Best Vlogging Camera With Flip Screen

Simplicity by Design: Exploring the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II Digital Camera

You'll be hard pressed to find a good flip screen vlogging camera priced under $1,000 with as many features packed under the hood as the PowerShot G7 X Mark II. Luckily, this Canon offers one of its tried-and-true designs for a reasonable price. Its wide-angle focal lengths are perfect for today's videographers and bloggers as they capture the world around them. Get excited about the G7 Mark II because you'll have one of the most powerful tools for building an audience online.

Quality Imagery

One of the biggest misconceptions of this camera, that we came across, is that it’s marketed mainly to the still-image crowd. However, Canon designed this point-and-shoot camera with the modern videographer in mind thanks to the ability to capture scenes in full HD video, easily transfer files to playback devices, and exceptionally well built stereo sound that will capture any vloggers attention. The only downfall in our eyes of this model is the lack of 4K resolution, but 1080p offers some of the best quality around while keeping the price point very competitive. The 1080p video and excellent stereo sound combine into an MP4 file format so you can easily play these files on any computer or alternative device.

Canon engineer’s jam packed this compact unit with state of the art tech including the one-inch, 20.1MP CMOS sensor. You don't normally find these sensors in such a small camera. The results are images and video that turn out as clear as possible even in low-light conditions.

Facial Recognition

If you use your vlog camera for interactions between people, or filiming yourself, you have a winner in the G7 because its auto-focus feature comes with facial recognition. The lens focuses intently on the faces of those in the video so that there is no noise diluting the clear resolution of the AF feature. This feature is spectacular for vloggers, because as you can imagine many of us are filling the frame with our own mugs. It allows the subject to remain well lit and results in an extremely sharp resolution with well defined lines and vitrually zero blur.

Maneuverable Touchscreen

Without a doubt one of the best features of this camera is the flip screen. Equipped with a touchscreen that moves in both 45-degree and 180-degree angles, it provides the ability to shoot at unique angles thanks to the versatility of the swing arm. The glare-free display makes it easy to see your subjects at just about any angle. Over one-million dots fill the capacitive screen, which is the best resolution on any vlogging camera with a front facing screen. You'll find all of your controls on the screen as well. We loved that the screen was very responsive even with an off-center touch because it’s often difficult to pin point exact buttons on a 3” screen with large fingers.

A drawback that's somewhat softened by the adjustable flip screen is the lack of a viewfinder. A common feature amongst almost all point-and-shoot cameras, however, we think the viewfinder might not be entirely missed. Most vlogging styles don’t require the use of a viewfinder, as filming is done through the use of the LCD tilt screen, whether it’s front facing or angled.

A Grip Without a View

The casing of this Canon point-and-shoot video camera is only about 4 inches wide. In reality, holding it with both hands isn't always necessary or even feasible depending on the footage you’re trying to capture. The designers thought of the one-handed hold so they added a grip to the housing's right-hand side. You have a secure place for your hand as you direct the action.

Time-Lapse Ease

Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Canon nine-blade iris diaphragm, time-lapse movie is now in the palm of your hands. Set the camera up in front of a subject, from a flower to the rising sun. Program the time lapse with intervals that span from every second to 30-second gaps. It’s a feature that is incredibly cool and could really add a dimension to your vlog that many other cameras can’t. Show your audience a warp through a quick sunrise in a matter of seconds before you film pieces of your morning jog. The 11 lenses within the G7 make clear images possible as the time-lapse images are quickly converted into a movie. Our experiments with this feature were so exciting that several subjects were chosen. If you love documentaries as a vlogger, this camera can make your vision a reality through time-lapse visuals of anything in nature.

A Ring for all Moods

Shooting videos is an art that can have frustrations. Sounds emanating from the camera itself can cast a shadow over your work. The G7 comes with a step and continuous ring that's completely adjustable. This creates the ability to choose a continuous mode when you want focus control during a video that must have absolute quiet. Change the ring to a step mode where you can access the settings without touching the screen. We appreciated this flexible feature because it allows the camera to operate on several levels and is quite responsive for quickly changing filming environments.

Fitting a quality camera in your jeans pocket doesn't sound possible, but it is with this unit by your side. Although there are a few drawbacks to this design, its user-friendly design is by far the best on the market today. You'd be proud to carry this camera around as an experienced vlogger or beginning enthusiast. With an excellent image stabilizer to help you with those shaky moments, shooting videos for your blog or social channels just got even better with the G7 X Mark II. In our opinion this Canon is the best blogging video cam with a flip screen.

