When it comes to DSLR’s for vlogging it can often leave you spoiled for choice. There are so many different options available on the market at the moment that you could spend weeks researching the best options. We’ve done the hard work for you and put together our list of the top DSLR’s for vlogging in 2020.
I’ve tried to ensure that all benefits for those who may not be the most familiar with cameras are explained in an easy to understand way. If you do have any questions around any of the products then just drop a comment at the end of the post and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can.
So here goes:
1. 5D Mark iv
The top pick for me would have to be the Canon 5D Mark iv, this camera has it all and is one of the top range DSLR’s you can buy at the moment. Coming in at the pricier end of the market this one is definitely more of a long-term investment and would be more suited to those who are familiar with using a DSLR and have had a few years experience using one.
Featuring a full frame sensor which is great for lower light situations, the Canon 5D Mk iv captures video up to 4K and is one of the first Canon DSLR’s to have this capability.
One thing that does let this camera down is the lack of swivel screen which can be handy if you’re vlogging on the move.
This is not your average DSLR and the price certainly reflects that so you may find that the others on this list are better suited for your budgets and needs.
- New 30.4 Megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting in nearly any light, with ISO range 100-32000; expandable up to 50-102400 (equivalent ISO).
- 4K Motion JPEG video (DCI cinema-type 4096 x 2160) at 30p or 24p; in- camera still frame grab of 4K 8.8-Megapixel images; multiple video options include Full HD up to 60p, and HD up to 120p.
- Superb Dual Pixel CMOS AF for responsive and smooth AF during video or live view shooting; LCD monitor has a full touchscreen interface, including selection of AF area.
- Excellent performance - up to 7.0 fps continuous shooting speed with high-performance DIGIC 6+ Image Processor for improved speed and excellent image quality.
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your Canon camera into a high-quality webcam, or do the same using a clean HDMI output.
2. Canon 80D
Next up in our list is the Canon 80D, which is actually the camera that I use to shoot all of my blog photography and youtube videos. I absolutely love this camera having upgraded from a Canon 60D at the start of the year.
This camera features a swivel screen which for me is already a plus over the more expensive 5D mk iv above, but obviously, there are some features that are missing from this more budget-friendly model.
The Canon 80D can only shoot up to 1080p video which although not a problem at the moment due to the number of devices supporting 4K being quite small, it does mean that you don’t really have that future proofing and could find yourself behind in a few years time.
For the price, this camera is a great all rounder and fantastic for those who want to take their vlogging to the next level.
The 80D features a 24.2mp APS-C sensor and with an ISO range of 100-25,600, although I wouldn’t recommend anything above 1600 if you can help it.
This camera can be picked up on Amazon with the kit lens for around £950 and is a great addition to your vlogging toolbox. You can grab it for even less if you opt for the Body only and invest the spare cash in grabbing the fantastic 50mm f1.8 lens to go with it.
![Canon Digital SLR Camera Body [EOS 80D] with 24.2 Megapixel (APS-C) CMOS Sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF - Black](https://www.vloggercameras.com/wp-content/plugins/aawp/public/image.php?url=aHR0cHM6Ly9tLm1lZGlhLWFtYXpvbi5jb20vaW1hZ2VzL0kvNTFBclluNDNZYkwuanBn)
- The EOS 80D camera’s Intelligent Viewfinder helps bring the thrill of SLR photography with each use
- The Intelligent Viewfinder displays AF points and AF mode, has a grid display, a horizontal electronic level, plus numerous other points of information
- For next level AF operation, the EOS 80D camera has a wide area, 45 point, all cross type AF system with low luminance performance to EV 3 and 4 types of AF area selection modes
- The 242 Megapixel (APS C) CMOS sensor captures high resolution images and has refined individual pixels that enable high ISO speeds (16000 for still photographs, 12800 for movies)
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon camera into a high-quality webcam
Read the full review of the 80D
3. Canon 70D
The older sibling to the Canon 80D, this camera is pretty similar to the newest model and has been trusted by many vloggers over the years including Casey Neistat, although I think he may have probably tried out every camera known to exist.
