10 Best Budget Vlogging Cameras

Whether you’re starting your vlogging journey or you’re a seasoned pro looking for an upgrade, it can be overwhelming to find the best budget vlogging camera.

People always ask us about our travel photography gear, and that includes the cameras we use for vlogging. We’ve done the legwork for you to come up with the 10 best budget vlogging cameras that pack a punch without denting your wallet.

The cameras in our list below are designed with video content creation in mind. They come with capable image sensors, fast processors, better autofocus, great audio capability, a flip-screen for selfie-mode shooting, and the ability to shoot smooth 4K video among other features! 

Yet, even with such pro-grade imaging capabilities, some of these cameras are beginner-friendly and affordable to suit the needs of entry-level vloggers.

In this guide, we feature the best budget vlogging cameras out there with easy-to-use controls and auto modes since they are designed to work in the hands of beginners.

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Budget Cameras for Vlogging at a Glance

Camera	Type	Max Video	Slow Motion	Display	Recording Limit	Weight
Sony ZV-1F	Compact	UHD 4K, 30fps	Full HD 1080p/120fps	3-inch Flip-Out Touchscreen	None	256g
Sony ZV-1 II	Compact	UHD 4K, 30fps	Full HD 1080p/120fps	3-inch Flip-Out Touchscreen	None	292g
Canon PowerShot V10	Compact	UHD 4K, 30fps	—	2-inch Flip-Up Touchscreen	None	211g
DJI Pocket 2	Tiny Action	UHD 4K/60fps	Full HD 1080p/120fps	1-Inch Fixed Touchscreen	None	117g
Panasonic Lumix DC-G100	Mirrorless	UHD 4K/30fps	Full HD 1080p/120fps	3-Inch Flip-Out Touchscreen	10 Mins in 4K, 30 Mins in 1080p	352g
Sony ZV-E10	Mirrorless	UHD 4K/30fps	Full HD 1080p/120fps	3-Inch Flip-Out Touchscreen	None	343g
Canon EOS Rebel T7	DSLR	Full HD 1080p/30fps	—	3-Inch Fixed LCD	Up to 30 minutes	475g
GoPro HERO10 Black	Action	5.3K/60fps	UHD 4K/120fps	2.27-Inch Fixed Touchscreen	None	158g
Sony HDRCX405	Camcorder	Full HD 1080p/60fps	—	2.7-Inch LCD	13 hours	215g
AKASO Brave 7 LE	Action	UHD 4K/30fps	Full HD 1080p/120fps	2-Inch Fixed TouchscreenWiFi, HDMI	None	127g

Top 10 Best Budget Vlogging Cameras

Here’s our list of the best budget cameras for vlogging with a list of features, pros, cons, and our thoughts about each one. From impressive video quality to stellar low-light performance, you can find all these features and more in this list of budget-friendly camera recommendations.

Not only do these cameras offer top-notch performance, they also come with user-friendly interfaces which make capturing your special moments a breeze. So whether you are venturing into travel vlogs, daily lifestyle videos, or tech reviews, these cameras ensure you deliver high-quality content every time without breaking the bank.

1. Sony ZV-1F – Overall Best Budget Vlogging Camera

Key Features of the SONY ZV-1F

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
• Display: 3.0″ 921.6k-dot Articulating Touchscreen LCD
• Image Stabilization: Active SteadyShot Digital Stabilization
• Zoom: 20mm-Equivalent Fixed Lens with a 4x Digital Zoom
• Max. Video: UHD 4K/30fps
• Slow Motion: Full HD 1080p/120fps
• Record Limit: None
• Built-In Mic: Directional 3-Capsule Mic
• Connectivity: USB-C, Micro-HDMI, Bluetooth, WiFi, & 3.5mm Mic Input
• Battery Life: 360 Shots (About 1 Hour of 4K Vlogging)
• Weight: 256g (Body with Battery & SD Card)

The Sony ZV-1F is a low-budget variation of the ZV-1 II which we recommend as the overall best vlogging camera for beginners. Both feature the same 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor and BIONZ X Image Processor.

Their main differences are the lens and autofocus system! Sony ZV-1 II utilizes a versatile 18-50mm-equivalent f/1.8-4 zoom lens, which is superior to the ZV-1F’s 20mm-equivalent f/2-8 fixed lens. 

Sony ZV-1F uses a 425-point contrast-detection AF system, and while it’s excellent, it lacks the Fast Hybrid AF system of the ZV-1 II. But you still get Sony’s real-time Eye AF that recognizes human faces and eyes. 

