When you are looking for a camera for blogging and/or vlogging, we want you to remember this:
You don’t need to spend big bucks on a camera to shoot professional-quality photos and videos for your blog. This is true if you’re an entry-level vlogger or looking to upgrade from a smartphone.
With a decent budget camera, you can capture stunning photos and shoot impressive videos for YouTube. These cameras feature easy-to-use controls and auto modes since they are designed to work in the hands of beginners.
In this guide we have compiled the following resources:
• The 10 best budget vlogging cameras for vloggers and photographers
• How to choose the best budget camera for vlogging
• The essential features of a GOOD budget vlogging camera
• What vlogging camera should you buy when you’re on a budget
• Photography equipment for vlogging
• Photography tips for vloggers
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we may earn a small commission – at no extra cost to you! Read the full Disclosure Policy.
Where Should I Buy Camera Equipment?
We get asked this question often. There are two places where we buy our cameras, lenses and other accessories: Amazon and B&H Photo.
B&H Photo is our go-to company for buying the high quality cameras, tripods and lenses. They are a reputable company that's been in business for over 45 years. Their customer service and knowledge about photography equipment gives us peace of mind when spending money on higher ticket items.
→ Check out Photography Gear at B&H Photo
Amazon is where we buy most of our camera accessories like filters, memory cards, etc. The free two-day shipping is always a plus. We have bought cameras, lenses and tripods from Amazon with no problem as well. They are good about returns, but won't be able to answer gear-specific questions.
Camera Gear for Travel, Blogging & Vlogging
Awesome Compact Travel Cameras
BEST BUDGET CAMERAS FOR VLOGGING AT A GLANCE
Camera |
Type |
Max Video Resolution |
Megapixels |
LCD Screen |
Connectivity |
Price |
| Canon EOS Rebel T6 | DSLR | 1080p, 30fps | 18 | 3.0” Fixed | WiFi, NFC | Check Price |
| Nikon Coolpix B500 | Superzoom | 1080p, 30fps | 16 | 3.0” Flip-Up | WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, HDMI | Check Price |
| Canon VIXIA HF R800 | Camcorder | 1080p, 60fps | 3.28 | 3.0” Flip-Out Touchscreen | HDMI, USB | Check Price |
| Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II | Compact | 1080p, 60fps | 20.1 | 3.0” Fixed Touchscreen | WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB | Check Price |
| Canon PowerShot SX620 | Compact | 1080p, 30fps | 20.2 | 3.0” Fixed | WiFi, NFC, HDMI, USB | Check Price |
| AKASO EK7000 | Action | 4K, 25fps | 12 | 2.0” Fixed | WiFi, HDMI | Check Price |
| Olympus TG-5 | Compact | 4K, 30fps | 12 | 3.0” Fixed | WiFi, HDMI, USB | Check Price |
| Sony DSCHX80 | Compact | 1080p, 60fps | 18.2 | 3.0” Flip-Up | WiFi, NFC, HDMI, USB | Check Price |
| Panasonic Lumix ZS50 | Compact | 1080p, 60fps | 12.1 | 3.0” Fixed | WiFi, NFC, HDMI, USB | Check Price |
| Sony a5100 | Mirrorless | 1080p, 60fps | 24.3 | 3.0” Flip-Up Touchscreen | WiFi, NFC, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB | Check Price |
Top 10 Best Budget Vlogging Cameras
1. Overall Best Budget Vlogging Camera
– Canon EOS Rebel T6 (1300D)
Sensor: APS-C
Resolution: 18 Megapixels
Screen: 3-inch 920k-dot Fixed LCD
Image Stabilization: None
Zoom: Depends on lens
Video: 1080p/30fps
Record Limit: 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC
Battery Life: 500 Shots
Weight: 485 g (without a lens)
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 is a solid entry-level DSLR that we recommend to bloggers who are just starting out or upgrading from a smartphone. It features an 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 4+ image processor. This combination allows it to capture high-quality images with low noise, even in low lighting conditions.
As a photography blogger, you will benefit from this sensor and processor as they offer the ability to shoot continuously at 3fps when capturing moving subjects. It also features a 9-point AutoFocus system that incorporates a single cross-type AF point for increased accuracy and focusing speed when shooting with the optical viewfinder.
