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The Best Vlogging Cameras for 2025

If you want to become a better vlogger, you might need a new camera, smartphone, or drone to add some production value to your videos. Start with the best vlogging cameras we've tested.

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    Buying Guide: The Best Vlogging Cameras for 2025


    What's the Best Vlogging Camera for You?

    There are a few different ways to go here: a smartphone, a compact model, or an interchangeable lens camera (ILC). Smartphones win on convenience—you've always got your phone with you, and high-end models like the iPhone 15 Pro Max deliver results that are more than adequate for YouTube. Modern smartphones are also powerful enough to handle editing and uploads, good news for up-and-coming creators who grew up with them.

    If you like the idea of a pocketable camera but want something with a higher-quality mic than your phone, look at a vlogging compact. We recommend the entry-level Canon PowerShot V10, the mid-priced DJI Osmo Pocket 3, and the higher-end Sony ZV-1M2. All offer wide-angle lenses, image stabilization, and 4K capture. These cameras are good choices if you want to travel light and don't want to fuss with interchangeable lenses or too many other accessories.

    Pick an interchangeable lens camera if you want the option to change lenses for top-notch image quality. The Nikon Z 30 and Sony ZV-E10 II represent the entry-level segment; both use non-stabilized APS-C sensors and integrate better-than-average mics.

    If you plan on recording handheld, it's worth stepping up to a midrange model with a stabilized sensor. We've yet to test one with an excellent mic, so you need to factor in that cost on top of a camera like the Fujifilm X-S20. The good news is that Fuji provides steady 10-bit video.

    At the high end, the Sony ZV-E1 stands pretty much by itself. This full-frame camera blurs backgrounds more readily than other swappable-lens vlog cameras, while its AI-based processor enables many types of automated camera moves. The latter adds a bit of production value you don't get from other vlogging cams and is a benefit for creators who work solo.

    Many vloggers use a big camera for the majority of their recordings—the "A" camera—and something else for insert shots—a "B-roll" camera. For the latter, an action cam like the GoPro Hero12 Black or Insta360 X4 is a good pick, as is a drone like the DJI Mini 4 Pro. The latter supports both widescreen and vertical video and has obstacle-avoidance sensors.


    How Much Should You Spend on a Vlogging Camera?

    Expect to spend anywhere from $400 to $900 on a fixed-lens camera. If you want one that supports interchangeable lenses, put aside around $900 to get started with an APS-C kit or $2,300 if you have full-frame ambitions. Neither of those estimates accounts for additional lenses or accessories, which can push prices much higher at the outset.


    What Lenses Do You Need for Vlogging?

    If you get a mirrorless vlogging camera, ensure the kit lens is up to standard, or simply pick up the body by itself. Most come with a standard zoom, which is a good match for studio vloggers but a little narrow for self-recorded, walk-and-talk style videos.

    If you want a broader field of view, consider adding a wide zoom to your kit. Get the Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm for the Z 30, the E PZ 10-20mm F4 G for the ZV-E10 or E10 II, the XF 10-24mm or XF 8mm F3.5 WR for the X-S20, and the FE PZ 16-35mm F4 for the ZV-E1.

    After that, it's really up to you. A standard zoom can do a lot, especially on a well-lit set. You might want to add a bright prime if you're after a shallow depth-of-field look, though.


    What Other Vlogging Accessories Should You Get?

    For a successful vlogging setup, you need plenty of other things besides a camera. For studio scenes, you should add a tripod and some sort of lighting system. A gimbal is a must-have if you want to work handheld and get perfectly steady footage.

    You should also pick up a microphone or a digital audio recorder. Even if you get a camera with an upgraded in-body mic, an external one likely gets better results. Get a clip-on lapel lavalier mic for interviews, such as the DJI Mic 2 system. A good USB mic is a requirement for studio-based streams.

    If you need more guidance on vlogging accessories, be sure to read our buying guide. And don't forget about editing; we've highlighted our favorite video editing software and mobile apps to help you cut your vlogs together.

