With the holidays right around the corner and with many families staying home this year, documenting holiday memories has a little more significance this time around. Whether it’s Zoom calls, streaming online or vlogging for YouTube, we want to make sure you have the best equipment to share those memories with all your friends and family. Below, we list the best vlogging cameras in 2020 for beginners and for those on a budget. So, let’s get started!
GoPro Hero 9
This past September, GoPro pulled out all the stops with the launch of their latest GoPro Hero9. One major upgrade in this latest version is the ability to be used as a webcam. Users can step up their webcam experience even further with additional light and microphone mods. For example, the media mod has a built-in directional mic and two cold-shoe mounts to attach lights, LCD screens, or external microphones to be used in conjunction with the 3.5mm mic port for enhanced audio.
It also features a new front display for easy framing—perfect for vlogging or selfies. All users need to do is connect the HERO9 Black to your computer to broadcast in 1080p full HD. Not to mention, it comes with HyperSmooth 3.0, providing advanced stabilization even while actively moving around during the livestream. The GoPro Hero9 bundle comes with carry case, Floating Hand Grip, Magnetic Swivel Clip and 32GB Extreme UHS-I microSD memory card for $499.99.
M50 Mark II
The new Canon M50 Mark II was upgraded to meet the needs of video creators and vloggers specifically. Just in time for the Holidays, it features 4K UHD 24p and HD 120p for slow motion video. Content creators will love the vari-angle screen and the ability to use the EOS Webcam Utility software as a webcam alternative. Users will have the ability to shoot video vertically or horizontally and output everything via HDMI for high-quality live streaming. Wireless live streaming is also available on the M50 Mark II directly to YouTube.
The M50 Mark II boasts faster Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus to lock onto fast-moving subjects quickly, and enhanced Eye Detection which can be used while shooting video with Movie Servo AF. Not to mention the 3.5mm microphone jack for external audio options. The M50 Mark II with EF-M 15-45mm IS STM Lens Kit will be available for $699.99.
Lumix G100
The LUMIX G100 provides numerous features to help users create a high-quality vlog. For one, it can record in various aspect ratios such as 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 4:5, 5:4 and 9:16, perfect for posting to popular platforms like Instagram and YouTube. It supports a vari-angle 3” touch screen for easy selfie composition and high-resolution video with 4K 24p/30p and FHD at 60p. It also has a 3.5mm microphone jack for external audio options.
If you’re looking for a quick edit, you can retouch, resize, crop, and more right in camera. Plus, for advanced videographers, the LUMIX G100 supports V-LogL recording for more color grade control. If you’re looking to use it as a webcam, The G100 is getting a firmware update on November 24th that adds native Webcam support through the LUMIX Webcam driver, no special software required. If you're interested to see what it’s like to use the G100, check out food blogger Female Foodie's review here! The Lumix G100 with the 12-32mm lens is available now for $747.99 or with an additional tripod grip for $797.99.
Sony ZV1
In response to the uproar of content creators and vloggers, Sony came out with their own version of the ultimate vlogging camera—the ZV1. Sony borrowed technology and features from the popular RX100 series cameras and added some crucial features to boost its vlogging capabilities.
Some of those features include a front tally lamp to confirm recording is happening and enlarged REC button on the top of the camera. Sony also incorporated Active SteadyShot for advanced image stabilization and an included wind screen for the built-in microphone. For those looking to add on further, it also has a 3.5mm microphone port for additional audio accessories. The ZV1 can also be used as a webcam using the Sony Imaging Edge Webcam Utility software. The Sony ZV1 is on sale right now making it $698. If you wanted to step up your vlogger game even more, you could get the Sony Vlogger Accessory Kit which includes a wireless shooting grip and Sony 64 UHS-II memory card for $148.
Nikon Z50
The Nikon Z50 is Nikon’s first mirrorless APS-C camera that can record in Ultra HD 4k video at up to 30 FPS or in HD at 120 FPS. Even though it is an APS-C camera, it has the same Z lens mount as the full-frame cameras, allowing the use of the entire NIKKOR Z lens line up, as well as over 300 compatible DSLR lenses when used with the optional Mount Adapter FTZ.
Nikon has created features within this camera to attract vloggers such as a 3.2-inch touch screen with the ability to be flipped down 170 degrees and supports a mic in jack for better audio options. The Nikon Z50 with 16-50mm Lens is on sale for $896.95. It also comes in a creator's kit that includes a Joby GorillaPod 3K Tripod, RODE Video Micro Compact Camera Microphone, SmallRig Vlogging Mounting Plate and Travel Kit Bag (Charcoal). This kit is available for $1046.95
DJI Pocket 2
DJI Pocket 2 is a 3-axis motorized gimbal and the perfect pocket-sized camera (hence the name) that users can take anywhere. It includes face tracking and will keep you in the shot with ActiveTrack 3.0. It features a 1/1.7" sensor, a 20mm focal length and video recording up to 4K/60. For sound, DJI Matrix Stereo technology records audio internally allowing for rich details. It even can adjust the direction of audio to the same direction as the camera is pointing, making sure the subject’s voice is clear and crisp.
The creator combo option includes a table top tripod, Do-It-All Handle, and a wireless mic option to take your vlogging to the next level. The DJI Pocket 2 has a small LCD screen facing the user so that selfies are easy to see. The Pocket 2 came out on November 1st and is available for $349.95, with the creator combo retailing for $499.95.