By focusing on specialized technology, the best cameras achieve professional-level portable filming. Even though the portable, mirrorless camera dominates the vlogging arena, heavier, more compact, or action-oriented cameras may also be required in the diverse art of vlogging.
Here is our selection of the best cameras for vlogging in 2022, with a variety of alternatives to fit your creative demands.
Best Cameras for Vlogging
1. Panasonic Lumix GH6
Features
If you’re looking for a hybrid vlogging camera geared toward video, particularly a high frame rate of 4k, the Lumix GH6 is one of the most tempting options. You get 4k 120 with no quality loss, inbuilt 5.7k ProRes, infinite recording thanks to active cooling, pro-level assist tools like waveform and vectorscope monitors, full V-Log, anamorphic support, superb built-in stabilization, and a clever screen mechanism. Meanwhile, forthcoming firmware promises 4k 120 RAW over HDMI and external SSD recording via USB C. On the flip side, the contrast-based AF system lacks the ultimate certainty commonly demanded by smaller or single-person setups, which may push them toward competitors using phase-detect technology. Similarly, some may prefer the lower noise of a larger sensor.
However, for many instances, the AF is adequate, and for some producers, it will be a non-issue, while image quality may be higher than expected – certainly, in terms of resolution, the GH6 can match or even outperform several important rivals costing significantly more. All of them have advantages and disadvantages, and as always, it’s a matter of carefully considering which characteristics are most important to you and which disadvantages you can overlook or workaround. The GH6 is a highly desirable, best vlogging camera for demanding videographers that confidently competes with far more expensive rivals with an overall feature set that is unrivaled for the asking price.
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2. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
Features
With smartphones effectively obliterating the low-cost point-and-shoot camera, manufacturers have shifted their focus to creating pricy, premium pocket cameras that can rival SLRs in image quality. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II ($699.99) matches the bill, with a 1-inch picture sensor that performs well in low light, a zoom lens rated at f/1.8 at its widest angle, and a metal chassis. It’s a solid performer, but it’s in a highly competitive market niche.
The G7 X Mark II looks very similar to its predecessor, the G7 X. The body has undergone a few minor alterations, with the EV compensation dial now operating in the same manner as most other versions.
When paired with the f/1.8 maximum aperture, it’s simple to blur the background behind subjects, much like an SLR. An in-lens neutral density filter reduces incoming light, allowing you to capture stills and video at f/1.8 in bright conditions. You can activate it manually or program the G7 X to do it automatically as needed. The flash is hinged and will fire when the camera is physically tilted back, giving the G7 X some bounce capability. The top plate also houses the internal microphone, power button, shutter release, and zoom rocker, EV adjustment dial, and mode dial. Video is recorded in MP4 format with a resolution of up to 1080p60.
The ability to shoot at 60fps (or 24 or 30fps for a more classic look) is a plus, as the original G7 X could only manage 30fps. The video quality is excellent, and adjustments in focus are seamless and progressive, whether you tap to refocus or use AI Servo for automated changes. The inbuilt microphone captures audio near to the camera but also a lot of background noise.
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3. Nikon D5600
Features
The D5600 is almost as compact and light as an SLR-style mirrorless vlogging camera, yet the grip is deep and well-sculpted, so you still have a good grasp. However, some of the buttons are rather small. This has no effect on their operation, although the icons are a little more difficult to read. The new AF-P 18-55mm lens significantly improves the camera’s Live View functionality. It’s still not as fast as a mirrorless camera, but the Live View autofocus’s speed and responsiveness are certainly unexpected – and it works really well with the screen’s touch control. Simply tapping an object in the scene causes the camera to focus on that object and capture a picture in a single action.
The SnapBridge system performs less well. It worked perfectly, albeit slowly, on an Android smartphone, but the iPhone operating system requires you to manually select a Wi-Fi connection.
