Best Camera For Bloggers – Top 10 Picks (NEW Guide)

Last updated on December 10th, 2020 at 01:14 pm

Blogs are an interesting way to share your experiences and knowledge with the audience, but it isn’t as easy as it sounds. A successful blog not only needs an inspiring caption but a captivating, high-quality image as well. We all know what that calls out for- a good quality camera. However, there is hardly any need to invest hundreds of bucks on a device when the market offers several other “professional” cameras at just half the price. Our article lists down the top 10 cameras that offer a diverse range of features that cater to every blogger’s needs, along with fulfilling the basic requirement of delivering stunning images.  

Best Camera For Bloggers

Sony Alpha a6500	Nikon Z6	Sony ZV-1
BEST OVERALL Touch AF for stills 24.2MP of imaging innovation	PREMIUM CHOICE Capture cinematic 4K UH Maximum Low-Light Capability	BEST BUDGET Great bokeh effect Compact and portable
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Bloggers Camera Reviews

1. Nikon Z6 Full Frame Mirrorless Camera

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Features:

Nikon successfully managed to create a brilliant all-rounder camera by the name of Nikon Z6. For a price of $2000, you get more than what you pay for, including a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, 4K video capability, and a great image stabilization system.

Design

You might not appreciate Nikon’s functional look if you prefer your cameras to match a certain style standard. This strong body feels secure to the touch, while the large handgrip makes it comfortable to shoot for hours on end. The magnesium alloy exterior features thorough weather sealing and a basic control layout to make your photography experience as hassle-free as possible.  

Performance 

One of the most important features a camera requires is a well-functioning AF system. There is no use of a large sensor or other elements if the camera finds it impossible to focus on your desired subject. The modest 273-point phase detects a hybrid system that doesn’t live up to the standards of Z7 but works exceptionally well. It delivers 90% frame coverage, which is more than enough for most cases. Moreover, there are several AF modes, including Single-Point modes and Auto or Wide area, if you prefer a precise focusing pattern. The Single-mode is a great choice for general shots, while the wide-area mode enhances versatility. However, the system may falter under low lighting conditions, but the Nikons AF assist beam helps you regain your focal point.

Z6 surprised us with its 12fps burst shooting speed while the reasonable buffer capacity suits most photographers. We captured around 35 RAW files at 12fps and around 200 files at 5fps. Another great feature of Z6 is the silent shooting mode, which proves useful for bloggers: an electronic shutter takes over the mechanical shutter to avoid users from garnering any attention while shooting. As we mentioned earlier, the image stabilization system is a delight to work with, but you may be put off by Nikons awful 310-shot battery life.

Most bloggers find a 24.2MP sensor a delight to work with as it delivers stunning images. When you pair this sensor with the Nikons metering system, you get well-saturated results with just the right amount of punch.  

Bottom line

Even though Nikon released Z7 with additional powerful features soon after, Z6 remains one of the most versatile cameras we have come across.

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2. Sony ZV-1 Camera for Content Creators

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Features:

Sony ZV-1 is an optimal choice for vloggers, thanks to its compact size, great AF system, and a side flipping screen. It’s a traveler’s best companion, and apart from some minor drawbacks such as poor image stabilization, there is hardly anything else to be disappointed about.  

Design

The ex-Sony RX100 Mark V users may find ZV-1 surprisingly similar to their old camera apart from a few adjustments. As we mentioned earlier, Sony is specially meant for video bloggers; thus, most of the features make it easier to record footage. There is a side-hinged articulating touchscreen that flips around 180 degrees- very useful for framing shots with no one behind the camera.  

Performance 

Sony RX100 Mark V is well-known for its powerful lens, and most video bloggers were silently praying for this feature on a video-friendly camera. ZV-1 not only offers a similar powerful lens but consists of its signature Bionz X processor and brilliant AF system. The f/1.8-2.8 aperture combines with the 1-inch sensor to deliver a much-wanted bokeh effect. Another added benefit is the ability to shoot at lower ISOs. Moreover, there is a hybrid autofocus system that consists of 315 phase-detect AF points and several contrast-detect AF points for a faster and precise focus.

Most bloggers love working with the bokeh effect, and if you are one of them, you would love the ‘bokeh switch.’ It allows users to switch to a wide-open aperture for a defocused background.

