For the most up to date 4k vlogging cameras, check out our newest articles: Best Action Cameras, and Best Mirrorless Cameras.

At A Glance: Our Top 5 Best 4k Vlogging Cameras for YouTube

• Sony RX100 V BEST COMPACT
• Panasonic G85 BEST VALUE
• Sony a6500 BEST PERFORMANCE
• Panasonic Lumix G7 BEST BUDGET
• GoPro Hero 6 BEST ACTION

Let’s start our 4k vlogging camera talk with a little test.

Take your smartphone (or a camera) and make a video in 720p.

Then watch that video on a 1080p screen.

How does it look?

Not great we can assume.

Well, the same is going to become the case with 1080p videos once everyone starts using the 4k displays.

But no worries, with major platforms like YouTube just recently starting to allowing 4k videos, I don’t think 4k is going to become “the standard” anytime soon.

Although, we do think having a 4k camera for YouTube certainly has advantages if your budget allows for it, but that shouldn’t be the main strength of the camera for vlogging, it should just be a bonus.

4k vs. Normal Resolution Vlogging Camera!

As we’ve already mentioned, 4k cameras are the future of vlogging, a video camera and/ or camcorder is of the past.

Let’s be honest, most of you that are even reading this have never seen a camcorder.

That being said, 1080p are the present and 720p are the past.

But should you really rush ahead to the future by getting a 4k cam right away?

No, not necessarily.

But if your budget allows for it, then the 4k cameras certainly do provide lots of other great advantages that are listed below:

Higher Resolution Equals Better-Looking Videos:

This is actually pretty straightforward, as everyone knows that the rule of thumb in video shooting is that the higher the resolution, the better the video will be created.

So obviously, the videos shot in a four-times-higher definition are bound to look better than a video on a webcam.

There are 2 options you can do:

So what happens when you have to turn your 4k video into a 1080p product for some reason? To reduce its size, for one example.

Well, even if you do that, your video will still have a better quality than a normal resolution.

After all, four times more information was used to create it.

That’s really useful for YouTubers because even if most people can’t see 4k because they view your videos on smartphones or normal monitors, people say that there is a difference in detail quality and even the video has less background noise.

Close-Ups in Post Production:

Shooting in 4k means that your making videos with a resolution that is several times higher than a regular video.

In turn, this means that you will be able to make close-ups in ultra HD and post-production without taking a toll on the quality of the video.

Stabilize Self-Shot Videos Better:

If you are holding the camera while you are video recording, then it might get shaky at some points.

The good news is that if the definition is good enough, you will be able to solve this problem very easily.

Sure, you may argue that you can use the autofocus system with lower-res videos as well.

However, in the case of 4k videos, the stabilization won’t mess up their quality to the point that it will be hardly noticeable from the viewer’s side on the youtube channel.

It is a good idea to get stability with a dynamic range such as using a vlogging tripod for this situation.

Less Color Banding:

Although this is something that depends on how good the camera is, it is fair to say that 4k cameras have fewer problems with color banding than their 2k, 1080p, or 720p counterparts.

The reason is that cameras record 4k videos at a higher bitrate, meaning that more color gets captured.

4k Cameras is Relatively New:

Because 4k is a technology that has not been around for too long, the chance is high that you will end up purchasing a camera that was made fairly recently.

And newer cameras tend to produce better quality videos than the old models, not to mention that they also come with plenty of features (HDMI output, DSLR optics, hdr feature to name a few) that make your job easier.

4k Isn’t As Expensive As You Think:

If you are looking to buy the best camera for YouTube, you’re probably having doubts about whether to go with a 4k camera or a normal resolution camera.

Our advice is to go with the 4k option, as these cameras aren’t that expensive anymore.

And some of them are even cheaper than those that don’t shoot in 4k.

Of course, the resolution isn’t the only thing you need to pay attention to when shopping for a new vlogging camera, so make sure that you do your research before buying one.

So, to make a recap, here are the main benefits of 4k in vlogging:

We’re now going to help you find the best 4k vlogging camera that gives you the high-quality product that pleases your budget.