The Rebel T6 earned a place in this review as the overall best budget vlogging camera due to its easy menu system and automatic settings. Its ease-of-use ensures that you don’t need to do anything apart from point and shoot.
As a beginner blogger, this camera will help you to get started with shooting your videos as you slowly learn to work with the manual settings over time.
Pros:
- An affordable DSLR that offers good value for beginners.
- Easy menu system with automatic settings for point-and-shoot.
- It includes an 18-55mm Lens to get you started in your vlogging.
- Inbuilt flash and stereo microphone.
Cons:
- The LCD is fixed and not a touchscreen.
- Its 9-point autofocus system doesn’t give the best shots for moving objects.
Canon launched the Rebel T6 back in 2016, and since then it has stood out as one of the best DSLR for beginners. If you’re on a tight budget, you can always grab a used/renewed Rebel T6, which are mostly sold by bloggers who are upgrading to better cameras.
2. Best Budget Vlogging Camera for Travel Bloggers
– Nikon Coolpix B500
Sensor: 1/2.3-inch CMOS
Resolution: 16 Megapixels
Screen: 3-inch 921k-dot Tilting LCD
Image Stabilization: 4-Axis Hybrid Vibration Reduction (VR)
Zoom: 40x optical
Video: 1080p/30fps
Record Limit: 29 minutes or 4GB file sizes
Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, NFC, HDMI
Battery Life: 600 Shots
Weight: 542 g (with battery and memory)
The Nikon Coolpix B500 is an affordable superzoom camera that we recommend to travel bloggers who want to take photos of sporting events, wildlife, bird sightings, and other things that are far away. One of the most unique features of this camera is that it uses AA batteries so you can carry spare batteries during your adventures in remote locations.
B500 features a 16MP 1/2.3 inches BSI CMOS Sensor that allows it to shoot vibrant images and record Full HD videos. It has a stacked backside-illuminated technology that improves image clarity and quality when working in low light conditions. And with the 4-Axis Hybrid Vibration Reduction (VR), you’re assured of recording smooth and steady videos during handheld shooting.
The 40x NIKKOR VR Zoom Lens provides a 35mm equivalent focal range of 22.5-900mm, allowing it to cover wide-angle to telephoto perspectives. A further subject magnification can be achieved by using the 80x Dynamic Fine Zoom to double the camera’s reach. This allows you to capture excellent images and videos of dynamic landscapes to feature-rich far distant subjects.
Pros:
- An affordable long-zoom camera with easy-to-use controls.
- 7.4 fps of continuous shooting.
- An intelligent Target Finding AF auto-focus that quickly determines the subject.
- Nikon SnapBridge app for android and iOS devices for easy file sharing, editing, and camera remote control.
- The package includes four AA batteries to get you started.
Cons:
- Its DSLR-design is a little bulky and heavy.
- The LCD is not touch-enabled and doesn’t tilt to the side.
If you’re looking for a long zoom camera to capture landscapes and wildlife, we recommend getting the B500. It’s energy-efficient and can take up to 600 shots on four regular AA alkaline batteries.
3. Best Budget Camcorder with Flip Screen
– Canon VIXIA HF R800
Sensor: 1-Chip 1/4.85″ CMOS
Resolution: 3.28 Megapixels (Effective: 2.07)
Screen: 3-inch 230k-dot Touchscreen LCD Flip Screen
Image Stabilization: SuperRange Optical
Zoom: 32x Optical, 57x Advanced (Optical)
Video: 1080p/60fps
Record Limit: Up to 2 hours when recording in 1080p at 35Mb/s
Connectivity: Mini-HDMI (Type C) and USB 2.0 Mini-AB output
Battery Life: 3 hours
Weight: 305 g (including battery, memory card, and grip belt)
The Canon VIXIA HF R800 fits the description of the best YouTube camera under $200. It’s a superb camcorder that features a lightweight and portable design to complement the lifestyle of on-the-go vloggers.
While we wouldn’t recommend it to photography bloggers, it can make a great cheap camera for entry-level vloggers who want a flip-screen.
The VIXIA HF R800 sports a 3.28MP Full HD CMOS Image Sensor and DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor. These features allow it to deliver Full HD video recording with natural color even in dimly-lit conditions. The sensor has been designed with an on-chip noise reduction technology that enhances the image and footage clarity in every frame.
