Do you want to establish yourself as an Influencer? Have you been using your phone camera for your Vlogs till now but now want to go professional and upgrade?
I have been through the same and did considerable research and experiences for myself, and now I would love to share with my amazing followers to help them decide the best camera sony for vlogging.
When you want to shoot some high-quality, impressive cinematics for your vlogs or travel videos, you eventually need higher resolution, stabilization, different lenses, and more gadgets to support your content.
Mirrorless cameras are the latest thing these days; however, they are steeply-priced and out of budget for many.
This article will take you through my research and recommendation of the budget-friendly mirrorless and compact cameras ideal for Vloggers.
Speaking with my personal experience and preference, I am sold out on Sony’s Alpha7 III. It has all the features I need for shooting my traveling videos or cinematics for my vlogs.
This recommendation is based on my personal experience as I have been using cameras for the past two decades.
However, the usage has evolved relatively recently, but so have cameras and their specifications. Sony A7 III is a reliable choice with its high-resolution, autofocus, and offers a dynamic range.
1- Sony A7iii (Recommended Camera)
Special Features:
- 24MP full-frame BSI CMOS sensor
- 93 percent autofocus power.
- In-body image stabilization.
- 10 fps continuous shooting.
- 4K/24p video resolution & 6K (cropped-in 5K for 30p)
Overview:
Sony is known for its impeccable designs, outstanding imaging capability, and high-speed performance.
It is an all-rounder, giving great features within an affordable price bracket.
Below, I’ll share the features that I like the most and why.
One of the most prominent features of A7 III is its ability to perform in low light. This is a vital point to consider, especially for Vloggers, as we often are out shooting at odd hours.
Its feature of a full-frame sensor coupled with the 4K support gives you a fantastic video quality.
To make the most of this feature, you can also look into purchasing Sony’s full-frame lens.
Another significant benefit that aims explicitly at Vloggers is the in-built body stabilization, not making you dependent on the lens. Unlike other cameras, Vloggers often struggle with lenses and stability, but this is an advantage that Sony has given to its buyers, which is a big plus.
Alpha7 III has a compact body versatile connectivity with excellent resistance to wet and dusty conditions. I, for one, travel a lot and need a camera that is easy to carry and protects itself from the humidity in the air.
On my first experience with A7 III, I was doubtful and unsure of what to expect, so I had kept a spare battery. To my surprise, the single battery lasted me longer than expected.
A7 is my primary choice for long travel shoots and vlogging videos for my YouTube channel.
Another significant advantage it has is the two media slots that have the feature of fast data writing while simultaneously copying data between two cards. Its high connectivity USD 3.1 Gen 1 smoothly transfers media onto your PC for editing and uploads. It is a classic for me as it checks all the boxes.
Specifications to Know:
Detail | Specs | Add-on |
Pixels | 24.2 MP | Back illuminated 35mm |
ISO | 50 – 204,800 |
|
Dual Media Shots | 1 SD card slot, UHS-II compatible |
|
Sensitivity range | ISO 51200 |
|
Fast Hybrid AF | 693 phase-detection and 425 contrast-detection |
|
HDR recording | 4K HDR | Full pixel read out |
Lens compatibility | Sony E-mount |
|
Battery | 710 images | Rechargeable |
Image stabiliztion | 5-axis |
|
LCD | 2.95” (7.5cm) TFT | adjustable |
Wireless | Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC |
|
Remote | Sony remote control with multi-terminal cable, compatible infrared remote |
|
Reason To Buy?
- Full frame mirrorless interchangeable lens camera
- Good on your pocket, compared to others with similar features
- Excellent sensor and image quality
Reason To Avoid?
- Not that I can think of! It’s a 100% yes from me.
2- Sony ZV-1
Special Features:
- 20 MP 1” BSI CMOS sensor
- 24-70mm (F1.8-2.8) lens
- Flip Touchscreen display.
- 4K/30p & 1080p/120p video resolution up to 960fps.
