Best Vlogging Camera Reddit 2023

TLDR: If you are in a hurry the Sony A7 III is the Best Vlogging Camera according to Reddit

Sony a7 III (ILCEM3K/B) Full-frame Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 28-70mm Lens with 3-Inch LCD, Black

• Advanced 24.2MP BSI Full-frame Image Sensor w/ 1.8X readout speed Advanced 24.2MP Back-Illuminated 35mm Full-frame Image Sensor
• 15-stop dynamic range, 14-bit uncompressed RAW, ISO 50 to 204,800
• Up to 10fps Silent or Mechanical Shutter with AE/AF tracking

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Recording events has been around since men lived under the caves and painted with charcoal. While the technology has transformed the tools and medium over a few millennia, the human instincts have hardly changed. Infact, we record a lot more now. Videos have grown to become the medium of information exchange in this era. If you are monetizing your videos, having one of best vlogging cameras can make a substantial contribution in improving its quality.

With Facebook and YouTube at the helm of revolutionizing social media and information exchange, videos have become one of the most preferred mediums. A huge amount of video footage gets uploaded in the popular websites. With video/content production becoming a source of income for individuals and companies, competition has made the video quality as a deciding factor. Its decisiveness contributes to the popularity and thereby to its success. The quality of the content alone doesn’t guarantee the deserved exposure.

An efficient tool helps the craftsman deliver a quality product. But you cannot take it for granted as the tool is as efficient as the one using it.

Types of Vlogging & Vloggers

• Lifestyle Vlogs: Video logs that captures a lifestyle of a person, which includes their activities, interests, opinions etc.
• Travel Vlogs: Documents the experiences of a person during their travel adventures. It may include visiting new places, trying a new cuisine or observing/participating in cultural events.
• How to/Educational Vlogs: Online training and how-to videos, which could be skill/craft oriented or equipment oriented.
• Beauty/Fitness/Fashion Vlogs: Promotion of fashion accessories, cosmetics and health tips by illustration or exhibition.
• Product Review Vlogs: Examining and reviewing a product in front of a camera.

No matter the type of vlogging a person does, the best Vlogging camera adds value to your production. The market is flush with cameras as the big players are trying to get better of their close competitor. The list keeps getting bigger which complicates the decision-making process. This article will guide you to choose the best Vlogging camera in different price ranges.

Identifying your requirements is an important step before drilling into the features of the camera. Be it lifestyle vlogs or travel vlogs or any indoor studio vlogs or beauty vlogs. They come with a specific requirement and it’s essential to have a clear picture beforehand.

Best Vlogging Camera Reddit 2023

With big market players hustling for market space, the customers are spoilt for choices when it comes to the camera. It is difficult to analyse and spot the best vlogging camera which meets your requirement and falls within your budget. We list some of the best cameras available in the market suitable for Vlogging.

1. Sony A7 III – Best Vlogging Camera According To Reddit

What Reddit Thinks About This Camera:

u/Socketlint –  I have the a7III for hobby photography. Depends on how expensive it is to you as all the lenses will be more expensive too and how much room you are willing to dedicate in your bag. Photography is my main hobby and when I travel the camera, lenses, maybe tripod and accessories are a main part of my luggage. Even with going to locations with a particular area or scene to shoot it can be a lot. If I just wanted “better than cellphone” photography and to just snap pictures walking around I probably would go with a crop sensor and smaller lenses that would take up less space, could drop in a small sling or wear on my neck all day and is cheaper.

• Mega Pixels: 24 MP
• Sensor Size: Full Frame
• Type: Mirrorless
• Weight: 650g

The updated sensor design of the Alpha A7 III Mirrorless Digital Camera from Sony makes it suitable for different conditions. The full-frame 24.2 Mega Pixel Exmor CMOS sensor combines with the latest BIONZ X image processor. This leads to an impressive video quality and low light performance. It can handle speeds up to 10-fps of continuous shooting.

The Fast Hybrid Auto Focus System has a 693 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection to track subject and improving the focus. This reduces the hardship of tracking subject in the videos.