Our favorite feature in this camera is its powerful 57x Advanced (Optical) Zoom range that provides for a seamless long-range shooting experience. It’s a feature that will appeal to holiday-makers, sports enthusiasts, and budget travelers. Especially those looking to capture animals in the wild, birds, fast-paced sports action, or document family events.
Pros:
- An affordable and easy-to-use camcorder with a touchscreen LCD flip-out screen.
- Captures vivid, noise-free videos and photos, even in dark situations.
- SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer that quickly corrects camera shakes across the zoom range.
- Records slow-motion at 0.5x and fast-motion at top-speeds of up to 1200x.
- A mic input and headphone jack terminals.
Cons:
- Lacks wireless (WiFI, NFC, Bluetooth) connectivity.
- A poor quality inbuilt mic.
- Doesn’t shoot in RAW.
The Canon VIXIA HF R800 is compact, lightweight, and convenient. It has been equipped with a high capacity 2760 mAh rechargeable Li-Ion battery and supports super-high capacity SDXC cards of up to 2048 GB. We feel it’s one of the best budget vlogging cameras for on-the-go vacationists and backpackers.
4. Best Budget Compact Camera for Lifestyle Blogging
– Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
Sensor: 1″ CMOS
Resolution: 20.9 (Effective Pixels: 20.1)
Screen: 3-inch 1.04m-dot Touchscreen LCD
Image Stabilization: Optical
Zoom: 3x Optical and 4x Digital (12x Combined Zoom)
Video: 1080p/60fps
Record Limit: 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds
Connectivity: WiFi with NFC, Bluetooth, HDMI, USB
Battery Life: 235 shots
Weight: 206 g (including battery and memory card)
The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a blend of a sleek, portable design and advanced imaging capabilities. It pairs a 20.1MP 1″ High-Sensitivity CMOS Sensor with a DIGIC 7 Image Processor to produce vibrant, high-resolution images and videos.
The large 1-inch sensor allows it to capture impressive shots even when working in difficult lighting situations. It contributes to bright, feature-rich image quality with a resolution of 5472 x 3648 pixels which is well-suited for sharing work and printing.
To complement its imaging capabilities, the PowerShot G9 X Mark II features a versatile 3x optical zoom lens with an equivalent focal length range of 28-84mm. At this zoom range, you should enjoy capturing dynamic wide-angle and close-up portrait shots.
The PowerShot G9 X Mark II uses Dynamic IS technology to stabilize your video footage by correcting camera shakes during handheld shooting. It also features Intelligent IS and Dual Sensing IS image stabilization technologies to benefit handheld shooting in low-light situations.
Pros:
- A sleek, compact, and super-lightweight design to suit on-the-go bloggers.
- Inbuilt WiFi with NFC and Bluetooth for easy file transfer and camera remote control.
- Shoots JPEG and RAW, which is great if you know how to edit RAW files.
- Quick autofocus with subject tracking capabilities and a burst rate of 8.2 fps.
- Superb inbuilt stereo mic.
Cons:
- Lacks a flip-screen.
- A sub-par battery life.
The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II stands out among the best budget vlogging cameras due to its sleek design and excellent imaging capabilities. It’s a great camera for anyone looking to capture high-quality photos and Full HD videos, especially lifestyle bloggers.
5. Best Cheap Compact Camera for Lifestyle Blogging
– Canon PowerShot SX620
Sensor: 1/2.3″ CMOS
Resolution: 20.2 Megapixels
Screen: 3-inch 922k-dot Fixed LCD
Image Stabilization: Optical
Zoom: 25x Optical and 4x Digital (100x Combined Zoom)
Video: 1080p/30fps
Record Limit: 29 Minutes, 59 Seconds
Connectivity: WiFi with NFC, HDMI D (Micro), USB 2.0, USB 2.0 Micro-B
Battery Life: 295 shots (405 shots in Eco Mode)
Weight: 182 g
The Canon PowerShot SX620 is a cheaper alternative of the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II. This camera sports a sleek and lightweight body that houses its 20.2MP 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor and a powerful DIGIC 4+ Image Sensor. The sensor and processor combination provides for clear and high-quality images and videos, even when working in low-light conditions.