Yet, despite the $300+ price difference, both cameras shoot high-quality 4K/30fps videos and record Full HD 1080/120fps for slow motion. You also get a Face Priority AE and Background Defocus function in ZV-1F!

Pros:

• A super compact, lightweight, and ultraportable design.
• It has impressive vlogging features including live streaming. 
• A Product Showcasing mode to benefit product reviewers. 
• Built-in Digital IS for smooth footage when on the move. 
• A decent built-in microphone and a 3.5mm external mic port. 
• You get 5x slow motion and 60x hyper-lapse modes. 
• It provides an easy smartphone connection for file sharing. 
• The USB-C supports ultrafast data transfer and power input.

Cons:

• The lens has a fixed focal length, but you still get digital zoom. 
• It lacks an on-body flashlight and an external hot shoe mount. 

The Sony ZV-1F is an excellent budget vlogging camera for shooting lifestyle and travel vlogs, unboxing reviews, and podcasts. It’s affordable and ultraportable!

A full battery allows you to record about 1 hour of 4K/30fps footage. But you can charge via the USB-C port while recording or swap in spare batteries. We recommend getting it with the Sony GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip. It acts as a convenient table-top tripod that doubles as a handheld shooting grip!

Check Prices: Sony ZV-1F

2 Sony ZV-1 II – Best Vlogging Camera for Value for Money

Key Features of the Sony ZV-1 II

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
• Display: 3.0″ 921.6k-dot Articulating Touchscreen LCD
• Image Stabilization: Digital (Video Only)
• Zoom: 2.7x Optical, 4x Digital
• Max. Video: UHD 4K/30fps
• Slow Motion: Full HD 1080p/120fps
• Record Limit: None
• Built-In Mic: Multidirectional 3-Capsule Mic
• Connectivity: USB-C, Micro-HDMI, Bluetooth, WiFi, & 3.5mm Mic Input
• Battery Life: 290 Shots (About 45 Minutes of 4K Vlogging)
• Weight: 292g (Body with Battery & SD Card)

If you can stretch your budget a bit further, get the Sony ZV-1 II instead of the ZV-1F. It’s the only camera a beginner needs to create epic vlog content.

The Sony ZV-1 II is lightweight and compact to suit one-handed shooting while on the go. But we recommend getting it with the Sony GP-VPT2BT Wireless Shooting Grip.

The grip helps improve stability during handheld shooting. And it doubles as a tabletop tripod for sit-down vlogs, podcasts, tutorials, and product showcasing. 

Aside from ergonomics, the Sony ZV-1 II features an improved zoom lens, a fast hybrid AF system, and excellent native audio for sharper and clearer vlogs!

The 18-50mm-equivalent f/1.8-4 wide-angle zoom lens makes it super versatile. It even accommodates front-facing group vlogs like conversational podcasts.

ZV-1 II also packs plenty of other vlogging features including Background Defocus Function, Face Priority AE, Product Showcase, and Soft Skin Effect. 

Pros:

• It’s sleek, lightweight, and compact for portability. 
• Advanced image stabilization for smooth footage. 
• You get superior audio quality out of the box. 
• A fast and accurate hybrid autofocus system. 
• You can live stream directly to YouTube and TikTok. 
• A Bokeh Switch and built-in 3-stop, ND filter. 
• You can charge the camera while recording. 
• A 3.5mm mic port for a dedicated microphone. 

Cons:

• It lacks a headphone input for audio monitoring.
• The image stabilization doesn’t work for stills. 
• It lacks a built-in flash but has a hot shoe mount. 

Sony ZV-1 II lets you record pro-quality 4K/30fps vlogs, shoots 1080p/120fps for slow-motion, and easily live streams – all with excellent native audio!

It has a decent battery life for such an ultraportable camera. But for travel and street vlogging, we recommend getting extra batteries or a power bank.

The USB-C lets you charge the camera while in use! It’s such a convenient feature especially while livestreaming on TikTok, YouTube, or Facebook for hours!

