Best Canon Camera for Vlogging

How to Choose the Best Canon Camera for Vlogging

Choosing the best Canon camera for vlogging depends on factors including video quality and format, camera resolution, audio quality and format, sensor type, image stabilization, autofocus, weight, and battery life. 

These features’ quality separates a fantastic Canon camera for vlogging from a bad one. Let’s dive into how each camera feature affects your vlogging video output.

Here are the factors to look for in a Canon camera to be purchased for vlogging:

• Video

Vlogging is all about creating videos (1), so it is pertinent to look for some significant video features in a Canon camera before choosing one. As a vlogger, you should be interested in a camera’s video features, such as resolution, frame rates, encoding or format, recording modes,  and the video system. These video features will determine how easy your post-production is going to be. For example, you can not play some video formats on every media device or video platform. 

Resolutions determine how vivid your images are, while frame rates determine how smooth your playback will be. Encoding and recording modes show the capability of a camera to record specific formats at a particular resolution at different frame rates. Ensure to check your Canon camera’s specifications for these features.

• 4K Video Recording

4K resolution is the rave now and should be the benchmark for vloggers. While older Canon cameras or the cheaper ones may not have this ability, this resolution is perfect because of the image quality you can still retain even after it has gone through edits. You should note that 4K resolution videos can be pretty large, especially with robust camera sensors, and this size can also become an obstacle during post-production. 

Several Canon cameras can record in resolutions more remarkable than the 4K. Higher resolutions typically result in cleaner videos, although they may also present a stricter challenge during the editing process. However, as long as clear images in the video are the goal, 4K capabilities should be the minimum requirement. 

• Sensor Type

Camera sensors(2) are classified by size, structure, shutter type, and chroma type. In addition, the camera sensor also controls various camera features like frame rate, resolution, pixel size, crop factor, et cetera. These details on camera sensors are not meant to overwhelm you but to give you an idea of how vital a sensor is to the camera. It determines the quality of your images. 

For the most part, many people choose their camera(s) based on the sensor size, with the popular ones being Full-frame, APS-C, and Micro Four-thirds. All these sensor sizes have their peculiarities (price included), and one is not necessarily better than the other. The important thing is to research a camera’s sensor to understand what you will be getting. 

• Image Stabilization

Image stabilization is essential in Canon cameras for vloggers as it is needed to compensate for vibrations during video shoots. Except for scenarios where you can use a tripod (which several vloggers are not opportune to), the Canon’s In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS) always comes in handy. The good news is that Canon’s IS is one of the best in the Camera, with stabilization across different axes. So always look for the IS feature in a Canon camera before choosing one. And if you will be compromising on the camera’s IS, you should complement it with a lens with IS. 

• Autofocus

The Autofocus feature in a Camera is key to making awesome videos. The speed and accuracy of a camera’s AF determine whether the camera is a great one or not. Although I can not start going into the intricacies of Canon’s AF, you should look for sub-features like AF sensitivity, focus modes, focus type, object tracking, face detection, and the AF points. Then, depending on your vlogging type, check the Canon AF’s feature if it suits you.    

• Sound Capturing

Except you are making a point by recording without sound, vlogging is a combination of moving images and sound. It won’t come as a surprise to learn that a Camera’s microphone is not efficient enough for sound capture. So, you need to look out for the provision of an external microphone. In addition, you should check out the position on the camera for convenience and the type of sound interface. Please, do not assume, as some cameras use customized sound interfaces. Finally, check the format or encoding in which the camera records the sound.  

• Weight

While weight may not be a primary feature for the regular camera user, it is essential for a vlogger, especially if they have to create content with selfie sticks or just their hands. Fortunately, Canon cameras make moderately sized cameras, but you must consider other factors. 

Camera sensor sizes usually determine the camera’s size, which also determines its weight. Another factor is the attached lens; zoom lenses are remarkably heavier than prime lenses. You should also consider mobility and what the camera’s weight will add to your kit weight. So, choosing the best Canon camera for vlogging includes considering the overall weight and portability.  

• Battery Life

Digital cameras are not known for their long battery life, especially when using video modes. However, there should be a minimum personal requirement that you can look out for in the Canon cameras. It is highly recommended to get an extra battery if you will be recording for lengthy periods at once. Another way to conserve battery is to use external recording monitors whereby the camera’s energy is only focused on being the ‘eyes.’