Best cameras for vlogging: Which features matter most, how to choose, and more

The HERO7 Black by GoPro(opens in a new tab) tries to balance performance and convenience with its 4K video, voice control, touch display, and waterproof design. With the QuikStories app, the HERO7 Black can automatically send your footage to your phone where you can transform your latest viral creations. 

"HyperSmooth" stabilization is really important when it comes to shooting moving video, and the HERO7 Black is up to the task, whether it's handheld or mounted to your gear. When you're done shooting, you can set the HERO7 to auto upload everything to the cloud with GoPro Plus, a subscription service offered by the company.

If you want to film your underwater vacations, then this is also an excellent choice: this GoPro is waterproof up to 33 feet. You can also enjoy hands-free control of your camera using simple voice commands(opens in a new tab), or you can press the shutter button to turn the camera on and start recording automatically. You'll just need to buy your own microSD card(opens in a new tab).

The PowerShot SX730 HS(opens in a new tab) has a large 3-inch tilt screen so you can see yourself when you're recording, which you'll definitely want. 

You can capture a subject near, far, and in-between with a 40x Optical Zoom — not that you need that every day, but it could be nice to have. There's even a Smooth Skin effect that's available in all modes to help enhance your natural features, kinda like Snapchat does but better quality. 

With this camera(opens in a new tab) you can share your videos straight away using the built-in Bluetooth as well as WiFi technology, another useful feature you should always check for. WiFi features will be especially helpful if you plan to upload your vlogs to YouTube. The site can automatically sync with many modern cameras, saving you a step. 

The camera doesn't feature a touchscreen, but that shouldn't be a dealbreaker. 

D5300 is Nikon's first DSLR with built-in WiFi(opens in a new tab), which makes it super easy to share your pictures on the go. You get all the image quality that Nikon's photos have, like softly blurred backgrounds, tack-sharp details, and vibrant colors, but in dazzling 1080p full HD videos. 

If you like to shoot sports or action, this camera shoots up to 60 frames per second(opens in a new tab) so you should get smooth video playback. There is even a fun effects mode that allows you to apply special effects to video in real time as you're recording. In Live View, Nikon's autofocus will follow your subject, keeping it sharp. You can even swivel the flip screen around so you can shoot video from new angles. 

Some people might put up with low-quality video, but bad sound quality is the ultimate worst. That's why this Nikon it great. You can attach a ME-1 stereo microphone so you can get the highest quality sound possible. Amazon customers love it(opens in a new tab), giving it 4.6 out of 5 stars, so odds are you'll like it too.

What this camera lacks in specs, it sure does make up for in features and image quality. The Canon Rebel T7i camera(opens in a new tab) comes with a vari-angle LCD that's perfect for framing yourself while vlogging, or getting yourself into focus when shooting alone. The Canon Rebel T7i may not shoot in 4K like some of its competitors, but what it does have is world-class color reproduction made possible by Canon Color Science.

In addition to the color, the EOS Rebel T7i(opens in a new tab) has some significant new technologies to make HD video capturing smoother, faster, and more comfortable. The Movie Servo AF feature helps ensure sharp focus even during unpredictable movements. And the wide area 9-point auto-focus system is said to deliver consistent focus on moving objects. Oh, and the Canon Rebel series is also known for impeccable photo quality — so there's always that.

Fujifilm X-A5 is a wonderfully compact shooter with a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor for highly-detailed photography and smooth and clear videos with a resolution of 3840x2160. That's right, this mirrorless camera can film in full 4K video quality.

Armed with a XC15-45mmF3.5-5.6 OIS Power Zoom Lens, the Fujifilm X-A5 features brilliant and seamless video capture that's housed inside of a aluminum camera with stylish leather accents. The camera also features a large touchscreen LCD monitor with a 180-degree hinge, so you can easily see what you're filming — especially for your selfies. 

The camera even pairs with any iOS or Android mobile device with the Fujifilm camera remote app via Bluetooth. Now you can control your new camera with the smartphone in your pocket.

But don't just take our word for it. Amazon customer John(opens in a new tab) writes:

"This camera takes awesome pictures and is great for beginners. The companion app is a bit cumbersome and takes some getting used to, but once you have it figured out it is OK. Hopefully they update it sometime in the future. Overall I would buy this camera again over the Sony."

