Finding a good vlog camera cheap is tougher than it seems.
Can you actually capture great video with a cheap vlogging camera under $300 in 2018?
Thankfully, the answer is yes.
Using one of these cheap vlog cameras can help you create an impressive YouTube channel without a huge investment.
By setting your budget and prioritizing the right features, you can use this report to choose the right budget camera for your vlog in 2018
Report Highlights
You might also want to start with our YouTube camera buying guide so that you know what features are right for you.
Here is a helpful video from CreativeLive on mistakes to avoid when buying your camera.
If you are a beginner, you should check out some of the cheap photography courses that you can find on their site.
How To Buy A Vlog Camera Cheap
When it comes to finding an affordable camera for vlogging, you are going to need to make some sacrifices. There is always the option to buy one of the best vlogging cameras on the market and get all the premium, but if you are reading this, you probably want to start somewhere more affordable 🙂 A good intermediate option could be starting with an inexpensive DSLR camera.
But what is worth paying for and what features are OK to skip? Let's take a look:
Skip it - Spending extra for zoom
A truly powerful zoom feature is generally only useful in specific scenarios, and those occur more often in photography than filming.
If you are creating video for YouTube, then having a camera that can capture a picture with all the spikes on a porcupine from 50 yards away isn't going to be helpful.
Generally, you are better off being close to the camera and in focus for your audience.
Worth it - Durability
Many cheap vlogging cameras are not as durable as higher end DSLR or mirrorless options, but that doesn't mean you need to settle for something flimsy that will break after a few vlogs on the road.
If you are setting up your camera on a tripod in your own personal studio, then don't sweat this one too much. If you are going to be on the move, you might want to consider a cheap action camera as an alternative.
Skip It - Paying for a ton of megapixels
Megapixels are a bit overrated at times.
Their value for photos is a separate discussion, but know that for video, you do not need more than 2-3 MP to capture videos in 1080p.
A large MP count might come in handy for shooting photos that can capture large scale photos in great detail, but it is unlikely to improve your vlog.
Worth it - Filming in 1080p
Even though many YouTube videos are viewed on a mobile phone in 720p or less, 1080p has become the standard for crisp looking videos online.
In most cases, it will be worth it to get a camera that films on 1080p to look like you belong among credible YouTubers - especially when so many cheap cameras now offer this resolution.
Skip It - Spending extra money on 4K
At least for now, 4K is still something that only high end TVs will display. While 4K TVs and monitors are becoming more popular, most of your audience will be watching in 1080p or less - especially those on mobile.
Save your money and don't worry about 4K video while you get your channel up and running.
Worth it - Good Autofocus
Buying a camera with serviceable autofocus (AF) will save you a headache and make sure that you look good on camera.
AF is what will bring you into focus on camera without anyone else there to aim and correct it. Sometimes it takes a bit of configuration to get exactly right, but having this feature in your corner is important for any on camera vloggers.
If you want to stretch your budget and find a camera that will have great autofocus, you should consider evaluating good video cameras for less than $500.
What Do You Need In A Cheap Vlogging Camera?
Before you purchase a vlog camera on any budget, you must consider its size, type, and features in order to make a comprehensive decision. Take a moment to ask yourself these questions:
Compact vs Point-and-Shoot vs Camcorder?
Most cameras under $300 are compact or point-and-shoot. This is why they are consumer friendly and affordable. The price of these digital cameras vary depending on the type of lens, features, and pixels they offer.
Compact cameras are built with an attached lens but come with modes that offer variety when shooting. Point-and-shoot cameras are built the same way as compact cameras but have no features other than zooming in, camera flash, and macro. Point-and-shoots are the simplest cameras.
Camcorders will lack most photography features, but will have higher-end video and flip-screens which help for vlogging on a budget.
How And Where Will You Vlog?
Prior to purchasing a compact digital camera, you need to consider its use. If you plan to use the digital camera for quick, simple videos then the point-and-shoot is worth using on a budget.
Simplicity is what point-and-shoot cameras offer because all you have to do is zoom in or out and take the video.
However, if you plan to take videos of concerts, sports or travel adventures, then you should consider buying a more intricate digital compact camera or a camcorder. The higher priced compact cameras have the capacity to shoot images and video. Some cameras are waterproof for underwater photography or shooting during a rainy day. In addition, these cameras have the ability to shoot high-definition so your images or video will come out clearer, sharper and will give you the ability to produce large prints.
Will The Camera Be Used For Action Videos?
