How to Choose a Vlogging Camera: 10 Features to Look For

Thinking about starting a vlog? Keep these features in mind before buying a new camera.

If you've just started vlogging, you might've considered investing in a camera that's recommended by photographers. This is a mistake made by tons of beginners—vlogging and photography are completely different pursuits.

This article is going to discuss what to look for in a camera that's suitable for vlogging. Eliminating any camera options that aren't fit for vlogging will make camera hunting a lot easier. Let's get right to it.

1. Recording Capabilities

This might seem a bit obvious, but you want to ensure that the camera you're looking at is capable of shooting videos. Some people make the unfortunate mistake of purchasing a camera, only to find that it can't record videos.

If you end up buying a camera that can't shoot videos, you'll have to go through a whole return process with the store (if that's even an option). This could end up being a very expensive mistake.

Related: Mirrorless vs. DSRL vs. Camcorder: What's the Best Video Recorder?

2. LCD Flip Screen

A camera with an LCD screen is a must for every vlogger. However, your camera can't have just any type of LCD screen; it must be able to flip out.

When you're recording, you need to ensure that the composition and framing are exactly how you want at all times. The only way to do this is with a screen that flips toward the front of the camera, letting you view the composition while still facing the lens. This isn't too dissimilar from using the front-facing camera on your phone.

Keep the placement of the screen in mind. If it flips out on top, you won't be able to mount a shotgun mic to the camera. LCD flip screens placed on the side and bottom of the camera are ideal in this case.

3. Monitor Connectivity

If you're a stationary, sit-down type of vlogger and want to show off your stylish room setup, you can't go wrong with having a monitor (a TV or computer screen) connected to your camera. This way, you'll be able to see what your camera is recording in more detail.

To make this work, your camera must be able to connect to your monitor and mirror the LCD screen in real-time. Ensure it has an HDMI or USB output—whichever is compatible with your monitor.

4. Size and Weight

A lightweight camera that's easy to hold and pack is ideal for vloggers on the move. If your vlog centers around traveling or shopping, it's essential that the camera feels comfortable in your hand and won't tire your arm.

Even if you're a stationary vlogger, you're still going to have to maneuver the camera in some way during setup—ensure that you're comfortable with handling its size and weight.

5. Auto Focus

Every vlogging camera needs continuous autofocus for video—if it doesn't have autofocus, don't even consider buying it. Using manual focus for vlogging is a big waste of time during filming and will leave you with a lot of extra work during editing as well.

You need a camera that focuses on the main element of the video at all times. So if you're walking around and talking, it should focus on your face. If you're filming a makeup tutorial and want to show off a product you're holding, it should focus on that item.

6. Facial Recognition

Sometimes, autofocus won't be enough, especially if the background is busy with other discernable faces and objects. This doesn't mean your camera's autofocus is not up to par; it's actually the opposite. While your camera may be really good at detecting things, it might get a bit confused about which object or face to focus on.

The solution is facial recognition. Typically, a camera with this feature will allow you to upload an image of yourself. It will then have an easier time identifying and focusing on your face in a shot with other people and objects.

Related: How to Edit Videos Like a Pro

7. Touch Focus

Touch focus is a feature that lets you tap on your camera's screen to let it know what it should focus on in your composition. It's not an essential feature, but it can be very helpful if you're having trouble with autofocus or facial recognition.

8. Low-Light Performance

Low-light performance refers to a camera's ability to capture footage in low-light conditions. Adjusting your camera's ISO and aperture allow you to control the captured light in a darker environment, which is something you'll need to do at some point in your vlogging career.

A higher ISO increases the camera's sensitivity to light, but going too high can result in a grainy image. In addition, widening the aperture (lowering the f-stop) lets more light into the camera, but that might result in a lack of depth of field.

A camera with a good ISO and aperture range will make it easier for you to find a sweet spot between these settings.

Related: What Is Aperture in Photography? How to Understand Camera Aperture​

9. Image Stabilization

If you're going to walk around with your camera, it's going to need image stabilization to reduce shakiness. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is the most common type of image stabilization—it shifts the camera lens to compensate for movement.

Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) is ideal for videos, however. It does the same thing as OIS, all without the use of hardware. It uses electronic processing to compensate for movement across multiple frames. This process is quicker than lens adjustments, therefore, it's better for stabilizing shaky video footage in real-time.

10. Battery Life

There's nothing worse than having your camera battery die in the middle of a vlog. This is especially true if you're filming an unscripted scene—it'll be difficult to capture that spontaneity again.

Look for a camera that lasts for at least two hours during video recording, and always ensure that it's fully charged before you start recording. It might be worth investing in a few more batteries and carrying them with you so that you can swap them out as soon as one gets low.

11. Video Resolution

Even though 4K seems like the ideal resolution for any internet video lately, it's not necessary. You'll save money by opting for a camera that shoots in 1080p instead, and this is good enough. Besides, many of us aren't comfortable showing our faces in that much detail anyway.

Make Sure to Do Your Research

As you can see, vlogging requires a different set of camera specs than photography, so don't go hunting for cameras that are recommended by photographers.

You want to be able to capture the best video footage, and getting a camera that has all of the features mentioned here will help you accomplish that.

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