- 3-capsule microphone with wind-screen.
Overview:
Sony has stepped up overall in creating cameras designed especially for Vloggers, identifying the need and the niche. Sony ZV-1 is an example of a product with unique specifications for Vlog content. While making my purchase, I was confused between ZV-1 and Alpha7 III, as both had great features.
It is compatible with wireless shooting grips and allows you to flip the screen while creating content, ideal for Vloggers.
Even though it is a much more recent version than the latter, the features of A7 III are more extensive.
ZV-1 has a much lesser battery life of 260 shots with a sensor resolution of 20 MP.
Unfortunately, it is micro USB 2.0 and not updated to USBC.
It doesn’t have a ring around the lens that doesn’t allow you to fix focus or change your aperture manually. I like the ‘product show mode’ in ZV-1. It is useful mainly when you are on the move, showing things and talking about details.
As a vlogger, I always prefer to carry less-weight equipment with me. ZV-1 is relatively lighter, weighing 294g which is feasible for all age groups as it plays an essential factor on long walking trips.
Most users complain about overheating issues in AZ-1; I know three who are using ZV-1 and have said the same thing- Good to use, but it tends to shut off due to over-heating. One of them also had an issue with the software not being up-to-date.
Sony ZV-1 rates excellent for Street photography, the average for portraits and daily use, while poor for landscapes and sports photography.
Specifications to Know:
Detail | Specs | Add-on |
Pixels | 20.1 MP |
|
Sensitivity range | ISO 12800 |
|
Image processing engine | BIONZ X | Optical |
Lens | ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* |
|
Battery | 260 shots | rechargeable |
Image stabilization | Optical |
|
LCD | 7.5cm | Fully articulated/adjustable |
Wireless | Bluetooth, WiFi |
|
Reason To Buy?
- Adjustable LCD screen
- Lightweight and easy to carry
- Triluminous color
Reason To Avoid?
- Heats up and switches off while recording
- Not best suitable for landscapes and sports photography
3- Sony Alpha a6400
Special Features:
- 24 Megapixel APS-C sensor.
- Tilting screen, 180 degrees up & 90 degrees down.
- Maximum ISO range up to 100-32000.
- 4K/30p video resolution.
- 410 shots battery duration per charge.
Overview:
Sony Alpha 6400 was launched at the beginning of 2019.
With 24 megapixels, it’s an advanced mirrorless camera with a weather-sealed body and a tilting touch screen.
Its focus option works so well when you are shooting a moving object.
However, it does not have optical image stabilization within the camera which is a setback because this feature is quite essential for Vloggers.
Another setback for Vloggers, in particular, is the battery life of approximately 410 shots. This may work better for someone who is not a professional but does photography as a passion.
The camera’s mic is in front rather than the top, but it doesn’t make a drastic difference there, even we tested it on a windy day. It was good to see that the mic was not catching the wind noise.
It has an excellent wide lens to shoot with, giving good coverage.
Compared to its competitors, its weight is pretty light, and so is the thickness, making it a pretty handy camera to carry around on your vlogging tours.
Using the A6000 series, you should know that the body is slightly altered and not much. Plus, some new features are added to it, which are not accessible without a digital interface. Also, memory is the key! Unfortunately, this camera has only one slot and does not support UHS-II cards.
Specifications to Know:
Detail | Specs | Add-on |
Pixels | 24.2 MP |
|
ISO | 102,400 |
|
Sensor Type | APS-C type |
|
Lens | Sony E mount compatible |
|
Battery | 410 shots | rechargeable |
Recording format (movie) | XAVC S, AVCHD | 2.0 compliant |
LCD | 7.5cm touchscreen | 180-degree tiltable |
Wireless | Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC |
|
Reason To Buy?
- 180-degree tiltable screen
- Good microphone and built-in speaker
- Lightweight and good dimensions
Reason To Avoid?
- Short battery life
- Only 1 slot for USB
- Necessity of the device being connected to a digital interface
4- Sony Alpha ZV-E10
Special Features:
- Slow-motion recording up-to 1080/120p resolution.
