12 Best Cameras for Bloggers in 2023 (By a Blogger & Photographer)

If you’re looking for the best cameras for bloggers in 2022, you came to the right place! This post is the ultimate guide to choosing the perfect blog camera based on your personal needs, budget and the type of blogging you do, whether you’re a YouTube vlogger, beauty, food, lifestyle or fashion blogger.

Being a full-time travel blogger and a photographer myself, I take and edit photos every day. In addition to travel photography, I often do content shoots for fashion brands as well as food photography for cafes. I’ve done a ton of research on the best cameras for blogging and vlogging before deciding what blogging camera I want to work with and I also have used some good cameras for blogging over the years before I’ve upgraded to my current beloved blogging cam – Sony A7 III.

If you’re a newbie photographer, I highly recommend reading a section on what is a blogging camera and how to choose the best blogging camera for yourself (you’ll find it after the 12 camera reviews).

Best Cameras for Bloggers – Comparison Table

The below table summarises all the most important features of the best blogging cameras. Take a quick look and come back to the table after going through the detailed reviews of the 12 best cameras for bloggers. This table will help you make your final decision on the best camera for blogger you are.

The Best Camera for Bloggers

Sony A7 III – Best mirrorless camera for photography and videography

BEST FOR: Best professional camera for content creation at midrange to high budget

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Being released in 2018, Sony A7 III is still the best Sony bloggers camera in affordable full-frame mirrorless camera range for intermediate and professional photographers. It does exceptionally well in terms of performance in various areas and is still a solid competitor to the more recently released Nikon Z6 and Canon EOR R6, which has a much higher price point but lower sensor resolution 20MP compared to Sony’s 24MP.

Full Review

Sony A7 III performs extremely well in low light situations such as sunset, sunrise or indoors and can produce beautiful photos at high ISO without much noise. With its incredible 24MP resolution, an improved sensor, and a whopping 693 pointer autofocus, this camera produces incredibly sharp images and is one of the best cameras for blogging.

Being able to capture sharp images with beautiful colours, coupled with 10 frames per second, maximum continuous shooting capacity; this camera is also one of the best cameras for travel blogging (if not the best) at this price point.

Sony A7 III has an in-built 5-axis image stabilisation which ensures your photos will be even sharper with no blur while shooting hand-held and with a slower shutter when the light conditions are challenging.

Another great feature is an extremely good battery. If you’re a travel blogger and looking at the best travel photography cameras, this is it. With 610 shots on one battery, you can go for days without charging the battery, which is particularly useful for off-beaten track excursions such as hiking, where charging is often tricky.

Also, this Sony camera has 2 SD card slots which mean plenty of room for all your amazing photos, and with a relatively small camera body, this camera won’t take much space in your backpack. Sony A7 III is simply the best camera for travel photography.

When it comes to video, Sony A7 III has uncropped 4K functionality, a tilting screen, a port for both a microphone and headphones that make it a strong contender for the best camera to vlog and for the best camera for travel videography. This excellent camera for video blogging is also equipped with picture profiles that enable capturing Log that is helpful in post colour grading.

A7 III is the camera that I’ve decided to buy and I love it. I paired it with a Sigma ART 24-70 mm 2.8 lens, and I absolutely adore this combo. My travel photos have stunning quality, and my favourite features are the touch screen focus, the battery that lasts multiple days and the incredible ISO range. I’ve been travelling with Sony A7 III around Bali and Europe for over a year now and for me, this is hands down the best camera for travel bloggers working full time and serious about photography.

This is the best camera for photography and vlogging at the midrange price point.

BEST FEATURE: Incredible autofocus (including touchscreen focus control) & excellent low light performance.

Best Cameras for Bloggers in 2022

Sony Zv1 – Best point-and-shoot camera for travel

BEST FOR: Best compact camera for travel vlogging & best flip screen vlogging camera

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This camera is highly targeted to be the best Sony vlogging camera in particular for travel bloggers due to its compact and very lightweight body, which means you can take it anywhere with you and start shooting your vlog with ease. For those that love shooting videos on their trips, this is the best travellers camera. Sony Zv1 was released in 2020, and it’s a direct competitor to Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III – an equivalent Canon vlogging camera with flip screen.

FULL REVIEW

The best feature of this travel vlog camera is its fully articulated touchscreen display which is extremely vlogger friendly. Zv1 is a vlog camera with a flip screen that flips all the way so that you can see yourself while recording your vlog. It is a variation of another Sony model RX100 VA, made to be the best Sony camera for vlogging. Sony Zv1 is a vlogging camera with mic. It’s got a 3-capsule directional microphone and a large record button.

