Many YouTube stars and influencers started by simply vlogging their everyday experiences. While a smartphone is more than enough for creating content when you're starting, you should invest in a good camera once things start to get serious.

But with all the camera models out there, you might get confused about which one to go for. Some vloggers may prefer to opt for a compact and pocket-friendly camera, whereas others may want to invest in a mirrorless camera with stabilization features.

Here are the best vlogging cameras available today.

Premium pick

1. Panasonic LUMIX S5

9.60 / 10
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If you want to level up your vlogging experience, you won't go wrong with the Panasonic LUMIX S5. This full-frame, professional-grade mirrorless camera allows you to create videos at 4K/60 quality. Furthermore, the device allows you to connect microphones and headphones via ports on the body. To get the best quality audio, you can even install an XLR microphone adapter (sold separately).

Since it is an interchangeable lens camera, you can choose between the numerous Leica L-mount lenses on the market to get the best one for your filming style. It also lets you use two SD cards to store your data, so you can shoot continuously, even as you replace a full SD card with an empty one.

The LUMIX S5 also features 14+ stops of dynamic range to maximize your creative juices, allowing you to capture intimate detail, even in challenging lighting conditions. It also supports 4:3 Anamorphic lenses, so you can execute your vision without limitations. So, if you're planning to go all out with vlogging, this camera should be one of your options to expand your filming equipment.

Key Features
  • Offers a full-frame sensor in a compact mirrorless format
  • Can record FHD 180fps slow-motion video
  • Uses both sensor image stabilization and lens optical image stabilization
Specifications
  • Brand: Panasonic
  • Sensor Size: Full frame
  • Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160 @ 60p
  • Photo Resolution: 24MP
  • Battery: DMW-BLK22 Li-ion
  • Connection: USB 3.2 / micro HDMI / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / Microphone port / Headphone port
  • Size: 133 x 97 x 82mm
  • Weight: 714g
  • Water Resistance: N/A
  • Lens: Interchangeable
Pros
  • High-performance auto-focus acquires subject in as little as 0.08 seconds
  • Comes with a fully-articulated LCD screen for shooting flexibility
  • Compatible with Leica L-mount lenses
Cons
  • Expensive
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Panasonic LUMIX S5

The Canon EOS M50 Mark II Kit is an excellent option for keen vloggers. This pack includes everything you need—a handheld tripod, a Bluetooth remote control, a microphone, and an all-around lens—so you can leave all your other gear.

Aside from being a complete package, the camera itself is a pretty capable unit. If you're looking for maximum quality, it can record at 4K/24, but if you're looking for smooth slow-motion and time-lapse video, it can also record 1080p/120. You can also easily shoot videos with awkward angles and selfie videos with its fully-articulating touchscreen LCD.

You don't have to fumble around the camera's rear to control it, as you can easily change the settings when the screen is pointing directly at you. So, if you're looking to get into camera vlogging, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II offers great value for content creators.

Key Features
  • Includes the DM-E100 Stereo Microphone, HG-100TBR Tripod Grip with the BR-E1 Bluetooth Remote Control, and a Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM lens in the package
  • Captures 24MP high-resolution photos and 4K videos, with little noise, even in low-light conditions
  • Features Dual Pixel CMOS and Eye Detection Autofocus to ensure sharp and crisp subjects in all your videos
Specifications
  • Brand: Canon
  • Sensor Size: APS-C
  • Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160 @ 23.98p
  • Photo Resolution: 24MP
  • Battery: LP-E12 Li-ion
  • Connection: USB 2.0 / micro HDMI / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / Microphone Port
  • Size: 116 x 88 x 59mm
  • Weight: 387g
  • Water Resistance: N/A
  • Lens: Interchangeable
Pros
  • Uses a fully-articulating 1-megapixel 3-inch touchscreen for easy controllability
  • Can directly live stream to YouTube from the camera
  • Offers silent mode for completely quiet operation
Cons
  • Not suitable for rugged environments
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Canon EOS M50 Mark II Content Creator Kit
Best value

3. DJI Pocket 2

9.00 / 10
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When creating vlogs, you want to ensure your video is as steady as possible, even when moving around. While this may be a challenge with large, bulky cameras, you won't have this issue at all with the DJI Pocket 2. Its three-axis stabilizing gimbal ensures your footage will always remain rock steady, even if you run and jump around.

Furthermore, it has four built-in microphones so you can reliably capture sound from your focused subject. Best of all, the device is small, light, and pocketable. You can easily slip it into your bag or pants if you're not shooting. And when you're ready to start filming, it powers up in one second, so you don't miss moments.

While high-end mirrorless cameras might sound tempting for making videos, you'll find that the DJI Pocket 2 is much more useful, especially for those just exploring the world of vlogging.

