Best Camera With Flip Screen
Cameras with flip screens are useful for a number of reasons.
If you are at all interested in vlogging, taking selfies, or generally being able to have a clear visual of what will be in your frame, then a flip screen is a necessity.
Deciding you want a camera with a flip screen is one thing though, figuring out what type of flip screen you want, along with extra features and specifications, is another thing entirely.
Here’s what to expect in this article:
- Reviews of the best flip screen cameras
- A brief buyer’s guide
- Your burning questions answered in a FAQ
Without further ado, here are our top picks…
👑 Our Pick for Best Overall
⭐ Our Other Top Picks for Camera With Flip Screen
- Best of the Best: Canon EOS M50
- Runner Up: Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera
- Best on a Budget: Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II
Best Camera with Flip Screen Reviews
Canon EOS M50 (⭐ Best of the Best)
The best camera with a flip screen in our view has to be the EOS M50 from the ever-reliable Canon.
Canon has an outstanding reputation for producing some of the best optical and imaging hardware on the market, and the EOS M50 mirrorless camera is a great example of why that is. This camera is compact, yet capable of taking stunning 4k video and crisp photos with the 24.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor.
If you’re a vlogger, then your most pressing concern when shooting is more often than not the quality of the video. If you are unable to record in full 4K, then the viewing experience might not live up to your or your viewer’s expectations. By investing in a high quality camera like this one, you can take your vlogs up a level without having to do anything on your end. The production level of a vlog shot with this camera is virtually unparalleled, so you just have to focus on producing high quality content to match. Oh, and there’s the slow-motion effect too, which can add something special to your videos.
The 24.1 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor is a mouthful, but it’s also capable of creating a feast for the eyes. The DIGIC 8 Image Processor works with the sensor to deliver incredibly crisp and clear photos every time. As a recent development in image processing, this system provides top autofocus capability, making it easy to get things right even when you’re taking a selfie.
This makes the Canon EOS M50 not only one of the best cameras for vloggers, but also for going out into nature for a solo photo shoot. If you’re looking to level up your Instagram game, or take some cool new selfie-style photos for your portfolio, then this camera has you covered. It’s a very intuitive step up from smartphone photography, which is easy enough for the beginner to master. The camera does the hard work, so you don’t have to.
As for the flip screen, it’s a vari angle or fully articulating screen. This means it’s highly flexible in its tilt range, and lets you see everything in frame whether you are lying on the ground for a selfie, or perched up on a rock. This makes it especially good for adventure vlogging and/or selfies.
Features:
- Available in black or white
- Features vari angle LCD touchscreen
- High resolution electronic viewfinder
- Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus
- 24.1 Megapixel APS CMOS sensor
- DIGIC 8 Image Processor
- 4k UHD 24p video
Sony RX100 VII Premium Compact Camera (🥈 Runner Up)
The Sony RX100 VII Premium compact camera is our runner up in this list of best cameras with flip screens.
Sony is right up there with Canon when it comes to producing top cameras, and this flip screen model rivals the best. The inclusion of the word ‘premium’ in the product description is reflected in the high price of this camera, but it does plenty to warrant the label. This is a camera that takes pro-level features, and condenses them into a compact model.
Where this compact camera shines is in its incredible zoom range, and exceptional autofocus and optical image stabilization. What’s most impressive is the lightweight build of the camera though, especially given the heavyweight features it includes. The camera itself weighs just 302g, which makes it light as a feather, and easy to take with you on any adventure.
The wide-angle lens gives you an extra edge when it comes to shooting videos up close, ideal for vlogging and documentary-style videos where the subject is close to the camera. This is backed up by the incredibly competent autofocus, which can track a subject in real-time for both stills and video. This ensures that even if the subject is moving, the viewing experience will stay sharp and focussed on the main focal point. You can also touch track with this camera, in case you want to focus in on a specific detail of the subject at any point.
