Whether you're looking to do a quick how-to from your computer, want to stream yourself while you game or anything in between, the simplest option for your vlog is a compact camera that doesn't need to move from your computer. Yes, we're speaking about the noble webcam. True, you won't be able to move around too much, but this vlog camera is pretty much a plug-and-play experience because you don't need an encoder. 

With many more people working from home and relying on video conferencing in the past year, good webcams became difficult to find. Heck, even mediocre ones are tough to come by right now. Our top pick for vlogging is the $125 Logitech StreamCam because it is purpose-built for streaming at up to 1080p at 60fps. And this cheap vlogging camera is designed to be mounted horizontally or vertically. 

If you want 4K streaming at 30fps in addition to full HD at 60fps, go with the Logitech Brio 4K, which has a higher price tag at $199. You could also go with Logitech's C922x Pro, which streams at 1080p at 30fps or 720p at 60fps, has solid image quality and its built-in mics give you decent audio for $85.

It's worth noting that because of the increased demand for webcams, many camera-makers including Canon, Nikon, GoPro, Sony, Panasonic and others have made it possible to use some of their camera models as a webcam without additional equipment. However, it's more of an "in a pinch" solution for some of the cameras, so I wouldn't rely on it for the best video recording quality and features.

See it at Logitech.

Sony turned its RX100 enthusiast compact into a good camera for vlogging with faster autofocus and a quick way to defocus backgrounds. It gives you a big image sensor and a bright lens for better video quality even when you're working with low light. This Sony camera has a flip-out LCD screen so you can see yourself when you're shooting. It has a handgrip and mics better suited for selfies. And the Sony ZV 1 has a clean HDMI output, too, so you don't have camera settings and info in your video if you output to an external recorder, encoder or display.

See it at Sony.

Though its cameras aren't as pocket-friendly as they once were, the current Pocket Cinema Cameras are still compact considering all they can do. There are two models: A 4K version with an active Micro Four Thirds lens mount and a 6K model with an active EF lens mount and a Super 35mm-size sensor. I tested the 4K version, which worked well as a cam for my studio space (aka my small, well-lit home office). The MFT mount means you have a wide variety of lenses to choose from at more affordable prices than EF lenses. 

There are a lot of features to like about the camera, but what I most appreciated was the touch interface that makes using the camera so much easier than your average digital SLR or mirrorless camera. Other features like a USB-C 3.1 port, HDMI out, dual card slots (CFast and SD UHS-II) and both 3.5mm and Mini XLR mic jacks give you room to expand as your needs grow. 

Read our Blackmagic Design Pocket Cinema Camera 4K preview.

This Panasonic Lumix GH5 mirrorless digital camera might be shaped like a traditional SLR camera, but the GH5 was built for video. You'll find all the features you need in a camera for vlogging, and then some, regardless of your experience level, and it's all wrapped up in a splash-, dust- and freezeproof body. 

If its $1,298 price is more than you want to spend for a camera body (you'll need to buy lenses, too), its predecessor, the GH4, is still an excellent option despite its age -- it was released in 2014 -- for around $700.

Read our Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH5 hands-on.

The 80D pops up in a lot of top lists for good reason: The company's Dual Pixel CMOS sensor gives it a fast on-sensor autofocus system; the Live View performance -- which lets you see the footage you're shooting on its screen without looking through the viewfinder -- is smooth; it has headphone and mic jacks, and it supports 1080p and 60 fps. The one downside of this Canon camera is that it doesn't have a clean HDMI output, so if you're going to livestream, you'll need to shut off all the display info and switch to manual focus.

Read our Canon EOS 80D review.

The compact Lume Cube Panel Mini gives you a bright boost when you don't have enough light but still fits in a pocket. It puts out a lot of light that's adjustable in 5% increments and the color is adjustable too, from 3200K to 5600K in 100K increments -- all done with a small toggle wheel on the side. It charges via its USB-C port and can run for up to 14 hours (just not at 100%) and it can be plugged in and run that way as well. 

It comes with a diffuser to help soften its light and the compact, lightweight design and a cold shoe mount so you can just slide it on your camera and start shooting. It also has standard tripod mounts on the bottom and side. 

The VC kit, which stands for video conferencing, comes with a small suction cup mount that you can easily stick to your phone, tablet or display for brightening your face or subject without having to reposition the light every time you move your camera.

See it at Lume Cube.

A software encoder will let you stream your PC games and webcam video to YouTube and Twitch. However, console players will need a capture card like the HD60 S. Connect this to your Nintendo Switch, PlayStation or Xbox and then to a PC or Mac and a display, and it will capture your gameplay and set you up for streaming. The included software will help you mix in webcam video as well.

See it at Elgato.