10 Best Vlog Cameras with External Mic Input in 2020 – Reviews and Buyer’s Guide

Design

The Sony RX100 VII is one of the sleekest and compactly designed cameras you can find in the market. The RX100 VII is very comfortable to carry around in your pocket. The camera is handy to use even if you are a photography novice due to well-labeled buttons and a guide brochure. The buttons are also customizable so that you can assign control to the buttons as you prefer.

Specifications

The RX100 VII has a 20.1 MP Exmor 1-inch CMOS Image Sensor and the Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T 24–200 mm19 F2.8–4.5 zoom lens that helps you click the detailed portraits. The camera records video in 4K resolution at 20 fps. You can playback the video on the 3-inch LCD screen with a 1.2 million dot viewfinder. Shooting in varying lighting conditions is very easy with the adjustable ISO settings from 125 to 6400. You can expand the setting even up to 25600 with multi-frame noise reduction.

Battery

The Sony RX100 VII runs on a Lithium-ion battery.

Connectivity

You can connect the camera to other devices using an HDMI port or the USB port of the camera for transferring photos and videos. The RX100 VII also includes built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth File Sharing option.

Design

The D5300 camera displays a bulky build with an ergonomic design. The camera is dominantly made from hard plastic with a sleek premium finish. You can easily access the external controls and buttons of the camera for taking quick shots. The rubber hold makes it easier to hold and shoot while the strap allows you to comfortably carry the camera around with you.

Specifications

Nikon D5300 has a 24.2MP sensor for amazing photo shoots and video recording. The EXPEED 4 image processor delivers high-quality images with precise details. Additionally, this camera has improved noise control for stable video output.

The camera captures videos in Full High Definition 1080p resolution at 60 frame rates per second. You can play the videos on the 3.2 articulating LCD screen. This screen has a 1037k dot count that allows you to see the photos or videos on the screen even under bright light.

This camera features metering and onboard intelligence for smart photo shoots. Nikon’s Advanced Scene Recognition System analyzes your shooting environment and automatically determines the appropriate auto exposure, i-TTL flash, and autofocus settings. The D5300 digital camera makes photography a lot easier, even if you are a beginner in using a DSLR camera.

Battery

Nikon D5300 runs on a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery.

Connectivity

Nikon D5300 has built-in Wi-Fi and GPS for connectivity options. You can use this feature for geotagging photographs. You can also connect your smartphone for mirroring the image on a larger screen or controlling camera functions.

Design

The Canon EOS M50 DSLR Camera has a compact design with improved ergonomics and better looks than other EOS models. It is one of the lighter models on our list that you can conveniently carry around. You can tilt your camera to any angle while maintaining a clear view of the recordings. There is an adjustable orientation LCD screen attached for easy use in any position.

Specifications

The EOS M50 has the dual pixel CMOS Autofocus feature which helps you create professional-quality videos. There is an impressive 2.36 million dot electronic viewfinder along with a 24.1 Megapixel APS CMOS sensor. This feature collects light to shoot sharp photos and videos. The DIGIC 8 image processor makes for a great result. You can shoot high as well as low angle content with the flexible Canon EOS M50.

Battery

Canon EOS M50 DSLR camera runs on a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. This battery operates at 7.2 Volts and has a capacity of 875 mAh.

Connectivity

Transferring pictures to various devices is just a swipe away with the Canon EOS M50 DSLR camera. With the automated image transfer feature and the Camera Connect app, you can now save pictures on any device such as smartphones at any location. All you have to do is login and sync the files.  

Design

The Sony Alpha a6500 Mirrorless digital camera has a dual dial design on its top to make it easy for users to change camera settings as per their convenience. The a6500 comes with ISO standard hot shoes for mounting accessories such as a flash or a dedicated microphone.

Sony has upgraded the ergonomics of Alpha a6500 by removing any unnecessary unlabelled buttons and introducing a tilting LCD screen for varied angle shooting. The body of this camera is compact and light and also has a comfortable grip.

Specifications

The Alpha a6500 shoots videos in 4K resolution. You can capture amazing photos with its 24.2 MP APS-C Exmor sensor and advanced ISO setting up to 51,200. The BIONZ X image processor captures accurate details and textures in real-time due to its high-speed processing capability.