Check Prices: Sony ZV-1 II

3. Canon PowerShot V10 – Best Cheap Vlogging Camera

Key Features of the Canon PowerShot V10

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 20.9MP 1″-Type CMOS Sensor 
• Display: 2” 460k-Dot 180° Tilting Touchscreen LCD
• Image Stabilization: Digital
• Zoom: Fixed 19mm Equivalent Wide-Angle Lens (3x Digital)
• Max. Video: UHD 4K/30fps, Full HD 1080p/60fps
• Slow Motion: –
• Record Limit: None
• Built-In Mic: Stereo (High-Quality Audio)
• Connectivity: Micro-USB-C, Micro-HDMI, 3.5mm Mic, Bluetooth, & Wi-Fi
• Battery Life: Up to 55 Minutes (4K/30fps)
• Weight: 211g (Body with Battery & SD Card)

Canon exclusively designed the PowerShot V10 for vloggers who are on a budget! Yet, it still affords to shoot high-quality 4K videos at up to 30fps.

The PowerShot V10 is the ideal cheap entry-level vlogging camera. It’s perfect for vloggers who do storytelling-style lifestyle, travel, and podcast content while facing the camera, indoors and on the go. 

It has a wide-angle 19mm-equivalent lens, pairing with the 20.9MP 1″ CMOS sensor and DIGIC X image processor to deliver crisp-clear videos even in low light!

Our favorite thing about the PowerShot V10 is its vlog-ready design! It has a built-in 30° stand that acts as a tabletop tripod or conveniently sits on your palm. 

Pros:

• A sleek, compact, and ultralightweight design. 
• A vlog-ready design that’s beginner-friendly. 
• A 3.5mm mic input for an external microphone. 
• A quick autofocus with face locking and tracking. 
• The USB-C allows for charging while using it.
• It live streams directly to YouTube and TikTok.

Cons:

• It’s not suitable for professional-level vlogging. 
• It lacks slow-motion capabilities. 

The Canon PowerShot V10 is a great choice for beginner vloggers looking for a cheaper and easy-to-use smartphone alternative with high-quality video.

Its plug-and-play design makes it beginner-friendly. All you need is to set it in front of you and start live streaming or hit the record button to create your content.  

You can also use it on the go for travel and street vlogging by resting it on your palm or holding it just like a smartphone while recording or live streaming. 

Check Prices: Canon PowerShot V10

4. DJI Pocket 2 – Best Budget Camera for Street Vlogging

Key Features of the DJI Pocket 2

• Type: Tiny Action
• Sensor: 64MP 1/1.7″-Type CMOS Sensor
• Display: 1” Fixed LCD Touchscreen
• Image Stabilization: Integrated 3-Axis Gimbal
• Zoom: 4x Digital Zoom
• Max. Video: 4K/60fps
• Slow Motion: 1080p/240fps
• Record Limit: None
• Built-In Mic: Yes
• Connectivity: USB Type-C, WiFi, & Bluetooth
• Battery Life: Up to 140 Minutes
• Weight: 117g (Body with Battery & SD Card)

The DJI Pocket 2 is one of the best video cameras at its price point! It looks and works like a tiny action camera, but it’s indeed an ultracompact camera. 

It has a 20mm-equivalent wide-angle lens with a 93° FoV, meaning only you and a small portion of the scene will be in focus, and not an entire scene like a GoPro.

For instance, the Hero12 Black has a 156° angle of view, almost like a fisheye lens. Such an expansive view isn’t great when you want to focus on specific subjects. 

The Pocket 2 delivers great-quality footage in well-lit conditions. But its performance is poor in low light like inside tunnels, under a bridge, and in hallways. 

But if you mostly vlog in the open during the day, you’ll love the crispy-clear audio quality. Thanks to the built-in four-directional stereo microphones!

Pros:

• It’s ultra-portable, pocketable, and vlogger-friendly. 
• An exceptional gimbal stabilization for smooth footage. 
• It’s compatible with the DJI Mimo Android/iOS app. 
• Useful vlogging features including timelapse and story mode. 
• A 1/4″-20 female tripod mounting thread. 
• It affords up to 8x super slow motion. 
• It can take decent-quality still for your social media. 
• Incredibly crisp audio quality right from the box. 

Cons:

• It has a poor low-light performance. 
• It’s quite fragile and feels flimsy. 
• It lacks a built-in flash and hot shoe. 

The DJI Pocket 2 makes creating street vlogs much easier when you use it with your phone. The package includes adapters for iPhones and most other smartphones!

But you should get it with the Creator Combo. It has a wide-angle lens, a micro tripod, a wireless mic transmitter, a USB-A to Type-C, and a “Do-it-All” handle.

The smartphone adapter conveniently attaches to the phone. A design that allows you to use the Pocket 2 with the large smartphone’s display and hold it better!

DJI has already released the Pocket 3, but for its mid-range pricing, you’re better off with the Sony ZV-1 II for its versatility, better video quality, and larger display.

