Best Vlogging Cameras For Beginners And Pro’s

We have rounded up some of the best Vlogging cameras reviews to start you off in the right direction for your YouTube channel. The list ranges from beginner/ introduction cameras, along with more professional cameras depending on your needs.

This list comprises of many cameras that are popular within the YouTube Vlogging community. Also all of the Vlogging cameras in this Top 5 List have been used by many big YouTubers. So the quality and the functionality speak for themselves.

Brand/ Camera Video Quality Flip Screen External Mic Price Rating More Features Canon G7X 1080P HD Yes No $$$ 4.7 Find Out More Canon EOS Rebel T4i (650D) 1080P HD Yes Yes $$$ 4.5 Find Out More GoPro Hero 4 Silver 1080P HD No No $$ 4.6 Find Out More Canon PowerShot 120 1080P HD No No $$ 4.6 Find Out More Canon 70D 1080P HD Yes Yes $$$$ 4.8 Find Out More

As you read along this list you will notice there are a lot of Canon branded cameras. This is not a deliberate choice, it just happens to be that many Vloggers believe in the Canon brand and the quality that it delivers. So here is our list for best Vlogging cameras.

Top 5 Best Vlogging Cameras For YouTube, Plus Reviews

Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II (Editors Choice)

The Canon G7X Mark II is one of the most popular Vlogging cameras out there and there are many good reasons as to why. You get great DSLR quality video in a compact and affordable camera plus many other features. A added bonus of having this quality on such a pocketable camera is that it can be used in a wide range or situations.

Another huge feature of this G7X Mark II that attracts Vloggers to it is the Image Stabilization. This allows you to record smooth video in shaky situations. While having Imagine Stabilization is awesome, it won’t help if you don’t have a good lens. Luckily enough the the G7X definitely does! It has a (f1.8) 24-100mm focal length lens for wide angle and close up shots.

The lens in this camera is built in so there won’t be a possibility of changing lenses in the future. However thats not a huge factor. Mainly because the lens it does have is of high quality and is versatile for a wide range of Vlogging use.

Also with this Canon G7X Mark II you will receive the added bonus of having great low light performance. This can add an extra layer of quality to your video. Having good low light performance in this camera will also allow you to record in places that many other couldn’t.

Some added features which puts the cherry on top for this Vlogging camera include:

Flip screen (great for selfies)

Touch screen display

1080p video recording

20 Megapixel sensor

Wi-Fi/ NFC for uploading to YouTube and sharing with other devices.

With any Canon Camera you will also get great quality craftsmanship in a durable and long-lasting body. This Canon PowerShot G7X is a great entry level/ intermediate camera which ticks all the boxes while coming in at an affordable price.

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Canon EOS Rebel T4i (650D)

This Canon T4i is considered one of the best Vlogging cameras for beauty, makeup and tech YouTube channels. This is because it delivers DSLR video quality for an affordable price point. If your looking to learn more about videography/ photography this is a great introductory level camera to jumpstart your Vlogging journey.

Ideally if you’re thinking about recording at home or in a studio environment then this camera would be a great starting point for you. You get quality cinematic video that is great for growing your Vlogging channel while also being able to learn the camera features.

Personally this was my first camera that i still use to this day! Since i purchased this Rebel T4i my knowledge and quality of video has grown hugely. That is why it deserves a place in your top 5 best Vlogging cameras list.

With this Canon EOS Rebel T4i you will be able to record in 1080p at up to 30 frames per second. Add that with a 18 megapixel sensor and you receive a great quality video. A added feature of this camera is that it has a swivel/ articulating display screen which comes in handy more times than you would think.

Camera highlights:

Record great quality video

Good entry level camera

Ability to swap lenses

Flip screen

18 Megapixels

Overall this T4i delivers in a lot of areas and is a a great entry level for beginner Vloggers who want to provide great quality video to there viewers.

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Canon PowerShot 120

Do you like watching YouTube Vloggers such as Casey Neistat? FunForLouis? Mr Ben Brown? You will be then happy to know that all these Vloggers have used this camera on there channels. The Canon PowerShot 120 is truly one of the best Vlogging cameras that will be sure not to break the budget.

Even at such a affordable price, the 120 doesn’t compromise on video quality as it delivers a great video image.

This camera is very similar to the above Canon G7X minus a few features. For example you will have a fixed screen and no Image Stabilization. This makes it more affordable for an entry level Vlogging camera. If you think you can survive without those features then this PowerShot 120 will be a great starting point for your Vlogging future.

