What Are the Best Vlogging Cameras for Amateurs and Professionals?
Do you want to start your journey in vlogging, and you don’t know where? After you read our vlogging tutorial, the next step is to invest in the best vlogging camera for beginners!
In this article, we will walk you through some of the most important characteristics a vlogging camera should have and what options do we have for the “best vlogging camera of 2022” title.
What Are the Characteristics of the Best Vlogging Camera?
When you are looking for vlogging cameras, there are numerous features you have to take into consideration, such as size, weight, budget, excellent video quality or image stabilization. Best vlogging cameras resemble a mix of these aspects adapted to the needs of each vlogging.
These are some of the characteristics you should look for in the best cameras for vlogging:
Recording Capabilities
Although it might seem intuitive, you should make sure the vlogging camera you're considering can record videos (for an extended amount of time). Unfortunately, some people buy mirrorless or DSLR cameras without doing their research only to find out that the camera overheats and shuts down after about 5 to 10 minutes or video recording.
You'll have to go through a lengthy return process with the shop if you end up purchasing a camera that is unable to record videos (assuming that choice is even available). This could turn out to be a very costly oversight.
Size and Weight
Compactness is an essential feature in the best camera for vlogging. Vloggers that are constantly on the go should use a lightweight camera that is simple to hold and pack. If your vlog is primarily about your travels or shopping, it's crucial that the compact camera is easy to hold and won't strain your arm.
Even if you're a stationary vlogger, you'll still need to move the camera during setup, so make sure you feel at ease with its size and weight. A small vlogging camera should always be your go-to option.
Auto-Focus
Continuous autofocus is a requirement for all vlogging cameras; if it is absent, don't even think about purchasing the camera models. For vlogging, using manual focus is a huge time waster during filming and will cause you a ton of extra work during editing.
As a vlogger, you need video cameras that can continuously focus on the main subject of the video. Therefore, it should be on your face if you're chatting while walking. If you're shooting a makeup tutorial and want to highlight a certain item you're carrying, the focus of the video should quickly adjust to that item.
Low-Light Performance
The capacity of a camera to record video in low light circumstances is referred to as low-light performance. You can manage the amount of light that is captured in a low-light situation by adjusting your camera's ISO, aperture and shutter speed, something you'll need to do at some time throughout your vlogging career.
You can capture more light with your camera by increasing the ISO, but this comes at the expense of a grainy image. Additionally, reducing the f-stop (widening the aperture) allows more light to enter the camera, although this will cause the depth of field to become really shallow. What this means is that anything behind or in front of your subject will become blurred. This effect can look cool and cinematic, but if the f-stop is low enough (f 1.4 for example), it can become so shallow that your nose will be in focus while your eyes won’t.
Even though you can edit YouTube videos and vlogs before posting them on your YouTube channel, it's best to invest in vlogging cameras that can adapt to a large number of external conditions.
Video Quality
Video resolution is another key element when choosing the best cameras for vlogging. The decision of whether to record your vlog in 1080p or 4K is crucial.
These days, 4K recording is available on modern smartphones and tiny vlogging cameras, enabling you to share your vlog with the entire globe in spectacular resolution. Simple enough, right? Well, editing your vlogs in 4K could take some time if your machine isn't very fast. Additionally, the majority of people are still viewing video on smartphones with a maximum resolution of 1440p, so your stunning 4K vlog could not be fully appreciated.
However, because more people are purchasing 4K-capable displays and TVs, vlogging in 4K does future-proof your videos. You can also crop video while editing to frame things better when vlogging in 4K, which expands your creative possibilities.
Good Microphone
Everyone in the vlogging industry will tell you that a vlog can become a polished, professional production with the addition of high-quality audio. When compared to an external microphone that is connected to the camera's microphone input, built-in microphones typically provide a worse audio quality.
The audio quality of your vlogs will be better and the wind noise will be lessened if you use an external microphone. Make sure the built-in microphone on the vlogging camera you purchase has decent sound quality. If you plan on using an external microphone like a lav mic, please make sure that your camera has a 3.5mm jack or other type of microphone input. A lot of budget cameras (like the Sony a5100 and a6000 series) don’t offer any way to connect an external microphone.
Image Stabilization
For both the experience of your viewers and the quality of your vlog, stabilization is crucial. Stabilization is a feature that smooths out any unwanted camera movement caused by walking or shaky hands.
Most mid-range and high-end cameras feature optical image stabilization, which uses internal gyroscopes to keep the camera sensor steady and cancel out any shaking.
However, filmmakers are increasingly using gimbal stabilization to produce fluid shots. This technique uses an external 3-axis gimbal, which has a set of brushless motors to stabilize the camera's movement. If you want to carry your camera around and do travel vlogging, however, a gimbal might be a bit much, so make sure your camera has good internal image stabilization.
LCD Flip Screen
Every YouTuber needs the best vlogging camera with a flip screen. Your camera must be able to flip out the LCD screen so you can see yourself while recording.
