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Looking for the best cheap vlogging camera that matches your budget? On a tight budget and seeking stardom. Don’t worry, we’ve got you (and your wallet) covered. We can help you find the right affordable cam for your budget and needs: check out our rankings of the most affordable vlogging cameras, ranging from under $100 to around $500 depending on your price tolerance. If you’re looking for an iStabilizer for smartphones, you’re in the wrong guide. But, you’ll want to use this handy guide, to find some of the best vlogging cameras, too.
While there are many great cheap cameras and vlogging reviews for YouTube, if you really want to save money we suggest the Logitech C922x Pro webcam, which you can get for under $100 for all your streaming needs. It’s an excellent cam for beginners as it’s easy to use, and set up, offers excellent video quality, and has over 9,000 4.5-star reviews on Amazon.
Award: Best Youtube Cam Under $100
WHY WE LIKE IT: There are many types of vlogging where you stand or sit in front of your computer – gaming and how-to tutorials both benefit from desktop work. In this case, an affordable webcam upgrade may be all you need, and this Logitech model hits the spot.
The cam provides automated background replacement and low light recording to help you look your best, and those stereo speakers can also record your voice more clearly than traditional desktop mics can. You won’t need a microphone input with 2 built-in mics in this speaker.
Finally, the tilt and expand design helps you find the right angle, no matter what your computer setup is like. This is important, especially if you don’t know what a vlogging camera is used for.
You can also bundle the cam with a gaming headset, but of course, this raises the price. And speaking of that low price, it’s a great way to get started with your YouTube channel, but you may want to also consider investing in an additional mic for better voice pickup.
Award: Best Selfie Cam For Youtube
WHY WE LIKE IT: The YI is a feature-heavy, social media-ready camera that won’t break your budget: it’s able to take 4k video (still relatively rare among these vlogging cameras, although growing more popular), and has several video modes for setting resolution, slow motion, time-lapse, and more.
The large LCD screen is also handy for quickly customizing your shoots, although it may take time to get used to the lack of manual controls for this camera. As you might expect from a camera targeted at social media lovers, the connectivity options include video editing, filters, music, and sharing to popular platforms – but it may be a little too casual for your professional vlogging needs, so you may need additional apps to accomplish everything you need. It also connects to drones, works underwater with the right case, and has other special situation features that may be a good fit for specific bloggers.
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Award: Best Budget Cam Under $200
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Lakasara camcorder is specifically designed to be a low-cost option for taking fast, simple videos that are ready to post online the moment you are done.
Our favorite features include the HD video, the included shotgun microphone, the wide-angle lens option, and a remote control for recording yourself (ideal for vloggers in front of the camera). This will give you full HD footage at a price that you’ll be able to afford.
There are also timer, anti-shake, and face detection capabilities to help you take higher-quality videos. Storage options are a little slim, however, and those dual batteries can take a long time to recharge, so make sure you’re prepared. This would be a good point-and-shoot camera option.
Award: Best Camcorder Under $300
WHY WE LIKE IT: If you are willing to spend a bit more on a camcorder, this Vixia model may be more your style.
It’s a small, lighter camcorder that’s easier to carry around while traveling, with a great LCD touchscreen for controlling your video, and several options for recording in different ways, such as slow motion or fast-motion, and zoom framing assist for getting really close to subjects. These are some of its top features that make it a contender for the best vlogging camera under 300.
However, if you are primarily interested in filming yourself, the Vixia falls a bit short. It’s designed to film other people, nature, and events, and lacks features designed for sitting in front of the camera and talking to an audience. Choose this cam if you have a more outward-facing, active blog. For a similarly priced camera, take a look at the Diji Osmo.
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Coolpix comes with several features we really like, including the ability to stitch short videos together into automatic montages, 18 scenes for shifting the image to match the conditions (with auto scene selection), and hybrid image stabilization that will help your video as much as your photos.
It makes a great YouTube camera if your budget is a bit too low to afford more high-end digital cameras. However, the camera is a little too photo-focused to be perfect, and some features (such as battery life) won’t perform as well when you are taking video. If you want something a bit pricier, take a look at the Blackmagic URSA Broadcast as another option.
Award: Best Slo-Mo Capture Camera
WHY WE LIKE IT: There’s a lot to love about this Lumix model: it gives plenty of nods toward video recording, including a slow-mo ability to take 100fps and 200fps shots, or slow things down a different way and record a time-lapse session for sunsets and similar events.
Add in hybrid image stabilization, manual focus peaking, and the ability to record in either MP4 or AVCHD, and you can see why this is a popular vlogging camera. However, the design is a little too adventurous for its own good – Panasonic touts features like the control ring, which are unique…but not exactly easy to learn and use.
Award: Best Vlogging Camera For Busy Pros
WHY WE LIKE IT: Samsung’s NX Mini is designed for ease of use: The compact camera design and pop-up LCD screen make it easy to operate, while the many different connectivity options allow you to beam video to other devices without Wi-Fi, share files, automatically backup your content, and more.
More advanced features are also great for professional vloggers who want great performance–such as the 325-minute video recording battery life, the remote viewfinder, and the surprisingly large 20.5-megapixel sensor. All in all, it’s a camera that can compete with models twice its price.
Award: Best Vlogging Cam For Youtube Under $400
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Rebel line has a long tradition of being well suited for amateurs who want to take their visual arts to the next level.
The T5 is a good choice for this kind of upgrade, with its solid design, powerful 18-megapixel sensor, and HD video capabilities. However, it’s also a very basic model that may be more suited for photographers who want to dip into vlogging on the side. The customization features are handy, but they are primarily designed for careful adjustment between taking photos, and less so for video.
Award: Best Vlogging Youtube Camera Under $500
WHY WE LIKE IT: Looking for a great model even if you have to pay more? This PowerShot (with the right accessories) can last you for years as you create a video blog and establish your channel.
It has a lot of power for its size and can take high-quality video (no 4k, unfortunately) on demand. It’s also durable, has excellent 5-axis image stabilization that will work for video, and is a favorite of current YouTubers for good reason! Compare this with the Canon PowerShot G7 x Mark II or the Mark III if you’re willing to spend a bit more.
Do you want to just take a video of yourself? Live events? Choose a camera that is specific to what you need to do. Some are good at nature shoots, others not so much. Some may be better at selfies. Invest some time into learning what the camera does best and what you need. You might want to consider the Wi-Fi NFC too if you need to control your camera, your laptop, and your phone while you’re uploading. Or if you want a different vlogging camera completely, take a look at the DJ Osmo too.
We like comparing products to make a quick decision. We hope you do too.
Device Name – Vlogging Extras/Durable
You want versatility in a Youtube camera, especially if you are doing more than just pointing it at yourself. Look for extra features that will help make your videos better, and a great image, and it should be very easy to use.
Tyler Lacoma | Vlogging Camera Expert
If you’re a savvy buyer, you probably want to do some research on your own to see what camera deals you can find. Go for it! But while you are making up your mind, here’s a quick list of important features that you may want to consider.
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