Vlogging used to be considered a hobby, something that you do in your free time. Now, however, it is something that you can earn money from, and this means there is an entire market of cameras meant for vloggers. These cameras have pretty high-end specs, and they have a bunch of features that can help you get the best results. A good vlogging camera always has a flip screen, but you will need to narrow down your options more if you want to get the best camera possible. Here is a buying guide followed by a list of the top ten vlogging cameras to help you on your journey.
Best Vlogging Cameras with Flip Screens Compared
Product Name | Resolution | Zoom | Pixel count |
---|---|---|---|
Logitech HD Pro Webcam | 1080p | N/A | 15 megapixels |
Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 | 720p | 28-224mm | 20 megapixels |
Canon PowerShot SX610 HS | 1080p | 25-450mm | 20.2 megapixels |
Nikon COOLPIX A900 | 2160p | 25-840mm | 20 megapixels |
Samsung NX Mini | 1080p | 9-27mm | 20.5 megapixels |
PANASONIC LUMIX G7 | 2160p | 14-42mm | 16 megapixels |
Canon EOS M3 | 1080p | 9-35mm | 24.2 megapixels |
Sony a5100 | 1080p | 35-105mm | 24 megapixels |
Canon PowerShot [G7 X Mark II] | 1080p | 25-150mm | 20.1 megapixels |
Canon EOS 80D | 1080p | 18-55mm | 24.2 megapixels |
What to Look For in a Vlogging Camera
Recording quality
You want a vlogging camera that will be able to accurately record the things you’re seeing. This is particularly important for vloggers that focus on going to beautiful places and recording their experiences there. Good recording quality requires a good lens as well as good sensors. This will give you a balanced, aesthetically pleasing video result.
Portability
A vlogging camera is something you would want to take around with you wherever you go. This is because something interesting could happen to you at any time, and when it happens, you would want to have your camera on hand so that you can record it. A lightweight camera will be easy to carry around, so it is important that you look for something with this feature.
Durability
If you plan on carrying your camera everywhere, you will have to make sure it’s durable. Vlogging requires you to hold your camera in a rather precarious way, and if you travel a lot, the chances of you dropping your camera or bumping it into something go up a lot. This is why you need something that can withstand some rough treatment. Also, a vlogging camera is something you would want to buy once and have it last year, not something you keep buying again and again. Buying a durable camera helps you do that.
Audio
The video you record for your vlog is not all the content you will be putting out there. An important part of the vlog will be the audio. This is because you will be talking in your blog, trying to get a point across. People need to hear you clearly, and for that, you will have to get a vlogging camera that has good audio input. Get something you can attach an external mic to, and you will have seriously improved your vlogging game.
Low light performance
Everyone wants good quality light that will make their videos look gorgeous. However, sometimes you will have to record in places that don’t have the best light. You can’t just record in these places, so you will have to find a way to make the best of a bad situation. A vlogging camera that does well in low light can help you always be prepared for the next big vlog. You will also often want to shoot your vlog indoors, and if you can’t afford expensive lights, you won’t be able to do very well in a bedroom unless you have a camera that works well in low light.
Internet Connectivity
You are often going to upload your video content to your computer so that you can edit it before you upload it. Sometimes, though, you will want to upload it directly to give it a more raw feel. Get a vlogging camera with built-in Wi-Fi connectivity. It makes the vlogging process a lot more convenient.
List of Top 10 Vlogging Cameras with Flip Screen
Canon EOS 80D Digital SLR Kit
- The EOS 80D camera’s Intelligent Viewfinder helps bring the thrill of SLR photography with each use
- The Intelligent Viewfinder displays AF points and AF mode, has a grid display, a horizontal electronic level, plus numerous other points of information
- For next level AF operation, the EOS 80D camera has a wide area, 45 point, all cross type AF system with low luminance performance to EV 3 and 4 types of AF area selection modes
- The 242 Megapixel (APS C) CMOS sensor captures high resolution images and has refined individual pixels that enable high ISO speeds (16000 for still photographs, 12800 for movies)
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon camera into a high-quality webcam
Features:
- Excellent autofocus
- 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor
- Intelligent viewfinder
- DIGIC 6 image processor
What We Liked:
Autofocus: A lot of vlogs will require you to run around a lot and be very active. This will make your vlogs shaky unless you buy a good camera like this one. The autofocus on this camera helps make it easier for you to whip it out and use it whenever you need it as well. It will help you immediately zone in on important things that are happening.
