10 Best Cameras for Blogging and Vlogging in 2020
Best Vlogging Cameras
Gear
General Topics
Sony Zv1
Tips & Advice
Gear Focus
Aug 4, 2020
With all of the different models and nuanced features out there, not to mention the loads of camera equipment, it can be difficult picking out the best vlogging cameras from the bunch. That is why we scoured the market to find the 10 best blogging and vlogging cameras of 2020, ranging from beginner to advanced models.
When thumbing through the best vlogging cameras, it is important to understand what you need out of the device and what is just extra fluff. The Sony Zv1 bridges this gap perfectly by providing a wide range of features that serve bloggers. It simultaneously eschews some of the additional bells and whistles that do not matter as much.
A great example of this is how many of the other entries on our list come with numerous features that allow them to take exceptional still images and work with plenty of accessories for that purpose. The Sony Zv1, on the other hand, takes adequate still images. But, it is not anywhere near as good at that as many of the other entries.
Thankfully, this camera focuses more on video production than still images with the ability to record in UHD 4K. It is one of the few budget-friendly cameras to do so. To complement the video recording, the Sony Zv1 also comes with a 3-capsule directional microphone. The mic solid fidelity to cut down on the additional camera equipment needed to make a solid vlog.
Another feature that makes this camera exceptionally good for vlogging is its autofocus. The AF combines a 315-point phase phase-detection system with a 425-point contrast-detection system. The 1" Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor is not the largest and generates a larger cropping effect than most. But, at least the Sony Zv1 provides both digital and optical image stabilization.
Finally, the LCD touchscreen articulates, rather than just tilting, allowing you to see what you record while in front of the lens.
Pros
Sony makes another appearance on our list, and while this model is not quite as finely tuned for vlogging. Though, it still comes in as an excellent option for the field. For starters, the Sony a6500 is a mirrorless camera that helps reduce the size and weight. This design makes it easier to hold for extended periods.
To make sure that you do not have to worry about the issues of using a camera without a tripod, the 5-axis image stabilization keeps things nice and level. On top of that, this camera can handle moving images fairly well. This is thanks to a 425-point phase-detection system with a 169-point contrast-detection system.
Even better, the Sony a6500 also provides good still images. It can capture still shots in 24.2 MP with its APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor. Unlike point and click cameras, the Sony a6500 can accept different lenses to achieve different types of shots. This camera employs the diverse Sony E lens system.
It is worth noting that this camera only offers a tilting LCD touchscreen viewfinder. This means you will not be able to see the image recorded if you are in front of the lens. However, the Sony a6500 still provides UHD 4K recording to ensure that you get the clearest video for your vlog that you can.
The Canon 6D Mark II is a great camera, in general, but it may not be the ideal choice for vloggers-- especially those on a budget. To be fair, this is a bit of an older model and is also not one of Canon’s flagship models, but the brand focuses more on traditional photography than new media-- and it shows.
The Canon 6D Mark II might provide some of the best standard, still images on our list thanks to a Full-Frame CMOS sensor that does not crop any of the image. Not only does the image you see capture true, but this camera also comes with one of the densest still resolutions we found at 26.2 MP.
That said, the Canon 6D Mark II is not ideal for vlogging purposes, especially for future-proofing, as it only records at a max HD 1080p resolution. On top of that, this camera will not record moving images quite as well as others due to a 45-point phase-detection and 45-point cross-detection autofocus.
On the other hand, you can at least make sure that you know what you record while standing in front of the lens thanks to the articulating optical LCD touchscreen. Keep in mind, the optical viewfinder also means that what you see is true to life, and the 5-axis image stabilization helps keep everything level.
The second Canon on our list is a sharp departure from the first, eschewing the high-end still image capture for ease of use thanks to the point and shoot design. However, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II does not compensate for the other Canon’s lack of vlogging features and similarly only records at a max resolution of HD 1080p.
To complicate things further, this camera also does not take some of the better still images either with an image depth of only 20.1 MP. The main draw of this camera in general, and for vlogging in particular, is that it is one of the most budget-friendly models that we came across that still meets the minimum production standards expected by general audiences.
This is not to suggest that the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is a poor camera, but you are more limited in terms of how you can use it. On the other hand, to make sure that its point and shoot approach is easy to use, it also comes with an optical stabilization system, going further than most.
