So what in the world is “vlogging”? Is it one of those internet jargons floating around the webspace again? Is it a fad? Something radical? For starters, vlogging is derived from the word “vlog”, which is an offspring of the words “video” and “blog.” Blog is a shortened word for weblog, a way of chronicling one’s experiences on the internet. To make things simpler, vlogging is basically using video to record a personal experience to upload and share online.
Vlogging has become more and more popular in recent years thanks to websites like YouTube. Instead of writing about your experiences or thoughts, “vloggers” (the word for people who vlog) record it on video. And if you want to catch up with this technological phenomenon, you need to start with the essentials. First of all, you need to sign up for an online video account so you can upload your videos. It can be YouTube, Vine, Dailymotion, or many other websites that offer users to upload and share videos online. Aside from that, you also need some equipment, especially the best vlogging camera for beginners to record your videos!
Different Types of Vlogging Cameras
So what separates a vlogging camera from other cameras? Well essentially, vlogging cameras don’t differ much from any other camera out in the market. Vlogging cameras are usually video cameras or still cameras with the capacity to record videos. They are very similar to webcams but the main differences perhaps stem from the fact that vlogging cameras produce better video quality, use specialized camera lenses, and that they are built for optimum recording and not just streaming. There are tons of cameras that could be used for vlogging but it can basically be classified into four types.
Action Cameras
Action cameras have been picking up in terms of popularity and sales in recent years. This is mainly because journalists have been using action cameras to cover breaking news in replacement of the bulkier television cameras usually carried by cameramen. Because of its extremely portable size, which is somewhat the same size as your hand, journalists could easily set it up to shoot and cover events even in the tightest spaces. Action cameras have been used to cover war events in the Middle East, for scientific research underwater, and even in reality TV shows. In the hands of consumers, action cameras are used to record outdoor experiences including bungee jumps , marathons and treks. Action cameras are usually the most resilient type of cameras, and with a protective case, it becomes a sturdy gadget for outdoor use. It can easily be mounted on a tripod or even attached to your body. Depending on the model, action cameras can be shockproof and waterproof as well. The most popular brand is GoPro of which has become the pioneering brand in this camera type.
Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) Cameras
DSLRs are mainly still cameras used by professional photographers. Ever since the evolution of photography from film to digital, DSLRs have become more accessible to a broader market. The elimination of film in capturing images made photography more affordable for people since images are instantly stored as pixels in the camera’s memory device. This eliminates the step of having to develop your photographs or having to set up a dark room (though some enthusiasts still find this thrilling and nostalgic.) Newer DSLRs, aside from it being able to snap still pictures, allows users to record videos as well. The advantage of DSLRs , despite it being bulky in size, lies in its image sensor and lens. This means you can record high quality videos through the camera lens and image sensor of a DSLR camera. DSLRs require some knowledge in cameras in order to operate it well. But if you know your cinematography, you can play up your shutter speed, f-stop, and focus with your wide-angle or telephoto lens to get the perfect video images. Professional videographers usually use a DSLR camera with video recording to capture special moments during events like weddings or parties.
Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Point-and-shoot cameras are the most common type of cameras used by a majority of tech consumers. It’s the most user-friendly camera as it literally allows you to just “point and shoot” at anything you want to capture or record. You don’t even have to know anything about photography in order to operate this camera (in comparison to a DSLR for example.) The secret behind point-and-shoots are the preset features. These preset features automatically adjusts the camera depending on the scene you want to snap or record. Example, if you want to take a picture of the sunset, just select the sunset preset on your camera and it will adjust accordingly. There’s a vast selection of these kinds of cameras in the market and they vary in design, style, parts, and features. But most point-and-shoot cameras are capable of recording videos thus making it a perfect vlogging camera for beginners!
Camcorders
The cameras that specialize in video recording are usually camcorders. Camcorders used to be one of the bulkiest gadgets of yesteryear, to the days when VHS and Betamax were still the coolest things around. Of course, over the decades camcorders have dramatically reduced in size especially when some companies ditched Hi-8 cassette tapes in favor of memory cards. It seems like camcorders don’t differ much from the other camera types since they can also record video. But perhaps the thing that separates the camcorder from the rest is its storage capacity. Because camcorders specialize in recording video (which takes up more memory space) it has a larger storage space allowing you to record longer videos. some camcorders also come in with extra features that enhance video recording.
Top 5 Products
It might seem overwhelming for starters like you to choose the right vlogging camera, no? With so many brands and types, you might get confused on what you’ll end up getting. Perhaps to help you decide, you can find the five best vlogging cameras for beginners like those right below. These have been rated by users themselves and some have become quite popular thanks to some YouTube celebrities!