Small compact cameras like the GoPro have become the most popular action cameras in the industry, and a top choice among travel vloggers, or creators consistently on the move. These cameras are great for capturing surfing, sporting events, and action. A fascinating feature of sports cameras is the ability to film underwater.
If you plan to take your cheap vlog camera into the water or extreme weather, a compact underwater action camera allows you to photograph or record video without concern of breaking your investment. These cameras can have a limit of up to 300 feet underwater.
Photography Features In a Vlog Camera
IF you are on a budget, then it helps to find a vlog camera cheap that can also cover photography needs that will help in creating top notch thumbnails and channel art.
Many compact cameras offer various shooting options even though the lens is affixed to the body. The most common mode is the full automatic mode where the camera chooses the correct exposure. The other universal features most of these cameras have are:
Tv stands for shutter priority. This means you can set the shutter speed and your camera will default the compensating f-stop for the correct exposure.
Av stands for aperture priority. This means you can set the F-stop setting and your camera will default the compensating shutter speed for the correct exposure.
M stands for manual mode. This means you can set both the aperture and shutter speed and play with the exposure settings. If you are an intermediate or advanced photographer, then the manual mode allows you to create different moods by playing with the light.
Macro allows the camera to get really sharp, and detailed close-ups. These are great for capturing bugs, plants, and extreme close-ups.
Compact and point-and-shoot cameras come with short optical zoom lenses that offer a variety of wide to narrow fields of view. They are able to zoom out 5-7 times so you can capture close-ups and wide shots. Some cameras are built with a 64x zoom lens with a 28mm. In addition, if you need to capture a short depth-of-field, then you will need a camera that has a large aperture. Most compact digital cameras offer a f/3.5-5.6 aperture so you can capture sharp objects up close with a blurry background.
Another factor to consider about the lens is that although an optical zoom lens has a higher magnification, the image will be compromised because it will be cropped. This is the effect of a zoom lens.
Cheap Vlogging Camera Summary
Ca​mera | Why Buy? | ​Price | Our Rating | Amazon Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
  | Best cheap vlogging camera in 2018 | $$ | 85%
| |
  | Cheapest vlogging camera | $ | 70%
| |
  | Great value | $$ | 80%
| |
  | Best video quality | $$$ | 85%
|
Reviews - Vlog Cameras Under $300
Nikon COOLPIX B500 [Top Affordable Vlog Camera]
Most people think that if they are looking for a budget vlogging camera then they are going to end up with cheap looking videos.
Fans of the Nikon COOLPIX B500 would say otherwise...
In 2018, too many people forget Nikon as a great affordable choice for video cameras.
Image Quality
Durability
Value
Rating
While not on par with higher end DSLRs, this camera impresses with 1080p video resolution at 30fps for less than $300.
That is likely the best you will find at this price, especially after its recent price drop (check Amazon's current price now). We have found simple video capture on a tripod to be very clear in decent lighting. Quality decreases slightly in low light, but that is a common shortcoming in this budget range.
Be aware that you will need to be careful with this camera - it will last a long time if it sits on a tripod, but it isn't designed to be taken on the road or in rough weather conditions
If you are keeping it simple with your vlog, then the COOLPIX B500 is an excellent choice to stay within your budget. In We have found this to be a great vlogging camera overall for beginners - there is very little learning curve in its various settings, and navigation between its options is intuitive.
This means that you will be able to quickly start producing credible looking videos for YouTube.
Canon VIXIA HF R800 - Great Affordable Vlogging Camcorder
Using a camcorder for YouTube is often a forgotten video solution, but they can be a great pick for vloggers on the move.
The Canon VIXIA HF R800 camcorder is the best vlogging camera under $300 when it comes to pure video. The video results will be up to par with some much more expensive rivals where many of the expensive components are primarily for still photos.
Image Quality
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You get a really high quality camera here. For starters, the 1080/60p video resolution looks great. In fact, this is as good as it gets for cameras that are less than $300. To the untrained eye you will look every bit as good as top YouTube stars in clear HD video.
Unlike other cameras on this list, the VIXA HF R800 camcorder also includes an LCD flip screen so that you can see yourself while vlogging. This is a huge win as it is a key feature you often need to pay top dollar for.
A flip screen is a key feature for many YouTubers and you can see our top recommendations here.
You should know getting into this camcorder that it is not designed for great still photography. If that is an important part of your content, then you should probably look elsewhere.
