Looking for recommendations for a high-quality vlogging camera under $700?

Question

Which one is actually better for a total beginner starting a travel vlog - the Sony ZV-1 or the Canon G7X Mark III? Im going to Japan in November for three weeks and I really want to document the whole thing but honestly my iPhone 13 mini just isnt cutting it anymore with the battery life and the weird graininess in low light. My budget is pretty firm at $700 since I still need to buy some extra SD cards and maybe a small tripod or something.

I am basically torn between the Sony ZV-1 and the G7X Mark III. I heard the Sony has way better autofocus which sounds great because I am terrible at staying in focus when I move around but I really like the look of the Canon colors better from the videos I have watched on YouTube. Then there is the ZV-1F which is cheaper but I heard it doesnt have a zoom lens? That sounds like a dealbreaker for travel stuff.

Sony ZV-1: found it for $600 new

Canon G7X III: looking at a used one for $550

Sony ZV-1F: $499 but is it too basic?

I need to make a decision by next week so I can practice using it before my flight. Is the Sony's autofocus worth the slightly more digital look or should I stick with the Canon skin tones even if it hunts for focus sometimes...

tokarnyy_gzkl · Accepted Answer

In my experience, the Sony ZV-1 20.1MP 4K Vlogging Camera is the safest bet.Sony: Better trackingCanon PowerShot G7X Mark III 4K: Focus huntingSony ZV-1F 20.1MP: No zoom Go Sony.

Caspian Alexander Walker · Answer

Honestly, just go with Sony. If youre traveling through Japan, you need gear that just works without you having to baby the settings. Their autofocus is way more reliable for a beginner than other brands in that price range. You really cant go wrong with any of their vlogging options for a trip like this. TLDR: Stick with Sony for the autofocus and peace of mind.

EmberEon · Answer

Ive spent over a decade lugging gear across Asia and I am gonna go against the grain here. Everyone loves to hype up the Sony AF, and yeah, it is snappy. But in my experience, if you hate how the footage looks straight out of the camera, you are never gonna want to sit down and edit it. Years ago I took an older Sony to Kyoto and spent the whole flight home trying to fix those cold, digital skin tones. It was a total nightmare. When I switched to the Canon G7X III for a later trip, the focus hunted a tiny bit, sure, but the colors were just... warm and inviting. For Japan specifically, you want those neon lights and food shots to look natural and vibey without needing a degree in color grading. Since you are on a budget, that used Canon for $550 is the move. It leaves you $150 for your SD cards and a tripod. The focus issues were mostly fixed with firmware updates anyway, so dont let the Sony fanboys scare you off. TL;DR: Grab the Canon G7X III. The colors will save you hours of color grading work, and the leftover cash is better spent on extra batteries and travel snacks.