Best cameras for vlogging 2024: choices for every budget
The best vlogging camera is the one you have with you. But if you’re looking to upgrade your vlogging game, the options are plentiful. Look at our list below and you’ll find huge variety: from pocket-friendly gimbal cams to premium mirrorless hybrids. We’ve tested each one extensively and they all rate highly, in their own way, as vlogging cameras.
Based on hours of testing, we think the best camera for most vloggers in 2024 is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. It’s genuinely pocket-friendly and uses a 3-axis stabilizing gimbal to shoot smooth 4K content. Auto-tracking smarts make it easy to vlog solo, while pairing it with the DJI Mic 2 results in quality audio. It’s so good, we use it to shoot TechRadar’s TikTok content. That said, we know it might not be the right choice for your vlogging plans.
The idea behind our round-up is to make it easy for you to find your ideal vlogging camera, whatever your budget. To that end, our experienced team has extensively tested a whole range of vlogging options out in the real world. We assess factors such as image stabilization, handling, autofocus and connectivity, as well as overall video quality. You’ll find our honest feedback broken down for each entry, as well as the niche we think it fits best.
Top 3 picks
If you’re short on buying time, use the summary below for a shortcut to the best vlogging cameras. When you find one that fits your needs and budget, follow the links beneath each entry to jump down to our in-depth explainers.
The best pocket vlogging camera
Combining gimbal stability with a super-portable design and accessible price, the DJI Pocket 3 is a fantastic tool for solo vloggers.
Read more below
The best compact vlogging camera
With a compact build, superlative autofocus and side-flipping screen, the Sony ZV-1 puts powerful vlogging abilities in your pocket.
Read more below
The best premium vlogging camera
A Micro Four Thirds camera for filmmakers with superb handling, image stabilization and array of high-quality video codecs – the GH7 a great choice for vlogging.
Read more below
Best by use-case
The best hybrid vlogging camera
With a dedicated vlogging mode and impressive video features, the Fujifilm X-S20 makes it easy to create quality content.
Read more below
The best full-frame vlogging camera
With simple controls and a capable full-frame sensor, the Sony ZV-E1 makes it easy to shoot high-quality 4K vlogs in any light.
Read more below
The best beginner vlogging camera
A user-friendly yet generously equipped camera for vloggers, the Nikon Z30 represents excellent value for beginners.
Read more below
The best mid-range vlogging camera
Effective stabilization and uncropped 6K recording make the Panasonic Lumix S5 II a versatile option for vlogging on social.
Read more below
The best purpose-built vlogging camera
Designed to make vlogging a cinch, the Powershot V10 isn’t perfect, but its size and price make it appealing for novices.
Read more below
The best action camera for vlogging
An action camera with an arsenal of video modes, the Hero 12 Black is a reliable tool for those who shoot adventurous vlogs.
Read more below
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The best miniature vlogging camera
The smallest 4K available, with a clever remote control charging case, the Insta360 Go 3S is a tiny tool for otherwise impossible vlogging shots.
Read more below
The best smartphone gimbal for vlogging
A stabilized grip with clever tracking features, the DJI OM 5 uses a gimbal to enhance your smartphone’s vlogging skills.
Read more below
The best 360-degree vlogging camera
The best-ever handheld 360-degree camera boasts 8K video, powerful performance and neat 360-degree effects.
Read more below
Timothy Coleman
Tim is TechRadar’s Cameras Editor. With more than 15 years’ experience in the photo video industry, he has acquired an expert knowledge of all things camera-related. Tim has tested most of the latest cameras, and thanks to his work as a freelance videographer, he knows exactly what makes one good for vlogging. He notes, “any video camera can technically record a vlog, but the models we’ve recommended here make it as easy as possible to shoot high-quality content. Because vlogs span a variety of genres, we’ve tried to cover the full spectrum of options in our round-up, ranging from compact action cameras to full-frame mirrorless models.”