YouTube Videos in 4K:

Here are a few examples that we found that were filmed in 4K by famous vloggers

Because filming and using 4k videos is not the easiest task for the camera to handle, as well as to edit after filming, vloggers usually don’t film fully in 4k, but instead, film certain shots in 4k  and the rest in HD video mode and use them intermixed in their videos.

Top 5 Best 4k Vlogging Cameras for YouTube:

Here are five best of best vlogging cameras that we believe might be a good choice for you.

Whichever you pick, you won’t make a bad choice, so don’t stress yourself out in the decision processes.

But, we can not tell you exactly which one is the best.

That’s a decision you will have to bring on your own based on your circumstances and your video and camera needs.

So, get yourself comfortable, and let’s dive in!

Image	Model	Camera Type	Price
	Sony RX100 V BEST COMPACT	Flip screen / 4K Resolution	Check Price
	Panasonic G85 BEST VALUE	Mirrorless / 4K Resolution	Check Price
	Sony a6500 BEST PERFORMANCE	Mirrorless / 4K Resolution	Check Price
	Panasonic Lumix G7 BEST BUDGET	Mirrorless / 4K Resolution	Check Price
	GoPro Hero 6 BEST ACTION	Action / 4K Resolution	Check Price

1. Sony RX100 V – Best 4k Compact

Sony RX100 comes with a 1-inch CMOS Exmor sensor and same like many other large-sensor cameras, it also has high-definition video capture mode.

A large sensor means that more light will be captured, so videos will be sharper and more colorful.

Apart from allowing you to shoot super-quality videos, this camera will also help you out with many other things.

For example, there’s a feature for image stabilization, which will prevent the videos from getting too “shaky” if you’re keeping the cam in your hands while making vlogs.

Another reason why Sony RX100 is great for making videos on the move is that it’s pretty small and lightweight. Actually, its dimensions are 4 x 2.38 x 1.63 inches, while the weight of this cam is only 0.6 lb.

This means that you won’t have any problems keeping it in only one hand.

It’s also our recommendation for a travel Instagram camera due to its ability to point and shoot great videos with high-end sound quality and superb photos.

Typically cameras are 30fps, however, this camera is very fast and is 24 fps.

And if you go with RX100 V, you will get a camera with a flip touchscreen. This way, you will be able to shoot selfie videos without worrying that your face might be out of focus.

Apart from the LCD screen, there’s also a set of control buttons at the back, which you won’t have any problems reaching.

Sony RX100 seems like a good camera for vlogging for those who often make videos on the go.

Video quality-wise, this is one of the best compact cameras on the market.

2. Panasonic G85 – Best Bang for the Buck For Vlogging

It seems that Panasonic engineers had vloggers in mind when they designed this camera. The reasons why it’s great for vlogging are numerous.

This camera features an image stabilization feature, which is essential if you’re planning to make videos outside your room/studio.

The camera also has a microphone port and a flip screen, which will come in very handy when you make videos on your own.

The size of the camera is 2.9 x 5.1 x 3.5 inches, which makes it pretty compact and easy to carry even in one hand. Not to mention that it has a grip on your fingers, so the chance that you would drop it is very low.

And even if you drop it, it probably won’t break. Not only are Panasonic cameras famously sturdy, but this one is also weather sealed. What this means is that rain, snow, and dirt can’t harm it.

Same as Sony RX100, this one also doesn’t have a too impressive internal memory.

Let’s put it this way – unless you get a good memory card or external memory storage, you won’t be able to make 4k videos that are longer than only a couple of minutes.

Panasonic G85 is a decently priced camera, and the value you get for that price is amazing.

Surely, some improvements could’ve been made, but no vlogger will have any major problems with this camera’s performance.

3. Sony a6500 – Superb Performance

Some argue that the Sony a6500 is one of the best mirrorless cameras on today’s market.

We’re not going to get too deep in that discussion; we’ll just say that this APS-C sensor camera makes 4k videos that are truly breathtaking.

So, if you’re looking for a vlogging camera that will create impressive footage, the Sony a6500 is the one to go with.

