How to Choose a Vlogging Camera

2022 was another banner year for vloggers. Not only did we see major releases from industry giants like GoPro and DJI, but big-name camera brands like Sony and Canon continued to wheel out and support their own vlog-specific cameras, making vlog content creation more accessible than ever. The abundance of viable products and uptick in accessibility is a welcomed shift to anyone curious about or eager to jump into vlogging, but with so many great options available, it can be hard to decide where to start. Fret not dear reader: we have some helpful pointers on what to look for in a vlogging camera, as well as some of our top picks to hit the ground running. What are the best features for a vlogging camera?

• The vari-angle rear LCD touchscreen is a must-have for most content creation and vlogging. Vari-angle touchscreens can twist and rotate frontwards, be tilted up or down, and can lock in place on the back panel of your camera. This kind of touchscreen is the most conducive for checking your exposure and focus, ensuring you are in frame, and generally reviewing your footage while selfie-vlogging.

• An external microphone port is another key feature to look for in your vlogging camera. While many cameras have powerful built-in microphones for capturing sound, nothing will compare to the accuracy and quality of a dedicated microphone that can be plugged into your camera.

• Image stabilization is indispensable for creators who plan to vlog on-the-go by making your footage look less shaky, but it is also helpful to have an image stabilizing-capable camera even if you are a stationary creator. While those who prefer sit-down style vlogging tend to use tripods for support, a built-in image stabilization system is a great additional layer for ensuring smooth footage and is a great option to have if you ever decide to go mobile with your content.

• High resolution is the standard for most cameras today, with 4k being the predominant output. You will most likely encounter vlog cameras that output 4k in your search, but keep an eye out for higher resolutions that will maintain the pace with this rapidly developing technology.

With these features in mind, here are a few of our favorite vlogging cameras—presented in no special order.

Sony ZV-1

Top Features:

• Compact, lightweight body with vari-angle touchscreen

• 20MP 1"-type BSI stacked CMOS sensor

• 24-70mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens; built-in ND filter

• UHD 4K30 recording with HLG HDR/S-Log2

• Ultra-fast phase-detect AF system with customization

• Background Defocus for shallow depth of field

• Soft Skin Effect and Face Priority AE

• Product Showcase Setting for reviews

• Directional three-capsule mic for clear sound

• MI Shoe with digital interface and 3.5mm mic input

Sony has kept content creators in mind since the dawn of its RX100 series back in 2012. This fleet of small but capable cameras is the foundation for the powerful ZV-1, the vlogger posterchild that Sony proudly proclaims is, “made for content creators.” With an intentional design and a breadth of features, it is easy to see why.

Right from jump, the ZV-1 sports a 20MP 1" sensor and 24-70mm equivalent f/1.8-2.8 lens that delivers superb image quality for both stills and video, reaching up to UHD 4K at 30p. Like the RX100 series, the ZV-1 supports Super Slow Motion and built-in interval shooting to make short work of long time lapses. The camera’s deep grip is for comfortable selfies, while a noticeable tally light makes it clear that you are recording.

The features and their applications are virtually innumerable on the ZV-1, and Sony clearly approached this camera with the word “seamless” in mind. The Background Defocus feature is sure to delight Youtubers as it guarantees smooth bokeh. Tack on other features such as Product Showcase and Soft Skin effects, and you have a camera that is especially well-suited for creators who make stationary vlogs such as makeup tutorials and unboxing reviews.

But with functions such as Face Priority auto exposure to keep your face and other footage well-lit during mobile vlogging, like a walk-and-talk, it’s clear that the ZV-1 is not exclusively useful to stationary content. As a bonus, the impressive directional three-capsule mic that isolates your voice for maximum clarity is reliable and handy should you forget your shotgun mic. If you are a creator who can’t wait to edit, the Picture Effects function is easy to use and enables vloggers to prepare ready-to-publish videos straight from the camera.

If you are considering the ZV-1, you might also want to check out the Sony Vlogger Accessory Kit and the perfectly matched GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip. Maybe throw in a 64GB SDXC Memory Card so you can get started right away.

Panasonic G100

Top Features:

• Compact design with relatively large 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor

• Bundled with versatile 12-32mm (24-64mm equivalent) f/3.5-5.6 lens

• Mirrorless design permits use of a wide range of lenses

• UHD 4K30 video with V-Log L

• Updated Depth From Defocus (DFD) autofocus

• Electronic IS and Hybrid IS with compatible lenses

• 3.68m-dot OLED EVF

• 1.84m-dot 3.0" free-angle touchscreen with high brightness

• Directional three-microphone array with OZO Audio by Nokia tech

Panasonic follows closely behind Sony with the G100, a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera that seeks to check all the boxes on the vlogger wish list. This camera earns the spot as “Most Versatile” for its interchangeable-lens option that truly maximizes the large 20.3MP sensor. Whereas competitor vlog-centric cameras on the market lack the ability to swap lenses at all, the Micro Four Thirds ecosystem is robust enough that you can choose among a variety of affordable, high-quality primes for this camera. The kitted lens, while small and lightweight, is admittedly slow to take full advantage of the G100’s sensor, so we recommend checking out a couple of additional lenses to really start strong.

The features of this camera don’t stray too far away from that of the Sony camera, which is to be expected from a vlogging camera. The Selfie Mode for video recording utilizes powerful face-detection software for optimized selfie vlogging, and a built-in image stabilization system ensures smooth footage, much like the ZV-1. Autofocus for the G100 has noticeably improved over previous Panasonic models, while the unique OZO Audio feature enables creators to track the audio of their subjects for soundbites that are sharp and clean.