The best cameras for vlogging in 2024
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Below you’ll find full write-ups for each of the best vlogging cameras in our list. We’ve tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best pocket vlogging camera
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DJI Pocket 3 sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You shoot handheld solo vlogs: ActiveTrack is your personal cameraman, while the three-axis gimbal offers unparalleled stabilization.
✅ You value portability: As the name suggests, the Pocket 3 is superbly portable and easy to carry for any vlogging situation.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You shoot a lot of photos, too: While improved, the 1-inch sensor is still lacking in low-light photo quality and features less resolution.
❌ You’re happy with your smartphone: A gimble mount like the DJI OM 5 could work for you if you prefer to shoot solely with a phone.
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a superb compact vlogging camera, which massively improves on the already highly-rated DJI Pocket 2. Not only do you get a pocket-friendly form factor and silky smooth footage thanks to a three-axis gimbal, but its video quality is capable of keeping up with larger devices like the Sony ZV-1. New features like a 1-inch sensor and 2-inch rear LCD cement its place as the best vlogging camera for most people. The former not only improves the Pocket 3’s low-light capabilities and resolution, but also crucially ramps up support for multi-aspect video.
The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 will give you a substantial upgrade versus a smartphone when it comes to vlogging. You get support for 4K 120p (fantastic for slo-mo footage), while its pocket-friendly size and gimbal make it much more convenient than an interchangeable lens camera. It supports remote mics too, although the onboard mic is more than enough for decent audio quality. Thanks to a rotating touchscreen rear display, switching between a vertical aspect ratio or traditional horizontal 16:9 is seamless – and the resulting footage is fantastic, as you’re not losing out on any detail.
Read our in-depth DJI Pocket 3 review
The best compact vlogging camera
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Watch On
Buy it if:
✅ You want a pocketable vlogging tool: Compact yet packed with features, the Sony ZV-1 offers a fantastic balance of portability and vlogging performance.
✅ You want best-in-class autofocus: Powered by a Bionz X processor, real-time Eye AF tracks and locks on to subjects with unrivalled speed and accuracy.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want the smoothest footage: Active SteadyShot stabilization works well, but it’s no match for the steadying gimbal of the DJI Pocket 2.
❌ You vlog in all conditions: The ZV-1 is a well-made vlogging camera, but the lack of weather-proofing means it’s not one to use in the rain.
Compact and powerful, we think the Sony ZV-1 nails what most people want from a small vlogging camera. Its compact packaging gives it excellent versatility, as do its hotshoe, mic port, and fully articulating touchscreen. In field testing, we found its real-time tracking and Eye AF to be best-in-class and the 1-inch sensor was capable of producing crisp, detailed 4K/30p video. Our review also confirmed that the ZV-1 offers a huge amount of depth for a compact camera, with handy features like a built-in ND filter and S-Log2 profiles for those who want to embrace color grading.
While the newer Sony ZV-1F offers a wider 20mm lens and smartphone-style interface for a lower price, its older contrast AF system and coldshoe mount mean it can’t oust the original from the top spot. Nor can the Sony ZV-1 II, the pricier successor to the ZV-1 that features a wider lens but no in-body stabilization. These are great cameras, but their feature sets don’t merit the extra cost – especially when Sony is continuing the sell the the ZV-1.
Read our in-depth Sony ZV-1 review
The best premium vlogging camera
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Buy it if:
✅ You want a video powerhouse: You’ll struggle to find a better array of powerful video codecs and cinematic color profiles for the price.
✅ You appreciate good handling: The Panasonic GH7 is well-built with rugged magnesium alloy frame, fits nicely in the hand and has amazing image stablization.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need a full-frame sensor: The GH7 delivers great results with its Micro Four Thirds Sensor, but full-frame rivals fare better in low lighting.
❌ You want a compact vlogging camera: Considering the sensor size, the GH7 is a chunky camera.
