Vlogging cameras come in all shapes and sizes – but which one is the best vlogging camera in 2021? What is important is the optimal combination of control, quality and versatility. You can take great video recordings with a compact camera and even with your smartphone. If your follower numbers are growing and you want to produce even more professional vlogs, then it’s time for a better setup. Today I introduce you to the best vlog cameras!
Table of Contents
Requirements for a vlogging camera
The requirements for the best vlog camera can vary. There is an overlap with the criteria for the best mirrorless cameras and there are similarities with the best 4K cameras for video recording. So make the following considerations:
Microphone connection: With a connection for your external microphone you improve the quality of the sound in your vlog. Video professionals will keep telling you that this is one of the best ways to make your videos more professional.
LCD Screen: An LCD screen that can be flipped forward is beneficial for being able to see yourself while you are shooting a video. In normal video shoots this often doesn’t play a big role, but it is very important for vlogging.
AF system: An autofocus system with effective tracking is a great advantage if you want to record yourself in motion. Because you cannot adjust the camera while filming. Features like face and eye AF are beneficial as the camera naturally focuses on you to focus.
4K video: does 4K matter? At the moment, many vloggers record in 1080p (FUllHD) instead of 4K. But at this stage you can be on the safe side and 4K offers more options for editing and cropping your video later. Therefore, 4K video is a key feature of any vlog camera.
Still image quality: Most vloggers want to record all kinds of content. And who wants to carry around two cameras when only one camera can do it all? Cameras with interchangeable lenses offer you greater flexibility and larger image sensors. Compact cameras give you everything you need in a single package. And given that smartphone camera tech is getting better and better, smartphones don’t necessarily have to mean a downgrade for you.
Mirrorless camera as a vlog camera
Mirrorless cameras are ideal for advanced vloggers. Because they have more powerful video functions, combined with the versatility of interchangeable lenses. This gives you the ability to change the focal length, as well as complete control over creative aspects like depth of field.
Sony A6400
Brilliant vlog camera that has 4K video and a screen on the front.
Camera type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixel: 24.2MP | Lens connection: Sony E | Screen: 3-inch swivel touchscreen | Viewfinder: Electronic | Burst speed: 11fps | Maximum video resolution: 4K
Positive
- Image quality and resolution
- 4K video performance
Negative
- Sophisticated autofocus
- Design feels dated
Not so long ago, any camera with a 180-degree front screen was immediately dismissed as a “selfie” camera. But the rise of blogging, vlogging, and Instagram has brought video shooting to the fore and this camera’s front screen sets it apart from many of its competitors, making it a powerful and desirable vlog camera. The Sony A6400 is also suitable for still images. Unfortunately, the design has remained largely unchanged since the original A6000 model. But it’s not a killer criterion considering that Sony performs very well when it comes to video recording. It’s not just the 4K video that sets this vlog camera apart, but also its state-of-the-art autofocus system and most importantly, its eye AF performance.
The camera is mostly sold without a lens, but if you intend to buy it with a kit lens, I recommend paying the surcharge for the Sony 18-135mm f / 3.5-5.6 lens. Because this lens has a much greater range and better optical quality than the standard lens 16-50mm f / 3.5-5.6 PZ. By the way, here you can find our list of the best lenses for Sony E-Mount (the lens connector).
Find price on Amazon
Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III
Designed for vlogging with 4K video, fold-out screen, microphone jack, and PDAF.
Camera type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds (MFT) | Megapixel: 20.4MP | Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds (MFT) | Screen type: 3-inch swivel touchscreen | Maximum video resolution: 4K
Positive
- Rock-solid image stabilization
- Excellent AF
Negative
- No headphone jack
- No 4K 60p option
This camera has great potential to be used as a vlog camera. Because few cameras can hold a candle to their autofocus. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III delivers razor-sharp images, clean 4K video with rock-solid image stabilization and an autofocus that won’t disappoint. And their performance in taking still pictures is simply top notch.
Find price on Amazon
Panasonic Lumix GX800 / GX850
A bargain from Panasonic for vloggers.
