24.2 megapixels CMOS sensor
- Intelligent viewfinder
- Canon’s excellent shutter
- It comes with 7 fps shooting
- It is Wi-Fi and NFC compatible
- It as a fully articulated touchscreen
- It has the ability to capture 60 fps frame rate slow motion in 1080p resolution
The Canon EOS 80D camera shoots amazing videos and photos. It also provides detailed videos and this is all thanks to the larger sensor and a higher megapixel count of 24.2 MP. Additionally, the DSLR camera features a lovely and responsive touchscreen that is easy to use and great for vlogging.
- It has a beautiful screen
- The sensor capturing of lovely videos and photos with a lot of details
- There are lots of control
- It comes with one of the fastest autofocus systems
- It provides quick performance with the ability to shoot up to 7 fps during continuous shooting
- The autofocus is quite challenging to use
GoPro Hero 5 Black camera is one of the best action cameras on the market and it is also great for vlogging. The GoPro Hero camera is compact in design but also has some of the best hardware that you will find on the market.
This camera is usually promoted as a great action camera but it also serves well as a vlogging camera. Do you want to know why it qualifies as a vlogging camera? The Hero 5 Black camera allows you to stream live video from your GoPro to some of the top social media platforms like Facebook.
- It is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled
- Waterproof design
- Video stabilization
- Simple one-button control
- Amazing in-built editor
- Enables you to shoot time-lapse videos
- It has the ability to shoot 4k videos
Another great function of the GoPro Hero 5 camera is that it supports 4k recording and can shoot hyperlapse and slow-motion videos if you want to. Additionally, the GoPro Hero 5 camera has electronic image stabilization which functions outstandingly and the dual microphone that is great for recording audio with a lot of detail in it.
If you want a quality vlogging camera at a mid-range price, the GoPro Hero 5 camera is a wonderful choice.
- It shoots exceptional 4K HD videos
- It is durably made to last long
- It is waterproof up to 10 meters without its case
- It has excellent dual microphones
- Great price
- The touchscreen is not very responsive as other units on this list
The Canon EOS series continues to be one of the best selling camera series on the market. As a matter of fact, this series has some of the best DSLRs 2023 cameras on the market. But before we expound on this DSLR camera, just know that it is also suitable for your vlogging work.
The Canon EOS 70D is an upgrade of the Canon EOS 60D camera. It has several improvements that make it be a better and high-performing camera.
- It has 20.2 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor
- It provides up to 7 fps shooting
- It has a very responsive 3-inch touchscreen
- It has built-in Wi-Fi interface
To start with, the EOS 70D has a 20.2-megapixel resolution, 3-inch articulated LCD touchscreen, and great autofocus. All of these features come together to provide quality videos and images, which are vital for vlogging. Other vital features include single action buttons, command dial, and a rear wheel that permit direct access to exposure settings, for easier utilization of the camera.
- It has a big and fast sensor
- It has a large LCD touchscreen with exceptional articulation
- Excellent video and image quality
- It has an exceptional video autofocus
- It provides high-speed continuous shooting up to 7 fps
- It lacks a headphone jack
Canon has been one of the most consistent camera brands on the market as they always come up with new and user-friendly products. The Canon EOS Rebel T6i is a testament to this. The EOS Rebel T6i digital camera is not only affordable but also very easy to use. That’s why we highly recommend it for beginner vloggers.
- It has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC
- It features 24.2 MP CMOS sensor
- It provides high-speed continuous shooting up to 5 fps
- It has a full HD video mode
- Outstanding autofocus system
- It has excellent ISO range from 100 to 12, 800
The Canon EOS Rebel T6i digital camera comes with a 24.2 MP CMOS sensor that ensures you get quality videos and photos. This is supported by the full HD video mode and high-speed continuous shooting up to 5 fps. Not only will you shoot quality videos and photos, but as well you will do it in the shortest time possible.
Moreover, the EOS Rebel camera is very easy to use as it comes with a responsive 3-inch LCD screen that has an excellent amount of articulation. It has a dial that is easy to control and the Wi-Fi and NFC functions allow you to easily connect or upload videos to your vlog. However, the viewfinder does not cover the whole screen.