The viewfinder may not be optical nor does it articulate, but it provides a surprising 1.04m-dot resolution to offer a rich detailed preview of the image. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is also easier to manage and carry around without having to worry about the weight fatiguing you over time.
Our last Canon might be the company’s most iconic and popular thanks to a combination of rich features and a budget-friendly price. While it still suffers from some of the issues most Canon cameras on our list do for vloggers, in particular, it skirts the line of other Canon cameras to find the Goldilocks zone.
To get the worst out of the way first, the Canon Rebel T7i only records at a maximum resolution of HD 1080p, though it at least does so at 60 fps-- something many 4K cameras cannot boast. And unlike some of the other budget-minded cameras we encountered, this one takes good still images with a 24.2 MP depth.
While you may be limited in terms of your recording resolution, the Canon Rebel T7i at least makes knowing what you record exceptionally easy with an articulating LCD touchscreen. To make that feature even better, this camera also uses an optical viewfinder to provide an accurate sense of what the image will look like.
The APS-C CMOS sensor, while not full-frame, is still significantly better than the 1” sensors attached to point and shoot models. It also helps that the 5-axis image stabilization can somewhat account for the lackluster autofocus of 45-point phase-detection and 45-point cross-detection systems.
Fujifilm may not be one of the more popular companies today, but the brand still produces high-quality cameras that are often superior in many ways to their competitors. The Fuji X-T20, for example, sees a return to vlogging features, most notably with the ability to record in UHD 4K.
However, this camera also has the advantage of being mirrorless which makes it much easier to hold and carry around for recording in any situation. As if that were not enough, the Fuji X-T20 also takes good still images thanks to an image depth with 24.3 MP-- though this is one of the few cameras reviewed limited to only a 3:2 aspect ratio.
In truth, the Fuji X-T20 is a bit of a mixed bag with solid features on one hand that are undercut by an absence of commonly complementary features on the other. It is also worth noting that the Fuji X-T20 is one of the few cameras on our list that offers no form of image stabilization which can make it exceptionally difficult to use without some external stand.
The viewfinder is a bit surprising with a 2.36m-dot resolution but only a tilting, electronic touchscreen. The APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor combined with a 91-point phase-detection autofocus at least helps make sure that the Fuji X-T20 works well when inside of a controlled room or studio.
Nikon is another brand with a great reputation in the traditional photography market that still lags a bit behind in the vlogging world. The Nikon D5600, in particular, is a bit of an older and outdated model, but it makes up for that fact with an extremely affordable, budget-friendly price that is perfect for any beginner still getting a handle on the medium.
In terms of image quality, the Nikon D5600 is a bit of a mixed bag with a maximum recording resolution of only HD 1080p. Of course, this camera was originally developed for still photography and continues to perform well in that function with an image depth of 24.2 MP.
The APS-C DX-Format CMOS sensor allows the Nikon D5600 to capture more of the image than most with less cropping than many other models we reviewed. This is great as you can at least make sure the image is true to form with an articulating viewfinder that employs an optical capture.
That said, this might be one of the more difficult cameras to use “out in the field” that we reviewed due to an absence of any kind of image stabilization system at all. To compound that issue, the Nikon D5600 also has one of the least advanced autofocuses we included with only 39-point phase-detection and 9-point cross-detection systems.
The Nikon D7500 takes a different approach than its predecessor by eschewing some of the superfluous still image features and instead opting for control. To be clear, this camera is not ideal for beginners as you should understand the different camera settings to get the best results.
However, for those with plenty of experience, the Nikon D7500 can provide perhaps the best low-light images we encountered thanks to a total ISO range of 50 to 1,640,000. Even better, this camera records in UHD 4K, though it sacrifices some of the still image depth in the process.
Like many other Nikon cameras, the Nikon D7500 employs a solid APS-C DX-Format CMOS sensor to capture more of the frame. This DSLR camera also comes with an optical viewfinder to make sure what you see is what you get, but its limited tilting function means you need to be behind the lens to do so.
This camera’s autofocus is decent but nothing to write home about with 51-point phase-detection and 15-point cross-detection systems. Unlike some of the other cameras we reviewed, the Nikon D7500 is almost an anti-Goldilocks in that its features are effective, but it is a bit pricey for what you get.