Our favorite feature is its 25x optical zoom lens. A long-reaching zoom that offers a wide-angle to super-telephoto 25-625mm equivalent focal length range. The expansive zoom is complemented by a versatile Intelligent IS system. This feature is quite handy, as it minimizes the appearance of camera shakes in videos and stills during handheld shooting.
The SX620 has a smaller sensor than the G9 X Mark II, hence it won’t capture vibrant, print-quality images like those captured by the latter. However, the photos will still bear vivid details and clarity, especially if you intend to use them on social media and blogs. Beyond its still imagery capabilities, it records Full HD 1080p footage at up to 30 fps.
Pros:
- An affordable, lightweight compact camera with Full HD video capabilities.
- A dedicated movie button for “press-and-record” video recording experience.
- 7.1 fps continuous shooting rate.
- Inbuilt WiFi with NFC for wireless file transfer and camera remote control.
- Inbuilt flash.
Cons:
- The LCD is not a touchscreen.
- The controls can be a bit complicated for the absolute beginner.
The Canon PowerShot SX620’s compact and lightweight design makes it an ideal camera for budget lifestyle and travel bloggers. Its extensive zoom range will appeal to those who need to capture far subjects close-up.
6. Best Budget Camera for Underwater Blogging
– AKASO EK7000
Resolution: 12 Megapixels
Screen: 2.0-inch Fixed LCD
Image Stabilization: None
Zoom: None
Video: 4K/25 fps
Record Limit: About 90 minutes (depends on battery charge)
Connectivity: WiFi and HDMI
Battery Life: Records up to 90 minutes of 4K/25fps footage per charge
Weight: 59.5 g (with battery)
The AKASO EK7000 is an inexpensive action camera that looks and works almost like a GoPro. It does basically the same things as GoPro including 4K video recording, inbuilt WiFi, time-lapse, still photos, and burst mode. In fact, the photos and videos look almost similar to the ones captured by GoPro. From the camera design to the packaging material, this is clearly a GoPro imitation.
Just like GoPro, the EK7000 comes with a waterproof housing that is rated down to 30 meters (100 feet). The mounting system is also the same. The great thing about this camera is its much simpler controls. It shoots 4K footage at up to 25fps, 1080p at up to 60fps, and 720p at up to 120fps for slow-motion playback.
The EK7000 takes images of up to 12MP that measure 4608×2592 pixels. It only has one field of view of 170 degrees, which isn’t as wide as that of a GoPro. Other photo sizes that you can capture with the camera include 8MP, 5MP, and 4MP wide that measure 3760×2120, 2976×1672, and 2648×1504. The only drawback in this action camera is the lack of an in-camera image stabilization capabilities.
Pros:
- An affordable and worthy GoPro alternative with simpler controls.
- Two 1050mAh batteries and a dual dock charger included.
- Connects to iOS and Android devices with the iSmart DV app.
- A micro-USB port for charging (USB cable included) and a micro-HDMI port for file transfer.
- The package includes a small 2.4GHz wireless remote control, clips, small mounts, straps, and tethers to help you get started.
Cons:
- Only takes 3 photos in 1.5 seconds in burst mode.
- Lacks a touchscreen.
- Audio mutes when using the waterproof housing.
If you’re looking for a cheaply priced GoPro alternative, then you have all the reasons to get the AKASO EK7000. But with a few extra bucks, you can get the AKASO EK7000 Pro that comes with an in-camera EIS, adjustable view angle, and a touchscreen display.
7. Best Budget Camera for Adventure Bloggers
– Olympus TG-5
Sensor: 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS
Resolution: 12 Megapixels
Screen: 3-inch 460k-dot LCD
Image Stabilization: Sensor-Shift
Zoom: 4x Optical
Video: 4K/60fps
Record Limit: 29 minutes
Connectivity: GPS, WiFi, HDMI, USB
Battery Life: 340 Shots
Weight: 250 g (with Battery and Memory)
If your outdoor activities include mountain climbing, hiking, off-road biking, and underwater sports, you’ll need a camera that has been specifically designed for extreme adventure.
The Olympus TG-5 is such a rugged camera that boasts of recording 4K Ultra HD footage at up to 60 fps and capturing impressive 12MP stills. It pairs up a 12MP BSI CMOS sensor and a TruePic VIII image processor to deliver its apt imaging capabilities even in low-light situations.