This camera can record in 4k video with s log3 and interval shooting, and has active mode image stabilization in 4k. It also has a 20.1 Megapixels10 sensor, which when coupled with the high-magnification zoom lens can have incredible results. The standard flip screen comes out the top of the camera, making it easy to record vlogs on the go.
Features:
- Standard flip screen
- 20.1MP CMOS sensor
- High magnification zoom lens
- 4k video with s log3 and Interval Shooting
- High Autofocus speed
- Real-time tracking for stills and movie
- Touch tracking
Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II (💰 Best on a Budget)
The best camera with flip screen on a budget in our view is the widely praised Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II.
The PowerShot series of cameras from canon has been hugely popular ever since it first arrived to market in 1996. These days, some of the brand’s top vlogging cameras belong to this range, and the G7X Mark II is used by many vloggers. If you enjoy vlogging and don’t have a huge budget, then you can’t do much better than this entry into the PowerShot series.
As an improvement on the original G7X camera, the Mark II goes a step further with better battery life, aperture, and a quicker processor. While it doesn’t upgrade the video resolution to 4k, you can still record in 1080p, which is high quality for a budget compact camera.
What you’ll notice most about the Mark II as opposed to its predecessor is how it has been optimised specifically for vlogging. Features such as a faster processor, more accurate autofocus, and the touch-enabled flip screen make it a great option for vlog-style videos. It also has a wide lens which makes close-up videos such as vlogging on the move easy to film with little adjustment. Time-lapse mode is another added feature with the Mark II, which can add something different to your vlogs.
As for specifications, the Mark II is fitted with a 20.1 MP CMOS sensor for crisp photos with a broad dynamic range. It has an aperture value of f/1.8 for wide angle and f/2.8 when fully zoomed in. The standard LCD flip screen is 3.0 inches and tilts up to 180 degrees and down 45 degrees. There’s even built in wifi which makes uploading videos and photos simple.
Features:
- Standard 3.0 inch adjustable LCD flip screen
- 20.1 MP CMOS sensor
- Built in wifi
- DIGIC 7 Image Processor
- 1080p video recording
Buyer’s Guide to Flip Screen Cameras
Knowing you want a camera with a flip screen is a start, but determining what exactly you want from it and which one is perfect for you can be more tricky.
In this guide we’re going to touch upon all of the main factors that should influence your purchase decision, to make sure you end up with the right camera for your needs.
Some of the main things to look out for in this case are the type of flip screen you want, the audio quality, and some other technical specifications and extra features that could make a camera more suitable for your preferences.
Flip Screen Type
It’s easy to think that there is only one type of flip screen, but that isn’t the case.
In fact, there are 3 types of flip screens, so it’s worth taking the time to figure out which one will make your life easiest.
Flip
The flip screen is the one you’re probably most familiar with, especially if you’ve watched your fair share of vlogs.
This screen will flip out 180°, giving you a clear visual of the frame, which is ideal for keeping everything how you want it to be in a personal vlog.
The advantage of this screen, aside from convenience, is that more often than not you will be able to record your video in 4k, and have a decent sensor.
However, there are some drawbacks.
First, you can only move the screen vertically, so you can’t twist it to the left or right.
You might also struggle if you want to use an external microphone for better audio quality, since it can block the screen entirely.
Front Facing
The front facing screen is the one which you’ll find dead centre in the middle of the camera.
This immediate feedback can be useful, and is often implemented into those cameras used in outdoor videography such as the GoPro Hero 8.
This is the ideal setup for a smaller, more compact camera which is easy to carry and use for adventure photography.
The main drawback to having a front facing screen is that you can’t move it around.
Fully Articulating
A fully articulating screen is one which can move any way you want it too, making it the most flexible of all flip screens.
This makes it very useful for adapting to whatever you want to do, be it vlogging, cinematographic shots, or selfies with friends.
The downside is that it can be fiddly at times, and perhaps hard to get the perfect angle.
This type of screen is featured on the Canon EOS M50, which is our top pick in this article.