Physically, the VIXIA HF R800 is light weight and easy to hold with its classic slim camcorder design. That is a big part of why this is an excellent go to camera if you want to include live action content and not just speak into the camera.
The battery performance is another strength of this model. The high capacity pattery pack lasts longer than many other budget cameras, making it ideal to take with you for filming away from the home.
This isn't the cheapest camera on our list, but if high quality video performance is important and you have a few extra bucks, we recommend the VIXA HF R800 for its (almost) professional level video output at a competitive price point.
Reviews - Vlog Cameras Under $200
Fujifilm FinePix S8600
This is the cheapest vlogging camera with enough power that we still feel like it is worthy of a recommendation.
The Fujifilm FinePix S8600 surprised us with its quality relative to its price. If you want to keep things simple and are happy with your videos looking 'good enough' then this is a very cheap Youtube camera that still produces respectable videos at 720p/ 30fps.
Image Quality
Durability
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If you are just starting out, jumping into an expensive DSLR vlogging camera might be intimidating, so this is a good camera to try first. It is very easy to use and designed for beginners while still offering several features and camera modes rarely found in such a cheap vlogging camera.
This is a serviceable camera with more than you'd expect for the money that you will pay. You will look good enough to grow an audience, and upgrade when you begin to start making money on YouTube.
Let's look at some physical features:
Lighter than a DSLR camera, but heavy enough to notice the difference if you are upgrading from a small point and click style camera. It is ergonomically designed well, and easy to handle so it won't weigh you down when you are on the move.
Basically, you can take the FinePix S8600 to different shooting sites, but consider getting a good case first. The FinePixS8600 isn't going to blow anyone away, but if it is important to get a cheap vlogging camera that will still look decent on YouTube, then it doesn't come much cheaper than this.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS is a good cheap vlogging camera for budget conscious people who really care about video output, and won't be taking many photos for their content.
Canon is a trusted vlogging camera brand, and this affordable price point for 1080p HD video is very appealing.
Image Quality
Durability
Value
Rating
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS is a good cheap vlogging camera for budget conscious people who really care about video output, and won't be taking many photos for their content.
This price point for 1080p video resolution is pretty fantastic.
If you want the cheapest vlogging camera with great video, this is it.
The video performance really shines. Videos look clear while zoomed in, and we were surprised how good they look in low light settings. The stabilization isn't high end, but it also performs better than you would expect.
There are a lot of options for different modes for such a cheap vlog camera, so you will need to spend some time getting familiar with them to get the best performance. While having choice is great, we should note that this camera isn't as easy to use as others on this list.
We have noticed the LCD screen sometimes can not handle a high amount of sunlight - the screen basically goes white on a sunny day which is an obvious problem for anyone who wants to film outside.
The videos are strong but the catch here is that still photographs don't look like anything special. You aren't going to hate them but they won't win awards, and that is ok for most vloggers.
Let's be honest:
If you are reading this list, then budget is important and your best bet is to focus on the features that really matter to you. The PowerShot ELPH 360 HS isn't perfect but if you want clear video and value, this is a great pick.
Sony DSCW830 - Cheapest Vlog Camera
The Sony DSCW830 is a compact camera that will help you start your vlog on a budget. This is not the best camera we would recommend, unless you are really trying to spend as little as possible.
Sony's video mode can capture 720p MP4 High-definition. The display screen is a decent size for such a compact camera, but you will find that some of the colors are off compared to what is actually captured.
Image Quality
Durability
Value
Rating
You should of course be prepared if you buy this camera that, considering if costs less than half of an already modest $300 budget, there are not a lot of bells and whistles here.
It is relatively fragile and it lacks Wi-Fi and NFC features that make for easier uploading of vlog videos. Videos sometimes come out blurry if there is much movement involved, and it doens't perform well in low-light.
However, sometimes simplicity is a good thing and if you want a simple vlog camera cheap, it doesn't come any cheaper than this.
Nathan says
Is a gopro a good camera for vlogging?
Vlogging Guides says
Hey Nathan! A GoPro can be good for vlogging if you are often on the move. Action cameras give you the flexibility to capture video anywhere in any weather which other cameras don’t. You do give up some of the video quality that you would get from a DSLR or Mirrorless camera if you are setting up a simple tripod, and they aren’t usually great in low lighting, but it all depends what type of content you want to make.
If you are thinking about an action camera, you can check out our list of cheap GoPro Alternatives here: https://vloggingguides.com/gopro-alternative/