Olympus TG-5 features a tough and durable design to withstand harsh conditions. It is dustproof-rated to IP6X, freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14°F/-10°C, and shockproof for falls from 2.1 meters (7 feet). And its crushproof rating that can withstand up to 220 lbf/100 kgf of pressure!
If your idea of extreme fun has to deal with some underwater sporting like scuba diving and snorkeling, then the TG-5 is worth a look due to its waterproof-rating of up to IPX8 for use underwater to depths of up to 15 meters (50 feet).
Pros:
- An affordable, lightweight, and rugged camera for adventure blogging.
- A versatile 4x optical zoom lens with f/2 maximum aperture to benefit working in low-light situations.
- Inbuilt GPS, manometer, thermometer, and compass.
- A fast 20 fps continuous shooting.
- A high-speed Full HD 1080p at 120 fps for slow-motion playback.
Cons:
- Lacks a touchscreen.
- The menu structure can be a bit confusing.
The Olympus TG-5 checks all the boxes of an ideal camera for extreme adventure and outdoor activities blogging. Its build quality is sturdy and virtually indestructible, while its imaging capabilities allows it to stand out as one of the best budget vlogging cameras out there.
8. Best Budget Vlogging Camera with Flip-Screen
– Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80
Sensor: 1/2.3″ Exmor R CMOS
Resolution: 18.2 Megapixels
Screen: 3-inch 921.6k-dot Flip-Up LCD
Image Stabilization: Optical (5-Axis)
Zoom: 30x Optical
Video: 1080p/60fps
Record Limit: 29 minutes
Connectivity: WiFi, NFC, HDMI, USB
Battery Life: 360 shots
Weight: 245 g (including battery)
The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II and SX620 made it on this list as two of our best budget vlogging cameras for lifestyle bloggers. But they both lack one important aspect that appeal to bloggers in this niche, a flip screen.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 is the answer to anyone looking for a compact vlogging camera with flip-screen. It features an 18.2MP BSI Exmor R CMOS Sensor that pair-up with BIONZ X Image Processor. These features allow it to capture smooth, vivid images with reduced noise, even in low-light situations.
In addition to the sensor and processor combination, it’s also equipped with a 30x Optical Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens. The lens covers a 24-720mm equivalent focal length range that allows it to capture wide-angle to super-telephoto perspective. Complementing the lens is a 5-axis Optical SteadyShot image stabilization that minimizes camera shakes.
Our favorite feature is the 180° tilting 3.0-inch 921k-dot LCD monitor that facilitates taking front facing selfies and working from low angles. Alternatively, you can consider shooting through the unique pop-up 638k-dot OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder. The viewfinder is pocketable to maintain the camera’s sleek form factor.
Pros:
- A lightweight and versatile compact camera with impressive imaging capabilities.
- 10 fps continuous shooting rate.
- WiFi with NFC for file transfer and remote camera control.
- A large right-hand grip for increased comfort when shooting for longer sessions.
- Excellent inbuilt stereo mic.
Cons:
- No external mic jack.
- The LCD is not touch-enabled.
The Cyber-shot DSC-HX80 is a versatile, compact superzoom camera with excellent photo and video shooting capabilities. The unique pop-up viewfinder and flip-up screen allows it to stand out among other compact cameras for everyday-use and lifestyle blogging.
9. Best Budget Compact Camera for Travel Vloggers
– Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50
Sensor: 1/2.3″ MOS
Resolution: 12.1 Megapixels
Screen: 3-inch 1.04m-dot LCD
Image Stabilization: HYBRID O.I.S.+
Zoom: 30x Optical and 60x Intelligent
Video: 1080p/60 fps
Record Limit: 40 minutes
Connectivity: WiFi, NFC, HDMI, USB
Battery Life: 350 shots
Weight: 243 g (with battery and memory card)
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 is another great compact superzoom camera that is much cheaper than the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. It features a Leica DC Vario-Elmar 30x optical zoom lens that provides a 24-720mm equivalent focal length range. To complement the zooming capabilities, a HYBRID OIS+ image stabilization has been included to minimize the appearance of camera shakes.
