Are you’re looking for a cheap vlogging camera that is budget friendly with premium features? Our tested cameras list includes the best budget picks that strike the perfect balance between great affordability and superior performance. Also checkout our expert guide to create a YouTube channel to start vlogging.
We’ve tested and reviewed under-budget cameras to find the cheap vlogging camera. From Canon’s EOS R50 to the DJI Pocket 2, we’ve covered a price range for every budget hat promises to deliver value and performance together.
Straight to the Conclusion
The best budget vlogging camera is the Sony ZV-1F due to Its pocket-sized design and excellent video recording. We loved its accurate autofocus, 3 inches fully articulated lcd, great battery life and limitless 4K video recording time. For under $300, we also recommend the DJI Osmo Action 4.
The best budget vlogging cameras in 2025
If you need a cheap 4K vlogging camera, then the Sony ZV-1F is undoubtedly the ultimate choice. It is a handy, fixed-lens vlogging camera designed for vloggers who need to capture high-quality 4K video without investing in additional lenses.
In our test, the Sony ZV-1F pocket-sized camera delivered superior performance from entry to professional-level videography. We also found another remarkable enhancement which is 20mm fixed lens for a wide-angle shoot.
Despite recording high-quality 4K video and accurate eye-detect autofocus, the camera’s fixed lens design limits its versatility compared to interchangeable lens cameras. The Sony ZV-1F proved our best fixed lens camera for vlogging with outstanding 4K video quality and snappy autofocus performance.
PROS
- Accurate eye detect autofocus
- Easy to use for beginners
- High-quality 4K video
- Cheapest among 4K cameras
CONS
- May underperform in outdoor
- Average still image quality
The Canon EOS R50 is an all-around mirrorless camera offering capable features that combine durability and fantastic performance at a cheap price. In our test, the Canon EOS R50 camera won every round due to a punch with its 24MP CMOS sensor, 4K 30p video capabilities, and the renowned Dual Pixel AF system.
You’ll love the fast and accurate autofocus that works perfectly, both in photography and video recording. The Canon EOS R50’s biggest pro is the availability of native RF-S lenses, particularly an extra-wide zoom lens for “selfie vlogging.” As Canon continues to expand its lens lineup, the EOS R50 is becoming an even more compelling choice for vloggers with a tight budget.
The EOS R50 is compatible with Canon’s extensive range of RF lenses, making it a versatile tool for various shooting situations. You’ll get both the pre-trained and instruction-tuned variants, which can operate efficiently on standard computing devices. Canon has released the Responsible Generative AI Toolkit alongside the EOS R50 to support developer innovation and responsible use
Overall, we have found it even more generous than expected. With its impressive combination of features, great value, and potential for growth, the Canon EOS R50 is undoubtedly our best budget camera for videography and photography as well.
PROS
- Affordable to buy
- Front-facing lcd screen
- Compact design with excellent grip
- Great connectivity features
- Perfect autofocus with subject recognition
- Eye-level electronic view finder
CONS
- No in-body image stabilization
- 4K video limited to 30fps
The GoPro HERO11 Black is a waterproof and powerful action camera for vlogging under $300. With its stunning 5.3K video at 60 frames per second video capabilities and case-free design, HERO11 camera is well-suited for making outdoor vlogs, high-quality sports and underwater video.
Our test revealed that the GoPro’s advanced stabilization technology is smooth and steady even in the most challenging conditions. The underwater performance was thrilling for me due to its waterproof resistance capability of up to 33 feet.
You’ll love using the two screens, a front-facing and rear touch screen, that will make it like a slice of cake to frame your shots and monitor your footage. We recommend low-budget vloggers buy the GoPro HERO11 Black due to its 5.3K video recording capabilities and HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization technology, which set it apart from many other action cameras on the list.
PROS
- Stunning 5.3K video recording
- Advanced hyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization
- Separate front and rear screens
- Waterproof design
- List Item #1
CONS
- Average low-light performance
- No interchangeable lenses
4. Insta360 X3
If you’re looking for a camera under $500, then the Insta360 X3 is the best budget vlogging camera for you. The Insta360 X3 is a hand-held camera designed for vloggers who are always on the move. Due to the handy design and abundance of great features, it offers an excellent balance between functionality and portability, making it the most desired one among content creators looking for a reliable and affordable camera.
The 921k-dot LCD screen is large for its camera class and vari-angle lets you capture footage from dynamic angles. High-resolution video recording is a must-have, and the Insta360 X3 delivers beautifully detailed 4K footage, guaranteeing your vlogs look professional and engaging. The camera’s autofocus system is quick and reliable, keeping your subjects in sharp focus even in fast-moving scenarios, which is crucial for maintaining the quality of your vlogs.
