Best Vlogging Cameras 2023 – Forbes Vetted

Max video resolution: 4K (at 30 fps) | Still image resolution: 21 megapixels | Weight: 14.6 ounces | Live streaming capability: Yes | Connectivity: USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Display size: 3-inch touchscreen

Best for: Nimble, specialty shooting and greater creative control.

The Sony ZV-1F is a more affordable option than either the Sony ZV-1 or the Sony ZV-E10—all designed specifically for vloggers and content creators. It provides an assortment of easy-to-use features, such as Product Showcase, soft skin-tone effect and one-touch background defocus for easily creating professional-quality content. Plus, the ZV-1F is ultra-compact and can record clear sound with minimal background noise thanks to the included three-capsule microphone and windscreen.

It has a one-inch sensor and uses a fixed, 20-millimeter wide-angle lens—perfect for a natural perspective. The camera’s display flips around so you can frame your shots, but it can be hard to see in bright light. It can accurately track the movement of your eyes and of objects, plus it has face auto-exposure with up to 4X digital zoom. Sony’s optional Bluetooth wireless shooting grip makes it especially easy to use this camera one-handed.

Excerpt from our full Sony ZV-1F review: “Although it was just introduced, I believe this will quickly become the go-to camera used by high-profile vloggers, YouTubers, TikTokers and social media influencers. I found this model did a great job handling its core vlogging purpose, but discovered it also does a decent job serving as a traditional point-and-shoot camera.”

Pros:

• Built-in features specifically for vloggers
• Compact design
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Touchscreen display hard to see in direct sunlight
• Wireless shooting grip sold separately

Max video resolution: 4K (at 30 fps) | Still image resolution: 20.1 megapixels | Weight: 10.4 ounces | Live streaming capability: Yes (Windows only) | Connectivity: Micro-USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Display size: 3.0-inch touchscreen

Best for: Advanced vloggers and content creators.

The biggest difference between the Sony ZV-1 and the new ZV-1F is that this camera has a 24-70 millimeter f/1.8-2.8 Zeiss lens, perfect for use as a walkabout point-and-shoot still camera or for use as a vlogging camera. Instead of a higher-end camera with lots of interchangeable lenses and attachable accessories, many vloggers want a lightweight, portable and easy-to-use camera that produces high-quality footage. The Sony ZV-1 digital camera fits that bill well, with face exposure, Sony’s Product Showcase and background blur features, plus a 2.7x optical zoom.

As with Sony’s other vlogging cameras, the display can point forward or backward, making it easy to frame your shots. The camera has a built-in microphone, or you can connect an external mic to the 3.5 mm jack. Besides capturing 4K video at 30 fps and 20.1 megapixel still images, the ZV-1 camera can serve as a high-end webcam for live streaming. While this camera offers just about everything a vlogger could want—including a hot shoe (not found on the ZV-1F)—it’s not waterproof or designed to be used as an action camera. This model works well one-handed with Sony’s optional Bluetooth shooting grip.

What the editors say: “This is a great step-up choice if you want a versatile point-and-shoot vlogging camera that is separate from your phone, but small enough to toss into your pocket,” notes a tech editor.

Pros:

• Compact design
• Excellent video-centric features
• Hot shoe mount

Cons:

• Mediocre battery life
• Expensive
• Powers via micro-USB

Max video resolution: 4K (at 30 fps) | Still image resolution: 20.2 megapixels | Weight: 10.7 ounces | Live streaming capability: Yes | Connectivity: USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Display size: 3-inch touchscreen (tilts 180-degrees) | Built-in flash: Yes

Best for: Handheld shooting high-definition video and stills.

There are many reasons to love the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III as a vlogging camera, starting with the fact that just about everything you need to shoot smooth and clear video content is built into its compact (handheld) body. The camera uses a 20.1-megapixel, one-inch stacked CMOS sensor and Canon’s Digic 8 image processor. You also get a 4.2x optical zoom from the built in 24-100mm, f/1.8-2.8) lens with optical image stabilizer.

The 3-inch touchscreen rotates and tilts 180-degrees, so it can face forward and serve as a viewfinder while capturing yourself in your footage. It’s easy to connect an external microphone, thanks to the 3.5mm microphone jack, so high-quality audio can be combined with your content (but, there’s no hot shoe to mount an external microphone). And with the facial recognition feature, you or your main subject will stay in focus—even if you choose to hold the camera vertically. With more than a dozen shooting modes (like background defocus and soft focus), it is easy to capture professional-looking footage in a wide range of situations. For connectivity, the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and USB-C. It uses SDXC memory cards.