If you’re a looking for the best professional camera for beginner vlogging, then this is the camera for you. It is easy to use and very affordable.
- The camera is Wi-Fi and NFC enabled
- It has easy to use controls
- The 24.2-megapixel sensor is great for videography and photography
- It has an outstanding LCD screen
- The viewfinder does not cover the whole LCD screen
If you’re a vlogger looking for the best camera for your videos, then you will love the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 camera as it is one of the top-rated cameras on the market. The camera is sturdily made, stylish, and it won’t break your bank. It also provides exceptional video quality, which is good for vlogging. Besides, the Lumix DMC-FZ300 camera comes with a lot of shooting options that you will use.
- Built-in image stabilization
- Can capture RAW photos
- Supports 4K video shooting
- 24 times optical zoom with a fixed aperture of F2.8
- Comes with a weather sealed body
- 1 MP MOS sensor
Even though the Panasonic Lumix DMC camera comes with one of the smallest sensors on the market, its performance is still excellent in both videography and photography. That’s why it is considered to be one of the best bridge cameras of 2109. In addition, the camera is lightweight for easy storage and transportation. If you love to travel, you don’t have to worry about bad weather as it is weather-resistant as well.
With the ability to shoot 4k UHD video at 30p that look exceptional, this is a good camera for shooting videos for your video blog.
- It offers different shooting modes
- It is very easy to use
- It has a splash resistant body
- It has outstanding video color
- It comes with lots of controls
- It doesn’t come with a headphone jack
Are you just getting started in vlogging but don’t have enough cash to buy a quality camera? Worry not as the Nikon COOLPIX L840 camera is here to save you. This is the best vlogging camera under $200 but it still offers stunning features that will make your videos look great.
Nikon has been Canons biggest rivalry for years and they still produce some of the best and most advanced cameras on the market. The Nikon COOLPIX L840 camera shoots videos at HD and full HD, which separates it from other cameras under $200. The videos are also detailed and very clear, which makes it be one of the best cheap digital cameras for vlogging.
- 16 megapixel CMOS image sensor
- Full HD 1080p videos
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for quick sharing
- 38x optical zoom telephoto lens with 76x dynamic fine zoom
- 0” Tilt LCD screen
The funny thing is that the Nikon COOLPIX L840 DSLR camera has a smaller sensor but it still stands out with its stunning video and photo qualities. Apart from shooting quality videos, this gadget doesn’t have advanced features that many high-end cameras boast of. That’s why it is lowly priced.
If your main aim is to shoot videos for your vlog, then this is a great bargain as you will shoot clear and detailed videos. But if you want very clear and high-quality photos, then this is not the camera for you.
- It is affordable
- It is compact for easy storage and transportation
- It has an exceptional video quality
- It is very easy to use
- It doesn’t have advanced features
A Detailed Guide to Buying the Best Vlogging Cameras
Even though starting a vlogging career is very easy, you need more than just getting a camera, shooting videos, editing them, and uploading them. As a matter of fact, you need to know if you want your audience to be engaged and interested. If that’s the case, then you need a quality camera that can represent you in that manner.
Additionally, quality content and good editing are vital too, but you shouldn’t forget the gadget on which you are going to be shooting all your videos as it is also an essential factor to consider when you are planning to accelerate your vlogging career.
Having a camera is essential as you cannot capture videos using your laptop’s webcam and then call it vlogging. Clear and beautiful videos attract the audience which continually evolves vlogging setting.
Viewers want vlogs that look beautiful and are properly edited. This is one of the major reasons as to why every vlogger should have a quality vlogging camera.
Things may have been different a decade ago, but they have now changed a lot and if you do not own the right equipment, then am afraid you won’t be in a position to please the viewers that fast.
This doesn’t mean that you should splash all of your money on a high-end camera, but just enough to acquire a nice vlogging camera for your youtube channel.
So, if you’re looking for the best vlogging camera on the market, you will be presented with a wide range of cameras to choose from. This may be a good thing as you get to select the best from the pack, but it may also be challenging if you don’t what to look for in a good vlogging camera.
The funny thing is that vlogging cameras are not different from your standard point and shoot camera, DSLR camera or even an action camera. The only difference here is that vlogging cameras greatly depend on how good they are at shooting videos.
