The best cameras for vlogging are one-stop shops for serious video creation. An ideal vlogging camera is actually quite a complex proposition, as it's got to have a powerful suite of video options, while also being portable and straightforward enough for a single person to operate it.
This does give you quite a bit of flexibility though, and a good vlogging camera can mean a lot of different things, from sophisticated mirrorless systems to palm-sized waterproof action cameras. So, which to pick?
Our final shortlist is comprehensive and broad, as we've made sure to include options to suit a range of budgets. A vlogging camera is generally different from a filmmaking camera but it could still be a mirrorless camera or an action camera. If you're looking for higher-end options, you may want to look at our guide to the best cameras for video or if you don't need something quite as advanced you can check out our guide on the best phone for video recording and vlogging. Still, that's not to say we haven't included some spectacular options for the advanced pro vlogger here though – there was no way we couldn't make space for the fantastic Panasonic Lumix GH6.
We've split our guide into two sections – first, we deal with the best mirrorless cameras for vlogging, including options from Fujifilm, Canon, Panasonic, and more. Next, we've rounded up compacts and action cameras, for those who prefer an all-in-one solution. Remember, action cameras are also tougher than other types, so if you're planning some extreme sports vlogging, one of the best GoPro cameras or a 360 camera would be a smart choice.
Once you've decided on what camera, phone or action camera to use you will need to think about the video editing software so you can edit your clips and if you're getting really serious about it you may want to invest in one of the best laptops for video editing which usually have more RAM, high res screens and bigger hard drives. There is also plenty of free video editing software out there if you just want to test the waters before diving in deep and shelling out on a subscription.
Ultimately, it comes down to what you want to shoot. Read on for our picks of the best cameras for vlogging, and make sure to pick up some of the essential accessories, like the best microphones and best smartphone gimbals.
The best cameras for vlogging: full list
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Mirrorless cameras
If you're a serious content creator, a mirrorless camera offers powerful video capabilities, and the versatility of interchangeable lenses and almost all of them will take high-quality images too. While DSLRs such as the Canon EOS 90D shouldn't be ruled out, mirrorless cameras are stealing the limelight at the moment thanks to their more advanced features and better handling especially when it comes to vlogging.
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is a near-peerless filmmaker's camera. Though all of the company's Micro Four Thirds G-series cameras have pretty impressive video features, the GH series is where the tech really excites us in new ways.
Some would dismiss the Lumix GH6 on account of its comparatively small MFT sensor, but that would be a mistake – we think the Lumix GH6 is one of the best consumer video cameras you can buy right now which is why we've put it at number on on this list.
It's not exactly pitched toward casual vloggers. The Lumix GH6 has a stacked sensor with lightning-fast readout speeds, meaning it can record high-quality video internally, without the need to hook it up to a video recorder. Highlights include 5.7K 30p internal video in ProRes 4:2:2 HQ, 4:2:0 10-bit Cinema 4K 60p internal (with simultaneous 4:2:2 HDMI output), and 5.8K 10-bit anamorphic using the full sensor area.
If you don't know what those terms mean, then congratulations, you've just saved yourself two grand, and one of the cheaper cameras on this list will do just fine. If you do, then we can assure you that this might just be the camera you've been waiting for.
Read our full Panasonic Lumix GH6 review for more details
The ZV-E1 is incredibly small, almost to the point where you forget about its large image-stabilized full-frame sensor at its core. Designed primarily for vlogging, it offers excellent 4K video output, although achieving steady handheld footage requires a significant crop. What sets this camera apart is its remarkable subject recognition and tracking features, which are currently among the best available. The still images it captures are also of high quality, although they top out at 12MP and thus have limited versatility.
However, the ZV-E1 falls short when it comes to its purpose, as there are numerous video cameras on the market, including those from Sony's own range, that offer similar capabilities, however there are no other cameras on the market that offer this much power in such a compact frame.
Read our full Sony ZV-E1 review.
The third version of the camera that put Olympus on the mirrorless map is a truly fantastic option for vlogging. It doesn't have the 4K 60p capability of Panasonic Micro Four Thirds rivals like the Lumix GH5 II, but 4K 30p is enough for most vloggers, and the Olympus wins for autofocus, using on-sensor phase-detect AF rather than the DFD contrast AF system still used by Panasonic.
