Vlog Camera – A quick buying guide

In this quick buying guide article, we will share the top 5 things to look out for when buying a vlogging camera and some popular recommendations from the internet from current vloggers.

Once you have gotten the gist of what to look out for, you can be a smarter shopper!

Essential 1: Image Quality

The most important factor when it comes to vlogging is image quality. Look for a camera that offers high-resolution video recording and good low-light performance. This will ensure that you don’t have to worry about the output no matter whether you are shooting in the day or at night. Vloggers must be ready for any situation to capture the highlights of the day. Pay attention to the lens and sensor size, as these will greatly affect the final image quality.

Having a flip around front screen or a built-in front screen like the GoPro Hero 11 will ensure you are framing yourself properly when the lens is pointed at you.

Essential 2: Audio Quality

“You can have bad video, but you cannot have bad audio” – you can think back on how many times you stop watching a video when the video is bad vs when the audio is bad.

Audio is just as important as video when it comes to vlogging, so make sure the camera you choose has good built-in microphones. If the audio quality is poor, you can always use an external microphone, but this will add another piece of equipment to your setup.

A dedicated mic will definitely level up your audio game and allow your audience to have a better listening time. There are wired and wireless options to choose from depending on how active you are shooting. If the subject is moving around and further away from the camera, a wireless microphone will make more sense.

Essential 3: Weight & Portability

Vlogging cameras need to be portable and easy to use, so consider factors such as size, weight, and carry options. A bigger camera with a bigger battery will be able to last longer than a small compact camera.

Holding a camera in front of you when walking takes arm muscle strength so a smaller light-weight camera reduces strain on the arms. In some situations, you may have to add on a fill light or microphone to make up for the lack of key elements to capture the moment, so these also add on to the weight.

For carry options – the most popular will be the body sling strap to carry the camera around, or a small camera bag. This will ensure your camera stays close to you and you have quick access to the essential equipment for you to capture that footage. Investing in a good strap system like Peak Design quick hook and unhook system will make the experience better overall. A good bag will help protect the camera when you are not using it or when the weather does not work in your favour.

Essential 4: Connectivity with your workflow

If you plan on editing your videos on a laptop, it’s important to make sure the camera you choose is compatible with your computer and has the necessary connectivity options. Look for cameras with USB or HDMI ports for transferring video footage, or the memory card format is compatible with your laptop.

Additionally, some cameras offer Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connectivity, which can make transferring footage to your computer and mobile phones faster and more convenient for editing on the go.

Do note that wired transfers are faster and more stable compared to wireless transfers especially when dealing with large video file sizes.

Essential 5: Accessories

You will need to cater some budget to get additional accessories for your camera set-up. Accessories like a tripod, flexible tripod, USB storage devices, fill lights, microphones, extra batteries, ND filters, straps, bags and others will make your vlogging experience and output better.

There is no need to rush into getting all of them at one go, as we can build it up bit by bit as we find out what is lacking when we vlog. The 3 top essentials will be extra battery, microphones and a tripod to get started.

Top 3 popular vlog camera models

1. Sony ZV-1: This compact camera is specifically designed for vlogging and offers excellent image quality, fast autofocus, and good low-light performance. It also has a flip-up screen, built-in microphone, and easy-to-use controls.
2. Canon EOS M50 Mark II: This mirrorless camera offers high-quality video recording, fast autofocus, and a range of creative options. It also has a flip-up screen, built-in Wi-Fi, and a compact design that makes it ideal for vlogging.
3. DJI Osmo Pocket 2: This compact and portable camera offers high-quality video and stabilization footage, making it a popular choice among vloggers. It also has a built-in gimbal for smooth and steady shots, and a compact form factor that makes it easy to carry on the go. It is small enough to fit in your pocket.

Bonus: You can consider action cameras and 360 cameras as vlogging cameras as well as they are versatile and have accessories that allow you to add lighting and microphones to it. One advantage they have over the others is that they are more weather resistant and can take knocks harder in rougher conditions.

Most vloggers have at least 1 camera in their tool kit to choose from depending on the type of shot they want to take and the conditions of that day. Having a back-up always helps as we never know when we may run into emergencies such as battery dying off or a sudden huge downpour when outdoors.

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