The Sony a6500 is indeed a bit pricey, but if you are really serious about it, then buying this camera is definitely a wise investment.

Another great thing about this camera is that its autofocus is one of its strongest points.

You will have no problems making action videos for your vlog. You will also be able to make awesome outdoor videos while keeping the camera inside your hand.

But, there’s one downside here. This camera doesn’t have a flip screen, so making selfie videos is not going to be easy.

Of course, you can solve that problem with a tripod, but not many vloggers are too keen on using such an item when being in action.

Another issue we have with it is that it’s not very cheap. And you will also have to get a large-capacity memory card if you plan to record 4k videos for more than just a few minutes.

The same goes for its battery, as Sony a6500’s lithium-ion battery won’t keep it running for too long.

If video quality is your biggest concern, buying a Sony a6500 will give you peace of mind. This camera really is capable of creating superb videos.

4. Panasonic Lumix G7 – Best Budget 4k Vlogging Camera

If you got scared that all the 4k vlogging cameras on our list are expensive, we have some good news for you.

Panasonic G7 is a very affordable camera, especially compared to the others from this list.

Truth be told, you will have to invest a bit more money to get a memory card, as it doesn’t come with one.

And you’ll also have to lens because it doesn’t have image stabilization which we need for vlogging.

And now let’s discuss the things you’re probably very eager to hear about:

How good Panasonic G7 is for vlogging?

Well, although you can’t compare its video performances with those of the previously discussed cameras, the video quality it makes is more than sufficient for vlogging.

Unless your YouTube followers are video aficionados who use 75-inch TVs to watch your videos, they will be perfectly satisfied with the content made with Panasonic G7.

Apart from decent video shooting, this camera also provides the vlogger with many features that will make their job easier.

For instance, it has good autofocus, with lots of autofocus modes to pick from.

It isn’t the lightest camera ever, and its build is mostly plastic, some people don’t like that, but honestly, that shouldn’t determine the quality of this camera as a whole, so if you are fine with this, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing vlogging features on a budget.

It also has a flip screen, which some video makers can’t work without. There’s also a Wi-Fi feature, as well as a port for an external microphone.

So, if you’re new to the world of vlogging, Panasonic G7 seems like an ideal entry-level 4k camera for you.

It’s cheap but has all the features you need to make superb YouTube videos!

5. GoPro Hero 6 – Top 4k Action Camera

GoPro is an undisputed champion when it comes to manufacturing action cameras. That said, you can’t go much wrong whichever GoPro cam you buy.

It’s guaranteed to do fantastic work, as they are all made for the outdoors and a #1 camera for sports.

But, what about vlogging? Is there a GoPro camera that can be used for making 4k vlogging videos?

Of course, there is! And the cam in question is GoPro Hero 6, GoPro Hero 7 is similar just newer!

Not only can this cam shoot great-quality 4k videos, but its image stabilization is also sensational. Of course, that’s not a surprise considering that Hero 6 is an action camera, but it’s really awesome.

Another great thing about it is its one-touch zoom, as well as a technology that enhances the quality of videos shot in low-light conditions.

The good things about GoPro Hero 6 don’t end there. This camera comes with all kinds of additional features and accessories, including a helmet strap, wrist strap, chest strap, floating handle grip, bicycle handlebar, tripod, and so on.

Go Pro Hero 6 also has a rechargeable battery with a pretty decent life and even comes with a 32GB memory card (MicroSDHC Class 10), which is really a nice surprise considering the camera’s fairly reasonable price.

So, is everything perfect about this camera? Well, not quite.

Go Pro Hero 6 doesn’t have a flip display, so you might find it impractical to take selfies with it.

And overall usability isn’t as great as for the cameras above.

If you’re a blogger who makes lots of action-packed outdoor videos, Go Pro Hero 6 seems like your ideal choice.

7. Canon G7 X

When it comes to innovation, Youtubers’ eyes stuck on the Canon G7 X due to its fantastic pixels, audio, and video quality.

