The best vlogging cameras of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed

I've been upfront regarding my preference when it comes to today's camera bodies, and I still prefer Canon cameras because of how they feel in my hands. I've always found vlogging cameras to be a bit of a challenge when it comes to handling, as I have large hands, but, what Sony has done in its last two iterations has been outstanding. The ZV-E10 II is still considered a "small" camera, but it's comfortable for using as a vlogger.

The ZV-E10 II packs a 26-megapixel APS-C image sensor, which is great for street photography, but the image processor is great for video creators as it allows for 422 10-bit video creation. This is a much higher quality of video than most cameras. If a vlogger is looking to create a certain aesthetic in their video, they have the option to shoot in S-Log3. S-Log3 is a LOG format that's lets creators get the most dynamic range and color grading flexibility they can from their footage. In my experience, S-Log3 was a joy to work with in post-production as an input gamma. The ability to control and recover highlights is a great advantage.

Shooting in portrait mode or vlogging mode is easy with this camera. The LCD rotates with you depending on how you're shooting. This allows you to see important settings and meters with ease while you're shooting. Unfortunately, I found the LCD to be a little dim and not easy to see in bright sunlight. So no, it's not a "perfect" camera, especially when you consider the micro HDMI port on it. I really wish camera manufacturers would stop installing these feeble ports. Just install a full-size HDMI port. Even with these gripes, the ZV-E10 is a great value considering everything that's packed into it as well as the actual output you get as a vlogger.

Review: Sony ZV-E10 II review

Sony ZV-E10 II tech specs: 26-megapixel APS-C image sensor | 4K60 video recording | 120FPS slow motion video | E Mount for lenses | Designed for vloggers

The Insta360 X4 isn't a vlogging camera in the typical camera form many of us are used to. It's a 360 camera shaped more like an early model, "candy bar" smartphone. It has great build quality with weather sealing, so shooting with this in various weather conditions is no problem. While using the Insta360 X4, you can hold it while recording, but you'll get more unique footage if you shoot with the camera on a selfie stick in 360 mode.

When shooting in 360 mode, your selfie stick isn't shown in the footage, thanks to the software stitching the 360-degree scene together. When you're in post-processing, you can create dynamic, moving shots by key framing the rotation and position to fit your story. It's not always the easiest process in post, but with patience, you can create captivating footage.

Review: The most versatile camera I've tested costs $499 and is not from Sony or Canon

Insta360 X4 tech specs: 8K resolution | 360-degree video | Up to 72-megapixel still image capture 

The ZV1 II camera is a great camera for someone that's been vlogging for a bit, but is looking to get a little better image quality. This camera is not perfect, but for the price point you'll get a solid device that can capture good-looking video.

One con of the ZV1 II is that its body lacks image stabilization. This can be crucial with vlogging while moving or if you try to capture a photo of a fast-moving object. Still, the best vlogging camera also doesn't have in-body image stabilization, so that's not necessarily a dealbreaker. The image sensor is only 20 megapixels, but that's plenty of resolution for most people's needs, since most content is viewed on a mobile device.

Sure, it's easy to use, but you can spend a couple of hundred dollars more and get the hands-down best vlogging camera—the Sony ZV-E10 II.

Review: The Sony camera I recommend to most people is not the model you're thinking of

Sony ZV1 II tech specs: 4K video | 20-megapixel image sensor | Compact form factor | Easy to use 

The Canon R50 is another great entry into vlogging. This mirrorless camera shoots in 4K like most quality cameras these days, but it also has great image quality for those wanting to shoot photos. The APS-C image sensor clocks in at 24-megapixels and allows for shooting oversampled 4K video. This means the 4K won't look like it's cropped in or shot on a smartphone.

Unfortunately, there's no 60 frames per second in 4K, but 120 frames per second HD is available for smooth slow motion footage. Want to capture still images? Great. You can at 12 frames per second and this camera has a view finder to assist with that.

The body is your typical compact mirrorless body, which includes a Vari-angle touchscreen for proper vlog framing, but the side grip on the right side is a touch smaller than what other camera manufacturers are offering. This grip reminds me of the less expensive Canon R100 body.

Review: The camera I recommend to most new photographers is not a Sony or Nikon

Canon R50 tech specs: 24-megapixel image sensor | 4K video | 12 frames per second image shooting 

The Canon Powershot V10 vlogging camera raised a lot of eyebrows at launch. The form factor isn't that of a typical camera, yet it's akin to an ol' school flip phone. The phone's "flip" is dual purpose, as it has two hinges: one to fold the LCD up and out for selfie or portrait mode, and the second is a kickstand that allows the creator to set up the camera on a flat surface without mounting it to a tripod. There is a "1/4-20'' thread on the V10 if you're looking to mount it on a tripod, but know that it forces you to only shoot in portrait mode.

The camera has stabilization software for video, but this will introduce about a 10% crop into the image. It's okay video and a slight upgrade over your smartphone, but the autofocus will make you forget about your smartphone for vlogging. It's pretty snappy in my experience.

This camera is aimed at the creator that's looking to ease into vlogging, but wants a step up from their phone, while having the familiar comfort of holding something like a smartphone to create content. It's somewhat too small for my hands, but it's still an interesting bit of kit from Canon.

Review: One of the best vlogging cameras I've tested is a Canon shaped like a flip phone

Canon Powershot V10 tech specs: 4K video | 35mm focal length equivalent | 60 frames per second HD video