We love the Panasonic Lumix GH6, but once the Lumix G9 II was launched with better autofocus for video, it was only a matter of time before the GH7 was launched with the same phase detection AF system, correcting what was arguably the one remaining flaw in Panasonic’s GH-series of video-focused cameras.
For the money, you’ll struggle to find a more powerful video camera than the Lumix GH7. It has an embarrassment of riches: 5.7K 30p ProRes RAW HQ internal recording, 4K 120p and FHD 240p slow-motion video, plus support for Real Time LUTs. Its pro-level video resolution, array of 10-bit modes, choice of frame rates and color profiles are ably supported by industry-leading image stabilization and unlimited record times thanks to a built-in cooling fan. There’s even some industry firsts, including built-on 32-bit float audio recording (with XLR2 mic adapter).
It’s 25.2MP Micro Four Thirds sensor won’t be for everyone, especially low light shooters, while battery life could be better, and it’s quite a chunky camera considering the sensor size comparable to the full-frame Lumix S5 II, but its robust design really can’t be faulted and there really is little else to detract from what is an excellent first camera for aspiring filmmakers.
Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix GH7 review
The best hybrid vlogging camera
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Fujifilm X-S20 sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You want top video specs: 6K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording puts the X-S20 right up there with the best vlogging cameras in terms of video quality.
✅ You want a camera to grow with: It’s not cheap, but the X-S20 is accessible for beginners to use, yet also has the features to let you improve.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need a tough camera: The X-S20 is very well put together, but no weather sealing means it isn’t a camera that can survive in all conditions.
❌ You’re on a tight budget: Even with updates aplenty, a steep price hike over its predecessor means budget-minded buyers might think twice about the X-S20.
The Fujifilm X-S20 takes everything that made the X-S10 one of our favorite vlogging cameras and introduces features that make it feel like a more user-friendly option for fledgling content creators. Inheriting the well-balanced body of the X-S10 means the X-S20 sits very comfortably in the hand, while our first impressions in testing found that simplified dials on the top plate make it easier to get to grips with what is quite an advanced shooting tool. It also inherits the same 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor as the X-S10 and X-T4, which we already know from our previous tests is a top performer.
The X-S20 boosts things further by offering 6K/30p 4:2:2 10-bit internal recording, which is close to overkill. Improved in-body image stabilization also worked well in testing. With a bigger battery on-board, we think this all adds up to a great mirrorless all-rounder. Its price hike will be a drawback for many beginners, while the lack of weather sealing is a broader disappointment. The older X-S10 is still available at a lower price, but features such as a dedicated Vlog mode – which puts neat creative settings a tap away – make the X-S20 the more tempting proposition for vloggers.
Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-S20 review
The best full-frame vlogging camera
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Sony ZV-E1 sample video
Watch On
Buy it if:
✅ You’re a solo vlogger: Small and light, the ZV-E1 is properly portable, while AI tech assists content creators by taking care of focus and framing.
✅ You want rapid output: AI tools like Auto Framing reduce the editing workload, while the Cine Vlog setting produces lovely footage out of the camera.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re a video pro: A single card slot, recording time limits and no cooling vents mean the Sony ZV-E1 isn’t a camera for power users.
❌ You don’t shoot slow-mo: If you don’t shoot vlog content at higher frame rates, you might find better value from the Sony ZV-E10.
A good vlogging camera should be compact and easy to operate, boxes both ticked by the Sony ZV-E1. As the smallest, lightest full-frame camera with image stabilization, we found it a winner for solo vlogging. The ZV-E10 is even more portable, but you won’t get the same video quality from its smaller APS-C sensor. It’s not perfect for heavy use, with no cooling vents and just one card slot. We also found it tricky to pick out details on the touchscreen when working outdoors. But if you’re a content creator shooting alone, we still think the ZV-E1 is the ultimate full-frame choice for 4K vlogging.