- 24 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor.
- 4K/24p video resolution with no crop & (4K/30p is cropped).
- Built-in directional mic with windscreen.
- 1.2 hours continuous video recording per charge.
Overview:
Is Sony Alpha ZV-E10 worth spending your money on?
It is much lesser than the other options I’m bringing to the table here, but even then, the purchase should be 100% viable to the need of a Vlogger.
Let’s dig in to find out more.
The camera has excellent features like 24 megapixels, expanded ISO up to 51200, digital image stabilization, 4K at 60fps video recording, and a fully articulated touch screen.
Comparatively, this camera is relatively new as it was launched in 2021.
As mentioned previously, long battery and memory are like food to a Vlogger. ZV-E10 does not go beyond 440 shots. It doesn’t have a viewfinder which I like and use when it’s too bright outside.
Another setback is that it has no environmental sealing, which doesn’t work for me. The size and weight are ideal for a Vlogger.
It doesn’t have sensor-based image stabilization. It is not considered to be the highest resolution APS-C camera.
The selfie-screen is a blessing for Vloggers who are working single-handedly. Its interchangeable lenses and USB-C charging are an added value to it.
As I was going through the reviews and comments on ZV-E10, I came across excellent points that I thought of jotting down, which I did. Later, I went on a mini spree of locating this product amongst my circle of friends to get first-hand feedback and correlate both feedbacks. So my findings are interlinked with that of a Vlogger’s perspective.
This camera is suitable as a backup but not as the primary one, especially if you are a professional content creator, mainly because it is cropped frame body. If you want to curb that by buying a new lens, technically, you are increasing the cost marginally.
Feedback from both ends corroborated this: the camera has a rolling shutter which bothers me. It distracts the viewer and takes away from the content when panning across certain things. 90% of the Vloggers pan across scenes while creating content, which disrupts the smoothness of the video.
Specifications to Know:
Detail | Specs | Add-on |
Pixels | 24 MP |
|
ISO | 32,000 |
|
Sensor Type | APS-C type |
|
Lens | Sony E mount compatible |
|
Battery life, video | 125 minutes |
|
Recording format (movie) | XAVC S |
|
LCD | 7.5cm | 180-degree tiltable |
Wireless | Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC |
|
Reason To Buy?
- Light-weighted and easy to carry. Good if you are new to Vlogging
- 24 megapixels
Reason To Avoid?
- Short battery life
- Only 1 slot for USB
- Rolling while in motion
5- Sony RX100 VII
Special Features:
- 20 Megapixel 1″-type stacked-CMOS sensor with phase detection & built-in DRAM
- 24-200mm (F2.8-4.5 zoom) Lens
- High speed video at up to 1000 fps
- ‘Active’ stabilization mode in video
- 3-inch touchscreen LCD (flips up 180 degrees or down by 90 degrees)
Overview:
Let’s now talk about Sony RX100 VII and find out how relevant it is for Vlogging in 2023 since its launch back in 2019.
Over the years, Sony has taken out many different series, so let’s see how RX100 sits in the market.
It is compact and takes excellent pictures and videos with its 20.10 megapixels. Its shutter is 1/32000, and the lens is 8.00x zoom which is pretty decent for beginner Vloggers who do not experiment and create simpler content; it can be a challenge to hold on to the camera with a good and steady grip, even for an average-sized person.
The in-built microphone and speakers pick up the wind noise, creating a lot of disruption unless you are pretty close to the camera.
To make this camera better, you will need to buy an external microphone, increasing the total cost.
I prefer to buy my gadgets with maximum in-built features to avoid carrying extra while traveling and adding to my luggage.
Keeping this in mind, Sony Rx100 VII doesn’t work for someone like me, not even as a second camera. Well, I maybe use it indoors but certainly not outdoors.
If you are a Vlogger who works independently, without a team and relies on a timer, this is not for you. Many reviews have come out with complaints of autofocus not working while the timer is on.