Key Features
  • Light and pocket-sized
  • Built-in three-axis gimbal offers unprecedented stabilization
  • Offers up to four-times zoom
Specifications
  • Brand: DJI
  • Sensor Size: 1/1.7"
  • Video Resolution: 4K @ 60p
  • Photo Resolution: 64MP
  • Battery: Built-in Li-Po
  • Connection: USB-C / Wireless Adapter
  • Size: 124.7 x 38.1 x 30mm
  • Weight: 117g
  • Water Resistance: N/A
  • Lens: 20mm-equivalent F/1.8
Pros
  • ActiveTrack 3.0 technology allows the camera to follow moving subjects easily
  • Captures 8x slo-mo video
  • Available optional waterproof accessories for underwater shooting
Cons
  • Smartphone control is awkward and unbalanced
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DJI Pocket 2

If you're an adventurer and want to get an action camera to record your feats, you have to pick between a 360 camera or a 4K action camera. While you can get both, it will get expensive, and you'll have to pack twice the amount of gear. Fortunately, Insta360 introduced the Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition—a modular camera with both a 360 camera and a 4K camera.

What's great about this arrangement is that you can easily swap out these components in the field. And while the ONE R Twin Edition contains modules, it's still IPX8 water-resistant, allowing you to use it up to 5 meters underwater.

You can also reverse the touch display module, allowing you to use it to film what you see and for selfie videos. So, if you can't decide between a 360 camera or a 4K action camera, or if you need both, then the Insta360 ONE R Twin Edition is the only choice for you.

Key Features
  • Easily swap between wide-angle 4K 60fps or 360-degree 5.7K modules
  • IPX8 waterproofing ensures you can use the camera wherever you want
  • FlowState Stabilization delivers gimbal-like stability, even when recording handheld video
Specifications
  • Brand: Insta360
  • Sensor Size: N/A
  • Video Resolution: 4000 x 3000 (4K) / 6080 x 3040 (360)
  • Photo Resolution: 4000 x 3000 @ 30 (4K) / 5760 x 2800 @ 30 (360)
  • Battery: 1,190 mAh battery base
  • Connection: USB-C / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth
  • Size: 72 x 48 x 32.4mm (4K) / 72 x 48 x 43mm (360)
  • Weight: 121g (4K) / 130.5g (360)
  • Water Resistance: IPX8 up to 5m
  • Lens: 16.4mm-equivalent F/2.8 (4K) / Dual-7.2mm-equivalent F/2.0 (360)
Pros
  • Built-in AI editing allows you to get a completed film from your clips in minutes
  • Optional invisible selfie stick mode allows you to capture 360 videos without the selfie stick blocking the view
  • AI-powered tracking algorithm allows the camera to keep your subject locked in the center, even when foreground objects temporarily break the camera's line of sight.
Cons
  • Overheats after 30 minutes of continuous recording
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Insta 360 ONE R Twin Edition

Those looking for a high-quality 4K camera but are sticking to a budget should look at the Sony Alpha a6400. This device allows you to shoot UHD videos without shelling out over $1,000 for a camera body.

This camera stands out from the competition because of its excellent autofocus capability. It can confidently track subjects across varying lighting conditions, allowing your videos to stay pin sharp. Furthermore, the camera's sensor ensures clean video, even if you're shooting at high sensitivity and low lighting.

The camera's screen flips up, allowing you to frame and film yourself confidently. You can also customize the camera's control system, ensuring that the functions you need are always within your fingertips. If you want a reliable workhorse camera that will deliver crisp and clean video, then the Sony Alpha a6400 is your bet.

Key Features
  • Uses 425 phase-detection AF points for crisp and quick subject tracking
  • Delivers clean images even at high sensitivities and low-light conditions
  • 180-degree tiltable LCD monitor makes it easy to film selfie vlogs
Specifications
  • Brand: Sony
  • Sensor Size: APS-C
  • Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160 @ 30p
  • Photo Resolution: 24MP
  • Battery: NP-FW50
  • Connection: USB 2.0 / micro HDMI / Wi-Fi / NFC / Bluetooth / Microphone Port
  • Size: 120 x 67 x 60mm
  • Weight: 403g
  • Water Resistance: N/A
  • Lens: Interchangeable
Pros
  • With eight fully-customizable buttons for efficient control
  • Can be used as a webcam with the Imaging Edge app
  • Small and portable build makes it easy to travel with
Cons
  • Not recommended for people with large hands
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Sony Alpha a6400

If you're on a tight budget but want a dedicated camera for your vlogging, consider getting the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III. Although this is only a point-and-shoot device, it's capable of delivering 4K video. Furthermore, its flip-up touchscreen LCD makes it easy for you to record content—whether in landscape or portrait mode.