Small and Mighty: The Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 V Makes a Statement

Vloggers must remain mobile in order to create the best content. Why should you carry around a heavy camera at the same time? Bring along the Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 V because it's only a half-pound in weight with an eight-inch depth. You certainly don't compromise on quality with this small unit either. Our experts were tickled pink when we saw the features on this updated model. School yourself on this unit so that you can make a solid purchase tomorrow.

4K Quality

You've heard the complaints about only 1080p being available on today's compact point-and-shoot cameras. Get ready to jump up and down because the RX100 V is fully capable of 4K footage. We also discovered that the specs for 4K are actually oversampled on this model. Sony was able to pack 1.7 times the data into memory compared to standard 4K, which translates into crystal clear videos that pop on your display.

Retractable Viewfinder

To be honest we have yet to determine the real value of the retractable viewfinder. It's a nifty concept that also protects the VF in case of a drop. A more likely scenario is that the VF needs some weathering protection because of its Zeiss T coating which was incorporated to reduce reflections in the viewfinder. Look through the VF to see your subjects in true form as there is no visual warping here. Peer through the VF, and you'll discover its outstanding 2.35 million dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder feature. Have you ever been frustrated by the stark differences in colors between real life and the VF? There are no struggles to be found here as the white balance is as real as it gets with this state of the art retractable OLED electronic viewfinder.

Go Slow

We've tested so many vlog cameras with slow-motion features that the effect is lost on our jaded eyes. However, Sony ended up surprising us with their super-slow motion feature. In fact, you'll see slow motion at 960fps (insane!), which is 40X the normal frame rate. We can thank the specialized shutter that's part of this camera for the super-slow motion feature. In fact, the shutter is a combination of technologies, including mechanical and electronic types. Watch your mechanical, shutter speed top out at 1/2000 second. Achieve 1/32000 second by allowing the electronic shutter to activate at the right time, these are very impressive specs.

Flip it Up

Who doesn't like a Sony vlogging camera with a flip screen that offers 1,229K dots on a three-inch-wide frame? The option to angle the screen away from the camera's body or flip it up above the camera for a front facing selfie is what makes this one of the best vlogging cameras on the market today. Smile because you're able to see your view from in front of the camera. If you're a vlogger who enjoys some narration, the RX100 V is right up your alley.

The only drawback to the flip screen is the lack of touchscreen capability. Control your view with the buttons and ring accenting the outside housing. The lack of a touchscreen isn't a deal breaker in our opinion, but you will have to train your hands away from the screen.

Auto-Focus Precision

You've probably heard of the several dozen points added to other camera's AF functions in the past. What if you learned that the RX100 V had 315 points? We had to sit down at this revelation because the 315-point phase-detection AF system makes focusing a breeze in almost any situation. Your subject doesn't have to be right in the middle of your shot either. The point coverage is across the entire frame. With this feature in place, the RX100 V is the best vlog camera when it comes to quick focusing on even the most unusual subjects.

Take a Still

As a vlogger, you concentrate more on creating captivating video than taking any interest in stills. However, you may want to pull a still image from a video as a teaser on your website or to fill out a column on a blog you wrote. A pretty cool feature Sony incorporated into this camera is the ability to extract an 8MP still image from a video. Scrub the video to find the optimal still, and isolate the chosen image to store on the media card as a separate file. You'll never miss another shot again when recording video.

For the most part, we loved our vlogging time with the RX100 V. The outside housing could use a better texture so that it didn't slide from our hands, which is typical of most point and shoot cameras, but this feature is a minor drawback. While the price isn’t for the faint of heart, you have an exceptional compact camera with a front facing screen that shoots incredible 4K video for your blog. All of this on top of the 315 auto focus points and super slow motion, you have yourself the best Sony 4K vlog camera with a flip screen and just an overall exceptional camera.

A Classic Find: The Canon EOS 80D Digital SLR Camera

You might remember your parent's old camera from years ago that seemed like a relic from the 1970s. It held some nostalgia for you, but the camera's performance was lacking. Fast forward to today's DSLR cameras, and you'll find state-of-the-art meets classic in the Canon EOS 80D model. When you need a flip screen vlogging camera, this full HD 60p design will get you through your shoot with incredible video quality.

Dim Light? No Problem

The 80D comes with a 45-point autofocus (AF) system. What does that mean exactly? For the beginning vlogger, it simply translates to finding your subject faster in nearly any lighting. And of course, we found that dim light wasn’t a challenge for this device as the 24.2 megapixel CMOS sensor coupled to the 45-point array provides super quick focus and will find the right light in any environment. The camera takes that point of light and focuses it across the entire image resulting in crystal clear full HD images and video.