Moving on, Sony’s image stabilization system is the least liked feature. We don’t mean that you may find the need to bang your head on the wall after using it. Its Active stabilization mode combines electronic and optical stabilization for improved performance. However, it crops your footage to eliminate the bounce that doesn’t work very well with the already tight 24mm.

Further on, there are some slow-motion modes available, including 250, 500, and 1000fps modes.  

Bottom line

As long as you don’t require foolproof weatherproofing or ultra-smooth footage, Sony ZV-1 is an ideal choice for most.

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3. Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless Camera

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Features:

Sony A6500 is one of the best APS-C mirrorless cameras out there with several technological improvements to boost your photography experience. From a powerful AF system to an equally great built-in image stabilization system, there is nothing that Sony lacks.  

Build 

Sony A6500 is largely similar to its predecessor when it comes to the overall appearance. The metal and plastic hybrid body feels strong enough to withstand shooting under tough conditions without any extra bulk. It is a bit thicker than A6300 because of an improved image stabilization system with an enhanced grip for secure handling and a clean layout for your ease.  

Performance 

Firstly, we wholeheartedly appreciate Sony’s effort to come out with this dense AF system. It’s not new, but we find it hard to get over the 4D focus system. There are 425 phase-detect AF points combined with 169 additional contrast-detect points that work together to detect the focal point in no time. This is a great choice for action photographers, too, as the AF system does a wonderful job of tracking the erratically moving subjects.

Not only is the AF system fast, but the overall performance is quite impressive too. A6500 makes use of Alpha 99 II’s signature processing engine that boosts the buffer capacity up to 307 JPEGs at 8fps or 200 JPEGs at 11fps. We found the multi-zone metering system quite effective as there were hardly any issues with under and over-exposure.

Moving on, Sony made vast improvements to its auto white balance system. It offers a wide range of white balance modes along with three custom settings to tweak the images according to your feed. This is one of the most important features of an Instagram blogger. The battery isn’t very long-lasting, but as long as you have several spare batteries, there is nothing to fret about.

Further on, A6500 boasts a 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor that delivers exceptional images. They strike the right balance between sharpness and contrast, while the DRO system highlights the shadow areas for immediate use. We did not encounter any issues with image noise up till ISO6400, which is pretty impressive, to say the least.  

Bottom line

Most users wonder why Sony A6500 feels much different than Sony A6300 despite minimal improvements. The answer is that their research team did a wonderful job of tracking down the main problem areas, which resulted in a much faster and more robust device.

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4. Panasonic Lumix GH5 4K Digital Camera

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Features:

Panasonic Lumix GH5 is the latest in the line of the highly praised GH series. This mirrorless camera is a delight for videographers assuming the range of the moviemaking features. Fortunately, it appeals to enthusiast photographers as well.  

Build 

Most of us expect mirrorless cameras to be smaller than their DSLR counterparts; however, GH5 proves us wrong. Despite being 14% larger than its predecessor, we were impressed by the robust magnesium alloy structure and the refined handgrip. Moreover, the body is weatherproof and freeze-proof, so you might as well snap all your memories in the snow. GH5 features an LCD screen along with tonnes of buttons in a neat arrangement for maximum control.  

Performance 

Your camera requires a fast and accurate AF system if you want sharp images. Fortunately, Panasonic upgraded its AF system and gave GH5 a 225-point system for maximum coverage. Moreover, there are several modes, including Multi AF, custom Multimode and Zone AF, to match your personal AF preferences. The system takes less than 0.05 secs to focus, thanks to the new Venus Engine that processes the information at a whopping 480fps.

Another important aspect of a camera is the metering system, and once again, GH5 does not disappoint. The 1728-zone metering effortlessly adjusts the exposure, and we didn’t find the need to rely on post-production exposure compensation.

Similarly, the auto white balance system produces natural-looking images. There are several presets for those looking for additional warmth- great for bloggers.

A camera meant for videographer needs a well-functioning stabilization system just like GH5’s hybrid system. There weren’t any issues with the image sharpness even when the shutter speed was as slow as 1/10 seconds.

Further on, the micro four-thirds sensor produces decent images but not good enough to compete with full-frame cameras. GH5 does not have an optical low pass filter, which results in highly detailed images at low sensitivities. There are issues with luminous noise at higher sensitivities but nothing that a bit of tinkering can’t resolve.  