Panasonic makes a single appearance on our list, but it certainly makes some noise for those who require the highest image quality available. To be fair, that claim only applies to video recording, but it still does not change the fact that the Panasonic GH5 records in DCI 4K which gooses the resolution a bit up to -- though that resolution is limited to 30 fps.
You also have the luxury of choosing between four different aspect ratios with 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, and 16:9 available. While the mirrorless design makes it easier to carry around, the Panasonic GH5 comes with an electronic viewfinder-- though its full articulation and astounding 3.686m-dot resolution more than make up for that.
One uncommon quality of this camera is that it only employs a contrast autofocus system, though it at least registers a good 225 points. You also should not have to worry too much about shooting on the move thanks to the inclusion of a 5-axis stabilization system.
Another uncommon aspect of the Panasonic GH5 is its use of the Micro Four Thirds system which is a blessing for those who want to use a wide variety of different lenses as small adapters provide for a wealth of options. That said, the Micro Four Thirds Live MOS sensor, while solid, has one of the largest crop factors we saw.
We end our list with a Sony, a brand that has fared well in our eyes, and this is arguably the most impressive camera we reviewed. However, you get what you pay for, and the Sony a7R III makes sure that you pay a hefty price for some of the best quality that we encountered.
For starters, this is a mirrorless camera, making it easier to carry around, but it avoids some of the other common pitfalls of this type of camera. To wit, this camera comes with one of the best sensors we included with the 35 mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor that does not crop any of the image.
That is awesome because the Sony a7R III takes some of the best images on our list regardless of the format with UHD 4K recording further complemented by an outrageous still image depth of 42.4 MP. For low-light conditions, the Sony a7R III rises near the top of the list once again with a total maximum ISO range of 100-102400.
You also do not need to worry about moving images as this camera boasts one of the best autofocuses we found with 399-point phase-detection and 425-point contrast-detection systems. It also does not hurt that the Sony a7R III comes with a 5-axis image stabilization system either.
How to Choose the Best Cameras for Blogging and Vlogging
There are a couple of ways to approach choosing the best vlogging cameras. But, they generally boil down to an all-in-one model or those that require additional camera equipment. Keep in mind, the difference between these approaches not only bears on the total cost of your setup but the ease of use as well. That said, the best vlogging cameras are not necessarily the best photography cameras. This is because vlogs, by their nature, favor video recording resolutions over still image depth. Granted, more creative content producers likely find ways to mix the media together. Those users may want a camera that can do both. Another thing to consider for the best vlogging cameras is whether you film in a studio/room or take the camera out into the field. If you take the camera outdoors and use it gonzo-style, you likely want a model that weighs less and is easier to hold with one hand, preferably a point and shoot or mirrorless design.Best Cameras for Blogging and Vlogging
Sony Zv1
When thumbing through the best vlogging cameras, it is important to understand what you need out of the device and what is just extra fluff. The Sony Zv1 bridges this gap perfectly by providing a wide range of features that serve bloggers. It simultaneously eschews some of the additional bells and whistles that do not matter as much.
A great example of this is how many of the other entries on our list come with numerous features that allow them to take exceptional still images and work with plenty of accessories for that purpose. The Sony Zv1, on the other hand, takes adequate still images. But, it is not anywhere near as good at that as many of the other entries.
Thankfully, this camera focuses more on video production than still images with the ability to record in UHD 4K. It is one of the few budget-friendly cameras to do so. To complement the video recording, the Sony Zv1 also comes with a 3-capsule directional microphone. The mic solid fidelity to cut down on the additional camera equipment needed to make a solid vlog.
Another feature that makes this camera exceptionally good for vlogging is its autofocus. The AF combines a 315-point phase phase-detection system with a 425-point contrast-detection system. The 1" Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor is not the largest and generates a larger cropping effect than most. But, at least the Sony Zv1 provides both digital and optical image stabilization.
Finally, the LCD touchscreen articulates, rather than just tilting, allowing you to see what you record while in front of the lens.
Pros
- Comes with a complete kit
- Has excellent autofocus
- Is easy to use
- Records in UHD 4K
- Has a great sensor
- Has an articulating viewfinder
Sony a6500
Sony makes another appearance on our list, and while this model is not quite as finely tuned for vlogging. Though, it still comes in as an excellent option for the field. For starters, the Sony a6500 is a mirrorless camera that helps reduce the size and weight. This design makes it easier to hold for extended periods.
