Best Small Camera For Vlogging

The world of YouTube vlogs has skyrocketed in popularity.

Many creators are choosing this format as their way to express their ideas and share content with a community.

Vlogs can come in different forms, from talking head videos, to travelers who document as they go, to action-packed content.

But overall, the best cameras for vlogging tend to be smaller in size. This makes them more versatile for different styles as well as easier to carry.

Finding the right small vlogging camera will be simple when you finish reading through this guide, but if you are impatient, here's the best one that stands out above all the rest.

Sony ZV-1 - The Best Small Camera For Vlogging

All of the following cameras are amazing for vlogging, but the Sony ZV-1 sticks out for these reasons:

• Up to a stunning 4k resolution.
• Amazing frame rate of 120fps in full HD resolution.
• Lightweight but great for holding in your hand.
• Face priority auto-exposure so you’re always in focus and well-lit.
• Has the possibility to attach an external microphone for even better audio.
• Great for both studio creators and adventurers.
• And so many more.

If that isn’t enough reasons for you, there are more details below, as well as a few more incredible small vlogging cameras.

But first, some factors to keep in mind when buying a small camera for vlogging.

Features Of The Best Small Cameras For Vlogging

Before diving into the list of best small cameras for vlogging, here are some features that make them a good choice for this style of videography.

• Lightweight and compact: the best vlogging cameras should be easy to walk around with. They should be light so that you don’t get tired when holding one for long periods of time. They should also be compact so they can fit well in your hand or at the end of a selfie stick.
• Easy to set up: for some vlogs, you’ll need to start filming as quickly as possible. Good vlogging cameras should be really simple to set up, turn on, and start using.
• Stabilized: if you want to make videos on the go, you’ll need a camera with a good stabilization system. You can invest in a gimbal or pick a device that has a built-in stabilizer. This will lead to good-quality footage when walking, running, or even skydiving.

Top 5 Best Small Cameras For Vlogging

Now that you know what sets a good vlogging camera apart from the mediocre ones, here is a list of the five best small cameras for vlogging.

• Sony ZV-1
• DJI Pocket 2
• Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III
• GoPro Hero11
• Nikon Z30

Sony ZV-1

The ZV-1 is one of Sony’s most compact cameras. It has a fully-adjustable flip screen so you can record yourself without accidentally cutting half of your face from the frame.

It weighs around 10.4 ounces (295g), which is on the heavier side for this list. That doesn’t mean it will weigh you down during recording. You can hold it at arm level or with a sturdy selfie stick for a good span of time before getting tired.

The resolution is 4k, but has a standard frame rate of 30fps. If you want to stick to YouTube’s recommended minimum setting of 1080p, you can increase the frame rate to 120fps, which is a big bonus.

It has various features that make it perfect for vlogging. It can automatically blur the background, bringing you into focus right at the front of the shot. You can also choose to have auto-exposure set to face priority. The flip screen is also a highlight for vloggers.

All of these qualities add up to the Sony ZV-1 being the best small camera for vlogging.

Specifications

• 4k resolution
• 30fps frame rate
• 10.4oz. (295g) weight
• Face priority auto-exposure
• External microphone input

DJI Pocket 2

The DJI Pocket 2 is one of the smallest cameras on the market. It is lightweight and literally fits in your pocket.

It comes with a built-in gimbal for stabilization, so you never have to worry about shaky footage. All of these qualities make it a perfect camera for exploring cities and hiking in the forest.

The video resolution is 4k with a frame rate of 60fps. There is a slow motion feature that can record in full HD at up to 240fps. And you can choose from different timelapse settings for stunning, sped-up visuals.

The audio recording is quite unique. There are several mics which can be set up to record in different patterns: front, front and back, and 360º. The sound will even be boosted as you zoom in on a subject so that the viewer really feels that they’re getting closer to it.

Specifications

• 4k resolution
• 60fps frame rate
• 4.1oz. (117g) weight
• Stereo sound
• Built-in gimbal

Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III

The Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III is an upgrade from the Mark II specifically aimed at vloggers.

It has a 180º flip screen so you can quickly monitor your shots from in front of the camera.

It’s a great choice for YouTubers. It has a direct-to-YouTube live stream function, so you can build your community with great content that’s both pre-recorded and streamed.

It’s a great choice for beginners. It has an easy learning curve and basic controls. It even works well in low light conditions, so you don’t need to worry about investing in a lighting setup right away.

It’s compact and doesn't weigh much, and supports 4k videos. It has a maximum frame rate of 120fps at 1080p, so you can get perfect slow motion shots for your channel without dropping below Full HD.

Specifications

• 4k resolution
• 30fps frame rate
• 10.7oz. (303g) weight
• YouTube live streaming
• Red eye reduction

GoPro Hero11

One of the best small cameras for vlogging available is also the best GoPro available. The Hero11 has the best video resolution on this list at 5.3k. It can shoot at 60fps and even be used for live streaming at 1080p.

It’s an action camera, so you can be sure that it’s light, compact, and stabilized. It comes with GoPro’s HyperSmooth system so your shots will be stable even if you’re mountainbiking.

The Hero11 has front- and rear-facing displays, so you’ll always know what you’re shooting.

It’s highly versatile, with various digital lenses for different effects. You can go for hyper wide or linear depending on your preferences and where you’re shooting.

And the 8:7 aspect ratio lets you quickly convert your videos into the perfect ratios for different platforms, from YouTube to TikTok.

Specifications

• 5.3k resolution
• 60fps frame rate
• 5.4oz. (153g)
• 1080p live streaming
• HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization

Nikon Z30

The heaviest camera on this list is the Nikon Z30. It still comes in at under 15oz. (425g) and is easy to grip due to the material used and the shape of the body. This makes it great for vloggers who want to hold it in their hands while walking.

It has face tracking capabilities and a flip screen, making it an even better choice for vloggers. Whether you monitor your shots on the screen or not, you’ll be sure that you’ll always be in focus. Reviewers will love how it then automatically shifts to products that are held up to the camera.

The Z30 has built-in stereo microphones and can take an external mic too. You can guarantee that you’ll have crisp and clear sound that will add value to your videos.

Finally, you can have total control over the camera using the Nikon app or by getting the Bluetooth remote. There’s no need to walk back and forth to your tripod to start recording or to make changes to the settings.

Specifications

• 4k resolution
• 30fps frame rate
• 14.3oz. (405g)
• Great audio
• Remote control options

Bottom Line

Manufacturers are seeing how vlogging is making a change to how cameras should be made. All the devices in this guide are geared towards this kind of filmmaking, so include the best features possible.

They are all compact, lightweight, versatile, and easy to use. To make a great vlog, you don’t need advanced tools, just basic characteristics and your creativity. That doesn’t mean that these cameras don't come with some incredible features.

Despite the Sony ZV-1 standing apart, no matter which device you choose, you can be sure that it will aid you in creating fantastic content for your vlogging channel.

Have you ever tried any of these cameras? Which is your favorite? Let your fellow readers know in the comments section below.