Testing the XTRA MUSE

The Small Camera That Might Make Vlogging Feel Less Annoying

EVERYDAY WITH MEL

Melissa Rose Cooper

7/3/20263 min read

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I’ve been saying I want to get back into vlogging more consistently, but honestly, one of the biggest things that slows me down is the actual filming setup.

Yes, I can use my phone. And I do use my phone a lot. But when you’re already carrying your bag, checking messages, trying to capture moments, filming yourself, filming the scene, and not miss what’s happening around you, using your phone for everything can start to feel like a lot.

So I decided to test out the XTRA MUSE, a pocket-sized vlogging camera made for creators who want something more seamless than always pulling out their phone. It has a 1-inch CMOS sensor, shoots up to 4K/120fps, and has a 3-axis gimbal, which basically means it is designed to capture cleaner, smoother footage without needing a huge setup.

And because I’m not trying to turn every single thing into a heavy technical review, I tested it the way I would actually use it: outside, on the go, during a very real weekend.

Originally, this was supposed to be part of a weekly vlog. I had planned to film a little bit of my weekend and start easing back into that kind of content. But the weather had other plans. It was rainy, muggy, dreary, and not exactly the most eventful weekend.

Instead of forcing it, I turned the footage into a first impressions video and shared what I thought about the XTRA MUSE after taking it out for a real-life test.

The first thing I noticed was that the footage looked really clean, even on a gloomy day. I filmed in Prospect Park while it was raining, and I was honestly surprised by how crisp the video still looked. Sometimes bad weather can make footage feel dull or flat, but the XTRA MUSE handled the rainy, gray-day look better than I expected.

I also tested it with my DJI mic, which was a big deal for me. Audio matters so much, especially for vlogs, and I liked that I could connect my mic and still capture the natural sounds around me. You could hear the rain, the park, and the environment without it feeling like the camera was struggling.

Another thing I liked is that it feels less cumbersome than trying to do everything on my phone. When I’m creating travel, food, or lifestyle content, I need something that makes filming easier, not something that adds another headache. So far, the XTRA MUSE feels like it could fit well into the kind of vlogging I want to do more of.

I also started playing around with shooting in log and applying my own LUT while editing. I’m still testing that part, so I’m not ready to give a full opinion yet, but I do like having the option to customize the look of the footage more.

This first video is not a full review. It’s more of an honest first impression from a creator who wants to vlog more without feeling like the setup is doing the absolute most.

You can watch the full video below.

I’ll keep testing it and sharing more as I use it in different situations. I’m especially curious to see how it performs for travel days, food videos, and more everyday creator-life moments. And with newer creator cameras like the XTRA MUSE PRO 2 also on my radar, I’m paying closer attention to what makes a vlogging camera actually useful in real life.

For now, my first impression is simple: the XTRA MUSE made filming feel easier, the footage looked clean, and I’m excited to keep testing it.

Now I just need the weather to act right for the next vlog.

BTW, here is some additional gear I am currently using to capture my content.

And for deets on my outfits and other faves, you can check always check out my LTK and Amazon stores.

***Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through them. This comes at no extra cost to you.***

© 2026 Melissa Rose Cooper

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