To make sure that you do not have to worry about the issues of using a camera without a tripod, the 5-axis image stabilization keeps things nice and level. On top of that, this camera can handle moving images fairly well. This is thanks to a 425-point phase-detection system with a 169-point contrast-detection system.
Even better, the Sony a6500 also provides good still images. It can capture still shots in 24.2 MP with its APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor. Unlike point and click cameras, the Sony a6500 can accept different lenses to achieve different types of shots. This camera employs the diverse Sony E lens system.
It is worth noting that this camera only offers a tilting LCD touchscreen viewfinder. This means you will not be able to see the image recorded if you are in front of the lens. However, the Sony a6500 still provides UHD 4K recording to ensure that you get the clearest video for your vlog that you can.
Pros
- Is a mirrorless camera
- Has 5-axis stabilization
- Records in UHD 4K
- Has a solid sensor
- Has a good autofocus
- Takes good still images
Pros
- Takes great still images
- Has 5-axis stabilization
- Provides broad aspect ratios
- Has a good ISO range
- Has a great sensor
- Has a good viewfinder
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
The second Canon on our list is a sharp departure from the first, eschewing the high-end still image capture for ease of use thanks to the point and shoot design. However, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II does not compensate for the other Canon’s lack of vlogging features and similarly only records at a max resolution of HD 1080p.
To complicate things further, this camera also does not take some of the better still images either with an image depth of only 20.1 MP. The main draw of this camera in general, and for vlogging in particular, is that it is one of the most budget-friendly models that we came across that still meets the minimum production standards expected by general audiences.
This is not to suggest that the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is a poor camera, but you are more limited in terms of how you can use it. On the other hand, to make sure that its point and shoot approach is easy to use, it also comes with an optical stabilization system, going further than most.
The viewfinder may not be optical nor does it articulate, but it provides a surprising 1.04m-dot resolution to offer a rich detailed preview of the image. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is also easier to manage and carry around without having to worry about the weight fatiguing you over time.
Pros
- Has optical stabilization
- Is easy to use
- Provides broad aspect ratios
- Has a great sensor
- Has a good viewfinder
- Is less expensive
Canon Rebel T7i
Our last Canon might be the company’s most iconic and popular thanks to a combination of rich features and a budget-friendly price. While it still suffers from some of the issues most Canon cameras on our list do for vloggers, in particular, it skirts the line of other Canon cameras to find the Goldilocks zone.
To get the worst out of the way first, the Canon Rebel T7i only records at a maximum resolution of HD 1080p, though it at least does so at 60 fps-- something many 4K cameras cannot boast. And unlike some of the other budget-minded cameras we encountered, this one takes good still images with a 24.2 MP depth.
While you may be limited in terms of your recording resolution, the Canon Rebel T7i at least makes knowing what you record exceptionally easy with an articulating LCD touchscreen. To make that feature even better, this camera also uses an optical viewfinder to provide an accurate sense of what the image will look like.
The APS-C CMOS sensor, while not full-frame, is still significantly better than the 1” sensors attached to point and shoot models. It also helps that the 5-axis image stabilization can somewhat account for the lackluster autofocus of 45-point phase-detection and 45-point cross-detection systems.
Pros
- Has a solid autofocus
- Has 5-axis stabilization
- Provides broad aspect ratios
- Has a good sensor
- Takes good still images
- Has a good viewfinder
Fuji X-T20
Fujifilm may not be one of the more popular companies today, but the brand still produces high-quality cameras that are often superior in many ways to their competitors. The Fuji X-T20, for example, sees a return to vlogging features, most notably with the ability to record in UHD 4K.
However, this camera also has the advantage of being mirrorless which makes it much easier to hold and carry around for recording in any situation. As if that were not enough, the Fuji X-T20 also takes good still images thanks to an image depth with 24.3 MP-- though this is one of the few cameras reviewed limited to only a 3:2 aspect ratio.
In truth, the Fuji X-T20 is a bit of a mixed bag with solid features on one hand that are undercut by an absence of commonly complementary features on the other. It is also worth noting that the Fuji X-T20 is one of the few cameras on our list that offers no form of image stabilization which can make it exceptionally difficult to use without some external stand.