Panasonic designed the Lumix DMC-ZS50 with a 12.1MP High Sensitivity MOS sensor and Venus Engine image processor. This pairing allows it to shoot high-resolution still photos and record Full HD 1080p footage at 60 fps. The fast processor means you get a burst rate of up to 10 fps or 6 fps with continuous AF.
Like the Cyber-shot DSC-HX80, this camera comes with a viewfinder and an LCD screen. The Lumix DMC-ZS50 gives you the option of either shooting through the 0.2″ 1,166k-dot electronic viewfinder or the large 3.0-inch 1,040k-dot LCD screen. The screen has an anti-reflective coating that offers a great experience during image/video review, menu navigation, and live view monitoring.
Pros:
- An affordable, compact superzoom camera with easy-to-use controls for a point-and-shoot experience.
- Records images in JPEG, MPO, and RAW.
- Inbuilt WiFi with NFC for file transfer and remote shooting.
- An excellent inbuilt stereo mic.
Cons:
- Lacks a touchscreen.
- No external mic jack.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 is a pocket-friendly compact superzoom camera that offers impressive imaging capabilities. If a tilting touchscreen isn’t one of your considerations in a travel vlogging camera, then it’s worth a look.
10. Best Budget Mirrorless Vlogging Camera
– Sony Alpha a5100
Sensor: APS-C Exmor HD CMOS
Resolution: 24.3 Megapixels
Screen: 3-inch 921.6k-dot Flip-Up Touchscreen LCD
Image Stabilization: None
Zoom: Depends on lens
Video: 1080p/60 fps
Record Limit: 29 minutes
Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, Micro-HDMI, Micro-USB
Battery Life: 400 shots
Weight: 283 g (without a lens)
Some travel bloggers want a compact camera that offers the versatility of shooting professional-quality photos and videos in different situations. A mirrorless camera that adopts a compact and lightweight design might be the answer to their needs. The Sony A5100 is such a portable, entry-level mirrorless camera that finds a place in this list due to its affordable price point.
It pairs a 24.3MP APS-C-sized Exmor HD CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor which allows it to record 1080p video footage at up to 60fps and shoot vibrant, print-quality images with a maximum resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels. To complement the imaging capabilities, it features a Fast Hybrid AF system that delivers quick, accurate, and consistent focusing abilities.
If you are a lifestyle vlogger, you will find the large 3.0″ 921.6k-dot LCD monitor quite handy. It has a touchscreen and flips up to permit easier viewing and capturing front-facing selfie shots. And with the inbuilt WiFi connectivity with NFC, you can link it with mobile devices for image live viewing, file sharing, and remote camera control.
Pros:
- A compact and lightweight design that offers for portability.
- Captures some of the best night shots for a mirrorless camera of its budget.
- Package includes a 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Retractable Zoom Lens to get you started.
- Shoots both JPEG and RAW.
- A decent inbuilt stereo mic.
Cons:
- Lacks a camera in-body image stabilization.
- Lacks an external mic jack.
The Sony A5100 is a perfect fit for travel bloggers and lifestyle vloggers who want to capture the best possible shots but don’t want to carry a bulky DSLR. When paired with the 16-50mm lens, it still keeps its portable design and will perfectly fit inside a purse.
How to Choose the Best Budget Camera for Vlogging
A budget camera doesn’t mean it’s poorly designed or made of cheap materials. It only means that you will be trading in some extra features for a lower price. In most cases, these features aren’t even that necessary for successful and seamless vlogging, especially if you’re just starting out.
The Essential Features of a GOOD Budget Vlogging Camera
The first step to buying a budget camera for your vlogging needs is understanding the essential features of a good vlogging camera. The following are the main aspects you should consider when buying your ideal camera for vlogging.
NOTE: All the cameras that we have recommended in this guide perform well in each of these aspects.
1. Low-Light Performance
When you’re just starting out as a vlogger, you most likely don’t have enough money to spend on lighting equipment. As such, you should consider getting a camera that performs well in low light conditions.
Keep in mind that “low-light” not only implies night time but also conditions where there is no enough natural lighting. That includes indoors, a cloudy or foggy scene, or in shadow areas like behind buildings or under a bridge.
A camera with a poor performance in low-light will reduce its frame rate per second (fps) as it tries to let in more light when capturing the frames. The footage recorded might be blurred due to image noise.
2. Sensor Size
The bigger the sensor size, the more light the camera captures, and the better the footage quality.