Purpose of Use
The purpose you intend for the camera should largely influence what you end up with.
If you want to take your camera up into the mountains and take all kinds of adventurous selfies or on the go vlog style footage, then there’s certain cameras that will suit that purpose.
Likewise, if you’re in a dimly lit room looking to record standard talk to the camera style vlogs, then there are cameras best for that purpose too.
A failure to take this into account could end in disappointment, especially given how big an investment some cameras can be. While it’s easy to get swept up in the cameras with the best specifications and shiny features, focus on your criteria above all else.
Home Recording
If you want a camera that’s suitable for home videos, then one thing you don’t need to concern yourself with too much is the autofocus feature.
Instead, what you want to look out for is high quality video recording, ideally 4k, and a wide aperture lens since this is best for subjects close to the camera.
Photo Shoots
If you’re looking to go off grid and take adventurous selfies and host your own personal photo shoot from time to time, then the sensor is hugely important.
Pay close attention to the Megapixels of the camera, and the Image Processor, since both will have a big impact on the crispness of the photos you take.
Autofocus can also be handy, but not absolutely essential in this instance.
On the Go Video
For on the go video or vlogging on the move, you will definitely want to find a camera with a good autofocus system. Some, like the Sony RX100 VII even have real-time tracking, which can be very useful for keeping the subject in focus.
If you don’t find a camera with accurate autofocus, then you’ll likely end up with some sub-par footage in moments when the camera struggles to keep track of your movements.
Video Resolution
While content is king for vloggers, the quality of the video can be a huge factor in keeping viewers watching.
One of the most important factors to look out for when it comes to high quality video is the resolution you can record in.
To give you a brief idea of what we’re dealing with here, there are 3 main resolutions for recording video and a range of frames per second rates.
The resolutions range from the lower end at 720p, all the way up to the highest quality 4k video recording.
As for frames per second, you can find anything from 15 all the way up to 120. The higher it gets, the better able you’ll be to record epic slow motion footage.
Ideally, you want to aim for 4k resolution, since this is as good as it gets currently.
However, if you’re on a budget, then you can compromise with the quality and go for 1080p with a camera like the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II.
Frames per second is also an important factor to consider, as it determines how smooth your video footage is.
The higher the frames per second the better, and if you find a camera that goes up to 120 then you can shoot some epic slow motion to compliment your main vlog footage.
Related: Best Camera for Live Streaming
Free Quiz: Find Your Ideal Gear Setup in 1 Minute or Less 📷
Frequently Asked Questions About Cameras with Flip Screens
What cameras have a flip out screen?
The kind of cameras which usually come with a flip out screen tend to be designed for vlogging, given that it’s essential to see what you are recording at all times.
With a flip out screen, the person recording or taking photos is able to see exactly what is and isn’t in frame, helping them to get the best out of their camera.
Some examples of cameras with flip out screens are the Canon EOS M50, the Sony RX100 VII, and the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark II.
Which Canon camera has a flip screen?
Canon is one of the biggest producers of cameras with flip screens, and it has a wide range of them available for all different budgets.
Each camera will suit a different purpose too, with some being preferred for casual photography and others being best suited to vlogging.
The best examples of Canon cameras with flip screens would be the PowerShot G7X Mark II, and the Canon EOS M50.
What camera do bloggers use?
Bloggers often prefer cameras that have flip screens, since they want to be in complete control of every photo or video they take.
If they are vloggers then they will also value qualities like the video resolution, whereas if they take photos for their blog then MegaPixels is likely to be a more influential factor for the camera.
It also depends on the purpose of the blog, as for example taking photos of miniatures in low light conditions is different from taking panoramic shots of landscapes during the day.
Related: Best Slow Motion Camera
A Final Word From Run Gun Shoot
First, determine what the reasons are for wanting a camera with a flip screen, and then you can better compare the specifications and features.
Having a flip screen is useful for everything from vlogging to taking selfies, but it’s important to make sure the extra features of the camera support the purpose you buy it for.