The a6500 features the 4D FOCUS system that is supposedly the world’s fastest autofocus. This system locks the focus in as little as 0.05 seconds. You get 24.2 MP images at up to 11 frames per second with continuous autofocus and exposure tracking.

Moreover, the 2.36 million-dot XGA OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder delivers continuous live shooting at up to 8 fps with AF/AE tracking. Such a feature allows you to track fasting moving subjects.

Battery

This model runs on one rechargeable NP FW50 Lithium-ion battery.

Connectivity

Sony a6500 makes sharing photos very easy with its built-in Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication (NFC). You can even control the camera with your smartphone and tablet by running the free PlayMemories Mobile app.

Design

The Lumix G7 digital camera imitates a sturdy professional DSLR look. It has a plastic casing with two adjustment dials on the sides of the body. The G7 model is easy to operate, even if you are an amateur photographer.

Panasonic has added a fully articulated LCD touch screen for varying angle shooting. This model has direct controls and a classic DSLR design so that every novice can get comfortable when operating the camera. The buttons are well leveled and labeled for the user’s convenience.

Specifications

Panasonic Lumix G7 comes with an interchangeable 14 to 42 mm MEGA O.I.S lens and a 16 MP Micro Four-Thirds sensor. The camera shoots videos in 4K resolution with the unique 4K Ultra HD Video pause and a Save 4K Photo Modes at 30 frames per second.

You can view the video playbacks in the touch-enabled 3-inch tilt LCD screen. It also has an OLED Live ViewFinder that has a 2360k dot for displaying images even under bright sunlight.

Panasonic’s next-generation image processor works effectively in processing the image for final output. You can change the ISO setting from 100 up to 25600 for shooting in different lighting conditions. Other notable features in this camera are the intelligent auto-focusing mode and focus peaking.

Battery

One rechargeable Lithium metal battery powers the Panasonic Lumix G7 camera.

Connectivity

The Lumix G7 has a built-in Wi-Fi connectivity option. You can instantly share photos directly to your smartphones or tablet with a click. Further, the Lumix G7 also has an HDMI port for transferring the files to other devices.

Design

The EOS Rebel T5i is a classical SLR camera with advanced features. This camera has a bulky look yet easy to carry around. The rubber hand imprint grip makes it easy and comfortable to hold the camera with a single hand. The buttons are well placed to shoot photos and videos with one hand.

Specifications

The Rebel T5i has an interchangeable lens with an 18 MP CMOS sensor with a DIGIC 5 image processor to deliver high-quality photos and videos. The T5i shoots videos in Full High Definition 1080p resolution at 30 fps and 720p resolution at 60 fps. It also supports continuous shooting mode at 5 fps.

The 63-zone ISO range of 100 to 12800 (expandable up to 25600) and dual-layer metering systems support low-light video shooting. With Scene Intelligent Auto, Basic+ function, and Creative Auto, the Canon Rebel T5i works readily for any setting. Other notable features in the Canon T5i are 9-point Autofocus System, HDR Backlight Control Mode, Automatic Exposure, and Built-in audio level adjustment.

Finally, the 3-inch articulating touch-enabled LCD screen with 1,040,000 dots looks classic for viewing the live videos and playbacks.

Battery

The T5 runs on a rechargeable and removable LP-E10 Lithium-ion battery. This battery powers the camera to take up to 600 shots in normal mode without using flash. However, live viewing of the shooting reduces battery life to less than 200 shots.

Connectivity

Like many cameras, the T5i also supports the HDMI connectivity option, which allows you to connect it to other compatible devices such as your laptop. The device has a USB port and Hot Shoe connectivity options as well. Further, it is also compatible with Eye-Fi SD cards for high-speed transfer of images.

Design

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV is one of those cameras which fits right in your hand and feels great to point and shoot. The body is lightweight and compact with better ergonomics. It features a touch panel display with easily adjustable focus points.

Specifications

This camera from Canon is one of the best cameras for any user. This camera features a 30.4 megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor for versatile shooting in any light conditions. You can set the ISO range between 100-32000 and even expand it up to 50-102400.