1. Samsung NX Mini
If there is one camera that’s built for hardcore vloggers, it’s this piece from Korean tech giant, Samsung. It’s not surprising that Samsung would finally catch up and release a camera not only for taking selfie stills, but also selfie videos. The camera is jacked up with a powerful 20.5 Megapixel BSI CMOS Sensor- it simply means that it can capture very clear images and record high definition (1080p) videos within its slim camera frame. Further enhancing it is the camera lens that can zoom as wide as 9mm and as close as 27mm. The range is good enough for close ups and… yes, selfies. But how does this product stand out from the rest? Here’s the clincher. This Samsung NX Mini allows you to take a selfie or a video through a rotatable viewing screen! This simple technology allows users to see themselves while recording or snapping. Ingeniously simple, you might consider this as the best vlogging flip screen camera for beginners. Aside from that, the NX Mini allows you to upload your videos and pictures directly to your social media account through WiFi! It totally eliminates the need to transfer videos to your computer. So if you are a vlogger, all you need to do is record and upload! It doesn’t get any simpler than that.
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-20-5MP-Mirrorless-Digital-Camera/dp/B00IVEHVOA/ref=sr_1_10?srs=2529502011&ie=UTF8&qid=1455357840&sr=8-10&keywords=vlog+camera
2. Canon PowerShot G7 X Digital Camera
Not too far from the competition is this familiar yet distinct looking piece from camera legend Canon. Canon is one of the most respected brands in photography earning millions of followers around the world. (It’s like the Apple of photography!) This top-end Canon Powershot has the same familiar black frame as with its predecessors. But don’t be fooled by its looks because this specific model has some nifty features up its sleeve that will excite budding vloggers like you! first off is its 20.2 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor. now how does this differ from other cameras with the same feature. Simple, the sensor carries the powerful DIGIC 6 Image Processor that only Canon camera have. This is the magical piece of technology that makes Canon images more compelling. It also has a pretty powerful lens allowing you to zoom in from 24mm to 100mm close. The range is pretty big so that means a lot in photography. But vloggers can also rejoice for it allows you to record high definition videos of up to 1080p and up to 60 frames per second (fps). In layman’s terms, the higher the fps, the smoother the video. And to top it all off, it also has a 3-inch touch-sensitive flip screen and is Wifi capable. (Yes, direct uploading is possible!)
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-G7-Digital-Camera/dp/B00NEWYE12/ref=sr_1_11?srs=2529502011&ie=UTF8&qid=1455357840&sr=8-11&keywords=vlog+camera
3. Canon VIXIA mini X
Rumour has it that this is YouTube celebrity Bethany Mota’s camera. Well, this is just the internet gossip floating around and she has not categorically informed her fans on what camera she actually uses. But it won’t come as a surprise if she indeed uses this Canon Vixia mini X gadget as it has a pretty unique look and some nifty features. First off, this handy gadget appears to be the marriage of a GoPro camera and a tazer gun. And that’s in a good way. With its size and build, you can easily mount it on top of a shelf or computer. Now though it seems like a quirky cousin of the Canon Powershot, it actually has a powerful machine inside. Built for the main purpose of recording videos, it carries a 12.8 Megapixel High-Sensitivity CMOS image sensor along with the Canon DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor. What this means is that you can twerk and dance in front of your viewers clearly even with poor lighting. It also has a unique fisheye lens that other cameras don’t usually have. You can also record your videos in full HD and AVCHD straight to an SD card. Other features include a built-in stereo microphone and image stabilization (when things get shaky.)
http://www.amazon.com/Canon-9114B002-VIXIA-mini-X/dp/B00HLDFUM2/ref=sr_1_13?srs=2529502011&ie=UTF8&qid=1455357840&sr=8-13&keywords=vlog+camera
4. Sony DSCW800/B
Japanese tech leader Sony won’t give up their fight for a share of the vlogging community through their DSCW800 Digital Camera. Sony has been known for producing quality tech products especially in their high-end camera line. Now this point-and-shoot may not be on the high-end (which is also good news) but still packs a punch with some great features inside. First, it carries a 20.1 Megapixel Super HAD CCD sensor allowing you to capture fine details in every snap or record. It’s matched with a 5x optical zoom lens that can zoom out to 4.6mm and zoom in to 23 mm. This is a great feature to have if you like to capture more detail in such a small frame. Finally, it allows vloggers to shoot in 720p high definition video. It’s a typical looking camera, with the downside of not having a flip screen, (sorry selfie addicts) but it’s a great deal for its price considering that it’s also a Sony.