The Insta360 X3 is not just a camera; it’s a revolution in 360-degree video and photo capture grants you a complete immersion into the environment you’re recording. With a dual-lens setup, you can record 5.7K videos using a seamless 360-degree view that captures every angle of your adventures. The camera’s high-resolution capability also extends to photography, with a staggering 72MP for photos, clinching every detail is preserved in your panoramic shots.
In our review, the best thing found was that the addition of a large 2.29″ touchscreen enhances usability along with a clear user interface to manage settings and preview footage directly from the camera. Whether you’re capturing underwater scenes or caught in a downpour, the X3 is ready for any challenge.
You”ll love the experience of smooth footage with the Insta360 X3’s advanced stabilization technologies. FlowState stabilization makes sure your videos are stable no matter the action while the 360° Horizon Lock keeps the horizon steady even when you tilt the camera.
With Insta360 X3, you don’t need to worry anymore about battery draining and low charging. Long shooting sessions require a camera that can keep up, and the Insta360 X3 does just that with an 1800mAh battery providing approximately 81 minutes of recording time. It also supports fast charging via USB-C, ensuring you’re ready to go in no time. Whether you’re on a long trip or a quick tour around the city, the Insta360 X3 stands by to capture every moment.
PROS
- 5.7K30 HDR video recording
- Handheld design
- Waterproof camera
- 360-degree editing
- Excellent touch screen with interface
CONS
- Limited resolution for mobile editing app
- Video must be processed when editing
The Sony ZV-E10 is the best budget vlogging camera under 700 we’ve tested. It’s a fantastic choice if you’re looking for an affordable camera that delivers exceptional performance. This camera is a vlogging-focused version of the popular Sony A6000 series with a list of new spectacular features. It has an abundance of features that make it ideal for creating high-quality videos.
One of the ZV-E10’s greatest strengths is its compatibility with Sony’s extensive range of E-mount lenses, many of which are designed specifically for the APS-C format. This compatibility allows you to choose the perfect lens for your vlogging needs. While the camera itself lacks in-body stabilization, the included 16-50mm kit lens will provide you the optical stabilization and a power zoom mechanism that is well-suited for filming.
Its compact form factor can makes it your ideal travel companion if you’re a travel vlogger. The digital stabilization performs avearge in active mode, which introduces a significant crop. It also retains Sony’s older menu structure, which some may find less intuitive.
You’ll find the Sony ZV-E10 really easy to carry around due to its lightweight and compact design. The camera’s user-friendly interface and vlogging-focused features, such as the vari-angle screen and clip-on wind muffler, make it a breeze for you to set up and start recording. With its combination of 4K video, effective autofocus, and an extensive lens selection, the Sony ZV-E10 is our excellent choice for budget-conscious vloggers without compromising quality.
PROS
- Excellent battery life
- Great autofocus
- Unlimited recording limit
- Very handy and portable
CONS
- Limited high-speed frame rates
- No In-body image stabilization
6. DJI Pocket 2
Let’s meet the DJI Pocket 2, a marvel of engineering and design, perfectly build for your vlogging and on-the-go filming needs. The DJI Pocket 2 is a marvel for under-budget vloggers who need a powerful, yet pocket-sized camera.
The DJI Pocket 2 boasts a 1/1.7-inch sensor paired with a 20mm lens, offering a full-frame equivalent focal length that strikes a perfect balance between a broad field of view and avoiding the flat look typical of action cameras. Aside from the video, its 64MP high-resolution sensor ensures stunning image quality, capturing every detail with clarity.
We found the built-in gimbal 100% perfect during our test that will stabilize your shots, ensuring smooth, cinematic footage even when you’re on the move. The gimbal’s four stabilization modes—tilt lock, follow, all follow, and POV—is capable of providing versatility regardless of your shooting conditions.
You’ll be happy with its video performance, supporting 4K recording at 60 fps and offering slow motion at 1080p and 240 fps. For vlog creators looking to capture dynamic scenes, the HDR video mode enhances every shot with vivid detail. The device’s f/1.8 aperture also makes it the best pocket camera for low-light conditions, ensuring your videos look great no matter the lighting.
Audio quality is also paramount in vlogging, and the DJI Pocket 2 doesn’t disappoint. It features four microphones that adjust based on the camera’s orientation, so your audio is always clear and well-balanced. The built-in touchscreen and mini joystick make controlling your shots intuitive, allowing for quick adjustments and seamless operation.
Be confident to enhance your recording with intelligent modes like ActiveTrack 3.0, Zoom, Panorama, Timelapse, and HDR Video. Each mode is designed to push your filming experience more higher.
DJI pocket 2 is the best ultra cheap camera for vlogging if you’re looking for under $250 camera.
