Vlogging is a great way to document your everyday life. You can revisit the footage if you’re feeling nostalgic. Or, you could upload your vlogs online to share your life’s happenings with the world. It goes without saying that you need a good camera to record vlogs. Add to that, it needs to be portable if you want to carry it everywhere. Don’t worry though. We’ve gone through hundreds of listings to curate a list of the best pocket cameras for vlogging.
These cameras help you record excellent footage while fitting right into your pocket. You won’t have to compromise on the quality of videos, nor do you have to carry around bulky camera equipment.
So whether you want to record daily vlogs or you’re planning a vacation, here are some of the best portable cameras for vloggers. Before that –
- Don’t mind carrying something bigger? Consider a vlogging camera with a flip screen.
- If you want to record vlogs and sporting activities, a mini action camera is what you need.
- Experiment with your videos with a budget 360-degree camera to capture a unique perspective.
Let’s take a look at some compact vlogging cameras now.
1. DJI Action 2
- Sensor: 12MP
- Video resolution: 4K/120fps
- Water resistance: Up to 10 meters
As the name suggests, the DJI Action 2 is primarily intended to record adventurous activities. That said, it makes for the perfect pocket camera to record vlogs owing to its tiny form factor. You can even snap it onto your body using magnets and record videos with a first-person PoV.
DJI’s unique design makes the Action 2 a modular camera. You can snap on additional components like a display or wear it on your shirt using a magnetic clamp. Of course, you can also use a more conventional mount to rest it on a tripod when recording.
Speaking of recording, the DJI Action 2’s 4K videos have excellent details and colors. The camera’s 120fps frame rate lets users slow down their footage for a cinematic effect too. Furthermore, the 155° ultrawide lens lets you capture a lot of elements in the frame which is helpful when vlogging.
As per users, DJI’s stabilization algorithms are top-notch resulting in stable footage even with rapid movements. On the flip side, the DJI Action 2 could do with a beefier battery backup. To that end, the camera can record 4K clips for only 20 minutes. While you can extend this with a battery or screen mod, the camera can record for up to 80 minutes at a stretch, which might not cut it for some users.
2. Feiyu Pocket 2
- Sensor: 12MP
- Video resolution: 4K/60fps
- Water resistance: Not applicable
While most small cameras use electronic stabilization along with OIS, the Feiyu Pocket 2 takes it up a notch. To wit, the Pocket 2’s camera makes use of a gimbal, thereby ensuring you get stable footage even when you’re moving the device.
A camera gimbal can make your videos a lot smoother. It does so by eliminating jerks caused by rapid movements. The FeiyuTech Pocket 2 leverages the same technology and features a 3-axis gimbal which helps stabilize video clips.
The Pocket 2 camera’s body is designed to make it easy for you to grip it. As such, all the camera controls are available at your fingertips along with the viewfinder. Despite the tiny form factor, FeiyuTech has packed a lot of features into the Pocket 2. This includes object tracking, beautification filters, and 4x digital zoom.
Reviews say the video quality isn’t as good as the DJI Action 2 but it’s still very much usable — especially for beginners. The one area where the Pocket 2 scores high though is in terms of battery life. You can get close to three hours of recording time when shooting at 1080p which is a huge improvement over the DJI Action 2.
3. DJI Pocket 2
- Sensor: 64MP
- Video resolution: 4K/60fps
- Water resistance: Not applicable
The DJI Pocket 2 is essentially a more refined and sophisticated version of the Feiyu Pocket 2. Both cameras sport a similar design and feature a gimbal for added stability when recording videos. DJI’s camera is priced higher though and for those extra few dollars, the brand includes a better sensor and more pro-level features.
Starting off with what’s most important — the video quality — the DJI Pocket 2 does a considerably better job than the Feiyu Pocket 2. The difference in picture quality is more apparent in low-light situations. In fact, users in the reviews section seem to love it for its reliable output and ease of use.
The most impressive aspect of the DJI Pocket 2 is that it clicks adequately sharp photos too. You’ll also get a slew of toggles with the devices, including physical controls to start/stop recording, move the gimbal, etc. What’s more, you can instantly edit your clips on your phone via the DJI app too.
Users say that you can get a run time of up to two hours when recording at 1080p. While the battery backup isn’t as impressive as what you’d get with the Feiyu Pocket 2, it should suffice for most vloggers.
4. Insta360 X3
- Sensor: 48MP
- Video resolution: 5.7K/30fps
- Water resistance: Up to 10 meters
The Insta360 X3 isn’t your typical vlogging camera. It’s a 360-degree camera that records your entire surroundings. However, it has a handy little feature that only lets you shoot using one lens making it the perfect pocket camera for vlogging.
The Insta360 X3 is superbly versatile. You can choose to record 360° videos and then reframe them as per your liking. You can even switch to the camera’s Me Mode if you’re worried about not being centered whilst recording a vlog.
Speaking of vlogging, the Insta360 X3 can be mounted on top of an invisible selfie stick among other accessories. And this is where Insta360’s software processing prowess comes into play. The camera eliminates the selfie stick from the frame and makes it invisible. To the viewer, it would seem as though the camera is floating.
Undoubtedly, the Insta360 X3 is the most versatile tool to record vlogs and adventures. It can even fake drone shots, thanks to its impressive invisible selfie stick trick. It is priced on the higher side, but the camera’s feature set somewhat makes up for its steep price tag.
FAQs for Pocket Vlogging Cameras
A dedicated camera can offer better stabilization and portability. However, a smartphone camera is more than capable to record vlogs. Pick up some vlogging accessories for your iPhone and you’re good to go.
Depending on the genre, vloggers use different types of cameras. Some use a large mirrorless camera while others may use an action camera. No matter which camera it is, make sure you use an external microphone for clear audio.
The best equipment is always the one you already have. If you have a good smartphone, you can start vlogging with it and then gradually move on to a dedicated camera.
Record Precious Moments
Capture every part of your life by getting a pocket camera for vlogging. You don’t have to carry around bulky camera equipment or heavy gimbals to vlog. Just whip out the small camera from your pocket and start recording with the press of a button.
Last updated on 07 June, 2023
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