The Best Vlogging Cameras of 2022 (Compact Cameras)

Earlier, we had a look at the best mirrorless cameras for vlogging. Those system cameras offer the best flexibility for content creators, but are not the most compact or portable. For compact vlogging cameras recommendations, here we'll take a look at the Sony ZV-1, the DJI Pocket 2, and the Apple iPhone 13.

Sony ZV-1

The Sony ZV-1 is Sony's dedicated vlogging compact camera. The ZV-1 takes a lot of cues from the popular Sony RX 100 VII, but is designed for casual vlogging. However, more serious content creators can still make use of its S-Log capabilities for more professional video editing. Below are the ZV-1's specs:

• 20.1 Megapixel 1.0-type (13.2 mm x 8.8 mm) Exmor RS CMOS sensor
• 2.7x optical zoom with ZEISS Vario-Sonnar Lens
• 4K movie recording with S-Log2 and S-Log3 gamma controls 
• Built-in ND filter
• Soft skin mode and dedicated bokeh control button
• Product Showcase Setting (for instant object focus)
• High-quality video streaming mode
• Directional three-capsule mic with optional wind screen

Cost-wise, the ZV-1 is also less expensive than the RX 100 VII, so you could still go for the ZV-1 as your main photography camera. If you're interested in an interchangeable lens option, there's the Sony Alpha ZV-E10.

• Get the Sony ZV-1 here
• Get the Sony RX 100 VII here
• Get the Sony Alpha ZV-E10 here

DJI Pocket 2

As its name implies, the DJI Pocket 2 is a versatile pocket-sized vlogging camera. Unlike other cameras which stabilize your video digitally (and therefore crops part of your video), the Pocket 2 has a physical 3-point gimbal to ensure that your video is not cropped but still provides great stabilization. Below are the DJI Pocket 2's specs:

• 1/1.7-Inch 64 MP Sensor
• 4K/60fps and HDR Video (4K Ultra HD: 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps)
• 8x Zoom
• 3-Axis Stabilized Camera with ActiveTrack 3.0
• Timelapse, Motionlapse and Hyperlapse options
• DJI Matrix Stereo sound
• High Definition 180-degree Panorama
• Story Mode for easy video editing

The DJI Pocket 2 is available in black or white, and also comes in a combo pacakage with several vlogging accessories. The older DJI Osmo Pocket is also a good value option for those looking for a budget option. There's also the more adventure-oriented DJI Osmo Action.

• Get the DJI Pocket 2 here
• Get the DJI Osmo Pocket here
• Get the DJI Osmo Action here

Apple iPhone 13

The Apple iPhone 13 is of course not a compact camera, but its performance and video quality can sometimes be mistaken for more professional gear. The iPhone features dual cameras that capture 12MP images, but what makes this gadget a great vlogging tool is its ability to capture 4K video at up to 60fps, and ProRes video at up to 4K at 30 fps. The iPhone also has a cinematic mode which gives your videos a more professional depth-of-field focus. Below are the iPhone 13's specs:

• Dual 12MP camera system: Wide and Ultra Wide cameras
• 4K video recording at 24 fps, 25 fps, 30 fps, or 60 fps
• ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps 
• Cinematic mode for recording videos with shallow depth of field (in 1080p at 30 fps)
• Slo‑mo video support for 1080p at 120 fps or 240 fps
• Time‑lapse video with stabilization
• Cinematic video stabilization (4K, 1080p, and 720p)
• Portrait mode with advanced bokeh and Depth Control
• Portrait Lighting with six effects (Natural, Studio, Contour, Stage, Stage Mono, High‑Key Mono)
• Sensor‑shift optical image stabilization (Wide)

The iPhone 13 has already been featured here along with the best camera phones, and comes in a variety of colors and sizes (with a few differing specs). The iPhone 13 mini is the smaller 5.4 inches variant, and  the iPhone 13 Max is similar but with better specs. There's also the iPhone 13 Max Pro at 6.4 inches for those who want the largest iPhone possible.

• Get the iPhone 13 here
• Get the iPhone 13 mini here
• Get the iPhone 13 Pro here
• Get the iPhone 13 Pro Max here

While you're here, check out these other posts related to camera gear:

• The Best Camera Phones of 2022
• The Best Compact Cameras of 2022
• The Best Beginner Cameras of 2022

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