Want to step up your vlogging game? The right camera can make all the difference!

A decade ago, you could get by with just a basic setup for vlogging, and it worked well enough. But since then, both the quality bar and the potential rewards have gone up. Sure, an iPhone can shoot 4K at 60 fps, but that’s just scratching the surface of what a more advanced camera can offer. The best vlogging cameras give you much more control over your visuals.

It’s wild how picky viewers can get about even the smallest details. So, while having a good camera is important, picking the right one for your needs is just as crucial. The best camera for vlogging really depends on the kind of content you make. While mirrorless cameras are super popular right now, some creators might find action cameras a better fit. Ready to find your perfect match?

1. Best mirrorless camera for vlogging: Sony α6700

The Sony α6700 strikes an ideal balance between image quality, stabilization, and affordability. It’s beginner-friendly but still packed with advanced features that pros and semi-pros will appreciate.

On the outside, it includes a handy swing-out display and an in-grip control dial. Inside, it’s upgraded with a 26MP BSI CMOS sensor, 10-bit video support, and the AI-driven focus system from the top-tier α7R V.

Its fully articulated screen makes vlogging a breeze, and the autofocus system does an excellent job of keeping faces sharp and in focus. Plus, it’s compact enough for creators on the move.

Overall, the α6700 APS-C mirrorless camera delivers stunning image quality and 4K video performance—all for a solid price of $1,398.

Sony α6700 in focus / Image Credit: Andy Westlake, Amateur Photographer

2. Best compact vlogging camera: Sony ZV-1

The Sony ZV-1 blends an impressive lens, rapid autofocus, and clever design changes like a side-flipping screen to offer a strong portable video option. Some users may find its stabilization slightly lacking for motion-heavy shots, though it excels in most other areas.

Taking inspiration from the RX100 lineup, it incorporates standout video capabilities alongside adjustments that cater to vloggers. Users appreciate its stabilized sensor, wide aperture, and fast focus performance. For still photography, it delivers well, but its video strengths make it a top pick for casual shooting.

What sets it apart is its bright 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens combined with advanced tracking and eye detection systems. Its larger 1-inch sensor captures clear footage, creating smooth focus transitions and aesthetically pleasing background blur. Awesome for capturing professional-looking vlogs! Grab your Sony ZV-1 now for $648, a sweet 14% off!

Sony ZV 1 Vlogging Camera

3. Best 360 camera for vlogging: Insta360 X4

What if you could capture everything around you, all the time? That’s the big advantage of 360 cameras over traditional action cams—you won’t miss a thing. From my research, the Insta360 X4 is easily the best 360 camera out there. There are other 8K 360 cameras, but none seem to match the X4’s video quality.

The big upgrade in the X4 is the move to 8K H.265 360 video recording, up from the X3’s 5.7K. You can record 8K footage at up to 30 fps. While the X4 uses the same sensor as the X3, it’s got an upgraded processor, which means it can capture more detail at higher resolutions and frame rates. Right now, you can pick up the Insta360 X4 for just $424.99 with a 15% discount!

Insta360 X4
Insta360 X4 at work / Image Credit: Eric Zeman, PCMag

4. Best drone for travel vloggers: DJI Air 3S

Consumer drones now let you capture stunning bird’s-eye shots with ease. Choosing the right drone, though, can feel tricky. You need to think about camera quality, flight time, portability, features, and price.

The DJI Air 3S simplifies your decision. Its main camera combines a 50MP 1-inch CMOS sensor with a 24mm equivalent lens, while the medium telephoto lens pairs a 48MP 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor with a 70mm equivalent lens. This combination delivers incredible versatility and impressive image quality—just what you want in a top-tier camera drone.

Flying the Air 3S feels effortless. It handles automatic takeoff, landing, and return-to-home like a pro. Omnidirectional object detection prevents crashes, even in strong winds. Its foldable design and advanced subject tracking make it the perfect portable companion for your adventures.

Director and filmmaker Philip Bloom reviewing DJI Air 3S

5. Best beginner vlogging camera: Nikon Z 30

Nikon Z 30
Nikon Z 30 in a lifestyle image / Image Credits: CineD

If you’re new to vlogging and still figuring out how serious you are, there’s no need to dive into expensive gear right away. You don’t have to be a professional filmmaker to create amazing content, and it’s smart to hold off on spending big bucks until you know what tools your workflow needs. A beginner-friendly camera like the Nikon Z 30 is a great starting point and might even serve you well long-term.

The Nikon Z 30 is designed to make video production simple for online creators without cutting too many corners. With excellent low-light performance, reliable image stabilization, and an easy-to-use setup, it’s one of the most approachable cameras for new vloggers.

It delivers solid image quality, matching other DX Nikons, with a 20.9MP sensor that supports 14-bit Raw or 8-bit JPG formats. At lower ISO settings, you’ll get detailed shots with minimal noise. Therefore, while the Z 30 has a few limitations for video—like capping 4K at 30fps and requiring a drop to 1080p for 60fps—it’s still a fantastic all-in-one option for content creators. Buy the Nikon Z 30 today for just $606.95, thanks to a 15% discount!

Before you go

No matter what kind of vlogging you’re into, there’s a camera out there to match your style and needs. From beginner-friendly options to powerhouse tools, the right pick will make it easier than ever to create stunning content. So, what are you waiting for? Find the perfect camera and start filming!

Grigor Baklajyan is a copywriter covering technology at Gadget Flow. His contributions include product reviews, buying guides, how-to articles, and more.