Viewfinder: This is something a lot of vloggers don’t use because they are usually focusing on the flip screen, but viewfinders can really help you set up your shot. The excellent viewfinder makes this product perfect for meticulous vloggers.
CMOS Sensor: The 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor that this product has helped make your videos as smooth as possible. You would be surprised at how effective the sensor is at capturing real life colors in your vlogs, it will help you create very realistic-looking videos.
Image Processor: The DIGIC 6 processor that this camera has is perfect for getting high quality video recorded efficiently and with minimal data loss. Data loss reduced the overall quality of your video which is something you would want to avoid.
Extremely Durable: This camera has a lot of sensitive components but the body is so tough that you would have a difficult time breaking them. This camera has a casing that has been built for rough use.
What We Didn’t Like:
Slightly Heavy: The whole point of a vlogging camera is to have something that you can carry around with you at all times. While this camera is excellent, it is a bit too heavy. You might get tired after carrying it around for a while.
Canon PowerShot Digital Camera [G7 X Mark II]
- The advanced video capabilities of the PowerShot G7 X Mark II camera can capture moments in the quality they deserve
- Features a large 1.0 inch, 20.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor that helps capture high quality images and videos with a wide dynamic range. Autofocus system features tile autofocus and manual focus. Operating temperature is 0 to 40 degrees Celsius. Note charging time varies considerably depending on the remaining battery power
- An aperture value of f/1.8 at the wide angle and f/2.8 when fully zoomed to a factor of 4.2x (24-100 millimeter), this lens equipped to capture a variety of situations with precision
- High resolution, 3.0 inches LCD monitor that tilts up 180 degrees and down 45 degrees is ideal for self portraits and capturing pictures at high and low angles with ease
- Built in WiFi for on the go convenience and the ability to easily post your images to select social networking and media sites
Features
- Built in Wi-Fi
- High resolution LCD monitor
- 1 inch, 20.1 megapixel CMOS sensor
- 60fps recording
What We Liked:
High frame rate: Most of the videos that you watch have a frame rate of 24 frames per second. This means that the video shows you 24 images in quick succession every second. This is great for normal videos but sometimes you will want a higher frame rate. This helps you make slow motion videos and capture greater detail. This camera makes this possible.
Built-in Wi-Fi: If you are a busy vlogger you will eventually have to upload something as soon as you record it. This camera helps you do that by offering you built in Wi-Fi. This is also very convenient for people that like to live stream, which is an important part of vlogging in general.
LCD monitor: It is important that you have some kind of control over your vlog, especially while you are recording it. One aspect of this control is the LCD monitor you will be using with this camera. This monitor accurately shows you the video that you have just shot. This can help you figure out what you are doing wrong so that you can become a better vlogger.
Price: It is tough to find a high quality product at an affordable price. This camera is definitely going to cost a pretty penny, but the price is still a lot lower than you would expect
What We Didn’t Like:
Fragile: You will have to be very careful while carrying this camera. This is because it isn’t very durable, in fact one nasty fall and you will no longer have a vlogging camera. This is a downside to buying this product because you will have to focus a lot on protecting it from getting damaged.
Sony a5100 16-50mm Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Ultra-fast auto focus with 179 AF points and 6Fps
- Capture life in high resolution with 24MP APS-C sensor.Lens compatibility Sony E-mount lenses
- Instant sharing via smartphone with Wi-Fi and NFC1
- Record Full HD 1080/24/60P video3 up to 50MB/s. Compatible OS - Windows Vista SP2-6, Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Mac OS X (v10.7-v10.9)
- Contains- Rechargeable Battery (NP-FW50) AC Charger (AC-UB10) Lens cap Shoulder strap Micro USB cable. BIONZ X engine for superb detail and noise reduction
Features
- High resolution lens
- Instant sharing on social media
- Rechargeable battery
- 1080p recording
What We Liked:
Excellent battery life: Part of vlogging is walking around with a camera recording your thoughts. You also need your camera on you in case anything interesting happens. This camera has a battery life that’s good enough to let you record for hours on end.