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight design
• Multiple shooting modes
• Capture up to 4K (30 fps) video

Cons:

• Lacks electronic viewfinder
• No hot shoe for external microphones

Max video resolution: 4K (at 30 fps) | Still image resolution: 24.2 megapixels | Weight: 13.2 ounces | Live streaming capability: Yes | Connectivity: USB-C, micro-HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 3.5 mm audio port | Display size: 3-inch touchscreen

Best for: Creating content with the option of having interchangeable lenses.

The Canon EOS R50 mirrorless camera has a compact body that works with Canon’s mirrorless RF-S lenses. The R50 captures 24.2-megapixel still images and 4K 30 fps video. This versatile camera has 651 focus points, powered by the Digic X image processor and dual pixel CMOS AF II autofocus system. Besides offering a vertical movie mode—excellent for capturing content for TikToks—it has a close-up demo mode which is a must-have feature for content creators.

The camera is lightweight and slightly smaller than the Canon EOS M50 Mark II, which uses Canon’s EF-M lens mount. The R50 works in a wide range of lighting conditions and can record up to one hour of video at a time. You get added shooting flexibility over competing models thanks to both a 2.34 million dot electronic viewfinder and a vari-angle touchscreen LCD. Canon’s Advanced A+ Assist feature automatically adjusts the camera settings for you, to help you get the best shot every time. You can buy the R50 with the RF-S 15-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM lens (as priced here) or you can buy the body separately for use with your other Canon lenses (an optional adapter lets you use this camera with EF-mount lenses, too). The R50 lacks the weather sealing of Canon’s pricier EOS R8, though; and, it doesn’t have image stabilization.

Pros:

• Shoots 4K video at up to 30fps
• Smallest, lightest and least expensive camera in Canon’s EOS R series
• Includes electronic viewfinder

Cons:

• No weather sealing
• Lacks built-in image stabilization

Max video resolution: 4K (at 30 fps) | Still image resolution: 20.9 megapixels | Weight: 14.3 ounces | Live streaming capability: Yes | Connectivity: USB-C, micro-HDMI, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Display size: 3-inch touchscreen

Best for: Vlogging, live-streaming or using as a general purpose camera.

The compact Nikon Z30 relies on an APS-C CMOS sensor to capture still images at 20.9 megapixels or 4K video at up to 30 fps. The Z30 is a multi-purpose mirrorless camera that’s optimized for vloggers and live streamers. Of note: This model can capture video for up to 2 hours and 11 minutes at a time—significantly longer than many competitors.

The camera has a 3-inch, angle-adjustable touchscreen which can face forwards or backwards, as well as at an angle. It can record stereo sound using its internal microphone, and it has a 3.5 mm audio port to connect an external microphone, but not a headphone. To reduce wobbles and shaking when holding the camera while filming, the Z30 uses Nikon’s digital vibration reduction (referred to as e-VR image stabilization). You also get fast autofocus with face and eye tracking that recognizes people, dogs and cats, and 209 autofocus points. For those new to photography, the convenient “?” button offers simple explanations of all camera settings. The camera is available body-only if you already have Nikon DX lenses. Camera body offers enough weather sealing to protect it from light exposure to water and dust.

Pros:

• Has face and eye tracking
• Some weather protection
• Up to 2 hours and 11 minutes of continuous video shooting

Cons:

Max video resolution: 4K (at 24 fps) | Still image resolution: 24.2 megapixels | Weight: 12.8 ounces | Live streaming capability: Yes | Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C | Display size: 3.0-inch touchscreen

Best for: The flexibility of interchangeable lenses.

The Sony Alpha ZV-E10 is a full-featured, lightweight camera perfect for pro-vloggers. The ZV-E10 has several advanced video conveniences, like instantly blurring a background while focusing in on a subject, automatically adjusting exposure for your face and Product Showcase (all features also found on the ZV-1F). This compact mirrorless camera stands out from its less pricey sibling, though, by virtue of its interchangeable lenses and large APS-C image sensor.

The camera has a built-in three-capsule microphone and it includes an attachable windscreen to record clear audio and video. It shoots 4K video at 24 fps, as well as still images at 24.2 megapixels—both with automatic image stabilization. You can also use the ZV-E10 for live streaming by connecting the camera to a computer or mobile device. It can go for up to 80 minutes of continuous shooting per battery charge.

What the editors say: “I love the large button on top for initiating recording, and the dedicated button for switch among still image capture and recording modes,” says a tech editor.

Pros:

• Interchangeable lenses
• Shoots 4K video at 24 fps
• Supports livestreaming

Cons:

Max video resolution: 4K (at 60 fps) | Still image resolution: 24.2 megapixels | Weight: 16 ounces | Live streaming capability: Yes | Connectivity: USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Display size: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen

Best for: Vlogging and live-streaming using a full-frame, yet compact camera.

The Canon EOS R8 is a compact full-frame camera that’s lightweight and packs in the features. At just over one pound, it’s a bit lighter than the Nikon Z5, Sony A7C and Canon EOS R6 II. It’s capable of shooting still images at 24.2 megapixels and 4K video at up to 60 fps. The video recording limit is up to two hours. And the R8 is chock full of ports, but also supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The 3-inch touchscreen display adjusts easily to face forwards and back, making the camera an excellent option for vlogging. The camera uses the same sensor found in the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. It takes advantage of 1,053 autofocus points that cover the entire sensor area, while the dual pixel CMOS AF II system offers zippy autofocus performance. The camera can handle live streaming or use as a webcam for video calls, and it can shoot vertical video.

This camera is intuitive to operate, especially so if you’re familiar with Canon cameras. It also comes with a built-in multi-function hot shoe. The subject detection for people, animals, vehicles and landscape settings is accurate and extensive, while the ability to transfer content wirelessly to a mobile device is fairly straightforward.

Excerpt from our full Canon EOS R8 review: “For content creators and vloggers, the Canon EOS R8 is particularly useful. It offers versatile video recording capabilities that are simple to adjust, bundled into a small, rugged and lightweight camera. The EOS R8’s viewfinder screen is easily maneuverable.”

Pros:

• Offers multiple shooting pre-sets and exposure modes
• Shoots 24.2 megapixel stills and 4K video
• A great camera vloggers

Cons:

• Battery life could be better
• No joystick or rear dial control

Max video resolution: 5.3K (at 60 fps) | Still image resolution: 27 megapixels | Weight: 4.5 ounces | Live streaming capability: Yes | Connectivity: USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Display size: 2.3-inch touchscreen (back), 1.4 color LCD (front)

Best for: Capturing extremely smooth action in any climate, including underwater.

If you need an action camera to film your content, the latest GoPro Hero 11 Black should be your first choice. Each year, GoPro manages to add new features and greater versatility to its already extremely durable camera line. The GoPro Hero 11, for example, improved on its low-light, night, slow motion and image stabilization shooting modes, so you get more creative control than before.

And while you can purchase the latest GoPro Hero 11 Black by itself for as little as $350, this more expensive Creator Edition includes a handful of GoPro accessories—a case, Volta Hand Grip, Light Mod, Media Mod and an extra Enduro battery—aimed at content creators. GoPro has more than 40 optional mounts and accessories. When you purchase this bundle directly from GoPro, you also get unlimited cloud backup and auto uploads, along with unlimited use of the GoPro Quik app for editing and sharing content. A no-questions-asked camera replacement warranty are included.

Pros:

• Captures video at up to 5.3K (at 60 fps)
• Creator Edition includes useful vlogging accessories
• Waterproof and extremely durable

Cons:

• Expensive
• Multiple batteries needed for long shoots

Max video resolution: 4K (at 60 fps) | Still image resolution: 20 megapixels | Weight: 2.8 ounces | Connectivity: USB-C, Wi-Fi | Display size: 2-inch touchscreen

Best for: Capturing extreme wide-angle 4K video using a tiny camera.

While the Akaso V50 Elite has many similarities to the latest GoPro Hero cameras, price is not one of them. This camera costs about 75% less than the latest GoPro, but it can shoot up to 4K (at 60 fps) video. It’s also waterproof (down to 131 feet) and offers an 8x optical zoom. Advanced image stabilization and the ability to switch between a narrow, medium or wide field of view are among its other features. At Amazon, the camera includes a handful of useful mounts and accessories—two batteries, a waterproof case, 6 mounts and more—that cost a fortune elsewhere.

The camera itself measures just 2.4 x 1.6 x 1.2 inches and weighs a mere 2.8 ounces. You can control the Akaso V50 Elite via the camera’s rear touchscreen and onboard buttons, voice commands, or from your smartphone via a mobile app. If you need an action camera that’s as versatile as a GoPro action camera without the GoPro’s price, this is the perfect option.

Pros:

• Extremely affordable
• Shoots 4K video (at 60 fps) and 20 megapixel still images
• Includes a handful of useful mounts and accessories

Cons:

• Sluggish operation and touchscreen

Max video resolution: 5.7K at 30 fps (360-degree video), 4K at 30 fps | Still image resolution: 72 megapixels | Weight: 6.4 ounces | Live streaming capability: Yes | Connectivity: USB Type-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Display size: 2.3-inch touchscreen

Best for: Capturing 360-degree action video.

The Insta360X2 offers an entirely different design than the GoPro cameras, but like GoPro Hero 11 Black, this camera is waterproof (down to 33-feet) and very durable. It’s extremely versatile, capable of capturing stunning 360-degree HDR video at 5.7K resolution, traditional video at up to 4K and still images at up to 72 megapixels. On one side of the camera is a 2.3-inch touchscreen; use the screen whichever way works best while filming. When shooting traditional video, the Insta360 X3 captures a 170-degree field of view at up to 4K (30 fps).

If you use Insta360’s own selfie-stick, as you’re shooting, the camera automatically removes the optional selfie stick from your filmed content. Nifty. This allows you to capture content in a stunning third-person perspective, so it looks like the camera is floating around you. Combine this feature with the camera’s image stabilization and horizon lock to capture smooth and level content. The Insta360 X3 can capture time-lapse video at up to 8K, and slow motion video at up to 4K (at 120 fps). Rounding out the camera’s features are voice control; USB, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth data content transfers; and the ability to capture directional audio—in stereo—using four built-in microphones.

Pros:

• Shoots 360-degree video
• Durable and waterproof
• Can remove optional selfie stick from content

Cons:

• Selfie stick sold separately, unless you purchase the Get-Set or Ultimate Kit

Max video resolution: 5.7K (at 60 fps) | Still image resolution: 25.2 megapixels | Weight: 1.8 pounds | Live streaming capability: Yes | Connectivity: USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Display size: 3-inch touchscreen | Viewfinder: 3.7-million dot OLED electronic viewfinder

Best for: Shooting high-resolution video with a Micro Four Thirds mirrorless camera.

While it’s relatively inexpensive for a camera of this caliber, the Panasonic Lumix GH6 is pricier than others on this list—and for good reason. It stands out for its articulating touchscreen, top-notch image stabilization and a range of features useful for creating cinematic, professional content. You also get unlimited video recording time, a feature few cameras offer. Capture high-quality audio, too, either via the camera’s built-in microphone or an optional external microphone. Whether you’re shooting in bright sunlight, using artificial light, or you’re stuck filming in dimly lit conditions, this camera can handle it with ease.

In addition to the 3.7-million dot OLED electronic viewfinder, the camera has a rear, 3-inch touchscreen you can use to frame your shots and control camera functions. You can use this camera anywhere, since the body is weather-sealed and mild water exposure won’t harm the camera. The camera has both CFexpress Type B and SD UHS-II memory cards slots. A terrific choice for capturing both video and stills, the Panasonic Lumix GH6 has a wide selection of lenses available to help you achieve your creative vision. We’ve priced the camera here with a 12-60mm f/2.8-4 lens; the body only costs $2,200 at Best Buy.

Pros:

• Large, 25.2-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor
• Shoots up to 5.7K (at 60 fps) video
• Unlimited recording time

Cons:

• Heavier than its predecessor

Max video resolution: 4K (at 60 fps) | Still image resolution: 64 megapixels | Weight: 4.1 ounces | Live streaming capability: Yes | Connectivity: USB-C, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | Display size: 1-inch touchscreen

Best for: Vloggers who need one-handed camera operation.

The DJI Pocket 2’s upright design is perfect for single-handed operation. This camera is not weatherproof like the GoPro Hero cameras, for example, but it is extremely small and lightweight. It can capture visually impressive 4K video at up to 60 fps, and it has an 8x digital zoom and 93-degree angle of view. For sound, the camera takes advantage of four directional stereo microphones. And to keep your videos looking buttery smooth, even when you and the camera are in motion, the DJI Pocket 2 integrates a 3-axis gimbal stabilizer.

Along with an updated ActiveTrack feature (that ensures you or your subject remain in the shot), another new feature added to the Pocket 2 is a built-in, AI-based glamour effect that will make you (or your intended subjects) look their absolute best. It has a microSD memory card slot to store content. Each battery charge allows for up to 140 minutes of continuous shooting. The main drawback to this camera is its relatively small (1-inch) LCD display, which serves as a viewfinder without touchscreen capabilities. The Creator Combo priced here includes a wireless microphone transmitter, a tripod mount and a joystick control stick; the camera alone costs $150 less.

What the editors say: “This is one of my favorite walkabout vlogging cameras, since it is so unobtrusive and easy to carry,” says a tech editor. “It also has smooth movements thanks to the gimbal and control stick.”

Pros:

• Shoots still images at up to 64 megapixels and video at up to 4K at 60 fps
• Easy one-handed operation
• Very light

Cons:

• Low light performance could be better
• Not water resistant

Weighing in at just 3.4 pounds, this aluminum alloy tripod is extremely durable and folds up so it’s extremely easy to travel with, yet it has a load capacity of 20 pounds. The tripod features rubber feet, independent leg spread and five expandable sections per leg. You also get a ball head with a standard 0.25-inch male mounting screw. When fully expanded, it offers a maximum height of 62-inches, and a minimum height of 5.6 inches. A premium 2.8-pound carbon fiber version of this tripod is also available for $650.