The camera lets you record high-quality content with 20 megapixels and 4k function or full HD up to 120 frames per second. This means you have more room in post-production editing with cropping, and you can record slow-motion and super slow motion as well. It also supports HLG and S-Log2/3 for easier colour grading.

For such a small video camera for blogging, the image quality is absolutely incredible. Sony Zv1 also has a fast and super strong autofocus system, object tracking and Eye AF.

Sony Zv1 also has a background defocus function that easily lets you switch between that professional-looking blurry background and in-focus background, depending on your needs and situation. The focus function can be easily changed during recording. This option can be super helpful for any type of blogging. Another super practical functionality is being able to take quality Jpeg photos while recording a video.

The best 4k vlogging camera also needs to have solid stabilisation, which Sony Zv1 does not lack. Optical image stabilisation is built into the camera, and in addition, there is an electronic stabilisation feature. Both combined give a great result of a smooth video without using a gimble. Vloggers can also manually apply stabilisation through Catalyst Browser App.

Sony also sells a shooting grip that is specifically designed for this camera. This is an excellent accessory if you record yourself while holding the camera in one hand. It allows you to grip the camera nicely in your hand, and it also has some controls fitted in the grip, such as zoom and record. The grip also can be used as a small tripod.

In short, Sony Zv1 is one of the best cameras for video blogging for beginners to intermediate users and the best video camera for bloggers from a point and shoot range in terms of image quality and vlogging friendly features. If you’re looking for a flip out screen camera (which best vlogging cameras should have!) this is an incredibly good starter vlog camera!

BEST FEATURE: Bokeh Switch allows you to blur the background in one switch while recording.

Canon EOS 90D – Best DSLR camera for vlogging

BEST FOR: One of the best cameras for food photography

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Canon EOS 90D is the best camera for still photography such as food blogging if you’re a fan of the traditional DSLR camera style that comes with a chunky camera body. Canon EOS 90D may not be the best camera for travel blogging but with a 32 MP sensor, accurate colours and long-lasting battery, EOS 90D is a solid if not the best camera for food blogging.

FULL REVIEW

Canon EOS 90D, released in 2019, replaces the 80D version with the enhanced sensor and higher RAW image quality. It’s a solid mid-range choice and a DSLR version of Canon EOS 7D Mark II with very similar specs but optical viewfinder, heavier and with different lens range.

As with all DSLRs, this Canon camera for blogging is much heavier than any mirrorless camera, which may not be ideal for travel bloggers. However, it’s a different matter for food bloggers shooting mostly indoors that can take advantage of its sturdy body, good grip and extensive menus with dials and a joystick controller added from Canon’s higher-end DSLRs.

The advantage of choosing a DSLR for your food blogging is also that there is an excellent range of Canon lenses for food photography that you can add later on to your gear.

The excellent battery life allows you to take up to 1300 shots on one charge and puts this DSLR ahead of any mirrorless camera.

Moreover, Canon cameras are known for being superb at capturing the colours accurately, which is another selling point when it comes to the best camera for food photography. Not to mention its 32-megapixel resolution, you are guaranteed high-quality stills.

Canon EOS 90D is by far the best DSLR for vlogging. Its 4K capture with no crop width and an excellent wide-angle coupled with AF eye detection makes it one of the best cameras to vlog.

There is also a digital image stabilisation function which is also handy while shooting on the go.

BEST FEATURE: 33 megapixels for stills & 4k uncropped video

Sony A6400 – One of the best travel photography cameras in low to midbudget

BEST FOR: Best camera for vlogging + pictures & best camera for Instagram photos for beginner to intermediate users  

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Sony A6400 is the best camera for blogging and vlogging if you’re ready to upgrade from your smartphone photography. It has a super small and light camera body, easy to use features and when you’re ready it will also allow you to shoot in different priority modes and use additional lenses. A6400 is also the best camera for influencers.

FULL REVIEW

Sony A6400 was released in early 2019 to replace the A6400 model, and it competes with a similarly priced Canon EOS M50. The primary enhancements include a better processor and autofocus. Sony A6400 leads ahead of Canon with better battery life, faster max burst and 4k video resolution.

What’s the best about this camera is its small and light body that will allow all the travel bloggers to take it anywhere without compromising on the functionality and carrying additional lenses depending on the needs. This feature alone makes Sony A6400 one of the best cameras for travel bloggers.

Sony A6400 is a great camera both for shooting stills and videos. It has 24 megapixels, a large sensor and excellent autofocus taken from Sony higher camera ranges.

This and the ability to shoot at the impressive 11 frames per second will allow you to take high-quality photos, including moving objects such as wildlife and sports photography.

It’s also a solid choice out of so many vlogging cameras for beginners! It is super easy to use. It has some great shooting modes, such as sports shooting and sunset scene shoots. A6400 is an excellent option if you’ve never had a mirrorless camera or never shoot in manual modes. And once you gain your confidence, you can switch to its aperture priority or shutter priority or complete manual mode. Sony A6400 was also my first mirrorless camera as a starting travel blogger.

Another advantage of going with this camera is a range of affordable Sony and third-party lenses that can be purchased with this Sony blogger camera.

Sony A6400 is also a robust camera for video making at an intermediate level. It shoots in 4k at 30p. Also, the screen flips 180 degrees, allowing you to see yourself while you’re filming, which is a must-have amongst the best cameras for vlogs.

Overall, if you’re serious about blogging, Sony A6400 is the best camera for beginner bloggers you can get. Whether you’re looking specifically for the best Instagram cameras, best cameras for fashion photography or great cameras for travel – Sony A6400 will do a fantastic job!

BEST FEATURE: 180 degrees flip screen and incredible autofocus 

Canon EOS R5 – The best professional Canon vlogging camera

BEST FOR: Bloggers looking for the best camera for professional photography and videography.

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Canon EOS R5 is simply the best Canon camera for vlogging, videography and still photography. Its image quality is by far the best on the market. That, coupled with incredible videos, makes this camera a solid leader and the very best blogger camera suitable for any type of professional blogging activity.

FULL REVIEW

Canon EOS R5 is currently the market leader in many areas of performance. With the incredible 45 megapixels, a full-frame sensor and an outstanding ISO performance, this camera can really take the best quality, crisp photographs you can possibly take.

EOS R5 also boasts the best autofocus system currently available on the market with staggering 5,940 points that also works in shooting videos! This outstanding autofocus coupled with an impressive 12 frames per second maximum mechanical burst will be handy for taking fashion shoots with swirling dresses as well as wildlife and sports photography.

Travel bloggers will also benefit from this incredible autofocus shooting city scenes and anything that moves. EOS R5 is the best camera for travel blogging (no other cameras for travel blogging can really compete) if you are comfortable with the high-end price tag.

When it comes to the best cameras for vloggers, Canon EOS R5 is undeniably one of them! With its 8K shooting and its 8-stop in-body stabilisation, this is the best vlogging Canon camera and possibly the best camera on the market.

The only problem with this camera is it overheats when recording in 8K, so there is a 20min recording limit to prevent this issue. There is no problem while recording in 4k.

It is also a Canon vlogging camera with flip screen, which is so handy if you record yourself. And to top that, the camera has a port for both microphone and headphones, allowing you to listen to audio in real-time (best cameras for vlog should have this function). Another interesting function is being able to take high-quality Jpeg images while you’re recording a video.

Having all these features, you can expect from this camera the highest quality output, so if you’re a blogger that is already getting paid, this is a vlogging Canon camera to be highly considered.

BEST FEATURE: 8k video capture & whooping 45 MP sensor!

Sony A7 IV – Best Alternatives Professional Camera for Bloggers

SONY A7 IV – Best Alternative Professional Camera for Bloggers

BEST FOR: Vloggers, videographers, professionals.

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Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II – Best budget vlogging camera

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Sony a7 IV is a long-awaited camera for all Sony camera lovers, finally released in December 2021 as an improvement to the Sony a7 III that has been the queen of cameras since 2018. This review will mainly focus on why you would spend an extra $1,000 on this camera over Sony a7 III. 

FULL REVIEW

Sony a7 IV has a new image sensor with 33 megapixels and Backside Illumination (BSI), which basically means better quality images at low light conditions. This, coupled with a whopping 15 stops increased dynamic range (contrast ratio between the darkest and brightest colour tones), improves this camera’s low-light performance massively. Sony a7 III is an excellent camera for low-light photography, and the new Sony a7 IV takes it up a whole notch. Also, the 33 MG BSI sensor puts it ahead of its closest rivals – Canon R6 and Nikon Z6, by roughly 27%. 

The a7 IV is also improved over a7 III when it comes to autofocus function. In fact, Sony a7 IV is the only Sony camera so far to support both real-time tracking AF and human, animal and birds eye AF for both stills and videos. The eye autofocus is also further improved from the previous model by about 30%, and it’s taken from the premium Sony A7S III.  

The camera can shoot at 10 frames per second with a slight loss in image quality when shooting in RAW format (this is called lossy compression) and at 6 fps shoots with the full quality. 

Sony a7 IV has some new exciting features added on. It is equipped with an AF Assist function that allows for a smooth transition between AF and MF (manual focus). You can also switch focus from one subject to another by rotating the ring. Another great feature is the 7 levels of AF transition speed. Both features are particularly useful in videography. It also comes with a Focus Map, which allows you to see in the viewfinder in real-time which areas are in and out of focus. To top that, its screen flips the whole way so that it can easily be used for vlogging – a much-welcomed improvement from Sony a7III, and it supports S-Cinetone, which will give your videos beautiful colours and a professional feel. 

Sony a7 IV’s in-body stabilisation is also enhanced, including the addition of Active Mode stabilisation for shooting moving objects. It is also possible to further improve the stabilisation of the footage in post-production through Sony Catalyst Software, similarly to Sony a7S III.

Sony a7 IV has exactly the same design as the three-year-old a7 III with a new, improved magnesium alloy body that gives it more durability against adverse weather conditions. Sony a7 IV also has a more comfortable grip and improved sealing. All that for an 8g more in weight. 

Overall, Sony a7 IV is a great pick amongst the best cameras for bloggers, with every single feature enhanced over its previous model. If you’ve already started undertaking paid photography projects, this blogging camera is for you. Sony a7 IV also boasts excellent videography features perfect for intermediate to advanced YouTubers and vloggers.

BEST FEATURES: Flip screen, S-Cinetone videos and Focus Map

BEST FOR: Best starter vlog camera for Beauty Bloggers

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Canon G7 X Mark II is the best vlogging camera for beginners that don’t want to spend too much money and are willing to upgrade from a smartphone camera. G7 X Mark II is one of the best cameras for bloggers on a budget looking for a point and shoot type of camera.

FULL REVIEW

Canon G7X Vlogging Camera is an improved version of Canon previous model and a direct competitor to the Sony RX100 III with better focal length and touchscreen. It was released in 2017, but it is still one of the best affordable cameras for vlogging today with its slim built and good features.

G7 X Mark II has a very compact body that you can fit in your jean pocket, which is probably its main selling point. You can access its menu using a touchscreen which is a convenient function. With a 20 megapixel sensor, this camera can take decent still photos in most situations. Other good functions include 4x optical zoom and max aperture of F1.8 to 2,8. Also, its special features such as shutter priority and the aperture priority will allow you to develop your photography skill while using this simple camera.

When it comes to video making, this mighty little camera can shoot high-quality Full HD videos at 60p, which is suitable for casual scenarios and perfect for when you’re just starting your vlogging journey. It also has a flip screen allowing you to see yourself while recording, which is an excellent function for vlogging.

To sum up, this Canon vlog camera with flip screen is the best beginner vlog camera with excellent portability. It obviously does not compare to full-frame mirrorless cameras such as Canon EOS R5 or Sony A7 III, but it’s a decent budget vlogging camera that can get you started in the YouTube world. At the same time, if you’re serious about your blogging career, perhaps you should consider a camera with 4K, such as Sony Zv1.

BEST FEATURE: Vlogging camera with flip screen cheap

Panasonic Lumix ZS100 – Budget compact camera

BEST FOR: Best vlog camera under 500 for travel videography

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Panasonic Lumix ZS100 is one of the best budget cameras from the compact camera range. If you value portability, good quality stills and some cool features for shooting videos including 4k, Lumix ZS100 is certainly one of the better if not the best camera for the amateur photographers and the best video camera for travel blogging on a budget.

FULL REVIEW

This Lumix vlogging camera has 20 megapixels, a relatively large for a compact camera processor and a 10x digital zoom. It is great to see the choice of a point and shoot camera with a viewfinder because I personally couldn’t shoot without one. Lumix ZS100 also boast a DSLR-like exposure control function that will give you greater control over the light on your images.

Lumix ZS100 is equipped with different shooting modes allowing you to choose between aperture or shutter priority or shoot in manual like you would with a mirrorless or DSLR camera. This is an excellent function for bloggers that want to develop their photography skills.

A fully articulated touch screen will let you set the focus with a touch of your finger (something that is really useful), and you can also navigate the menu using touch.

With 49-point AF and Face and Eye detection, this camera will focus immediately in a good light condition allowing for a sharp photo and video.

But the best feature of this inexpensive vlogging camera is being able to change the focus after the photo is already taken, so you can choose what stays focused and blur the rest with one click. This is a tremendous creative function of this little camera. Another great feature that will be appreciated by nature and outdoor lovers is time-lapse for recording things like the sunset.

Lumix ZS100 is a 4k vlog camera allowing to shoot at 30 frames per second and take quality Jpeg photos while shooting. The camera also has a tilt correction and 5-axis stabilisation which isn’t available at 4k. The only letdown is the screen that doesn’t flip.

All in all, Lumix ZS100 is a solid choice for those looking for a cheap and best camera for photography and it is a good vlogging camera for YouTube shooting if you don’t mind the lack of a flip-screen.

BEST FEATURE: Post focus point adjustment function

Fujifilm X-T30 – Chic vintage look

BEST FOR: Best camera for fashion bloggers  

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Fujifilm X-T30 is excellent if not the best camera for fashion photography and a decent camera for fashion vlogging. It has a super cool and unique vintage design, but don’t you worry; there is nothing vintage about the features of this Fujifilm camera. Like any good camera for blogging, X-T30 is extremely versatile.

FULL REVIEW

This camera is excellent in terms of still image quality and gives you comparable quality to a much more expensive X-T3. It boasts a 26-megapixel sensor allowing you to capture a lot of detail and it also performs well at higher ISO with noise kept at bay.

If you don’t mind shooting in Jpeg, X-T30 and other Fujifilm cameras are known for capturing vibrant and beautiful colours, which can be a great advantage in fashion shoots.

Autofocus on this camera is also decent. It covers the whole frame and also has a face/eye detection function. This camera has excellent continuous shooting.  Able to capture 20 frames per second, this camera is ideal for shooting moving models, twirling dresses, and hair flips. The excellent autofocus, superb shutter speed and continuous shooting make X-T30 a solid if not the best camera for fashion blogging.

In terms of video making, Fujifilm X-T30 is a competent camera producing quality output at 4k with 30p resolution able to use the full width of the sensor. The only limitation is it can only record up to 10 minutes in 4k mode. In full HD, this time is longer.

This camera doesn’t come with a fully flip-able screen (it only tilts). If this is really important to you, along with inbuilt image stabilisation, go for Fujifilm X-T3 or Fujifilm X-T4, which are a step up in terms of many functions but also a little more expensive.

Also, it is a relatively small camera which can be great to take with you when you’re travelling but may not be suitable for pairing with large or telescopic lenses. 

So, what camera do fashion bloggers use? A camera that can produce stellar sharp images with beautiful, true colours like this Fujifilm, which is undeniably one of the best cameras for blogging fashion.

BEST FEATURE: Its vintage look and whooping 20 frames per second shooting.

Nikon Z50 – Best Nikon camera for vlogging

BEST FOR: Best camera for lifestyle blogging – beginners to intermediate users that are looking for the best camera for photography and vlogging.

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Nikon Z50 is a great affordable camera priced in the midrange that has excellent portability due to its slim build that at the same time comes with a great handgrip. Its compact design, affordability and all-rounded great specs make it the best small camera for vlogging and photography and lifestyle bloggers should highly consider it.

FULL REVIEW

Nikon Z50 comes with a 21-megapixel sensor, good ISO range and decent autofocus comparable to higher specs Nikon models such as Z6. These features will allow you to take beautiful, high-quality images of almost everything.

In terms of video making, this Nikon vlogging camera can handle 4k videos using a full sensor width, so you don’t get a nasty crop at 4k. It has a time-lapse function at 4k and a slow-motion capability at Full HD mode.

The screen that flips under the camera allows you to see yourself while recording, but because it flips under, you won’t be able to use a tripod with it. Another drawback is that, as with many midrange cameras, Nikon Z50 lacks inbuilt stabilisation but has a digital one.

If you’re primarily looking for a video camera for vlogging, there are better options such as Sony Zv1 or more high range Sony A7 III, which is the best camera for vlogging and photography. If you want a camera that does a good job with both (which good cameras for bloggers should do), then Nikon Z50 is a solid choice at this price point.

Nikon Z50 uses the same Z mount as its full-framed, more expensive camera family. This means you can start with this introductory camera, and if you buy any extra lenses, you will be able to use them when you’re ready to upgrade your camera. Also, you can use Nikon DSLRs lenses as the mount adaptor will also fit this camera.

BEST FEATURE: Slim design with an excellent grip and decent photo & video performance.

Olympus OM – DE-M5 Mark III – The best vlogging camera  

BEST FOR: Best video camera for YouTube

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What is the best camera for blogging? Some of the features top vlogging cameras have are 4k videos, a flip screen, effective image stabilisation. Olympus OM – DE-M5 Mark III has it all and is a perfect choice for bloggers primarily focused on vlogging and videos.

FULL REVIEW

Olympus OM-DE-M5 Mark II comes with a superb ¾ sensor and boasts a comparable image quality to full-frame camera competitors. This camera is particularly impressive when it comes to capturing moving objects with its 30 frames per second shooting capability in Pro Capture mode.

E-M5 Mark III also has many exciting shooting modes that will allow you to be more creative. One of them is Live Composite Mode which overlaps multiple shots but only records brighter values which work well for capturing light trails.

When it comes to video shooting, this is the best camera for YouTube vlogging!  Olympus OM – DE-M5 Mark III is a true star in in-body stabilisation compared to its main competitors, such as Sony A6400 and Nikon Z50. It allows for super smooth videos without a gimble, and it works when shooting stills too. In fact, if your primary activity is videography or vlogging, this is the best choice for you at this price point. It shoots in DCI 4k, which gives you this wide cinema-like picture.

In addition, this Olympus camera has excellent eye autofocus and can shoot up to 110 minutes of video, which is one of the best times on the market.

The feature that it lacks compared to its competitors (such as Sony A7 III) is log capture that enables more colour-grading in post-production. It only has a flat profile that gives a decent amount of detail and allows for some colour grading, which will be sufficient for most vloggers. 

All in all, if you’re looking for the best mirrorless camera for vlogging with 4k videos, interesting shooting modes, a flip screen and able to shoot for a long time, look no further.

BEST FEATURE: Excellent smooth videos & fast 30 fps shooting

GoPro HERO8 Black – Best action camera for vlogging

BEST FOR: Adventure travel & extreme sports videos

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If you’re looking for the best adventure camera, nothing on the market beats GoPro cameras. They are super small and extremely durable, and waterproof. They are made to be made dirty, dropped and mistreated. Hero8 is the latest GoPro model and comes with an additional front screen which is also very useful for vlogging!

FULL REVIEW

GoPro HERO8 comes with a 2.3-inch rear touchscreen that is a little smaller compared to DJI Osmo Action and the same size screen at the front. The buttons are made bigger than Go Pro previous model, and there is a removable lens protector that allows adding ND filters.

GoPro can take quality still images with its 20-megapixel capability.

It has an impressive 5k video shooting function and an alternative 4k at 60 frames per second. The 5k shooting coupled with a rock-solid stabilisation means super quality action films. The additional option is its ability to take 15 megapixels stills during recording, and its front screen also makes this camera suitable for vlogging.

HERO9 also has some interesting shooting modes like night time-lapse that can take decent footage of the changing night sky. And you can also set your GoPro HERO9 to start recording at a certain time, which can be useful for capturing sunrise without actually waking up early.

Other modes include speed ramp and slow-motion, which are great for shooting sports activities such as surfing, skiing or hiking. Its 30 seconds loop recording also allows you to capture something unexpected without recording a tone of 30 seconds videos and then deleting them. This option could be practical in situations in recording a geyser eruption that occurs every minute or so.

Finally, you can use this camera as a webcam and do a live stream on YouTube through GoPro App with excellent Full HD quality.

BEST FEATURE: Super durable and portable

iPhone 12 Pro Max – Best camera for Instagram influencers + best phone for bloggers

BEST FOR: Minimalists

iPhone 12 Pro Max camera is one of the best cameras for Instagram amongst competitors such as Huawei P40 Pro and Google Pixel 4A. If you don’t really want to invest in a separate camera and need photos and videos only for social media use, then consider upgrading your smartphone to the iPhone latest model.

FULL REVIEW

iPhone 12 Pro Max has a slick stainless steel body that is droplet proof and looks solid. It boasts three different rear lenses: wide, telephoto and ultrawide, all have 12 megapixels. Interestingly, it is not the best camera set up on the market because Samsung’s Galaxy S20 main lens has 108MP and 100x digital zoom.

However, the 12 Pro Max really stands out with its video functionality. It features sensor-based optical stabilisation (most competitors cameras shift the lens to offset the movement, but this one uses the sensor). iPhone 12 Pro Max also can shoot videos in Dolby Digital at 4k up to 60 frames per second, which means you can produce excellent quality vlogs and clips for your social media.

iPhone 12 Pro Max has great low light performance. If you’re just starting up in videography and need something reliable for Tik Tok and Instagram reels, iPhone 12 does a superb job.

When it comes to the battery life, the specs say it should last two days, but if you’re an Instagram influencer and constantly use your phone for photos, Insta stories, and you get swamped with million social media notifications daily (like me), then the battery will last you the entire day which is still excellent performance compared to Galaxy phones. iPhone 12 Pro Max has wireless charging capability, and the battery charges fully in 2 hours.

All in all, iPhone 12 Pro Max is an excellent choice for bloggers and influencers. I also have one, and I find it’s a perfect tool for making short-form videos and stories. I even use it for some cinematic videos and often take pictures using its RAW function for my travel blog.

BEST FEATURE: Super easy to use & Dolby Digital 4k videos

How to choose the best camera for blogging?

#1 DSLR, Mirrorless and Point and Shoot Cameras

Before we can determine what is the best vlogging camera for you, let’s explain the difference between the three camera types on the market now.

DSLR cameras are using older technology, and the general opinion is that the camera technology is moving towards the mirrorless. DSLR stands for digital single-lens reflex, and the DSLR camera uses a mirror that is built-in in the camera body to reflect the image into the viewfinder. So, what you see in the viewfinder is what you see in real life. When the image gets captured, the mirror flips up the reflection onto the sensor when the image gets digitalised.

A Mirrorless camera has no mirror. The image goes straight to the sensor and what you see in the viewfinder (which is electronic) is how the photo will look like not how the reality looks now. I personally prefer to see how my image will look like over how the scene looks, but it’s up to your personal preference.

To sum up, both Mirrorless technology and DSLR offer high-quality cameras that produce similar quality images. If you’re primarily a vlogger or want a smaller camera body, you may want a mirrorless camera over a DSLR. What cameras do bloggers use will depend on whether they primarily shoot stills or do videos.

Point and Shoot Camera

A point and shoot camera is also known as a compact digital camera. Those types of cameras are fuss-free, simple devices designed to be taken out of the box to point and shoot without needing to play around with the settings or changing lenses. They are typically very cheap and straightforward to use, but you can not change their lenses. Some come with a zoom lens and a good battery life.

A compact camera is a type of camera that a person would buy if they never used any other camera before, and it’s more for documenting something, not necessarily anything to do with an artistic expression. Also, if you’re looking for a very cheap vlogging camera or cheap cameras for Instagram, you may want to consider purchasing a point and shoot camera.

#2 Budget vs your skill level

What is a good vlogging camera for you? Well, this depends on your budget, your photography skills, and the purpose of your photos. Suppose you’re planning to take pictures of your food to post on your personal Instagram account and have no skills or willingness to learn (it’s ok, no judgment). In that case, there is no point in spending a lot of money on a high-end camera that actually may make things worse.

Having top range photography gear doesn’t automatically improve the quality of your photos. On the contrary, trying to shoot in Manual without knowing what the hell you’re doing will make your photos worst than the photos your smartphone can take (no kidding).

The most sensible approach to choosing the right and best blog camera for you is always going only one level up to your skillset and current gear. So, for example, if you already own a point and shoot, choose beginners mirrorless camera and if you have an intermediate mirrorless camera, choose a more advanced one. In this way, you will get something that will let you develop your skill, and you won’t outgrow it for another year or two.

#3 Size and weight

Size and weight is important factor when choosing the best cameras for blogging. Typically, the lighter, the better, so you will be happy to take it wherever you go if you’re a travel or lifestyle blogger. This factor may not be as important for food bloggers that will take most of their pictures and videos at home. Cameras such as Sony Alpha 6400 are super light and portable and have a wide selection of small lenses.

Back in the days when I have my old DSLR Nikon, I remember ditching it all together on the hike to Machu Picchu. As a solo female traveller, I could not afford to carry the bulky camera for four days in my backpack! So, I ended up taking pictures with my iPhone. 

#4 Screen quality and function -Tilting or flip screen

Another critical feature is screen quality. When shooting in the field, whether it’s for fashion or travel bloggers, you will want to be able to view the photos you have taken and assess whether they’re good enough or need a retake. If the screen is low quality, it is tough to see if the photos are good or not. One of the most common issues for photographers is blurry images which, if your camera has a poor screen, is almost impossible to spot.

A second thing to consider is the flip screen. If you’re looking primarily for a decent vlogging camera, you may want to choose one that has a flip screen so you can see yourself in it while recording your video. This is a vital feature for vloggers and all great vlogging cameras come with one.

We all know that we look our best on selfies taken with a phone when we have complete control, and we can take a shot of our best angle. If you get a flip-screen camera, you will achieve the same control as with your smartphone. Check out this Sony vlogging camera with a flip screen – Sony Zv1.

#5 Available lenses and their prices

Another factor you may want to look into when choosing the best blogger’s camera is the available lens range and their prices.

If you’re a complete newbie to photography, a simple point a shoot camera where you don’t need to worry about changing lenses, such as Panasonic Lumix ZS80, may meet all your needs. 

If you’re an intermediate to advanced photographer and looking for top blogger cameras, you will probably want to buy more lenses for your chosen camera in the future, so it would be good to take this into account now.

If you choose one of the Sony cameras (with E mount), you will have a larger range of affordable third-party lenses such as Tamron and Sigma than if you buy a Canon camera (RF mount) which has expensive lenses and has not allowed third-party manufacturers yet to produce lenses for their cameras.

#6 Image stabilisation

Image stabilisation function means an extra stabilisation for your photos and videos to avoid blur when you’re shooting handheld. This function is convenient when you’re shooting in low light scenarios such as indoors with dim light, sunset or sunrise and require slow shutter release to capture more light to make the photo bright enough.

Not every camera has this function inbuilt. Some cameras have digital stabilisation, and some that don’t have can be paired with a quality lens that comes with this function.

