The 6 Best Cameras For Vlogging - Spring 2023 Reviews

The Fujifilm X-S10 is the best vlogging camera we've tested. There's a lot to love here, from the 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 in its price range to feature in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which will help you record smoother handheld footage. On top of that, you get a wide selection of frame rates, including a slow-motion recording mode that records at up to 240 fps in 1080p, letting you incorporate cinematic slow-mo shots that can raise the quality of your vlogs.

Inside is a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture excellent video quality, with colors that pop straight out of the camera. The camera also supports Log recording if you want to do more hands-on color grading. Its autofocus can reliably track faces in video, ensuring you stay in focus while recording. That said, it isn't the most compact vlogging camera. If you're mainly interested in outdoor or on-the-go vlogging, consider a more compact option like the Sony ZV-1 below or an action cam like the GoPro HERO10 Black. Still, the X-S10 is the most versatile of the bunch and gives you a lot of bang for your buck for different kinds of video work.

If you can live without IBIS, the Sony α6400 is a great mid-range option that'll save you a bit of money compared to the Fujifilm X-S10. It has a powerful sensor that can capture high-quality video and uses Sony's class-leading autofocus, which accurately detects and tracks moving faces, so you don't have to worry about going out of focus in the middle of a video. There's also no time limit on recording, so you can shoot longer takes if needed. It has a solid battery life, making this a great choice for longer-form vlogging and video work.

It's also weather-sealed and relatively portable, which is a plus if you plan on shooting on the go, though it doesn't have the best ergonomics, and its user interface is less intuitive than the Fujifilm camera. The flip-up screen isn't ideal for vlogging, either. It'll still give you a view of yourself while recording, but video accessories like a microphone attached to the hot shoe can also get in the way. Design quirks aside, this is still a very capable video camera for its price.

The Sony ZV-E10 follows in the footsteps of the Sony α6400, but it's a bit cheaper and designed specifically with vloggers in mind, making it an excellent budget option. Though it doesn't have a viewfinder, 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. Once again, you're missing out on IBIS at this price point, so go for an optically stabilized lens if you plan on shooting handheld.

That said, it doesn't feel as well-built as the α6400, with no weather-sealing to give you more peace of mind when shooting outdoors. Its autofocus tracking is also a bit less reliable, but one thing this camera has going for it that others don't is its specialized focus modes. The 'Product Showcase' 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 α6400 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 affordable vlogging tool.

If you need something compact with more versatility than you get with the DJI Pocket 2, a point-and-shoot camera is a great middle ground. The Sony ZV-1 is essentially a fixed-lens version of the Sony ZV-E10 above and falls around the same price range, though it has a built-in lens and a smaller sensor. Like its interchangeable-lens sibling, it's designed with vloggers in mind and has many of the same features. We're talking a fully articulated screen, a dedicated 'Product Showcase' mode, and a solid internal microphone with a detachable windscreen. The biggest difference is that the ZV-1 is much more portable and uses a 1-inch sensor.

Of course, that smaller size means it has a much shorter battery life. It can also overheat quickly when shooting longer takes in 4k, but that's one of the drawbacks of a compact camera like this. On the upside, it has plenty of frame rate options for slow-motion footage and generally good video quality, especially considering its smaller sensor.

Whether you're an athlete or an adventurer, 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 monopod to create a discreet vlogging setup.

Although it's been replaced by the GoPro HERO11 Black, which has a new sensor with an 8:7 aspect ratio well-suited to social media, the HERO10 is still a great deal. It delivers most of the same features at a slightly lower price, including 5k video and fantastic image stabilization for super smooth footage. On the flip side, if you'd like to save even more money, the GoPro HERO9 Black is cheaper. 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.