For regular filmmaking, this is less of an issue (as "proper" videography should be done with manual focus), but vlogging leaves you at your camera's mercy to keep you in focus – and Panasonic's DFD contrast AF is prone to pulsing, hunting, and reprioritizing.
The E-M5 Mark III delivers crisp, clean 4K video with rock-solid image stabilization and phase detect AF that won't let you down – and its stills photography performance is top-notch as well.
Read our full Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III review for more details
The Fujifilm X-S10 is such a great camera in our eyes it even came first place in our best Fujifilm cameras guide. It doesn't have the external exposure dials you'd find on the Fujifilm X-T4 which might disappoint hardcore Fujifilm fans, however, it's still an impressive bit of kit.
It features a flip-out screen (which is what makes it so good for vlogging), can shoot 4K video, and has 6 stops of in-body stabilization. Should you also want to take photos thanks to its 26.1-megapixel APS-C sensor it can produce beautiful, high-quality images.
For the feature, size, and handling, this is probably the best APS-C camera you can buy at this price point, and not only that but it takes beautiful jpegs straight out of camera so if you're feeling lazy there's no need for editing.
Read our full Fujifilm X-S10 review for more details
The Lumix S5 might be on the larger size for a vlogging camera, but with a full-frame sensor, 6.5 stops of image stabilization, and a weather-resistant body we think it deserves a spot on this list.
Even though the Panasonic GH6 is a lot newer, you got a lot of cameras for the same money as the Lumix S5 and it's much better in low light thanks to its full-frame sensor. It has a fully articulated screen which makes it perfect for self-recording, 14+ stops of dynamic range, and 4K video.
Perhaps the only downside to this powerhouse of a camera is that it uses contrast AF rather than phase-detect AF which is often not as responsive. If you want a camera that's going to be good for stills and video, the Lumix S5 offers 96MP high-resolution RAW+JPEG capture.
If you're a serious filmmaker then perhaps the feature set of the Lumix GH6 will tempt you more but we think the Lumix S5 gives you a heck of a lot for your money.
Read our full Panasonic Lumix S5 review for more details
The Sony A6400's front-facing camera makes it perfect for single-handed video shooters who need to talk directly at the camera. It has a 180-degree flip front-facing screen rather than a vari-angle which would've been better but if you just need to see yourself, it shouldn't matter too much.
If you're a multi-media content creator, the A6400 is also a great stills camera as well as able to deliver 4K video. We're not sold on the design, it's practically the same as when the A6000 was released and it's starting to feel a bit outdated.
However, we can just about let that slide due to its state-of-the-art focusing system and impressive Eye-AF performance. Since its release, Sony has also brought out the slightly cheaper A6100 and the more advanced A6600 but for us, we think the A6400 hits the sweet spot for vloggers when it comes to cost and quality.
Read our full Sony A6400 review for more details
The Lumix G100 is a compact, easy-to-use camera that has an approachable button and menu layout. Its simplicity will be a big pull for vloggers and creatives who don't want or need anything too complicated.
That being said, it still delivers high-quality video and has desirable features such as a viewfinder should you also want to take stills. Plus, it feels like a "proper camera" with its ergonomic grip. While it can shoot 4K, there is a crop factor, which means you're not making the most of the sensor.
The vari-angle screen makes it great for recording yourself or even recording footage overhead or from the hip. However, it's worth noting the G100 doesn't have any in-body stabilization so you might have to invest in one of the best gimbals if you plan on doing a lot of handheld shooting. Overall, it's a compact, cute, and quite cheap camera that does the job but is lacking a couple of features.
Read our full Panasonic Lumix G100 review for more details
The Canon EOS M50 Mark II isn't the wholesale upgrade over the original Canon EOS M50 that many were hoping for, but it's an excellent hybrid mirrorless camera that performs well for stills and video.
Its 4K capabilities carry a number of caveats; Canon's brilliant Dual Pixel AF is replaced by contrast-detect AF when not shooting in 1080p, and shooting in 4K also results in a significant crop factor. Thus, we can't recommend this camera if you intend to film a 4K video.
However, if you want to shoot 1080p and you're looking for a powerful, easy-to-use body with great autofocus that's at home with run-and-gun videography, vlogging, and creating for TikTok and Instagram, the M50 Mark II is in its element. Canon certainly offers more powerful APS-C cameras, such as the Canon EOS M6 Mark II, which deliver superior results in both stills and video (especially in 4K).