Improved processor results in reduced noise in output quality owing to the ISO range which is expandable up to ISO 50-204800. The camera comes with a 5-axis SteadyShot INSIDE sensor-shift image stabilization, which neutralizes the effects of vibrations up to 5 stops.

The body of Sony camera includes a rear 3-inch touchscreen LCD that has tilting design to handle multiple angles. The magnesium-alloy body gives protection against the weather and dust.

2. Canon EOS 5D Mark IV

• Mega Pixels: 30 MP
• Sensor Size: Full Frame
• Type: DSLR
• Weight: 800g

The 5D Mark IV DSLR from Canon has a 30.4 MegaPixel CMOS sensor and a powerful DIGIC 6+ image processor. It can handle speeds up to 7 fps of continuous shooting. The camera works at a high range of ISO expandable up to 50-102400. This makes the output quality better in terms of low noise, extra sharp images, enhancing the low-light performance. The camera comes with built-in Wi-Fi, NFC connectivity, and GPS.

The autofocus system has a 61 point phase-detection point to track the subjects effectively.The large 3.2-inch touch screen LCD supports different angles of shooting. The camera excels in recording videos up to 4K (4096 × 2160) at 30 fps. A magnesium alloy body has an ergonomic grip making it easy to handle, durable and weather-resistant for outdoor video shooting.

3. Fujifilm X-T5

This Fujifilm X-T5 is a mirrorless camera suitable for both videography and action photography. The design features one of the latest image sensor and efficient processor suitable for high-resolution photos and 4K videos. The APS-C sensor has a back-illuminated design to render quality images throughout the sensitivity range.

The viewfinder is a 3.69 million dot capacity keeps the images blackout-free at the speed of 30 fps. It features a Sports Finder Mode giving you additional room to recognize moving subjects. In the top of that, the X-T5 offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to facilitate remote control and wireless sharing. The magnesium-alloy body offers dust resistance and endurance in different weather conditions.

4. Olympus E-M5 Mark III

The E-M3 Mark III from Olympus, is a Micro Four Thirds, mirrorless camera. It has a 20.4 Mega Pixel Live MOS sensor and TruePic image processor. The electronic shutter has the ability to shoot continuously at 60 fps.

The camera works well for entry level video-photographers who indulge in shooting both DCI and Ultra HD 4K recording modes. The sensor supports up to ISO 25600 to handle low light conditions.

Weighing less than 600 grams, the camera is well-suited for discreet street-video shooting. The inbuilt 5-axis image stabilization minimizes the motion blur and reduces the impact of vibration which is part of handheld shooting.

The 121 phase-detection focus point autofocus system serves as efficient trackers of subjects. The Olympus camera comes in a weather-sealed magnesium alloy body making it durable for outdoor weather conditions. It has an inbuilt Wi-Fi and dual SD card slots simplifies handling of lengthy footages, and remote operations.

Even with a higher price tag, it is one of the best cameras with the mirror four-thirds sensor. It is an entry level camera with interchangeable lenses offering great focal lengths for shooting small and moving subjects.

5. Nikon Z 6II

• Mega Pixels: 24.5 MP
• Sensor Size: Full Frame
• Type: Mirrorless
• Weight: 675g

The Z 6II Mirrorless full-frame Camera has a Z Mount, which allows Nikon to create lightweight cameras. It does so without any compromise in the performance.  The Nikon Z6II has a 24.5 MegaPixel sensor and a powerful EXPEED 6 Image Processing Engine.

The Nikon Z6II can capture excellent 4K footages. It can also capture slow-motion videos at 1080 /120p. The sensor has a 273-point phase-detection autofocus system which covers 90% of the area and identifies movement in videos effectively. This camera features a 3.6 million dot Electronic viewfinder with a .80 x magnification, and a wide 3.2 inch LCD touchscreen.

It has an external microphone port which helps in recording quality audio outdoors. The magnesium alloy body brings durability to the camera during adverse weather conditions. The anti-slip material gives an ergonomic grip and joystick offers ease of control.

