The best camera for vlogging may be the one that you already own. Before you run out and purchase a new piece of equipment, look in your own pocket. Do you own an iPhone 4? This phone has two cameras, one that is custom made for video blogging and conferencing, built right in. Ditto with the new iPad (ignore the controversy about the new iPad camera quality – it is just fine for posting your vlog online). Or maybe you have a still camera that has a video feature? A laptop with a camera? (an especially good option for a sit-down vlog).

The important thing with vlogging, is to begin shooting. The best vlogs are created through practice. Most of the best vloggers didn’t just wake up one day and upchuck greatness onto YouTube. So if you do already have a vlog camera, dive right in.

Just shoot. The very  act of shooting itself will help you define the features that are most important to you in a camera.

Still want a brand new camera? Okay, I hear you. Once you are ready to purchase a camera, here are some tips to keep in mind.

Buy a camera that allows you to view yourself while you shoot. Popular cameras such as the Kodak zi8, Playtouch, Playfull and most of the Sony Bloggie line – while being good cameras otherwise – do not allow you to see yourself while shooting. Depending on the style of vlog you are planning this can be a huge issue. But there are notable exceptions. The best cameras for vlogging are below:

• RCA EZ-1000 & RCA Small Wonder EZ205. These cameras are both a bit low-end and they have tiny flip screens. Only recommended if you are really tight on cash.
• Toshiba Camileo S30. Better made than the RCA EZ-1000, this camera is reportedly not easy to use for the left-handed and doesn’t have the best image quality but nor does it have the worst. Not a bad camera all around, but a bit over priced perhaps because of the Toshiba brand name. Lefties beware.
• Sony Bloggie MHS-PM5. This is an interesting, well made and compact camera. Rather than offering a flip screen, the lens itself swivels. The bloggie is easy to use and delivers top notch HD video. Picture Motion Browser software is PC only. Otherwise works on the Mac.
• Sony Bloggie MHS-CM5. The newest addition to the Bloggie line is now available for purchase. Sony is listening to their audience! Most everyone who vlogs frequently NEEDS a flip screen. With this camera Sony is finally delivering. Windows and Mac friendly.
• Sanyo Xacti VPC-HD2. The Xacti line has long been the model of choice for vloggers. They are expensive – more in the range of a full featured camcorder (around $500) but you can find older models for less. Great image quality and solid feature set. The Xacti offers one key option that the Bloggie models don’t. This is one of the best digital video cameras from an audio standpoint because you can plug-in an external mic. This is huge if you want the highest quality sound possible. It depends on where you are at in your blog video production process. If you are just beginning you may not want to spend the extra cash just yet. Motion Director software is Windows only. Luckily the Xacti works well with iMovie.
• Samsung HMX-Q10 HD. This fun new 1080p video camera features a nice 3 inch view screen, optical image stabilizer and around a $200 price tag. The ultra cool element is its flippable design that lets you operate the camera with either hand. If you are left handed you will definitely want to check it out. But the Q10 isn’t only for lefties. A flippable ‘corder is a totally cool and helpful design from a video blogging standpoint. If you vlog handheld you know that your arm gets tired. With this camcorder you can easily switch to the other hand and take a break.

New camcorders are released nearly every month. There is no Samsung camera I’m aware of that fits the bill, but watch for something from them soon. (see the HMX-Q10 above). If you don’t find one that fits your needs right now, buy the cheapest one that seems the closest and wait half a year. Something new and better is sure to come along soon. Also note that if you are specifically seeking the best camera for YouTube videos, all of the above will work. YouTube is the most flexible online video service to be found – it can handle anything.