This camera features a built-in 24 to 100 mm-equivalent lens, with a relatively fast aperture of F/1.8-2.8. This allows more light into the sensor, thus allowing you to have cleaner video even in relatively low-light conditions. And in case you don't want to boot up your laptop or computer anymore, you can live stream directly from the camera itself.

This makes it easier for you to directly share your life away from your webcam with your viewers. So, if you don't want to shell out all the extra money for a mirrorless camera and its required accessories but want to upgrade from your smartphone, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is your natural choice.

Key Features
  • Equipped with the DiG!C 8 Image Processor that delivers high image quality quickly
  • Built-in 4.2x optical zoom lens with fast apertures
  • Records 4K/30 and 1080p/120 video
Specifications
  • Brand: Canon
  • Sensor Size: 1-inch
  • Video Resolution: 3840 x 2160 @ 30p
  • Photo Resolution: 20MP
  • Battery: NB-13L Li-ion
  • Connection: USB 3.2 / micro HDMI / Wi-Fi / Bluetooth / Microphone Port
  • Size: 105 x 61 x 41mm
  • Weight: 304g
  • Water Resistance: N/A
  • Lens: 24-100 mm-equivalent F/1.8-2.8
Pros
  • Three-inch touchscreen LCD flips up for easy selfie videos
  • Share your live streams directly to YouTube from the camera
  • Support vertical video recording, perfect for sharing on social media platforms
Cons
  • Tends to overheat after 10 minutes of 4K recording
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Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

The GoPro is the original action camera that started it all—a compact video recording device that can withstand the harshest situations. Its latest iteration, the GoPro HERO10 Black, delivers the latest camera technology in the same small form factor.

You can now shoot 5.3K videos at 60fps, much higher than the UHD 4K standard. Furthermore, this device features Hypersmooth Stabilization technology, allowing you to shoot handheld videos with the steadiness of a gimbal-mounted camera.

This device also ramps up its connectivity features. You can now upload your recordings directly to the cloud when you're charging if you have a GoPro subscription. You can even start live streaming from the GoPro itself, thus saving you the hassle of setting up your smartphone or laptop when reaching out to your live audience.

If you've always been a GoPro user, getting the GoPro HERO10 Black is a no-brainer choice. But if you're new to vlogging and want something capable of delivering, you won't go wrong with the action camera that started it all.

Key Features
  • Shoot 5.3K video while simultaneously capturing 19.6MP stills
  • Powered by the all-new GP2 engine for faster response and processing
  • Waterproof up to 10m
Specifications
  • Brand: GoPro
  • Sensor Size: 1/2.3-inch
  • Video Resolution: 5.3K/60FPS, 4K/120FPS + 2.7K/240FPS Wide FOV
  • Photo Resolution: 23MP
  • Battery: 1,720mAh Li-ion
  • Connection: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
  • Size: 82 x 122 x 239mm
  • Weight: 153g
  • Water Resistance: 10m
  • Lens: 12.7mm-equivalent F/2.5
Pros
  • Capable of automatic cloud uploads while charging
  • Hypersmooth 4.0 offers gimbal-level stabilization without the external hardware
  • Live stream directly from the camera
Cons
  • Prone to overheating on maximum settings
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GoPro HERO10 Black

Film and scene colors are essential when creating videos. These things help set the tone of your clip and deliver the correct message across to your audience. You have to go through post-processing for most other cameras to get your desired color across, but with the Fujifilm X-S10, you can get excellent color profiles straight out of the camera.

Fujifilm used its years of experience working with film to accurately reproduce the effects of its film stock on the X-S10. Beyond that, the camera also offers excellent in-body image stabilization that works in conjunction with optical image stabilization on lenses. This ensures you get steady recordings, even if you're shooting handheld.

This mirrorless camera lets you save up to four custom profiles right on the mode dial. This allows you to set your preferred settings and switch to it immediately with just a couple of clicks—no more need to dig through the settings menu to get the effect you want.

If you want your vlog to have excellent, cinema-quality effects and color, you should go for the Fujifilm X-S10. It also has several features, like image stabilization, its rugged magnesium alloy body, and ergonomic design, that make it a perfect all-around camera.

