Best Budget-Friendly YouTube Vlogging Cameras With A Flip Screen ([year])

In recent years, vlogging has become a popular creative outlet for many filmmakers and is now a field many want to enter.

Given the immediacy of this type of content, having a camera that has a flip screen so you can see yourself without having to set up external monitors is essential.

That way, you can easily switch on your camera, flip the screen around, check the exposure, frame, etc. and press record in seconds.

Consider the features you need for the type of vlogging you want to do

There are a variety of cameras and setups commonly used for vlogs, and the idea of what a vlog is changing from person to person.

If you’re filming yourself in your room, talking-head style, or on the go, much like a run-and-gun filmmaker, what you’re looking for will vary.

While portability, battery life, and ease of use may sway your opinion, there are certain facets to consider that are a must for everyone.

And other than the articulating screen, other things to include are having a great image, good autofocus, and a way to record usable audio.

It is important to preface that content is king, and some creators can make very impressive content with their phones. A great camera certainly doesn’t hurt and can open you up to various creative possibilities.

The biggest, most expensive camera isn’t necessarily the right choice for vlogs

Of course, you can use some high-end and very expensive cameras, but it’s often overkilling.

Plus, a big full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera might not be the best choice – unless you have arm muscles like Jason Momoa.

So in this article, I’m focusing on smaller, lightweight, budget-friendly, and more affordable cameras with a flip screen that’ll be an excellent choice for creating YouTube vlogs.

Below I’ve selected five of the best and most popular cameras with flip screens used for vlogging on YouTube today. There should be a camera for anyone on this list, and it’s hard to go wrong. Ultimately the decision is up to you!

1. Panasonic Lumix G100

Starting off our list, I’ve selected the Panasonic Lumix G100. This mirrorless camera is a great way for vloggers to up the quality of their content.

It includes many features built specifically for vloggers, meaning regardless of your content, it is hard to go wrong with this camera.

The G100 is a Micro Four-Thirds Mirrorless Camera and features a 20.3-megapixel sensor the camera can record 4K at up to 30p, which is great for any filmmaker.

Unfortunately, using an MFT sensor, this camera does not excel in low light conditions. But the cool thing is that you can adapt almost any lenses to this format – even inexpensive but attractive vintage lenses.

That said, G100 allows an ISO of up to 25600. In a pinch, you can still collect usable footage in low-light situations, and you can always get a focal reducer. speed booster to improve the number of stops for even better low-light performance.

The G100 also features a 5-axis image stabilization system. Together this should allow you to capture footage in even the most adverse conditions.

This camera has an articulating touch screen to make navigating the system much easier. It features an expanded UI for vlogging (such as a larger record light to make confirmation easier when filming yourself.

Plus, a small body means this is an easy mirrorless camera to take with you.

For a vlogger, the G100 is a great camera. It is relatively compact but has internal stabilization that can combat shaky hands.

Additional features that can help filmmakers on the go, include WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity (which is awesome for sharing photos for thumbnails). I’ll use a touch screen with an expanded UI to help with recording on your own.

Pros	Cons
Internal Stabilization 4K Video Bluetooth Connectivity Portability	Low Light Pricy

Check the current price on Adorama.

2. Sony ZV-1

The Sony ZV-1 is a great camera for a vlogger that needs a compact setup. This point-and-shoot camera has all the features you need in a very portable camera that Iighs under one pound!

There are a lot of things that should impress you with this camera. It can record video in 4K at up to 24/30 frames per second and features Sony’s incredibly popular S-Log picture profiles to help expand your dynamic range (up to 14 on the ZV-1).

One of the ZV-1’s biggest selling features is having an external audio input, a rare feature in point-and-shoot cameras.

Though the onboard mics do fine at picking up audio, they are not directional enough for vlogging in outdoor/busy settings. For this, I’d recommend a compact external shotgun mic or a wireless lavalier microphone.

Like the popular Sony RX line, the ZV-1 has Zeiss glass and a focal length of 24-70mm. This lens lets you get some crisp footage, and though the focal length is limited, you still can achieve wide, normal, and telephoto angles.

Another great feature packed into a small camera is Sony’s Active SteadyShot technology. Recording HD video will reduce camera shake by up to 11x and up to 8x when recording 4k.

Don’t expect miracles, but this will save you when you’re walking and filming!

There are a few weaknesses to this otherwise great camera, though they are. In addition to the limited focal length, the battery life is also quite short, especially when recording 4K video (lasting around 50 minutes). The small screen also makes viewing your shot difficult and can be difficult to view in very bright settings.

The ZV-1 is a great camera for novices and can even be a great addition to the arsenal for experienced filmmakers. If you’re looking for a compact point-and-shoot to vlog with, this is a hard camera to pass up!

Pros	Cons
4K Portability Great Glass External Audio Input Stabilization S-Log	Battery Life Limited Focal Length Small Screen

Check the current price on Adorama

3. Sony Cybershot RX0 II

Some vloggers out there may be doing activities that require a camera that can handle anything thrown at it (or on it), and for those filmmakers, I’d have to recommend the Sony Cybershot RX0 II.

