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The selfie’s popularity has completely revolutionized the world of self-portraits and photography. It has changed how people interact – or, more accurately, do not interact – with others when they want to include themselves in photographs. But what’s more interesting is the fact that selfies have dictated camera designs, forcing companies to design LCD screens that face the same direction as the camera lens.
Whether you’re pouting in front of the camera, or just want to show off to your loved ones where you’re vacationing, taking selfies is above all, extremely fun.
To help you capture a qualitative and professional selfie, this guide includes detailed reviews of some of the best selfie cameras, what to consider before choosing one, and tips on how to take a great one.
Contents
Review of the Best Selfie Cameras
With such a wide range of models available today, choosing the best selfie camera can be a difficult and time-consuming task. To help you choose the best model, the following are detailed reviews of some of the best selfie cameras available today:
Best Overall: Sony RX100 III
PROS
- Continuous shooting of up to 10 FPS
- Pop-up electronic viewfinder allows eye-level framing
- Photographs maintain soft background de-focus, even when they’re zoomed in
- Extremely fast BIONZ X processor enhances accuracy and speed for both stills and HD video
- Back-illuminated technology and Column A/D Conversion increase light sensitivity and reduce noise levels
CONS
- Lacks a touch-sensitive display
- Does not feature manual selection of AF points
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of the buyers loved Sony RX100, with some stating that it was the best compact camera they had used. Users loved its small size, 1-inch sensor, fast lens, and ability to shoot JPG and RAW. While people said that it was excellent for low-light conditions, some were disappointed with the fact that the buttons were not lit. Some consumers also found the focal length to be limiting, while some were overwhelmed with the numerous settings.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Boasting a resolution of 1,229,000 dots, this unit competes with the most recent selfie cameras. Combining outstanding image quality, face detection technology, extremely fast shooting speeds, and a screen that can tilt upwards, it is the perfect unit for vlogging and selfies. It further features a dual recording mode, allowing it to capture 17MP stills while shooting Full HD video at the same time.
Who Will Use This Most
Boasting beautiful bokeh backgrounds, this model is perfect for macro shots and portraits. The built-in 1/8 ND filter enables exposure adjustment in bright conditions, allowing users to capture a larger range of photographic expressions. Along with capturing selfies, the unit can also be used to photograph over crowds and for video shooting.
Bottom Line
Although it’s not Sony’s latest camera, it’s certainly one of the best selfie cameras delivering excellent results. An electronic viewfinder, 20.1MP1 image quality, portability, and a bright ZEISS lens make it one of the best models for professional shooters.
- 209 MP 1"-type Exmor R CMOS sensor ; Optical zoom:2.9x (Optical Zoom during movie recording)
- Operating temperature:32-104°F / 0-40°C.24-70mm equivalent F/18-28 lens
- Continuous shooting up to 10 FPS
Runner-up: Panasonic Lumix LX10 4K Digital Camera
PROS
- Wi-Fi connectivity and USB charging make traveling easy
- 3-inch touch-enabled LCD display tilts upward, allowing easy selfie photos
- F1.4-2.8 VARIO-SUMMILUX lens captures stunning images and adds a lovely bokeh effect
- 4K HD video, internal Focus Stacking, and 4K Post Focus enable users to record 30fps photos
- 20.1-megapixel sensor and Optical Image Stabilizer deliver brighter and more colorful photos
CONS
- Grip is a bit slippery
- Battery life is mediocre
- Lacks an electronic viewfinder
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers were satisfied with their purchase, with some saying that Panasonic Lumix LX10 was the best point and shoot camera they’d ever used. Users said that its compact size made it easier to carry, and stated that its lens captured exceptional pictures and HD video. However, some customers complained about the video stabilization, while some found it difficult to add filters and hood.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This model primarily stands out to us because of its incredible performance. It starts up quickly and boasts one of the company’s most responsive touchscreens. It also features Depth From De-focus, resulting in impressive auto-focus. Along with being extremely good at subject tracking and recognition, it also delivers excellent RAW performance and impressive video quality.
Who Will Use This Most
Featuring a minimum focusing distance of 30cm (tele) and 3cm (wide), this model captures stunning close-up details, making it perfect for macro photography. The 3-inch touchscreen further enables users to capture selfies and makes ground-level photography easy. Moreover, Aperture Bracketing and Focus Bracket offers additional creative options.
Bottom Line
With advanced controls, the Panasonic Lumix is the perfect camera for everyday photography. Its incredible balance of video and still features, combined with its numerous external controls make it one of the best models available today. While it boasts excellent image quality, it still lacks the noise reduction and sophisticated sharpening of its RX100 competitors.
- POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA: Large, 1-inch 20.1-megapixel MOS sensor plus 3X zoom LEICA DC VARIO-SU...
- TILTING SELFIE DISPLAY: Rear touch-enabled 3-inch LCD display (1040K dots) tilts upward 180 degree...
- 4K VIDEO CAPTURE: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160), plus exclusive LUMIX 4K...
Best for the Money: SUNLEO Digital Camera Vlogging Camera
PROS
- Extremely easy to navigate and operate
- 800mAh Li-ion battery ensures a long battery life
- Supports 24MP picture resolution and 2.7K video resolution
- Face beauty, white balance, and built-in face detection improve image quality
- Compact, sturdy, and lightweight design makes it easier to carry around when traveling
CONS
- Lacks optical image stabilization
- Does not have an external microphone port
What Recent Buyers Report
Most buyers have only said positive things about SUNLEO Digital Camera Vlogging Camera . They loved its price and found the quality of the pictures and videos to be stunning. Users also liked the fact that it could be mounted on their tripods. While customers were impressed with its battery life, they did not like the plastic housing. Some were also disappointed with the lack of a lens cap.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Offering excellent value for money, this unit stands out to us for several different reasons. Firstly, its 3-inch LCD display can be rotated 180 degrees, allowing users to see themselves when taking a selfie. Secondly, it has an excellent focus range that starts from 1.6 feet and goes up to infinity. Lastly, it can be easily plugged into a USB, allowing quick and easy transfer of files.
Who Will Use This Most
With a 180-degree flippable screen, this model is the perfect vlogging and selfie camera. It’s also lightweight and compact, making it ideal for traveling. Its ease of use also makes it a great gift for both children and beginners.
Bottom Line
All in all, this model is one of the best vlogging cameras available today. Along with boasting face detection, beauty, anti-shake, motion detection, smile capture, and self-timer, it is capable of capturing 24MP photos and shooting 2.7k UHD videos. However, the lack of optical image stabilization might be disappointing for some.
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70S
PROS
- 166k-dot Electronic View Finder allows easier viewing in sunny outdoor conditions
- Lens control ring enables quicker and more intuitive operation of different functions
- Wi-Fi and a 180-degree touch-enabled, front flip-up screen simplify selfie photography
- Venus Engine ensures stunning images with minimal noise in dimly-lit conditions as well
- 20.3MP MOS sensor and a 5-axis Hybrid Optical image stabilizer ensure stunning image quality
CONS
- Sensor is a bit small
- Grip is a little slippery
- Viewfinder can be improved
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers found the aesthetics of Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70S to be top-notch, and its build and ergonomics to be excellent. They stated that it had a fast start-up and zoomed in and out quickly as well. Users loved its controls and said that the video remained crisp at 1080p, even in low light conditions. However, some were disappointed with the lack of weather-sealing, while some reported that the unit became unresponsive after a few months.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This model’s amazing features are what make it stand out from its competitors. Once the touchscreen is flipped, the unit will offer a range of controls, including a slimming mode, an option to soften skin, and a choice of keeping the background sharp or blurring it. If you’re away from the camera, you can also trigger the shot by waving your hands in front of your face.
Who Will Use This Most
This unit’s expansive zoom range is capable of satisfying most situations, while the Venus Engine makes it ideal for bright-light conditions, where the ISO is low. Ideal for a wide range of users, it also delivers an incredible performance across both video recording and stills.
Bottom Line
One of the smartest models for selfie shooters, this unit combines the incredibly stable 5-axis Optical image stabilizer with the outstanding optical performance of a Leica Vario-Elmar lens. Together with a built-in viewfinder and 4K video recording, it can handle anything you throw at it.
- 20.3 Megapixel MOS sensor plus 30x Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens (24-720 millimeter), plus 5-axis Hybrid...
- 0.2-Inch 1, 166k-dot EVF (electronic view Finder) with eye-sensor for easier viewing under sunny...
- 4K QFHD video recording (3840x2160), plus exclusive LUMIX 4K PHOTO and 4K Post Focus with internal...
