Most vlogging cameras have the capability to take still photos.
However, since they are not really designed for still photography, the output can be much less desirable than the ones taken from a camera that is really intended to capture photos.
The common question from YouTubers is are vlogging cameras good for photography?
We’ll examine closely each type of vlogging camera and see if they are good for photography.
Let’s begin!
Camera Type Reviews
Action Cameras
Action cameras are great for capturing those moments when you’re out on a hike or a mountain bike ride, and don’t want to stop and shoot video. You can get a decent amount of footage with a small action camera, and it will be easy to share that footage via social media.
If you’re in the market for a rugged camera that can handle some abuse, an action camera is a great option.
Can you take good quality still photos with an action camera?
You’ll be able to capture some amazing videos, but your still shots will probably not be very good. That’s because action cameras are not intended for photography and tend to be low quality devices, but there are some which offer 4K resolution.
Again, you can take great photos with these cameras, but they aren’t really designed to be used in that way. Action cameras are designed to provide video, and many of them do so well.
They’re obviously smaller and lighter than a DSLR, but they don’t have the same power or flexibility. Action cameras are perfect for capturing fast-paced footage, but you can also use them for taking still photos if you have a camera mount.
If you’re looking for something better, you should consider getting a drone or DSLR instead.
DSLR cameras
DSLR cameras, otherwise known as Digital Single Lens Reflex, are the ultimate digital photography platform. They have large sensors and interchangeable lenses that allow you to take pictures, as well as shoot video in incredible high quality.
However, the biggest drawback with this type of camera is the cost and size. They are bulky, heavy and expensive. You would need a tripod to shoot videos with them, and you will need to carry your DSLR with you wherever you go.
Moreover, if you want to use a flash you will need an external unit. Equally important, you will need to invest in a lens. This is because most of the time you will be shooting at either long or close ranges, which means you need to always bring with you both long and short focal length lenses.
With all these requirements, it is hard to see how anyone could ever use a DSLR as handy equipment for vlogging.
Are DSLR cameras good for photography?
Yes, they are. DSLR cameras are the best cameras for any type of photography. They can be used for everything from taking amazing landscape shots to taking portraits and more. If you are just getting into photography, it is probably not a good idea to get an expensive DSLR camera right away.
It will take you years to master the art of photography using a DSLR camera and if you have a short-attention span then you’ll most likely put that DSLR aside after a few uses because of its steep learning curve.
Generally speaking, with a DSLR camera, you can not only create perfect videos but also take amazing photo shots.
Mirrorless Cameras
A mirrorless camera is a type of digital camera similar to a DSLR except it does not use a movable mirror. It goes straight to the sensor.
Mirrorless cameras have become quite popular lately, especially among photographers. A mirrorless camera doesn’t use the traditional mirror found in most cameras. Instead of a mirror, mirrorless cameras use a technology called a phase-detection autofocus system.
A compact camera with high-quality video capability, which allows you to swap out your lenses for different focal lengths. It also has many advantages over a DSLR, such as better image quality, more options for using various accessories, and lower weight.
In addition, a mirrorless camera uses an electronic viewfinder (EVF) instead of a physical mirror. This is a very interesting idea for a few reasons. The first reason is that there is no mirror to get dirty and make the camera difficult to use.
The second reason is that the EVF has a much larger image than the one we see through the lens. This means that the EVF can be used to display more information to the photographer.
Are mirrorless cameras good for photography?
The short answer is “yes”. In fact, they are better for some types of photography than the traditional DSLR.
In contrast to the “bigger is always better” mentality that seems to pervade our industry, there are several factors that make mirrorless cameras more versatile and more capable of producing higher quality images than the traditional DSLR.
As you may have already guessed, this post will not be about the technical aspects of mirrorless cameras. Instead, we will focus on the reasons why mirrorless cameras are better for certain types of photography. So let’s start with the advantages.
