You're looking for the best vlogging camera of 2024, comparing some top contenders: the DJI Pocket 3, Sony ZV-1 II, and the iPhone 15 Pro. Each of these has unique strengths and weaknesses that make them suitable for different vlogging styles and needs.

Here's a breakdown to help you decide:

1. DJI Osmo Pocket 3
Pros:

Exceptional Stabilization: This is its superpower. The built-in 3-axis mechanical gimbal provides incredibly smooth, cinematic footage, even when you're walking, running, or on the move. This is hard to beat with any other camera of its size.

ActiveTrack 6.0: DJI's tracking is industry-leading. It keeps you (or your chosen subject) perfectly in frame and in focus, making solo vlogging incredibly easy.

Compact & Portable: Truly pocket-sized, making it ideal for discreet on-the-go vlogging and travel.

Rotatable Touchscreen: The 2-inch OLED screen can quickly switch between horizontal and vertical shooting, perfect for content across different platforms (YouTube, TikTok, Reels).

Great Low Light Performance: The 1-inch sensor performs surprisingly well in dim conditions, producing clean footage.

Excellent Audio (with Creator Combo): The optional DJI Mic 2 (included in the Creator Combo) connects seamlessly, offering professional-grade audio. The Pocket 3 also has a three-mic array.

Ease of Use: Very intuitive controls, making it beginner-friendly.

10-bit D-Log M/HLG: Offers more flexibility for color grading in post-production.

Fast Autofocus: Reliable and quick to lock onto subjects.

Cons:

Fixed Lens: The 20mm equivalent lens (f/2.0) is wide but not as versatile as a zoom lens.

Battery Life (Camera Only): While good for its size, you'll want the battery handle or extra batteries for long shoots.

Durability: Being a small device with a gimbal, it can be more delicate than a rugged action camera or phone.

Limited Controls: Fewer physical buttons and customization options compared to larger cameras.

Best for: On-the-go vloggers, travel vloggers, solo creators who need excellent stabilization and tracking, and those who prioritize portability and ease of use.

2. Sony ZV-1 II
Pros:

Vlogging-Specific Features: Designed for vloggers with features like Product Showcase Setting (quickly shifts focus to an item held up to the camera), Background Defocus (one-touch bokeh), and a front tally light.

Wider Lens (than ZV-1): The 18-50mm equivalent f/1.8-4.0 zoom lens is wider than its predecessor, making it better for handheld vlogging and group shots.

Excellent Autofocus: Sony's autofocus system is highly praised, offering fast and reliable subject tracking (face/eye detection).

Good Image Quality: 1-inch sensor delivers sharp 4K video (up to 30p) and decent low-light performance for a compact.

Improved Audio: Features a 3-capsule directional mic and includes a hot shoe for external microphones (essential for serious vlogging).

Fully Articulating Screen: Perfect for self-shooting and monitoring.

Compact but with More Controls: Offers more tactile control and menu navigation than the Pocket 3.

USB-C Port: Modern connectivity for charging and data.

Cons:

No In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS): Relies on electronic stabilization for video, which can lead to a slight crop and isn't as effective as mechanical gimbals or IBIS, especially for walking and talking.

Limited Background Blur (compared to larger sensors): While it has an f/1.8 aperture at the wide end, the 1-inch sensor limits the amount of natural background blur compared to APS-C or Full-Frame cameras.

8-bit Video: Less flexibility for heavy color grading than 10-bit footage.

Fixed Lens (no interchangeable lenses): Limited in terms of optical versatility.

Best for: Aspiring vloggers looking for a dedicated camera that's compact, easy to use, and packed with vlogging-specific features, especially those who want good image quality and reliable autofocus without dealing with interchangeable lenses.

3. iPhone 15 Pro (and Pro Max)
Pros:

Always With You: The best camera is the one you have with you, and your phone is always in your pocket.

Exceptional Video Quality: Records stunning 4K video at various frame rates (up to 60fps, 24fps for cinematic look, up to 120fps for slow-mo) with excellent detail and dynamic range, especially in good lighting.

Cinematic Mode: Creates shallow depth of field effects with automatic focus transitions.

Action Mode: Provides excellent digital stabilization for shaky footage (though with a crop).

Log Video Recording: The Pro models offer ProRes Log video, giving immense flexibility for color grading in post-production. This is a game-changer for phone videography.

Versatile Lenses: Multiple lenses (Ultra Wide, Wide, Telephoto) offer different perspectives. The 15 Pro Max's 5x optical zoom is particularly good.

Robust Ecosystem: Access to a vast array of editing apps, accessories (gimbals, external mics), and direct social media sharing.

Computational Photography/Videography: Apple's processing enhances image quality and features.

External SSD Recording: The iPhone 15 Pro can record directly to an external SSD, which is great for large 4K ProRes files.

Cons:

Stabilization (vs. Gimbal): While Action Mode is good, it cannot replicate the buttery smooth, uncropped stabilization of a mechanical gimbal like the Pocket 3. Handheld walking shots can still look shaky without a physical gimbal.

Audio Quality (Built-in): While improved, built-in phone mics are generally not as good as dedicated camera mics or external wireless mics, especially in noisy environments.

Ergonomics: Holding a phone for extended vlogging can be awkward without accessories.

Overheating: Prolonged 4K or ProRes recording can lead to overheating and reduced recording times.

Battery Drain: Video recording is a battery hog.

Front Camera Limitations: While good, the front-facing camera for selfie vlogging isn't as high quality as the rear cameras.

Best for: Everyday vloggers, casual content creators, those who prioritize convenience, and professionals who need a capable backup or secondary camera for specific shots. It's fantastic for social media-first content.

Conclusion: Which is the "Best"?
There's no single "best" camera for everyone. It depends on your priorities:

For Ultimate Portability & Stabilization (Solo Vlogger): DJI Osmo Pocket 3. If you want professional-looking smooth footage without fuss, especially when moving, and in a tiny package, the Pocket 3 is a standout. The Creator Combo makes it a complete solution.

For Dedicated Vlogging Features & Autofocus (Beginner to Intermediate): Sony ZV-1 II. If you want a camera built from the ground up for vlogging with excellent autofocus and a useful zoom range in a compact form, this is a strong choice.

For Convenience & Powerful Post-Production (Already Own One): iPhone 15 Pro. If you already have the iPhone 15 Pro, you possess an incredibly capable vlogging tool, especially with its Log video capabilities. For many, it's all they'll ever need, especially when paired with a small gimbal and external mic.

Recommendation for 2024:

If you're starting fresh and want a dedicated vlogging camera that excels at stabilization and ease of use, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 (especially the Creator Combo) is hard to beat for solo creators.

If you prefer a more traditional compact camera form factor with strong vlogging features and Sony's renowned autofocus, the Sony ZV-1 II is an excellent choice.

If you primarily shoot for social media and prioritize convenience and excellent video quality you already own, the iPhone 15 Pro is more than capable. Invest in good lighting and external audio, and you'll be surprised by its output.