Check Prices: DJI Pocket 2

5. Panasonic Lumix DC-G100 – Best Budget Vlogging Camera Kit

Key Features of the Panasonic Lumix DC-G100

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: 20.3MP Digital Live MOS Sensor
• Display: 3.0″ 1.84m-Dot Articulating Touchscreen
• Image Stabilization: 5-Axis Hybrid Image Stabilization
• Zoom: Depends on the Lens
• Max. Video: UHD 4K/30fps
• Slow Motion: Full HD 1080p/120fps
• Record Limit: Up to 10 Minutes in 4K & 30 Minutes in 1080p 
• Built-In Mic: Yes
• Connectivity: WiFi & Bluetooth
• Battery Life: 270 Shots (Up to 80 Minutes of 4K)
• Weight: 352g (Body with Battery & SD Card)

The Panasonic Lumix DC-G100 uses a 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor with a 2x crop. Yet, it still affords to shoot high-quality UHD 4K videos at up to 30fps. 

The vlogging kit includes a slim, retractable 24-64mm-equivalent zoom lens. The combination is all an entry-level vlogger needs to create YouTube-quality content!

The Lumix DC-G100 is quite capable! Its video and audio quality rival the Sony ZV-1 II. But its main limitation is the 10-minute 4K/30fps video recording limit. 

While the video limit is a drawback for most vloggers, this camera can be an ideal choice for vloggers who shoot short-styled video content like Shorts and TikToks. 

Besides, Lumix DC-G100 uses OZO Audio, featuring three built-in mics. A design that ensures it picks the audio from all sides for clarity even in noisy surroundings.  

Pros:

• A lightweight, compact, and durable build design. 
• It shoots vibrant, sharp videos even in low light. 
• It has a built-in flash and a hot shoe mount. 
• A built-in OLED viewfinder for stills shooting. 
• A 3.5mm external mic input for better audio quality. 
• Tons of vlogging features including video selfie mode. 

Cons:

• It lacks a built-in ND filter. 
• The 4K video is cropped and limited to 10 minutes. 

The Panasonic Lumix DC-G100 is a complete, budget-friendly vlogging camera kit. The slim, retractable 12-32mm zoom lens has an equivalent range of 24-64mm!

Its larger sensor affords it better video quality and if you don’t mind the 10-minute 4K/30fps video limitation then it’s such a capable budget vlogging camera. 

Check Prices: Panasonic Lumix DC-G100

6. Sony ZV-E10 – Best Budget Mirrorless Camera for Vlogging

Key Features of the Sony ZV-E10

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
• Display: 3.0″ 921.6k-Dot Articulating Touchscreen LCD
• Image Stabilization: Digital (Video Only)
• Zoom: Depends on the Lens
• Max. Video: UHD 4K/30fps
• Slow Motion: 1080p/120fps
• Record Limit: None
• Built-In Mic: Directional 3-capsule Mic and Windscreen
• Connectivity: USB-C, Micro-HDMI, WiFi, Bluetooth, 3.5mm Mic, & 3.5mm Headphone
• Battery Life: 440 Shots (Up to 80 Minutes of 4K)
• Weight: 343g (Body with Battery & SD Card)

Sony ZV-E10 is a dedicated mirrorless vlogging camera. Sony designed it exclusively for video content creators, just like the Sony ZV-1, ZV-1F, and ZV-1 II.

But ZV-E10 is the best solution for seasoned vloggers who want a feature-rich, easy-to-use camera with the versatility of using interchangeable lenses. 

Our favorite features include the large APS-C sensor for sharp and vibrant videos and the directional 3-capsule microphone for excellent native audio. 

It also features a bright, intuitive flip-out touchscreen, 3.5mm mic input, 3.5mm headphone output, and the ability to live stream directly from the camera.

Pros:

• A lightweight and compact design for portability. 
• A USB-C for power input and ultrafast data transfer. 
• A Product Showcase mode for unboxing and reviews. 
• It has great autofocus for a camera on its budget!
• Built-in live streaming support for YouTube and Facebook. 
• Digital image stabilization for smooth handheld videos. 
• Plenty of vlogging features including Soft Skin Effect. 

Cons:

• It doesn’t have a viewfinder or built-in ND filter. 
• It lacks a built-in flash but has a shoe mount.
• The flip-out screen blocks the charging port & HDMI.

The Sony ZV-E10 is the best mirrorless camera within its budget! It stands out from rivals like the Canon M50 Mark II, Nikon Z30, and the Lumix DC-G100.

