10 Best Cameras For Blogging in 2024 [Beginner’s Guide]

Best cameras for blogging
Best cameras for blogging

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So, what’s the best blogging camera? In this article, we look at the best cameras for blogging on a budget.

Video blogging (or vlogging) has been around for a while now. In fact, you can trace it all the way back to the start of YouTube. However, in the past few years, it’s really started to take off.

In particular, this is down to the brilliant development and acceleration of blogging camera technology. Whether it’s Sony, Panasonic, Canon or others, cameras keep getting better.

Initially, while they may have originally developed for ‘pure’ filmmakers or photographers, we are now seeing the rise of cameras that are solely made with vlogging in mind.

1. Sony ZV1

  • Type: compact point and shoot
  • Max video resolution: 4K 30p
  • Field of view: 24mm – 70mm
  • Screen: 3-inch, flippy screen
  • Mic input: Yes
  • Lens fitting: Not interchangeable
  • Weight: 295g
  • Battery life: 45 minutes

Firstly, when it comes to the best camera for blogging, look no further than the new Sony ZV-1. Indeed, this thing arrives in a box that says ‘made for vlogging’. As a result, the autofocus is class-leading. Also, it has a wonderful 2.8 zoom lens that delivers exceptional video quality. Undoubtedly, this one was made with vloggers in mind.

ProsCons
Incredible autofocus capabilitiesMicro USB port, not USB-C
Bright lens – perfect for low-light performance and soft bokehLimited battery life
Fits in your pocketLimited touch screen controls

2. Sony RX100 VII

  • Type: compact point and shoot
  • Max video resolution: 4K 30p
  • Field of view: 9mm – 72mm
  • Screen: 3-inch, tilting screen (not flippy)
  • Mic input: Yes
  • Lens fitting: Not interchangeable
  • Weight: 302g
  • Battery life: 40 minutes

Secondly, the ZV-1’s slightly bigger and older brother. The RX100 series has been a go-to blogging camera for many years now. This latest version gives you exceptional image quality at 4K, as well as renowned, trustworthy autofocus. Likewise, it fits in your pocket which makes it great for on-the-go filming. Similarly to the ZV-1, it’s a top contender as the best camera for blogging.

ProsCons
Exceptional autofocusLimited battery life
Brilliant 4K image qualityA slippery finish can lead to dropping it
Fits in your pocketNo hot shoe to mount an external mic

3. Panasonic G100

  • Type: mirrorless
  • Max video resolution: 4K 30p
  • Field of view: Depends on your choice of lens
  • Screen: 3 inch, flippy
  • Mic input: Yes
  • Lens fitting: Micro Four Thirds, Interchangeable
  • Weight: 345g
  • Battery life: less than 1 hour

The race to be the best camera for blogging is hotting up. Recently announced, the G100 is Panasonic’s answer to the Sony ZV-1. In summary, it’s a small, pocket-sized camera packed full of features that are all targeted at vloggers.

Indeed, it’s the most compact interchangeable mirrorless camera out there. While it doesn’t quite stand up to its Sony counterpart, it’s set at a great price point. Additionally, it can be fitted with many MFT lenses.

ProsCons
Great priceAutofocus is questionable
Fits in your pocketCrop factor in 4K isn’t great
Interchangeable with MFT lensesLimited battery life

4. Canon EOS M50

  • Type: mirrorless
  • Max video resolution: 4K
  • Field of view: Depends on your choice of lens
  • Screen: 3-inch, flippy
  • Mic input: Yes
  • Lens fitting: EF-M, interchangeable
  • Weight: 390g
  • Battery life: 1 hour 20 minutes

Next, Canon’s venture into this market comes in the shape of the EOS M50. It’s by no means the very best camera for blogging because of the 1.6x crop on the 4K and other hindrances holding it back.

