The Best Cameras to Vlog: Sony ZV1, Lumix G100 and Canon G7X

Three cameras, one idea in common: vlogging

A photo camera is a photo camera and they are all worth everything, although there are times when cataloging them in a certain way helps to have more clarity in what type of scenarios could perform better. In this sense, Sony, Panasonic and Canon have been positioning part of their catalog within a type of use that is in high demand: vlogging.

What is vlogging? Well, unless you have lived in a bubble or have never entered YouTube, you already know that vlogging is making video blogs, a record of your day to day, a trip, an event, etc., on video. Creators like Casey Neistat popularized it years ago and since then there have been many users interested in capturing their video on video. For this, it is true that they are looking for a good image quality, but also comfort when registering that content.

Seeing those needs, some camera manufacturers realized that there was a market and little by little they were launching new proposals focused on that type of user . Over the years they have been gaining features and improving what was initially offered. Now, in the middle of 2020, we can say that this could be a great year for vlogging with proposals such as the Sony ZV-1, Lumix G100 and Canon G7x III.

These three are probably the best three options when looking for a camera to vlog on right now. So let’s see its main characteristics and differences.

Cameras to always carry with you

The design of these three proposals is designed to be compact, light and comfortable to always carry with you. This is true that they do not achieve the three marks equally. Because it is true that all three are very small when compared to other options on the market, but depending on whether your idea is to carry it in a small bag or directly in your pocket, one or the other may interest you more. Although it is best to see the three and values together with the data related to the size and weight of each one. Lumix G100: dimensions of 115.6 x 82.5 x 54.2mm and a weight of 412g

Sony ZV-1: dimensions of 105.5 x 60 x 43.5mm and weight 294g Canon PowerShot G7 X M3 – dimensions 105.5 x 60.9 x 41.4mm and weight 304g

As you can see, the proposals of Sony and Canon are very similar in terms of format and almost size and weight. The Panasonic option does differ a little more, it seeks to be compact and light, but the fact that it includes a viewfinder and the ability to use interchangeable lenses sets it apart from the rest. Still, we do not doubt that any of them is comfortable on a daily basis.

Anyway, when choosing neither the design nor its dimensions should be what weighs the most in the final decision. Yes, it will be important to take it into account, but it is the technical capabilities, usability and other details that count the most.

A commitment to image quality

The three proposals are within that group of cameras that seek to offer the highest possible image quality, especially in video . Here from Panasonic and Sony we have no doubts, both brands have stood out with their products in this sense for years. Canon has recently put the batteries. And beware, not because before it did not offer cameras with a great quality in video recording, but because they had fallen asleep a bit in terms of offering things that now seem basic to us such as 4K resolution video, slow motion, etc.

On a technical level, the three cameras share the challenge of offering the best quality, hence the sensors used and the lenses incorporated.

Canon and Sony bet on a 1-inch sensor. Panasonic for its part continues to make use of its micro four thirds sensors. Thanks to this, it allows the use of different lenses thanks to its interchangeable optics system. Is that better Everything will depend, it is true that it gives more options, but from the point of view of the camera for vlogging you may not go to change lenses regularly and the set that Canon and Sony become more compact thanks to that fixed lens. Which by the way is brighter than the Lumix kit.

With all three cameras you can record 4K video content at 30 fps . Then, if you go down to 1080p quality the Lumix G100 offers a rate of up to 60 fps while with the Sony and Canon models you can reach 120 fps and thus achieve slower, more pronounced cameras.

Regarding another important issue at the moment of recording vlog format, the three cameras include a stabilization system . Sony decided to go for a hybrid system while Panasonic and Canon for a 5-axis stabilization. Of course, Canon adds some extras and Panasonic limits it to four axes when recording at maximum resolution.

The big problem of cameras to vlog: the audio

Audio has always been one of the Achilles’ heels of cameras for vlogging. Some models like the Sony RX100 offered very good image quality, but they lacked a microphone input and that made the audio end up ruining the experience.

Fortunately, the sound issue was solved with the latest proposals and these three include a microphone input to connect an external solution with which to improve quality in different types of uses.

In the case of the Sony camera, it should be noted that they have decided to include an accessory that prevents the wind from saturating the signal when recording with the integrated microphone. Panasonic for its part bets on the Nokia Audio OZO system which allows different types of configuration to record all the sound around the camera (360 degrees).

The best camera for vlogging

As you have seen, this is not a comparison of use but a staging of the value that the three models offer. Right now they are the most attractive options for vlogging topics and having their specifications you can have an idea of which option may interest you the most.

Of course we will have to see how they behave in practice. This will give you a better idea of which model may be more interesting to you according to your own needs, preferences and way of recording video.