But unlike Lumix DC-G100, ZV-E10 doesn’t have a video recording limit! Yet, you still get stunning 4K/30fps and 1080p/120fps for slow-mo with great native audio!

However, you’ll pay a little more to get it with the 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens. It has a versatile 24-75mm-equivalent range that’s useful for most vlogging needs!

Check Prices: Sony ZV-E10

7. Canon EOS Rebel T7 – Best Budget DSLR Camera for Vlogging

Key Features of the Canon EOS Rebel T7

• Type: DSLR
• Sensor: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• Display: 3.0″ 920k-Dot Fixed LCD
• Image Stabilization: No
• Zoom: Depends on the Lens in Use
• Max. Video: Full HD 1080p/30fps
• Slow Motion: –
• Record Limit: Up to 30 Minutes
• Built-In Mic: Yes
• Connectivity: Mini-HDMI, Canon E3, Mini-USB, & WiFi with NFC
• Battery Life: 600 Shots (About 3 Hours of Full HD Video)
• Weight: 475g (Body with Battery & SD Card)

Camera brands including Nikon and Canon are now phasing out the production of new DSLRs. Mirrorless is now the go-to camera choice for pro-level stills and video!

But these brands are still manufacturing existing DSLRs including the Canon EOS Rebel T7 which has been termed as a solid entry-level DSLR for vlogging. 

It suits vloggers who are just starting or upgrading from a smartphone. You get an easy-to-use interface, an impressive battery life, and great video and audio!

The Rebel T7 features a larger 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor pairing with a fast DIGIC 4+ image processor for high-quality Full HD 1080p/30fps video. 

It now comes bundled as a kit with the 18-55mm zoom lens, which has a 28.8-88mm equivalent range. A decent focal length range for most vlogging needs!

Pros:

• A robust build quality for durability. 
• It’s super affordable and beginner-friendly!
• An easy-to-use menu system with automatic settings. 
• It shoots high-quality Full HD videos even in low light. 
• The best battery life of all the cameras on the list!
• An optical viewfinder to benefit stills shooting. 
• The package includes an 18-55mm kit lens.

Cons:

• The LCD is fixed and not a touchscreen.
• The DSLR body is big and bulky. 
• It lacks slow-motion capabilities. 
• It lacks an external mic and headphone ports. 

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is a capable, entry-level DSLR that packs most of the essential features a beginner would need to start creating vlogging content. 

At a price below $500 with a kit lens, the Rebel T7 is quite a steal! It’s super easy to use and affords high-quality Full HD videos with great audio straight from the box!

But its bulky design and the fixed non-touch LCD might be a drawback for content creators who want a smaller camera for making epic vlogs in selfie mode. 

Check Prices: Canon EOS Rebel T7

8. GoPro HERO10 Black – Best Budget Action Camera for Vlogging

Key Features of the GoPro HERO10

• Type: Action
• Sensor: 23MP CMOS
• Display: 2.27″ Fixed Touchscreen LCD, 1.4″ LCD Live-View Front Monitor
• Image Stabilization: HyperSmooth 4.0 Image Stabilization
• Zoom: None
• Max. Video: 5.3K/60fps, 4K/120fps
• Slow Motion: 4K/120fps, 2.7K/240fps
• Record Limit: None
• Built-In Mic: Yes
• Connectivity: USB Type-C, WiFi, & Bluetooth
• Battery Life: About 1 Hour 30 Minutes of 4K
• Weight: 158g (Body with Battery & SD Card)

GoPros are the world’s best action cameras! They are robust-built to withstand extreme conditions including a 33ft (10m) waterproof rating without a casing. 

But the latest GoPro Hero12 Black is quite expensive! In that case, you should get the budget-friendly GoPro Hero10 Black, which costs about $100 cheaper!

The GoPro HERO10 is still a capable action camera! Like the Hero12 Black, it shoots stunning 5.3K videos at up to 60fps and 4K at up to 120fps for slow-motion. 

The GP2 chip offers an enhanced performance and user experience. It allows for faster and smoother video recording and more responsive touch controls. 

The Hero10 Black also shoots 2.7K/240fps for super slow motion, time-lapse, and night-lapse videos. Thanks to its enhanced low-light performance! 

Pros:

• A robust build-quality that’s dust and waterproof.
• HyperSmooth 4.0 IS for smooth and sharper footage. 
• It doubles as a webcam for Full HD live streaming.
• Plenty of vlogging features including 8x slow-motion. 
• Three built-in mics with advanced wind noise reduction. 
• 14 built-in voice commands to easily control the camera. 
• A large battery for up to 3 hours of Full HD recording. 

