Best Vlogging Cameras with Flip Screen – Our Top 10

Quite recently, there has emerged a sort of plucky people with an anchorman's gene that likes to stride about and describe their impressions and experiences to a sizeable online audience.
That's right- by sheer virtue of carrying a mighty camera on your side at all times, you can become a vlogger yourself, and what better way to jump start this curious new activity than obtaining a vlogging camera of your own.
The great thing about these filming devices is that they come in all shapes and sizes, so you can pinpoint a model with exactly the kind of features that you require for your upcoming video logging endeavor.
In this particular series of mini-reviews, I've ventured to find the top 10 vlogging cameras with a flip screen. This is a distinct category of cameras allowing you to handle the display of your device so that you can always see clearly what you're filming, no matter how ridiculous is the angle you've managed to get yourself into.
Unlike the traditional vlogging cameras you may be used to seeing on the market, these flip-screen versions can be quite bulky, a bit on the heavier side, and offering much more interesting features than their petite-sized counterparts.
So, here we go, there's ten of them, and we've listed them right below for easier reference. Check them out, and read the following reviews for more details.
Brand/ Camera | Video quality | Image Stabilization | Flip screen | External mic | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sony Alpha 7S II | Ultra HD 4K | ||||
Panasonic GH5 / GX8 | Ultra HD 4K | ||||
Panasonic G80 | Ultra HD 4K | ||||
Olympus E-M10 Mark III | Ultra HD 4K | ||||
Fujifilm X-T20 | Ultra HD 4K | ||||
Brand/ Camera | Video quality | Image Stabilization | Flip screen | External mic | Price |
Sony a6500 | Ultra HD 4K | ||||
Panasonic HC-VX870 | Ultra HD 4K | ||||
Sony FDRAX53 | Ultra HD 4K | ||||
Panasonic HC-X1000 | Ultra HD 4K | ||||
Canon G7X Mark II | 1920x1080 Full HD |
Sony Alpha 7S II: Best All-Around Vlogging Camera
Coming from a renown Japanese video equipment-producing company called Sony, the Alpha 7S II model comes with a variety of different attachments and other useful trinkets. Whether it's battery chargers or sturdy mounts that you're in need of, you can bet that they'll be neatly lumped in a 7S II kit.
Features
Starting off this list of 10, we start strong with a model that represents one of the best additions to the already mighty roster of Sony's filming contraptions. The Alpha 7S II allows you to shoot your videos in 4K resolution, even though it has only 12 MP's.
This immense power is mostly there thanks to the now well-known BIONZ X™ processor which is more than capable of propping up this cameras impressive arsenal of components. Add to that the CMOS sensor, and you've got yourself a mighty little camera that can take up any filming and capturing task.
Performance
When it comes to its performance, the 7S II follows in the footsteps of the other recently-produced Sony models, and scores pretty highly, indeed. Among others, you can take the full advantage of their image stabilization feature as well as that of the electronic viewfinder.
Take note, however, that this model comes with the manual focus, which is naturally more demanding than the automatic one. If you're already experienced with it, or willing to learn, though, this model can be a great solution for you.
Video Testing
Pros
cons
Panasonic GH5 / GX8: Best Outdoors Vlogging Cameras
Boasting one of the largest customer bases for electronic goods in the world, the Panasonic company has done itself proud with their GH series of 'flip-screened' cameras. Since this series has become so popular in the recent years, I'll mention two of their models- the GH5 and GX8.
Features
For starters, they're both roughly the same size with the more recent of the two, GH5 being somewhat larger. As for their image capturing power, it's been standardized for both models, so to speak, and stands at 20 MPS.
Other than that, both GH5 and GX8 have weather-sealed builds, meaning that they're practically waterproof and can be easily used in rain or snow. Also, the inbuilt Wi-Fi should enable you some pretty decent connectivity, provided there's a router nearby, of course.
Performance
Included in the rather sizeable arsenal of various technical image-enhancing characteristics of these cameras is the sensor-shift image stabilization property. This feature enables you to capture perfect shots even if your hands are shaking with cold, for example, or you're just a rookie.
Now, even though the GH5 and GX8 share a myriad of characteristics, the GH5 still wins the bout in this respect, as it comes with such additional niceties such as 6K photo mode, Bluetooth and focus-stacking option.
For the record, GH5 is considerably more expensive than its predecessor, so if you're working on a smaller budget, you might want to opt for GX8. It's still a pretty powerful camera in every respect.