Camera type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds (MFT) | Megapixels: 16.0MP | Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds (MFT) | Screen type: 3-inch 1,040k tilt angle | Burst speed: 5.8 B7s (4K 30 fps)
Positive
- Inexpensive
- 4K video and burst shooting for still images
Negative
- No viewfinder
- 16.0MP only
In terms of price, you won’t have to complain about this vlog camera. Because the Panasonic Lumix GX800 / GX850 is not only the cheapest model in the series of interchangeable lens cameras from Panasonic, it is also ideal for on the go. The camera is particularly small and light, especially in connection with the 12-32mm zoom, which is available as an additional option. However, the lack of a viewfinder is a disadvantage, but it helps keep the size of the camera to a minimum. The screen can be tilted 180 degrees, which works well with both intelligent self-timer mode and video mode. With Light Speed AF, 4K UHD video and still image recordings and even a creative panorama mode, this camera is one of the more powerful models. The Panasonic Lumix GX800 / GX850 is an inexpensive all-rounder with which you can take high-quality pictures and videos.
Find price on Amazon
Panasonic Lumix GH5
With internal image stabilization and 60 / 50p 4K for advanced vloggers.
Camera type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds (MFT) | Megapixel: 20.3MP | Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds (MFT) | Screen type: 3.2 inch swivel touch screen | Maximum video resolution: 4K (DCI) | Microphone connection: Yes
Positive
- Excellent professional video specifications
- Wide range of compatible lenses
Negative
- Contrast AF is erratic
- Big size
If you are absolutely serious about vlogging, this vlog camera is perfect for it. The newer Panasonic GH5S model is even stronger in the video function, but does not have the still image quality of the GH5, so the GH5 model is still the best choice for many vloggers. The camera offers tremendous control over the video recording, including the ability to record 4K at up to 60 / 50fps for a smooth 2x slow motion effect. It also includes a sensor based image stabilization system. This feature is perfect if you move around while filming and the 20.3MP sensor gives you great resolution even for still images. However, the Panasonic Lumix GH5 is a large camera that is pretty much the same size as an advanced SLR, and the high-end video functions are more suitable for experts than beginners.
Find price on Amazon
Olympus PEN E-PL9
A compact all-rounder camera, perfect for fashion-conscious influencers.
Camera type: CSC | Sensor with compact design: APS-C | Megapixel: 16.1MP | Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds (MFT) | Screen type: 3.0 inch tilt by touch | Maximum video resolution: 4K | Burst speed: 8.6fps
Positive
- Elegant, extremely compact design
- Intuitive and easy to use
Negative
- No viewfinder
- No microphone connection +
As the best Olympus model ever, this vlog camera is perfect for those who want to focus on the moment and not on the camera settings. But there are a couple of drawbacks, like the lack of a viewfinder and 16MP sensor. But if you are a smartphone user and share your pictures digitally instead of wanting to print out major changes, it doesn’t matter. The Olympus PEN E-PL9 is intuitive and easy to use and, despite its lightweight construction, is characterized by its excellent quality. Even better, it can record 4K video and has sturdy image stabilization. This camera is also suitable for travel photography. Especially in combination with the remarkably small Olympus 14-42mm EZ-Zoom. However, it does not have a microphone connection, but for this price it is an acceptable compromise. The newer Olympus PEN E-PL10 is now also available and is almost identical, but costs a little more.
Find price on Amazon
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
Lightweight and versatile with an enormous number of megapixels.
Camera type: CSC | Sensor with compact design: APS-C | Megapixel: 32.5MP | Lens mount: Canon EF-M | Screen type: 3.0 inch tilt by touch | Maximum video resolution: 4K | Burst speed: 14fps (30fps 4K)
Positive
- Useful tiltable touchscreen
- Easily portable
Negative
- Relatively few lenses
- No headphone jack +
Canon’s lightweight mirrorless EOS M-series may not weigh the weight of the full-frame Canon EOS R-series cameras, but it’s just the thing for vloggers who don’t want to carry around too much gear. The M6 Mark II is an excellent choice for the budding vlogger as it can capture impressive uncut 4K video. Because you owe these impressive shots to the dual-pixel autofocus. The Vlog camera is lightweight and just as easy to transport as it is equipped with the similarly specified EF-M lenses. While nowhere near the Canon EF lens catalog, this series is light enough for the purposes of a vlogger. And with many useful functions, such as a microphone connection, a swiveling touchscreen and video stabilization, which ensures that everything runs smoothly, the EOS M6 Mark II is an extremely solid all-rounder for every vlogger.
Compact camera as a vlog camera
In general, I recommend a mirrorless camera if vlogging determines your everyday life. But there are some compact cameras that will be of particular interest to you because of their small size, front-facing screens, and video quality. Many compact cameras now have 4K video, but the following two cameras have larger 1-inch sensors that will make a big difference in the quality of your footage.