6. Panasonic Lumix GH5S

• Mega Pixels: 20.3 MP
• Sensor Size: Micro Four-thirds
• Type: Mirrorless
• Weight: 725g

Lumix GH5S from Panasonic is 20.3 Mega Pixel camera with a Four-thirds sensor and 3.2 inch (ca. 8 cm) LCD touchscreen. This Panasonic camera shoots videos of 4K resolution quality at 60fps. The slow-motion videos can be shot at Full HD resolution at 180 frames per second. Shorter videos shot at 6K resolution at 30fps can be converted into individual images. It comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

7. Sony Alpha a6400

What Reddit Thinks About This Camera:

u/LamentableLens – The a6400 is a very capable modern camera, and you can use it to capture amazing photos once you learn the ropes. Sony also has an excellent autofocus system that would be very useful for chasing that toddler around. And as you probably know, you can get it paired with the kit lens for under $1k brand new — even less if you buy used (don’t be afraid to buy used!).

If you’ve read the reviews, then I suspect you’ve seen lots of comments about Sony’s notoriously complicated menu layout. Don’t worry about it. You get used to it fairly quickly, and, more to the point, you don’t really need it once you set everything up. Between the Fn menu (a customizable quick-access menu) and My Menu (a customizable main menu) there’s rarely a need to ever access the full menu system.

Lastly, once you get your kit, invest some real time in learning about exposure, composition, and lighting. Those will do far more for the quality of your photos than gear every could. The good news is that you can find a ton of excellent tutorials on YT (just don’t fall into the trap of watching gear reviews instead of photography skills/tips).

Alpha a6400 is a mid-range mirrorless camera from Sony which offers 4K video recording. The BIONZ image processing engine offers delivers a satisfying performance. The a6400 offers shooting videos at 1080/120p or 100p.

The camera comes with a focus peaking to support manual focus and Auto ISO ranges which makes it a very flexible camera to shoot. The phase detection autofocus works fine in the video mode which makes a difference during outdoor shooting.

The camera can record 4x/5x slow motion videos at 30p. The Wi-Fi enables quick one-touch transfer of footage. Imaging edge mobile app lets your smartphone act as a remote control.

8. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

• Mega Pixels: 20 MP
• Sensor Size: Point and Shoot(1″)
• Type: Compact
• Weight: 304g

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a point-and-shoot camera. It comes with a 20.1 Mega Pixel (1-inch) CMOS sensor and DIGIC 7 image processor. The enables the camera to capture up to 8-fps with a maximum ISO of 12800. It ensures better image quality with reduced noise in less than ideal light conditions.

The camera has a 4.2x zoom lens which can offer performance of a 24-100 mm equivalent focal length range. The f/1.8-f/2.8 maximum aperture improves the light exposure in poorly-lit conditions, where most of the shootings are indoors.

One of the special feature of the G7 X III is it can live stream videos on YouTube directly from the camera. It efficiently captures cropped 4K/30p and un-cropped videos at 1080/120p. This camera comes with a tilting design 3.0-inch touchscreen LCD can tilt 180 degrees upward which allows you to shoot in multiple angles. The G7 X Mark III has an in-built Wi-Fi, NFC that supports wireless data sharing and remote control through mobile devices.

9. Sony ZV-1

What Reddit Thinks About This Camera:

u/dbvares – Hey Dagon, I have the ZV-1 and have used it a lot and made a lot of tutorial and feature deep dives for my YT channel. I think it’s a great starter camera and likely a good option. It’s very capable, which I like, because as you learn more as a videographer there’s a decent amount of headroom to get better results with the same camera.

A few specific thoughts:

Video quality is indeed good, audio quality is good for a built-in mic, but I totally agree with XSmooth – an external mic (whether a lav, shotgun, overhead etc) is still going to be key to get great quality audio.

Recording time in 4k at 24fps is consistently around 65-70mins for me. I get around 60mins with some cheap third party batteries (which I do recommend picking up for longer shoots). You can also power the camera over USB – I haven’t tested this to exhaustion but you’ll definitely be able to extend shooting time. If you can use 1080p you can likely get a little more time too.

If you intend to make videos with movement the built in stabilisation is reasonable for more slow or controlled movements and ok for things like walking. If you need really smooth results I agree with Newprof that a gimbal is the solution and I have had great results with the Zhiyun Crane M2.