If you’re thinking of starting a vlogging career but don’t know where to begin from, this essential guide will help you make the right decision. This guide tells you the most important points that you need to know in order to choose the best vlogging camera.
Tips for choosing the best Vlogging camera
- DSLRs cameras are the most versatile cameras as they are great in capturing both videos and photos. So, if you want to mix vlogging and photography or do multimedia, you should pick a camera that does both.
- Bloggers who want to do vloggging on the move should consider getting an action camera. These are ideal for capturing adventures or putting the viewers in the first person point of view.
- Test the camera before buying. After identifying the vlogging camera with the features that you want, you should test it and find out how it feels in your hands. Talk to the store guy or borrow one and get to know how it works and feels.
- Understand your needs first before selecting a YouTube vlog camera. Depending on the type of shooting that you will be carrying out, you may need a camera with low-light recording capabilities, tripods or even enhanced audio. Take your time and plan on how you want to utilize video to better your vlog and then get a camera that fits your needs.
- Never rush to get a camera that has interchangeable lenses as you need to be very skilled to use them. Beginners should stick to a camera that is simple and affordable before investing in a camera that is costly and one that you may not need or use at all.
- Go through reviews of previous buyers. You cannot tell the quality or performance of the camera by just looking at it. Read reviews of previous users to know the ups and downs of the camera that you intend to buy.
Important Features to look for in Vlogging Cameras
Video quality
One of the most vital features of any vlogging camera is its video quality. This is because you will spend a lot of time shooting vlogs and that’s why you need a camera with the good video quality.
Another important thing to remember is that acquiring a camera with a higher megapixel count won’t make the video look more fantastic. There are many factors that make a vlogging camera good at shooting videos and they include a processor, sensor size, and aperture.
As a result, it is vital that the vlogging camera that you purchase has outstanding video quality as you will be doing a lot of video shooting with the camera. A good camera should have a resolution of 1080p or more. However, many vlogging cameras on the market shoot at 4k, too. Unlike the 1080p cameras, 4K cameras have a higher resolution, better fast-action, and a larger projection surface visibility. In short, 4k cameras provide better video quality than 1080p cameras.
Lens
There is a notion out there that vloggers don’t need a camera with a good lens because it is just shooting videos. This is not true as many vlogs made by very talented bloggers have consistent video quality.
Many vlogging cameras have lenses but a good lens makes you be the subject of a whole video. For this reason, investing in a telephoto lens is a good thing. The key role of a telephoto lens is to add optical zoom, which blurs out the rest of the background. In addition, it enhances the aesthetics of every vlog that you create.
Crucial features
If you intend to shoot the best videos and stand out from others vloggers on youtube, then you may have to look at more than just the basic features. Other important features that you should look for in a nice vlogging camera are as follows:
OIS (Optical Image Stabilization)
After managing my vlog for several years, I can openly tell you that the optical image stabilization function is one of the most vital features that you should look for in a quality vlogging camera. This feature greatly improves the low light performance and lower bur too. Since you will be taking a lot of videos as you walk, this feature allows you to take better videos and not shaky ones.
EVF (Electronic viewfinder)
Another vital feature to look for when buying a vlogging camera is a good electronic viewfinder. Since the EVF has become a pervasive feature to have, you need to make sure that the viewfinder is big enough and provides an exceptional resolution that can show the real quality of your videos.
A good example is the Panasonic Lumix GH5 which has a big dazzling electronic viewfinder, enabling you to view the dynamic colors.
Manual controls
Besides having a good OIS and EVF, a god vlogging camera should as well as have manual controls. However, this feature is very vital on the image side of things. The manual mode is one of the major settings on your vlogging camera, and it allows you to manually control aperture, shutter speed, and ISO. Again, it is a good idea to have manual controls in a vlogging camera so that you can use it for multiple purposes.
Weather-resistant body
This is a very crucial feature, especially for vloggers who love traveling a lot. A vlogging camera with a weather-resistant body will withstand tough conditions like a downpour and protect your prized possession. You are free to walk with the camera to the park, the woods, or even far off in the wild.
