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Top 7 Vlogging Cameras for Beginners in 2024

Top 7 Vlogging Cameras for Beginners in 2024

    • Nowadays, from an abroad trip to everyday life, vlogging is a popular way to share your experience with the world.If you're looking to revamp your YouTube channel, spruce up your Instagram Live, or rework your TikTok brand, the first challenge is finding the vlogging camera that's best for you.If you are just a beginner in this field and want to start creating videos for relaxation and fun only,choosing the right camera can be challenging as there are so many options and intimidating tech terms (e.g., DSLR? Mirrorless? 4K? ISO?). So this post will walk you through how to select an amateur-level vlogging camera that is right for you.

 

Cover Photo:pexels.com Karolina Grabowska
 

What Makes A Good Vlogging Camera?

To get a good vlog camera, you should check on the following features:

  1.  Flip up screen: A flip-up or front-facing screen lets you easily see what is in the frame while shooting, which is a very useful feature for vlogging.  You can make sure that you or your subjects are in the frame and in focus. 

  2.  Face/eye AF mode: If you have to move a lot in the vlogging, you would like a camera with face/eye AF mode. Face or eye AF mode is the face or eye detection mode in which a camera will focus with priority on your faces or eyes. 

  3.  Video resolution:  as it is known, the higher the number of megapixels, the better the chances of the camera producing clear videos. Ideally, any camera you want to get for vlogging should be nothing less than 1080p for the best shots. And 4K videos are becoming the new trend. So go for a 4K camera in case 1080p is not good enough in the future. 

  4.  External mic support: as a vlogger, you need a vlogging camera with a mic because you also need to be able to record audio. But not all cameras have good microphone qualities. It is good to get a vlog camera with a microphone input to be able to attach an external microphone for better sound quality.

  5.  Still quality: Sometimes you need to take photos to enrich your content. While the video quality is the priority in a vlogging camera, still images can't be neglected. 

  6.  Sensor size: Bigger sensor can capture more light and deliver better footage quality. DSLRs and mirrorless cameras tend to the larger sensors, while camcorders and action cams have smaller ones. 

  7.  Lightweight & small(for outdoor vlogging): If you are doing travel vlogs or the walk-and-talk type of vlogging, the size and weight of the camera should be taken into account. A pocket compact camera and tiny action camera provide the best portability. 

  8.  Image stabilization(for outdoor vlogging): Image stabilization is a must-have if your videos have to be taken on the go. Get a vlogging camera with either optical image stabilization or electronic image stabilization.

  9. A wide aperture(for lifestyle vlogging): Wide aperture can capture more light. And cameras with a wide aperture can easily achieve the blurry background effect to give your videos nice aesthetics.

  10.  Wi-Fi: A camera with Wi-Fi support enables you quickly transfer the vlogs to a smartphone or computer for editing and upload them to YouTube. 

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Top 7 Vlogging Cameras for Beginners 

1.Sony ZV-1


Overall Best Vlogging Camera for Beginners

Google Users Rating: 4.5/5

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Source:bestbuy.com

The Sony ZV-1 was designed with vloggers and video content creators in mind. That explains why it packs most of the useful features that any YouTuber would need for a seamless vlogging experience.Among these features is the flip-out touchscreen, which is one of the most essential things that any vlogger would want in a camera!

ZV-1 also comes with an amazing built-in microphone which complements the flip-out screen for a perfect front-facing recording. And with the 3.5mm mic jack, you can plug an external mic for an even better audio quality.With this camera, you get unlimited video recording. But just so you, the battery tends to run out after about 1 hour of shooting at 1080p. That’s why we recommend packing extra batteries or a power bank for a smooth experience!

Sony ZV-1 Key Specs

  • Type: Compact, Point-and-Shoot

  • Sensor: 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor

  • Screen: 3.0″ Flip-Out Touchscreen LCD

  • Image Stabilization: Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization

  • Zoom: 24-70mm Equivalent Range

  • Video: UHD 4K up to 30fps, 1080p up to 120fps

  • Record Limit: Unlimited

  • Connectivity: 3.5mm Mic, HDMI, USB, Bluetooth, and WiFi

  • Battery Life: 260 Shots

  • Weight: 294 g (Body with Battery and Memory)

