Best Small Camera for Vlogging of 2024

Are you a vlogger searching for the perfect small camera to elevate your content? In this article, we’ll dive into some of the best compact cameras ideal for vlogging. While vlogging might seem as simple as recording and uploading, there’s a lot of behind-the-scenes effort required to build a strong audience. A great vlogging camera should deliver high-quality video, capture memorable moments, and be affordable, but above all, it should be compact and lightweight.

Today’s top vlogging cameras come packed with features designed to make content creation easier. Many include live streaming capabilities, making it seamless to connect with your audience in real-time. Some models even offer AI-powered editing tools, allowing you to produce polished videos with minimal effort. These smart features not only save time but also help vloggers stand out in a crowded market.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced content creator, finding a camera that suits your needs is key. From portability to advanced features, we’ll guide you through some of the best small cameras designed to make your vlogging experience smoother and more enjoyable. Let’s dive in!

1. DJI Osmo Pocket 3

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is a compact and versatile vlogging camera that impresses with its advanced features. It boasts a 1-inch CMOS sensor, capturing stunning 4K video at 120fps, which ensures high-quality footage even in low-light conditions. The 3-axis mechanical stabilization provides smooth and steady shots, making it ideal for dynamic filming scenarios.

The camera’s 2-inch rotatable touchscreen is a significant upgrade, allowing for easy framing and switching between horizontal and vertical shooting modes. This feature is particularly useful for content creators who need to adapt quickly to different filming environments. Additionally, the ActiveTrack 6.0 technology ensures that subjects remain in focus, even during fast movements.

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 also excels in audio quality with its stereo recording capabilities, enhancing the overall video production value. The inclusion of D-Log M and 10-bit color depth allows for advanced color grading, making it a favorite among filmmakers who require professional-level post-production flexibility.

Despite its compact size, the Osmo Pocket 3 is packed with features that cater to both amateur and professional videographers. Its user-friendly interface, combined with powerful performance, makes it a valuable tool for anyone looking to create high-quality video content.

2. Sony ZV-1 II

The Sony ZV-1 II Vlog Camera is a versatile tool designed for content creators and vloggers. Its ultra-wide 18-50mm zoom lens allows for capturing a broad field of view, making it ideal for group selfies and expansive landscapes. The large 1.0-type sensor ensures high-quality images even in low-light conditions, while the wide aperture F1.8-4.0 lens produces beautifully defocused backgrounds.

This camera excels in audio quality with its directional 3-Capsule mic and wind screen accessory, ensuring clear sound recording. The Real-time autofocus tracking and Eye-AF keep subjects in sharp focus, which is crucial for dynamic vlogging scenarios. Additionally, the camera supports 4K video recording, providing crisp and detailed footage.

Compact and portable, the ZV-1 II is easy to carry around, making it perfect for on-the-go shooting. The intuitive controls and user-friendly interface allow even beginners to start vlogging without a steep learning curve. With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, sharing content is seamless and efficient.

Sony ZV-1 II Vlog Camera combines excellent image and audio quality with user-friendly features, making it a top choice for vloggers looking to enhance their content creation experience.

3. Canon G7X Mark III

The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is a compact digital camera designed for both photography enthusiasts and vloggers. It features a 20.1-megapixel 1.0-inch stacked CMOS sensor paired with the DIGIC 8 image processor, delivering high-quality images and fast performance. The 4.2x optical zoom lens (24-100mm f/1.8-2.8) with optical image stabilization ensures sharp and clear photos across a range of focal lengths.

This camera supports 4K 30p video recording and Full HD 120p, making it suitable for capturing high-resolution videos and slow-motion footage. The 3.0-inch touch panel LCD screen tilts 180 degrees, which is perfect for selfies and vlogging. Additionally, the camera offers live streaming capabilities, allowing users to broadcast directly to YouTube.

The G7 X Mark III includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy sharing and remote control via a smartphone. Its compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable, ideal for travel and everyday use. The camera also features a microphone input, providing better audio quality for video recordings.

Overall, the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III combines excellent image quality, versatile video capabilities, and user-friendly features, making it a great choice for content creators and photography enthusiasts.

4. DJI Pocket 2

The DJI Pocket 2 is a compact and versatile handheld camera that excels in both portability and performance. Weighing just 116 grams, it fits comfortably in your hand, making it an ideal companion for on-the-go filming. The 3-axis gimbal stabilization ensures smooth and steady footage, even during movement, which is perfect for vlogging or capturing dynamic scenes.

Equipped with a 1/1.7-inch sensor, the camera delivers impressive 64MP photos and 4K video. The 20mm f/1.8 lens provides a wide field of view, capturing vivid and cinematic shots. The device also features four microphones with DJI Matrix Stereo technology, enhancing audio quality by recording sound from different directions and adjusting based on the camera’s focus.

The Pocket 2 includes several intelligent shooting modes, such as ActiveTrack 3.0, which keeps subjects in frame, and Glamour Effects for flattering selfies. The AI Editor is a handy tool that automatically combines clips with transitions and music, creating ready-to-share content effortlessly.

With up to 140 minutes of battery life, the DJI Pocket 2 is designed for extended use. Its compatibility with both Android and iOS devices via the DJI Mimo app adds to its versatility, making it a valuable tool for content creators.

5. GoPro HERO10 Black

The GoPro HERO10 Black is a powerhouse action camera designed for adventure enthusiasts and content creators. Its new GP2 processor significantly enhances performance, offering faster and smoother operation. The camera captures stunning 23MP photos and 5.3K video at 60fps, ensuring high-quality visuals with remarkable detail and clarity.

The HERO10 Black excels in stabilization with HyperSmooth 4.0, providing incredibly smooth footage even in the most dynamic environments. This feature is particularly beneficial for activities like biking, skiing, or any fast-paced action. The camera is also waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters), making it perfect for underwater adventures without needing additional housing.

The front LCD and touch rear screens are intuitive and responsive, allowing for easy framing and control. The camera’s connectivity options are robust, with fast wireless uploads via the Quik app and a lightning-fast wired connection via USB. Additionally, the HERO10 Black offers unlimited cloud storage with hassle-free auto uploads, ensuring your footage is always backed up.

Low-light performance is impressive, thanks to the new water-shedding hydrophobic lens cover that reduces lens flare and other artifacts. The HERO10 Black is a versatile and reliable companion for capturing life’s most exciting moments.

Conclusion

As a vlogger, having a small, portable camera is essential, especially if you’re focused on creating travel vlogs. The ideal compact vlogging camera should be pocket-friendly, lightweight, and packed with useful features to enhance your content creation experience.

In this article, we’ve explored the types of cameras that are best suited for vlogging, highlighted the advantages of choosing a smaller camera, and discussed some of the top options available.

Among the top 5 vlogging cameras we reviewed are the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, Sony ZV-1 II, and Canon G7X Mark III, each offering unique advantages for vloggers.

Overall, we highly recommend the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for its AI-powered features, seamless connectivity, smart remote control, and a host of other capabilities that make it perfect for recording and live streaming. With this camera, you can effortlessly produce high-quality content and attract a larger audience, making your vlogging journey smoother and more effective.