Instant sharing: If you want your followers to be interested in what you have to say, you will have to give them regular updates. This becomes a lot easier when the camera you have is like this one, meaning that it allows you to share your content directly from the device.
Easy to carry around: The battery life that this camera has isn’t the only thing that makes it portable. This is also a lightweight device, one that you would barely even notice carrying if you have it on you. Usually products that are this light tend to break easily, but that is not the case with this product.
Durability: This vlogging camera offers a surprising amount of durability. It’s surprising because you generally don’t expect a device that’s this light to be able to take so many hard knocks. However, this product manages to balance portability and durability in a very effective way.
What We Didn’t Like:
Recording quality slightly lacking: You can record 1080p video on this vlogging camera but this isn’t as high a number as it used to be. The lack of 4K capabilities makes this product less perfect than it would have been otherwise.
Long charging time: You will appreciate the long battery life, but it comes at a heavy price. You will have to charge your camera for a long time to get it to the optimal battery life, something that can waste a lot of time.
Canon EOS M3 Mirrorless Camera Body
- 24.2 Megapixel CMOS (APS C) sensor, ISO 100–12800 (expandable to H: 25600) and DIGIC 6 Image Processor can help capture photos and videos with stunning detail even in challenging lighting situations
- Hybrid CMOS AF III helps provide fast and accurate focusing for stills and videos
- Front Dial and Exposure Compensation Dial help provide full manual control and offer customizable functions as well as improved operability and ease of use
- Create Full HD 1920x1080 movies at 24p and 30p in MP4 format with ease using manual movie control
- Intuitive touch screen 3.0 tilt type (180° up/45° down) LCD monitor (approximately 1,040,000 dots) can be perfect for selfies and allows for quick focusing and shooting, easy menu navigation and simple viewing of images and videos
Features
- ISO 100-12800
- DIGIC 6 processor
- Rugged build
What We Liked:
Robust build: If you buy this camera, you will not have to worry about it breaking down any time soon. This is because the camera has a very rugged design that can withstand a lot of falls and bumps without causing any serious internal damage.
Full control: A lot of vloggers are very particular about their shots and how those shots are supposed to look. This camera is perfect for such people because it gives you full control over what is being recorded.
Hybrid CMOS: The great thing about this camera is that it has a solid CMOS that gives superior autofocus.
What We Didn’t Like:
Price: There are a lot of vlogging cameras on the market that have a similar price, but most of them are a lot better than this camera.
Poor battery life: The durable build might make you want to take this camera around with you wherever you go, but the battery is just not strong enough to let that happen. You should try to charge it regularly otherwise it might die in the middle of a take, ruining your entire vlog.
PANASONIC LUMIX G7 4K Mirrorless Camera
- Superb DSLM image quality without the bulk and weight of traditional DSLRs
- Never miss a photo with three unique 4K ultra HD video pause and save 4K photo modes
- Fast and precise auto focusing tracks the subject; Focus mode AFS (single) / AFF (flexible) / AFC (continuous) / MF, AF mode face/eye detection / tracking / 49 area / custom Multi / 1 area / pinpoint
- Class leading, ultra compact, interchangeable lens and accessory option; HDMI: MicroHDMI TypeD / VIERA Link,video: Auto / 4K / 1080p / 1080i / 720p / 480p, Audio: Stereo
- Unwire your creativity with integrated Wi Fi sharing
Features
- 4K video recording
- Precise auto focus
- Interchangeable lens
What We Liked:
Supports 4K: 4K video is now the gold standard of visual quality, and a lot of vloggers are offering 4K quality content on their channels. This camera helps you stay on par with the best of the best.
Autofocus: A lot of vloggers don’t know how to deal with complex camera settings. This camera is perfect for beginners because of its auto focus feature which improves your video quality and focuses on objects that seem to be what you are trying to portray in your vlogs.
