Your phone is good, but these 5 vlogging cameras are better for less than you'd think

The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is the vlogging camera reviewers and creators talk about most. A built-in three-axis gimbal keeps footage silky smooth while walking, and the 1-inch sensor handles low light far better than older pocket cameras. The 2-inch rotating screen flips from vertical to horizontal, and face tracking keeps you in frame. It records 4K video and works well with DJI's wireless mics. It's small enough to carry everywhere. The trade-offs: it isn't waterproof, the gimbal needs gentle handling, and it can't swap lenses. For travel and daily vlogs, it's the easiest way to get great footage.

Sony designed the ZV-1 II specifically for vloggers. Its wide 18-50mm equivalent zoom lens makes it easier to fit yourself and your surroundings in the frame at arm's length. The 1-inch sensor delivers rich color, and Sony's autofocus reliably keeps faces sharp. Features like Product Showcase mode, a directional mic with a windscreen and a flip-out screen make solo shooting simple. It also takes good photos. Stabilization is weaker than the Osmo Pocket 3 when walking, and battery life is short, so carry spares. For sit-down videos and reviews, it's a superb compact choice.

The Sony ZV-E10 II is a step up for creators ready to grow. Its larger APS-C sensor gives better low-light performance and more background blur than compact cameras, and you can swap lenses for wide vlogging, portraits or zoom. It records 4K video and includes a flip-out screen, mic and headphone jacks, and Sony's strong autofocus. Reviewers highlight improved battery life over the original model. It's bigger than the other picks, there's no in-body stabilization, and good lenses add cost. For YouTube channels and serious creators, it's a flexible long-term camera.

When your vlog involves surfing, biking, skiing or rain, the GoPro HERO13 Black is the tool for the job. It's waterproof without a case, and GoPro's HyperSmooth stabilization keeps bumpy footage steady. The front screen helps you frame yourself, and it records high-resolution video with plenty of slow-motion options. A range of mounts lets you attach it to helmets, bikes and chest harnesses. Low-light footage is weaker than on larger-sensor cameras, and the built-in mic picks up wind. For outdoor and action creators, though, nothing on this list is as tough.

The Canon PowerShot V10 is designed for people who want to hit record and go. Its pocketable, upright design has a built-in kickstand, so you can set it on a table for talking-head videos without a tripod. The 1-inch sensor and wide lens give better quality than most phones' front cameras, and the flip-up screen helps you frame shots. Stereo mics are built in. It doesn't have a gimbal, so walking footage is shakier than the Osmo Pocket 3, and there's no zoom. For first-time vloggers and simple social videos, it's an easy, friendly camera.