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
The ideal vlog camera with a fold-out screen, a large sensor and a compact size.
Camera type: Compact | Sensor: 1in | Lens mount: 24-100mm | Screen type: 3.0 inch swivel touch screen | Maximum video resolution: 4K | Microphone connection: Yes
Positive
- 4K video
- Stream live and rotate vertically
Negative
- Expensive price
- No viewfinder
When the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II proved very popular with many vloggers, Canon reasonably leaned against this camera and gave us the Version III. A compact camera that has been improved in all the right aspects to provide a perfect compact vlog camera. The camera has 4K video without cropping, an external microphone connection and even allows you to set up a live stream via YouTube! Use this camera to extract high quality still images from 4K material. The excellent autofocusing works well with the lens to make the video quality even better. You can even record vertical videos, which are very suitable for social media posts. If you want to keep it simple and are looking for a good overall package, then this camera is for you!
Sony RX100 Mark VII
Sony’s best and newest RX100 model, well thought out but not cheap.
Camera type: Compact | Sensor: 1in | Megapixel: 20.1MP | Lens mount: 24-200mm f / 2.8-4.5 | Screen type: 3in tilt angle display | Maximum video resolution: 4K | Microphone connection: Yes
Positive
- 1 Inch sensor
- Long zoom lens
Negative
- Very tiny sıze
- Expensıve price
An important detail about this potential vlog camera is the fact that it is the newest and most expensive camera in a long series, most of which is still in production. The Sony RX100 Mark VII is the best camera in its class, an ideal vlogging camera that is arguably one of the best compact cameras you can currently find on the market. But if the camera is a bit too expensive for you, it is worth taking a look at the previous models. This latest version adheres to the central concept of the series. Because it has a 1-inch sensor with a fixed lens than the 24-200mm model, which is significantly longer than most other models in the series. The VII model is also the first to introduce a microphone connector. If you can justify the price, it will definitely be a great option for you.
Smartphone as a vlog camera
Why not use a smartphone as a vlogger? They are small, unobtrusive and always with you. In addition to their high quality, front-facing cameras and video capabilities, they also allow you to instantly share your videos with others. Sure, you don’t get the video quality and versatility of interchangeable lenses that you get with a mirrorless camera, but not everyone needs all of these things. On the other hand, a smartphone often offers easier and better results. Especially in difficult lighting conditions, which is ideal for you if you just have to concentrate on the shot and not on the settings.
Samsung Galaxy S10 Plus
One of Samsung’s flagships with sophisticated camera technology.
Camera type: smartphone | Sensor (front camera): ¼ inch | Megapixel (front camera): 24MP | Lens (front camera): f / 1.9 | Screen: 6.4 inches | Maximum video resolution: 4K | Microphone connection: via headphones
Positive
- Excellent quality 4K video
- Excellent large display
Negative
- Expensive price
The Samsung S10 Plus is one of the best Android smartphones currently available on the market. Because it has numerous video upgrades that make it ideal for you to vlog with. And the digital video stabilization to produce HDR10 + videos improves the dynamic range. Samsung has also made some great upgrades to the quality of life of this smartphone, not least the massively improved battery life, which is very beneficial when used extensively as a vlogger. The enormous display is also ideal for viewing your recordings. But the downside is the costly aspect. But if you have the money, this smartphone is a compelling vlog camera for you.
Huawei P30 Pro
Excellent vlogging camera with excellent battery life and an incredible camera.
Camera type: smartphone | Sensor (front camera): Quad-core sensor | Megapixel (front camera): 32MP | Lens (front camera): f / 2 | Screen: 6.47 OLED screen | Maximum video resolution: 4K | Microphone connection: via USB-C connection
Positive
- Front camera
- Battery life
Negative
- user interface
- Android Difficulties +
The Huawei P30 Pro smartphone is almost exclusively marketed through the camera assembly and for very good reason. Because its quadruple camera arrangement, consisting of a 40MP main sensor, an 8MP telephoto camera, a 20MP ultra-wide-angle lens and a ToF depth detection camera, is absolutely in the upper class for smartphones. The front-facing 32MP camera is also not to be sniffed at. All of these components were developed together with Leica. And that is why it is a question of quality rather than quantity. Because the pictures and videos of this smartphone are breathtaking and full of depth. But the only downside is the uncertain future with Android. You may therefore have to rely on the company’s own operating system for future updates. But if that is not an obstacle for you, then you have chosen an excellent vlog camera with this smartphone.