Your vlog is only as good as the quality of the video. In an age filled with 4K and 8K videos, you can’t expect people to watch pixelated videos. Therefore, vlogging cameras can make or break your career.
There isn’t one camera that reigns above all for vlogging. Travel vloggers would want a different camera compared to thrill-seekers, which means you need to consider certain factors when selecting a camera for yourself.
At A Glance: Our Top 5 Picks For Cameras For Vlogging
- Best Overall: Sony
- Canon EOS M50
- Lincom Tech 4K
- SAULEOO
- Canon EOS R
Don’t worry though, we made the selection process much easier for you! After testing hundreds of options, we picked the five best cameras for vlogging.
The Studio Genie is dedicated to helping streamers and YouTubers or anyone looking to have their own home studio. The author, Felicity Martinez, have been helping out streamers and YouTubers for years.
The goal is to provide a free resource for anyone looking to build a quality home studio. The reviews below are a result of hours of research and analysis. We provided the pros and cons and ranked each product to help you make a quick decision.
QUICK OVERVIEW: Our Top Picks for Cameras for Vlogging
IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
---|---|---|
BEST OVERALL | Sony
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Canon EOS M50
| VIEW ON AMAZON → | |
Lincom Tech 4K
| VIEW ON AMAZON → | |
SAULEOO
| VIEW ON AMAZON → | |
Canon EOS R
| VIEW ON AMAZON → |
Our Picks For Five Best Cameras For Vlogging
1. CANON EOS M50
The Canon EOS M50 is an affordable entry-level camera for anyone who wants a mirrorless option. There are better mirrorless options in the market, but the M50 takes exceptional videos that are well-suited for vloggers.
The body of the camera is designed for ease when it comes to mobility. It weighs less than a pound and fits nicely into your hands.
It also features handgrips on the side that makes it easier to properly grip it, so it doesn’t slide off your hands. The 3-inch LCD screen dominates the rear of the camera.
For ease of connectivity, the camera has NFC, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. You can easily transfer images and videos over Wi-Fi. Unfortunately, you can only transfer 1080p videos wirelessly for 4K videos, and you will need to use a cable or memory card reader for other videos.
The Canon M50 is equipped with a single, rechargeable LP-E12 battery. In terms of videos, this should last around 130 minutes between charges.
This camera is great for vloggers because of the video features such as 4K recording, which means you can record crisp, detailed videos. It also has a mic-input and Dual Pixel autofocus system, which makes it easy to continue recording without the need to recalibrate the focus. Note that the autofocus doesn’t work in 4K recording.
Overall, the Canon M50 offers everything you would need as a vlogger. It is compact, light, and captures colorful and clear video footage. Oh, and how can we forget, it’s also reasonably priced and is great for photography too.
Pros
- Compact design with grips along the body
- 24-megapixel camera sensor that takes videos up to 4K resolution
- Decent battery life that gives 130 minutes of video recording
- Interchangeable lenses that give you the option to be a little creative of how you shoot
Cons
- Slower autofocus on 4K videos
Technical specifications
- Dimensions: 2.3 x 4.6 x 3.5 inches
- Body weight: 0.86 pounds
- Optical Resolution: 24 megapixels
- Optical Zoom: 3x
- Video Resolution: 2160p
- Screen Size: 3-inch touchscreen
2. LINCOM TECH 4K VIDEO CAMERA CAMCORDER
The Lincom Tech 4K Video Camera Camcorder is made for vlogging because it captures videos with depth and clarity at 4K resolution.
This camcorder is designed to provide vloggers an easier user experience, featuring a useful handheld stabilizer for outdoor shooting. It provides users with more stability when they hold the camera, especially when someone is on the go. You also have the option to take the stabilizer off when it is not needed.
You also have a ton of shooting modes from low light to night vision. You can shoot in almost any condition with this camcorder. It also features time-lapse and slow-motion modes, which you can use from time to time to add some pizzazz to your video footage.
Lincom Tech throws several add-ons packaged in the box with the camera. We liked the addition of an external mic and remote control, which are both useful for vloggers. The camera is also fitted with a 3-inch screen and a 1500 mAh battery for continuous recording of 90 minutes.
For vloggers looking for a reliable, pocket-friendly camera, the Lincom Tech 4K Video Camera Camcorder is the perfect option. It doesn’t come with all the hype that brands like Sony, Nikon, and Canon have but it doesn’t steer you away from the features and add-ons this camera offers. Plus, it does a great job at recording quality 4K videos.