A Quick Look

ProsCons
  • Small and lightweight

  • Great video quality

  • Built-in high-quality microphone

  • External mic and flash support

  • 4K video capture

  • Fully articulating screen

  • Affordable

  • Advanced video features

  • Fits in your pocket

  • Designed specifically for vloggers but also a capable stills camera


  • Limited physical controls

  • Lens needs to be wider

  • Disappointing battery life

  • No viewfinder built-in

  • Micro USB rather than USB-C

  • Face detection struggles when wearing protective mask


2. Sony Alpha A6600


Great Choice for Video Creators

Google Users Rating: 4.7/5

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Source:bhphotovideo.com

Basically, the Sony A6600 is a great all-around camera that almost any type of photographer could find to be well-suited for their needs. It’s very lightweight and compact compared to its full-frame A7-series and A9-series siblings, and of course, it’s much more affordable than any current-generation Sony full-frame camera.

The image quality and overall performance is more than good enough for most people to say that unless you’re truly pushing the envelope of photography with extremely challenging conditions, the A6600 is so good that most photographers quite honestly don’t really NEED to go out and buy a full-frame camera setup just for the image quality alone!So, if you’re a full-time pro looking for a “side camera” and/or a professionally-capable backup, or maybe if you’re a serious hobbyist or beginner who is looking to make a long-term investment in a great primary camera, either way, the A6600 has a lot to offer.

Sony Alpha A6600 Key Specs

  • Powered by a 24.2-MP Exmor CMOS APS-C sensor

  • BIONZ X image processor

  • Real-time Eye-AF with Real-time subject tracking.

  • 3-inch 180-degree tilting touchscreen with a resolution of 921k-dots.

  • 425-point phase-detection and contrast-detection Hyrbid Autofocusing system.

  • Features Sony’s 4D FOCUS system.

  • S-Log2 and S-Log3 Gamma support better control over color during post-processing.

  • 5-axis SteadyShot image stabilization system built-in.

  •  Excellent build quality using magnesium-alloy material.

  • Weather-sealed buttons and dials.

  • Enhanced zebra function.

A Quick Look

ProsCons
  • Real-Time Tracking focus system.

  • Big battery.

  • Improved handgrip.

  • Integrated EVF.

  • Stabilized image sensor.

  • Dust and splash protection.

  • 4K recording.

  • Single, slower UHS-I card slot.

  • No focus joystick or front dial.

  • Drops in-camera flash.

3. Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II


Compact Camera for Vlog

Google Users Rating: 4.7/5

1633659218632981.png

Source:canon.com

Like the Sony ZV-1 , the Canon G7X Mark III is one of the most popular cameras for vlogging. That might explain why some popular YouTubers, especially influencers and lifestyle vloggers, still use it to create their content.The G7X Mark III packs most of the essential features of the best vlogging camera for beginners in a lightweight, compact body. You can take it with you just about anywhere since it’s small enough to fit in the pocket or a small purse.

The flip-up screen is among the top features that make the Canon G7X Mark III be a YouTube vloggers favorite camera. This design perfectly suits front-facing vlogging and selfie shooting needs!The camera features a large 20.1MP 1″ stacked CMOS sensor that pairs with a speedy DIGIC 8 image processor to deliver impressive 4K30p video. And it can shoot 1080p footage at up to 120fps!

Canon G7X Mark III Key Specs:

  • Type: Compact, Point-and-Shoot

  • Sensor: 20.2MP 1″ Stacked CMOS Sensor

  • Screen: 3.0″ 180° Flip-Up touchscreen LCD

  • Image Stabilization: Optical

  • Zoom: 24-100mm Equivalent Range

  • Video: UHD 4K up to 30fps, Full HD 1080p up to 120fps

  • Record Limit: 10 Minutes in 4K, 30 Minutes in Full HD

  • Connectivity: 3.5mm mic, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI, USB

  • Battery Life: 320 Shots

  • Weight: 304 g (Body with Battery and Memory)

A Quick Look

ProsCons
  • Compact but comfortable camera body

  • Stepped lens ring rotation option

  • Fast 24-100mm eq. f/1.8-2.8 lens

  • Good telephoto lens performance

  • Dependable, albeit not exceptional, AF performance, but improved compared to G7X

  • Able to autofocus in very low light

  • Very good image quality, particularly when shooting RAW

  • Improved high ISO performance in JPEGs

  • Default JPEG processing a bit punchier than G7X, though see related Con

  • Excellent hue accuracy

  • Good dynamic range in RAW files

  • 14-bit RAW files (G7X was 12 bits)

  • Soft corners at wide angle, due to strong distortion correction needed

  • Localized flare issue at wide apertures and close distances

  • Purple or red fringing when wide open around heavily backlit objects

  • Video features are lacking, including no 4K

  • Mediocre battery life, though improved over its predecessor

4. Canon EOS M50 Mark II


Best Beginner-Friendly Mirrorless Camera for Vlogging

Google Users Rating: 4.6/5

1633660778143891.png

Source:canon.com

When it comes to the best vlogging cameras for beginners, we often recommend point-and-shoot cameras, since they are easy-to-use, affordable, compact, and lightweight.

You don’t want to start your vlogging journey while also trying to learn how to work with interchangeable lenses and other camera accessories. Your initial goal is to create great quality vlogs that offer value to your audience. 

Maybe that might explain why Canon designed the M50 and later made a little Eye Detection autofocus upgrade on the 50M Mark II . It’s super-easy to use and you can easily get around it, even if you’re new to mirrorless cameras.

Canon EOS M50 Mark II Key Specs

  • Type: Compact-shape CSC

  • Sensor: APS-C

  • Megapixels: 24.1MP

  • Screen: 3.0-inch 1,040k tilt touch

  • Viewfinder: 0.39-type OLED EVF, 2.36 million dots

  • Lens: Canon EF-M

  • Continuous shooting speed: 10fps

  • Max video resolution: 4K

  • Battery Life: 305 Shots

  • Weight: 387 g (Body with Battery and Memory, But Without the Lens)

  • User level: Beginner/intermediate

A Quick Look

ProsCons
  • Lightweight build with lenses to match

  • 24MP APS-C imaging

  • Wide focus coverage with 10fps bursts

  • Swing-out touch LCD

  • Integrated eye-level EVF

  • Supports external microphone

  • Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and webcam support

  • Cropped 4K video with slower autofocus

  • Short battery life

  • Doesn't support USB charging

  • Small burst capture buffer

5.GoPro Hero 8 Black


Best Action Vlogging Camera

Google Users Rating: 4.7/5

1633663196165336.png

Source:bhphotovideo.com

For adventurous vloggers, the GoPro HERO8 Black will take your videos to new heights. While the device is small, the real camera adjustment and features of the GoPro HERO8 Black are on the GoPro app. The app serves as your control board. You can adjust the camera preferences and download all of your videos and images. The GoPro HERO8 Black also allows for live streaming in 1080p directly on social media. 

Its hyper smooth stabilization makes recording live super easy, and you can rewatch your footage on the app. The entire video is saved on an SD card that transfers easily to your laptop. The Media Mod and Light Mod, sold separately, heighten the quality of your footage.

GoPro Hero 8 Black Key Specs

  • Up to UHD 4K Video, Slow Motion, Webcam

  • HyperSmooth 2.0 Video Stabilization

  • TimeWarp 2.0 Stabilized Time-Lapse Video

  • SuperPhoto 12MP Stills with HDR Support

  • Waterproof to 33' without a Housing

  • Direct Live Streaming to Facebook Live

  • Night-Lapse Video, Live-Burst Stills

  • Intuitive, Smartphone-Like Touchscreen

  • Face, Smile & Scene Detection

  • 15-Command Multi-Language Voice Control

A Quick Look

ProsCons
  • Excellent image stabilization

  • Time-saving Capture Presets

  • Unique time-lapse modes

  • New built-in mount

  • Improved microphone

  • New Media Mods

  • Sub-smartphone picture quality

  • Poor low-light performance

6. Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S


Best High Quality 4K Vlogging Camera

Google Users Rating: 4.8/5

1633664831186409.png

Source:bhphotovideo.com

The GH5 was, and is, a fantastic camera for video, but the Panasonic GH5S goes above and beyond. Its 10MP resolution is a bit low for photos, but it's great for video. The GH5S offers better video quality, more recording options, and just tons of advanced video features. And while the AF speed is slightly slower than the GH5, and the lack of in-body image stabilization removes some of what made the GH5 so versatile, the GH5S offers such a wealth of features and high-quality video, that it's easy to overlook these minor points. In the end, if you're a serious video creator looking for a compact yet feature-packed video camera, the Panasonic GH5S is the one to pick.

