I Bought the Best Vlogging Camera—And It Was a Huge Mistake!

I’ll never forget when I first started travel vlogging, I went out and bought the best vlogging camera money could buy. I spent a small fortune on a Canon 90D DSRL, a GoPro, a DJI Mavic Drone, and a couple other accessories.

I thought I was the bees’ knees.

Over the first year of having my new flash cameras, I used them all the time. I obsessed over frame rates, f-stop, and color profiles—things I thought were the secret to creating amazing videos. As I slowly learned how to use the settings, I took some beautiful photographs and video!

In theory, buying the best vlogging camera money could buy was worth it. I mean, the footage was incredible.

But now 6 years down the road, I WISH I had taken the advice I had heard over and over again from the best YouTubers: start with a phone.

What I Should Have Focused on Instead

You see, after about a year of using my new flash cameras, the buzz faded away and I started to grab what was most convenient or fit for purpose first. That meant 99% of the time, I was using my GoPro and my iPhone because they fit in my pocket or clipped on my clothes. I still used my DLSR for far away shots, but I found her to be too heavy to carry easily when I was running around on my sailboat. I also found that she didn’t have good enough stabilization for the rocky sailing shots, high enough frame rate available for when I was shooting in 1080p, nor did the f-stop go low enough do those super cinematic shots.

And if you find I just lost you because you don’t know what I’m talking about, then that is exactly why you shouldn’t buy a the best vlogging camera yet.

You see, my $3,500NZD camera is now worth $700NZD. And I would love to swap it in for a better camera that meets my needs, but I’ve already spent that money on the wrong camera which doesn’t have enough value at this point to swap for the camera I want.

Instead of spending all my time learning about my gear, what I should have done is learn to use my phone for great composition, lighting, and camera angles. It is through that process of learning these basics that you learn which settings are important for you to have in the big, expensive cameras you eventually buy.

And, the reality is, a beautifully lit scene with thoughtful framing will always look better than a poorly lit video, no matter how expensive the camera is.

Okay, now that I’ve got that off my chest, let’s say you’re ready to buy the big camera. What should you be thinking of?

What to Look for in the Best Vlogging Camera

In my humble opinion, here’s what really matters when choosing a vlogging camera:

1. Weight

A bulky camera can be a hassle to carry around, especially for travel or daily vlogging. Look for something lightweight and compact so you can vlog comfortably without drawing too much attention.

2. Ease of Use

If a camera is too complicated, it will slow you down. Look for something that has simple, intuitive controls so you can focus on creating content instead of messing with settings.

3. Great Autofocus

Nothing is more frustrating than recording an entire vlog only to realize later that your face was blurry. Choose a camera with fast and reliable autofocus to keep you sharp and in focus at all times.

4. Good Low-Light Performance

Most vloggers shoot in various lighting conditions, and a camera with a decent sensor will help you get clear footage even when the lighting isn’t perfect.

5. Stabilization

Shaky footage can ruin an otherwise great video. Built-in stabilization (or pairing your camera with a gimbal) helps keep your shots smooth, especially if you vlog while walking or moving.

6. Flip Screen

Being able to see yourself while filming is a game-changer. A camera with a flip-out screen lets you frame your shots properly and avoid surprises when editing.

6. Good Audio or Mic Input

Great visuals mean nothing if your audience can’t hear you clearly. Some cameras have excellent built-in mics, but many will need an external microphone input for the best sound quality.

The Best Vlogging Camera (for You!)

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer, but here are some solid options for different needs in 2025:

• Best Overall: Sony ZV-1 – A compact powerhouse designed specifically for vloggers.
• Best for Beginners: Canon G7X Mark III – Simple, reliable, and great in low light.
• Best Budget Option: GoPro Hero 12 – Small, durable, and perfect for adventure vlogging.
• Best for Pro Vloggers: Sony A7C – A mirrorless camera with incredible image quality.
• Best for Travel Vlogging: DJI Pocket 3 – Ultra-portable with built-in stabilization.

Final Thoughts

If you’re just starting out, don’t fall into the trap I did—thinking that the best vlogging camera is the most expensive one. A great video comes from good storytelling, smart composition, and proper lighting, not from knowing every obscure setting on a fancy camera.

Pick a camera that fits your needs and budget, and start focusing on your craft—because that’s what truly makes a great vlogger.

Happy Creating & Stay Curious!