Released back in 2013, the Canon 70D features a 20mp ASP-C sensor, that still holds its own today which is why it sits so highly on our list.
It also features a swivel touchscreen for easy use and shoots up to 1080p full HD footage which is perfect for posting online.
The biggest bonus about this camera is that since it is slightly older you can usually pick them up at a lower cost than the latest model if you’re willing to sacrifice a few features.
You really cannot go wrong with the Canon 70D if you’re looking for a solid DSLR camera for beginners that’s a bit cheaper.
- 20.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 5+
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF for fast focus in live view and video
- 3" articulating touch panel LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots
- Built-in flash with integrated speedlite transmitter and hot shoe
- This version is originally intended for sale outside the USA, However all Product Specifications are up to par with USA Standards.
Read the full review of the Canon 70D
4. Panasonic GH5
A brand that is really cementing itself as one of the top contenders in the DSLR video field right now is Panasonic and with the latest release of the Panasonic GH5 it’s easy to see why.
With 4K filming, it puts itself ahead of the majority of the Canon DSLR line in terms of video quality. Now you may say that 4K isn’t something that is easy to find devices to watch that quality on at the moment, but it’s something that will definitely be changing over time and having a camera that can live up to that high quality is definitely something worth investing in.
Another major benefit that the Panasonic GH5 has over the competition is the built-in image stabilization. This means that even if your lens doesn’t have built-in O.I.S, the camera will be able to correct the footage itself. This is a major bonus for those who vlog on the move or shoot handheld.
- Professional photo & video: 20.3 Megapixel micro four thirds sensor with no low pass filter to capture sharp images with a high dynamic range and artifact free performance
- Splash/Freeze Proof Design: Freeze proof to 10 degrees the durable magnesium alloy body withstands heavy use in the field; Splash/dust proof construction with weather sealing on every Joint, dial and button
- Dual image stabilization: 5 axis dual image stabilization corrects all lenses, including classic lenses not equipped with O. I. S, to eliminate Blur and nearly eliminate body and lens shake in both photo and 4K video recording
- 4K video capture: Records silky smooth 4K 60P/50P (QFHD 4K: 3840 x 2160/ MOV or MP4) video with internal 4: 2: 2 10 bit 4K video recording, Plus exclusive 6K photo and 4K post focus records photos up to 60Fps
- Connectivity & Ports: 3.5 millimeter audio port, connect to devices with USB 3.0, an external monitor or external Recorder with a full size HDMI port; Available Twin SD card slots (UHS II U3 compatible)
5. Nikon D5300
Next up on the list we have the Nikon D5300 which packs a 24.2mp CMOS sensor with 39-point Autofocus system making it great for keeping yourself in focus using the subject tracking settings.
It also has a swivel screen which we already know is a bonus for when you are recording yourself and need to check you are still in focus or in the frame. The D5300 also features an extendable ISO up to 25,600 making it great for low light situations although we still recommend investing in a wide aperture lens to avoid too much grain.
- 24MP DX-format CMOS sensor with no optical low-pass filter
- 39-point AF system with 3D tracking and 3D matrix metering II
- First "AF-P" lenses for Nikon digital SLR cameras
- Use of two aspherical lens elements has resulted in superior optical performance
- Compact and lightweight in design
So which of these should you buy?
Well, it really depends on your budgets and how much you’re willing to commit to youtube. If you’ve been doing it for a while and are looking to really ramp your filming up a notch then you may want to save up for one of the more expensive models and I would recommend grabbing one with 4K capabilities.
If you’re just starting out then perhaps the 70D as it’s a really good camera for youtube, it’s still a fantastic camera and will definitely give you some really high-quality content for your channel.
I would also recommend investing in these as body only as the kit lenses are usually not the greatest. If you save a little bit of money by buying body only, then invest in a 50mm f1.8 if you go down the Canon route, or the Nikkor 50mm for Nikon.
I’ll be doing a full write up on the best lenses to invest in for filming on youtube for each of the brands that I cover here, so stay tuned.
If you have any questions about any of the cameras above, then just drop a comment below and I’ll do my best to help.