Our tests found it capable of capturing crisp 4K 60p footage in all lighting conditions, thanks to a full-frame sensor borrowed from the revered A7S III. We were also impressed by its in-body image stabilization, which produced superbly smooth handheld footage that almost makes a gimbal unnecessary. Cutting-edge AI smarts also leave very little to fix after the fact: Auto Framing reliably tracks subjects across the image, which we think is a big win when you’re recording alone.
Read our in-depth Sony ZV-E1 review
The best beginner vlogging camera
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Nikon Z30 sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You’re in the spotlight: Designed with vlogging in mind, the Nikon Z30 is a compact option with a vari-angle touchscreen and useful tally light.
✅ You want easy, quality video: Equipped with a proven 20.9MP APS-C sensor, the Z30 produces stellar uncropped 4K footage out of the box.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want the best autofocus: The Z30 detects people with ease when vlogging, but the ZV-E10 has more powerful autofocus.
❌ You need to monitor audio: With no headphone jack, there’s no way to monitor sound in real time when recording vlogs.
Nikon’s smallest and cheapest APS-C mirrorless camera to date, the Z30 is a compact APS-C camera pitched squarely at vlogging beginners. With no viewfinder, it goes all in on a vari-angle touchscreen. Despite its tidy proportions, our tests found that a generous grip made the Z30 comfortable to handle, even when self-shooting. The 3.0-inch display was also intuitive to use. Flip it for vlogging and the camera switches to selfie mode, reliably tracking your face with sticky autofocus. What you can’t do in selfie mode is visually check sound levels. With no headphone jack, this leaves audio monitoring to guesswork.
Nikon’s APS-C lens range remains limited, but the 16-50mm kit glass is impressively sharp. And because the Z30 records using the whole width of the sensor, you can utilise the lens’ full field of view. Electronic vibration reduction also stabilizes handheld vlogging, although its 1.3x crop is restrictive at arm’s length. But with EV-R disabled, the Z30 can shoot uncropped 4K/30p and HD 120p video. Together with a range of color profiles and neat touches like a tally lamp, the Z30 shapes up as a competent offering for fledgling creators.
Read our in-depth Nikon Z30 review
The best mid-range vlogging camera
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Panasonic S5 II sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You shoot vlogs for social: By recording uncropped video using the full sensor, the S5 II gives you lots of flexibility for framing vlogs to fit different platforms.
✅ You record run and gun vlogs: Phase detect autofocus, excellent image stabilization and a lightweight build make the S5 II a fantastic handheld tool.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You shoot a lot of slow-mo: The S5 II has limitations when shooting at higher frame rates, with a significant 1.5x crop on 4K/60p video.
❌ You have an eye for design: The angular design of the S5 II won’t be to every taste, and there are better-looking vlogging options in this list.
A full-frame camera will be overkill for most vloggers, but if you want to record vlogs using a larger sensor, we think the Panasonic S5 II is a good bet. It’s lighter than the Panasonic GH5 (above), yet still feels solid in the hand. A tally light would be handy when working solo, but we otherwise found its controls intuitive in testing, with an articulating display that’s crisp and useful for framing. Panasonic has finally embraced phase detection AF for video on the S5 II. Paired with effective image stabilization, the result is dreamy smooth video even when shooting handheld.
In our review, we found that the S5 II excels when shooting video. It produced excellent 6K/30p footage, with rich colors and wide dynamic range. Helpfully, it can record uncropped video using the full 3:2 aspect ratio of the sensor, which means you can easily crop content for different social platforms. Depending on your lens choice, some vloggers will find the 1.5x crop on 4K/60p video limiting, while you’ll need the premium S5 IIX for features like wireless IP streaming. Still, we think the S5 II is a compelling hybrid package for vloggers, especially with the excellent 20-60mm kit lens.
Read our in-depth Panasonic S5 II review
The best purpose-built vlogging camera
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Canon Powershot V10 sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You want a simple vlogging camera: Designed as a point-and-shoot solution for vlogging, the Powershot V10 is stripped back to the core features.
