Getting started as a content creator can be challenging. From building a subscriber base to finding your online persona, voice, and niche – it’s a lot to take in. But what deters most aspiring vloggers is the price of equipment. After all, not everyone has thousands to shell out on top-of-the-range cameras. Luckily, with our list of cheap vlogging cameras, you don’t have to.
Here are six of the best cheap vlogging cameras for creators on a budget with different needs:
- Nikon Coolpix B500 – Best For Beginners
- DJI Pocket 2 – Best Stabilization
- Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II – Best Budget Compact
- Sony Alpha ZV-E10 – Best Budget 4K Camera
- Canon EOS M50 Mark II – Best Autofocus
- Sony ZV-1 – Best Overall Vlogging Camera
1. Nikon Coolpix B500 – Best For Beginners
The Nikon Coolpix is a budget and beginner-friendly vlogging camera that gives excellent quality for a low price. Nikon is well-known as one of the top camera brands in the industry, so you can rest assured that you’ll be getting a high-quality product, even at its low-end price.
This camera has 16 megapixels and can take crisp shots for vlog thumbnails and social media posts.
Similarly, it has 1080p full HD capabilities with 30 frames per second, making it a great choice for beginner vloggers or content creators that don’t want to spend too much on expensive equipment.
Creators can use Coolpix’s built-in Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connections to send their footage directly from their camera to their PC, laptop, or mobile devices – making it great for uploading vlogs on the go.
It can also connect directly to most smartphones which can then be used as a remote, meaning you can set it up on a tripod and control it directly from the palm of your hand.
With a 3-inch screen and flexible LCD viewfinder, the Nikon Coolpix takes our top spot as the cheapest vlogging camera with great functionality.
2. DJI Pocket 2 – Best Stabilization
The DJI Pocket 2 gets its name from its extremely compact size. This tiny yet powerful camera can fit into your pocket for easy transportation.
It also won’t take up any extra space when it’s not in use. But don’t worry about damaging it when you’re tucking it away into your jacket pocket.
This handy little device comes with a case to keep it well-protected no matter where you are.
Although it may not look like much, the Pocket 2 packs a punch regarding functionality. It can shoot 1080p full HD videos at 60 frames per second and has a built-in microphone with crisp and clear sound.
But if you want to upgrade your little ‘pocket rocket,’ you can always use the built-in USB port to connect a USB microphone of your choice.
The DJI Pocket 2 can connect to most smartphones with a type C USB. When plugged in, you can use your phone screen as another flip screen to see exactly what your shots look like before you hit record.
We love this inexpensive and lightweight camera. It’s a top choice for lifestyle vloggers who want to take their cameras everywhere.
3. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II: Best Budget Compact
Canon is another well-known camera brand revered for bridging the gap between high-quality devices and affordability.
The Canon PowerShot G9 is widely used among vloggers because it is lightweight and has great functionality, making it an excellent choice for use anywhere and everywhere.
Not only is this camera affordable, but it’s a good choice for beginner vloggers as an entry-level device.
With picture stabilization, 1080p HD video resolution, and a 20.1-megapixel camera resolution, there’s hardly anything this vlogging camera can’t do.
The lens has three times optical zoom and records at 60 frames per second, giving it an edge over the competition.
It produces sleek videos and captures the moment perfectly, resulting in polished and professional-looking content.
This camera can be used straight out of the box and is easy to navigate – even if you’re a complete camera newbie. So if you’re looking for a great (and inexpensive) vlogging camera to help launch you into vlogging stardom, this is it.
4. Sony Alpha ZV-E10 – Best Budget 4K Camera
Even if you know nothing about cameras, you’ve heard of Sony and its incredible quality. And the Alpha ZV-E10 is no different.
With impeccable, high-quality products covering all sorts of electronics, Sony knows how to make high-end devices super affordable.
This camera has incredible pre-installed features that will help you produce the best footage for your blogs, including touch focus and a rotating LCD camera, so you can check yourself out in real time as you’re recording.
Your videos will look better than ever, thanks to the 4k resolution, and you won’t have to worry about buying any extra equipment.
The Alpha comes with a 3-capsule microphone that produces clear audio without adding to the price tag.
With autofocus, bokeh (background blurring effects), and an APS-C CMOS sensor, this incredible camera has everything you could ever want in a vlogging camera, all wrapped into a lightweight and portable package.
5. Canon EOS M50 Mark II – Best Autofocus
From live-streaming to vlogging to taking pictures for the ‘Gram, the Canon EOS M50 has got you covered. This vlogging camera is considered one of the best all-in-one devices for vloggers and content creators that won’t break the bank.
But just because it’s inexpensive doesn’t mean it skimps on quality. In fact, the EOS M50 is one of the best entry-level cameras on the market.
This handy little camera is incredibly versatile with 4k video resolution at 24 frames per second or 1080p at 60 frames.
If you enjoy creating visually stimulating videos with more of an artistic touch, you can also shoot your footage in perfect slow motion in 720p at 120 frames per second. No matter what, you’re guaranteed smooth video quality. It will work for almost any visual creator out there.
The M50 also has a sensor-based Dual-Pixel CMOS sensor, making it a fantastic choice for shooting fast-moving subjects.
This makes it a prime candidate for vloggers who want to connect with their audience in real-time or streamers who want their audience to get a good view of the action.
For an easier experience, this camera also allows for vertical recording, making it an excellent choice for creators who want to have a stable video without holding their device with both hands.
6. Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera – Best Overall Vlogging Camera
The Sony ZV-1 is literally marketed as a camera for content creators. You can’t get a more perfect product for money-savvy vloggers if you try.
This handy little device records everything you want to capture in 4k quality, making it one of the best cameras money can buy.
Recording high-quality videos has never been more accessible with a 3-capsule microphone and a 3-inch flip screen.
Plus, this incredible camera is super lightweight and compact, making it the perfect vlogging companion for when you’re out and about.
This camera is a great investment for YouTubers because of its one-of-a-kind ‘Product Showcase’ mode. This mode allows the camera to auto-focus seamlessly from your face to a product, making it perfect for reviews. And, if your channel has a big enough subscriber base, your sponsors will love this feature.
You won’t have to invest in external equipment, either. The ZV-1 has impressive audio quality. With crystal-clear shots and videos, you can make professional-looking videos without the exhausting editing process in no time.
You’ll also always look your best with the automatic exposure capabilities, ensuring your lighting is continuously on-point.