With the explosion of TikTok and the growth of video on YouTube, Twitch, Instagram and other platforms, interest in vlogging has increased exponentially since we last updated our guide. If you’re one of those vlog creators and a smartphone is no longer good enough, it may be time to upgrade to a purpose-built vlogging camera.
Some models are specifically designed for vlogging, like Sony’s ZV-E10 mirrorless camera that launched last year, or Panasonic’s compact G100. Others, like the new Panasonic GH6, Sony A7S III and Canon EOS R6 are hybrid cameras that offer vlogging as part of a larger toolset.
All of them have unrepealable things in common, like flip-around screens, face- and/or eye-detect autofocus and image stabilization. Prices, features and quality can vary widely among models, though. To that end, we’ve updated our guide with all the latest models designed for every vlogger from novice to professional, in all price ranges. Engadget has tested all of these to requite you recommendations for the weightier vlogging cameras, and we’ll plane discuss a few rumored upcoming models.
One caveat to this year’s weightier camera guide is that a parts shortage has limited production of many cameras, causing shortages and higher prices. Sony, for one, halted production of the same ZV-E10 for a time, and models from Fujifilm and others are moreover nonflexible to find. The good news is that the shortage appears to be easing, so hopefully we’ll see normal supply levels in the near future.
What do you need in a vlogging camera?
Vlogging cameras are designed for filmmakers who often work vacated and either use a tripod, gimbal, vehicle mount or just their hands to hold a camera. It has to be good not just for filming yourself, but other “B-roll” footage that helps tell your story.
The number one requirement is a flip-around screen so you can see yourself while filming. Those can rotate up, lanugo or to the side, but flipping out to the side is preferable so a tripod or microphone won’t woodcut it.
Continuous autofocus (AF) for video with squatter and eye detection is moreover a must. It becomes your camera “assistant,” keeping things in focus while you concentrate on your content. Most cameras can do that nowadays, but some still do it largest than others.
If you move virtually or walk a lot, you should squint for an whoopee camera with seated optical stabilization. Electronic stabilization is flipside option as long as you’re enlightened of the limitations. You’ll moreover need a camera with a fast sensor that limits rolling shutter, which can create a distracting jello “wobble” with quick camera movements.
4K recording is flipside key full-length for video quality. All cameras nowadays can shoot 4K up to at least 24 fps, but if possible, it’s largest to have 4K video recording at 60 or plane 120 fps. If you shoot sports or other things involving fast movement, squint for a model with at least 1080p at 120 fps for slow-motion recording.
Video quality is flipside important consideration, expressly for skin tones. Good light sensitivity helps for night shooting, concerts, etcetera, and a log profile helps modernize dynamic range in very unexceptionable or visionless shooting conditions. If you want the weightier possible image quality and can sire it, get a camera that can record 4K with 10-bits (billions) of colors. That will requite you increasingly options when you go to edit your vlog.
Don’t neglect audio either — if the quality is bad, your regulars will disengage. Squint for a camera with an external microphone port so you can plug in a shotgun or lapel mic for interviews, or at least one with a good-quality seated microphone. It’s moreover nice to have a headphone port to monitor sound so you can stave nasty surprises without you’ve finished shooting.
You’ll moreover want good shower life and, if possible, dual memory vellum slots for a backup. Finally, don’t forget well-nigh your camera’s size and weight. If you’re constantly delivering one while shooting, expressly at the end of a gimbal or gorillapod, it might unquestionably be the most important factor. That’s why tiny GoPro cameras are so popular for sports, despite offering lower image quality and fewer pro features.
The weightier whoopee and portable cameras
If you’re just starting out in vlogging or need a small, rugged camera, an whoopee cam might be your weightier bet. In general, they’re easy to use as you don’t have to worry well-nigh things like exposure or focus. Recent models moreover offer good electronic stabilization and sharp, colorful video at up to 4K and 60 fps. The downsides are a lack of control; image quality that’s not on par with larger cameras; and no zooming or option to transpiration lenses.
DJI Pocket II
Last time virtually we recommended the original Osmo Pocket, but the Pocket II (no increasingly “Osmo”) has some big improvements. As before, it’s mounted on a three-axis gimbal and has impressive squatter tracking that keeps your subject locked in focus while video recording. However, the new model has a larger, much higher resolution 64-megapixel sensor, a faster lens with a wider field of view and improved microphones. As before, you can get traps like an extension rod, a waterproof specimen and more.
What really makes the Pocket II unconfined for vlogging are the follow modes combined with squatter tracking. If you’re working solo, you can simply set it up and it’ll rotate and tilt to follow you around. That moreover applies for walk-and-talk vlogging, so you don’t have to worry well-nigh focus or plane pointing the camera at yourself. For $346, it’s not only good for beginners, but is a handy tool for any vlogger.
Buy DJI Pocket II at Wren - $349GoPro Hero10 Black
The Hero10 Black is what we tabbed a “big, invisible upgrade” over the Hero9, itself a much improved camera over the Hero8 Black we recommended last time. That’s largely due to the new processor that unlocks features like higher-resolution 5.3K 60p and 4K 120fps video, much improved Hypersmooth 4.0 stabilization, an improved front-screen and more. All of that makes the GoPro Hero10 Black platonic to mount on a drone, vehicle, helmet, bicycle and more, at a very manageable $350 price with a 1-year GoPro subscription.
Buy Hero 10 Black stow at GoPro - $350DJI Whoopee 2
DJI took a much variegated tideway compared to GoPro with its latest Action 2 camera – no with increasingly Osmo branding. Rather than stuff a standalone camera, it’s a modular system with a magnetic mount that lets you add a touchscreen module with a secondary OLED exhibit and three spare microphones, or a shower module for longer life and an uneaten microSD slot. As with the Pocket 2, it offers tons of traps like a 3-in-1 extension rod and more. It’s a versatile option if you do increasingly than just whoopee shooting, and is priced well starting at $399.
Buy DJI Whoopee 2 at Wren - $399The weightier meaty vlogging cameras
Compact cameras are a step-up option from smartphones or whoopee cameras, with larger sensors and much largest image quality. At the same time, they’re not quite as versatile as mirrorless or DSLR cameras (and not necessarily cheaper) and they lack wide options like 10-bit video. For folks who want the weightier possible quality without needing to think too much well-nigh their camera, however, it’s the weightier option.
Sony ZV-1
Sony’s ZV-1 came out in 2020 and it’s still the weightier meaty vlogging camera available. Based on the RX 100 V, it has a decently large 1-inch 20.1-megapixel sensor and stock-still 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8mm equivalent lens. Based on the RX100 V, it has a 1-inch 20.1-megapixel sensor and stock-still 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8mm (equivalent) lens. It moreover offers a lightweight body, seated high-quality microphone (plus a microphone port), flip-out display, best-in-class autofocus and spanking-new image quality. It moreover has vlogging specific features like “product showcase” and preliminaries blur.
While the $799 ZV-1 can’t shoot 10-bit video, it comes with Sony’s S-Log picture profiles that requite you increased dynamic range for shooting in challenging lighting conditions. The flaws include a lens that’s not quite wide unbearable when you’re using electronic stabilization, mediocre shower life and the lack of a true touch exhibit and headphone port. That aside, if you’re looking to step up from a smartphone, it does the job nearly perfectly.
Buy Sony ZV-1 at Wren - $799Canon G7 X Mark III
Canon’s G7 X Mark III should moreover be front of mind for vloggers looking for a meaty option. It moreover packs a 20-megapixel 1-inch sensor, but has a 24-100 mm f/1.8-2.8 35mm equivalent zoom — quite a bit longer than the ZV-1 at the telephoto range. It can shoot 4K at up to 30 fps, while offering optical image stabilization, a microphone input (though no headphone jack) and plane the worthiness to livestream directly to YouTube. The downsides are contrast-detect only autofocus and a screen that tilts up but not to the side. For $749, it’s still a unconfined option, though.
Buy Canon G7 X Mark III at Wren - $749The weightier mirrorless/DSLR vlogging cameras
This is the matriculation that has reverted the most over the past couple of years, particularly in the increasingly affordable price categories. Interchangeable lens cameras requite you the most options for vlogging, offering larger sensors than meaty cameras with largest low-light sensitivity and shallower depth of field to isolate you or your subject. They moreover offer largest tenancy of your image with transmission controls, log recording, 10-bit video and more. The drawbacks are uneaten weight compared to whoopee or meaty cameras, uneaten complexity and higher prices.
Fujifilm X-S10
Fujifilm’s X-S10 has displaced the X-T4 as the weightier vlogging camera out there, thanks particularly to the increasingly affordable price. It ticks all the boxes for vloggers, offering in-body image stabilization, 10-bit 4K external video with F-Log recording (at up to 30fps) withal with 1080p at a stellar 240 fps, a screen that flips out to the side and easy-to-use controls. It moreover comes with a headphone jack and USB-C port that doubles as a headphone jack. The main downside is the limited touchscreen controls, but you get a lot of camera for just $1,000.
Buy Fujifilm X-S10 at Adorama - $999Sony ZV-E10
The weightier Sony APS-C camera for vlogging is now the ZV-E10. While using many of the same white-haired parts as the A6100, including the 24.2-megapixel sensor, it has a number of useful features for self-shooters. High on the list is Sony’s spanking-new autofocus, which includes the same preliminaries defocus and Product Showcase features found on the ZV-1 compact. It moreover offers electronic SteadyShot, a fully articulating exhibit and more. The biggest drawback is rolling shutter that can get bad if you whip the camera virtually too much. If you can find one, it’s priced at $700 for the soul or $800 in a stow with Sony’s 16-50mm F/3.5-5.6 power zoom lens.
Buy Sony ZV-E10 at B&H - $698Panasonic GH6 and GH5
Panasonic’s GH5 was an incredibly popular vlogging camera for a very long time and was unquestionably replaced by two cameras, the $2,200 GH6 and increasingly budget-oriented $1,700 GH5-II. The GH6 is a large upgrade in nearly every way, offering 5.7K at 60 fps and 4K at up to 120 fps, withal with ProRes formats that are easy to edit. It moreover comes with the weightier in-body stabilization on any camera and unconfined handling. The downside is sub-par contrast-detect autofocus and shower life that’s not amazing.
It’s moreover worth a squint at the GH5 Mark II, which is not only $500 cheaper but particularly well suited for live-streamers. It’s not a huge upgrade over the GH5, but does increasingly than most rival cameras for the price, offering 4K 10-bit 60p video, a fully articulating exhibit and spanking-new in-body stabilization. As with the GH6, the main drawback is the contrast-detect autofocus system.
Buy Panasonic GH6 at Wren - $2,200Buy Panasonic GH5 at Wren - $1,700Panasonic G100
Panasonic’s G100 is purpose built for vlogging like the ZV-1, but moreover allows you to transpiration lenses. It has a fully-articulating flip-out screen, 5-axis hybrid (optical/electronic) stabilization, 4K V-Log-L video at up to 30 fps (though sadly cropped at 1.47X for 4K video), 1080p at up to 60 fps, and unrelatedness snift AF with face/eye detection. The coolest full-length is the Nokia OZO system that can isolate audio to a specific person via face-detection tracking — something that can theoretically modernize audio quality. Weightier of all, you can grab it right now with a 12-32mm lens for $750.
Buy Panasonic GH100 at Wren - $750Canon EOS M50 Mark II
Another good buy if you’re on a upkeep is Canon’s EOS M50 Mark II, particularly if you’re okay with 1080p video only. While not a huge upgrade over the original M50, Canon has made it increasingly compelling for vloggers with a fully-articulating display, continuous eye-tracking in video and live streaming to YouTube. It does support 4K, but with a heavy 1.5 times yield and contrast-detect autofocus only. Still, it’s a good option for folks on a budget, selling for $699 with a 15-45mm lens.
Buy Canon EOS M50 Mark II at B&H - $699Canon EOS R6
If you’ve got the upkeep for it, Canon’s EOS R6 offers nearly every full-length you need in a vlogging camera. You can shoot 10-bit 4K video at up to 60 fps, and the Dual Pixel autofocus with eye and squatter tracking is incredibly reliable. It moreover offers 5-axis optical stabilization, a flip-out exhibit and a relatively meaty size. As you may have heard, overheating can be an issue, but firmware updates have improved that issue and it only applies to the increasingly taxing video settings.
Buy Canon EOS R6 at Wren - $2,500Fujifilm X-T4
The Fuijfilm X-T4 is a unconfined spherical mirrorless camera for vlogging. It has everything you need, including a fully-articulating display, continuous eye- and squatter autofocus, 10-bit 4K log recording at up to 60 fps, 5-axis in-body stabilization, microphone and headphone jacks (the latter via USB-C) and lower noise in low light.
Image quality, expressly in the skin tones, is lifelike and the sensor has minimal rolling shutter. It moreover offers good shower life and comes with dual UHS-II vellum slots. Finally, it’s fairly light considering all the features, and Fujifilm has a good selection of small lenses platonic for vlogging. What I don’t like is an autofocus system not quite as fast or well-judged as Sony’s and the fairly steep $1,700 asking price for the body only.
Buy Fujifilm X-T4 at Wren - $1,700Nikon Z fc
If you want to squint unconfined while vlogging, trammels out Nikon’s stylish Z fc. It’s largely identical to the Z50, with features like a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor, 4K at 30 fps and a reliable phase-detect autofocus system with squatter detection. However, the Z fc brings a vari-angle touchscreen to the party and has a trappy vintage soul covered with user-friendly transmission controls. It doesn’t have seated optical stabilization, but you can get that via a lens. The weightier feature, though, is the price – you can get one for $1,100 with a 16-50mm lens.
Buy Nikon Z fc at B&H - $1,100Upcoming cameras
If you’re not quite ready to buy, there are some interesting options on the horizon. Canon just spoken the EOS R7, a mirrorless EOS R version of its popular EOS 7D DSLR. It has an APS-C sensor and all-new RF-S lenses, meaning that it might replace Canon’s current M-series cameras. Specs include a 32.5-megapixel APS-C sensor, 4K 60 fps video, an articulating exhibit and more. All of that will make it a top vlogging option, if our upcoming review confirms the hype.
On top of that, Canon moreover spoken a cheaper EOS R10 model with a 24.2-megapixel sensor that could moreover be an platonic vlogging camera. Both cameras are coming out towards the end of 2022.
In addition, Fujifilm just launched the X-H2S, its new $2,500 flagship mirrorless camera. With a 26.2-megapixel stacked and backside-illuminated sensor, it offers a raft of impressive features. Some of the highlights include 40 fps blackout-free splash shooting, faster autofocus, 6.2K 30fps video, a flip-out exhibit and 7-stop in-body stabilization. If you’ve got the budget, this could be a solid vlogging nomination when it arrives on July 7th.