The Dual Pixel CMOS AF design keeps track of your target through the varied lighting. We tried the camera out in an alley filled with ambient light and our subject lit up the frame like it was mid day, very impressive stuff. From our perspective, it’s safe to say the Canon 80D is the best flip screen vlogging camera for low light recording. If your blog or YouTube channel is filmed in a basement, apartment, or room with low or artificial light, this is a camera to seriously consider.

Focus on Elusive Objects

Have you ever shot one subject, and each image looked slightly different than the next one? Contrasting lighting situations will frustrate any blogger if you shoot images between video feeds. Trust in the 80D's high dynamic range (HDR) functions. Shoot a video so that you can filter it out with the five or seven Creative Filters offered by Canon. Preview the filter on your flip screen before you download it. We love that contrasting lighting isn't a challenge anymore.

We were thrilled with the easy, on-and-off capability of any lens that you want to add to this camera too. The EF lens mount on the 80D is jam packed with some of the most advanced focusing motors available today. It's worth mentioning the link for this camera is to the just the body of the camera. If you are new to vlogging or photography, we recommend purchasing the 18-135mm lens. With all this technology housed in the base unit and EF lens mount of the EOS 80D, additional lenses will ultimately unleash the full potential this camera wields.

Connect to Any Wireless Device

Today's vlog cameras must have some wireless capabilities for easy uploading to social channels and blogs. The 80D definitely wins in this department because of its Wi-Fi2 connectivity. Connect to computers, tablets, or smartphones for photo and movie access quickly and easily. Shoot your subjects remotely by using your smartphone and the Canon app.You also have the option of using NFC3 connectivity, which acts like a WiFi connection between the camera and storage devices. There are no complicated transfers or long, loading times. Your concept comes alive at a refreshing speed.

Enhanced Viewfinder and Touch Capable Flip Screen

We initially believed that the complex, 45-point AF feature was only usable on the touchscreen. To our surprise, the viewfinder has its own points to guide your shots. A grid display and countless settings are clearly defined through the viewfinder, which makes pointing and shooting easier than ever.This classic, camera shape has a flip touchscreen that's adjustable in both planes. Try 175-degrees rotation in the horizontal with 270-degrees in vertical. Shooting movies at almost any angle that makes your story come to life will result in a vlog that keep viewers engaged and intrigued. No other filmmaker will have these angles that you come up with on the fly and your shots will certainly reflect it.

High-Quality Images as an Attractive Upgrade

You may not be a professional videographer, but enhanced technical details get everyone excited about the latest camera. Canon added a movie servo into the 80D, which allows you to track an object in perfect focus. To complement the action, a 7560-pixel metering sensor keeps track of real colors. We found that our subjects kept their true, skin color whether we shot them in still or in moving images.

With noise control as another standout feature on this 23-ounce camera, every video comes to life with a professional flair. Its lightweight body also gives you maneuverability in the field even if you add those high-tech accessories. While it’s still less than 2 lbs., it’s worth noting that this Canon DSLR is on the heavier side compared to most flip screen vlogging options. But it’s a result from the amount of technology packed inside this thing. If you plan to film and have the camera in-hand all day, there might be lighter options that will better suite your needs and style.

Sleek External Features 

We love the way that the 80D fits right into our hands as it seems to conform to the palm. However, you might find some issues with the buttons across the outside housing. Although there's a defined grip, you might find yourself inadvertently pressing an accidental button. There are plenty of buttons and knobs on the camera so be aware of your grip while filming to ensure you don’t accidently stop filming.Other external features are welcome for many vloggers, such as the headphone port for external microphone connectivity. The body of the camera is large enough to support a top mount boom mic which will provide exceptional audio for the most serious video bloggers.

Overall, the amount of technology packed into this camera can be intimidating at first, but a little experimentation with various settings and you’ll be recording some of the best video for your blog in no time. Experiment with the front facing flip screen as you look for those unique film angles. With a shutter unit that produces 7.0fps, you're sure to have a crisp image. The camera even "thinks" about light-flickering situations as it waits for the perfect time to shoot the scene. Whatever your vlogging style requires, we can assure you the Canon EOS 80D is up to the task.