Pros
cons
Panasonic G80: Best Lens Compatibility Model
Features
Most notably, this sturdy model from Panasonic features a set of 5 customizable buttons, which you can award a function of your choice. For example, if you'd like to have some fast settings regarding the quality of the video or the capture.
The G80's camera microphone department is yet another area where this model shines, as it's got an on-camera microphone that comes complete with a dust guard, and it's also completely waterproof, for good measure.
Performance
On the other hand, its image and footage-making arsenal don't really lag that much behind the 'well-equippedness' of its build. For example, this model comes with a mighty 5-axis stabilization, enabling you to come up with some pretty impressive material, even if you're a complete rookie.
Also, this model supports 4K video quality, and believe it or not, you can shoot it in it without any glitches or other imperfections.
A great thing about the G80 is that it is compatible with up to 27 different lenses, so if you're a pro photographer or just an avid lens junkie, this model can be a perfect fit for you.
Pros
cons
Olympus E-M10 Mark III: Best Value for Money Camera
Features
For starters, the Mark III is powered by a Li-Ion battery which comes in a shape of a small but mighty piece of plastic. (and also the metal parts inside) As for the motor that's pushing the whole thing along, it comes in the shape of a TruPic VIII processor- a modernized unit built to support the video and capture-enhancing features that it comes with it.
Performance
Now, as for the aforementioned processor, it enables you to use of some of the impressive modes that this model comes with. For example, silent mode, auto, highly-sped videos can each represent a massive asset if you're after some special sort of results with your camera.
When it comes to leveling out any imperfections that are bound to occur when you're handling the camera, this particular model comes with an elaborate 5-axis image stabilization. So, no matter how clumsy or inexperienced you are, you can still make great images and footage at the end of the day.
This model can be a perfect solution for a beginner, as it is relatively inexpensive, but still has a pretty decent 16 MP sensor, and image-stabilizing properties.
Pros
cons
Fujifilm X-T20: Best Manual Mode Camera
Features
The Fujifilm's X-T20 combines the durability and ruggedness of some of the models of the olden days, so to speak, and the high-tech conveniences of the modern day cameras. For example, wireless communication enables you to automatically send your newly-acquired material to a device of your choice.
Other than this, the XT series comes with a wide and rich range of different lenses, enabling you to build yourself a camera configuration specializing in whatever style of photography you prefer. Be it wide-angle shots that you like, or you strive to reach some new macro lens heights, chances are- you'll be able to find exactly what you need in the XT's roster.
Performance
Arguably the biggest strength of the X-T20 would be the fact that it's predominantly a manual mode type of camera. This grants you the freedom to fiddle with the camera's settings and organize each of your shots the way you like it.
That being said, for those who can't be bothered with the aforementioned elaborate settings, there's also a functional auto mode you can switch to at all times.
The Fujifilm X-T20 has an elaborately organized manual mode of shooting, so if you're an experienced photographer and like to make your own settings, this model can be a perfect match for you.
Pros
cons
Sony a6500: Best Mirrorless Camera
Features
Hardware-wise, this mighty camera is filled with all kinds of interesting 'intestines'. First of all, this little mean machine boasts 24 MP's of capturing power and a powerful CMOS sensor for exceptional detection.
Also, its screen is positioned at the back, as with the majority of other models, but this one moves about by tilting up and down rather than gyrating about. It goes without saying, as well, that the display is touch screen.
Performance
As for the different modes of shooting you can use to enhances your photos and videos, you may enjoy such niceties as slow and quick motion footage optimization and UHD 4K video recording. All of this is possible thanks to the powerful BIONZ X image processor, which enables a smooth running of whatever mode you've chosen to go with.
Even though this camera can pretty much be described as a top tier product in comparison to some of the other models on this list, overheating is still an issue, so be wary of that if you fancy this camera in particular.
Pros
cons
Panasonic HC-VX870: Best Zooming Camera
Features
Since its design is rather bulky and demands a bit of skill at handling it properly, the manufacturers have made sure to install a strong 5-axis image stabilizing configuration. Also, there's a specialized back-illuminated MOS sensor, for convenient shooting at night or in low-visibility environments.
Performance
One of the most notable features of this model, performance-wise, would be its massive zooming range, which amounts to 20x optical zoom, and 50x intelligent zoom. 4K video quality would also be a valuable asset for a vlogging session, and if you plan to do one during the night, you can count on the IR night mode installed in this camera.
The HC-VX870 model is one of the rare cameras that actually have another, smaller camera built in. If you have a reason to use two cameras simultaneously, this would make a great weapon of choice.