- Better image quality
The first reason that makes mirrorless cameras better for photography is their superior image quality. When it comes to a mirrorless camera, the sensor is the biggest factor affecting image quality.
For DSLR cameras, a high-quality sensor will not automatically translate into a great-looking image. It’s not enough to have a top-notch sensor. You also need a camera that is capable of handling the information captured by the sensor. That’s where the other components of the DSLR come into play.
In a traditional DSLR, the lens and the reflex mirror are responsible for capturing and recording light coming from the subject. That’s why a DSLR’s image quality is heavily dependent on the quality of these two.
The situation is very different in a mirrorless camera. Mirrorless cameras are completely self-contained. They record light without relying on any external components. So their image quality is only limited by the quality of the sensor.
Yet, even though the sensor is the most important element in a DSLR camera, there are many other factors that influence the final image. For example, the lens design and reflex mirror construction all play a part in how sharp an image will appear.
In contrast, when it comes to mirrorless cameras, the sensor is the only factor that matters. The rest of the camera is completely irrelevant. The image quality of a mirrorless camera can be significantly improved by upgrading its sensor.
In fact, the sensor is so critical to the overall image quality that you might not be able to improve it any further with the addition of any other components.
In short, a mirrorless camera’s sensor is the only thing that affects its image quality. Thus, if you want to get the best possible images from a mirrorless camera, you must invest in a high-quality sensor.
- Better low light performance
The second reason why mirrorless cameras are better for photography is their superior low-light performance.
This is an important advantage because most people tend to take their photos at night or in low-light situations. As a result, a camera that produces good quality images under these conditions is more useful to most photographers.
As the name suggests, the low light performance of a camera is a measure of how well the camera performs under low lighting conditions. This includes situations like shooting at night or in dimly lit rooms.
For example, when you are taking pictures of your kids at a birthday party, it is important that the images are not too dark and grainy. In this situation, the image quality of a DSLR can be significantly affected by the lighting conditions. In contrast, the image quality of a mirrorless camera is not dependent on the lighting conditions.
On the whole, a mirrorless camera will produce better images than a DSLR even if the lighting conditions are poor.
- Better ergonomics
The third reason why mirrorless cameras are better for photography is their superior ergonomics. The ergonomics of a camera refer to the overall ease of using the camera. This includes factors like the size of the body, the controls, and the lens mount.
When it comes to ergonomics, there is no doubt that a mirrorless camera is better than a DSLR. The ergonomics of a mirrorless camera are much more convenient and user-friendly. For example, it is much easier to shoot photos with a mirrorless camera than a DSLR. Further, a DSLR is significantly bulkier than a mirrorless camera.
- Lower price
The final reason why mirrorless cameras are better for photography is their lower price.
In any case, you should never buy a camera-based solely on the price. Instead, you must consider its features and quality as well.
For example, a DSLR can cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. But even a cheap DSLR can produce high quality images yet, it can still produce superior quality images. So in the end, it is not just about the price. It is also about the quality of the camera.
In short, if you are a beginner or just looking to take your first steps into photography, then a mirrorless camera will be better for you.
As you can see, there are several reasons why a mirrorless camera is better for photography than a DSLR. In fact, these reasons alone are enough to convince most people to switch to a mirrorless camera.
However, there is more to a mirrorless camera than its advantages over a DSLR.
Micro Four Thirds – Compact Cameras
Vloggers who want to get into making videos on a budget should look for a camera that they can easily whip out of their bag at a moment’s notice.
The most popular type of camera for vlogging is the compact camera known as the Micro Four Thirds (or MFT). These are small, easy to use cameras with interchangeable lenses.
With these, you don’t have a mirror to fog up or get in the way of your image. Instead, they have a smaller sensor than DSLRs and mirrorless cameras that allows you to take sharper pictures.
The main reason for their popularity is their compact size, which makes them easy to carry around. They are also very lightweight making them easy to shoot from different angles and positions.
