10 Best Camera for YouTube Vlogging in 2022

A vlogger is someone who creates and shares videos on Youtube or other social media platforms. Vlogging has become a popular way to express oneself, earn money, and even launch a career. But what is the best camera for YouTube vlogging? It’s now easier than ever to start vlogging.

Best Camera For YouTube Vlogging

Anyone with a smartphone can start recording and share content with the world. That said, a good camera is necessary to take your vlogs to the next level. With so many different options to choose from, however, choosing the right camera can seem overwhelming. It’s most important to choose a model that suits your budget, shooting preferences, and the type of content you’d like to create.

Choosing the right camera for your YouTube vlog can be difficult with so many options available. Below you’ll find our recommendations for the best camera for YouTube vlogging. These picks were selected not only based on their overall performance but also their feature set and price.

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Best vlogging cameras to buy in 2022

1. Sony ZV-1: Best all-around vlogging camera

For a long time, the Canon G7 X Mark III was our favourite compact vlogging camera, but it’s just been thumped off its roost by the amazing Sony ZV-1. By combining all of the leading bits of Sony’s RX100 arrangement (for example, the RX100 VII’s microphone port and autofocus, also the RX100 V’s bright 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens) the ZV-1 really nails what most people need from a little vlogging camera.

You even get a windshield bundled in with it, further improving your audio in outdoor conditions. It’s optimised brilliantly, with vlogging at the forefront of the design rather than an optional extra, and it’s easy for new users to get to grips with while still offering sufficient depth for those who know what they’re doing. Sony is ahead of the curve here, and we wouldn’t be surprised to start seeing imitators from other manufacturers.

We still think the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III’s stabilization and image quality are better still, but you won’t find a finer pocket vlogging camera than the Sony ZV-1.

2. Best Camera For Vlogging: Fujifilm X-S10

The Fujifilm X-S10 is a high-end point-and-shoot camera that features an array of excellent settings, including a variety of shooting modes. The Fujifilm X-S10 is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to take their vlogging abilities to the next level without spending too much money on equipment or learning how to use complicated software.

Inside the X-S10 is the tried-and-tested combination of a 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor and X-Processor 4, which we’ve already seen in the Fujifilm X-T4. It shoots uncropped 4K/30p video, has in-body image stabilization (IBIS) to smooth out handheld jitters, and a vari-angle screen that flips round to face you. The X-S10 is also packed with other useful features, such as Full HD recording at 240p for a 10x slow motion effect, F-Log recording, and the option to output 4:2:2 10-bit video, too.

On best of all of that you’ve also got a few fine retro styling and a great, comfortable grip, which makes it a great hybrid option for shooting stills, as well. Considering all of the features you get, it’s too accessible at a beautiful wallet-friendly price. But be warned: its wide run of awesome X-series lenses may prove hard to resist.

3. Canon EOS M50 Mark II

SPECIFICATIONS

Type: Mirrorless, Sensor size: APS-C CMOS

Resolution: 24.1MP, Effective focal length: N/A

Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36 million dots

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth

Max movie resolution: 4K, Size, weight: 116 x 88 x 59mm, 390g

REASONS TO BUY

+ Vari-angle touchscreen

+ Excellent Dual Pixel Autofocus

REASONS TO AVOID

– Heavily cropped 4K video

– Limited native lenses

It’s a highly portable and lightweight mirrorless camera, and it comes with a fully articulated touchscreen to help you monitor yourself live while recording. It also feels comfortable in the hand and has a remarkably intuitive menu system that makes it easy to go from taking stills to shooting video.

Canon didn’t make the EOS M50 Mark II a bigger update to its EOS M50 predecessor, but it remains a good 1080p video option for anyone who’s starting out on their vlogging journey. The main updates it brings are Eye AF for stills and video, which works well for an entry-level model, and the option of shooting vertical video for the likes of Instagram.