The autofocus, white balance, and exposure mechanisms on the D5600 performed admirably. Most of the time, you can leave the camera to figure out the proper settings and it will do so consistently.
The Nikon D5600 is a world away from shooting with a hefty enthusiast SLR like the D500. It’s small and unobtrusive, but the image quality is excellent, and the vari-angle screen makes it really versatile. Now that this DSLR is becoming older, it’s basically a matter of making sure you acquire it at a substantially discounted price.
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4. Sony ZV-1
Features
The Sony ZV-1 is a 20MP small camera designed specifically for vlogging. It has a directional microphone close to the flash hot shoe and a fully articulating touchscreen display. The ZV-1 has a 24-70mm equivalent F1.8-2.8 lens and shoots in 4K up to 30p and Full HD up to 120p.
Although the Sony ZV-1 is primarily aimed at vloggers, it may also be used as a standard compact stills camera. The ZV-1 has a lot to offer if you’re a hybrid shooter who wants to capture both video and stills but doesn’t want to lug around two cameras.
The ZV-1’s supplied fuzzy mic windshield does a good job of reducing irritating wind noise when recording video, but it also obscures the camera’s On/Off button. The camera’s solitary control ring is located on the back of the camera and is the only way to alter shutter speed and aperture while shooting.
The microphone, HDMI cable, and charging USB ports are all piled on the right side of the camera, opposite the articulating screen, allowing you to operate the camera without interfering with any of those cables. Sony has eliminated a headphone jack for monitoring audio. Some users will be put off by the inability to check pre-set audio settings.
The ZV-1 is a one-of-a-kind camera designed with a specific user in mind – and its settings reflect that. The camera’s guts are comparable to the RX100 VA, and if you can live without a viewfinder and a pop-up flash, the ZV-1 is a fine stills shooter.
The vlogging camera’s ergonomics make switching between video and still settings a breeze, especially if you use the camera’s memory recall functions. It’s comfortable in the hand, but small enough that it won’t feel like a hardship to carry around. The directional 3-capsule microphone with a specific wind-screen allows for a quick and easy audio recording of video clips.
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5. GoPro HERO10
Features
When trying to frame yourself in a shot, the front-facing screen – a function pioneered by the DJI Osmo Action — comes in handy. The Hero10 includes a shutter/record button on the top; we like that you can push it even when the camera is turned off, and it will switch on and begin recording. The power button is on the left side, and the door on the right side houses the battery, microSD card slot, and USB-C charging connector. We wish you didn’t have to expose the battery compartment to the elements in order to access the USB port – it’s just one more thing to consider if you want to keep the camera connected to an external power source.
The Hero10 Black has the company’s latest GP2 CPU (the Hero9 utilizes the GP1, which dates back to the Hero6), which enables faster transfers, stronger picture stabilization, better low-light performance, and a more responsive camera in general. In addition, the Hero10’s lens cover has a hydrophobic coating, and the glass is more scratch-resistant. The Hero10, like most other GoPros, is waterproof to 33 feet. TimeWarp is another entertaining tool that records a sequence of still images and patches them together into a movie. This video can also be motion-stabilized using the Hero10. It’s an excellent approach to capture what would otherwise be a lengthy and monotonous video.
Still, photographs captured with the Hero10 were good, although it has certain limitations. While the firm claims that its night-capture feature has improved, you should still use it with a tripod if you plan on doing any night photography. The GoPro Hero10 Black may look identical to last year’s model, but what’s on the inside is what matters. The Hero10 has a new processor that allows it to record video at up to 5.3K at 60 frames per second, which is double the frame rate of the Hero9. It can also capture higher-resolution still photographs of up to 23 megapixels. But it’s the image stabilization that truly stands out.
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Our Verdict
The Panasonic Lumix GH6 is the best cameras for vlogging 2022 for multiple reasons like its high-quality 4K video, dual Native ISO, and twin slots for UHS-II cards. We have also mentioned other impressive options that will make your vlogging days memorable and fun.
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