However, the M50 Mark II's party trick is its perfectly pitched performance-to-price ratio. This is an affordable, powerful, compact, and easy-to-use camera that's ideal for travel and everyday photography, as well as all manner of content creation.
Read our full Canon EOS M50 Mark II review for more details
Compact/action cameras
Generally, we would recommend a mirrorless camera for more serious vlogging, but there are a couple of compact cameras that are especially interesting thanks to their smaller size, front-facing screens, and video capability. Beyond that, though, there are some terrific action cameras that can take your vlogging in a whole new direction.
Read more: The best compact digital cameras
Despite the Hero 11 Black looking like every other GoPro this side of 2019, with upgraded hardware and software, it's a triumph on all fronts. The new, almost square sensor is supremely versatile, the camera's software has been simplified successfully, and GoPro's companion app, Quik has also been improved. With best-in-class stabilization, great-looking video in all but dimly-lit and dark scenes, and some fun new modes like light painting, the Hero 11 Black is an excellent addition to the line.
The Hero 11 Black's 8:7 aspect ratio is also a standout highlight for content creators. Able to shoot in 5.3K resolution, 8:7 video at up to 30fps, its footage can be losslessly cropped to create new 4K portrait, landscape, and square clips from a single video.
On top of 8:7 video, the Hero 11 Black captures 5.3K resolution video at 60 fps, 4K resolution video at 120 fps, or 2.7K resolution at 240 fps. You can also grab 27MP stills from 5.3K video.
The Hero 11 Black might not have wildly improved the line's lowlight performance. Still, with its new 8:7 sensor, a simplified interface, and enhanced horizon leveling, it's upgraded GoPro's offering in a meaningful way. Particularly appealing to folks who use multiple social platforms, nothing else can do quite what the 11 Black can.
Read our full GoPro Hero 11 Black review for more details
GoPro Subscription explained: what you get, and is it worth it
Some might dismiss the ZV-1F as yet another Sony RX100 variant, but it’s much more than that. The sensor and lens might be familiar, but the body, the controls, the audio, and the rear screen are all new and different and optimized brilliantly for vlogging.
There are a couple of niggles. The huge change in the minimum focus distance, when you zoom in, is annoying and the SteadyShot Active stabilization didn’t work too well for us, but the autofocus is exceptional and the ZV-1F is a joy to use, not least because here at last is a vlogging camera that really is designed specifically for vlogging, right down to that fully vari-angle rear screen and the supplied mic windshield, which really does work brilliantly.
It's also a LOT cheaper than the flagship Sony RX100 VII camera, despite offering a better proposition for vloggers.
Read our full Sony ZV-1F review for more details
Though launched without much fanfare and looking identical to the Hero9 Black in almost every way, the Hero10 Black is nevertheless a significant upgrade. That’s all down to its use of the all-new GP2 processor, which powers both a speedy user interface, doubles the frame rates, and fuels the best image stabilization tech yet.
The larger, 2.27-inch display and the handy front-facing screen are what make this camera perfect for vlogging - especially if you like to blog on the move, up a mountain, or even when riding a bike!
The highlight is its 5.3K 60p video capabilities and GoPro's new HyperSmooth, 4.0 video stabilization. It works in all modes and alongside its 23MP camera, it produced the best photos and has the best low-light performance of any GoPro.
Content can be transferred super fast via a cable and it has an auto-upload feature that automatically adds photos and video to the cloud while it recharges. Some upgrades aren't all that exciting but the Hero10 Black was definitely worth the wait.
Read our full GoPro Hero10 Black review
This really is an all-in-one action camera – the Insta360 One RS Twin Edition can handle all sorts of vlogging and movie-making functions, including even 360-degree video. The trick is its modular design that allows you to swap out different lens modules, meaning you can choose between the 4K Boost Lens and the 360º fisheye lens, depending on what you want to shoot.
And not only this, but the Insta360 One RS Twin Edition boasts a ton of internal options, too. Thanks to the powerful core module, you can output video at a 100mpbs bit-rate using the H.265 codec, as well as lossless ProRes 422 if you get Insta360's Studio desktop software.
There's also a 6K widescreen mode for getting really cinematic – though since you don't get the six-axis gyroscope FlowState Stabilization in that mode, it can look comparatively jerky.