Sensor sizes are determined by the camera type. Camcorders and action cams have the smallest, while DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have the largest sensors.
Compact cameras will fall somewhere in between, but some models feature larger 1-inch sensors. A good example is the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II that we have recommended to lifestyle bloggers.
To improve their low-light performance, some compact cameras utilize a back-illuminated sensor. These sensors use a novel arrangement of the imaging elements to allow more light to be collected thus improving the camera’s low-light performance.
3. Lens Aperture
A good quality lens will have a wide aperture, which allows it to capture more light.
With a wide aperture, you will also be able to achieve the blurry background effect. This gives your vlogs nice aesthetics, especially if you’re shooting lifestyle videos while sitting in front of your camera.
Lens apertures are denoted by f-stops. A good f-stop range is from f/1.8 to f/22. The lower the number, the wider the aperture and, therefore, the more the light captured. Simply put, an f/1.8 aperture will let in more light and achieve a more blurred background than an f/22 aperture.
For example, the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II has an aperture range of f/2 to 4.9, which is pretty good for indoor seated lifestyle vlogging. You can blur your background at f/2 and let all the focus be on you. The 16-50mm kit lens that comes with the Sony a5100 mirrorless camera has a maximum aperture of f/3.5 to 5.6 and a minimum aperture of f/22 to 36.
4. Optical Image Stabilization
Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) helps in stabilizing the footage by minimizing the appearance of shake when recording while moving around. Without OIS, the video will be shaky and hard to watch.
TIP: When buying a budget camera, always look for optical or 5-axis image stabilization.
Some cameras will have Digital Image Stabilization (IS). Digital IS might do the job, but at the budget level, it isn’t as effective as OIS. Keep in mind that most budget DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras don’t come with internal image stabilization. Simply because there are a lot of affordable lenses with OIS.
If you’re planning to record your videos while walking around with the camera on your hands, you will need a camera with optical image stabilization (OIS).
5. Video and Image Resolution
A good vlogging camera should record 1080p footage at 30fps.
Some of the cameras that we have recommended above can shoot 1080p at up to 60fps, which is great. The AKASO EK7000 and Olympus TG-5 can shoot 4K footage at up to 25fps and 30fps respectively.
If you’re intending to capture some stills for your photography blog, then you’ll want to consider the megapixels. A 12MP camera is pretty decent for social media and blog images. Anything above this is overkill unless you’re planning to print the photos.
6. Audio Quality
Nothing turns off your audience like having good vlog content with poor audio quality.
As such, always get a camera with a decent inbuilt stereo microphone. Having a microphone input for an external mic is a huge plus for a vlogging camera.
7. Connectivity
WiFi should be a basic feature of most, if not all, vlogging cameras.
With WiFi, you can easily share and transfer files to a mobile/computer device for instant uploading to YouTube and other platforms. Having NFC (Near Field Communication) and Bluetooth and output terminals like HDMI and USB is also a plus.
8. Battery Life
A camera with a good battery life will allow you to shoot massive footage and photos before you run out of charge. You can always get spare batteries if your favorite camera’s battery isn’t sufficient for your needs.
9. Weight and Size
A compact and lightweight camera offers portability. You can slip it in your backpack, purse or pocket.
One of the best things about most budget cameras is their ultra-portable design which makes them great for on-the-go vloggers and travel bloggers.
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What Vlogging Camera Should You Buy When YOU’RE on a Budget?
Your ideal budget vlogging camera will depend on your type of vlogging.
An adventure vlogger will need a robust camera that can withstand extreme environments: we recommend the Olympus TG-5.
Travel vloggers might want a camera with zooming capabilities: the Nikon COOLPIX B500 or a compact superzoom camera is perfect for this type of vlogging.
Lifestyle vloggers will need a camera with better low-light performance and optical image stabilization: cameras with an articulating touchscreen LCD is always a plus.
Photography Tips for Vloggers
Remember: you don’t become a good photographer (and vlogger) because you have the best equipment – it takes practice, patience, and more practice.
You can read and watch tutorials about photography and vlogging, but until you put the information you have accumulated into motion, you aren’t going to improve.
If you need to invest in a new vlogging camera, then do it.
But also remember to invest money and TIME into learning new photography and videography skills!
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