The viewfinder is a bit surprising with a 2.36m-dot resolution but only a tilting, electronic touchscreen. The APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor combined with a 91-point phase-detection autofocus at least helps make sure that the Fuji X-T20 works well when inside of a controlled room or studio.
Pros
- Is a mirrorless camera
- Records in UHD 4K
- Has a good sensor
- Has a solid autofocus
- Takes good still images
- Has a great viewfinder
Nikon D5600
Nikon is another brand with a great reputation in the traditional photography market that still lags a bit behind in the vlogging world. The Nikon D5600, in particular, is a bit of an older and outdated model, but it makes up for that fact with an extremely affordable, budget-friendly price that is perfect for any beginner still getting a handle on the medium.
In terms of image quality, the Nikon D5600 is a bit of a mixed bag with a maximum recording resolution of only HD 1080p. Of course, this camera was originally developed for still photography and continues to perform well in that function with an image depth of 24.2 MP.
The APS-C DX-Format CMOS sensor allows the Nikon D5600 to capture more of the image than most with less cropping than many other models we reviewed. This is great as you can at least make sure the image is true to form with an articulating viewfinder that employs an optical capture.
That said, this might be one of the more difficult cameras to use “out in the field” that we reviewed due to an absence of any kind of image stabilization system at all. To compound that issue, the Nikon D5600 also has one of the least advanced autofocuses we included with only 39-point phase-detection and 9-point cross-detection systems.
Pros
- Records in HD 1080p
- Has a good ISO range
- Has a good sensor
- Takes good still images
- Has an articulating viewfinder
- Is less expensive
Nikon D7500
The Nikon D7500 takes a different approach than its predecessor by eschewing some of the superfluous still image features and instead opting for control. To be clear, this camera is not ideal for beginners as you should understand the different camera settings to get the best results.
However, for those with plenty of experience, the Nikon D7500 can provide perhaps the best low-light images we encountered thanks to a total ISO range of 50 to 1,640,000. Even better, this camera records in UHD 4K, though it sacrifices some of the still image depth in the process.
Like many other Nikon cameras, the Nikon D7500 employs a solid APS-C DX-Format CMOS sensor to capture more of the frame. This DSLR camera also comes with an optical viewfinder to make sure what you see is what you get, but its limited tilting function means you need to be behind the lens to do so.
This camera’s autofocus is decent but nothing to write home about with 51-point phase-detection and 15-point cross-detection systems. Unlike some of the other cameras we reviewed, the Nikon D7500 is almost an anti-Goldilocks in that its features are effective, but it is a bit pricey for what you get.
Pros
- Records in UHD 4K
- Has a broad ISO range
- Has a good sensor
- Has a solid autofocus
- Has a solid viewfinder
Pros
- Is a mirrorless camera
- Records in DCI 4K
- Has a great autofocus
- Has 5-axis stabilization
- Uses the Micro Four Thirds system
- Has an excellent viewfinder
Sony a7R III
We end our list with a Sony, a brand that has fared well in our eyes, and this is arguably the most impressive camera we reviewed. However, you get what you pay for, and the Sony a7R III makes sure that you pay a hefty price for some of the best quality that we encountered.
For starters, this is a mirrorless camera, making it easier to carry around, but it avoids some of the other common pitfalls of this type of camera. To wit, this camera comes with one of the best sensors we included with the 35 mm full-frame Exmor R CMOS sensor that does not crop any of the image.
That is awesome because the Sony a7R III takes some of the best images on our list regardless of the format with UHD 4K recording further complemented by an outrageous still image depth of 42.4 MP. For low-light conditions, the Sony a7R III rises near the top of the list once again with a total maximum ISO range of 100-102400.
You also do not need to worry about moving images as this camera boasts one of the best autofocuses we found with 399-point phase-detection and 425-point contrast-detection systems. It also does not hurt that the Sony a7R III comes with a 5-axis image stabilization system either.
Pros
- Is a mirrorless camera
- Has an excellent sensor
- Records in UHD 4K
- Has 5-axis stabilization
- Has excellent autofocus
- Has an excellent viewfinder
Conclusion
While we ultimately feel that the Sony Zv1 is the best option for most people, your skillset and media needs may differ-- especially for mixed media. After the Zv1, we think the Sony a7R III offers the best combination of features, though it comes at a pretty steep price. However, the best blogging and vlogging camera is the one that suits your particular needs and camera equipment preferences.Own one like this?
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