On top of these features, the G100 allows users to customize various buttons housed on the camera for quick toggling. Once familiarized with this camera, whipping it out to capture content can be done in a snap, whether it is video or photography.

Insta360 ONE R

Action cameras took the vlogging world by storm. Or should I say, GoPro took the vlogging world by storm. Today, there are a ton of options to fit nearly any budget or need—including those hopping into 360—and for my recommendation I would go with the Insta360 ONE R 4K Edition.

Top Features:

• Tiny, waterproof construction

• Modular design allows flipping screen or using new camera modules as needed

• Standard 4K Wide Angle Mod with FlowState stabilization

• Optional 1" mod for higher quality or 360 mod for 360 video capture

• UHD 4K up to 60 fps

• Screen can be positioned to be front facing

• Microphone input via optional USB Type-C to 3.5mm adapter

• iOS/Android companion app

• Standard 3-prong action cam mount

Being ultra-small and durable is a major selling point for a vlogging camera you might want to carry around every day, and the One R from Insta360 is one of the best. Before you write this little guy off as the kind of camera outdoor enthusiasts wear for National Geographic-level expeditions, take a moment to consider its variety of vlogging applications.

Weighing 4.27 oz, the One R is the smallest vlogging camera on our list. With 4K shooting at up to 60p, this camera offers good quality video with the assurance of FlowState stabilization to capture smooth footage straight out of the camera. To offset the camera’s limitations because of its size, the core module can be buffed up with additional mods depending on your needs. For example, if you find yourself wanting better quality and resolution, you can easily pop on the 1" mod for enhanced performance. If you want to experiment a bit, the Dual Lens 360 Mod is a fun addition to try out 360-degree video.

For the learning curve that comes with understanding and using mods, the One R’s 360-degree video allows users to capture everything without worrying about where the camera is pointed. Mods also make this camera a more flexible option like the G100, but with the added benefit of abstract and diverse add-ons that can yield some truly unique content.

GoPro HERO10 Black

Top Features:

• 23MP GP2 Chip with improved performance

• 5.3K60/4K120/2.7K240 video, 23MP photos

• New front display/rear touchscreen

• Cloud-connected, 1080p live streaming

• Enhanced low-light performance

• HyperSmooth 4.0 image stabilization

• 33' waterproof without a housing

• Timelapse & night-lapse, 8x slo-mo

• Built-in flip-out 2-prong mount

The One R comprises only one of many kinds of action cams available today. GoPro, which has dominated the action cam scene since its debut, also offers a variety of cameras with vlogging applications. Its HERO10 Black features the powerful new GP2 processor that allows for shooting up to 5.3K60 and 4K120 video—making it one of the most powerful stand-alone action cameras available. This camera also features GoPro’s latest built-in stabilization software, HyperSmooth 4.0, which renders footage super smooth and shake-free.

For its long list of features, the HERO10 Black is best suited for action vlogging. The standout rugged technology of this camera is designed to handle mud, snow, and water with additional housing and lenses available to be interchanged or tacked on as additional protection. The camera also supports voice commands such as, “GoPro, take a photo,” to help maximize hands-free creative content. At a higher price point than the One R, this camera is worth the investment if you are looking for a compact vlogging camera to bring along in your adventures.

Canon EOS C70

Top Features:

• 9.6MP Super 35mm Dual Gain Output (DGO) Sensor

• Canon RF Lens Mount

• DCI 4K up to 120p with Canon Log 2/3 & HLG/PQ HDR gammas

• 10-bit 4:2:2 internal recording

• Super 16mm Crop for 2K up to 180p

• Built-in 2/4/6/8/10-stop ND filter system

• 3.5" Direct Touch Control vari-angle LCD

• ¼"-20 thread on grip for vertical mounting

• Dual Pixel CMOS AF with EOS iTR AF X

• Pro connections (2 x mini-XLR, BNC timecode, etc.)

• Large BP-A series batteries

• Dual SD card slots

For those familiar with the C300 Mark III, the C70 is almost like the pocketable version of it. The C70 embodies nearly all the video-shooting capabilities (excluding raw and a couple of other features) in a reasonably compact package that has been outfitted with a built-in ND filter system and RF mount. Users can make use of stunning RF glass or legacy EF lenses through optional adapters to yield vlogging content of supreme cinematic quality.

I like to call the C70 a pocket C300 Mark III. It has essentially all the video-shooting goodness of the C300 (minus raw and a couple of high-end features) in a handheld package. The use of the RF mount makes it even more appealing, to be honest, because it signals a potential future for Canon cinema cameras and allows for the use of beautiful RF glass in addition to legacy EF lenses via optional adapters. There’s even the new EF-EOS R Mount Adapter 0.71x that gives you the full-frame look on the Super 35mm sensor.

Overall, the C70 is a standout among other contenders like the Panasonic S1H or the Sony a7S III because of its delightful ergonomics and cinema features. With outstanding dynamic range, a stellar variety of resolutions and frame rates up to 4K 120p, the C70 is a serious camera that is flexible enough for a professional looking to venture into the more casual vlogging space.

With the holiday season approaching it is never too early to start thinking about ways to encourage a creative in your life, and we hope that our vlogging camera lowdown has brought some neat new ideas to the table. Did we miss any of your favorite vlogging cameras? Are you going to give vlogging a shot this holiday season? You can share your thoughts with us in the Comments section, below.