However, it is still a great, compact option for beginners and more advanced bloggers alike. You’ll find the front-facing flippy screen, really good battery life and small size all very handy. Furthermore, it’s sat at a great price point. Additionally, you have a number of EF-M lenses to mix and match. It’s a solid, all-round blogging camera option.

ProsCons
Great price1.6x crop when shooting 4K
Access to EF-M Canon lensesBody feels cheap
Good battery life for one batteryPoor in low-light

5. Sony A6500

  • Type: mirrorless
  • Max video resolution: 4K 30p
  • Field of view: Depends on your choice of lens
  • Screen: 3-inch, tilting screen (not flippy)
  • Mic input: Yes
  • Lens fitting: APS-C, Interchangeable
  • Weight: 454g
  • Battery life: 40 minutes

Admittedly, it’s a little expensive. Nevertheless, the A6500 is packed full of features that can take your vlogs to a whole new level. For example, it boasts in-built 5-axis stabilization. It’s not pocket-sized, but despite this, it’s lightweight enough to carry all day. The image quality is beautiful (as you’d expect with Sony) and it’s one of the best when it comes to low-light performance.

ProsCons
Brilliant autofocusJust the body alone is expensive
5-axis in-body stabilizationLimited battery life
Interchangeable with many lensesKnown overheating issues

6. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III

  • Type: mirrorless
  • Max video resolution: 4K 30p
  • Field of view: Depends on your choice of lens
  • Screen: 3-inch, flippy
  • Mic input: Yes
  • Lens fitting: Micro Four Thirds, Interchangeable
  • Weight: 413g
  • Battery life: 1 hour 50 minutes

It may look a little retro but this Olympus is a blogging camera. No doubt. However, what makes it a top pick is the guarantee of beautifully crisp, clean 4K video with rock-solid image stabilization. Also, the autofocus is noticeably brilliant and, being an MFT system, it’s nice and compact. A great option.

ProsCons
Interchangeable with MFT lensesA bigger hand grip would be useful
Perfect in-body stabilizationNo headphone jack
Great quality 4K imageCan get expensive with lenses

7. Panasonic GH5

  • Type: mirrorless
  • Max video resolution: 4K 60p
  • Field of view: Depends on your choice of lens
  • Screen: 3-inch, flippy
  • Mic input: Yes
  • Lens fitting: Micro Four Thirds, Interchangeable
  • Weight: 727g
  • Battery life: 2 hours

In short, there isn’t enough space for all the pros. This notorious workhorse out-performs every other camera here. It may be a little on the heavy side and has minor autofocus issues however we believe it’s a great blogging camera. The built-in stabilization and 4K up to 60p gives you so much. To summarize, it’s not just a contender for the best camera for blogging but the best camera, full stop.

ProsCons
Exceptional battery lifeLow-light performance not great
Perfect in-body stabilizationAutofocus system is dated
Great quality 4K image all the way to 60pMay be a little heavy for video blogging

8. Huawei P30 Pro

  • Type: smartphone
  • Max video resolution: 4K
  • Field of view: approximately 27mm. Wide angle and 50X zoom options are available
  • Screen: 6.7-inch OLED screen
  • Mic input: Yes
  • Lens fitting: not interchangeable
  • Weight: 191g
  • Battery life: 9 hours

When it comes to the best camera for blogging, did you consider your smartphone? Above all, Vlogging is all about streamlining the process of filmmaking and making it easy as you’re often in a run-and-gun scenario.

So, what could possibly be better than the camera that’s already in your pocket? Admittedly, it won’t go toe to toe with the other cameras listed above. However, the Huawei P30 has some exceptional cameras on board that produce a beautifully crisp, in-depth image. It’s more than capable of being your go-to blogging camera.