Moreover, they are also much easier to handle than DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, as they don’t have a mirror to bounce light off. This means that they are perfect for vlogging.
In fact, they are so popular that there are entire vlogger communities dedicated to helping people get started with them.
However, they have a few disadvantages. They have a very small sensor compared to DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. This makes it difficult to shoot in low light situations.
Are micro four thirds cameras good for photography?
The micro four-thirds system can give you the ability to capture fast-moving objects. If you’re a wildlife photographer, the faster your shutter speed, the more action you can capture.
It is not, however, the best choice for portraits because of its shallow depth of field, which leads to out of focus backgrounds. Micro four thirds lenses are not as well suited for landscape photography as full-frame or APS-C.
The reason for this is that the smaller sensor size produces an image with a lower resolution than a full-frame or APS-C camera. This is due to the smaller pixel size and a larger format.
Besides that, the lack of a mirror makes it more difficult to achieve high quality bokeh. However, there are some great advantages to using a micro four thirds camera.
For one, the lenses are cheaper than their full-frame counterparts. Also, they are lighter and smaller, which makes them easier to carry around. The size of the camera body is also smaller, making it easier to hold and operate.
The disadvantages of the system are its lower image quality and a slower autofocus system than what is standard on DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Some users may find the viewfinder too small for their eyes.
Point and Shoot Cameras
A point and shoot camera is a compact or pocketable camera that is designed to give you easy access to photography and videography. The main purpose of a point and shoot camera is to provide a camera that is small and light enough to fit in your pocket.
Point and shoot cameras are perfect for people who want to do a bit of photography but not quite enough to justify the cost and size of a DSLR. It’s also a great choice for people who don’t really know what they want to photograph but like to take photos anyway.
Point and shoot cameras are generally cheaper than DSLRs, but this doesn’t mean you can get away with using them on a budget.
You still need to be aware of your priorities and keep your expectations realistic. For example, you may not get as many features as you would with a DSLR, but you may find that it is enough for your purposes. A point and shoot camera will not give you the same amount of control or flexibility as a DSLR, but there are still some things you can do with one.
There are also a lot of point and shoots that are good value for money, especially if you are willing to look at the lower end of the market. The most important thing to consider when buying a point and shoot camera is what you want to photograph at all.
If you are just starting out in photography and want to take photos for fun, then a point and shoot camera will suit your needs perfectly. However, if you are looking for something that is going to take professional level photographs, you may want to consider a DSLR instead.
If you don’t have an idea of what kind of vlogs or photos you want to produce, you might need to use different types of footage. Or, maybe you’ll need to use a few different cameras to make different types of content. In either case, a compact/point and shoot camera can help you out.
Are point and shoot cameras good for photography?
That’s great for both action and still photography. These are a good compromise between the tiny action cameras and the massive but sometimes clumsy DSLR cameras.
If you’re looking for a good balance of size and features, then you’ll like the compact or point-and-shoot camera. Generally, you get a small size, but still the right amount of features for your needs.
Can You Use a Vlogging Camera for Photography?
You can actually use any regular camera for vlogging and photography at the same time. It’s like saying you can use a spoon as a soup ladle in case you misplaced the latter so you can taste the soup. It all boils down to play of words and semantics.
Anyway, if we are talking about action and stick cameras like GoPro, the answer is no, we do not recommend using them for photography. That is because vlogging cameras of these types are not designed for photography. They are designed for vlogging and that’s it.
However, there are a lot of cameras that are built for both purposes. You can use them as a regular camera and for vlogging as well. The difference is that you will need to change the settings of the camera accordingly.
Best Vlogging Cameras for Photography
Let’s take a look at the top three most recommended vlogging cameras for photography.
Sony Alpha 7S III – High-End Selection
The new Sony Alpha 7S III camera has many high-end features. We’ll try to cram as much of it into one breath as possible.