Bottom line

Panasonic did a wonderful job of making the necessary improvements to the previous GH-series models. GH5 is a brilliant all-rounder camera that caters to both bloggers and video bloggers, with a wide range of features, including 4K capability.

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5. Sony a7 III Full-Frame Mirrorless Camera

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Features:

Sony Alpha A7 III is one of the best full-frame mirrorless cameras out there. It appeals to both professionals and beginners because of its easy user interface and variety of features.  

Build 

If you have used Alpha A7R III, you probably won’t notice any major changes when it comes to the overall appearance. There is a multi-selector joystick instead of a drive mode dial for easier handling. Moreover, it makes it easier to select the focus points as well. Further on, the eye sensor automatically deactivates once you pull the rear screen away from the body. As a result, you get to shoot waist level images without any issues.  

Performance    

There are no words left to appreciate the Alphas AF system. It consists of Sony’s signature 693-point phase-detect AF system that provides 93% coverage across the frame. Moreover, there are an additional 425 contrast-detection points that enhance focus even in light levels as low as -3EV. There are several AF modes to choose from, including Flexible Spot M with incredible tracking performance.

Another feature that received a massive upgrade is the burst shooting speed: Sony doubled it from 5fps to a fast 10fps. Moreover, the addition of a Front End LSI pre-processor improved the overall performance of Alpha A7 III. It has a buffer capacity of 89 RAW files at 10fps, which is more than enough for photographers.

Additionally, you can switch to the electronic shutter to make use of the silent shooting mode without comprising the burst shooting rate. Further on, Sony boasts a large and bright viewfinder that displays sharp images but causes tearing if you move the camera too fast.

Another important feature of cameras is the overall image quality, and Sony does not disappoint. The 24.2MP sensor delivers highly detailed images with incredible ISO performance.  

Bottom line

Sony Alpha A7 III is a brilliant camera that suits everyone, be it an amateur blogger or a professional photographer. It offers the best of Sonys signature features that results in exceptional images and swift performance. It is almost impossible to get your hands on another such camera at this price.

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6. Nikon Z50 Compact Mirrorless Camera

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Features:

Nikon Z50 is a great camera for hobbyists and travel bloggers. The compact, travel-friendly body packs in several enticing features for an incredible photography experience.

Build 

Nikon did not make any special efforts when it comes to Z50’s appearance but took inspiration from its sister cameras, Z6 and Z7. However, it’s relatively smaller, thus making an ideal travel companion. Moreover, they removed some of the features, including the top plate LCD and joystick: we are still a bit sore about the latter. Overall, it sports a neat layout with no major issues.  

Performance 

If you liked working with the AF system of Z6, it’s a pleasure to inform you that Z50 boasts the same 209-point AF system. It provides 90% coverage across the frame and performs in a quite brisk, precise manner. There are several modes, including the Single-point AF mode, that allows you to select your AF point. It might lag under low light conditions but never displays a false confirmation. You may switch to the continuous frame rate of AF-C if you need to record erratically moving subjects. However, Z50 is not the ideal choice for sports photography.

Moving on, Nikon offers a 300-shots battery life that is adequate for a full day of shooting as long as you aren’t snapping everything that comes your way. If you are one of the latter, make sure to carry some spare batteries along.

We were rather impressed by Nikon’s ability to produce sharp images with an impressive level of detail. The colors look quite realistic, with just the right amount of punch and saturation. Moreover, Z50’s metering system produces the right amount of exposure for your shooting environment.  

Bottom line

Considering the competition in the APS-C mirrorless camera market, Nikon Z50 is surely a valuable addition. Not only is it an ideal travel buddy but a great device to invest in if you are tired of your old DSLR. It does fall short in some areas, such as a limited lens range, etc. however, it’s a great camera at a great price.

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7. Panasonic LUMIX G9 4K Camera

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Features:

Panasonic released GH5 as their flagship mirrorless camera; however, it was seen more as a videographer’s tool than an all-rounder camera. To fulfill the void, they released G9 with additional features to obtain stunning stills.  

Build 

The design is a bit different compared to its predecessor with an addition of a top plate status LCD. Even though most mirrorless cameras avoid using an LCD screen, we found it much easier to look at our key settings amidst the shooting session. There are several programmable function buttons arranged in a neat layout, as well as a mini-joystick for quick AF area selection.  