However, it works just fine with someone constantly pressing the button for you.
Specifications to Know:
Detail | Specs | Add-on |
Pixels | 20.10 MP |
|
ISO | 12,800 |
|
Sensor Type | CMOS |
|
Lens | 8.00xzoom |
|
Battery life, video | 40 minutes |
|
Recording format (movie) | XAVC S, AVCHD | 2.0 compatible |
LCD | Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* lens | Mount not available |
Wireless | Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC |
|
Reason To Buy?
- It’s got good image quality and has a dynamic range
- Sophisticated autofocus
Reason To Avoid?
- The small and slippery body
- Poor battery life
- Buttons on the camera are quite small
6- Sony Alpha A6100
Special Features:
- 4K video resolution.
- 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor.
- Tilting touchscreen.
- Object Tracking.
- USB charging.
Overview:
Is Sony A6100 suitable for beginner Vloggers? Is it easy to use? Before putting my opinion out there, let’s dive and see what the reviews, statistics, and specs tell us.
So, to begin with, it has 24 megapixels aps-c size sensor, which makes it quite fast, but the same specs can be found in similar cameras with lesser damage to the pocket.
As we have seen above, it clearly shows that Sony has secured its cameras with autofocus, which is such an essential feature for any Vlogger.
Like others, the AF is incredible in this version of Sony.
It is light and compact with built-in EVF, 4K video (which gives sharp results, of course), and tons of choices for the lens. It has a built-in electronic viewfinder on the side rather than the center.
It is not suitable for bigger lenses as it may cast a shadow making it difficult to get a picture.
If you like to color grade and fine-tune your images, then you will be up for a disappointment. Because it does not have features like cinema log s-log, these profiles are ideal for coloring and part of most Sony ranges.
This camera is low on stabilization and performs poorly when the light is inadequate.
That is something to seriously consider when you are a traveler and have no set timings for shooting and creating content.
Sony has given a pop-up flash with it, but sometimes it kills the purpose of natural light or being able to color correct it.
Sony A6100 is relatively on the cheaper side compared to others, and it shows why. The aforementioned missing features are such a pull-down for a Vlogger because it kills the purpose of high-quality content.
If you are not a Vlogger but a casual photographer, this is your best bet. Below is a brief overview and some basic specs of the product for your consideration.
Specifications to Know:
Detail | Specs | Add-on |
Pixels | 24.2 MP |
|
ISO | 32,000 |
|
Sensor Type | CMOS |
|
Lens | 16 – 50mm |
|
Battery life, video | 120 minutes |
|
Recording format (movie) | XAVC S, AVCHD | 2.0 compatible |
LCD | EVF and tilting |
|
Wireless | Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC |
|
Reason To Buy?
- Superior autofocus
- Average battery life
Reason To Avoid?
- No in-body stabilization which hurts the video quality
- Limited touchscreen functions
7- Sony Alpha a6300
Special Features:
- 24 Megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor.
- ‘4D Focus‘ Hybrid AF.
- 4K (UHD) video – 25/24p from full width, 30p from smaller crop.
- Dust and moisture resistant.
- Built-in microphone Jack.
Overview:
Sony has upped its game in cameras as they have discovered the niche and are specially designing for Vlogging.
The variety it has and the features it offers are truly commendable.
Many of my Vlogger friends have the quite famous A6300, and that gave me a chance to try and experiment with it, to see how it is different or similar to my preference.
Below I will share an amalgamation of our feedback for your better understanding.
Alpha 6300 is a 4K UHD with 24.2 megapixels, which gives you so much more detail.
This helps you create various videos and cinematic shots for your Vlog.
The camera has a smooth, sleek, and professional look to it.
The auto-focus is upgraded in this version, compared to its predecessor, to 425 dotted with a phase sensor. However, what surprised me was that it does not have a front shutter dial, which I am used to in my cameras.