Pros
- Great video quality at 4K resolution
- Easy to use with tons of shooting features including night vision and low light
- Includes an external microphone
Cons
- The build of the camera feels a bit flimsy and plastic
Technical specifications
- Package dimensions: 6.73 x 5.59 x 3.35 inches
- Body weight: 1.48 pounds
- Optical Resolution: 48 megapixels
- Digital Zoom: 18x
- Video Resolution: 2160p
- Screen Size: 3-inch touchscreen
3. SAULEOO Video Camera 4K
The SAULEOO Video Camera won’t blow you away looks-wise but it records bright, clear 4K videos. For a video blog, it gets the job done and it won’t cost you an arm and leg.
SAULEOO is quickly making a name for itself by manufacturing pocket-friendly cameras that produce exceptional videos. This camera is no different as it features a great focal range.
This is important if you plan to move around a lot in your vlog. The camera adapts to your movement and maintains focus on the objects you shoot.
The camera is equipped with a digital stabilization and a CMOS sensor. The sensor stabilizes shots with a lot of movement, so the video footage doesn’t appear too shaky.
The design of the camera won’t blow you away, but it is light at just 1.65 pounds. It features a 3-inch touchscreen, which makes it easy for you to toggle through settings and fiddle with them.
Like the Lincom Tech camcorder, this also comes with a lot of add-ons in the box. The external mic works well, and we really liked the lens hood. The hood is useful for blocking out light when you shoot in conditions with a lot of light.
Overall, the Sauleoo Video Camera 4K is a camera that is light on your pocket and gives you the chance to shoot clear videos in 4K resolution. It won’t blow you away with features, but it is a reliable choice.
Pros
- Exceptional video quality at 4K resolution
- CMOS sensor stabilizes videos when you’re moving
- Comes with tons of add-ons like a lens hood and external microphone
Cons
- The camera isn’t waterproof
- Not as many features or shooting modes as the others on our list
Technical specifications
- Dimensions: 4.6 x 2.28 x 1.61 inches
- Body weight: 1.65 pounds
- Optical Resolution: 30 megapixels
- Digital Zoom: 18x
- Video Resolution: 2160p
- Screen Size: 3-inch touchscreen
4. CANON EOS R FULL FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERA
As the second Canon on our list, the EOS R is a more powerful camera than the M50 but is also higher in price. It is a camera we recommend for established vloggers looking to upgrade to a video camera they can trust for all types of shoots.
The Canon EOS R has a compact body that is easy to hold in your hands, but the ergonomics of the body are slightly off, so you must put in more effort to keep the camera in your hands when you’re on the move.
Otherwise, you risk it bumping into things or falling which is something you don’t want to do considering the amount of money you paid for the camera.
In terms of vlogging, you only need a wide lens, so the EF-S lens works well. The wonderful thing about a DSLR like this is you can mess around with different lenses to get different results but make sure you know what you are buying because lenses are not cheap.
The camera has tons of features that are helpful when creating video footage. It has image stabilization, slow motion, and “pro video” options from focus peaking to focus guides. These features ensure you make breathtaking videos, especially if you make travel vlogs or go out on adventures.
The camera shoots 4K videos. The videos are cropped when shooting 4K, but most viewers won’t even notice.
Overall, the EOS R is an exceptional camera for both images and videos. You may want to pick another camera option if you plan on vlogging about thrill-seeking adventures though. The camera doesn’t come cheap and therefore, you probably want to keep it out of harm’s way.
Pros
- Quality video at 4K resolution, making it the best out of all the cameras on the list
- Image stabilizing sensors work exceptionally well to produce seamless videos
- Tons of video features, such as the “pro video” features on the camera
- Interchangeable lenses give you the option to be a little creative of how you shoot
Cons
- Expensive
- The body of the camera is not as ergonomically designed as we would have liked
Technical specifications
- Dimensions: 3.3 x 5.3 x 3.9 inches
- Body weight: 1.46 pounds
- Optical Resolution: 30.3 megapixels
- Optical Zoom: 0
- Video Resolution: 2160p
- Screen Size: 3.15-inch touchscreen
5. LINCOM TECH 4K CAMCORDER
We end our list with another Lincom Tech 4K camcorder. This model offers a little more than the other model and is perfect for vloggers looking for a low-costing camcorder with tons of features.
Besides the fact that it can shoot videos in 4K, you get tons of different types of shooting modes. You have slow-motion, night, and time-lapse, to name a few. The body of the camera is fitted with a handle to make it easier for you to hold on and stabilize the camera as you shoot.