Durable: This is another extremely durable product. When you pick it up and feel its heft you will know that this is a camera that does not break easily.
What We Didn’t Like:
Color capturing: While the images that this camera will capture are very well defined, the colors are a little too saturated. This can be fixed in settings, but some people might find this difficult to do, especially if they are beginners.
Issues with LCD: The LCD is prone to breaking, as well as internal display problems. You might find the display unusable after a small bump so the camera isn’t durable everywhere.
Samsung NX Mini
- 20.5MP BSI CMOS Sensor for high-quality images and life like colors with crystal clear resolution
- Stylishly slim (22.5mm), & impressively light (158g)
- Share your best photos instantly with Family and Friends with Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC
- SMART features - Social Media Upload, E-mail, Photo beam, DirectLink, MobileLink, PC Auto-backup, Remote Viewfinder PRO, AllShare, Baby Monitoring
- 1080p HD Video
Features
- 20.5MP BSI CMOS Sensor
- Sleek design
- SMART features
What We Liked:
Design: This camera looks great, which matters a lot more than you might think. When you are a vlogger, everything is about your image. Keeping this in mind, the sleek design does a lot to boost this product’s value.
SMART features: This vlogging camera can be used for a bunch of different things. For example, you can use it as a baby monitor as well. This makes it perfect for new parents that want to enter the world of vlogging.
No touch screen: This camera does not have a touch screen which can be rather inconvenient. Touch screens can help you gain more control over the videos you create, and this product lacks this feature.
What We Didn’t Like:
Price: This product is about a hundred dollars too expensive. There are plenty of options in the market that are just as good if not better and they don’t cost as much as this vlogging camera.
Lacks high-end video recording: This camera isn’t higher up on this list for a reason. The video quality leaves something to be desired so high level vloggers might want to give this one a pass.
Nikon COOLPIX A900 Digital Camera (Black)
- 20MP 1/2.3" BSI CMOS Sensor. Focal length : 4.3 to 151mm
- NIKKOR f/3.4-6.9 ED Lens. Bluetooth Specification Version 4.1
- 24-840mm (35mm Equivalent)
- 35x Optical Zoom Lens, 70x Dynamic Zoom. Dimensions: 4.5 in. x 2.7 in. x 1.6 in. excluding projections
- 3" 921k-Dot Tilting LCD
Features
- Minimal lens vibration
- 35x zoom lens
- 4K recording at 30fps
What We Liked:
Excellent video quality: This vlogging camera gives you an amazing final result. The video quality is superb and it makes your vlogs look beautiful. People are going to appreciate how well made your videos are once you start using this camera.
Zoom lens: Not a lot of vlogging cameras come with a zoom lens, but this one does. This can help you get much better shots overall.
Stable lens: A lot of lenses, especially those that offer a lot of zoom, tend to vibrate. This can ruin your shot and make your vlogs look sloppy. This camera’s lens does not do that.
What We Didn’t Like:
Unstable video at high zoom: While the zoom feature is quite useful, the video you record while zoomed in is going to be far too shaky to be of any use.
Glitchy LCD: This product’s display is prone to glitching especially if you have flipped it. This is a problem that can easily be fixed but at the moment it could potentially ruin any shots that you were thinking of taking for your vlog.
Canon PowerShot SX610 HS
- 18x Optical Zoom (25–450mm)
- 20.2 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS sensor combined with the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor
- Built-in Wi-Fi allows wireless transferring of images and video to compatible mobile devices
- Capture stunning 1080p Full HD video with a dedicated movie button
- Large 3.0-inch LCD with a screen resolution of 922,000 dots allows easy viewing even from a wide angle. Box contains : Digital Camera PowerShot SX610 HS, Wrist Strap WS-800, Battery Pack NB-6LH, Battery Charger CB-2LYE, AC Cable, User Manual Kit; Refer user manual under technical specification
Features
- 18x zoom
- DIGIC 4 processor
- 3-inch LCD screen
What We Liked:
Suited for travel: A lot of vloggers create most of their content while they are traveling. This product is great for that because it is small and lightweight.