If you want something better than a point and shoot, but less bulky than a DSLR camera, then this mirrorless option by Sony might be the one you need. The SONY a5100 allows you to use interchangeable lenses,(opens in a new tab) giving you greater video versatility without having to carry around bulky equipment. 

This Sony cam has a slim profile(opens in a new tab) and is about half the weight of a typical DSLR. It comes with a 16-50mm lens — the norm on most cameras because it's the most versatile. Unlike DSLR cameras though, most mirrorless cameras don't have a separate focus ring to control your focus area. Instead, you'll have to focus using the on-screen menus manually. 

The AF (auto focus) speed is ultra-fast on this camera at 0.07 seconds, so you never miss a moment. Like many others on the list, it has a 180-degree tilt screen so you can take perfectly framed selfie videos.

You might want to consider this mirrorless option by Panasonic(opens in a new tab) because it shoots 4K video and offers over 24 compact lens options. Because it's a mirrorless, it has a lighter body than traditional DSLRs, but it's packed with features like intelligent-focusing and creative controls. 

This is a great, compact camera that's easy to just keep in your bag at all times. The Lumix was designed for those who want a camera that's versatile enough to shoot high-res videos and photos yet rugged enough to take anywhere. 

The precise AF tracks the color, size, and motion of your subject, which is probably going to be you, so you can shoot with confidence without worrying about blurry results. Plus, the tilt/swivel touch-display lets you further adjust the screen for optimum clarity.

The Sony AX33 4K Handycam(opens in a new tab) has so many features to drool over. Besides producing 4K video, this camera also has excellent stabilization that Sony calls Balanced Optical SteadyShot. If you're recording action videos without a tripod this is going to help to make your footage a lot more clean. 

The AX33 also has something called My Voice Canceling capabilities, so it can reduce the intensity of behind-camera sounds. And the built-in USB cable is stowed in the hand strap, making it convenient for extra-quick charging or connection to your laptop.

The camera comes with a 3-inch LCD touchscreen, letting you compose a shot more easily while enabling you to adjust the settings. And as far as sound goes, this camera captures it from all directions. 

Plus, there's built-in WiFi so you can easily share your moments whenever you want. If you're dying to use night vision, this choice has NightShot, a feature that uses infrared light to capture subjects even in complete darkness.

Of course, the defining characteristic of any video camera is how high the video quality is. Not only will this one shoot 1080p, but we've seen it on sale for only $249.99.

The Canon Vixia HF R800(opens in a new tab) camcorder has a 57x zoom (we doubt you'll ever need that much, but it adds to the value). You can enjoy optical image stabilization to reduce camera shake, a 3-inch color touch-screen LCD, and instant autofocus to help eliminate blurry images.

What you don't get is onboard memory storage or WiFi connectivity. But any SD card can eliminate those concerns. The Vixia has long battery life(opens in a new tab) and features intelligent technology that can accurately let you know how much battery life is remaining, so you don't miss a vital recording opportunity.

Capture the adventure. The Canon EOS M50 is a world-class camera for vlogging. It's packed with a powerful and fast Dual Pixel CMOS AF for autofocus, so it's always ready to shoot. The camera also shoots in 4K for high resolution UHD videos at 24fps for a true cinematic experience.

It features a 24.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor for color accurate and clear detailed images, while its DIGIC 8 Image Processor delivers outstanding range. Armed with a touchscreen LCD with a "Vari-angle" display, this camera has the flexibility you need for high-angle and low-angle video shoots and reviewing footage and stills.

In addition, the Canon EOS M50 syncs to any iPhone or Android smartphone with the Camera Connect app. Now you can transfer photos and videos to share on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and more. You can even directly connect to photo printers without a laptop to get in the way.

Need a second opinion? Amazon customer Andrey(opens in a new tab) writes:

"Bought this camera for my 3-week-long trip because of its decent video options for a relatively low price. Video conditions weren't that good - mostly I was shooting by fixing it to the passenger seat in my car with Gorilla pod. On the road, the camera was shaking badly, and I thought that videos are ruined. How surprised I was when I found close to perfect shots! Stabilizer works great! Perfect for vlogging, very light and small, you don't need a big bag for it, even with a monopod. Great camera!"

At the moment of this writing, the Canon EOS M50 has a 4.2 out of 5 stars customer rating out of 95 reviews on Amazon.