With vlogging becoming a staple of many people's lives, particularly those running businesses, it's good to know whether an entry level dedicated camera out performs a recent iPhone or if it's better to save that cash.
Vlogging is incredibly popular these days and many individuals use it either to supplement their brand, or to try to build one entirely. A number of photographers in the industry have widened their scope to include video platforms over the last 5 years or so and by extension, vlogging can be an important part. The question is, at an entry level, is it worth investing in a dedicated camera for it?
My gut reaction is immediately: no, probably not if you have a high-end phone. Recent high spec phone cameras have become so good that they have consumed the point-and-shoot market to the point of devastation. They do, however, cost a lot for a phone and can never fully weigh up to dedicated cameras. The Sony ZV-1 in this comparison is seen as a great entry level vlogging camera and with an accessory kit for that purpose, you're looking at $946. Generally speaking, you are likely to be better off with this, but it's not necessary if you don't feel like laying down nearly $1,000 dollars.
What do you think the best option is for a new vlogger? Should they buy a dedicated camera, or just adapt their phone?
Anything that records vertical so 40 years from now people can say "What was wrong with those idiots back then that they couldn't turn a phone on it's side?"
If I were a beginner, I'd just use my phone. I have it, no cash outlay and acceptable results. If I were serious, this $1000 toy is not the answer - but if it were, there are better ways to spend a $1000 than this.
Stunning is that the reviewers did not commented on the dynamic range and the rendition of the background and highlights. For me the iPhone results were, so to speak, sky-high better, if I look at the sky. Sony exposed for the face, and the result of this was that the sky and any details in sun light were reduced to white pixels. The computational photography in the iPhone managed to retrieve the details and merge the image together. That is yet another warning shot toward the camera industry, if not outright a sinking salvo.
As it comes to the shallow depth of field, its... kind of up to you/me/us to decide if we like it. I for once, sorry, prefer the background in focus. I guess, I do not care for the "cinematic look."