Quick zoom: When you are shooting something and find something that you want to zoom in at, you will want the zoom to work as quickly as possible. This vlogging camera has a very fast acting zoom feature.
Rubber grip: This camera will feel very stable in your hands because it has a rubber grip. This is great for clumsy people that tend to drop things.
What We Didn’t Like:
Prone to breaking: This is a very delicate camera, and not because it offers you high-quality videos using precise parts. The casing just isn’t strong enough to withstand any kind of rough treatment.
Imprecise focus: The camera often adjusts the focus unnecessarily while you are recording video. This has the potential to ruin any vlogs that you might have been working on because the focus usually does not need changing when this glitch occurs and this can make certain important elements of your shot become difficult to see.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 160
- 8x (28–224mm) Optical Zoom
- 20.0 Megapixel sensor combined with the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor
- Shoot 720p HD video with a dedicated movie button
- Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings for the camera based on predefined shooting situations
- ECO Mode helps reduce power consumption for longer battery life
Features
- 8x zoom
- 20-megapixel sensor
- Eco mode
What We Liked
Good battery life: This vlogging camera comes with an ECO mode that will help you conserve battery. This is useful for situations where you will be vlogging for a long time.
Sleek design: The design of this vlogging camera has an interesting mixture of curves and edges. It has a very well-incorporated look that beats most other products on the market.
Price: You would have a tough time finding a product that is this affordable. It offers excellent value for money and, at under $200 dollars, is so cheap that most people that are looking into vlogging would be okay with spending the amount.
What We Didn’t Like:
Only 720p video: This product only has the capacity to record in 720p. This is serviceable video quality, but it doesn’t go much beyond that descriptor. You should probably spend more money if you want to record in proper high definition.
No internal memory: This vlogging camera has close to no internal memory which is rather frustrating, especially if you don’t know that this is the case. Make sure you put an SD card in before you start recording your vlogs.
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920, Widescreen Video Calling, and Recording
- Full HD 1080p video calling (upto 1920 x 1080 pixels) with the latest version of Skype for Windows; Webcam with 5 foot cable
- 720p HD video calling (upto 1280 x 720 pixels) with supported clients; Full HD video recording (upto 1920 x 1080 pixels). Max Resolution: 1080p/30fps 720p/30fps
- Video compression, Built in dual stereo mics with automatic noise reduction; Automatic low light correction, Tripod ready universal clip fits laptops, LCD or monitors
- Compatible with: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 or later; Works in USB Video Device Class (UVC) mode: Mac OS 10.10 or later (HD 720p on FaceTime for Mac or other supported video calling clients; Full HD 1080p video recording with QuickTime Player) Chrome OS,Android v 5.0 or above (with supported video calling clients),USB port,Internet connection
Features
- 1080p recording
- Widely compatible
- Built-in mics
What We Liked:
Good budget solution: You can get this camera for under a hundred dollars. That is a phenomenal price for people that are looking to start vlogging but don’t have a lot of money to do it.
Complete setup: This camera has everything you need to start vlogging. It has a built-in mic, so you have your audio good to go, and it is widely compatible with a lot of software, so you never have to worry about losing any data.
Easy to use: A lot of vlogging cameras have lots of fancy features, and the like that will be a nightmare for beginners to learn about. This camera is easier to use than all the rest.
What We Didn’t Like:
Not portable: This camera has to be plugged in at all times to work because it is, after all, a webcam. Hence, you will not be able to use it outside and this is a major setback.
Very basic: Although it’s a good solution for people starting out, this camera does not provide a lot of functionality so you might end up having to upgrade quickly. However, this product still gives you a good base to build on.
These cameras represent some of the most advanced vlogging cameras that people are buying these days. If you want to become a vlogger you will have to take it seriously. Part of taking vlogging seriously is buying the right kind of camera, one that would help you make the best content possible. If you can afford it, the higher-end models in this list, like the Canon EOS 80D Digital SLR Kit, will really give you an excellent vlogging experience. However, if you don’t have a lot of money, the Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920 can help you get started.