The features in this Canon G7 X includes a video memory card of up to 64 GB, a memory card wallet, a large camera case for Ritz top loader, Video pro 4-in-1 USB SD card reader, Vivitar HDMI to HDMI “D” Micro cable, and Ritz 5 piece deluxe cleaning kit.

A fantastic product for vlogging. You can record videos for vlogging easily.

There will be no damage of pixels by fast rotation to record videos from different angles.

Moreover, This Canon G7 X featuring polaroid universal screen protectors, 20.1 megapixels 1.0 inches, lens cleaning pen, stacked CMOS sensor, 4K 3p/ FHD 120p video, DIGIC 8 image processor, and recording non-cropped 4K movies at the frame rate.

The best of this camera is, due to it being thin, you can easily carry this camera and can hold it for a long period of time.

Furthermore, 4.2 X optical zoom lens, 30p for high resolution, optical image stabilizer, 3.0 inches touch panel LCD screen, continues shooting up to 20fps with tilt option, RAW burst mode with one-shot AF, and live streaming cable.

There will be no blurriness if you capture pictures from a large distance.

Being a professional Youtuber you can go for it, for making vlogs.

8. DJI Osmo Pocket

When it comes to cameras, DJI came up with innovative technology in the market.

They introduced a DJI Osmo pocket camera-comb-cell phone.

The camera of DJI has delightful features. It includes a design of the smallest 3-axis stabilized handheld camera, OSMO pockets photos in detail, compact and intelligent 1/ 2.3 inches sensor to make any movement into a cinematic memory.

Moreover, it includes 80 FOV, iOS 7.0 android, F/2.0 aperture, Osmo pocket can be connected to the phone for vlogging, variety of functions that allow you to make even more productive content, and connect with above compatible devices including like iPhone X pro max, etc.

This DJI Osmo Pocket is a fantastic product for vlogging. You can record videos for vlogging easily.

There will be no damage of pixels by fast rotation to record videos from different angles.

Furthermore, this DJI Osmo Pocket featuring polaroid universal screen protectors, 20.1 megapixels 1.0 inches, lens cleaning pen, stacked CMOS sensor, 4K 3p/ FHD 120p video, DIGIC 8 image processor, and recording non-cropped 4K movies at the frame rate.

It is very thin, you can easily carry this camera and can hold it for a long period of time.

This camera provides the ultimate quality of video capturing. If you have plans to visit mountainous areas, you can grab this product for making excellent quality videos for your YouTube channel.

You can also use it for making short documentaries. You can use DJI Osmo Pocket for making videos on different occasions.

9. Canon EOS Mark III

We have discussed above that when it comes to innovation, Youtubers’ eyes stuck at the Canon G7 X due to its fantastic pixels, audio, and video quality.

The features include high image quality, a new DIGIC X image processor, new 20.1 megapixels full-frame CMOS sensor, an ISO range of 100 to 102400, and a newly designed low pass filter.

Furthermore, 4.2 X optical zoom lens, 30p for high resolution, optical image stabilizer, 3.0 inches touch panel LCD screen, continues shooting up to 20fps with tilt option, RAW burst mode with one-shot AF, and live streaming cable.

There will be no blurriness if you capture pictures from a large distance.

It is expandable up to 50 to 819200, has 191-point Af system dual pixel CMOS AF for fast, high-speed continuous shooting of up to 16 fps, capable of tracking the object face and head using its sensors, and accurate autofocusing using.

It includes a video memory card up to 64 GB, a memory card wallet, a large camera case for Ritz top loader, a Video pro 4-in-1 USB SD card reader, Vivitar HDMI to HDMI “D” Micro cable, and Ritz 5 piece deluxe cleaning kit.

Moreover, it has up to 3876 manual AF positions and automatic positions 524 and lives view up to 20 fps with tracking.

10. DJI Osmo Action

As we have already discussed that when it comes to cameras, DJI came up with innovative technology in the market. They introduced a DJI Osmo pocket camera-comb-cell phone.

The camera of DJI has delightful features. This DJI Osmo action gives you a hyper-sonic and good quality crystal clear display, no matter how heavy the object moves.