This compact action camera is waterproof at up to 33’ and crushproof at 440 pounds. It can still capture great video with 4K recording at 24/30 frames per second and up to 120 frames per second in HD.

The camera has a fixed and effective focal length of 24mm. Though this is limiting in some respects, it still features great glass and will yield crisp results.

Will all these features, only being 2.3 x 1.6 x 1.4″, and weighing just 4.66 oz with an SD card and battery, this is a camera any vlogger can take with them most anywhere.

The problems with this camera mainly center around its compact size. Having a fixed focal length and no external audio input makes it a difficult choice for any vlogger not centered on action sports or situations where a small, durable camera would be nice.

however, if your vlog includes that and you need a compact action camera, the RX0 II is top-of-the-line. In addition to the details listed above, wireless connectivity and S-Log compatibility will make this an easy camera to add to your workflow.

Pros	Cons
Waterproof & Crushproof Wireless Connectivity Compact4K S-Log	Audio Fixed 24mm focal length Small form factor

Check the current price on Adorama

4. Canon EOS 80D

The Canon EOS 80D is a great camera and is hugely popular with vloggers and independent filmmakers. Canon cameras are often acclaimed for their color, especially when it comes to skin tones, and the 80D is no exception.

Paired with their color science, Canon’s dual-pixel autofocus technology is incredibly reliable and does a great job finding focus. This is an absolute must for vloggers since it is extremely difficult to focus on yourself if you intend to move manually.

The Canon EOS 80D has unique features that set it apart from other DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. This camera has wireless connectivity, which is great for filmmakers on the move, and a headphone monitor jack. For a vlogger making content on your own, being able to monitor your own audio directly is incredibly useful.

Unfortunately, the Canon EOS 80D lacks some features seen in other popular cameras.

The 80D doesn’t have 4K recording, which is becoming increasingly popular, and doesn’t have any in-camera stabilization. Some Canon lenses can help with this but don’t expect any stabilization from the body itself.

On the topic of lenses, however, that is a huge strength of the EOS 80D. You will have many great lenses available featuring a Canon EF lens mount.

Whereas other lens formats may be more difficult to find, Canon glass is very high quality, and almost all manufacturers make lenses for EF mounts. This means you won’t have to adapt any glass unless you already have a collection going.

For vloggers wanting the benefits of a DSLR, the EOS 80D is a great choice. You’ll have an audio input to attach an external microphone, plenty of lens options, and wonderful color. Canon’s autofocus is also a boon that cannot be ignored.

Pros	Cons
Color Autofocus Lenses Wireless Connectivity Headphone Monitor Jack	No 4K No Stabilization

Check the current price on Adorama

5. Fujifilm X-T4

If you’re a blogger or vlogger looking for a high-end professional image with great color, the Fujifilm X-T4 will be a good choice.

This camera sticks out a bit in terms of being ‘budget-friendly,’ but for the features, you get it still delivers a hefty bang for the buck.

This mirrorless camera has a 26.1-megapixel APS-C sensor and a max ISO of 12800 (with an extended range of 51200). That said, around 12800, the colors start breaking down.

Fans of Fujifilm cameras rave about the color and the almost retro look they can provide. The X-T4 continues this tradition with 10-bit color depth and the F-Log gamma setting, which can give you even more control when color grading.

The X-T4 can also record in 4K at up to 60 frames per second, meaning you can play back your 4K footage at 40% (if exporting 24 FPS) for some crisp and high-quality slow motion.

Paired with video assist tools such as zebra stripes and focus peaking, you will surely have some crisp, dynamic, and professional-looking footage.

For lenses, you will need Fujifilm X-Mount lenses or an adapter, as this format is not the most common.

Another of the few negatives for the X-T4 is the autofocus. While good for stills, the autofocus with this camera isn’t great for video. The X-T4 lacks features such as subject tracking, and face/eye detection isn’t very reliable.

That said, the X-T4 is a professional-grade camera and will give great results. Its 4K options, image quality, color, video assist tools, and a host of customizable buttons are just some of the many features that will make your life and your vlogging easier.

If you’re looking for a top-notch camera, this is it.

Pros	Cons
Great Image 4K (up to 60 FPS) Stabilization Wireless Connectivity Great Color Science	Price X Mount Lenses Autofocus

Check the current price (body only) on Adorama

Check the current price (body only) at Moment

Conclusion

Those are five of the best vlogging cameras with flip screens, all suitable for five completely different content styles.

Regardless of which camera you choose, it’s hard to go wrong, and ultimately it’s up to you to decide what best matches your content since the content is king.

Any camera can make a great video when push comes to shove, but some are suited for different situations.

I often oscillate between my mirrorless camera and a point-and-shoot depending on the situation, so it’s important to remain flexible (easier said than done, of course).

If you’re a new filmmaker, the important thing is to get started however you can and then explore options for growth. Any of these cameras is a great place to begin a vlog or upgrade it, so it’s just a matter of taking that first step.

Is there a specific camera you’re excited about or want to use? What kind of content do you create? Let us know in the comments below, and good luck with your next video!

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