This article may contain affiliate links. When you purchase through
links on our site,
we may earn an
affiliate commission.
9 Best Vlogging Cameras in 2020
Vlogging has gone from something people did for fun to a full-time profession for some.
While there are a million different ways you can vlog today, you won’t get far without
the best vlogging camera.
Unfortunately, choosing the right one can be extremely difficult when you’re just
starting out. With that in mind, here are a few areas you will want to hone in on.
TOP PICKS
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST VLOGGING CAMERA
What’s the style of your Vlog? Whether you already have an active audience or are just
starting out, you have to think about your style first and foremost. A vlogger that
focuses on tech or tutorials will want a camera capable of shooting clear, steady
streams. On the flipside, someone who does a travel blog or is into action sports may
want a completely different camera. What works for one, may not work for another so keep
your needs in mind – especially if you’re a gamer.
VIDEO QUALITY
If you were going to snap photos instead of shooting video, this is where we would talk
about the size of the sensor and cover hardcore tech specs. Well, those are still
important, but the resolution is the main specification vloggers need to keep in mind.
In most cases, these are the three resolutions you’ll need to know.
HD
HD - Whenever you see the term HD, it means 720p. By comparison, most smartphones and
modern
TV sets have higher resolution, so cameras in this class are usually in the budget
range. Depending on your audience, HD is definitely not a bad thing.
FHD
FHD - If you want more clarity, FHD is your best bet. It’s a few rungs down from the
highest
resolution available, but 1080p is nothing to scoff at. At the moment, it’s the most
common standard around and one that has yet to be surpassed by our next option. You will
find some of the best budget vlogging cameras in this range.
UHD
UHD - stands for “Ultra HD” otherwise known as 4K. Consumers that want the best vlogging
camera and hate upgrading should go for a UHD camera. They aren’t necessarily cheap in
most cases, but your audience will appreciate the uptick in sharpness and color.
AUDIO
Audio the other area you need to focus on although it’s something you can upgrade, unlike
the sensor. If you sound like you’re talking with a mouth full of marbles, it’s safe to
say you’ll lose a few viewers. While we can’t help people with shrill tones or mumbley
mouths, a good vlogging camera can make your life a whole lot easier.
Every camera
capable of video has a built-in microphone. To say the quality varies would be an
understatement so consider an external microphone. There are dozens of options
available, but RODE’s lineup is a good place to start if you want a great external mic
for your vlog. If you want to learn more about the styles of microphones available, be
sure to check this out.
DISPLAY
As we live in the technological age, you can find a display on everything from a
refrigerator to the dashboard of your car. Cameras are no different, and high-end models
have some pretty interesting displays. Some sit flush in the body like a regular camera,
and while they will suffice, a pop-out display should be the first feature on your want
list.
When vlogging, you typically need to get a look at yourself which is where this type of
display shines. It’s also an area where you need to pay close attention as the way the
display pivots and swivels makes a huge difference. Think about the style of videos you
plan to shoot before you fall in love with a touchscreen display. The type of panel used
is essential as well, especially if you’re working outdoors in direct sunlight.
FRAME RATE
Instead of talking about the sensor size, we’re going to discuss frame rate; a term
gamers will be very familiar with. The frame rate is measured in FPS which stands for
frames per second, instead of first-person shooter this time around. That said, it’s
something to take just as seriously if you want the best vlogging camera.
We’re not going to go too in-depth here. Higher frame rates are great, but 60fps could be
overkill for your YouTube tutorial. For a more “dramatic” effect, you’ll want a lower
frame rate somewhere along the lines of 24fps. High-speed action needs a higher frame
rate, while the many folks stick to 30fps as it’s the most commonly accepted standard.
For consumers that need to shoot sports or take a lot of high motion shots, 60fps is the
only way to go. An excellent vlogging camera will give you a wide range of options to
choose from while others will stick you at one end of the spectrum. If you are unsure of
the style you plan to shoot in; this will steer you in the right direction.
BELLS, WHISTLES, AND BATTERY LIFE
price so it’s an area where you’ll want to proceed with caution. Think about your needs
before those extra bells & whistles as not everyone requires a touchscreen display, but
there are a few things serious vloggers should not be without.
The first handy extra you’ll want to look for is Wi-Fi. It’s common on high-end cameras
but hit or miss in the mid-range. We don’t need to explain why it’s essential, and NFC
along with Bluetooth are two other popular options. Arguably more important than
connectivity is something called OIS. This stands for optical image stabilization and is
ideal if you’ve got shaky hands or hate tripods.
Outputs shouldn’t be overlooked either considering you can’t use an external microphone
without one. Battery life is key as is the memory, both internal and external. The
latter can sometimes vary, but every camera uses the SD standard. Unfortunately, it’s
difficult to gauge battery life as it depends on the quality and length of the video you
shoot. Regardless, always keep recording times in mind and plenty of SD cards at the
ready.