    Compare SpecsThe Best Vlogging Cameras for 2025
    Our Pick
    Editor's Rating
    Editors' Choice
    4.5 Excellent
    Review
    Editors' Choice
    4.5 Excellent
    Review
    Editors' Choice
    4.5 Excellent
    Review
    Editors' Choice
    4.5 Excellent
    Review
    Editors' Choice
    4.5 Excellent
    Review
    Editors' Choice
    4.5 Excellent
    Review
    Editors' Choice
    4.0 Excellent
    Review
    4.0 Excellent
    Review
    3.5 Good
    Review
    3.5 Good
    Review
    Weight
    8.81.14.57.191.16.413.312.310.3
    Viewfinder Type
    EVFNoneNoneNoneNone
    Viewfinder Magnification
    0.62x
    Video Resolution
    4K4K, 6K (3:2)5.3K8K4K4K4K4K4K
    Type
    MirrorlessAction Camera360-DegreeMirrorlessCompactMirrorlessMirrorlessCompact
    Touch Screen
    Stabilization
    5-Axis IBISDigital5-Axis IBISGimbalDigitalDigital
    Sensor Type
    X-Trans BSI CMOSCMOSCMOSBSI CMOSBSI CMOSCMOSStacked CMOS
    Sensor Size
    APS-CType 1/1.9Type 1/2Full-FrameType 1APS-CAPS-CType 1
    Sensor Resolution
    262772122620.920
    Screen Size
    6.7
    Screen Resolution
    2,796 by 1,290 pixels
    Rotors
    4
    Remote
    Dedicated with App, Dedicated with LCD
    Optical Zoom
    2.8 x
    Operating System
    iOS 17
    Obstacle Detection
    Minimum ISO
    80100100805010080
    Memory Card Slots
    11111111
    Memory Card Format
    SDXC (UHS-II)microSDXCmicroSDXCSDXC (UHS-II)microSDXCSDXC (UHS-II)SDXC (UHS-I)SDXC (UHS-II)
    Megapixels
    48
    Media Format
    microSDXC
    Maximum Waterproof Depth
    3333
    Maximum ISO
    51200640064004096001024005120012800
    Live Video Feed
    1080p
    Lens Mount
    Fujifilm XSony ESony ENikon Z
    Integrated Camera
    Integrated with Gimbal
    HDMI Output
    4:2:2 12-bitNoneNone4:2:2 10-bitNone4:2:2 10-bit4:2:0 8-bit4:2:0 8-bit
    Flat Profile
    EVF Resolution
    2.36
    Display Size
    3.0 inches2.3 inches2.7 inches3 inches2 inches3.0 inches3.0 inches3 inches
    Display Resolution
    1.81.041.041.04921000
    Dimensions
    6.29 by 3.02 by 0.32 inches2.4 by 3.5 by 5.7 inches3.4 by 5.0 by 2.6 inches2.0 by 2.8 by 1.3 inches4.87 by 1.46 by 1.01 inches2.8 by 4.8 by 2.1 inches5.6 by 1.6 by 1.2 inches2.7 by 4.7 by 2.1 inches2.9 by 5.0 by 2.3 inches2.4 by 4.2 by 1.8 inches
    CPU
    Apple A17 Pro
    Connectivity
    Bluetooth, USB-C, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI, Microphone (3.5mm), Headphone (3.5mm), Remote (2.5mm)Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-CBluetooth, USB-C, Wi-FiBluetooth, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI, USB-C, Headphone (3.5mm), Microphone (3.5mm)USB-C, Wi-Fi, BluetoothBluetooth, USB-C, Wi-Fi, micro HDMI, Microphone (3.5mm), Headphone (3.5mm)Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, micro HDMI, Microphone (3.5mm)Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, USB-C, micro HDMI, Microphone (3.5mm)
    Camera Resolution (Rear; Front-Facing)
    48MP, 12MP, 12MP; 12MP
    Battery Type
    Fujifilm NP-W235GoPro EnduroLithium IonSony NP-FZ100InternalSony NP-FZ100Nikon EN-EL25Sony NP-BX1
    Battery Life (As Tested)
    20 hours, 15 minutes
    35mm Equivalent (Wide)
    6.72018
    35mm Equivalent (Telephoto)
    50 mm

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