Vlogging can help individuals, influencers, and businesses sell products, grow brand awareness, and increase engagement on their social media channels. Given that users engage more with video content than written, audio, or static image content on popular platforms like Facebook and Instagram, vlogging is an indispensable component of successful content marketing plans.

However, effective vlogging requires a consistent stream of well-produced content. While many users crave authentic content and may embrace smartphone footage from some individuals and influencers, low-quality content can hurt a brand’s image. And while a talented video editor may be able to do wonders with raw footage, it takes time (and money) to polish amateur footage.

It’s better to shoot great footage the first go-round rather than try to fix it on the back-end. That starts with having a great vlogging camera.

Key Features

Standard handheld video cameras aren’t the best tools to produce the kind of engaging content that can go viral. And given surging interest, camera manufacturers have begun to develop cameras ideal for churning out usable vlog footage.

What features make a great vlogging camera? Your camera should have, at a minimum:

  • An articulating LCD screen, allowing you to see yourself and your subjects at the same time. This feature will help you ensure that your subjects are in focus and that your framing is correct.
  • An external microphone port for better sound quality. Excellent sound sets professional content apart from amateur content.
  • A real-time tracking autofocus system, allowing you to film yourself while moving. If you’re standing still in all of your videos, you’ll miss opportunities to produce engaging material.
  • The ability to produce high-quality photos. You’ll want to take advantage of the opportunity to take stills you can incorporate into your social media channels without lugging around two cameras.

Great Camera Options

So if you’re looking for a reliable camera with all the above features, consider one of the following:

  • The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III, a mirrorless camera that features a very effective auto tracking system and will set you back about $900.
  • The Sony A6400, which has a front-facing screen and 4K video, and also costs about $900. The A6400 has an extremely effective autofocus system and takes excellent still shots as well.
  • The Panasonic Lumix 6100, an easy-to-use mirrorless camera with 4K video that runs about $700.

Look for one of these cameras or a similar one with comparable features to start producing high-quality video content that can help you promote your business and achieve your marketing goals in no time.