Minus the above difference from the G7X. You still receive a lot of useful features which has made this such a popular Vlogging camera within the YouTube Community. Casey Neistat uses this camera on a regular basis so you know it is robust and reliable.

Touchscreen display

Wi-Fi connectivity

f1.8 aperture

24mm lens

12.1 megapixels

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Canon 70D

If you want to step up your Vlogging game and enter to the next level then this is the camera for you! This is a professional choice for Vloggers which boasts many great features that are sure to impress.

Many great YouTube Vloggers such as Casey Neistat and Zoella use the Canon 70D on a daily basis. Its a testament to the Canon brand and this camera that 2 of the biggest video bloggers decide to use this model.

Firstly the feature that draws in many prospect videographers to this camera is that is has continuous autofocus. This is a huge deal if you’re always on the go or out and about. On top of the continuous auto focus feature, it delivers an ultra crispy video that you will be proud to upload to YouTube.

You can learn more about awesome Vlogging cameras with flip screens here.

On top of the above feature you also get an articulating screen. This is perfect if you plan on recording yourself while on the move. It’s handy to have the the flip screen so you can actually view what you’re recording which the Canon 70D does. This limits any mistakes that may be made while just pointing the camera and hoping get yourself in the frame.

Some extra features of this camera include:

Interchangeable lenses

19 point auto focus

ISO 100-12800

20 Megepixel

Flip screen

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GoPro Hero 4 Silver

The GoPro Hero 4 Silver is a hugely popular and is considered one of the best Vlogging cameras. This is due to the fantastic build quality and the things you can do with it is endless. You will see many GoPro cameras in travel and outdoor YouTube channels as they can withstand many different conditions.

Another added feature to their popularity is that you can literally attach them to anything, even yourself. This gives you great perspective shots which give the wow factor to your videos. This camera would definitely suits Vloggers interested in surfing, BMX, skateboarding, travelling, sailing and the list goes on.

When it comes to building quality outdoor activity cameras, you need to do it right and GoPro defiantly delivers in this area. These cameras are built to last and survive even in the worst conditions. All you have to do is search for GoPro video and you will be able to see the torture these cameras can go through.

This GoPro Hero 4 Silver has a very simple interface that you can learn in seconds which makes quick a breeze to use. Another great aspect of this camera is that you can record crispy HD video in wide angle. The lens is a wide angle fixed one that will capture a huge range of subject matter in frame which is great for outdoors.

Camera highlights:

Record HD videos in a ultra small camera

Wide angle lens

High Quality and durability

Water/ shock resistant

Good for travel video blogger

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Best Vlogging Cameras Under $200

Finding the best Vlogging camera for under $200 is quite difficult. But we have picked the top 2 cameras we believe are the best for this price. This is a good start if your curious about Vlogging but don’t want to invest to much money into a really good camera. If you do decide Vlogging is for you then you can always upgrade at a later stage.

Since your budget will be below $200. There are certain features and sacrifices you will have to make when buying one of these cameras. Vlogging cameras under $200 aren’t necessarily bad but, you will be losing out on some features simply because of the drop in price. If $200 is still out of your price range, you can view our post here on some great Vlogging cameras under $100.

In saying that if you’re really keen to get into Vlogging, having an affordable camera is better than having none at all. So let’s get stared!

Nikon CoolPix S7000

When is comes to creating a Vlog there are 2 important things, good content and good quality video. This compact CoolPix camera delivers in the good video quality department with 1080P 60i Video. For such a compact and affordable price, its a miracle you can find a camera that produces great quality HD video.

With the Nixon CoolPix S700 you have Wi-Fi connectivity for uploading your videos straight to your computer. Another feature of this cameras is that is has 6400 ISO, which is relatively good for moderate low light recording. While the ISO does help it can only go so far so don’t expect too much when recording in low light.

You can learn more about point and shoot Vlogging cameras here.

Another great feature of this Vlogging camera is the microphone placement which is in the front. This is optimal if you plan on recording yourself. However this CoolPix S7000 does not have an option of attaching an external mic. So that mic on this camera is the one you will be having to use.

Since this camera is quite cheap there are also some downsides. One of the major ones is the battery life, on average this camera can only take about 180 shots. So it may be wise to invest in an another battery if you plan on recording lots of video.

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 350 HS

In many ways this Vlogging camera is very similar to he above Nikon. This makes quite a lot of sense since Canon and Nikon are rivals and will be competing with similar features. For example you get a similar nice compact camera which is very pocketable and easy to travel with.