Pros
cons
Sony FDRAX53: Best Camcorder Camera
Features
The flip panel we've talked about is a touch screen kind, so the number of buttons placed on the camera itself is radically reduced. This not only looks good but helps the rookies learn their ropes of handling a camera in a more user-friendly environment.
Performance
As far as performance is concerned, even though this model has only 16 MP's, it comes with a rich array of additional features. For example, using one of these, you may enjoy the cheekily-named B.O.SS. image stabilization, Exmor R sensor, as well as 4K time-lapse capture.
It has a number of enhancements designed for photography specifically, as well. For example, if you'd like to take some single shots, features such as face detection and smile shutter will come in pretty handy.
Some owners have been reporting poor performance while shooting 4K quality range videos, so if this mode would be your main motivation for buying a camera, perhaps you may be better off checking out some other model on our list.
Pros
cons
Panasonic HC-X1000: Best Pro Vlogging Camera
Features
This massive camera utilizes two Venus processing engines, each of them powering the filming continuity which is always in 4K. What's more, you can scale your image additionally to achieve the effect of full HD.
Inbuilt at the very front of this camera (and where else) is a massive Leica Dicomar lens with 4 other lens groups inside, as well as manually adjustable outside iris rings. With all of these, you can perform fine lens settings with ease, and achieve exactly the quality you want from your camera.
Performance
Other than always shooting in coveted 4K resolution, the Panasonic HC-X1000 can cover a variety of other variables such as correcting the quality of image's movement speed and recording night scenes with ease.
Since this model is considerably more powerful (and expensive) than the other ones on this list, I recommend it only for professional camera operators, as they may benefit from it the most.
Pros
cons
Canon G7X Mark II: Best Beginner's Vlogging Camera
Even in the complicated and fiercely competitive world of photography, simpler can indeed be better, especially if you're a novice, or need to shoot your footage in one way. Canon G7X Mark II is exactly that kind of camera, as it assumes a simple point-and-shoot type of photography style, and more than delivers when it needs to.
Features
The G7X Mark II is a simple deal all over. You get the taste of that when you first look at it, really, as it features only a handful of buttons and a big LCD touchscreen for easy reading and maneuvering. The size of the whole device is pretty compact, and it fits nicely into your hand.
What's more, the Mark II version has a slight bump built in at the front, so that you can grip it more securely while shooting.
Performance
For a low-cost type of camera, this model comes with some pretty impressive properties, such as the complex image stabilization that offers you to choose between 8 different modes of functioning. The G7X Mark II also supports Wi-Fi connections and full HD 1080p video recording.
Offering a sleek and compact design, and some fairly decent features for its price, Canon's G7X Mark II may be an excellent option for a beginner or a casual user.
Pros
cons
Best Vlogging Camera with Flip Screen - a Buyer's Guide
Since vlogging is a relatively new activity that's been picking up speed at quite a pace, many camera and video equipment manufacturers have been having a tough time figuring out what sort of camera to make, so that it fits the needs of vloggers in the best way possible.
Thus, many new components started being added to the existing models, in order to accommodate the high-paced environment of shooting a vlog. In this buying guide, I'll list a couple of important properties to pay attention to when buying yourself a brand new vlogging camera.
The Flip Screen
As any vlogger out there will tell you, a flip screen on a camera is a must if you're about to do some vlogging with it, mostly for pretty banal and practical reasons.
Since you'll be turning your camera this way and another continuously, at times pointing it to yourself for a brief selfie-like 'encounter', it can be pretty handy to be able to see what your camera sees at any given moment.
After all, if you keep blessing your audience with shaky cam and plenty of out-of-focus footages, chances are- you won't be having an audience for much longer. With a flip screen, you're able to control what you're shooting much more easily and even pull of new interesting angles for laughs.
Image stabilization
Even though various kinds of image stabilization have already been fairly integrated into the designs of new cameras, it's still important to mention why they're worth paying attention to, especially in the context of vlogging cameras.
If you've ever tried to film a high-school fight or someone chasing someone else while you're running yourself, you may have noticed that the footage can get pretty shaky and fragmented, and in some cases- completely unusable.
That's why image stabilization is such an attractive prospect. It allows you to walk around and maybe even run for a while, and the footage you produce will have the after effects of shaking about significantly reduced.
Best Vlogging Camera with Flip Screen - The Final Words
A plucky camera with a flip screen can be your best friend during your vlogging endeavors, as this little movable part grants you a freedom to reach the funny angles and cheeky positions you previously couldn't using a regular camera.
As you can see, each of the models I picked for this top ten list has a certain distinguishing quality, so I'm pretty sure you'll be able to find some camera that fits your needs just perfectly.