GoPro’s Hero 13 Black hasn’t changed much from the Hero 12 on the inside, but the outside is a whole new story. It’s now available in a new family of modular lenses called the HB series (ultra-wide, anamorphic and macro), making it even more versatile for action creators. It also has a slightly larger battery that allows for longer capture times, up to 90 minutes for 4K 30fps video. Other specs remain the same, including up to 5.3K at 60 fps in 10-bit color with a high data rate, and 8:7 capture that uses the entire sensor. Otherwise, the Hero 13 still has the best digital stabilization (aka Hypersmooth) of any action cameraa full-color front screen and the best picture quality in its class.

Insta360 makes a big leap in 360 image quality with the X5 camera, thanks to the larger 1/1.28-inch sensor (compared to the X4’s 1/2-inch chip). Additionally, the company introduced a new PureVideo mode with AI noise reduction for clearer, brighter footage in low-light conditions. Otherwise, it offers up to 8K 360 video capture (which reduces to 4K when flattened), and the new InstaFrame mode allows you to capture a flat video and a 360-video at the same time without the need for rendering or editing. Another major benefit is the excellent Insta360 Studio editing app that beats rival software. However, some action cam buyers may balk at the hefty $550 price tag.

Read our full DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review

In 2023, DJI unveiled the Osmo Pocket III and me it is called “probably the only vlogging camera you’ll ever need.” It has a large 1-inch sensor, the same size found on Sony’s ZV-1 II compact camera. That greatly improves image quality, especially in low light. It also has a new, large swiveling touchscreen that makes it easy to switch between horizontal and vertical video. What makes it really good for vlogging is the following modes coupled with face tracking. If you are working alone, you can set it up and it will rotate and tilt to follow you. That also applies to walk-and-talk vlogging, so you don’t have to worry about focusing or even pointing the camera at yourself. The main disadvantages are the reduced resolution (which means it is not good for photos) and a price that is much higher than the previous model.

The ZV-1F is Sony’s most affordable vlogging camera, making it the perfect “step-up” model from a smartphone for creators. It does a good job thanks to the 1-inch sensor that offers excellent quality and the ability to blur backgrounds to help your subject stand out. It also offers a lightweight body, built-in high-quality microphone, flip-out display, best-in-class autofocus and excellent image quality. The 20mm fixed lens makes it better for vlogging than the ZV1 with 24-70mm, although the lack of a zoom lens is also the biggest drawback.

The best compact travel camera under $750 right now is Panasonic’s ZS99. It has a large 30x 24-720mm, full-frame equivalent optical zoom that makes it ideal for capturing a wide range of shots, from dramatic landscapes to the summit of a distant mountain. It also offers great features like 4K video shooting, a touch-sensitive screen, several manual controls, RAW shooting and a small form factor that makes it easy to carry around. The main drawback is the small 1 / 2.3-inch sensor that does not provide the best photos indoors or at night. If you’re planning to shoot on sunny holidays, though, that shouldn’t be a problem.

This model is a bit pricey as it normally retails for $798, but it can often be found on sale now as it was recently replaced by Sony’s ZV-E10 II. It beats Canon’s new EOS R50 V with the same 24.2-megapixel sensor, mainly because of better autofocus. It also includes a couple of nice vlogging features, like background defocus for more bokeh and Product Showcase. It also offers highly effective reinforcement, a perfect display expression and much more. The biggest drawback is the rolling shutter which can be awkward if you whip the camera around.

Again, we’re cheating a little here because Canon’s EOS R50 normally retails for $779, but often sells for less. This model is a fantastic choice for photographers thanks to its impressive 15 fps maximum burst speed, along with Canon’s impressive Dual Pixel autofocus that keeps photos sharp. It has a fully articulating display, and unlike other cameras in this price range, an electronic viewfinder. It uses Canon’s Dual Pixel AF with subject detection mode, and even has a popup flash. As a bonus, it supports 4K 10-bit video up to 30p with supersampling and no crop. The only drawback is the lack of in-body stabilization, although it offers electronic stabilization and optical stabilization through supported lenses.

As one of the few modern mirrorless cameras you can get with a kit lens for $700 or less, Canon’s EOS R100 is the perfect budget camera choice. The 24.2-megapixel sensor delivers beautiful photos with warm skin tones and it supports 4K video, even with a crop. It’s great for travel, street photography and more, and can even shoot bursts of up to 6.5 shots per second. Best of all, it ships with the 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 kit lens which is a great start to a future lens collection.