The 6 Best Cameras For Vlogging - Fall 2023 Reviews

If you're after the best of the best vlogging cameras, the Sony ZV-E1 is the way to go. It's Sony's first full-frame camera designed specifically for vloggers, with a vlogging mic, a fully articulated screen, and no viewfinder. In-body image stabilization (IBIS) helps reduce camera shake, and its 12MP full-frame sensor is ideal for low-light situations, making this a great choice if you tend to work in less controlled lighting. On top of that, it has one of the most sophisticated autofocus systems on the market, with incredibly reliable subject detection and tracking. It's the ultimate vlog camera for the solo operator, with plenty of features designed to take the guesswork out of video production.

That said, this is a very capable video camera with an expensive price tag. Unless you want to make a career out of vlogging, it'll likely be overkill for your needs. And with its full-frame sensor and lenses, it isn't the most compact option, either. If you're mainly interested in outdoor or on-the-go vlogging, consider a point-and-shoot like the Sony ZV-1 below or an action camera like the GoPro HERO10 Black.

If you don't need a full-frame sensor and want to save some money, the Fujifilm X-S10 is one of the best cameras for vlogging in its class. There's a lot to love here, from a large, comfortable handgrip to a fully articulated screen that makes it easy to monitor yourself while recording. It's also one of the few cameras at this price point with IBIS, which will help you record smoother handheld footage. On top of that, you get a fairly wide selection of frame rates, with 4k recording at up to 30 fps and a slow-motion recording mode that can capture 1080p footage at up to 240 fps.

Inside is a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture excellent video quality, with colors that pop straight out of the camera. While the new Fujifilm X-S20 takes what makes the X-S10 great and builds on it, with 4k recording at up to 60 fps and internal 10-bit capture, it's also notably pricier. It's a great alternative if you need something a little more advanced, but otherwise, the original X-S10 offers a ton of value for its price for most vloggers.

The Sony ZV-E10 follows in the footsteps of Sony's APS-C Alpha cameras but with a vlogging-specific design and a cheaper price tag, making it the best budget vlogging camera we've tested. Though it doesn't have a viewfinder, making it less versatile for hybrid shooters, its fully articulated screen makes it easier to monitor yourself without accessories getting in the way. This camera also has a headphone jack and a low-profile handgrip that's easier to hold in a selfie position. You're missing out on IBIS at this price point, so go for an optically stabilized lens if you plan on shooting handheld.

It doesn't feel as well-built as the Fujifilm X-S10, with no weather sealing to give you more peace of mind when shooting outdoors. However, it has a very reliable autofocus system and even includes specialized focus modes like 'Product Showcase'. This feature is a godsend for product and beauty vloggers as it'll automatically shift focus to any object you hold up in the frame without having to block your face. While the X-S10 mentioned above is a little more versatile for hybrid photo/video shooters thanks to its viewfinder, the ZV-E10 is the way to go if you need a vlogging-oriented camera on a budget.

If your budget is tight, the DJI Pocket 2 is a unique all-in-one vlogging tool that won't break the bank. Unlike our other picks, it has a three-axis stabilized gimbal built in, so you can easily capture buttery smooth handheld footage without expensive stabilizers or gimbals. Did we mention the whole thing can fit in your back pocket? That alone makes this a worthy addition to the slew of different vlogging cameras today.

Aside from its gimbal, its 1/1.7-inch sensor gives it better low-light performance than most cameras of its size, and it can shoot at up to 60 fps in 4k, with a slow-motion capture mode that records at up to 240 fps in 1080p. On top of that, there's an 'Active Track' feature that can automatically follow a subject as they move around. While its video quality doesn't compare to pricier interchangeable lens options like those mentioned above, this camera's unique functionality makes it a great vlogging tool for those looking for a cheap all-in-one camera.

If you need something compact with more versatility than you get with the DJI Pocket 2, a point-and-shoot like the Sony ZV-1 is a great middle ground. Like the Sony ZV-E1 and the Sony ZV-E10 mentioned above, it features a vlogging-friendly design with a fully articulated screen, no viewfinder, and a vlogging microphone, complete with a detachable windscreen. But unlike its interchangeable-lens stablemates, the ZV-1 is much more portable and uses a smaller 1-inch type sensor. While that means it's less versatile and less suited for low light, the camera still records good video quality, has a great autofocus system, and offers plenty of frame rate options for slow-motion flourishes.

The newer Sony ZV-1 II offers a new, wide-angle lens that, on its face, is better suited to vlogging. However, the Mark II lacks optical stabilization and crops your footage when using digital stabilization, so it's less suited to walk-and-talk vlogging than its predecessor. It's also a bit pricier, making the original ZV-1 our top pick for those looking for a compact camera.

Whether you're an athlete or have the travel bug, the GoPro HERO10 Black is one of the best cameras to capture and share your adventures with the world. While it doesn't give you nearly as much flexibility as an interchangeable-lens camera, it's incredibly portable and durable, making it a great choice for outdoor on-the-go recording. It even has a front-facing Live View screen, so you can easily pop it onto a selfie stick or tripod to create a discreet vlogging setup.

Although since replaced by the GoPro HERO11 Black, which has a new sensor with an 8:7 aspect ratio well-suited to social media platforms, the HERO10 is still a great deal. It delivers most of the same features as the HERO11, including 5k video and fantastic image stabilization, but at a lower price. On the flip side, if you'd like to save even more money, you can go back to yet another generation and get the GoPro HERO9 Black. It's still a very solid action camera—it just doesn't have as many frame rate options and performs slightly worse in low light.