Performance 

Similar to GH5, G9 sports a 225-area AF coverage that covers almost the entire frame. One of the best features is the low light performance: GH9 uses Panasonic’s DFD autofocus technology for precise focusing in light levels as low as -4EV. There are several modes to choose from, including a simple single AF mode to a Face/Eye detection mode for portraits.

Panasonic offers a staggering speed of 60fps and 20fps with full continuous AF. This is a major upgrade from GH5’s 12fps and more than enough for professional photographers.

Moving on, you get a great 1728-zone metering system that is extremely reliable. Throughout our journey, we never felt the need to adjust the exposure post-production. Similarly, there were no issues with the auto white balance system either, and we got natural-looking results regardless of the shooting condition.  

Another great feature of G9 is the image stabilization system. The 6.5-stop compensation means that users can shoot at incredibly slow shutter speeds for effortless video recording. Further on, there isn’t an optical low pass filter resulting in highly detailed images at low sensitivities. Compared to other Lumix cameras, we found G9 to have a better color rendition and minimal image noise.  

Bottom line

We aren’t lying when we say that Panasonic Lumix G9 is one of the best all-around mirrorless cameras in the market. From stunning image quality to lightning-fast burst shooting rate, it offers several incredible features for optimal results.

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8. Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless 4K Vlogging Camera

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Features:

Canon EOS M50 is a midrange mirrorless camera with several features to make your next video a success. Slightly old, it remains one of the most highly demanded cameras due to its modest price and great results.  

Build 

The design of EOS M50 is inspired by its predecessor, M5. It boasts a strong polycarbonate body with a leatherette handgrip. However, we were put off by the “plasticky” exterior. As we mentioned earlier, M50 is great for beginners: there are no complex features, rather a single-mode dial for easier control with a basic button layout.  

Performance 

Canon has come a long way with its AF system, and we were pretty satisfied with the overall results. The upgraded Dual Pixel CMOS AF system delivers brisk and accurate performance. Moreover, the AF tracking works pretty well, too, as long as you aren’t focusing on any erratically moving objects.

Moving on, M50 boasts a Digic 8 image processor that allows users to shoot at up to 10fps in Single AF mode. The rate drops to 7.4fps while using Continous AF- pretty reasonable for most photographers. There is a large and bright viewfinder that delivers a smooth display without any suffocation. As far as stabilization is concerned, it works well, but we recommend using the Auto ISO mode to minimize shaking.

EOS M50 has a 24.2MP APS-C sensor that delivers sharp, highly detailed images. Moreover, it performs extraordinarily well under low light conditions. There is minimal image noise even at ISO6400, while the solid dynamic range aids in recovering lost detail.  

Bottom line

Canon EOS M50 is a wonderful alternative for all those who want incredible image quality, minimal complex features, and a strong AF system. It is certainly not one of the best but could be after some minor improvements.

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9. Canon 80D Digital SLR Camera

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Features:

Most bloggers, especially travel bloggers, need to shoot in a variety of different locations, and for that, they need a versatile device. Fortunately, Canon 80D offers everything an enthusiast photographer would need.  

Build 

Most people seemed to like the overall design of 70D; thus, the manufacturers didn’t make any major changes. The control layout is fairly simple, with most of the buttons crowded on the right side and top plate. As a result, operating the camera single-handedly becomes less tedious. Moreover, there is a 3-inch 1,040,000-dot Clear View II screen that delivers a sharp, clear view, but most people prefer using a viewfinder while shooting stills.  

Performance 

The previous APS-C cameras were fitted with 18Mp sensors, but Canon decided to upgrade the sensor in the latest models. 80D boasts a 24.2MP sensor with a 25% increase in pixel count that not only enhances the details but minimizes any resulting image noise. Once you apply the default levels of noise reduction, images at ISO16000 appear much better in terms of details and luminous noise.

Another great feature of 80D is the AF system that works well with the viewfinder. It focuses on objects with impressive precision and speed without faltering under low light conditions. This is a great option for those interested in action photography since the system focuses on erratically moving objects too. There is a 45-point Automatic selection mode that uses a color detection system to identify the subject from the midst of a distracting background.

Further on, 80D sports a 7560-pixel RGB+IR sensor with several 63-zone modes for effective metering. However, you may need to opt for post-production exposure compensation in high contrast situations. Similarly, the auto white balance system delivers decent performance, with the white priority mode delivering neutral images despite the lighting condition.  

Bottom line

As an enthusiast photographer, Canon 80D is your best bet. This is a great upgrade from the well-acclaimed predecessor, Canon 70D, with an extensive feature set and an ergonomic design. Moreover, the results are highly detailed, especially at the lower sensitivity range.

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10. Canon EOS Rebel T7i DSLR Camera

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Features:

Canon EOS Rebel T7i is a great entry-level DSLR with strong specs, including a vari-angle touchscreen and 6fps burst mode.  

Build 

Canon Rebel T7i features an aluminum and polycarbonate body just like its predecessor but is relatively lighter. The plastic exterior finish is a drawback for many; however, the overall body feels quite sturdy. Moreover, the control layout is similar to T6i, with a few additional buttons on the top plate with an intuitive touchscreen for the user’s ease.  

Performance 

Fortunately, Canon upgraded its AF system from a mere 19-point phase-detect system to a decent 45-point cross-type system. This is nowhere near M50’s 143-point system but still a pretty great addition. Moreover, the system can focus on lighting conditions as low as -3EV and great for use with moderately slow lenses. Further on, there are four modes to choose from, including a Dual Pixel AF for Live view photography. In short, Rebel users get a rather brisk and precise focusing experience.

Moving on, there is a Digic 7 image processor that boosts the burst shooting speed to a decent 6fps. We found the battery life pretty impressive, too: the 600-shot battery is adequate to last for a full day of shooting. Moreover, it comprises of the same 7560-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor with several options to adjust the exposure. However, you may need to opt for post-production exposure compensation in high contrast situations. The Ambient Auto White Balance mode and White Priority mode of the white balance system deliver natural-looking results under every lighting condition.

Further on, the images displayed look highly detailed with pleasing colors and a better dynamic range.  

Bottom line

There is no better choice for beginners who want to let go of their smartphone cameras than Canon EOS Rebel T7i. Despite the outdated specs such as 1080p video capability, it’s great for those who like the feel of DSLR cameras. However, it offers a long battery life, decent burst shooting speed, and a fast AF system that is more than enough for amateurs.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): About Cameras For Bloggers

Q: What lens do bloggers use?

A: Most fashion bloggers recommend their audience to make use of a 50mm f/1.8 lens to get a perspective similar to a human eye. Fortunately, they don’t cost a lot and offer several features to enhance your images. Firstly, 50mm lenses are prime lenses, which means that you need to move closer to your subject rather than zooming in from a far off distance. As a result, your images tend to be more clear. We suggest you set the autofocus point to the exact center of the image for a focused result. Moreover, the fast aperture slightly blurs the background and focuses the viewer’s attention on the desired subject.  

Q: What is the best camera for bloggers?

A: We mentioned the best cameras for bloggers in our article above. However, each camera caters to a different set of photography needs. Sony A6500 works well for people who are always on the go. The compact device is portable, compatible with a wide range of lenses, and offers great autofocus and high burst rates. If you are a beginner, Canon Rebel T7i is a great option as it’s affordable and delivers decent results without complex features. Panasonic GH5 is a great alternative for video bloggers with a decent range of video editing features, great image stabilization, and 4K video capture. In short, we have something for everyone.  

Q: What camera do bloggers use for Instagram?

A: Instagram is one of the most popular mediums for blogging, where the visual experience holds more importance than the caption itself. Thus, you need a good quality camera to maintain your aesthetic feed. Canon 80D is a cheap yet amazing camera for travel and fashion bloggers. It delivers a fast AF speed and delivers exceptional image results, thanks to the 24.2MP sensor.

Sony A7 III is a bit on the higher side but a great choice for travel bloggers and Instagram influencers. It offers the best features of a DSLR camera via a compact, mirrorless body. We all know how bulky and expensive most DSLRs get once we start investing in additional photography items such as lenses. Fortunately, Sony works well with the most inexpensive, compact lenses and cuts back your expenses and weight in the long run.  

Conclusion 

We hope you found the best camera for your blogging journey. Each product is personally tested; thus, we assure you that it delivers the best results in terms of image quality and performance. However, not every camera would match your personal preference; therefore, it’s important to go through the specifications and review before making a decision.