The Ultimate Guide | Vlog cameras

Vlogging is a popular way to share your life, ideas or experiences with the world. Whether you're a professional vlogger or just starting out, the right camera can make a big difference. In this guide, we discuss the best vlog cameras you could use. 

A good vlog camera is essential for creating engaging and professional-looking vlogs. Cameras that you can use for vlogging generally come in 2 flavours, the first is cameras that are completely ready-made with built-in lenses. These tend to be very compact cameras. The second option are cameras with interchangeable lenses, these cameras are often larger and heavier but often offer more advanced features. Before we further compare these two types of cameras, let's discuss the main features of a vlog camera in more detail. 

Image quality

This is crucial. You want a camera that captures clear, sharp images. Image quality is affected by several factors:

• Sensor: A larger sensor usually results in better image quality but also results in a camera that is larger and heavier and often lenses that are larger than a camera with a smaller sensor. So for vlogging, it's a balancing act between your desired image quality and how much weight you want to carry. 
• Lens: Choose a camera with a high-quality lens for sharper shots. Also, choosing a lens with a low aperture ensures that you get more light on your sensor which is very useful for vlogging in low light conditions, and it makes for nice low depth of field which makes your vlogs look a lot more cinematic. 

Sound quality

Good sound is just as important as a good picture. Consider the following:

• Built-in microphones: Many vlog cameras have built-in microphones, but they are not always top quality. If you want to keep your setup as small and light as possible, or less conspicuous when filming outside, you may choose to use the built-in microphone. In almost all other circumstances, however, it is recommended that you use an external microphone. 

• External microphone: Some cameras offer the option to connect an external microphone for better sound, especially in noisy environments. In this case, we also recommend to definitely do this, you can then choose between a microphone on the camera or to connect a wireless microphone so that you can be understood even when you are further away from the camera. 

Size and weight

If you are on the go a lot, choose a lightweight and portable camera. A heavy camera can be tiring, especially during long vlog sessions. Vlog Cameras come in all sizes so there is always a perfect choice for your purpose. 

Ease of use

An intuitive interface and easy access to settings are crucial. If you're vlogging and need to be able to record moments immediately you don't want to be sitting around fighting with the camera. Which camera is best for you then depends on your knowledge with cameras and your exact purpose, but some things to look out for are the following: 

• Menu structure: A logical menu layout makes it easy to adjust settings.
• Physical layout: Buttons and controls should be well placed for quick use.

In short, look for a vlog camera that meets these criteria and helps you create great content without the hassle of complex settings.

Which vlog camera is best for me? 

Now that we know what to look for let's look at which option is best for you. We've listed everything you need to know:

• All-in-one vlog camera
• Vlog camera with interchangeable lenses.
• APS-C cameras
• Full-frame cameras
• Lenses
• Accessories

All-in-one vlog camera

All-in-one vlog cameras are cameras that are the simplest to operate. They have a built-in lens and generally have a very simple menu system, you can pretty much turn them on and record right away. 

Within this category, the simplest are the Action cameras. These are cameras like the GoPro 11 and the GoPro 12. The GoPro's are very small cameras that weigh only about 130 grams and can easily fit in your pocket. They can record high quality images up to 5.3K resolution with a very wide "field of view", meaning the lens is very wide and you can see a lot of your surroundings at once. Also, these cameras are waterproof up to 10 meters, which is very handy if you are going somewhere where you will also come into contact with water. Furthermore, the GoPro's allow you to very easily transfer your footage to your phone with the GoPro app so you can quickly share everything on social media. All in all, a super simple camera that can still capture beautiful images. 

A step up from that then you end up with the Osmo Pocket 2, this is a camera that is very small just like the GoPro's, but compared to the GoPro, the Osmo Pocket 2 is a camera that sits on a small gimbal. What this means is that the camera is constantly balanced by a motor and all movements are compensated. So this is very useful for when you want to make vlogs in environments with a lot of movement. Think of when you are running, when you are in a vehicle, etc. Like the GoPro, this is a camera with a simple menu, high quality up to 4K, easy transferable footage and a wide "field of view." The only thing this camera does not have compared to the GoPro is that it is not waterproof.

These are the options we offer for all-in-one vlog cameras. These 3 options are perfect for people who are either just starting to film or for people who need super lightweight high performance cameras. 

Vlog camera with interchangeable lenses. 

As the name implies, these are cameras with interchangeable lenses. These are often cameras that are less compact than the all-in-one cameras but offer more advanced features and often much higher image quality, due in part to their larger sensor. We will further split these cameras into two categories based on their sensor. APS-C cameras and Full Frame cameras. 

APS-C 

These cameras, as the name implies, have an APS-C-type sensor. They are ideal for vloggers looking for a good balance between portability and image quality. The APS-C sensor offers excellent low-light performance and a nice depth of field for a professional look. Some options that would be perfect for this are the Canon R50, Sony FX30, Fujifilm X-T5. The Sony FX30 is really completely focused on video and the Canon R50 & Fujifilm X-T5 offer spectacular photos in addition to their great video. 

Full-frame cameras

For vloggers who want to get the most out of their image quality, there are the full-frame vlog cameras. These cameras have a larger sensor, giving them even better low-light performance and creating beautiful bokeh (background blur). Full frame cameras also provide the most advanced features when it comes to video shooting. As with the APS-C cameras you have some that are completely focused on the very best video quality, then you would have a camera like the Sony ZV-E1, this is 1 of the most chosen full frame vlog cameras for its lightweight and very high-quality video quality. Other options that we also highly recommend are the Canon R6 II and the Panasonic S5II, these two cameras also offer the ability for great photos in addition to their great video. 

The cameras in this category, as mentioned earlier, are a lot larger and heavier than cameras in the all-in-one or APS-C category. These cameras are then more for the advanced videographer/vlogger or someone who really wants to deliver the very best quality regardless of the weight of their setup.

Lenses

In addition to the camera body, lenses are also very important. Lenses help determine the quality and light sensitivity of your image, and also determine the angle of view you shoot, whether wide or narrow. When it comes to lenses, you have many options to choose from and we recommend you to read our blog about lenses to make sure you make the right choice!

Accessories

Besides the body and the lenses, you have many accessories that you can use to make the filming go more smoothly or to give your vlog a higher production quality. Here you can think of extra batteries and memory cards so you can film longer or filters so you can film easier in the sun, and of course external microphones to make your sound very pure. One of the most commonly used on-camera microphones is the Rode Videomic Pro and the most commonly rented wireless mic that is perfect for vloggers is the Rode Wireless GO. 

Accessories can make or break your shoot, so make sure you also have the accessories you can't miss!  

Conclusion

In the world of vlogging, choosing your camera is as personal as the content you create. It's not just about specs and features, but finding a camera that fits your unique style and story. Whether you choose the simplicity of an all-in-one camera or the versatility of a model with interchangeable lenses, remember that your vision is key. With the right vlog camera, you're ready to inspire, entertain and inform the world. So get out there, capture your moments and share your passion. 

If you want to learn more about our cameras or want to rent a camera, feel free to contact us. We are happy to help you make the best choice for your project.