Having a screen that can flip up or all the way around to face you is a huge benefit for vlogging, allowing you to monitor your recording and ensure you're always in frame. That said, there are tons of different camera options out there, and there's no single best vlogging camera. Choosing a camera that fits your budget, ergonomic preferences, shooting habits, and the type of content you'd like to create is most important in finding the best vlogging camera with flip screen capability.
We've tested over 70 cameras, and below you'll find our top recommendations for vlogging cameras that have flip screens. These picks were selected not only based on their overall performance but also their feature set and price. You can also check our recommendations for the best point-and-shoot cameras, the best mirrorless cameras, and the best cameras for YouTube.
The best mirrorless vlogging camera that we've tested with a flip screen is the Fujifilm X-S10. Though it doesn't have the more advanced internal recording capability of the flagship Fujifilm X-T4, it uses the same 26-megapixel sensor and still offers great video capability in a more portable package. It was designed with vloggers in mind, with simpler controls and a bright, fully articulated screen.
On top of having a relatively portable, lightweight design, it also features in-body image stabilization, which does an excellent job of reducing camera shake when shooting handheld, whether you're recording in 4k or 1080p. It can record 4k 8-bit 4:2:0 video internally at bit rates up to 204 Mbps, and if you want even more latitude in color grading your videos, it also supports F-Log recording. You can record at up to 30 fps in 4k and up to 60 fps in 1080p, but it has a high-speed capture mode in 1080p that lets you record at up to 240 fps for slow-motion playback. Its autofocus system reliably keeps moving subjects in focus as well.
It has a disappointing battery life, which only lasts for about an hour of continuous video recording when using its highest quality settings. Battery performance, however, can vary widely depending on your settings and usage habits, and on the upside, the camera supports USB charging. Overall, this is one of the best vlogging cameras with a flip screen that we've tested for most users.
If you'd prefer something even more portable, consider a Micro Four Thirds option like the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III. Because it uses a smaller sensor, it's more compact and lightweight than the Fujifilm X-S10, and it also features an excellent in-body image stabilization feature. The camera is fairly comfortable to shoot with, and it has a fully articulating touchscreen. Video quality is impressive, even in low light, and it has a fairly wide range of frame rate options, including 4k up to 30 fps and 1080p up to 60 fps, along with a slow-motion mode that captures 1080p footage at 120 fps. Its autofocus system isn't quite as reliable for video as the Fujifilm's AF.
Get the Fujifilm if you want a camera with better overall autofocus and a larger sensor for better low-light performance. However, if portability is your biggest priority, the Olympus is a great alternative.
If you'd rather use a compact point-and-shoot for vlogging, the best compact vlogging camera we've tested with a flip screen is the Sony ZV-1. It's remarkably lightweight and portable yet still features a fully articulated touchscreen and a small handgrip for a more comfortable grip. It's designed with vloggers in mind and comes with a detachable windscreen for its built-in microphone to reduce wind noise when shooting outdoors.
The camera comes with several vlogging-friendly features, including a dedicated 'Background Defocus' button meant to quickly toggle between a shallow and wide depth of field, along with specific autofocus settings like 'Product Showcase', which is supposed to shift focus to objects held up in the frame. Its autofocus system is incredibly effective, reliably tracking moving subjects in 4k and FHD. The camera also delivers excellent 4k video quality and decent FHD video quality when shooting in brighter lighting conditions.
Its battery life is disappointingly short when recording video, and it tends to overheat and shut down frequently when recording continuously for longer periods at its highest settings. However, battery performance and overheating risk can vary drastically with settings and usage habits. Overall, this camera's vlogging features, consistent autofocus, and good video quality make it a great choice for vlogging.
If you do a lot of livestreaming and prefer a compact camera with built-in livestream support, look at the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III. Its autofocus system isn't as effective as the Sony ZV-1, and its screen can only flip up rather than fully articulate. However, it has a built-in livestreaming feature that's advertised to let you stream directly to YouTube using a Wi-Fi connection. It's very compact and incredibly portable, making it easy to carry around wherever you go. Its overall video quality isn't as good, particularly in FHD and when shooting in low light, but its 4k video quality is still okay. It can also shoot uncropped 4k at up to 30 fps. It also does a great job smoothing out camera shake when shooting handheld. However, it suffers from similar overheating issues when recording continuously for a long time.
Get the Sony if you want better autofocus and a fully articulated screen. If you like the convenience of built-in livestream support, the Canon is a good alternative.
The best budget vlogging camera we've tested with a flip screen is the Canon EOS M50 Mark II. This entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera is small and lightweight, easy to carry around while vlogging, and has a fully articulated touchscreen. Like the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III, it also features a built-in livestreaming function that lets you livestream directly to YouTube.
If you're planning on shooting primarily in 1080p, it's a great value option. It can record 1080p video up to 60 fps without a crop and has good internal recording capability. Video quality is great when shooting in brighter lighting conditions. The camera's autofocus system has been slightly upgraded from the Canon EOS M50, and it does a fantastic job of tracking and keeping moving subjects in focus. The original M50 offers a similar overall performance if you want to save even more money.
Unfortunately, its 4k video capability is more limited. It can only shoot at 30 fps with a significant 1.5x crop, and its autofocus struggles to track faces in this resolution. The camera also lacks in-body image stabilization, but it has a digital stabilization feature, and its kit lens is optically stabilized. It does a great job smoothing out camera shake in 1080p but struggles in 4k. Despite its flaws, this camera offers a ton of value for its price, and it makes for a great entry-level vlogging camera.
May 06, 2022: Removed the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 and added the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III as a 'More Portable Alternative' to the Fujifilm X-S10.
Dec 10, 2021: Moved the Fujifilm X-T4 to Notable Mentions and made the Fujifilm X-S10 the 'Best Mirrorless Vlogging Camera With A Flip Screen'. Added the Canon EOS M50 Mark II as the 'Best Budget Vlogging Camera With A Flip Screen.'
Oct 15, 2021: Added the Panasonic LUMIX G100 and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV to Notable Mentions.
Sep 24, 2021: Updated text for accuracy and clarity.
Sep 03, 2021: Reviewed accuracy and availability of picks; no change to recommendations.
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best vlogging cameras with flip screens for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for cameras with fully articulated, flip out, or tilting and flipping screens. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.