If you are getting started with vlogging or are ready to take it to the next level, a dedicated vlogging camera is a great choice. Whether you’re planning to become an influencer and monetise your content, or simply want to document your travel adventures and hobbies to share with others, using a dedicated camera to vlog not only improves the visual quality of your content (and makes it more attractive to potential sponsors), it also gives you more creative control over how the video looks. And it frees you to use your phone for something else, such as engaging with your viewers during a livestream.
All Canon cameras can be used for vlogs, but some are friendlier to the specific needs of vlogging than others! The camera that’s best for you also depends on your vlogging style: what you intend to vlog about, how you usually vlog, and how you plan to edit the footage.
Features that beginners should look out for
- Tilting/ articulating (Vari-angle) screen: You want the rear screen to either tilt upward or flip around out so you can see yourself while recording.
- Face detection and autofocus: To keep the focus on your face as you talk.
- Dedicated vlogging-friendly features: Vlogging is different from other types of video work, and such features can make a difference.
- Image stabilisation: Especially if you’re shooting handheld and not yet ready to invest in a gimbal.
- External microphone support: Good audio quality is crucial, and that’s usually achieved with an external microphone.
- 4K video recording: Most content is still consumed in Full-HD so this is more for future-proofing than anything. Shooting in it also gives more editing and cropping possibilities. (Also see: Videography FAQ: What are 8K, 4K, and Full HD? How Do I Use Them?)
- Creative modes: Creative filters or modes like HDR movies change the look of your footage so you can create visuals that look different.
All the cameras we recommend below have these features, and more.
1. Best for ease of use: PowerShot V10
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The PowerShot V10 is only around 9cm tall and weighs around 211g, which makes it smaller than the average smartphone and just as easy to bring everywhere. Its built-in kickstand makes it super easy to set up and start shooting: simply unfold it and put it on the nearest flat surface, no extra tripod required. You also get immersive audio out of the box with its built-in large omnidirectional microphone, ideal for giving your viewers an ASMR experience.
Think your footage looks too ordinary? Add different colour effects with the 14 movie colour filters included. You can also tweak the white balance and “Tinge” settings for a more personalised look.
2. Tiny and feature-packed: PowerShot G7 X Mark III
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The PowerShot G7 X Mark III is just a little bigger than the PowerShot V10 but still fits comfortably into a pocket or handbag. With its 4.2x zoom lens, you can switch from a wide establishing shot to a clear, high-quality close-ups simply by pushing the zoom lever or turning the ring. There is also a macro focus mode perfect for showcasing details of intricate craftwork, clothing textures, or even for makeup vlogging.
For more creative video effects, add drama into your reels with 1/4 speed slow motion through the Full HD 100p/120p High Frame Rate mode. Alternatively, enchant your travel vlog audience by shooting sunrise or sunset as a 4K timelapse or stunning HDR movie.
While the camera can be used in full automatic mode for those who prefer to let the camera decide the exposure settings, the traditional PASM modes and dials are there for experienced creators who want more control.
Both the PowerShot G7 X Mark III and the EOS R50 (featured below) have a convenient Auto Level feature that keeps the video straight when recording—that’s one less thing to correct in post-production.
3. Mirrorless power: EOS R50
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The EOS R50 offers the best of both worlds for those who want a small camera body with the option to use interchangeable lenses. You can use RF-S /RF lenses directly, or EF lenses with a mount adapter. Its APS-C-size sensor promises better performance in low light compared to the PowerShot cameras above, which have smaller 1-inch type sensors.
Canon’s deep learning-trained Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system detects and tracks your eyes seamlessly even if your vlog idea involves you moving all over the screen. It can also detect and track cats, dogs, and birds, which makes it perfect for pet vlogging.
If you do product demonstrations or reviews, one convenient feature is the “Close-Up Demo Movie Recording” mode. It automatically switches the focus from your face or eyes to a product that you place in front of the camera, allowing seamless one-take recording without distracting extra gestures such as covering your face.
Recommended lens: RF-S10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM
The RF-S18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM kit lens that comes with the camera is wonderful to start with, but for more comfortable handheld vlogging, we recommend a wide-angle lens to easily fit yourself and your surroundings into the screen. Try the tiny, lightweight RF-S10-18mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM (full-frame equivalent focal range: 16-28.8mm), whose built-in image stabilisation works with the camera’s Movie Digital IS to achieve even steadier footage.
4. Gear up for future possibilities: EOS R8
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As Canon’s lightest, most portable full-frame mirrorless camera, the EOS R8 offers the most flexibility especially when shooting in low light or capturing wide-angle scenes. Besides being a powerful stills camera, it also has many advanced video features for the vlogger who plans to go deeper into content creation or filmmaking.
For example, you get more flexibility when colour grading with 10-bit 4:2:2 Canon Log 3, which retains more dynamic range. There are also more high frame rate options, which means more possibilities when shooting videos of hobbies like breakdancing or skateboarding!
Using the camera isn’t as intimidating as it seems: autoexposure recording is still available, as well as creative automatic modes like Creative filters and HDR movie recording. This makes it a great long-term investment if you're a budding content creator who wants the best image quality possible and is keen on learning the more technical side of things.
Recommended lens: RF16mm f/2.8 STM
The compact RF16mm f/2.8 STM prime lens is perfect for vlogging on a full-frame camera like the EOS R8: it’s wide-angle, small and lightweight, and has a large aperture that not only makes you “pop” with beautiful background blurring, but also helps achieve cleaner footage when shooting in dim light.