PROS
- Cheapest vlogging camera
- Excellent stabilization
- 4K video recording
- Lightweight and very handy
CONS
- Not water-resistant
- No adjustable focal length
- Average low light performance
7. Nikon Z30
The Nikon Z30 is our favorite affordable vlogging camera under 1000 that doesn’t compromise high-end features. Despite being the cheapest of Nikon’s three APS-C cameras, the Z30 boasts impressive specs, making it an excellent choice for under-budget vloggers. We found the Nikon Z30 has a vari-angle screen very generous that helps you to easily frame your shots and monitor your footage while vlogging.
You can easily pair the Z30’s compact body perfectly with Nikon’s range of pancake lenses, making it easy for you to carry around and use on the go. You can use Z30 with full-frame Nikon Z lenses but most of them may be too expensive and bulky for the camera’s compact body. However, Nikon has launched several DX-format native Z-mount lenses that complement the Z30’s dimensions. The native lens provides you with a wide range of options to choose from when shooting your vlogs. The Nikon Z30 will not disappoint you due to its premium build quality, which is the best among its competitors. Your vlogs will look great, thanks to the camera’s impressive image quality.
The Nikon Z30 has a couple of compromises. One potential drawback of the Z30 is the lack of a viewfinder. But that is a common trade-off for compact vlogging cameras, and the flip-out screen more than makes up for it. With its wide range of DX-format native Z-mount lenses, we recommend you the Nikon Z30 to buy as an affordable vlogging camera that promises outstanding performance in a cheap package.
You can easily pair the Z30’s compact body perfectly with Nikon’s range of pancake lenses, making it easy for you to carry around and use on the go. You can use Z30 with full-frame Nikon Z lenses but most of them may be too expensive and bulky for the camera’s compact body. However, Nikon has launched several DX-format native Z-mount lenses that complement the Z30’s dimensions.
The native lens provides you with a wide range of options to choose from when shooting your vlogs. The Nikon Z30 will not disappoint you due to its premium build quality, which is the best among its competitors. Your vlogs will look great, thanks to the camera’s impressive image quality.
The Nikon Z30 has a couple of compromises. One potential drawback of the Z30 is the lack of a viewfinder. But that is a common trade-off for compact vlogging cameras, and the flip-out screen more than makes up for it. With its wide range of DX-format native Z-mount lenses, we recommend you the Nikon Z30 to buy as an affordable vlogging camera that promises outstanding performance in a cheap package.
PROS
- Flip-out vari-angle screen
- Unlimited recording ability
- 4K at 30 fps without cropping
- Fantastic out-of-camera images
- Best-in-class build quality
CONS
- No viewfinder
- No water resistant
- Limited lens options
8. DJI Osmo Action 4
The DJI Osmo Action 4 came out of nowhere to thrill me with its 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen with a resolution of 921k dots. With it, you can easily frame your shots, record stunning 4K video at 30 frames per second, and monitor your footage from various angles.
You’ll love the Osmo Action 4’s autofocus capabilities, which keep your subjects sharp and focused throughout your videos. A good selection of lenses allows you to setup the camera to suit your specific videography needs and creative vision.
Despite the low-specs rear screen, the DJI Osmo Action 4 proved reliable and outstanding in our review. It’s also our top recommendation for vloggers looking for a cheap action camera. With its blend of impressive autofocus, a vari-angle touchscreen, and lens choices, you can buy it without any worries.
PROS
- Excellent autofocus performance
- Versatile vari-angle lcd
- Extensive lens choice
CONS
- Lacks a viewfinder
- Low-spec rear screen
9. Panasonic Lumix G7
If you’re searching for a budget camera for around $500, then stick with us for the Panasonic Lumix G7 walk through. It’s an affordable camera loaded with premium specs and an excellent design. The balance of its cheap price tag and professional features drives it among the top 5 picks in the budget-friendly segment of digital cameras. Whether you need to record fast-paced sports or create long-duration vlogs, the Panasonic G7 is clinched to perform in all shooting styles and needs.
The Lumix G7 stands out in its class with its 4K video recording features. You can record stunning 4K video at 30 frames per second or switch to Full HD at 60fps for incredibly smooth footage. Its 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor, combined with the Venus Engine image processor, guarantees that both your photos and videos are of exceptional quality, with minimal noise, even in low-light conditions.
Experience a clear and bright view under any lighting condition with the G7’s high-resolution viewfinder and fully articulated touchscreen. Compose your shots effortlessly using the high-resolution OLED Live View Finder or you can use the free-angle touch LCD for creative angles. The Lumix G7 interface and front and rear dials are near and clean.
You can make quick exposure settings adjustments, a dedicated drive mode dial, and customizable function buttons simultaneously. Our test found that the Panasonic Lumix G7 camera balances price and performance perfectly.
PROS
- Under budget price
- Vari-angle screen
- Electronic viewfinder
- OLED live view finder
- 4K recording
CONS
- Missing In-body image stabilization
- Little bit old sensor