The Zooming Experience: Discovering the Nikon COOLPIX P900

Nikon is known the world over as a top producer of quality lenses in almost any industry. If you want to be part of that elite group we recommend trying the Nikon COOLPIX P900 out for yourself. While this camera might look like a DSLR due to the body build, the lens is affixed and not interchangeable. We found this feature to be ideal for beginners that don’t want to purchase a bag full of different lens options, and really simplifies the videography of our vlogging efforts. Our efforts in reviewing this unit resulted in many advantages with only a few drawbacks. This flip screen camera is definitely a defining product in a world of smartphone vloggers. Stand out from the crowd as you shoot video that reflects your world and perspective.

A Defining Characteristic

From the moment that we opened up the P900, the front lens was the first thing to catch our attention and is obviously the most dominant feature. Introduce yourself to the 83X optical zoom with Super ED VR lens, easily making this unit the best flip screen camera for zoom capabilities. Nikon certainly doesn't skimp on quality in this department. Within this lens is the equivalent of a 2,000mm focal length. Essentially this designation means that faraway subjects are now well defined in your viewfinder.

We were initially a bit skeptical of the optical zoom, but it absolutely delivers. You also have the option of a digital zoom with the 166X Dynamic Fine Zoom feature. However, we found the quality isn't quite the same as the mechanical option. As good as digital technology is in today’s camera, this optical zoom is far superior to any digital zoom that we have come across. It gives images and video an unbelievably clear and sharp resolution, even while zoomed in on far-away subjects.

Display for Image Flexibility

It’s 2018, don't stand behind your camera while struggling to watch a rear facing screen. The P900 comes with a fantastic swiveling, LCD flip screen display. Pop it out, and view it in almost any light conditions. As with most front facing screens, we noticed that framing each scene was much easier with the three-inch display that also offers 921K-dot-resolution. Of course, old-school enthusiasts can always look through the viewfinder for their shot. The display automatically switches to the viewfinder with its proximity sensor. We found this feature to be quite handy during a fast-paced shooting day.

Microphone Placement

Hear your scene with no problems because the P900's design places the stereo microphones on the camera's top casing. Speaking into the camera is just like the movies as we tried out the audio functions, and we were quite pleased with the audio result during playback on our laptop. One drawback to the microphone is that we could sometimes hear the focusing motors doing their job during the take. It’s hard to fault this camera for this trait as it’s a common downside to many vlogging cameras. However, the lack of a microphone port means this noise will have to be reduced during editing as an external microphone is not an option with the COOLPIX P900. We would love to see Nikon include a 3.5mm jack in the next iteration of the COOLPIX as we think it would a great addition for many video bloggers.

Movie-Capture Action

You want a vlogging camera with a flip screen to create those amazing movies that are easy to film in first person. The P900 is a strong contender as one of the best in its class for its professional film style. It's fully automatic as you put it into movie mode. Hold the camera with the textured grips or set it up on a tripod. The resulting footage is full HD at 60fps. The 1,920 X 1,080 pixels give a clear view of every detail in each shot. We were a bit disappointed that the camera is not equipped with 4K video capture resolution, but as with most of the 1080p video cameras the video resolution was spectacular during playback on our high-def device.

Brightness Struggles

The P900 comes with a solid, 16MP CMOS sensor that boasts a six-level brightness adjustment. This description sounds good on paper, but we found doesn't always translate well to the real world. We noticed low-light conditions tend to confuse the zooming feature. We found a few fuzzy subjects when zooming in or out as the semiconductor tried to adjust the light levels for optimal viewing. But a sunny day with few shadows will erase those brightness struggles. It's possible that a larger sensor would be better for future upgrades on the P900. The 1/2.3-inch CMOS simply doesn't keep up with every low-light scenario.

GPS Ease

It seems like everything has GPS today, from your car to wristwatches. Why not add this feature to a camera? The P900 has GPS functionality, which can enhance your experience depending on your vlogging style (it’s wonderul for action bloggers!). Tag a geographical location as you shoot a film. Take advantage of the GPS landmarks saved in the camera itself. As you drive to a destination, the camera gives you points of interest that might be worth a look during your trip.

Overall, the zooming feature that defines the P900 makes this camera relatively heavy at two pounds. However, we appreciated the bold design as the videos came out with beautiful images and clear audio. The P900 will serve you very well if you are an emerging vlogger and artist with its easy to use lens and optical zoom, front facing flip screen, as well as easy uploading via Wi-Fi or NFC to bring your videos to life on your blog or YouTube channel.

