Best Cheap Vlogging Camera for YouTube

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. Take a look at our full list to learn more!

The Best Cheap Vlogging Cameras for YouTube of 2018

#1 Logitech C922x Pro - Best YouTube Webcam Under $100

Pros

• Automated background replacement and light correction
• 1080p video streaming and recording options
• Stereo speaker recording

Cons

• Xsplit license is nice but limited to six months
• Streamers may eventually want an upgrade
• Ultimately, still requires a computer

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. Finally, the tilt and expand design helps you find the right angle, no matter what your computer setup is like. 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.

#2 YI 4K - Best Selflie Camera for YouTube

Pros

• Able to take 4k video
• Advanced video stabilization
• Plenty of bundles for accessories

Cons

• Not very durable without the case
• Connectivity options may not suit every vlogger
• Lack of physical controls can sometimes make operation awkward

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 a number of 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.

#3 Lakasara 1080p Camcorder - Best Budget Camcorder Under $200

Pros

• Plenty of vlogging friendly features
• Highly affordable for an HD camcorder
• Automatic features to manage stabilization and power

Cons

• Managing both app and remote control may be a hassle
• Battery takes a long time to charge
• Storage requires a separate memory card.

This Lakasara camcorder is specifically designed to be a low-cost option 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). 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.

#4 Canon Vixia HF R800 - Best Camcorder Under $300

Pros

• Optical image stabilization
• Powerful optical zoom for close-ups
• Useful LCD touchscreen

Cons

• Requires memory card
• Not all modes useful for vlogging
• Lack of connectivity

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 a number of options for recording in different ways, such as slow motion or fast-motion, and zoom framing assist for getting really close to subjects. 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.

#5 Nikon Coolpix S7000 - Best YouTube Camera Under $300

Pros

• Image stabilized zoom
• 18 scene modes for different effects
• Useful connectivity options for both Wi-Fi and NFC

Cons

• Primarily designed for photos
• Not very accessory-friendly
• Extra battery recommended for frequent video use

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. Read Next - Best Vlogging Cameras for Less Than $300: http://www.gadgetreview.com/best-vlogging-cameras-brands

#6 Panasonic Lumix ZS50 - Best Slow-Motion Capture YouTube Camera

Pros

• High speed video options
• Hybrid image stabilization
• Good low-light sensitivity

Cons

• Questionable onboard controls
• Powerful optical zoom may not be useful for all vloggers
• Eyefinder isn't really necessary

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.

#7 Samsung NX Mini - Best Vlogging Camera for Busy Professionals

Pros

• Large LCD pop-up screen
• Durable design with strong battery life
• Lots of smart connectivity features

Cons

• No options beyond 30fps
• Included software (Lightroom) isn't very video friendly
• Not much of an optical zoom

Samsung's NX Mini is designed for ease of use: The compact 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.

#8 Canon EOS Rebel T5 - Best Vlogging Camera for YouTube Under $400

Pros

• Durable, professional design
• Great ISO range for low light conditions
• Updated LCD preview screen

Cons

• May not have all the video features you want
• Only the base is included, other accessories will raise the cost
• Wi-Fi options may not be advanced enough for your needs

The Rebel line has a long tradition of being well suited toward 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.

#9 Canon PowerShot SX730 - Best Vlogging YouTube Camera Under $500

Pros

• High quality sensor and processor for taking video to the next level
• 5-axis image stabilization
• 1080p video at 60fps

Cons

• No 4k, even at these prices
• A little fragile for action shots in nature
• Battery life is just okay, a second battery may be necessary

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!

Best Cheap Vlogging Camera for YouTube is available on the gadgetreview blog