Best cameras for vlogging 2024: choices for every budget
26 min read
Whether you’re a fledgling influencer or established creator, the best cameras for vlogging can give your content an upgrade. We’ve exhaustively reviewed the top vlogging cameras on the market for all budgets and requirements to help you find the right tool for TikTok, Instagram and YouTube, and you’ll find our expert recommendations ranked in this guide.
We think the best camera for most vloggers right now is the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. This pocket-friendly 4K device features a 3-axis stabilizing gimbal for smooth shots on the move, clever auto-tracking features, plus superb audio options including easy pairing with the DJI Mic 2. It’s an excellent alternative to your smartphone – in fact, it’s so good that we like to shoot our TechRadar TikTok content with it.
Every vlogger has different expectations though, and the Pocket 3 might not serve your needs. We’ve included other options for a range of budgets and requirements in our round-up, all rigorously tested by our experienced team who assesses key vlogging features such as autofocus performance, image stabilization, ease of use and overall video quality.
Whether you’re a pro vlogger or just starting out, you’ll be able to find great choices here, helpfully divided by their ideal use-case. We’ve also included useful buying tips below to help you make your choice. If you’re looking to shoot more than vlogs, be sure to check out our guide for the best video cameras.
Timothy Coleman
Tim is TechRadar’s Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. He notes, “strictly speaking, any video camera can also record a vlog. However, the models we’ve recommended here make it as easy as possible to shoot high-quality vlogging 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 quick list
Short on buying time? Use our summary round-up as a shortcut to the best vlogging cameras for every need and budget. When you find one that fits your requirements, use the links beneath each entry to jump straight down to our in-depth explainers.
The best budget 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, superb handling and image stabilization make the GH6 a great choice for vlogging.
Read more below
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
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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
The best miniature vlogging camera
A micro camera with a clever remote control charging case, the Insta360 Go 2 is a tiny tool for impromptu vlogging.
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
The best cameras for vlogging in 2024
Why you can trust TechRadar
We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
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 budget vlogging camera
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, and one that massively improves on the formula of the highly-rated DJI Osmo 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 surprisingly capable of keeping up with much larger devices like the Sony ZV-1.
Picking up the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 will give you a substantial upgrade versus a smartphone when it comes to vlogging. Not only do you get support for 4K 120p (fantastic for slo-mo footage), but 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.
New features like the 1-inch sensor and 2-inch rear LCD also cement this model’s 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. With a handy rotating touch-screen rear display, switching between a vertical square aspect ratio or traditional horizontal 16:9 is seamless – and the footage is fantastic since you’re not losing out on any detail.
Read our in-depth DJI Pocket 3 review
The best compact vlogging camera
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
Buy it if:
✅ You want a video powerhouse: With a full suite of shooting modes and features, the Panasonic GH6 is monster when it comes to shooting video.
✅ You appreciate good handling: The Panasonic GH6 is well-built and lovely in the hand, with tidy proportions and a rugged magnesium alloy frame.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You need a full-frame sensor: The GH6 delivers great results with its Micro Four Thirds Sensor, but full-frame rivals fare better in low lighting.
❌ You wan’t the latest autofocus: Contrast-based autofocus works fine, but Sony and Canon’s hybrid systems are faster and more accurate.
Panasonic’s GH5 II was one of our favorite cameras for vloggers, offering plenty of creative potential in compact packaging. The GH6 tops it on almost every metric, however. Equipped with a sharper 25.2MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, it can shoot 5.7K footage at 60fps and offer a massive arsenal of formats, frame rates, and resolutions. These include a larger catalog of 10-bit modes and forced-fan cooling means limitless recording times.
While it’s marginally larger than the GH5 Mark II, it still retains a relatively portable form factor. Its robust build is complemented by familiar controls and new tally lights front and back. The 3-inch rear touchscreen flips, twists, and tilts, while a second video record button on the front now makes it easier for vloggers to start rolling.
Connectivity options are comprehensive, although the GH6 does lack the live-streaming capabilities of the GH5 Mark II. There’s still no phase detection AF either, although contrast-based autofocus performance does seem improved from the GH5 Mark II. Stabilization is superior too, courtesy of an algorithmic upgrade that makes the GH6 one of the best cameras for smoothing out walking motion in a natural way.
Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix GH6 review
The best hybrid vlogging camera
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
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.
Our tests found the ZV-E1 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.
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 vari-angle touchscreen when working outdoors. But if you’re a content creator operating solo, we still think the ZV-E1 is the ultimate full-frame choice for 4K vlogging.
Read our in-depth Sony ZV-E1 review
The best beginner vlogging camera
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.
The Nikon Z30 is a compact APS-C camera pitched squarely at vlogging beginners. With no viewfinder, it goes all in on a vari-angle touchscreen. Strikingly similar to the Sony ZV-E10, that setup makes it Nikon’s smallest and cheapest APS-C mirrorless camera yet.
Despite its compact 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
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.
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.
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. 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
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. To that end, 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.
We found its form factor curious during our review, with room for a few design improvements, 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.
Digital image stabilization is a little jittery when smoothing footsteps, but this will likely improve with future firmware updates. 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
Also consider…
The best action camera for vlogging
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 vlogs 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 up to 60fps from the 8:7 sensor – ideal for reframing footage in multi-aspect ratios like for social – with Horizon Lock and HyperSmooth 5.0 that do a remarkable job of keeping videos perfectly level when vlogging handheld, letting 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 means the Hero 12 Black isn’t a perfect vlogging tool. And if you don’t need its pro-focused video tools, 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
Buy it if:
✅ You want a tiny vlogging cam: Mini dimensions and lots of mounting options make the Insta360 Go 2 a seriously versatile little camera.
✅ You value quality video: Resolution is limited to 1440p, but the results are very impressive, particularly for a camera that’s so small.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You like to compose shots: The Go 2 only has a simple monochrome display, so you’ll need to use your phone as a wireless display for framing vlogs.
❌ You want to shoot in 4K: The Go 2 captures impressive detail, but a resolution of 1440p leaves little room for cropping footage after the fact.
Few cameras offer the vlogging portability of the Insta360 Go 2. Hitting the scales at a mere 26.5g, the camera itself is a tiny, pared-back pebble that’s capable of capturing detailed and dynamic 1440p footage at up to 50fps. 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, which will be a dealbreaker for some, but the app can be used for a wireless video preview.
We did find the protective charging case very useful in testing: home to two buttons and an OLED readout, the controls and camera face the user when the Insta360 Go 2 is docked, making it an ideal handheld vlogging setup. The case also features fold-out legs for tripod duties and works as a remote for wireless camera control. At 30 minutes, battery life isn’t the best, but with a single microphone that renders vocals with decent punch and clarity, the Insta360 Go 2 is an easy, properly pocketable option for recording quick clips and vlogs on the go.
Read our in-depth Insta360 Go 2 review
The best smartphone gimbal for vlogging
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
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.
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
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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