The main downside of the EOS M50 Mark II is its overwhelming 1.56x crop on 4K video, which it acquires from its predecessor. This crop increases to a massive 1.75x if you turn on digital picture stabilization – so in case shooting 4K video is your primary need, we’d recommend going for the Canon EOS M6 Mark II instead (see further down). But if you’re cheerful with shooting 1080p video, at that point the M50 Mark II remains a fine choice, thanks to its combination of a large 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor, vari-angle touchscreen, microphone input which compact form factor.

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4. Fujifilm X-T4

The Fujifilm X-T4 is a premium APS-C mirrorless camera. It offers very good image quality, impressive recording quality, and good image and video stabilization performance. Its autofocus performance for both photography and video is amazing, allowing you to clearly capture fast-moving objects and people without too much difficulty, although its photo autofocus can be a bit inconsistent. It’s also exceptionally well-built and offers a wide range of photo and video configuration options. Unfortunately, it’s quite heavy, making it a little tricky to carry from place to place.

The latter is quick and reliable for both stills and video, though you’ll preferably want to use it with some of Fujifilm’s more recent glass, like the XF16-80mm f4 R OIS, for the best results. With a microphone input, front-facing screen, weather-sealing and the ability to shoot Cinema 4K videos up to 60fps, the X-T4 is a great all-round vlogging option for those who want a camera that can take care of both their stills and video needs.

5. Sony A7S III : The best high-end camera for vlogging

The Sony A7S III builds on its legacy and is one of the finest mirrorless camera for youtube vlogging video around, with not only class-leading low-light performance, but also one of the best autofocus systems on the market. The original Sony A7S was arguably one of the few real game-changers in video over the past decade – a camera that, thanks to its maximum ISO ceiling of 409,600, could literally see in the dark.

This is a serious tool for professionals, and of course its price reflects that, but for your money you get some of the finest UHD 4K video around, and that is tough to argue with.

6. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

Still a fine pocket vlogging camera, despite the arrival of the Sony ZV-1

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a high-end camera with an excellent battery life and compact size. It can take time to learn how to use this camera, but it’s worth the effort for the great video that you will be able to capture.

The G7 X Mark III is a popular choice among vloggers looking for an awesome point and shoot style camera. Long popular with vloggers, Canon’s G7X range has kicked it up a notch with the Mark III. There’s a very capable 20.1 megapixel one-inch sensor, but now it’s also equipped with uncropped 4K video recording, along with something that’s been requested many times – a microphone socket.

The G7X Mark III’s contrast detection-only AF and more limited tilting screen mean it’s been nudged down this list by the Sony ZV-1, but it’s also more affordable and is still well worth considering if you need a pocket vlogging rocket.

7. Panasonic Lumix S5

The Panasonic Lumix S5 is a sleek, lightweight camera that won’t let you down. It’s perfect for traveling and grabbing video in any situation.

This camera also has a variety of features such as the ability to film 4K video and take impressive photos which make it easier than ever to capture any moment.The Lumix S5 is ideal for anyone who wants a high-quality camera but doesn’t want to lug around something heavy or bulky.

The Panasonic Lumix S5 is a very compact camera with a great zoom lens and many features. It packs the power of Micro Four Thirds into an easy-to-carry, lightweight body. 24x optical zoom is perfect for getting up close without disturbing your subject or having them run away from you in fear of being eaten by a bear! With 24.2 megapixels of resolution, it’s also one of the best camera for YouTube vlogging out there for capturing high-quality images and video footage.

This camera has everything that you need to get started on your vlogging journey whether you’re looking for something basic or wanting more advanced features such as time-lapse.

8. GoPro Hero 10 Black : Best Action Camera For Vlogging

The best action camera we’ve tested for vlogging is the GoPro HERO10 Black. It feels very premium and well-built, and it’s advertised to be waterproof to a depth of 33ft. You can mount it on any number of accessories or objects, allowing for POV footage of action or sports. It has a second front-facing screen that lets you monitor yourself in Live View while recording, which is great when you want to capture yourself in action.