The body of the camera does seem a bit flimsy, but it is durable. So, you can take it with you if you are an adventure vlogger.
You get a ton of add-ons with this model, and some of our favorites are the external microphone, flash, and remote control. A remote might not seem like that big a deal but it made it easier for us to control the camera from a distance, which is super useful!
The battery life on the camera is great, it will last a good 3 hours before you need to recharge making it one of the better cameras in that regard.
Overall, the Lincom Tech 4K camcorder camera vloggers can trust. It shoots great, detailed videos and is light on your pockets.
Pros
- Quality video at 4K resolution
- Tons of shooting modes that allow you to be creative as you shoot
- Light on the pockets
Cons
- Build of the camera is durable but feels flimsy
Technical specifications
- Package dimensions: 10.39 x 6.77 x 6.69 inches
- Body weight: 3.9 pounds
- Optical Resolution: 48 megapixels
- Optical Zoom: 18x
- Video Resolution: 2160p
- Screen Size: 3-inch touchscreen
Buyer’s Guide
Vloggers can pick any of the five products we have mentioned above, and they wouldn’t be disappointed. It doesn’t matter if you are just starting a vlog or have had one for years. All the cameras we mentioned do a great job in capturing video content that your followers would want to watch.
It might surprise many that we haven’t mentioned a Sony model. Sony is a well-known brand and manufactures great cameras, but the price tag is the reason why we felt that vloggers likely avoid it.
With that said, let’s make it easier for you to select from our top five as we further breakdown our list for you.
BEST CAMERA FOR QUALITY VIDEO
The Canon EOS R is above the others on the list, in terms of quality. Some of its best features are the 4K video resolution, clarity, and overall dynamic range.
MOST BUDGET-FRIENDLY CAMERA
The Lincom Tech 4K camcorder nearly edges out the Canon EOS M50 because it cost less.
The camcorder offers almost identical results as the M50 when it comes to video resolution and quality. Plus, you get a lot more add-ons in the box with the camcorder. Like all Canon cameras, you must spend extra on lenses, an external mic, and other equipment.
BEST ACTION CAMERA
One thing you want in action cameras is durability. None of the products we have mentioned are specifically designed for thrill and adventures.
After the tests we conducted, we would have to pick the Canon M50 as the best option for action vlogs. It has a solid body that has a higher chance to withstand the wear and tear that naturally comes with adventures.
Features You Need To Consider When Selecting A Camera For Vlogging
If you’re selecting between vlogging cameras, you need to consider the following features:
RESOLUTION
You don’t have to go all out and buy a camera with 8K video recording capabilities. But you do need a camera that produces at least 1080p or Full HD videos as this ensures that the videos you make are crystal-clear, and your viewers can make out everything you record.
LENS SELECTION
Ideally, you should opt for a camera that allows you to change lenses like a DSLR camera. You may be thinking that changing lenses is more important for photos but if you do wildlife, travel, or food vlogs, the ability to change lenses is a blessing.
For adventure seekers, the lens fitted on the camera will likely allow you to do that, just make sure the camera is durable and provides you with the zoom capabilities you need.
LOW LIGHT PERFORMANCE
The ISO setting of the camera determines its ability to capture light. The higher the ISO, the more light it will capture.
When you increase ISO, you also add grain and noise to the picture, which will reduce the overall quality of the video.
You will typically shoot videos if you keep ISO below 400. If you plan on shooting a lot of videos in low-lit areas, then you may consider cameras with a higher ISO range.
AUTOFOCUS
This feature is a blessing when it comes to recording videos. A lot of vloggers are on the move when they record, which makes it difficult for them to focus the lens as they record.
Autofocus will take care of that for you and save you the nightmare of constantly readjusting the focus while recording.
BRAND
While brand name shouldn’t be too much of a concern, a lot of people shopping for a camera focus on the big brands Canon, Sony, and Nikon.
These brands are established as manufacturing quality, reliable cameras. However, the reputation gives them ground to charge you more. There are other brands that are not as well-known but can consider if you are on a budget.
Otherwise, Sony and Canon do have lower-end models to consider.
COST
If you are just starting a vlog channel, this is probably a huge concern for you.
Set a budget on how much you can afford to spend on the camera and stick to it. There are exceptional cameras in all different price ranges, so you don’t have to worry too much about the cost.
Conclusion
With that, we end our buyer’s guide for the best cameras for vlogging. We are certain our picks and tips will help you select the perfect digital camera that will take your video blog to the next level. So, get ready for tons of new followers!
Did you like the article? Please rate it: