Best DSLR vlogging camera

There is a massive choice when from when it comes to picking the best camera for vlogging. The best choice is an interchangeable-lens camera with an internal microphone input. Having the ability to change lens on a camera is the major reason to consider an DSLR. For vlogging you want a lens which is wide, around 20mm focal length is perfect, a wide zoom lens will give you options. Having the ability to plug in an external mic is also a must. The internal mic on pretty much all the DSLR are poor. Either use a shotgun microphone which mounts onto the hot shoe or a wireless lavalier microphone system.

The best cameras for vlogging have features that may not seem too crucial for regular stills photography. One of the most critical is an LCD screen that can flip round to the front so that you see yourself while you’re filming to check framing, focus and exposure.  

An effective autofocus system that can also keep track of you while you’re recording yourself is also essential, as you won’t be able to adjust the camera while you’re filming and eye AF can be a significant advantage here.

So what about 4K? Even now, most vloggers will record and upload in full HD rather than 4K. Still, most of us would feel happier with a little future-proofing, and 4K does offer more scope for editing and cropping your video later, so the ability to shoot 4K video should be considered, but this feature will increase the cost of the camera. 

There are loads of fantastic models available in the mirrorless sector, combining lightweight build and great video features to make for a robust all-around vlogging package.

Here are three that I recommend:

  • Canon EOS M50 Compact System Camera and EF-M 15-45mm Lens
  • Panasonic G7 Compact System camera with 14-42 mm lens
  • Sony a6400 E-Mount compact mirrorless camera with 16-50mm Power Zoom lens

All have camera have these features:

  • flip out screen
  • microphone input
  • good autofocus
  • 4K

The Panasonic is the cheapest at around £450. Then the Canon – £550, with the Sony the most expensive at £950.

The Sony A6400 is the camera I have and use on a daily basis for my vlogging and behind the scenes videos. I use Sony as the corporate videos I make for clients  we use the larger Sony cameras such as the PXW-FS7 and PXW-FS5 which cost so much more than an DSLR (10 times more), but offer so many more features for professional videographers.

Below are links to view the current pricing and the camera features on Amazon.

Don’t forget you will also need accessories for the camera:

  • Microphone
  • SD Card
  • Extra batteries
  • Tripod
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