If you ever wanted a camera that captures DCI 4K videos at 60p internally with 10-Bit 4:2:2 color depth the GH5S should come high on your shopping list.If you are a serious video shooter or interested in some indie video projects you will love the internal 10-Bit 4:2:2 color sampling. This gives you a lot more detail to play around with when color grading your videos during post-processing. 

 Panasonic Lumix DC-GH5S Key Specs

  • Oversized 'Multi Aspect' sensor with dual gain design

  • 10.2MP maximum usable area from at around 12.5MP total

  • DCI or UHD 4K at up to 60p

  • 10-bit 4:2:2 internal capture at up to 30p

  • 8-bit 4:2:0 internal 60p or 10-bit 4:2:2 output over HDMI

  • 1080 footage at up to 240p (with additional crop above 200p)

  • Hybrid Log Gamma mode

  • ISO 160 - 51,200 (80 - 204,800 extended)

  • AF rated down to –5EV (with F2 lens)

  • 3.68M-dot (1280 x 960 pixel) OLED viewfinder with 0.76x magnification

  • 1.62M-dot (900 x 600 pixel) fully articulated LCD

  • 14-bit Raw stills

  • 11 fps (7 with AFC) or 1 fps faster in 12-bit mode

  • USB 3.1 with Type C connector

A Quick Look

ProsCons
  • Excellent video quality; 

  • Very good high ISO performance; 

  • Cinema 4K & UHD video up to 60p; 

  • Full HD up to 240p; 

  • 10-bit internal video recording; 

  • Tons of features & options for advanced/pro videographers.

  • 10MP resolution is limiting for still photos; 

  • No in-body image stabilization;

  •  Slower AF than GH5; 

  • Buffer clearing could be faster; 

  • No 6K Photo features due to sensor resolution.

7.AKASO Brave 7 LE


Budget Action Camera

Google Users Rating: 4.8/5

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Source:akasotech.com

The Brave 7 LE action camera is weatherproof and can survive all shooting situations in vlogging. The IPX7 waterproof architecture will shield the action camera from fog, snow, and water splashing. With a front-facing screen, you can use the vibrant front screen to satisfy your selfie needs, and the 2-inch rear touch screen makes it simpler to use than ever before, even for beginners. This action camera can take high-quality 4 K 30Fps video and 20MP pictures, enabling you to make vlogging videos. 

The AKASO Brave 7 LE is an all-new action camera from one of the fastest-growing manufacturers in the sector. It looks the part with a weatherproof body, dual screens, EIS, easy to use touch screen and functions.If you are a beginner who just wants to give vlogging a shot and are not ready to commit, AKASO is a good choice for you. 

The Brave 7 LE Key Specs

  • Camera type: Action cam.

  • Maximum video resolution: 4K at 30fps, 1080p at 60fps.

  • Stills resolution: 20Mp.

  • Stabilisation: 6-axis.

  • Screen: 2-inch rear touchscreen, small front screen.

  • Connectivity: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi, HDMI.

  • Weatherproofing: IPX7 water-resistance, waterproof case for down to 40m.

A Quick Look

ProsCons
  • Front-facing screen to see yourself in the frame;

  • Install AKASO app on your smartphone for controlling the camera, video editing, and uploading;

  • Image stabilization.

  • Small sensor;

  • Poor results at frame rates above 30fps;

  • Poor waterproof housing design.


What Else do You Need for Vlogging?

1. Stabilization: Useful for static handheld shooting, but for run and gun shooting, camera or lens stabilization won't help you. For this you need a gimbal, and if you have a gimbal, you don't really need in-body stabilization. 

2. Tripod: You can get a long way with a regular camera tripod, but you'll get on much better with a proper video tripod with a fluid head for smooth panning movements.

3. Audio: In-camera microphones have three major limitations. The audio quality is OK but not great, they suffer massively from buffeting and wind noise and they pick up sound from all around, not from your subject. 

4. External recorder: Most of the time the camera's own internal storage is fine, but sometimes a device like the Atomos Ninja V is a real advantage. It provides a larger external monitor, more storage and, on some cameras, it can capture video at higher quality.

Vlogging Tips for Beginners

  • Keep your videos exciting and engaging

  • Enter into partnership with other vloggers

  • Ensure you ask for a recommendation from your viewers

  • Edit your videos

  •  Integrate life into your videos

  • Be consistent

  • Set goals for yourself

  • Engage in trends

  •  Interact with your viewers

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2021-10-08 00:48490