http://www.amazon.com/Sony-DSCW800-Digital-Camera-Black/dp/B00I8BIBCW/ref=sr_1_1?srs=2529502011&ie=UTF8&qid=1455357840&sr=8-1&keywords=vlog+camera
5. Samsung Electronics EC-DV180FBPBUS Dual-View Wireless Smart Camera
Topping off this list is this Samsung scene-stealer that brags a dual view feature. Acting as another alternative to flip screen cameras, this Samsung point-and-shoot makes it ideal for selfies and self videos. The back LCD screen has a 2.7-inch screen while the one beside the lens has a 1.5-inch screen. Aside from this cute feature, you can also rely on it’s 720p high definition recording at 30 frames per second, reasonable enough to post your most recent blooper on the internet. And because it is equipped with WiFi, you can skip transferring files and upload directly to your social media page. (You also get the bragging rights for having two screens in one camera!)
http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Electronics-EC-DV180FBPBUS-Dual-View-Wireless/dp/B01561G5Z6/ref=sr_1_8?srs=2529502011&ie=UTF8&qid=1455357840&sr=8-8&keywords=vlog+camera
Next Four Products
? Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS
? Nikon COOLPIX S6900
? Vivitar 410 Digital Video Camera
? Vivitar DVR620-GRP
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Other Quality Brands to Consider
Most of the brands mentioned above come from Canon or Samsung. Both are really great brands and are often lauded for the impeccable image and recording quality of their devices. But you can also consider other brands if you’re on the hunt for the right vlogging camera for you.
Nikon Cameras
No rival comes closer to Canon other than Nikon. This Japanese-based camera brand has established an excellent reputation amongst professional photographers and just like Canon, it has it’s own army of dedicated followers. Though Nikon does not quite do as well as Canon in its point-and-shoot line (Nikon CoolPix), it has a formidable line of DSLRs that can go head-to-head or even exceed Canon’s performance. For vlogging, definitely consider Nikon DSLRs with video recording.
Vivitar
Before the Millennial ruled the world, Vivitar was a famous brand for supplying camera equipment and lenses. But with the decline of film photography, Vivitar started to lose a grip on the business as it lost greatly to the big digital shift in the camera business. Vivitar tried to catch up by taking a stab at manufacturing digital cameras. Vivitar seemed to have gain some traction in the low-end line of camera products but it can still produce decent images and videos.
GoPro
Definitely consider GoPro if you want to take your vlogging outdoors. It’s a choice for journalists, scientists, and other professionals who want to capture video while on a certain location. The GoPro Hero series have gained popularity amongst tech consumers due to its unique shape, size and set of features. It can capture high definition video, has WiFi connectivity, and best of all, it’s waterproof. It can be attached or mounted to GoPro accessories that allow you to wear the camera over your head, on your chest, or wherever you want to attach it to. GoPros are more expensive but if you’re a serious vlogger, investing on this camera is definitely worth it.
How to Choose the Best Vlogging Camera for Beginners
So you want to be like Bethany Mota huh? No? Well, for whatever reason you intend to start vlogging, choosing the right camera can be as difficult as looking for a needle in a haystack... if you don’t know what to look for. Here are some tips to guide you towards finding the right vlog camera for you.
Form Factor
Even though reminiscing about the good old days sounds nostalgic, we can happily say that gadgets today are no longer as bulky and heavy as they used to be. The same applies to vlogging cameras. A camera that is small enough to carry and keep in your pocket is just right to take around with you on your adventures. Especially in cases where you need to hold up your camera, what you need is something light and easy to manipulate with your hands.
Lens
Lens play an important part in recording your videos as it will help frame you properly. One key thing to look for is the lens angle. The farther it can zoom out, the more it can capture in the frame. The closer it can zoom in, the more focus you can capture in the frame. Some tech gurus says that an angle of 20-24 mm is just right for taking videos while holding your camera at arm’s length.
Image Processing
Some cameras have specialized image processing chips that enhance the images or videos you capture. It is important that you don’t just look at how large the megapixels are because larger does not always mean better. Canon and Nikon are popular brands with quality image processing aboard their devices.
Zoom Capability
Always check if the camera has digital or optical zoom. Optical zoom offers better image quality but at the same time make sure the camera has an image stabilization feature to avoid blurry shots.
Conclusion
Whether you’re trying to join the bandwagon or if you really want to explore this as your new hobby, vlogging can be a fun way to express yourself and share your experiences. Now there are a lot of products out there when it comes to choosing the right vlogging camera for you. But if you’re clear with what you want to vlog about, then choosing a camera becomes easier. make sure that you match the features of the camera with the kind of recording you want to make. An example is choosing a waterproof camera for underwater vlogging! That might be an extreme example but you know what I mean. Don’t choose a camera just because the feature looks cool or the numbers are higher than the other. Always consider your purpose and justify the features that you really need. Choosing a camera is not the end though. There are also other things to consider like finding the best video editing software for vlogging. But for now, go get the best vlogging camera for beginners, you vlogger!
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