✅ You want a travel-friendly camera: With a flip-up screen and flick-out stand, the Powershot V10 is functional yet inherently portable.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want the best-quality video: It’s unique, but dated tech means many of the best camera phones can shoot 4K vlogs that look just as good.
❌ You value manual control: Designed not to be intimidating, the Powershot V10 limits user control to a manual exposure mode, so it’s not one for pros.
Purpose-built for vlogging, the Canon Powershot V10 is the first of a new breed designed to rival the phone in your pocket. It uses the same 1-inch sensor as the Powershot G7 X III from 2019, but optimised to work with a fixed 18mm F2.8 lens to rival the Sony ZV-1F. While dated in some ways, it has a natural advantage over most smartphones, producing sharp, detailed results in bright conditions, aided by subject-tracking that proved reliably sticky in testing. Digital image stabilization is a little jittery when smoothing footsteps, but this will likely improve with future firmware updates.
We found its form factor curious in our review: there’s room for improvement, but it handles well on the whole. Though it would benefit from better front-on visibility, the 2-inch flip-up touchscreen is useful for framing, while the simple control setup – including a big record button – proved pretty foolproof. We also found that its built-in stand makes life easier when working solo. Straightforward wireless live-streaming also enhances the camera’s vlogging chops. So while it can’t compete with the latest alternatives, the Powershot V10 makes sense as a pared-back choice for vloggers who want point-and-shoot simplicity.
Read our in-depth Canon Powershot V10
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The best action camera for vlogging
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GoPro Hero 12 Black sample video
Buy it if:
✅ You shoot vlogs for social: Thanks to a sensor with an 8:7 aspect ratio, the GoPro Hero 12 Black lets you easily create quality vertical videos.
✅ You want high-quality video: 5K/60p footage is slick, while the 10-bit mode is a big win for those who like to color grade in post-production.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need a low-light champ: The Hero 12 Black doesn’t have a big sensor, and its low-light footage reflects that.
❌ You want magnetic mounting: The DJI Osmo Action 3 and 4 plus Insta360 Go 3 all offer snappier magnetic mounting.
If your videos are more adventurous, we think the GoPro Hero 12 Black is the best action cam for vlogging. It builds on the already impressive Hero 11 Black, introducing some pro-focused features that includes Bluetooth support, dual channel audio, better battery life, a tripod thread, plus the full 8:7 sensor area is now available for all video modes, with GoPro’s log profile and HDR video. You also get the same 5.3K video at up to 60fps, with Horizon Lock and HyperSmooth 5.0, which do a remarkable job of keeping videos perfectly level when vlogging handheld. All of this together lets you create content that you couldn’t replicate with a smartphone.
Both models are physically the same – barring the Hero 12 Black’s addition of a tripod thread – and use the same battery, even though the new model’s battery life is much better. The sensor is the same, too, so low-light performance underwhelms when compared to the DJI Osmo Action 4. And if you don’t need its more serious video features, then the Hero 11 Black could be a more sensible option given it costs less. However, as our review notes, the Hero 12 Black is an action camera “edging closer to perfection”.
Read our in-depth GoPro Hero 12 Black review
The best miniature vlogging camera
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Buy it if:
✅ You want a tiny and versatile vlogging cam: The smallest camera in this guide is waterproof and can mount magnetically, squeezing in places no other camera can for unique shots.
✅ You swap video formats regularly: Thanks to an auto orientation feature, video footage can easily be captured in vertical or horizontal formats, and you can choose which aspect you want later.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want decent battery life: Understandably, such a small camera hosts a low-capacity battery that can’t compete with larger units.
❌ You want the best possible image quality: Video and image quality is better than ever in this series, but this is a tiny camera with tiny sensor and lens, and can’t compare to other options in this guide.
