Selecting the Right Camera for Shooting Video
- 3840 x 2160 video resolution
- 3” fully articulated screen
- Lightweight at less than 1 lb
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Can’t shoot 4K video
- No image stabilization
- Short battery life (especially with video)
- 4K video
- Microphone/headphone inputs
- Large battery life
- In-body image stabilization
- 3” screen isn’t fully articulated and has limited touchscreen capabilities
- Not weather-resistant
- 4K video capabilities at up to 60fps
- Incredible image stabilization
- One of the best vlogging cameras due to new selfie-screen
- Not for still photographers
- Can’t perform well in low-light situations
Photo by Jakub Gorajek on Unsplash
The first time I picked out a camera for shooting video I had no idea what I was looking for. Most cameras aren’t marketed for videographers, which means there’s much less information out there for us.
While I appreciate the many ways a camera can be used for still photos, sometimes I’d like to know more about a camera’s video capabilities than what it can do for stills.
Plus, it seems the most expensive cameras are always marketed for videographers, which means if I’m in the market for a budget camera for shooting video, there’s truly no info out there.
As such, I’ve compiled a list of a wide range of the best cameras for vlogging, from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand.
Panasonic Lumix G7 (Best Inexpensive Option)
The Panasonic Lumix G7 is 4 years old, which means its price has significantly decreased to where it now sits (less than $500), but it isn’t yet so out-of-date that it isn’t extremely useful.
The Lumix G7 features a 3” touchscreen that is fully articulated for those of us who aren’t just vlogging behind a computer desk. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and an external microphone port.
The Lumix G7 can also be controlled remotely with your smartphone, which is helpful for one-man video operations. This is truly why it is one of the best cameras for vlogging on the market, even 4 years after it dropped.
Of course, it can’t shoot 4K video due to its age and price point, but it still features a high video bit rate of 100mbps.
Plus, while it’s a great beginner camera, it can also function for those of us who are more advanced in our careers, i.e. it isn’t frustrating for a seasoned pro.
Pros of Panasonic Lumix G7:
Cons of Panasonic Lumix G7:
You can buy a Panasonic Lumix G7 for only $450 here.
Sony A7 III (Best Advanced Camera)
If you’re in the market for mirrorless cameras for video, then look no further.
The Sony A7 III is a full frame mirrorless with in-body image stabilization. But, most importantly, it features 4K video capabilities, a microphone jack, Real Time Eye Autofocus (for vloggers), and it stores video clips of up to 29 minutes.
Beyond that, you can choose from two different 4K bitrates (24p and 30p) at either 100MBPS or 60MBPS, S-Log includes, and excellent ISO performance. Plus, the full frame sensor is a huge bonus at this price point, so you don’t have to worry about that pesky crop for video like other cameras in this price range have.
Pros of Sony A7 III:
Cons of Sony A7 III:
You can purchase the Sony A7 III on Samys Camera for $1,800.
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GoPro HERO 8 Black (Best Rugged Option)
We all know what this camera for shooting video is known for - image stabilization.
But, the latest GoPro edition has a surprising amount of features, including 4K video capabilities, accessories called “Mods,” which include a mini shotgun microphone connection, a selfie-screen, and a video light connection, and an incredibly easy-to-use interface.
It’s clear to see that GoPro can now be used as an all-around camera for shooting video, instead of being forced into the action niche as it was for so long.
Pros of GoPro HERO 8:
Cons of GoPro HERO 8:
You can get a GoPro HERO 8 BlacK for just $350 on Samys Camera, and the best part is it’s a GoPro kit which includes a tripod, a head strap for insane outdoor activities (skydiving, anyone?), and an extra battery!
If this informs you of anything, it’s that there are plenty of options - and varied ones at that - for investing in a high-quality camera for shooting video without busting your budget.
Whether you’re on a strict budget, want an affordable full fram option, or need something rugged to take with you on your adventures, any one of these cameras can fulfill your needs while keeping more money in your bank account.
What’s not to like about that?!
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No Matter the Camera, You Need a Great Light...
Whether you opt for a DSLR, mirrorless camera, or action cam for your video recording, you need to have a top-quality light to help you get the best results.
Personally, I use the Litra Torch LitraPro, which I reviewed a few months ago.
The LitraPro is mid-range in terms of price, ringing in at $220, but top-shelf in terms of its capabilities.
Each LitraPro is comprised of 60 individual LED lights, which is pretty impressive considering the overall size of 2.75 x 2 x 1.2 inches.
You can also adjust the color temperature between 3000K and 6000K and it has 1200 lumens of output.
One of my favorite qualities on the LitraPro is that it's waterproof up to 90 feet. It also has dual industry-standard 1/4 20 mounts.
If you run the LitraPro for an hour at max output, the battery will last you one hour. But, if you run it at min output, that extends to 10 hours.
The LitraPro comes with full dimming capabilities and Bluetooth connectivity too.
Litra products are built like you're heading into a warzone, which I really appreciate. The LitraPro is no different. This on-camera video light has been MIL-SPEC 810 tested, and for those of you who don't know, this test is used by the U.S. military to determine whether a product is ready to be shocked, thrown, dropped and put into extreme temperatures.
The 1200 lumens on this light extend up to 9.5 feet. It also features a 70-degree beam angle, which means it provides flicker-free light at any angle.
In other words, this is the ideal little light for your video production needs!
Learn More About Litra Torch LitraPro