With this Canon PowerShot 350 you will be able to record in 1080p which is great for producing good quality YouTube videos. Another great feature of this camera is that doesn’t really get talked about much is the weight. This camera is quite light, so if you plan on recording yourself, you’re not as likely to get a sore arm or wrist.

The ISO on this Vlogging camera is 3200 which is quite low. But if you plan on recording in well lit environments then this won’t be such a problem. Similar to the above Nikon this Canon PowerShot 350 also has a front facing microphone placement.

Also there is not option for attaching an external mic, but since the mic is on the front the audio should be suitable along as you’re not receding in areas with exterior noise. Because of these features it deserved a well earned place on our best Vlogging cameras list.

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More Vlogging Gear & Equipment

Depending on what you decide on shooting for your YouTube Vlogging channel, you may need to invest in more equipment and tools. This will allow you to produce more in-depth content while hopefully also saving you time while doing so. Some examples of extra equipment that Vlogger’s tend to use range from drones, tripods, lenses, SD cards, laptops and the list goes on.

A good example of this is if you wanted to be an active or travel Vlogger. Having extra equipment would make your life a whole lost easier. Some equipment worth having would be a tripod, extra batteries and memory cards which would be a good start.

Below we have sourced Vlogging equipment that we believe will be beneficial to your content creation and overall quality of videos.

Joby GorillaPod Tripod

When is comes to tripods and cameras they come hand in hand, and this GorillaPod defiantly delivers with heaps of functionality. If you have ever watched Casey Nesitat then you most likely would have seen one of these tripods. The GorillaPod is a great tool for Vloggers as its easily adjustable and compact. On top of that you can petty much use it in any situation.

With the tripod having adjustable legs then can me moulded/ attached to many objects and uneven surfaces, it comes as a huge benefit when shooting video. If you plan on recording video out and about. Then this GorillaPod will be able to fit in your back pack easily while not weighing a ton!

Also if you plan on recording yourself while on the move then, this is a great product for attaching your camera to. You can also see our article on the best tripods under $100 here.

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DJI Phantom 3 Professional Quadcopter

Where to start? The whole DJI Phantom Drone range has been revolutionary in which people now shoot aerial videos. Especially for Vlogs! Previously if you wanted a nice cinematic aerial shot you would have to hire a helicopter get anything worthwhile.

Now it’s as easy as connecting your iPhone with the drone and getting amazing footage that would have been near impossible only years ago.

The DJI Phantom 3 Professional Quadcopter records in 4K so you can expect to get those ultra crispy and beautiful shots with the onboard camera. Along with a great camera you get great range so you can record from a safe distance while capturing fantastic shots. More and more YouTube Vloggers are adding this DJI to their arsenal as it really ads another dimension to their videos.

Flying the Phantom 3 Professional can be daunting to begin with, but once you use it a couple of times it really is super simple. There are built in beginner modes which allows for easy learning. You can also see live from the drone when you connect your iOS or android device. Overall this product is of great value and quality and will really up your Vlogging game!

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Buying Guide For Picking The Best Vlogging Camera

Vlogging has exploded over the last few years and is now more popular than ever before. Vlogging or video blogging allows you to connect yourself and experiences to the world like never seen before. All you need to get started as a Vlogger is 3 things, a YouTube Channel, the best Vlogging cameras for your needs and great content to upload.

Below we have hand picked a list of the best Vlogging cameras from beginner to pro level YouTubers. You can also see more in depth reviews and features for these cameras further down the page.

The benefits of YouTube Vlogging are endless. It allows you to connect with a huge audience and community base that you would never encounter on any other platforms. Another bonus of Vlogging is that eventually you may be able to monetize your channel or content.

Many Vlogger’s start their channel with the passion and enjoyment of recording and filming. Sometimes this can allow Vlogger’s to make a living from their passion.

With YouTube it’s easier now than any point in history for connecting yourself with the world. Since people have interests and passions for a wide range of things. You’re likely to find an audience about your particular subject matter.

YouTube will be a major part in your success for becoming a great YouTube Vlogger. Along with providing great content and connecting with your viewers. Another important factor is using the best vlogging camera which will be the window into your world.

Here at VloggerGear we saw that there was a huge demand of knowledge for Vlogging cameras and other Vlogging gear. So we decided to make this tutorial and reviews which provide the necessary information and tools to help everyone.

We generally want to provide good information to help you to become a successful Vlogger. Hopefully this guide will help get your channel off the ground! You can also check out this cool guide on how to get started as a Vlogger.