At all times while recording, you must make sure that the composition and framing are exactly as you like. Only a screen that can flip toward the front of the camera allows you to observe the composition while still looking towards the lens. Using your phone's front-facing camera is not all that dissimilar from this.
Best Vlogging Cameras 2022: Top Recommendations
2022 seems to be quite an appealing year for those looking for the best cameras for vlogging, as the option pool is getting larger and the features of already known vlogging cameras are improving. From an action camera to a budget camera or to a pocket camera, you can find everything that interests you!
These are our recommendations for the best cameras for vlogging to purchase this year:
Nikon Z30
A tiny APS-C mirrorless camera targeted specifically towards new vloggers is the Nikon Z30, which ranks quite well in the shortlist for best camera for vlogging and photography. It completely relies on a multi-angle touchscreen in place of a viewfinder. That configuration makes it Nikon's smallest and least expensive APS-C mirrorless camera to date.
The Z30 retains many of the advantageous aspects of its predecessors' shooting performance, including a 20.9MP APS-C sensor that can capture 4K UHD footage at 30 frames per second with full width and no cropping or Full HD at 120 frames per second for slow-motion work.
Fujifilm X-S10
When it comes to vlogging, the Fujifilm X-S10 is a fantastic choice of camera. Its fully articulating touch screen makes it possible for you to keep an eye on your recording even when the camera is pointing directly at you, and carrying it about isn't too taxing. In comparison to certain other models in Fujifilm's model lineup, it is also a little simpler to hold when vlogging because of its ergonomic grip.
The camera excels at reducing camera shake in both FHD and 4K video thanks to its in-body image stabilization and the optical stabilization function of the FUJINON XF 18-55mm F2.8-4 R OIS kit lens. Both resolutions have decent video quality, albeit when recording in darker settings, noise may be present. Its autofocus technology is surprisingly good at tracking the faces of subjects as well.
Sony ZV-1
Our next recommendation for a versatile vlogging camera is Sony ZV-1. The ZV-1 is a powerful image capturing powerhouse for both video and photography that won't leave you disappointed. Its small and lightweight design makes it the perfect vlogging camera.
The ZV-1, designed for vlogging, is what you get when you combine high-quality image capture with simple operation and a cute flip-out screen that lets you focus on your subject matter instead of getting distracted by the technical details of your camera.
GoPro HERO 11
The newest model of the renowned take-anywhere action camera is the GoPro Hero 11 Black. It is perfect for a vlogging camera because it is small, light, and extremely sturdy.
The GoPro Hero Black can be used as a studio camera, but its primary purpose is as an action camera for filming videos while moving around and it also has designed Mods that make it more video-friendly.
The primary Media Mod is a housing that has a directional microphone, an HDMI output, two cold shoe inputs, a 3.5mm external mic connector, and another mic input. Then, to brighten your images and enable you to see yourself when you're in front of the camera, you may insert Display and Light Mods into the video shots.
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is one of the best cameras for vlogging available in 2022. The compact vlogging camera with 20.1 megapixels, one-inch sensor, is now outfitted with an uncropped 4K video recording and something that has been sought repeatedly: a microphone connector.
This implies that, if you want to, you can enhance the sound beyond what the internal mic can provide. Even better, you don't have to use your smartphone because the G7X III can stream directly to YouTube, allowing you to live-vlog anything that is going on around you. Another wonderful feature is USB charging, which allows you to give it power bursts while you're on the road. This is wise if you've been shooting a lot of 4K footage.
Panasonic GH5 Mark II
Our next good vlogging camera recommendation is Panasonic GH5 Mark II. The GH5 Mark II is well worth a look if you're seeking for a well-built, lightweight mirrorless camera with outstanding handling, a wide variety of video recording options, excellent video quality and reliable stills performance.
The camera offers stunning 4K video quality, and useful features like in-body image stabilization and twin SD card ports. It can capture flawless 10-bit 4:2:2 films as well as buttery smooth slow-motion Full HD footage, and its videos can appear excellent with little post-production editing needed.
Logitech StreamCam
The next recommendation for a budget-friendly mid-range vlogging camera is Logitech StreamCam, a camera made specifically for today's creators. It makes it simpler than ever for people to share their passions with the world. Flexible mounting choices, USB-C connectivity, and 1080p/60 frame-per-second video are all included in the StreamCam.
By the enabling features on StreamCam, Logitech enables producers to concentrate on producing their finest work by automating exposure, framing, and digital image stabilization. This cheap vlogging camera may be positioned either horizontally or vertically.
Which Vlogging Camera Will You Choose?
Now that you have a large pool of options when it comes to the best cameras for vlogging, it is important to choose the one that suits your needs and budget limitations. At the end of the day, every camera can be an ideal vlogging camera as long as you are passionate and eager to work on your vlog.
And worry not, once you start recording your vlogs, you can easily edit the shots with Flixier, turning some good quality video into a vlog that will leave your viewers craving for more.
Keep an eye on camera deals and start your vlogging journey!