High-quality cameras like the GoPro Hero 5 feature weather-resistant /waterproof bodies, but it is crucial to note that not all cameras come with this feature.
Wi-Fi
Another must-have feature of a vlogging camera is Wi-Fi interface. As a vlogger, you will do a lot of video shooting and uploading of vlogs. Therefore, you need a camera that has a built-in Wi-Fi which allows you to automatically upload your videos, thus making vlogging to be much easier for you. This feature is extremely important, more so if you intend to upload your vlogs to YouTube, which can automatically sync with most of the modern cameras.
Microphone input
Imagine carrying an external microphone everywhere you go? This is very disgusting and tiring at the same time. Look for a camera with a built-in microphone to avoid such stress. Additionally, the microphone should be a quality one as a quality audio sound is even more important than a quality video in vlogging. As a matter of fact, most viewers can put up with a poor video but not poor audio.
For instance, cameras like GoPro Hero are normally fitted with multiple microphones, making it suitable for vlogging.
So, pick a vlogging camera with a microphone port so that you can plug in external microphones for better sound quality. It is important to note that a good number of compact digital cameras do not feature a microphone port because it is regarded as a premium feature.
Even though carrying a microphone can be cumbersome, using a quality external microphone can greatly enhance your vlogs because it will be able to produce an amazing sound quality.
Autofocus
Autofocus is another important feature that vloggers should look out for. This is because many vloggers work alone and they can’t be behind the camera to check the focus of the lends. As a result, the best alternative is to get a camera with an effective autofocus system. Such a camera monitors you and it ensures that you stay in focus while recording yourself.
Weight of the camera
Last but not least, you should check the weight of the camera. Just like many other vloggers, your camera will be part of you and that’s why you need to purchase a portable camera that you can easily carry to any destination. So, if you can’t comfortably carry your camera, then what’s the need for buying it in the first place? The DSLRs are normally bigger in size than other types of cameras because of their hardware.
On the other hand, mirrorless cameras are smaller in size since they lack a real mirror in them, while the point and shoot cameras are even smaller and more fun to carry. With this in mind, I highly recommend the point and shot camera to vloggers as most of them are good enough to shoot 1080p videos without losing the quality.
Mirrorless cameras are also great but they are quite expensive. If you can afford them, they will be a great option for vlogging. On our list above, we’ve got the Panasonic Lumix G7 with 4K video recording.
Finally, for those who don’t mind carrying a DSLR around whenever they’re going, they can invest in it and it costs less than the mirrorless camera.
What features are not important in a vlogging camera?
After looking at some of the most vital features to consider when looking for a vlogging camera, we will now look at some of the features that you don’t need. These are as follows:
Zoom
A zoom function is not needed in a vlogging camera as most of the vlogs are up close and personal. But if you’re a travel blogger, then you may need the zoom function. Zoom is one of the vital features for photography, but for video, it is not that important.
Flash
For the best quality videos, you may need to shoot in a properly lit area. That’s why some cameras do have night vision but the truth is that there is a high chance you won’t be shooting in the dark. This means that you won’t need the flash when shooting your videos.
Megapixels
If the main purpose of the camera is to capture videos and not to shoot photos, then there is no need for picking a camera with high megapixels. All you need is a clear video.
Conclusion
After highlighting the important points that you need in order to acquire a quality vlogging camera, it’s now your time to make up your mind. Always consider your needs before anything else if you want to land the best camera for your vlog.
Take your time and pick a vlogging camera with features that you need. Don’t mind about the price or size of the camera too much. Ensure that the vlogging camera that you choose will not only shoot good videos but also have a quality sound for a great viewing experience. After all, your vlog won’t flourish if you keep uploading videos with poor quality audios.
FAQ
Why should I buy a DSLR camera for my vlog?
If sharpness and good colors are what you’re looking for, then, you should go for a high-quality DSLR camera. DSLRs are known to offer great sharpness and colors to videos.
What platforms do vloggers use?
Different vloggers use different platforms to upload their content. But some platforms are more popular than others and they give the vlogger more exposure. One of the most notable platforms is YouTube. Other important platforms include Facebook, Vimeo, Daily Motion, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. Always identify the best platform for your type of vlogging.