The 5 Best Cameras for Vlogging in 2024
As sophisticated as our smartphones and webcams are, there comes a time when every vlogger needs a standalone camera.
Whether you’re a professional YouTuber or just vlogging for fun, you can boost your vlogs by recording them on a high-performing camera.
The best vlogging cameras have these features:
- High video quality - Ideally, 1080p or 4K resolution. To give you an idea of the quality, this is comparable to Full HD and Ultra HD.
- Microphone input - Vlogging has two elements: Video and audio. For great sound, buy a camera that has both a built-in mic, and a port to connect an external mic.
- Optical image stabilisation (OIS) - This prevents blurry videos, which is important if you’re vlogging while you’re on the move.
- WiFi connectivity - This saves time, and makes it easy to transfer files to your smartphone, computer or tablet.
- Portability and durability - Chances are, your vlogging will take you on adventures. Choose a weather-resistant, lightweight camera, so you can comfortably carry it around without worrying about damage.
We’ve rounded up our top 5 cameras for capturing video on the go:
1. Sony ZV-1
- Camera type: Compact
- Sensor: 1-inch
- Megapixels: 20.1
- LCD screen: 3-inch vari-angle & touch-sensitive
- Video resolution: 4K
- Image Stabilisation
Similar in appearance to Sony’s popular RX100 range, the Z-V1 is a powerful compact camera with a leaning to content creation on the go. It features a 20.1MP 1-inch CMOS sensor and it can record video in stunning 4K resolution.
As vlogging is about audio, not just visual elements, the Z-V1 features a high-quality directional microphone with windscreen as well as the ability to add an external mic.
At the front of the Sony Z-V1 there is a versatile 24-70mm optical zoom lens, which is great for taking in expansive scenery, as well as zooming in for portrait-style people shots. The lens features a fast f1.8-2.8 aperture range, which allows users to produce shallow depths of fields, which is great for unboxings and similar vlogs, as well as practise handheld shooting in low light situations. This latter point is emphasised by the built-in Image Stabilisation which is also available in this impressive digital compact camera.
To set this camera up for better video, users can enjoy the titling and touch-sensitive LCD screen and separately available Sony GP-VT2 Bluetooth grip.
2. Canon EOS R7
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: APS-C
- Megapixels: 32.5
- Viewfinder: Electronic
- Video resolution: 4K
- Continuous shooting: 30 frames per second
Our top choice for beginners, the Canon EOS R7 is versatile, portable, and easy to use. It features an APS-C sensor to capture 4K videos for the highest-quality vlogs.
The sensor performs well in low light, and the dual-pixel CMOS AF allows you to quickly focus your footage. Canon’s powerful Digic X processor also contributes to the superb image quality. The large, tilting LCD screen is touch-sensitive, and you can switch out the camera lens as needed. There’s a microphone port and a hot shoe to attach a flash.
When you’re ready, you can transfer files from the camera to your smart devices via WiFi, Bluetooth or NFC connectivity. With Canon’s Camera Connect app, you have the option to sync the camera to your iPhone or Android and edit your clips on your phone before sharing your vlogs on social media.
3. Fujifilm X-S20
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: APS-C
- Megapixels: 26.1
- Viewfinder: Electronic
- Video resolution: 6.2K
- Continuous shooting: 30 frames per second
The portable and lightweight Fujifilm X-S20 is the perfect camera for vlogging due to its smooth 6.2K30p video resolution that helps you capture super cinematic videos.
With 26.1MP CMOS 4 Sensor and X-Processor pro, the Fujifilm X-S20 us captures stunning detailed photos, with minimal noise even in darkly lit situations. For even more cinematic vlogs, lower the resolution to full HD to capture slow motion with the camera’s 240p frame rate.
This camera can be used confidently handheld, thanks to its built-in 5-Axis image stabilisation, while the fully-articulating LCD screen makes for easy selfie and POV-style framing. Coupled with a high-resolution EVF at the rear, this perfect vlogging camera is great to capture well-framed photos and videos of yourself.
4. Sony A6400
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: APS-C
- Megapixels: 24.2
- Viewfinder: Electronic
- Video resolution: 4K
- Continuous shooting: 11 frames per second
With a brilliant 4K resolution, the Sony A6400 is the camera of choice for many vloggers. It stands out for its sophisticated video features, such as in-camera time lapse and interval shooting.
The A6400 also boasts a blisteringly fast autofocus (AF) system and a touch-sensitive LCD screen. It can be tilted a full 180 degrees, so it’s great for vloggers who want to talk directly to the camera. The best bit? The camera doesn’t have a video time limit, which means you can film for as long as you like without interruption. It’s dust- and moisture-resistant and has WiFi and NFC connectivity, so you can send your photos and footage straight to your smartphone or computer with the click of a button.
5. Nikon Z6II
- Camera type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: Full-Frame
- Megapixels: 24.5
- Viewfinder: Electronic
- Video resolution: 4K
- Continuous shooting: 14 frames per second
This full-frame Mirrorless camera from Nikon shines in low-light conditions, where the 24.5MP backside-illuminated FX-format sensor and high-quality processor produce detailed, low-noise images and 4K UHD video.
Handheld shooting is top-notch, thanks to the built-in VR stabilisation, while any subject placed before it can be focused on accurately and swiftly, due to the 273-point Hybrid AF system.
Geared towards more serious users, the Z6II can use an external microphone and headphones for recording and monitoring audio, while dual memory card slots are available for managing the large files created. As well as a high-res EVF, which is perfect for composing in backlit conditions, this full-frame Mirrorless camera includes a tilting LCD screen for handheld-style video recording, as well as POV shooting. For those that are looking to use the camera for extended periods, such as for streaming or time-lapse shooting, the Nikon Z6II can be powered via USB.
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Shop the best cameras for vlogging
If you want to produce the best possible vlogs, invest in a camera that’s known for its video quality. We’re here to help! Head to your local Ted’s Cameras store, and our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions you may have and point you in the right direction.
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