The camera can shoot 4K Motion JPEG video at 30p or 24p with multiple video options including Full HD up to 60 FPS and HD up to 120 FPS. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF enhances responsive and smooth AF during video or Live View shoots. The DIGIC 6+ Image Processor improves image quality for better output. Finally, the 150,000-pixel RGB+IR metering sensor helps provide precise exposure metering

Battery

This camera comes with a lithium metal battery and supports extended shooting hours.

Connectivity

The Canon EOS 5D Mark IV has a built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity that allows easy sharing to any compatible devices. Also, the built-in GPS provides geotag information including auto time syncing with Universal Time Code(UTC) via satellites.

Design

The VIXIA HF R700 is not the most appealing one when it comes to design. It has a rather dull design and looks like any average camcorder. The buttons are small but accurately placed for easy operation of the camera. There is a 3-inch capacitive LCD screen, which can rotate up to 180 degrees. The camera comes with a built-in microphone and a slot to attach an external mic.

Specifications

The HF R700 records video in high definition 1080p resolution at 60fps and shoots images with 1920 x 1080 resolution. The camera has a 3.28 Megapixel Full HD CMOS image sensor and DIGIC DV 4 image processor for a high-quality video shoot.

The camera records the video in two formats, MP4 and AVCHD at a standard speed of 35 Mbps and 28 Mbps, respectively. Finally, this camcorder comes with a massive 57x zooming lens so that you can capture even the tiniest details of your subject with high clarity.

Battery

The VIXIA HF R700 runs on a high capacity BP-727 rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. On a full charge, you can shoot for up to an average of 3 hours.

Connectivity

The R700 has a USB 2.0 for high-speed data transfer between different compatible devices such as your laptop. A mini HDMI port allows mirroring the video and photos on a large screen. However, the lack of wireless connectivity is a major disappointment in this camcorder.

Design

The camcorder has a bulky build but not the coolest design as one would imagine. However, the sturdy body and classic look are very appealing. The eyepiece has a comfortable groove that can rotate up to an angle of 45 degrees. The buttons are well marked and accurately placed. There is a  3.5 inch OLED screen for viewing images and video playbacks.

Specifications

The Canon VIXIA G40 can record videos in either MP4 or AVC format with HD 1080p resolution at 60fps. This camera recorder captures images at 2136x1362 pixels. There is a 2.91MP HD CMOS image sensor for refined picture quality. The camcorder also has a 20x HD Optical Zoom lens for capturing closer details. You also have the option to modify the functions of the buttons as per your preference.

Battery

The VIXIA G40 runs on a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery. This battery will last up to an average of 4 to 5 hours per single full charge.

Connectivity

The VIXIA HF G40 has an integrated dual-band Wi-Fi feature that allows you to connect and share the files from your camcorder to your phone, tablet, laptop, or other compatible devices. You can download the Canon Movie Uploader app from iTunes or Google Play Store for sharing the files to your smartphones. With this app, you can browse the camcorder remotely from your mobile phone.

Other connectivity options in this camcorder are HDMI mini connector, USB Hi-speed terminal, Remote Control Terminal, and Mini Advanced Accessory Shoe.

Design

The GoPro Hero 5 Action Camera has a compatible rectangular design that is easy to carry around. The look is quite average, but you can modify it as per your preference. It is fully waterproof up to 10 meters and has longer durability as compared to other cameras we have listed. You can mount it on your bike handle or even your helmet for shooting sports vlogs.

Specifications

The camera has a variety of uses due to its small portable size. It records video in 4K resolution at 30 fps. It has a 2-inch touch screen display, which allows you to switch between different modes and frames. The body is rugged and durable with a waterproof nature up to 10 meters (33 feet). The voice control feature allows you to control the camera hands-free with simple voice commands such as ‘GoPro take a photo’ or ‘GoPro start recording.’

Battery

The GoPro Hero 5 uses a rechargeable 1220mAh Lithium polymer built-in battery that allows you to use the camera continually for 2 hours.

Connectivity

The camera has built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity options. You can easily share pictures and videos with other devices in real-time. You have to install a GoPro app to use the transfer feature on your smartphone. This app is available on all platforms and devices. The camera also uploads media files to cloud storage for backup.