Things To Look For When Buying The Best Vlogging Cameras

When looking to buy a camera for your Vlog there are certain key features that are important to have and some that are not as essential. Below we have sourced features we believe are important to look for when purchasing a camera that will help you to become a successful Vlogger.

Along with the features that are important when getting a new camera there are also features that aren’t needed that you can live with out. Knowing what is expected from the best Vlogging Cameras is important as it allows you to purchase that right tool. This also helps in saving yourself money for unnecessary features.

Good Low Light Performance

When it comes to the best Vlogging cameras, it is important that it has adequate low light performance. You may be asking why is this so important? Good Question! Low light performance is important as while recording video for your Vlog. You’re more than likely to encounter different environments and lighting conditions.

So having good low light performance gives your camera more range and versatility. As it allows you to record in more environments.

For example you will be able to record at night and still have a good quality video. Also if you’re recording in a room with not much natural light. It will provide a nice video while not having a grainy image. You can learn more about lighting equipment for YouTubers here.

Grain or noise as it is known. Is when the camera over compensates for the darkness by boosting the sensitivity of the camera sensor. This gives a grainy effect in the video which can drastically drop the overall quality.

There are a few things that go towards providing good low light performance. Here they are:

ISO – Is the sensitivity of the sensor that is adjustable. It can easily be changed depending on the conditions you’re recording in. By default DSLR’s, Mirrorless and Point and Shoot cameras all have some type of ISO adjustment. However not all cameras are born equal. Some have a higher sensitivity range while others not so much.

Aperture – Is the hole or opening in which light travels through the lens. A large aperture such as f1.8 is a a wide opening. That allows more light into the camera which allows it to perform better in dark areas.

Another good feature of having a low aperture, is that it allows you to film those really nice shots with a shallow depth of field. Also known as the blurry background look.

So when it comes down to it. The larger aperture you have the better. Another thing to remember is. Depending on what Vlogging camera you’re looking to purchase, the lens may be built in or detachable.

If you plan on buying a camera with a built in lens that can’t be removed. It would be good to plan for the future and insure you have a low aperture.

Sensor – Is the frame in which light is projected onto. So if you have a larger sensor in your camera, the more light you will be able to project which provides high quality video. Some larger professional cameras have larger sensors. Also known as full frame cameras.

While having a good sensor in a camera is important, you don’t necessarily need the biggest one. With new cameras hitting the market sensor quality is good even in beginner/ intermediate cameras. Because of this we have included the best Vlogging camera with a wide range of sensors.

You can learn more about low light performance on cameras here.

Optical Image Stabilization

Have you ever watched a video on YouTube and noticed the video was very shaky? Thats likely caused by the lack of Optical Image Stabilization, or OIS in the camera.

There are two types of stabilization when it comes to video blog cameras. First is OIS and the second is Digital Image Stabilization.

When comparing the two, OIS is far superior as it stabilizes the video while shooting. Digital Image Stabilization is just a marketing trick. It doesn’t provide any benefit to stopping shakiness.

Optical Image Stabilization is very important when is comes to making a good YouTube Vlogging channel. This is because a lot of Vloggers tend to be very active in their videos. So it is important that you can provide smooth video quality.

Finally not all DSLR cameras have Optical Image Stabilization and this is normal. This doesn’t make these cameras bad for video Blogging as the OIS is generally in the lens itself.

Lenses For Vlogging

Having a good lens is just as important as having a good camera. The lens is the eye of the camera that allows you to control the aperture and zoom. So when it comes to the best vlogging cameras a lens plays a huge role in video quality.

When choosing a lens for a camera. It is beneficial if the lens has a wide focal range. For example a lens from 18mm-100mm allows you to do nice wide shots, while also being able to zoom in. You can learn more about the best Canon Vlogging lenses here.

If you’re looking to purchase a good DSLR Vlogging camera. You will be able to swap out lenses depending on your needs, which gives you more freedom.

90% of point and shoot cameras don’t have the ability to change out lenses. But the lens you have in the camera is still very good. Generally it will have a wide aperture range and zoom to wide angle. Having a wide angle lens is hugely beneficial for YouTubers.

Microphone/ Audio

Good audio and video go hand in hand in making good Vlogging content. Having a great looking video is awesome. But if you can’t deliver good audio then the overall quality of your Vlog may suffer. Luckily a lot of new cameras made in 2018 come with pretty good onboard microphones.

However the quality of audio is limited to how much exterior interference there. This includes wind, traffic and background noise. You can learn more about the best Microphones for YouTube Vloggers here.