Key Features
  • Magnesium alloy chassis ensures rigidity, stability, and longevity
  • Precise eye-tracking autofocus delivers crisp video where it matters, even in low-light conditions
  • In-Body Image Stabilization works with Optical Image Stabilization Systems for smooth video
Specifications
  • Brand: Fujifilm
  • Sensor Size: APS-C (25.1 x 16.7mm)
  • Video Resolution: 4K
  • Photo Resolution: 26MP
  • Battery: 325 CIPA
  • Size: 5 x 3.3 x 2.5mm
  • Weight: 16oz
  • Water Resistance: No
  • Lens: Interchangeable
Pros
  • Allows users to customize the color profiles on the camera fully
  • Pick up to 35 X-Mount lenses so you can find the best one for your needs
  • Includes four custom modes for saving your preferred settings
Cons
  • Autofocus might not be able to keep up with sports and high-speed action
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Fujifilm X-S10

When making your first vlog, you may want to stick to a simple and easy-to-use camera. However, as you grow deeper into the field, you'll eventually want a powerful device that can keep up with your demands. Luckily, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV delivers on both fronts—it's easy to use and has built-in guides to get the new vlogger started.

But underneath that, you can find advanced manual settings that give you precisely what you want. It's also great for travel vloggers, as you can recharge it from a power bank or car charger via its USB port. You can also easily switch to a selfie video recording by flipping down the LCD screen.

These features make it perfect for the solo vlogger to capture the world around them. If you're looking for a camera you can use years into your vlogging career; the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the device you're looking for.

Key Features
  • Light and compact mirrorless form factor
  • Highly-ergonomic controls, with twin control dials, arrow pad, and customizable buttons
  • Effective in-body image stabilization ensures steady video, even when recording handheld
Specifications
  • Brand: Olympus
  • Sensor Size: Micro Four Thirds (17.4 x 13mm)
  • Video Resolution: 4K
  • Photo Resolution: 20MP
  • Battery: 360 CIPA
  • Size: 4.8 x 3.3 x 1.9 inches
  • Weight: 13.44oz
  • Water Resistance: No
  • Lens: Interchangeable
Pros
  • Can be recharged on the go via its USB port
  • Dedicated selfie mode activates when the LCD is flipped down
  • Comes with helpful guides and aids for new users
Cons
  • No microphone port for audio recording
Buy This Product
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

Vlogging can be tiring, especially when you're moving around with a heavy camera all day long. While your smartphone can be a light and compact alternative to mirrorless cameras, it has some drawbacks, like the lens and audio quality limitations. This is where the Panasonic LUMIX G100 comes in—this small, compact device gives you the benefits of a mirrorless camera without the bulk and weight of similar devices.

Furthermore, it has a fully-articulating three-inch rear screen, allowing you to compose your videos easily however you like. And since it's a mirrorless camera, you can pick between a wide range of Lumix lenses, allowing you creative freedom. You can even connect an external microphone, ensuring you get the best possible audio quality with your recording.

So, if you want to level up your vlogging quality but don't want to deal with the bulk and weight of other mirrorless devices, you should check out the Panasonic LUMIX G100.

Key Features
  • Built-in frame markers help with composition, ensuring all crucial parts of your video are in the frame
  • Small and compact enough for one-handed recording
  • High-performance microphone tracking capabilities ensure your subjects are always heard clearly over the background noise
Specifications
  • Brand: Panasonic
  • Sensor Size: Micro Four Thirds (17.3 x 13mm)
  • Video Resolution: 4K
  • Photo Resolution: 20MP
  • Battery: 270 CIPA
  • Size: 4.5 x 3.3 x 2.1 inches
  • Weight: 0.77 pounds
  • Water Resistance: No
  • Lens: Interchangeable, includes 12-32mm kit lens
Pros
  • Fully-articulating three-inch touchscreen rear monitor makes it easy to control
  • Easily connects to your computer for use as a 4K live streaming webcam
  • Compatible with a wide range of LUMIX lenses for future expansion
Cons
  • Crops video severely, especially when using stabilization
Buy This Product
Panasonic LUMIX G100

FAQ

Q: What Equipment Do Vloggers Use?

After the vlogging camera, most vloggers need a proper microphone for high-quality audio, portable light for filming in low-light conditions, and a tripod for stationary recording. Some vloggers also invest in gimbals or Steadicams to ensure steady filming when they're shooting on the go.

Q: Can I Use My Phone for Vlogging?

Yes, you can. You have to consider the following, though: does your phone have enough storage space to keep all your recordings? Does it have a good enough camera so you can make quality videos?

Many vloggers recommend the iPhone 13 or the Samsung S22 Ultra to get the best possible quality, but if you're new to vlogging, the best equipment is the one you have in your hand.

Q: What Makes a Good Vlog?

When creating your content, you have to ensure it's fun, engaging, and is relevant to your chosen audience. Pick a topic you're interested in and are knowledgeable enough to deliver value.

Don't forget to conduct in-depth research before pressing the record button; that way, you can ensure that your content is accurate and reliable.