Olympus PEN E-PL9
PROS
- Compatible with every Olympus M.Zuiko lens
- Bluetooth enables seamless transfer of images to your smartphone
- Tilting touch screen can be used to capture interesting vantage points and perspectives
- Powerful image stabilization system allows users to shoot smooth 4K video and blur-free stills easily
- AP mode offers numerous photographic techniques, including HDR, Sweep Panorama, and Live Composite
CONS
- Does not include NFC
- Equipped with a small sensor
- Manual controls are a bit poor
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of the buyers loved Olympus PEN E-PL9 and recommended it to other people as well. Users were impressed with its selfie capability and said that it captured great shots. While most users found it easy to use, some stated that it was a bit heavy. Consumers also complained about the auto-focus and were disappointed with the lack of an EVF port.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This model’s tilting screen offers rich details, while the photographs it captures are superior in quality to most smartphones, and are, arguably, on par with most larger-sensor mirrorless cameras and DSLRs. But it stands out to us because of its built-in, pop-up flash. The flash also allows wireless control of three different groups of remote flashes, a feature that’s usually found in high-end cameras.
Who Will Use This Most
The model’s ease of use makes it ideal for beginners and for casual photography. Along with being the perfect selfie camera, it’s also an incredible travel camera. However, it is not weather-sealed, so taking out in the rain is not advisable.
Bottom Line
Designed with beautiful retro charm and including a wide range of incredible accessories, this camera is an extremely powerful unit hiding behind a lovely, stylish exterior. To put it simply, it’s fast, pretty, compact, and simple to use, making it a perfect high-quality alternative to a phone camera.
- 16 Megapixel live MOS sensor
- TruePic VIII Image Processor
- 3" 180 Degree Flip down touch screen
Comparison Chart of the Best Selfie Cameras
What Makes a Camera Great For Selfies?
Although a pure selfie camera does not exist, there are certain features that can make a camera better suited for taking selfies. Some of these features include:
Flip-Screen
Arguably the most important feature to consider in a selfie camera, a flip screen allows users to see themselves before taking a photo. This allows them to preview the composition, exposure, lighting, and whether they have anything stuck in their teeth!
Touch Screen
Although it’s not essential, a touch screen enables users to achieve focus and capture the image with a single tap. This makes taking selfies incredibly easy and quick.
Sony RX100 III in use (Source)
Fast and Accurate Auto-Focus
Selfies usually need to be taken quickly, especially in public places. Having accurate and fast auto-focus helps the camera focus on your face and take the shot as quickly as possible, even in low light situations.
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC
If you’ve taken a good selfie, chances are that you’re going to want to share it. Having a camera that can wirelessly communicate with your tablet or smartphone is essential to get the images transferred quickly and easily.
Selfie Tips – How to Take a Good Selfie
A selfie is an incredible way to memorialize a beautiful moment, liven up vacation scenery shots, capture a beautiful sunset, and make a sporting event more interesting. However, taking the perfect selfie is extremely difficult, and requires the perfect combination of angle, photo filters, light, and setting. Here are some tips that can help you take an Instagram-worthy selfie:
Lighting is Everything
Rather than facing a television or computer screen, it’s better to face a window that has natural light coming in. It’s also advisable to go outside and take a shot basking in the sun’s glow. This will give your pictures a natural glow, resulting in beautiful shots every time.
Pose Like a Professional
Make sure you slightly angle your body and turn your torso a bit to the left or right. A slight angle results in a much more interesting photo and makes you appear slimmer as well! It’s also advisable to drop your shoulders back as this adds dimension and thins your chin line.
Avoid Shadows
It’s better to face away or directly into the sun. If you’re taking a selfie in the middle of the day when the sun is high, the resulting shadows can make bags appear under your eyes. It’s advisable to shoot during a sunset or sunrise, as the light is low and incredibly beautiful.
To learn more about how to take the perfect selfie, check out this video below:
People Also Ask
With so many selfie cameras available today, choosing the best one can be an incredibly confusing and technical task. To help clear away any confusion you might have, the following are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Why Does the Camera Flip Your Face?
A front camera shows things as you would see them in a mirror. Once you take a picture, it automatically flips to correspond to reality. The camera flips the photo while you’re taking it, so it’s similar to what you would see in a mirror.
Can You Take a Selfie With a Digital Camera?
Yes, you can take selfies using a digital camera. You can also take a selfie with a selfie stick, using the self-timer to capture the shot.
What is a Selfie Camera?
In a selfie camera, both the screen and the lens are on the same side, facing the user. Also called a front-facing camera, they’re usually used to make video calls.
Conclusion
All the aforementioned models are excellent selfie cameras, but they’re great at capturing other photos as well. Selfies are incredibly fun, but they’re only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the capabilities of a camera. Make sure you go through all the reviews and find the model that best suits your needs!