If you plan on recording your Vlog in a room or controlled environment then a good microphone won’t be as critical. But if you were to record outside in a city surroundings. A good microphone may be more crucial. If you are unsure about where exactly you may be recording thats ok. You can purchase microphones which can be plugged into cameras via the jack or micro USB port. More music and background tracks to your videos, you have to see my guide on the best YouTube to MP3 converters that are all free!

Other Good Features For The Best Vlogging Cameras

Flip Screen – Having a flip screen on a Vlogging camera is a nice addition. It allows you to film yourself, while have the display screen facing you. This allows you to keep yourself or subject matter in frame, so you can keep track of what you’re filming. You can see more of the best Vlogging cameras with flip screens here.

Wi-Fi – While having wi-fi on a camera isn’t essential, it’s a bonus if you have it. With the addition of wi-fi you will be able to easily upload your videos. Whether it be your smartphone or computer.

Microphone Input – Having a microphone input on a camera is a huge bonus. Unfortunately not all cameras have this feature. Mainly DSLR cameras have this addition, while point and shoot cameras usually miss out. You can easily get around this however with micro USB microphones.

Microphone Placement – Having good microphone placement is important. As you don’t want to be covering the microphone with your hand while filming. Generally having the microphone on the front of the camera is better, as your less than likely to cover it.

Not So Important Features

Flash – Having a flash on a Vlogging camera isn’t a critical feature. The flash is only there for taking photos in low light conditions or overcast weather. Also the flashes built into cameras generally aren’t the best and can add an unprofessional look.

Megapixels – When is comes to megapixels they only really apply to taking photos. This is mainly because you can really only tell the quality of megapixels when printing out an image.

Choosing The Best Vlogging Camera For Your Needs

So know that you have learned what the important features are for the best Vlogging cameras. You now have to ask yourself the following questions. By asking yourself these questions, you will be able to narrow down what type of camera will be suit you. Also its good to have a foundation in which you plan on making your content for your YouTube video blog.

What Type Of Content Will I Be Recording?

This is a good question to ask yourself as it should determine what the best Vlogging camera for you is. For example if your into filming bike riding or surfing a GoPro would be best suited for you. It can withstand the tough conditions while proving a crisp video.

Another example is if you were doing a fashion Vlog indoors. In this scenario Image Stabilization wouldn’t be as important. While video quality and colour intensity would be.

Also if you were travelling a lot in your Vlog. The feature of having a larger battery, or one that you can swap out easily when flat would be beneficial.

Where Will You Be Recording Your Vlog?

Depending on where you decide to record your Vlog. It may dictate what type of Vlogging camera and equipment you decide to purchase. You don’t exactly have to pin point where you will be Vlogging. But a rough idea is good enough.

Will you be recording Vlogs in your room? a park? travelling? gaming? and so on. You can see what type of cameras do famous YouTubers use here.

Once you have a general idea of where you will be recording. You can then start to narrow down which Vlogging camera suits your needs. The above features we recommend for best Vlogging cameras are good for this step. As you can decide which features you will need most.

For example if you were to make a Travel Vlog. Getting a larger/ bulkier camera may not be the best for traveling with. Instead it may be better to pursue a compact camera, which still has a lot of the features a DSLR would.

What Is Your Budget?

Knowing the features you need for your Vlogging camera and where you will be recording is great. But now you will have to decide to choose the right camera for your budget.

With cameras becoming better and more affordable every year. You can now pick up a good Vlogging camera for around $200!

If you wanted to insure yourself you could spend more and future proof your camera. Making sure it keeps up to speed with quality and other features. When buying a good Vlogging camera that will last you years and give you good use. You will be looking to spend around $600. This could go towards a DSLR Vlogging camera or even a really good compact point and shoot camera.

Conclusion

At the end of the day what really matters is the content that you create and being able to connect with your audience. While this is the most crucial thing to becoming a successful Vlogger, it also doesn’t hurt if you have a one of the best Vlogging cameras with you along the way. Having a great camera will be your main tool in letting people into your world and expressing yourself. If you are still lacking motivation you can use these tips to boost your Vlogging motivation.

Vlogging really is a fantastic thing and it’s so motivating to see what people do with their lives. So motivating in fact that it may even be worth while for you to pick up a camera and start expressing yourself. If you are in need of direction on how to start a successful Vlog, you can check out our 10 step guide here.

Hopefully this guide has helped you in the right direction to finding the best Vlogging cameras that suit your needs and budget. There is a great quote that i think applies to people who are thinking about Vlogging.

“The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, the second best time is now”

Thanks for reading and please share!

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