It includes a design of the smallest 3-axis stabilized handheld camera, OSMO pockets photos in detail, compact and intelligent 1/ 2.3 inches sensor to make any movement into a cinematic memory.

It has a dual-screen, rocksteady technology, captures the picture or video with a touch button, EIS with complex algorithms, durable, delivering stable and shake-free footage, with a vivid front screen that lets you frame yourself effortlessly.

Furthermore, this DJI Osmo Pocket featuring polaroid universal screen protectors, 20.1 megapixels 1.0 inches, lens cleaning pen, stacked CMOS sensor, 4K 3p/ FHD 120p video, DIGIC 8 image processor, and recording non-cropped 4K movies at the frame rate.

Moreover, it includes 80 FOV, iOS 7.0 android, F/2.0 aperture, Osmo pocket can be connected to the phone for vlogging, variety of functions that allow you to make even more productive content, and connect with above compatible devices including like iPhone X pro max, etc.

This DJI Osmo Pocket is a fantastic product for vlogging. You can record videos for vlogging easily.

There will be no damage of pixels by fast rotation to record videos from different angles.

The best part of this camera is, it is waterproof, and can resist up to 11m underwater.

Also, it can resist temperatures up to 10 degrees celsius.

11. Olympus E-M5

The Olympus E-M5 came into the market with a lot of features. It is very thin, compact, and comfortable.

It is made for capturing videos and images from large cities to small towns and villages. It is better for even remote areas.

It gives you excellent HD quality videos and photos capturing.

Many YouTubers use it for their vlogs. Especially, YouTubers use this camera when they visit small towns and remote areas because of its contrast quality.

It sharply captures greenery with QHD resolution. There will be no damage to pixels in the videos or images if you rotate the camera fastly.

It has pro technologies like 30fps sequential shooting, 20 MP live MOS sensor, portable, weather-sealed design, and 50 MP tripod high-resolution shot.

Moreover, 121-point Cross-type chip, image stabilization, sensor-shift, phase-detection AF, compact, video capturing resolution 2K Dci 1080p, in-body five-axis image stabilization, and last but not least it has view-finder type LCD.

How to Choose the Best 4k Vlogging Camera? – A Buyer’s Guide:

Many things should be in your mind while buying a camera. The things include;

Battery:

Battery timing is very important for vlogging. You should check that the camera you are buying has a long-timing battery.

If the camera has not a long timing battery you will not be able to record quality videos for your channel in time.

Especially, when you are on a long trip, going to visit a mountainous area that is far away from your house, you could face charging issues.

So that is why a long-timing battery is very important to consider while buying a camera.

Image/Video Quality:

The image quality of a camera should be HD, having a minimum of 1080 pixels. If the camera does not have this, you could face pixel damage problems.

Especially, when you capture an image from a large distance, there is a chance that the image gets blurry.

That is why you have to keep in your mind that the video and image quality of a camera should be delightful.

Audio Quality:

The audio quality is the most important feature you need to check.

The camera should record the voice clearly. The pace should not disturb when you move the camera to change the angle, during recording the video.

Negatives of 4k for YouTube:

As of 2018, most people still don’t care about whether a YouTube video is 1080p or 4k.

It’s not that they’re indifferent to video quality; it’s just that they can’t notice the difference.

The reason is that most YouTube users use regular-sized monitors, so the difference in the video resolution can’t be noticed that easily.

And shooting vids in a higher resolution has basically no impact on your YouTube ranking.

Now that we’re on the subject of YouTube, up until a few years ago, this site didn’t allow 4k video uploads.

The same is still the case with some other video-sharing platforms, so even if you make a video in 4k, you might be forced to upload it in some other definition.

Another reason why shooting 4k videos might not be such an amazing option, after all, is that these videos take too much space.

We’re talking about gigabytes here.

So, unless you buy an extra memory card or external memory storage, you may get yourself in a problem with your 4k videos.

Shooting 4k videos also require the camera to work harder, which in turn means that it needs more energy.

The result is that the battery will get spent sooner.

Of course, all of this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t buy yourself a top-quality 4k camera. You can always use that Cam to shoot footage in 2k or 1080p if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions: