Best 35mm Film Cameras
| Last Updated: September 13, 2018
Why read this guide on the 6 best cameras for blogging? Well, to succeed as a blogger, you must show 100% unique text and captivating photos the moment someone lands on your pages.
Internet searchers are a finicky lot, and nowhere near as easy to please as they used to be. The only way to build an audience—and maintain a following—is to take amazing photos to support your text.
Well-presented illustrated articles are quicker to scan and easier to grasp—it’s as simple as that. The right camera gives you confidence, continuity of style, and the photos help to develop your voice.
I’ve included six capable cameras here for bloggers at all levels. Each one brings something different to the table. What suits you and your style depends on what you want to achieve.
Some bloggers need a capable yet straightforward compact or mirrorless camera for travel. Others may need a high-end DSLR to produce outstanding HD photos, and maybe 4K video for YouTube vlogging.
Whoever you are, whatever your ambitions, there’s a product in this guide for you. It’s all here, from camera types, usability, budget, and other needs of bloggers.
Top 6 Cameras for Fashion Blogging
| Ranking | Camera | Sensor | Weight | Connectivity | Video | Review | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |  | Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II | Four-thirds CMOS | 16.48 oz. | Wireless (Wi-Fi) built-in HDMI | 920 x 1080 resolution | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
| #2 |  | Canon EOS 5D Mark III | 22MP full frame CMOS | 33.44 oz. | HDMI and USB 2.0 ports | 1920 x 1080 resolution | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
| #3 |  | Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera | 24 MP APS-C CMOS | 12.13 oz. | Built-in Wi-fi, NFC | 1920 x 1080 resolution | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
| #4 |  | Nikon D5 Pro Digital-SLR | 20.8 MP FX-Format CMOS | 49.91 oz. | HDMI port or USB port | 4K (Ultra-HD) | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
| #5 |  | Nikon 1 J5 Mirrorless Digital Camera | 21 MP - 1" BSI-CMOS | 8.15 oz. | Built-in Wi-fi, NFC | 4K (Ultra-HD) | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
| #6 |  | Panasonic’s Lumix GH5 Mirrorless Camera | 20.3 MP Micro Four Thirds | 25.5 oz. | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, QR Code connection | 4K (Ultra-HD) | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
How to Find YOUR Perfect Blogging Camera
Decide on a few personal details before you make a shortlist of suitable blogging cameras. Start with your maximum budget as that’s the quickest way to zoom in on your choices.
The next thing to determine is the theme of your blog. Give yourself a new title if you’re not on the list below. Be specific here as it helps you to make a better camera buying decision.
- Travel & adventure
- Fashion
- Food & drink
- Sports & action
- Lifestyle
- Health-related
- Product reviews
- Blogging and/or vlogging
Who, What, and How You Shoot
Do you photograph people, places, animals, inanimate objects, close-ups, far away, or all the above? There are cameras best suited for each of these pursuits, and that’s the point.
The favorite brands offer blogging cameras for varied budgets and purposes. That includes Nikon, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Fuji, and Olympus. Let’s look at a few camera types as examples.
Travel & Fashion Cameras
Travel blogging: The last thing you want while traveling is heavy equipment. Therefore, an ideal camera for travel blogging is small and light. Consider the mirrorless or compact zoom options.
Does the camera need to be waterproof or at least weather-sealed? Do you plan to post to your blog and social media on the go? If yes, then make sure your travel camera has Wi-Fi capability.
Fashion blogging: It’s usual to move around with fashion photography to capture those unusual angles. It’s also usual to isolate people and accessories with beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds or bokeh.
Fashion cameras need a fast lens (wide aperture) and an adjustable depth of field (DOF). DOF is the area of sharp focus in a photo. Ease-of-use and ergonomics are other traits of good fashion cameras.
Sports & Still Life Cameras
Sports & action blogging: Anything that moves needs freezing in time unless blur is the desired effect. You won’t always be able to get close to the action, either.
The ideal sports and action cameras have wide apertures that allow faster shutter speeds. The lenses are either zoom or telephoto so that the photographer can home in on the action from a distance.
Food Blogging: Cameras and lenses for food blogging should offer close-focus, high resolution, and depth of field (DOF) control. They also need to produce tack sharp images with exceptional colors.
Stick with a fixed (prime) focal length lens if you don’t need a zoom as they’re usually better quality. You certainly don’t need a camera that can shoot at 10+ frames per second (fps) for still photography.
OK, that gives you some idea of how cameras and lenses harmonize with certain blogging needs. I mention the camera category for each review and the reasons it’s suitable for a specific style.
How We Ranked the Best 6 Cameras for Blogging
The first thing to note is that there’s no one size fits all blogging camera. There are many factors to consider when assessing a camera and its related products. The brand name alone is never enough.
The way we rank blogging cameras is quite simple. First, there are personal thoughts based on a genuine love of photography. Still, individual opinions alone can’t offer a truly balanced view.
That’s why we take the views of other industry experts into consideration too. Most important of all, though, is the feedback we collect from real users.
There are other considerations as well. Here’s an outline of how we researched each camera:
- Get to know the camera (experience the physical product)
- Read extensive reviews and user feedback—the good and not so good
- Consider the target user carefully, e.g., gender, hand size, experience, and so on
- Only cover useful information like practicality, benefits, main pros, and any cons
- Use comparisons in cases where it’s helpful
- Look at alternatives within a price and feature category
Based on the above, we’re able to anticipate readers’ questions and address them in this guide.
Essential Ranking Features
No two blogging cameras are the same, though most share some must-have features. To create a shortlist, we look at a camera’s attributes to make sure it checks the right boxes.
You’ll start to see what’s important to you as you become familiar with the products. Be sure to create and update your list of priorities as necessary. Arrange by must-have features followed by would like.
Here’s a list of considerations. If it doesn’t mean much now, it will do as you read this guide.
- Your maximum budget
- The camera type: compact, DSLR, mirrorless
- The camera’s weight: listed at the start of each review
- Flash options: built-in, external port, range, and effectiveness?
- Lenses: focal range, zoom, fixed or interchangeable, aperture, quality, etc.
- RAW image mode: see FAQs below for explanation
- Image stabilization: see FAQs for explanation
- Video capability: must-have feature for vlogging
- Weather proofing or resistance: a must-have feature for all-weather bloggers
- Others
Remember to tweak your list as you go along if necessary. There’s a good chance your final page will look somewhat different to the one you start with.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
This section looks at five FAQs from people looking for blogging cameras and advice.
- What’s the difference between blogging and vlogging?
- What’s the best way to succeed as a blogger?
- Do I need a camera with image stabilization (IS)?
- Must bloggers only use DSLR and mirrorless cameras?
- What are RAW images and should I care?
What’s the difference between blogging and vlogging?
It’s all about how you want to present yourself and your content. Not everyone enjoys writing, and some find it more natural and fun to speak directly to the audience.
So, a vlogger uses video more than written content. We call audio/visual websites vlogs, and the author a vlogger. People who communicate mostly with illustrated articles run blogs and are bloggers.
Some authors use a combination of written and video content. The medium they use most determines their title and style. Serious vloggers, though, need cameras with HD video capabilities.
What’s the best way to succeed as a blogger?
The world of blogging is a competitive one so you must compete. Having the right tools for the job—and learning how to use them well—is fundamental to your success. Also, stick to the basics.
Never lose sight of the fact that unique, well-written content is king. It’s always been this way and it always will. You must stand out and make a statement with your unique and alluring style.
Create content for your audience, not yourself. Yes, this is your blog, but you can only succeed if you deliver what visitors want or need. Get to know your audience and build a rapport with them.
It’s true, a picture paints a thousand words, but you still need to write well. Find your voice, decide on a style of imagery, and then choose a camera and blog name fit for purpose.
Do I need a camera with image stabilization (IS)?
You never get a second chance to make that all-important first impression. Blurred photos or shaky video are sure to have new visitors hit the back button faster than a blinking eye.
It’s not always possible to shoot using fast shutter speeds. Likewise, it may not be practical or doable to use a travel tripod with your style and work arrangement.
Consider a camera, lens, or both, with stabilization to ensure tack-sharp photos. Canon calls their stabilization IS (Image Stabilization), and Nikon calls theirs VR (Vibration Reduction).
Sony lenses use OSS (Optical Steady Shot) to stabilize them. Whether its sensor-based (camera) or optical stabilization (lens), the aim is the same—to take blur-free photos or shake-free video.
Must bloggers only use DSLR and mirrorless cameras?
It depends on the impression you need to make. Do most of your photos end up on Instagram and other social media sites? If yes, then a cheaper point & shoot or even a smartphone camera may do.
Choose a DLSR or a lighter mirrorless camera if you need superior photos, extra controls, and more settings. The choice of interchangeable lenses and filters alone opens a whole world of opportunities.
Lenses with a shallow depth of field (DOF) produce beautifully defocused backgrounds. Think portraits and still life. Ultra-wide-angles create eye-catching landscapes, and macro lenses extreme close-ups.
You can mount telephotos on DSLR and mirrorless cameras to shoot sports action and wildlife. These cameras often have manual controls too, which give you full creative photographic power.
What are RAW images and should I care?
First, let’s look at what’s not RAW. A JPEG file isn’t RAW because the camera processes and compresses the image so that you don’t have to. So why bother shooting RAW?
Well, a RAW file is unprocessed, and so the image data is still “raw.” That means there’s no deterioration caused by JPEG processing. Bloggers can edit RAW files to produce superior images.
Remember, there’s never a second chance to make that first impression. Bloggers who learn how to manipulate RAW files with editing software get to produce the most incredible photos.
Consider a camera with a RAW shooting mode if this is something that appeals to you.
Ranking & Reviews
Each review starts with the camera’s name and a quick list of its key features. Below each camera intro is a description of the model, the blogging it’s suited for, and the reasons I chose it.
Aside from my thoughts are the opinions and feedback of those who own or have at least used the camera. That section shows what reviewers say, and that includes any gripes as well as praise.
#1.Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
- Camera Type: Mirrorless M4/3 | Ideal for travel blogging
- Sensor: 16MP Four-thirds CMOS
- Weight: 16.48 oz.
- Connectivity: Wireless (Wi-Fi) built-in HDMI
- Video: 920 x 1080 resolution
- The high points: weight, build quality, protection, image stabilization, swivel LCD, quality video
- The not-so: intimidating menu, startup time, poor battery life
The primary consideration for a good travel blogging camera is its size and weight. The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II checks both those boxes. It’s also powerful and durable as well as portable.
This camera is mirrorless, and that helps to make it more compact. It has almost 40% less heft than conventional DSLRs. It’s also protected against splashes, dust, and freezing conditions.
You can see how it’s shaping up as a decent tool for travel blogging. The camera uses a proprietary Four Thirds sensor. It’s a smaller sensor than DSLRs, but it’s bigger than compact cameras.
The image stabilization (IS) means shake-free photos at slower shutter speeds. The quiet shutter can also be invaluable. For example, discrete photography indoors where silence is a visitor prerequisite.
This camera works for hikes, strolls through towns or cities, and out-of-the-way places. It delivers pro-grade performance in a tiny, versatile package. Furthermore, it’s a capable little video camera too.
Travel bloggers can go on trips with only the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II. That means no tripods and big camera bags to lug around. These are significant points for hassle-free travel shoots.
What Reviewers Say
Around 77% of reviewers love this camera, and it tells by the details in their feedback. There are some images uploaded to back up the reviews too. That’s always helpful when assessing any camera.
Olympus’ OM-D E-M5 Mark II tends to attract prosumers and semi-professionals. Those who know their stuff think it’s the best M43 camera on the market right now. They’re probably right too.
Reviewers like being able to shoot by hand and slower shutters speeds. The flexible fully articulating LCD touchscreen is another favorite feature among owners.
You can find a lot of praise for the OM-D E-M5 Mark II from travel photographers. The build quality, metal dials, lightweight, and ergonomics all get favorable remarks.
Not all reviewers are happy. Amateurs who buy this camera are the most disgruntled as they find the plethora of features overwhelming. The complex menu system is one of the most criticized areas.
There are a few other shared gripes—from all levels. One is the dismal startup time. The optional grip also gets a few complaints, as does the poor battery life of just 310 shots.
Features & Considerations
There’s a lot to like with the OM-D E-M5 Mark II by Olympus. As a travel camera, the 469g lightweight body is very welcome. So is the selfie-friendly articulating screen and 5-axis image stabilization.
Outdoor bloggers also appreciate the environmental sealing. The built-in Wi-Fi, remote control using a smartphone, and time-lapse recording are other useful features.
Creative and fast action photographers are not disappointed, either. They’re grateful for the wide AE bracketing, fast 1/16000s shutter speed, and the camera’s low-light capability.
Owners have plenty of choices with native lenses, too. Olympus MFT range is famous for its affordability and high optical quality. That’s especially good news for travel bloggers just starting out.
Travel “vloggers” are thankful for the 1920 x 1080 max video resolution. They also value the external microphone port for better audio, flash sync port, and fast 10.0fps continuous shooting mode.
Summing up, this camera has excellent ergonomics and handles well in all manner of situations. It’s a great choice for travel bloggers and a pretty good camera for vloggers.
#2.Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame
- Camera Type: Full frame Digital-SLR | Ideal for fashion blogging
- Sensor: 22MP full frame CMOS
- Weight: 33.44 oz.
- Connectivity: HDMI and USB 2.0 ports
- Video: 1920 x 1080 resolution
- The high points: Large display, build, high MP count, face detection focusing, fast shutter speed
- The not-so: Overwhelming menu, Slow SD card write speed, price
There are a few capable cameras out there for fashion photography. The Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP full frame DSLR is among the best choices around at the time of writing.
Fashion bloggers need a workhorse, and this camera checks that box. The 5D Mark III has a robust magnesium body built to last. It feels natural in the hands and sports a gorgeous bright back display.
Anyone who upgrades to this level of camera is in for a real treat. The full frame, high megapixel, RAW file, cropping experience, flabbergasts first time users.
I also chose this model because it’s not that heavy for a high-quality camera. That’s useful for smaller wrists when moving around on handheld shoots. The lightweight and good ergonomics are a big plus.
The EOS 5D Mark III is no featherweight, though, but it’s well-balanced. A favorite lens for catwalk photography is the EF 70-200 f/2.8 IS II for its high optical quality and available range.
Blogger’s lens choices for still life and studio work is down to style and preference. There’s no shortage of options with 253 high-quality native Canon lenses for this mount.
What Reviewers Say
Users who leave feedback for Canon’s 5D Mark III know what they’re talking about. This is not an entry-level camera, and its high price tag states as much. It’s still great value, though.
Reviewers rave about the full frame CMOS sensor and built-in vibrating sensor cleaner. The fast, accurate AF, dual card storage, and rapid 6fps continuous shooting get lots of praise too.
Everyone talks about the big beautiful LCD screen that you must see to appreciate. Users who shoot in interior spaces—that frown on photography—are glad of the silent shutter mode.
The quick locking dial is a refreshing upgrade as it prevents accidental mode changes. And the ISO range and performance is nothing short of incredible, say reviewers.
Serious complaints are rare, but there are a few minor gripes. Most criticism says the menu system is unnecessarily overwhelming. The dual card slot is a welcome feature, but there’s a ‘but.’
The SD card slot has a ridiculously slow write speed. The Compact Flash or CF card is much faster and ideal for shooting RAW. The difference in performance between the two is night and day.
Features & Considerations
Fashion bloggers have unique styles that set them apart. Only you can know if the Canon EOS 5D Mark III meets your needs and expectations. This section highlights the most popular features.
A high-resolution full frame CMOS sensor is no small detail. Face Detection Focusing, 61 focus points, good low light ISO, and dual storage are other things to consider. AF micro adjustment is one more.
The big, beautiful 3.2-inch LCD screen is something that fashion photographers really appreciate. A fully-articulating screen would have been nice, but there are always compromises right.
A top mounted LCD display and a flash sync port are handy additions. Worth noting too is the 1/8000s high shutter speed and the 150,000 cycles shutter life expectancy. Continuous shooting gives 6.0fps.
Canon’s environmental sealing is a comfort for fashion bloggers who shoot outdoors. This camera also boasts an incredibly long battery life of around 950 shots.
There are a few disadvantages aside from the high-ish price tag. The main cons are no wireless connection, no image stabilization, no touchscreen, and no swivel LCD display.
Click to See Price: Canon EOS 5D Mark III 22.3 MP Full Frame
#3. Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Camera Type: Mirrorless Digital Camera | Ideal for food & drink blogging
- Sensor: 24 MP APS-C CMOS
- Weight: 12.13 oz.
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-fi, NFC
- Video: 1920 x 1080 max resolution
- The high points: Compact design, lightweight, articulating screen, range of a6000 lenses, fast AF
- The not-so: Awkward for larger hands, grip, low battery life
Affordable, powerful, and capable. That’s how I sum up Sony’s Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera. Food and drink blogging doesn’t tend to need a lot of photographic gear or too many bells & whistles.
What we have here is a solid mirrorless camera. The compact build is half the size and weight of larger Digital-SLRs. There’s no shortage of useful features either, despite the smaller design.
It’s a discrete little camera that can slip easily into a bag or large pocket. The size is ideal for shooting food and restaurant scenes without drawing attention to yourself. But why not just use a smartphone?
Well, smartphones can’t really compete. The Alpha a6000 has superior resolution, much better low-light performance, and exposure controls. And let’s not forget interchangeable Sony lenses.
I also chose this mirrorless camera for its 24MP APS-C CMOS sensor and fast AF. The Built-in Wi-Fi and 3″ tilting screen are others. Adjustable displays are invaluable for shooting food at creative angles.
Now, I don’t like to use the corny term, “best bang for your buck,” but it’s so fitting in this case.
What Reviewers Say
The Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera sells well and ranks high among its fans. Around 87% of reviewers would recommend it to others. That’s impressive by any standards.
Photographers like that fact that it’s an easy-to-use unobtrusive product. Foodies love its low light capability for shooting in natural light. They also praise the compact design and ergonomics.
Bloggers and vloggers appreciate the camera’s ability to communicate with a smartphone. That’s invaluable if you like to shoot live and take an audience along for the ride.
The solid build gets a fair bit of mention as well. Folks love the manual control and layout of the intuitive buttons and dials. Users with large hands find them too crammed, though.
Positive feedback also talks about the customizable screen data and the practical Sony app. The fast 11fps shooting, built-in flash, and 1/4000 sec shutter are other welcome features.
On a negative note, some reviewers complain about the low-resolution electronic viewfinder. The biggest gripes of all, though, are the absence of a touchscreen and low-ish 360 shot battery life.
Features & Considerations
Sony’s a6000 takes some beating for a camera in its class and price category. The ergonomics and handling are superb for small to medium sized hands. They’re a bit trickier for larger hands.
The 24.3 MP sensor can capture some incredible images when equipped with the right lens. The photos are tack-sharp and display rich, vibrant colors. It’s a perfect little camera for food bloggers.
You can shoot raw for those ultimate eye-catching, mouth-watering food photographs. The RAW file format is especially useful for closeups when you want to pull the viewer into the fare.
This camera’s better for food blogging than vlogging. The video quality is more than fine for the price, filming at 1080pm 60fps. Alas, there’s no mic jack for quick, easy filming with high-quality audio.
Quality video with poor sound won’t make you stand out from the competition.
Other significant features include NFC connectivity, UHS-I memory card support, and panorama shooting. There’s also remote smartphone control, AE Bracketing, and a flash sync port.
Click to See Price: Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
#4.Nikon D5 Pro Digital-SLR
- Camera Type: Pro DSLR | Ideal for sports & action blogging
- Sensor: 20.8MP FX-Format CMOS
- Weight: 49.91 oz.
- Connectivity: HDMI port or USB port
- Video: 4K UHD, 30fps
- The high points: 3.2″ touchscreen, top LCD display, 2 storage slots, lit buttons, battery life
- The not-so: No Wi-Fi, no articulating screen, heft
Nikon’s D5 Pro DSLR is a powerful performer, and so it should be for the price. I chose it for its reliability and absurd speed. It is—in my view—the ideal DSLR for serious sports & action blogging.
The D5 has one of the quickest and most accurate autofocus systems going. Its fast and dependable speed is the best. That instills the confidence photographers need to constantly capture the action.
It’s a marked improvement on the D4, and it checks the three essential boxes. They are sensor performance, the processor, and stable firmware. This puppy is a sports pedigree for sure.
I’d say Nikon’s D5 is the camera the D3 and D4s wanted to be but couldn’t quite make the grade. The company introduced this beauty back in January 2016, and it’s been a big hit ever since.
Mount a Nikon 70-200mm F2.8 lens on the D5 and there are no limits other than imagination. It feels right, its performance is remarkable, and it has almost everything a sports blogger could dream of.
You can easily see what I think of Nikon’s D5, but what about those who use it on a regular basis?
What Reviewers Say
The D5 doesn’t fly off the shelves, but that doesn’t make it any less attractive. The high price means only professional camera users or prosumers with deep pockets can realistically justify the cost.
Those who are lucky enough to get their hands on a D5 are a happy bunch. The real user reviews suggest that 95% of D5 owners would recommend it to others—in a heartbeat.
Reviewers call it a real winner, the camera that pays the bills and delivers on its promises. Users write about the ultra-fast Phase Detection AF system, Contrast Detection, and razor-sharp images.
The camera’s ergonomics and weatherproofing get a big vote of approval. The D5’s high ISO doesn’t disappoint in low-light either. The results are incredible and display stunning clarity, say reviewers.
There is a plethora of shared adjectives owners write to describe the D5. Some of these include magic, fantastic, incredible, superb, and outstanding. Need I go on?
It’s hard to find serious complaints anywhere, and impossible to find any commonly shared gripes. But even this beast isn’t perfect. Keep reading to see what the major pros and cons are.
Features & Considerations
There are a few missing characteristics that I highlight further down. For now, there are plenty of features to look at with Nikon’s D5 Pro Digital-SLR. The large 3.2″ touchscreen is a good place to start.
Fingertip menu control is popular not least because we live in a touchscreen world now. The top-mounted LCD display is also useful in certain situations, as are the illuminated buttons.
Nikon’s D5 comes with two storage slots, dual CompactFlash or dual XQD. Extra storage is always welcome. As for the battery life, well, you can expect an incredible 3,780 shots in ideal conditions.
The 1/8000th high shutter speed is there for freezing action in time. The shutter life is 400,000 cycles. The build is exceptional, and it includes some magnesium alloy body elements in the construction.
Environmental protection lets outdoor sports bloggers shoot with added confidence. To protect the entire setup, though, you may want to choose your glass from Nikon’s 57 weather-sealed lenses.
The D5’s 4K UHD video lets sports vloggers shoot in low light like no other DSLR can. The external mic and headphone port are other welcome additions for videographers.
Disadvantages of the D5
Nikon’s D5 Pro Digital-SLR is one of those rare cameras you could write about forever. It does have a few missing features, however, that are sure to affect the buying decision of some.
This is a large-bodied camera and pretty hefty at 3 lbs without a lens. That makes it an uncomfortable hold for some women and men with smaller hands.
The camera doesn’t have sensor-based image stabilization (IS). That’s only a problem if you shoot with a Nikon lens that doesn’t have Optical Image Stabilization (OIS). Nikon has around 55 lenses that do.
No articulating screen is going to be a disappointment for bloggers used to them. Swivel screens can be invaluable for composing shots in awkward positions. There’s no Wi-Fi with the D5, either.
Missing wireless connectivity and articulating screens won’t bother everyone. But they’re sure to thwart the enthusiasm of bloggers used to cameras that do have them.
#5. Nikon 1 J5 Mirrorless Digital Camera
- Camera Type: Mirrorless Digital Camera | Ideal for lifestyle blogging
- Sensor: 21MP – 1″ BSI-CMOS
- Weight: 8.15 oz.
- Connectivity: Built-in Wi-fi, NFC
- Video: 4K (Ultra-HD)
- The high points: Tilt screen, face detection focusing, time-lapse recording, flash sync port
- The not-so: Low battery life, not ideal for low-light, no external flash shoe
Lifestyle blogging can be fun and profitable. There’s also a lot of competition out there, so first impressions really count. The Nikon 1 J5 mirrorless camera can certainly help with your digital content.
Selling the “Me” factor is never straightforward, but it becomes much easier with the right tools. Vlogging is also a crucial part of this, and Nikon’s 1 J5 is a competent contender.
This superb little compact camera is ultra-light, and that makes it travel-friendly. The stills and video quality should meet or exceed the expectations of most bloggers.
I also chose the 1 J5 for its 3-inch selfie-friendly 180 tilting LCD touchscreen. The LCD lets you change settings with your fingertips and compose otherwise impossible shots.
The range of native lenses is somewhat limited at 13. Still, there’s enough versatility there for most blogging and vlogging needs. The lenses are also light and compact to harmonize with the camera.
Built-in Wi-Fi with NFC is especially valuable for lifestyle bloggers who like to shoot live. There’s plenty to marvel over with the 1 J5 mirrorless camera, so let’s get into the review.
What Reviewers Say
Around 78% of reviewers rate Nikon’s 1 J5 mirrorless digital camera favorably. They rave about the compact design, lightweight, image/video quality, versatility, and ease-of-use.
‘Pocket-friendly’ and ‘great fun’ is how some describe it. You can already see its appeal for lifestyle blogging. The 1 J5 is also hip and comes in three choices of color, black, silver, or white.
The camera’s fast and accurate autofocus (AF) system surprises a lot of new users. It’s better than some higher-end DSLRs. Users also love the quick access to the exposure modes using the PSAM dial.
PSAM stands for Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual modes. These exposure essentials and other nifty features allow bloggers to be as creative as they need to.
It’s refreshing that some reviewers upload images to support their feedback. Not all reviewers are in love with Nikon’s 1 J5. It doesn’t have environmental sealing or an external flash shoe.
Low-light shooting can also be a bit hit and miss with this camera. The biggest disappointment of all, though, is the abysmal low battery life that dies after about 250 shots.
Features & Considerations
Nikon’s 1 J5 mirrorless camera has more advantages than disadvantages as a blogging tool. That’s why it made this guide. And its 4K – 3840 x 2160 video resolution is music to the ears of vloggers.
The high-speed 1200fps mode is ideal for ultra-slow-motion video. Plus, the level of video detail with this camera is no minor point. There’s a built-in stereo mic and mono speaker.
Other features worth a mention include time-lapse recording and face detection focusing. There’s also the 1/16000s fast shutter speed, smartphone remote control, and a flash sync port.
The aluminum body and magnesium alloy parts make this a durable camera for everyday use. It’s not flawless, but it is versatile and correctly priced as a competent lifestyle blogging camera.
#6.PANASONIC LUMIX GH5 Mirrorless Camera
- Camera Type: Mirrorless MFT Digital Camera | Ideal for vlogging
- Sensor: 20.3 Megapixel Micro Four Thirds
- Weight: 25.5 oz.
- Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, QR Code connection
- Video: 4K UHD at 60FPS
- The high points: Swivel touchscreen, 4k video, external mic port, environmental sealing
- The not-so: Heavy for a mirrorless camera, no built-in flash, low average battery life
Some bloggers may eventually vlog to connect with their audience. It’s a different medium that works better for some styles than others. My choice of vlogging camera is Panasonic’s Lumix GH5.
There are some features that all good vlogging cameras must have. Sometimes, people only look at video quality, but crystal clear audio is also vital. The better you sound; the more people listen.
A mic port is crucial because the best audio comes from external microphones. You get the external mic port with the GH5. There’s also 4k video, a front-facing flip-out screen, and image stabilization.
The camera’s sensor-based 5-axis image stabilization (IS) is a bonus. It means you get dual IS when you mount a compatible image-stabilized lens.
Another standout feature is that there are no recording length limitations for video. There are also two SD-Card storage slots, which is always handy.
I also like being able to control the camera with a regular smartphone. The phone can release the shutter, view the LCD screen, and change various camera settings.
What Reviewers Say
The Panasonic Lumix GH5 sells well for a camera in its class and ranks high among owners. It has a few critics, but not too many. Reviewers love the high-quality build, ergonomics, and intuitive layout.
All the physical dials and buttons are easy to access along the top panel. They look and feel professional, reviewers say. Vloggers especially value the front-facing LCD flip-screen.
Some vloggers have studio setups and use video-friendly tripods. Others are on the go and do a lot of handheld recording. This group loves the improved rubber grip which they say makes the camera a joy to hold.
Outdoor types are grateful for the weather sealing, range of GH5 MFT lenses, and bright electronic viewfinder. Photographers welcome the Bluetooth, Wi-Fi connectivity, and smartphone control using the app.
There are a few complaints about the battery. It’s not as bad as some cameras, and it’s on a par with most mirrorless models. But at 410 shots, it’s still wise to factor another battery in with the cost.
Features & Considerations
Panasonic’s Lumix GH5 is an ideal choice for vloggers who can justify its price tag. In other words, it’s a tool of the trade that makes you money, or you expect it to pay for itself at some point.
The appearance of this mirrorless camera is akin to a mini Digital-SLR. It looks good, feels great in the hands, and has excellent reviews. And the selfie-friendly LCD Screen is a big hit for lifestyle vloggers.
It has 12.0 fps continuous shooting and a fast 1/8000s shutter speed. There’s an electronic shutter for silent shooting to a max 1/16000 sec. And the high-speed mode captures video at 180 fps.
Other highlights are Face Detection Focusing and 225 focus points. The GH5 has a special Post Focus mode that uses focus bracketing and 4K video for more creative, flexible work.
Time-lapse recording is another welcome feature for those who exploit cinematography techniques. There are some decent alternatives to the GH5 for those who find the price a little on the high side.
You may want to consider the Panasonic Lumix G80. It sports some of the features of the GH5 for a lot less cash. It has an external mic port, 5-axis IS, 4k video, and a front-facing screen to name a few.
This advice is just what I needed! I am struggling with grainy pictures and I have been shooting with 800 ISO. I’m going to bring it down and see how that makes my pictures better. Thanks for sharing all the resources also!