There’s some videos on my channel (just search DB Vares on Youtube) which test ZV-1 stabilisation, including against other Sony cameras and which show you some tests with the Zhiyun gimbal, plus a bunch of other stuff which can help you assess video quality.

u/sonyalpha7mark3 – ZV-1 is amazing for content creation. If you don’t want to deal with lenses, it’s the perfect package for video content creation as it’s made specifically for that. To get the best footage and photos out of it you do need to know a bit of the camera and binging a few zv-1 videos on YouTube should be good enough!

u/sylvieRays – The ZV1 is made for V(ideo)logging and one of the best cameras out there for this purpose. It is small, relatively cheap and you can easily expand the setup, e.g. with an external microphone (the supplied microphone is also good, but there are better ones like the Rhode Video-Micpro) There are also unbeatably cheap and good lenses for the ZV1 like the ULANZI WL- 1 18mm wide angle with 10X macro, 2-in-1 auxiliary lens for Sony ZV1 camera

• Mega Pixels: 20 MP
• Sensor Size: Point and Shoot(1″)
• Type: Compact
• Weight: 294g

A lightweight camera with a 20 megapixel and 1″ sensor. It has a 24-70 mm equivalent lens with an aperture of F1.8-2.8. Sony ZV-1 is one of the latest compact cameras designed with Vloggers in mind. The ZV1 comes with an oversampled 4K video at 30fps and 1080p footage at 120fps. Sony has put its latest autofocus system which includes real-time eye Auto Focus.

The background defocus function helps you switch between two levels of background with the single push of a button, even during recording. Its product showcase Auto Focus mode will let you switch focus to any object in the view. The camera comes with an external mic port to aid outdoor shooting.

10. Panasonic Lumix DCZS80 – Cheap Vlogging Camera Reddit 2023

• Mega Pixels: 20.3 MP
• Sensor Size: Point and Shoot
• Weight: 328g

The Panasonic Lumix DCZS80 is a workhorse of a camera. The 20.3 Mega Pixel High-Sensitivity Live MOS sensor delivers a low noise output with an extended ISO 6400. Its sensor is powered by an efficient image processor which can shoot continuously at speeds up to 10 fps. In addition to that, the camera comes with an impressive Leica DC Vario-Elmar 30x zoom lens. It has a focal length range of 24-720 mm.

Presence of a 5-axis POWER Optical Image Stabilizer reduces the effects of vibration. The combination of an electronic viewfinder and 3-inch touchscreen LCD simplifies the shooting in different angles. The built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth lets you transfer images and operate the camera wirelessly.

11. Sony DSC RX100 VA

• Mega Pixels: 20.1 MP
• Sensor Size: Point and Shoot
• Camera type: Compact
• Weight: 299g

Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA Digital Camera has a 20.1 MP CMOS sensor powered by a Bionz processor. Sony’s BIONZ X processor enables continuous shooting up to 24 fps and video recording. The autofocus system has 315 phase-detection points which covers 65% of the image area giving control over the tracking.

The Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens comes with a zoom of 24-70 mm and an f/1.8-2.8 wide aperture. It provides shooting efficiency in low light conditions.  It has built-in Wi-Fi and NF connectivity to facilitate data sharing and remote operations through devices powered by iOS/Android.

12. GoPro Hero 11 Black

What Reddit Thinks About This Youtube Camera:

u/Gilbert_Reddit – I have the 8 and it is an absolute monster. One of the lightest/most compact cameras capable of 4k60 or even 1080/240. Stabilization has always impressed and its a camera I still use to this day. The 8 is far more wearable in my opinion as the 11’s weight sometimes causes it to droop when I attach it to my bike or a chest mount. It is also more discreet and fits about anywhere.