Sony’s A7S III camera is not only one of the most advanced cameras currently available, but also the most feature rich. It comes packed with a 759 point AF system, 4K video, 5-axis IBIS (in-body image stabilization), and a 12.1 MP sensor.
The new Sony a7s II is a camera that can shoot 4K at up to 120 fps and capture high-quality Full HD at up to 240 fps. It’s also equipped with improved BIONZ XR and Fast Hybrid AF, plus a new super slow mode. Its Sony Intelligent Power Battery technology keeps it shooting longer up to 3 hours if fully-charged.
The Sony A7S III offers two file formats: the HEIF and JPEG. HEIF is the best format for photos because it offers better image quality and compression than JPEG. It is a 12.1 MP resolution camera that can shoot up to 600 photos on one charge. However, most people buy this because of its outstanding video capabilities.
When comparing this 3-inch screen with the previous model, it has a slightly more improved resolution at 1440k dots. Sony is also trying to maximize the video capabilities by increasing the pixels so that the image is sharper. This camera is the perfect for vloggers who want to capture all of the details around them.
In addition, the A7S III has dual slots with two UHS II SD cards and the super fast CFexpress cards, which is an excellent feature that makes the A7S III a solid choice for anyone who wants a fast processing memory card.
While it is expensive, the upgraded A7S III gives a lot more performance than the older A7 III. We’d even say that for a mid-level full frame vlogging camera, there is no better option than the A7S III.
For more more features and info on price, click HERE to check out Sony A7S III at Amazon.
Panasonic LUMIX S1 – Mid-Range Camera
Panasonic made a big leap when it created the LUMIX S1, its first full-frame mirrorless camera. Offering professional features for both stills and video shooting, the LUMIX S1 has become a must-have for many vloggers.
The fastest and most accurate digital camera in its class delivers amazing results for both video and still photography, even in challenging lighting conditions. With a 9 fps shooting rate, the camera is great for action videos or capturing a moment that will make your friends jealous.
LUMIX S1 is designed for vloggers who need a durable and powerful camera for their daily videos. It features an updated Venus Engine which delivers high quality video and improved low light performance, as well as a robust construction that makes it ideal for vlogging.
The LUMIX S1 has advanced Hybrid Log-Gamma photo style mode that helps to deliver smooth, clear and sharp videos, no matter what the subject is and lighting conditions you are in. It has a 24.2 MP MOS sensor, allowing you to capture beautiful and detailed shots with ease.
With HD video capabilities, an unlimited recording time, and a variety of accessories available, this camera is the ideal vlogging tool for vloggers.
For more more features and info on price, click HERE to check out Panasonic LUMIX S1 at Amazon.
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 – Budget Choice
Panasonic Lumix FZ80 has everything that you need to get a high resolution video and stills shot right out of the box. It has a high resolution viewfinder and performs superbly under low light conditions.
With its low light performance and high resolution viewfinder, the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is the perfect camera for all vloggers, whether amateur or professional, that can capture high quality videos that’ll bring your story to life.
Vloggers love the Panasonic LUMIX because it’s portable and comes with great features for the vlogger’s lifestyle. It has a USB charging port so you can charge your camera on the go. And it has Wi-Fi connectivity so you can stream video or upload your photos to your computer or social media.
The new Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 offers a host of innovations that make it a serious choice for serious shooters. It offers 4K shooting, a built-in optical image stabilizer, and an auto-focus feature called “Post Focus” that allows you to easily adjust to your desired focus points right after the shot is taken.
You can also take advantage of the focus stacking in the LUMIX FZ80 which allows you to choose several points of focus, and use those as a basis to create an image that appears three dimensional or has a very shallow depth of field.
For more features and info on price, click HERE to check out Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 at Amazon.
Conclusion
Vlogging is a fun way to share your life and experiences with the world, and if you want to make the most out of it, you should invest in a good camera.
For most beginners, we answer the question that while there is some difference between vlogging and photography cameras, with 90% of cameras you can do both: take photos and create vlogs.