Stabilization gets an upgrade too, with HyperSmooth 4.0 and horizon leveling on-board for supremely steady footage (even if you’re swaying at angles of 45 degrees). Live-streaming is still subject to some limitations (YouTubers need at least 1,000 subs) but you can now stream with HyperSmooth 4.0 enabled.

That said, its battery life tested slightly worse than some other GoPros we’ve tested, and it can overheat during longer recording sessions. It’s worth noting, though, that battery performance and overheating risk can vary with your usage habits and choice of settings. It also lacks inputs aside from a USB-C port, though you can purchase a ‘Mod’ from GoPro to add additional inputs and functionality. All in all, this is one of the best Camera for YouTube vlogging, you can get if you want to produce action videos.

9. Insta360 Go 2

This tiny action camera is a big improvement on its predecessor

Few cameras offer the vlogging portability of the Insta360 Go 2. Hitting the scales at a mere 26.5g, the camera itself is a tiny, pared-back pebble that’s capable of capturing detailed and dynamic 1440p footage at up to 50fps. Stabilization isn’t up to GoPro standards, but the FlowState software does a reasonable job of mitigating walking motion, especially if you process video with your laptop rather than the Insta360 app. There’s no display on the camera itself, which will be a dealbreaker for some, but the app can be used for a wireless video preview.

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10. Nikon Z50 : The best DSLR camera for vlogging

The Z series made a big splash when it first arrived, thanks to the revolutionary Z-mount that provided faster-than-ever communication between camera and lens. The Z50 is the first APS-C model in the series, providing a more affordable entry point.

we’re recommending it as part of the “vlogger’s kit” that comes with a mini-tripod and mounting plate, as well as a RØDE microphone and a 16-50mm lens. if you already have these things, you can pick up the camera body-only for about half the price. Either way, it’s a great choice, producing gorgeous 4K video.

What kind of camera do vloggers use?

As you can tell from the buying advice above, vloggers use a wide range of different cameras depending on their specific needs. 

Many vloggers favor mirrorless models for their combination of image quality, performance and flexibility. The best mirrorless camera for YouTube vlogging feature high-resolution sensors, in-body image stabilization for smoother footage, plus the option to swap lenses to suit different shooting scenarios – all in packages that are relatively portable. Mirrorless cameras are also more likely to feature ports for connecting external accessories, such as microphones, headphones and hot-shoe lights.

That said, some vloggers prefer to prioritize portability. Truly tiny camera for youtube vlogging like the Insta360 Go 2 sacrifice total creative control in favor of quick, simple accessibility for capturing off-the-cuff footage. Compact cameras like the Sony ZV-1 can represent a good middle ground for a lot of vloggers, offering solid image quality and manual control options, yet still in a form factor that can comfortably slip into a pocket.

What video quality should you be looking for?

Whatever type of camera you go for, considering video quality will likely be top of your list. At the absolute minimum you’ll be looking to shoot in Full HD (1080p), while 4K is becoming increasingly common. Although the higher resolution format will take up more space on your hard drive, it should future-proof your captures a little more than Full HD. 

Other specifications to pay attention to include built-in Wi-Fi for sharing your vlogs on the move, a fully articulating or tilting monitor for helping to frame your face, a built-in microphone socket for enhancing sound quality. 

How we test camera for YouTube vlogging?

To review the video quality, we shoot at the camera’s highest resolution and frame-rate in a variety of handheld scenes, including the popular walk-and-talk style, to see how it handles colors, skin tones, detail and rolling shutter. We also include high-contrast scenes to test how well the auto-exposure and white balance adapt to changes in lighting.

These tests are also a good opportunity to the test the vlogging camera’s Face and Eye tracking autofocus, along with the quality of its stabilization (both electronic and mechanical, if available). Another thing we test in these scenes is an oft-overlooked part of the vlogging equation, the built-in microphones. If the camera has a microphone input, we’ll also use it with an external lav mic to see how the quality compares to its internal audio.