Few cameras offer the vlogging portability of the Insta360 Go 3S. Hitting the scales at a mere 1.38oz / 39.1g, the camera itself is a tiny, pared-back, screen-less pebble that’s capable of capturing detailed 4K video and 12MP stills. It features magentic mounting and comes with accessories including a lanyard so that you can shoot hands-free first-person perspectives, and squeeze it into tiny spaces for unique POVs. Versatility is the name of the Go-series game.
In our review, we found its stabilization isn’t up to GoPro standards, but the FlowState software does a reasonable job of mitigating walking motion, especially if you process video with your laptop rather than the Insta360 app. There’s no display on the camera itself and battery life is understandably limited given the small sizr of the camera, which could be dealbreakers for some, but the Go 3S comes with an Action Pod that with 2.4in screen and UI to control the camera and update settings and offer a remote view – it’s a super handy alternative to using Insta360’s app, plus it boosts battery life of the Go 3S. The only real downside to the Action Pod is that it isn’t waterproof like the Go 3S is.
Overall, we loved reviewing the Go 3S. It’s fun for all ages. It doesn’t give you the best quality video of all the options here, but you can shoot completely unique content with it thanks to its tiny size and could prove to be an invaluable second camera.
Read our in-depth Insta360 Go 3S review
The best smartphone gimbal for vlogging
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Buy it if:
✅ You want a compact gimbal: A smaller battery and fewer ports make the DJI OM 5 a smaller, lighter device that fits in a large pocket.
✅ You vlog with your smartphone: Attach your mobile to the OM 5 and you get powerful three-axis image stabilization and an extending selfie stick.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You don’t need a selfie stick: If you don’t need the OM 5’s telescopic arm, the OM 4 might be better value, particularly with its power bank functionality.
❌ You want a traditional mount: The OM 5 uses a convenient magnetic attachment system, but it requires a grip to live on your phone.
Today’s smartphones are already excellent vlogging tools, but DJI’s stabilized handles are a great way to add to your mobile’s video skills. With a smaller battery than previous editions, the latest model also sacrifices power bank functionality in favor of a more refined, compact design.
In testing, we thought the OM 5 felt more elegant and premium than previous editions. We also felt that the option to extend it into a selfie stick added useful creative scope, even if it proved a little fiddly – and offered a less versatile roll range than the OM 4 before it. We found that the 3-axis gimbal still did a great job of keeping footage smooth and steady. Improved active tracking and ShotGuides in the Memo app were also a hit in testing. If you’re happy to have a grip attached to your phone, this tool will transform it into a clever videography combo.
Read our in-depth DJI OM 5 review
The best 360 degree vlogging camera
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Buy it if:
✅ You want vlogs with a difference: Some of the X4’s shooting modes such as bullet time can give your vlogs a creative edge.
✅ You want a mult-purpose vlogging camera: The X4 is more than 360-degree: it’s also a fabulous single-lens action camera and capable dash cam.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You don’t want to edit much: If you’re new to 360-degree video, you’ll need to invest the time to produce the best quality results.
❌ You don’t want large file sizes: Insta360 has done a great job keeping the 8K file sizes down, but they’re still pretty big.
Insta360 X4 360 sample video
The waterproof Insta360 X4 won us over during testing. Not just for its novel 360-degree features and best-ever 8K video with superb image stablization, but also for its versatility – in its single-lens mode you can shoot 4K 60p video, which considering its fully waterproof makes the X4 a legitimate action camera. You can go places and do things with the X4 for your vlogs that you simply can’t do with other vlogging cameras, like the DJI Pocket 3, which isn’t built to withstand tough weather or take a dip in the ocean.
We had so much fun trying out the bullet time, hyperlapse and timelapse modes, while the increased 8K resolution sensor improves just about every shooting mode. For example, FreeFrame can shoot single-lens videos in multiple aspect ratios – you pick if you want vertical or horizontal, ideal for getting your content out in multiple versions for different platforms. It may be a 360-degree camera, but the Insta360 X is the swiss army knife in the video world, and one of its tool is defintely vlogging.