However, if you’re looking for the best camera for video blogging you should get one with a solid in-body stabilisation.

#7 Ability to take RAW images

If you do a lot of post-shoot editing in apps such as Lightroom, you will want your camera to shoot in RAW. Shooting in RAW allows capturing way more image data, allowing you to play with images, apply presets and crop without losing too much quality. What camera do bloggers use for Instagram – the camera that allows them to shoot in RAW!

All DSLR and Mirrorless cameras will have that ability, but even some compact cameras such as the Sony blog camera – RX1R II also have that ability. The newest iPhone 12 Pro Max also have RAW image shooting capabilities, which I’m a proud owner and I must say the photo quality is fantastic for a phone!

#8 Ability to shoot in 4K resolution

4K resolution is an upgrade from HD. To be precise, 4K has four times more resolution than the standard HD, which simply means your videos will be much better. If you’re serious about vlogging on YouTube, I would strongly recommend getting a camera with this ability.

4K will ensure that your footage can be watched on a bigger screen without the image appearing to be pixelated, and also, it will give you wiggle room for cropping into the footage while editing. Most cameras that I recommend in this post have the 4K ability.

#9 Audio quality

Audio quality is another feature to consider while shopping for new gear. Best vlogging cameras will have a microphone port to plug an external microphone for a more enhanced sound which is really a must-have if you want your vlogs to be high quality.

Some cameras will also have a headphones port that allows the creator to monitor the sound while shooting in real-time. The recommended Sony 7 III has both.

#10 Megapixels

You will be surprised, but megapixels are not as important nowadays as they used to be. Why is that? The picture quality is not only determined by the number of megapixels. Other factors that influence picture quality are sensor size, lens quality and effectiveness of the image processor.

In general, the more megapixels, the better ability to enlarge and crop an image. Other instances when megapixels will matter is when you’re taking photos and planning to print them as large posters or canvas.

#11 Autofocus

Every camera has an Autofocus mode (AF), allowing the camera’s sensor to detect how far the subject is located from the camera. Then using an electronic motor, the camera adjusts the focal distance of the lens.

This feature is essential and can mean a crisp, sharp photo or a blurry one and a missed opportunity. Autofocus ability is defined by focus points. The higher the number of focus points, the better the ability to focus.

This feature is particularly important when choosing the best camera for bloggers when shooting real-life scenarios with moving subjects, fashion blogging and travel blogging.

In my experience, blurry faces are the most common spoiler for otherwise stunning photos, so if you can choose a camera that has a fantastic autofocus mode, such as Sony A7 III, you’re already halfway there. In Sony A7 III, you can adjust the focus with your finger using the touch screen, which is often a lifesaver for me when I’m doing big shoots.

#12 Low light performance

Low light performance is defined by the camera’s ISO range. The higher the ISO range, the better. Also, the sensor size in relation to its megapixels, in this case, is essential. We don’t want too many megapixels because they may hinder the camera’s performance in low light.

One of the best performing cameras in low light is again Sony A7 III which has a whopping 80 to 104,400 ISO range. Also, with its full-frame sensor, this camera can literally see in the darkness!

#13 Continuous shooting speed

The speed of the camera’s continuous shooting mode basically means how many frames the camera can shoot per second before its internal/ buffer memory known as ‘burst’ becomes full. This is particularly important for shooting tons of the content of moving subjects such as sports events, wildlife or fashion shoots, for example, with dress swirls.

#14 Wi-fi Connectivity

Wi-fi connectivity allows you to download the footage from your camera directly onto your phone, which can be a handy function to preview the footage on a better screen. However, photos lose their quality in a wireless transfer, so you will still need a memory card or an old school USB cable to transfer your content properly.

The Best Camera Accessories for Bloggers

Since you’re upgrading your camera equipment, you may also want to look at some essential accessories and the best vlogging equipment all professional bloggers use.

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TIP: I recommend storing only Jpegs versions of your photos on your laptop and RAW + Jpegs (for backup) versions on your LaCie.

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Best Lenses You Should Have in Your Camera Gear

There are so many lenses available on the market that it’s easy to get lost. Most people, however, will only need 1 or 2 lenses that will serve them a long time through their blogging career.

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Best Apps

The most common photography application for bloggers is Lightroom. In Lightroom, you can easily apply presets, fix under or overexposed photos and correct imperfections. It’s a little more tricky with Photoshop. But you don’t need to use Lightroom or Photoshop to be able to edit your photos professionally. There are many excellent editing apps for smartphones that make editing easy. Things like replacing the sky, removing objects, adding sun rays and smoothing imperfections can be quickly done from your phone using apps such as Touch Retouch. I actually created a course on the five best apps that are particularly handy for Instagram photography. I’m leaving the link to it below!

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