Whether you’re a new vlogger or have been vlogging for years, a great vlogging camera is definitely a non-negotiable. Your camera determines everything from your video quality to how easily you can vlog, and is absolutely your most important vlogging tool. Even with the best vlog ideas and plenty of creativity, without the right camera, it’s virtually impossible to find your path to vlogger success.

Luckily, with the wide variety of options available, finding a high-quality camera option doesn’t mean that you have to have a large budget – in fact, there are plenty of affordable vlogging cameras that are worth a look. That being said, if you’re ready to make a significant investment in your vlogging career, upgrading to a professional-grade camera is an excellent choice. Ultimately, finding the best vlogging camera for you is all about weighing the options against your content style, how you shoot, and your plans for the future.

To make it easier to shop for the top video cameras for sale, we’re rounding up our top picks for 2020 – and giving you a few insider tips so you can shop like a true pro.

With our list of the best cameras for vlogging, you’ll be ready to create top-quality content that your audience will love.

Sony A6600

The Best All-Around Vlogging Camera

The Sony A6600 is an ideal camera for vloggers because it offers real-time eye auto-focus to eliminate annoying blurriness for good. It’s a compact camera that produces impressively high video quality and is considered to provide one of the best AF systems out there. The flip-up screen and external microphone mount only add to the perks that vloggers will appreciate, while its relatively affordable price puts it within a reasonable budget.

Sony A7 III

The Best Full-Frame Camera for Vloggers

Even though the Sony A7 III comes with a high price tag, it’s a solid investment. Between the microphone jack, dual slots for SD cards, and premium 4K video and image quality, this full-frame camera is a worthy contender when it comes to the best cameras for vlogging. 

Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII

The Best Camera for Travel and On-the-Go Vlogging

Need a camera that you can take on the road? The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VII is a slim, lightweight camera that doesn’t skimp on video and photo features. This makes it an ideal match for travel vlogging, or even for vloggers that plan to make videos while out and about anywhere. It has 4K video capabilities, real-time tracking and eye AF, and an easy-to-access jack for an external microphone, so you have plenty of perks to enjoy.

Panasonic Lumix G7

The Best Budget-Friendly Vlogging Camera

For soon-to-be vloggers working with a limited budget, the Panasonic Lumix G7 can’t be beat. It’s versatile and functional, with 4K capabilities and a 180-degree screen. You can hook up an external microphone with zero hassle, and the video quality goes beyond what you’d expect for the price.

Vlog Camera Features to Look For

Now that you have a go-to list of the best cameras for vlogging, it’s time to narrow down your options. The right camera for your blog depends on a variety of factors, and it’s a very personal decision. Your favorite camera might not be something that would work for a fellow blogger, and vice versa – so make sure you take your personal preferences into account.

But no matter what kind of vlogger you are or hope to be, there are a few must-have features that you’ll want to keep in mind when shopping for cameras.

A movable LCD screen

Having a fully articulating screen comes in handy, especially when you’re filming yourself. With just an easy flip of the screen, you’re able to make sure that the focus and framing is on point. Not only will this save you plenty of time in reshoots, but it will guarantee that you aren’t losing quality content to an easily-fixable issue. Even though a screen that flips to the front is a must-have feature for vloggers, you might not see it mentioned often in general camera reviews. So, it’s important to do your own research in addition to trusting the experts. 

An external microphone port

Video quality is key, but so is your sound. One of the easiest ways to take your vlogs from amateur to professional level is with great sound quality, which is made much easier with an external microphone port on your camera. 

4K video capabilities

While it’s true that 4K video isn’t an absolute must, it’s quickly becoming the basic standard for vloggers around the world. Instead of purchasing a camera that only records up to 1080p (FullHD), why not invest your money and time in one that has better staying power? With 4K, you’ll still be able to crop and reframe videos for 1080p output, if that’s what you prefer right now – but you’ll also have the option to upgrade when you’re ready.

An auto-focus system with good tracking

If you’re going to be recording yourself in motion, it goes without saying that constantly adjusting the camera won’t be an option. But with eye and face auto-focus (AF) with effective tracking, the camera is better able to focus on you. 

High-quality still capture capabilities

Sure, vlogging is all about video, but the odds are good that you’ll want to snag a few stills too. When you think about the value of an attention-grabbing thumbnail, it makes sense that have a camera with great stills quality is worthwhile. 

Once you have your best-fit vlog camera in hand, you’re ready to get started – or are you? If you really want to set yourself up for vlogging success, creative passion and the right equipment isn’t enough. You’ll also need a solid foundation of skills and know-how, which you can build as a student in our film and video production programs in Miami, Colorado, Illinois, and Ohio.

Learn How to Vlog Like a Professional with a Degree in Film and Video Production

Even if you haven’t invested in your vlog camera yet, it’s never too early to get started on your media education. The Media Schools, located in Colorado, Ohio, Illinois, and Miami, make it easy to dive into learning everything you want to know about how to become a professional vlogger.

In our film and video production program, you’ll learn how to use vlog equipment, practical strategies for shooting and editing, smart ways to maximize your post-production efficacy, and so much more. Our Miami, Colorado, Ohio, and Illinois film and video production programs are specifically designed to prepare you to jump into the highly competitive and ever-changing media industry – we want our students to be ready to pursue their biggest career dreams.

If you’re inspired by your favorite vloggers and want to make a name for yourself in the industry, the time is now. Contact the Media Schools team for more information about enrolling in a video production degree program near you today.