A Camcorder For the 21st Century: Exploring the Canon VIXIA HF R800

If you're looking for exceptional value in a flip screen vlogging video camera without compromising on quality, you might just have the answer with the Canon VIXIA HF R800 camcorder. Some people could question the value of a camcorder outside of the 1980s, but we found the R800 to be a refreshing update on a classic design. Go ahead, and put your smartphone down. They may have cameras, but this gadget serves the vlogger on a much higher level than before.

In the Palm of Your Hand

It's true that the R800 sits right in the palm of your hand. Slip your hand under the securing strap, take a stroll down the street and show your audience the ride from your point of view. The R800 weighs about eight ounces, which is light enough to make you forget about holding a camera. We love the old school strap design of the camcorder compared to the often slippery casings of most point-and-shoots or the bulkier DSLR’s. The strap provides comfort with the peace of mind knowing the camera is securely in your grasps while filming on-the-go.

We noticed that there were no issues with accidental button strikes as we tested out this Canon vlog camera. How many times have you hit a rogue button and changed modes without meaning to in the first place? Every videographer hits these bumps in the road, but not with the R800. There are two buttons on the main housing. Your thumb controls the recording button, and your index finger sits readily at the zoom controls. We were up and shooting a video within minutes of pulling the camcorder from the retail box. This simplicity is something we think everyone will appreciate.

See What You Film

Video bloggers love a compact design, but you need to see your shots at some point, especially if you’re just getting started and learning the ropes of videography. The ability to snap the flip screen out to see the live shot is something we think you will greatly appreciate as well. A standard three inch wide LCD flip screen gives you more than enough room to see the detail in your frame. We loved the touch panel capability of the LCD which eliminates the need for additional buttons on the casing of the camera. We found the touchscreen's easy snap-back feature allows the camera to remain compact during those long shooting days. The biggest drawback of this flip screen vlog camera is the lack of 4K shooting. This camcorder shoots in 1920 x 1080 full HD video, but we did find the playback to be extremely clear and quite remarkable on a high-def playback device. Don't forget that frame rates are also adjustable, including 24p, 30p and 60p. Reserve the faster rates for those rapid-fire fast moving shots such as capturing cars whizzing past, driving down the street, or capturing slow motion footage.

High-Tech Image Stabilization

Some vloggers might be thrilled with basic specifications, such as the 57X advanced zoom (crazy!) and 32X optical options. The feature that really delighted us was the stabilization design. The image stabilizes across five axes, which is nearly unheard of at this price point. If you could pull apart the optics, you'd find an image sensor and accelerometer that senses your movement, and to top this off there's also a digital stabilizer. When you're careening across the street or through a park, your image remains solid as if it's floating on air.

The CMOS microchip sensor perfectly complements the 1080p resolution with the ability to deliver lifelike video with bright, vibrant colors and on-chip noise reduction.

External Features

No one wants to fiddle with a battery that's difficult to pull away from the camera. Canon solves this problem with a lithium-ion battery that fits perfectly at the opposite end of your lens. Another feature that's greatly appreciated is the ability to add an external microphone via the input jack. While the internal microphone is adequate for low noise environments, if you’re recording video on a busy street or park you might want to add an external microphone so your audience will be able to clearly hear what you have to say. We recommend purchasing a clip on microphone to attach to your shirt collar, or a boom mic, and it will make the world of a difference in delivering quality audio to your blog.

SD-Card Ready

We love the ability to control the amount of memory in our cameras, especially when we can easily increase storage. Canon listened to vloggers' pleas because the R800 takes standard SD cards. When you really want a ton of memory, the R800 also supports a SDXC card which can provide up to 512GB for those 1080p videos that seem to suck up large chunks of memory. We recommend having one or two battiers and SD cards on backup as they can add up to hours of filming on any given day.

Those Fine Details

Are your friends borrowing the R800? The File Lock Function was created so that nothing is accidentally deleted. It’s a pretty cool feature you might not realize you need, until you need it. Do you have a slow, reaction speed? The R800 makes those butterfingers more forgiving with a Pre-Rec Feature. From the moment that you press "record," the camera can pick up the previous three seconds for your convenience. We found this feature to be great for those moments where you're not sure when a shot is about to present itself. Capture skaters at their peak or jump shots about to go through the basket.

Overall, you may not get 4K quality out of this flip screen camera, but the DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor makes 1080p look spectacular at any angle. Great for action shots, or set the camera up on a tripod because as a vlogger you need versatility. And often times you need to be able to see what you’re shooting. The R800 ends up being a reliable and simple tool to keep the video world rolling. The Canon VIXIA HF R800 suddenly makes the camcorder relevant again.