Read our in-depth Insta360 X4 hands-on review
How to choose the best vlogging camera
From premium webcams to mirrorless models, the best vlogging cameras come in a range of shapes and sizes. The features you need will vary depending on what and how you like to shoot.
If you’re a solo filmmaker, for example, you’ll probably want a camera with an articulating touchscreen which makes it much easier to frame shots when working by yourself. Equally, if a lot of your content involves speaking to the camera, you’ll need an external microphone input to ensure you capture top-notch audio for your audience. Reliable face-tracking autofocus will also mean that your subject stays sharp, even if they move within the frame.
A lot of vloggers like to walk and talk at the same time. If this is your style, you should consider a camera with in-body image stabilization. This will help to smooth out any shaky motion caused by your footsteps and make footage much more watchable. Some cameras go a step further with an integrated gimbal which counteracts motion on several axes to stay level, like the DJI Pocket 2.
Almost all of the best vlogging cameras can now shoot in 4K resolution as standard. But it’s important to look beyond resolution alone. High frame rates of 120fps and above will allow you to shoot stunning slow-motion footage, for example. And if post-processing is part of your workflow, 10-bit color depth will give you greater flexibility in the editing room.
What kind of camera do vloggers use?
As you can tell from the buying advice above, vloggers use a wide range of different cameras depending on their specific needs.
Many vloggers favor mirrorless models for their combination of image quality, performance and flexibility. The best mirrorless vlogging cameras feature high-resolution sensors, in-body image stabilization for smoother footage, plus the option to swap lenses to suit different shooting scenarios – all in packages that are relatively portable. Mirrorless cameras are also more likely to feature ports for connecting external accessories, such as microphones, headphones and hot-shoe lights.
That said, some vloggers prefer to prioritize portability. Truly tiny cameras like the Insta360 Go 2 sacrifice total creative control in favor of quick, simple accessibility for capturing off-the-cuff footage. Compact cameras like the Sony ZV-1 can represent a good middle ground for a lot of vloggers, offering solid image quality and manual control options, yet still in a form factor that can comfortably slip into a pocket.
Other vloggers choose cameras which are specifically suited to their shooting needs. Rugged models like the GoPro Hero 10 Black, for example, offer advanced connectivity and live-streaming options, plus plenty of creative modes, in a sturdy package that makes it easy to shoot vlogs even in extreme weather conditions.
Vloggers who stream from a seated position will often favor a premium webcam like the Razer Kiyo Pro, which deftly fills a unique niche. Equally, those who want a dedicated tool to record while they walk-and-talk might use something like DJI’s Pocket 2.
How we test vlogging cameras
How we test vlogging cameras
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The most important features for a vlogging camera are its video quality, autofocus, in-body image stabilization and audio options, so those are the main areas our tests focus on.
To review the video quality, we shoot at the camera’s highest resolution and frame-rate in a variety of handheld scenes, including the popular walk-and-talk style, to see how it handles colors, skin tones, detail and rolling shutter. We also include high-contrast scenes to test how well the auto-exposure and white balance adapt to changes in lighting.
These tests are also a good opportunity to the test the vlogging camera’s Face and Eye tracking autofocus, along with the quality of its stabilization (both electronic and mechanical, if available). Another thing we test in these scenes is an oft-overlooked part of the vlogging equation, the built-in microphones. If the camera has a microphone input, we’ll also use it with an external lav mic to see how the quality compares to its internal audio.
Many of the latest vlogging cameras include additional features like flat color profiles, articulating touchscreens, built-in ND filters and, in Sony’s case, a ‘product showcase’ feature that’s ideal for those who run a YouTube channel from home. If available, we test all of these functions to see how they fare compared to their closest rivals, then wrap up our conclusions based on our various impressions of the camera’s build quality, design, video quality, audio quality and features.
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