I also have the 11 and will say it outdoes the 8 in a lot of ways. I didnt think stabilization could get better but this camera really shot up the bar. When walking and recording my kid, a degree of clunkiness would show with the 8 but not anymore with the 11. The sensor is larger so it gives the camera’s computer more area to bump around. The UI is so smooth and the camera powers right up to begin shooting (even with quick capture turned off). Timewarp 3.0 allows you to pause your timewarp and actually get audio in your slowed down recording (8 doesn’t). The largeness/heaviness of the camera allows for a better handheld experience when I want to try and be cinematic recording my daughter. 10 bit color means it is capturing a billion colors compared to 16 million from the 8, allowing for more contrast and range when editing. 4k120 and 2.7k240 allows for 8x slow motion that I can actually crop and make better effects with in After Effects.

• Mega Pixels: 12 MP
• Sensor Size: 1-inch
• Camera type: Compact
• Weight: 299g

If you want a complete action cam for capturing videos of your adventures, GoPro has come with its latest edition Hero 8 black. It is packed with features that makes it a suitable buy for adventure video loggers.

GoPro is dedicated action camera which comes with a 12 megapixel CMOS sensor. With the Hero 11, GoPro introduced customisable HyperSmooth v 2. This gives you the freedom to customise the stabilisation ability. One can adjust to get a little shake,reduce it or add a boost depending on your personal preference. GoPro’s motion time-lapse mode lets you automatically adjust the speed depending on the movement, lighting etc.

13. Canon Vixia HF G21

A camcorder is a device tailor-made to produce quality videos. The camcorders are preferred by professional who like complete control over the settings according to their requirement.

The G21 is capable of full HD recording with a resolution of 1920 × 1080. It can record high-quality MP4 and AVCHD files in 1080/60p which maintains the sharpness of moving objects. The G21 has a respectable 20x optical zoom with output equal to focal length of 35 mm 26.8-576 m.

Canon’s improvement in CMOS Pro sensor technology delivers a decent low-light performance. The dual SD card slot supports multiple formats  like SD, SDHC and SDXC storage formats, with capacity up to 2 TB. The HD CMOS Pro image sensor powered by DIGIC DV 4 image processor and 20 X optical zoom delivers a punch.

Types of Camera Sensors

There are multiple size of sensors used in different types of cameras. But these are the most popular sensors used in the modern day digital cameras.

• Full frame Sensors: The full-frame refers to the size of sensor deployed in the camera. A full-frame sensor is 24 mm long and 36 mm wide, based on the size of a negative used in films. The aspect ratio of a full-frame camera is 3:2(36:24). Full frame sensor cameras are preferred by professional photographers, owing to its large sensor size and the versatility it offers.
• APS-H/C Sensors: The advanced photo system came into light during the ’90s, uses a sensor that measures smaller than a full frame. The APS-C is predominantly used in modern day DSLR, mirrorless and compact cameras. Having a smaller sensor in comparison to a full-frame sensor, gives the name cropped sensor. The APS-H sensor comes between than APS-C type and a full frame.
• Micro four-thirds: The relatively new micro four-thirds sensor is even smaller compared to APS-C sensor. Smaller the size of sensor, higher its crop factor. This leads to a reduced field of view and a lower depth of field but has a better focal length output.

Full frame sensor cameras are a favourite among professional photographers, but it doesn’t mean APS-C is inferior. It depends on the requirements based on the type of photography. The APS-C sensor cameras are lighter which makes them easy to handle while capturing movements and actions. WIth a higher depth of field than a full-frame camera APS-C cameras are preferred for videos that require close-up shots.

Types of Vlogging Cameras

Depending on the requirement and your level of expertise, the cameras fall into four broad categories.

• DSLR Cameras: Giving more professional control to your videography and possibility of a high quality output, there is hardly a competitor for DSLR cameras. The Digital Single-Lens Reflex cameras are bulkier in design and tend to be expensive. With their price comes the flexibility, versatility and a wide array of options for upgrades.
• Mirrorless Cameras: The modern day competitor to the DSLR camera, but without the bulky body. Superior output quality with interchangeable lenses, smaller and an advanced technology at their disposal. But they fall short of competition in wide range of lenses and accessories that a DSLR camera comes with.
• Bridge cameras: Bridge cameras are a mix of compact camera and a DSLR. They do come with more control in comparison to the compact cameras, but not certainly an alternative to the DSLR or Mirrorless ones. Despite the zooming capabilities of lens set-up, their fixed lens setup leaves no room for upgradation.
• Compact Cameras: The point and shoot or the compact camera are handy compact cameras which come with a fixed lens. Ideally suited to carry around in pockets or small handbags, they are fit with a smaller sensor. It is designed with portability, ease of use and often forms the optimum balance between price and features.