Read our full Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition review for more details
If you want a best-in-class tool when it comes to combining stable video and pocketable size, nothing else trumps the DJI Pocket 2. If you get it as part of the Creator Combo, external audio and the ultra-wide lens are excellent additions, and it’s basically a pocket studio.
We found noise handling to be the Pocket 2’s weakest area, and it struggles with highlights, though in most well-lit environments, the convenience, versatility, and stabilization it offers can’t be overstated.
Better still, the gimbal stabilization brings a level of smoothness to run-and-gun-style video that's difficult (or impossible) to achieve with a bigger camera.
Read our full DJI Pocket 2 review for more details
When the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II showed popularity with vloggers, Canon sensibly leaned into it and gave us the Mark III, a compact that improves on it in all the right ways to provide a perfect compact vlogging solution.
It's got 4K video with no crop, an external mic port, and even lets you Livestream to YouTube! There's also the option to extract high-quality stills from 4K footage (useful for those thumbnails), and the excellent autofocus system works well with the 24-100mm (equivalent) f/2.8-1.8 lens and stacked 1-inch CMOS sensor to produce a video of enviable quality.
It even enables you to shoot vertical video that's very phone and Instagram-story-friendly – an incredibly useful function. It's still good, but it has been upstaged rather by the Sony ZV-1.
Read our full Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III review for more details
How we test cameras
We test cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions. For vlogging cameras, we test things such as how well the image stabilization works when we are shooting on the move, how fast and accurate the autofocus is, whether it can track human and animal eyes and faces and how easy it is to color grade the video afterward when shooting in V-Log for example. Shooting in real-life environments we make short films and clips that put the camera's features through their paces and show what can be achieved.
How to choose a vlogging camera
1) External microphone port
When it comes to producing professional-looking videos you'll need good-quality audio. In-camera mics are ok but you'll want to use an external mic if you plan on recording audio so make sure to invest in a camera with a mic input.
2) LCD screen that can flip round to the front
A fully articulated screen is essential if you want to record yourself talking to the camera. It takes away any guesswork involved and ensures the framing of the shot is just right. Most of the time you can get away with just having a tilting screen but vlogging is the one area of photography and videography where a front-facing screen is a must.
3) AF system with effective tracking
If you plan on recording yourself while moving away, you'll need a camera that has responsive AF tracking. Since you won't actually be able to change the focus point while filming, you'll want to use eye or face AF so that the focus is always on you. This is when cameras with phase-detect AF are particularly good as they are much more consistent with moving images, unlike contrast-detect which has a tendency to hunt and drift.
4) 4K video
You can probably get away with a camera that doesn't have 4K capabilities however, technology is advancing so quickly you may as well future-proof your purchase. Even if you shoot in 4K, you can upload in 1080p to save on time but at least you have that option. You can crop into 4K, reframe your video, and still output at 1080p so it's more flexible to get a camera that is 4K ready. For more information on post-production, check out our guides on the best video editing software.
5) Great stills quality
Chances are if you're a vlogger you'll have an Instagram account and want to be able to capture stills as well as videos. Nobody wants to carry around two cameras if you can get one that will do both jobs equally well. Of course, some of the best camera phones will be great for creating content, but they'll never be as good quality as an actual camera. Our guide on the best cameras for Instagram will be a good place to look if that is your chosen platform.
Read our best cameras for streaming
All of the cameras on our list are ideal for vlogging, you'll just have to decide how much you want to spend, how portable you need it to be, and what types of vlogs you'll want to film
FAQs
Should I buy a camera with a front facing flip screen?
If you shoot a lot of videos that feature yourself talking to camera, choosing a camera with a screen that faces will be massively helpful as it'll allow you to compose your shot and ensure your entire face is visible. It also allows you to move around and keep an eye on where you are - this is where face tracking also comes in helpful as it'll make sure your face and eyes are always in focus.
Do I need a vlogging camera or could I just use my phone?
This is entirely up to you, some of the best phones for video recording can shoot in 4K, come with in-body stabilization, and some you can even shoot cinematic anamorphic footage. However, the sensors are usually a lot smaller which means they won't operate as well in low-light situations which could be a limiting factor. It all comes down to what you want to shoot and where you want to post it.
What accessories will I need?
To start off with you may not need any at all but as you get more advanced it might be a good idea to invest in one of the best video lights, a video tripod or mini tripod, a portable hard drive so you can store all your footage, a gimbal so you can record perfectly smooth clips and a microphone so you can record really clear audio.