ProsCons
Doubles up as a brilliant phoneVideo quality is not the same as purpose-built cameras
Exceptional battery lifeHuawei’s uncertain future with Android
Videos can be posted straight to socialDifficult to mount an external mic

9. GoPro Hero 8 Black

  • Type: Action camera
  • Max video resolution: 4K 60p
  • Field of view: a few choices from ‘linear’ to ‘superwide’
  • Screen: 2-inch touchscreen, no tilt or flip
  • Mic input: Yes, but you have to buy it
  • Lens fitting: built-in, not interchangeable
  • Weight: 122g
  • Battery life: 50 minutes

What’s a camera list without a GoPro? The Hero 8 Black is the best action camera to date and, once you’ve purchased the mic adapter, it’s an ideal, low-key blogging camera. Its super small and compact size, coupled with the fact it can film 4K all the way to 60p, make it a fantastic choice.

ProsCons
The best action camera availableExternal mic adapter has to be purchased separately
Super small and compactBattery life isn’t great
WaterproofPoor in low-light conditions

10. DJI Osmo Pocket

  • Type: Action camera
  • Max video resolution: 4K 30p
  • Field of view: 26mm
  • Screen: 1 inch, no tilt or flip
  • Mic input: Yes
  • Lens fitting: built-in, not interchangeable
  • Weight: 116g
  • Battery life: 2 hours

Lastly, rounding off the list is DJI’s Osmo Pocket – the GoPro alternative. However, don’t let its incredibly tiny size fool you. This thing can record in 4K 30p and a compact, pocketable size combined with solid battery life means you can take it just about everywhere. As a result, it’s definitely a somewhat unique blogging camera option.

ProsCons
Incredibly small and compact, easy to bring with you anywhereFixed focal length
Impressive battery life for the sizeSmall screen with no tilt or flip
Very smooth footageImage quality is average

A Few Things To Know Before Buying A Camera

Firstly, when on the hunt for a blogging camera, a few key things you’ll want to consider.

Resolution

video camera resolution screen

Above all, what’s the resolution? If you’re vlogging you’ll want to ensure you can film in full 1080p HD for YouTube. As a result, your footage will be crisper and allow you more freedom in the edit. 4K would be ideal. 😉

Low-light performance

camera low light performance

Secondly, a blogging camera must be small. As a result, sacrifices must be made. Often, it’s the sensor that’s smaller. Subsequently, this can have an impact on your camera’s low-light performance. So, if you’re filming a lot indoors or at night, bear this in mind.

Audio quality

Audio quality

Obviously, any camera needs clean, crisp audio. If possible, your camera should have a mic input option. As a result, you’ll be able to mount a shotgun mic and improve things further.

Flippy screen

Flippy screen blogging camera

While the ‘swivel screen’ or ‘flip screen’ terminology may be correct terminology, we prefer ‘flippy screen’. Either way, you need one on your blogging camera. Also, this ensures that when the camera is pointed at you filming, you can still check your framing, focus, and audio.

Battery life

camera battery life

When vlogging, you’ll often be out and on the go. Therefore, good battery life is important. Consequently, you don’t want to be left high and dry halfway through the day with no way of finishing your video!

Stabilization

image stabilization

While not essential, your camera should incorporate some sort of stabilization. Obviously, shooting handheld is always going to give you some shakes and quirks. Hence the need for stabilization. Check out our article on the best gimbals for DSLRs.

Lens

blogging camera lens

Finally, when you pick a certain brand, you’re also picking a certain group of lenses at your disposal. In short, ensure you have access to wide angle lenses with low f-stops for more light. Moreover, in-built stabilization is a huge plus!

Best Cameras For Blogging – Wrapping up

So, what’s the best camera for blogging on a budget? Ultimately, you’ll have to make the decision.

In summary, we think this list offers you a number of great options and hopefully, we’ve given you a comprehensive idea of what you’re looking for in the perfect blogging camera. We look forward to seeing your vlogs online soon!

Author
Josh Edwards
Josh Edwards
Josh is a filmmaker and YouTuber. He has a real passion for travel and documentaries. Follow him on Twitter and YouTube.
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