Guide to choose your Vlogging Camera

Among the four DSLR, Mirrorless Cameras, Bridge and compact cameras, each camera is catered to serve a specific purpose. On comparison, one can always find advantages and disadvantages over one another. But most times than not, it is a matter of requirements and preferences.

The DSLR and Mirrorless cameras are compatible with interchangeable lenses and have room for upgrades. The lenses can get expensive with respect to your requirement and the lenses are what makes them larger size camera. There are camcorders, which are a powerful tool with high-quality production values which is preferred among professionals and experts. It gives complete control over its operational settings and it does come with a price premium. Point and shoot cameras usually are known for their compactness, portability and ease of use which is more suitable for beginners.

Regardless of the category, certain features of a camera determine the quality of the video.

• Resolution: The resolution describes the quality/scalability of the recording. Higher the resolution, higher the information captured by the camera. Ultra/Full HD and 4K are the high-quality resolutions supported now. The resolution affects the print quality, improves the cropping options, down-sampling and display sizes.
• FPS: The frames per second denoted the frequency at which consecutive images are captured. The higher the FPS, the smoother the video. The frames per second affects the size of the video files. Film are usually shot at 24 fps. The latest cameras can offer up to 50/60 fps at highest quality available.
• Autofocus: The autofocus uses a motor control system to focus the sensor at a particular point while shooting. It helps while shooting moving subjects. It definitely helps with vlogging as vloggers are mostly alone.  The autofocus allows the camera to keep track of the person. The Sony cameras usually feature the best Auto Focus system in the market.
• Lens: The light-weight and smaller size camera come with an irreplaceable lens. The DSLR, Mirrorless cameras have the provision of interchangeable lenses. This gives you the opportunity to upgrade your camera without replacing the whole body. But the lens upgrades can get costlier and make your cameras much larger.
• Sensor: The size of the sensor determines amount of light captured. The amount of light decides the quality of the output. The DSLR and Mirrorless cameras come with larger sensors and a powerful processor to deliver quality videos and photographs.
• Auto Mode/Manual Mode: The manual mode gives a lot of control over the settings, when you are shooting. Professionals and experts prefer the control over the output. Amateurs and beginners can find the technicalities tedious during the initial stages. A camera which offers multiple modes and gives control over the settings would be a great buy.
• Image Stabilization: Image stabilization plays an important role when you are recording moving subjects under different lighting conditions. The cameras come with dual image stabilization which offers a combination of camera based and lens-based stabilization. Usage of image stabilization in instances of outdoor recording can offer a substantial boost to your video quality.
• Microphones: If the video logging involves outdoor shooting, there comes the additional challenge. This makes a strong argument for an external mic slot. The cameras have an inbuilt microphone but for frequent outdoor shooting requirements, an external microphone port will make a huge difference.
• Wi-Fi/NFC/Bluetooth: Most of the modern-day cameras come with multiple modes of connectivity to enable quick transfer of files and remote operations. The connectivity eases a few operation hurdles and offers more control over the camera.
• Zoom: Not one of the most important features, if the majority of the video recording is going to be indoors. The mirrorless cameras and recent point & shoot camera have a wide range of focal lengths which offers the best zooming options. The optical zoom is much more of an important feature than its digital counterpart which affects the quality of the final output.

Found Your Next Vlogging Camera?

The best Vlogging camera depends on a particular requirement and preference. Adding a budget over the requirement puts an additional constraint over the selection. The market is flush with cameras for professionals and amateurs. Choosing a camera with clarity of requirement will help one traverse through different levels of photography/videography. Sony A7 III is one of the best cameras, flush with features has the ability to make a great vlogging camera. It has a commendable low light performance for indoor shooting and also a weather resistance body to handle outdoor weather conditions.

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Last update on 2023-09-23 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API