The dial that is there is placed awkwardly and could’ve been better. It has one USB slot and small batteries, which is not suitable for Vloggers because they require more space and time to work and experiment.
In-built stabilization is an excellent aspect of it, considering videography. My colleagues reviewed that the stabilization is quite inferior and ‘such a rip-off.’
It is a compact camera with full features, which works great for us. It is value for money considering its rich features.
Another positive feature is that it can be attached to a power bank that cuts down your heavily investing batteries’ price.
While taking my go at it, I realized that it has a blue light artifact issue, which is not cool. Another observation was that the picture started to wobble as the car turned, creating disruption and distraction for both the Vlogger and the audience.
Lastly, a dear friend complained about it not having the option of time-lapse (which is essential when making traveling videos of your trip) and instead Sony keeping it as a paid option. I mean, really?
Specifications to Know:
Detail | Specs | Add-on |
Pixels | 24.2 MP |
|
ISO | 25,600 |
|
Sensor Type | APS-C |
|
Lens | 20mm |
|
Battery life | 300 shots |
|
Recording format (movie) | XAVC S | 2.0 compatible |
Wireless | Bluetooth, WiFi, NFC |
|
Reason To Buy?
- Superior autofocus
- 4K video mode at 30fps
- Wireless connectivity
Reason To Avoid?
- No in-body stabilization which hurts the video quality
- Issues in their dials and functions
- Heating issue
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's):
1- Is Sony a good camera brand?
No longer considered as an underdog, yet relatively new to its two main competitors, Sony has created a niche for itself in a short time. It offers some of the best mirrorless cameras, which are perfect for vloggers.
2- What is the best sony camera for vlogging?
My recommendation here goes to Sony A7 III. It is a fantastic mirrorless camera with multiple interchangeable lens options. It is more compact, sleek, higher in functionality, and lightweight compared to DSLR. The fully articulated screen is quite tech-savvy and makes your Vlogging experience easier and more fun.
3- Which Sony cameras are full-frame?
Before I answer this one for you, let me quickly explain the difference between a full-frame and a crop-frame sensor. It primarily refers to the size of the sensor. What is a sensor, you may ask!
A sensor is placed safely at the back of the camera section, hiding in the hardware. It captures light to convert it into an image for you to see.
Now coming back to the main question: the difference between the two is that full-frame gives you a more comprehensive range of the view. However, the latter crops the edges sparingly for the image to fit tightly in your photo.
4- Which Sony cameras are weather sealed?
Sony has the widest range of mirrorless cameras with the option of weather sealing, which actually is quite imperative for Vloggers as they shoot outdoors pretty often.
Below are Sony’s 8 best sellers that are weather-sealed to perfection.
- Sony Alpha a7 III
- Sony Alpha a7S II
- Sony Alpha a7R II
- Sony Alpha a7R III
- Sony ZV-1
- Sony ZV-E10
- Sony a6400
- Sony RX100 VII
Conclusion
There is no doubt that Sony has managed to bring together a remarkable range of cameras specially designed for Vloggers. It was the pioneer in introducing mirrorless cameras in 2013. Since then, Sony has left Nikon and Canon far behind in this technology era, becoming a favorite for Vloggers.
Sony has arguably the best and most reliable autofocus option amongst all brands. Their cameras are compact therefore easily portable with many weather-sealed, making it a dream for an outdoor vlogger.
The cameras discussed in this article fall under a similar price range that fits the budget of an average Vlogger. Most of these beauties come with a flip screen and a tech-savvy LCD screen, making your Vlogging journey more exciting.
Before penning down this article, I researched Sony cameras, primarily amongst my circle of friends, to get a more authentic perspective on them. Most cameras had excellent in-built stabilization, which is a huge plus considering many Vloggers work independently.
They are versatile and offer powerful and produce high-quality video.
Being a Canon addict, I have swiftly switched to Sony with no regrets, if I may say so. I love the diversity and credibility their ranges have, and that is purely my perspective; you should look at your requirements and follow your path in choosing the best camera according to your needs and requirements.