Cons:

• It’s not the right choice for everyday vlogging needs.
• It lacks an external mic input and headphone output. 

The GoPro Hero10 Black suits vloggers who want to capture extreme content on a budget. It’s still as powerful and capable as the latest GoPro Hero12 Black.

You’ll get to enjoy all the benefits of a GoPro, including an intuitive 2.27” rear touchscreen, great native audio, looping video, time lapses, night lapses, and more!

Furthermore, the optional waterproof dive housing allows you to take it down to the deep sea. It’s such a useful accessory for deep-sea diving and snorkeling!

Check Prices: GoPro HERO10

9. Sony HDRCX405 – Best Budget Camcorder for Vlogging

Key Features of the Sony HDRCX405

• Type: Camcorder
• Sensor: 1/5.8″-Type Back-Illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor
• Display: 2.7″ Flip-Out LCD
• Image Stabilization: Optical SteadyShot IS
• Zoom: 30x Optical, 350x Digital
• Max. Video: 1080p/60fps
• Slow Motion: –
• Record Limit: 13 Hours (Depends on SD Card & Battery)
• Built-In Mic: Yes
• Connectivity: Micro-HDMI, USB-A 2.0, & Micro-USB
• Battery Life: About 1.5 Hours of Full HD Recording
• Weight: 215g (Body with Battery & SD Card)

In a world where compact, mirrorless cameras are taking over, a Camcorder seems like an old-school gadget. Camcorders look inelegant; almost old-fashioned!

Yet, if you overlook the elegance factor, a camcorder like the Sony HDRCX405 is quite an inexpensive but capable solution for shooting high-quality Full HD videos. 

We recommend it to entry-level video content creators who want to try their hand at wildlife and sports vlogging. You still get YouTube-quality 1080p/60fps footage. 

It features a back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS sensor for better low-light performance and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization for smooth footage. 

Its wide-angle lens has a 30x optical zoom that lets you get close to the action for clear and sharper footage. A useful feature when shooting sports and wildlife!

Pros:

• A compact build-quality for a low-budget camcorder.
• An easy-to-use design like a point-and-shoot camera. 
• A built-in USB cable for charging and data transfer. 
• Even when zooming, you still get high-quality footage. 

Cons:

• The LCD is not a touchscreen. 
• It does not shoot in 4K.
• Poor low-light performance. 

Sony CX405 is a low-budget solution for beginners and kids who are into wildlife and sports vlogging. It’s quite easy to use and shoots great-quality videos. 

Sony claims the CX405 can give you 115 minutes of Full HD recording. But most users get anywhere between an hour to one and a half hours. 

Given that charging the batteries takes about two and a half hours, we recommend packing extra batteries or a power bank for a seamless vlogging experience. 

Check Prices: Sony HDRCX405

10. AKASO Brave 7 LE – Best Budget Camera for Underwater Vlogging

Key Features of the AKASO Brave 7 LE

• Type: Action
• Sensor: 20MP CMOS Sensor
• Display: 2” Fixed Touchscreen LCD, 1.5” Front Live-View Monitor
• Image Stabilization: Digital (6-Axis Electronic IS)
• Zoom: None
• Max. Video: 4K/30fps
• Slow Motion: 1080p/120fps
• Record Limit: None 
• Built-In Mic: Yes
• Connectivity: Micro-USB, Micro-HDMI, Wi-Fi, & Mic (Via USB Adapter)
• Battery Life: About 1 Hour of 4K/30fps Vlogging
• Weight: 127g (Body with Battery & SD Card)

GoPros are the world’s best underwater vlogging cameras, but they are expensive! It’s the reason we suggest getting AKASO Brave 7 LE. It’s a budget-friendly GoPro alternative with an IPX7 rating for water resistance to 1 meter for 30 minutes. 

The package includes a waterproof case that lets you take the Brave 7 LE down to 131 feet (40 meters), making it an affordable choice for deep-water vlogging. 

It has a 20MP sensor that shoots high-quality 4K/30fps videos. You also get other useful vlogging features including time-lapse and 1080p/120fps slow-motion. 

Pros:

• It’s incredibly easy to use, even for beginners!
• A premium look and feel for a budget camera. 
• It’s rated IPX7 water-resistant without a case. 
• The waterproof case is included in the package. 
• An adjustable 170° FoV and dual-color display. 
• It works with the AKASO GO smartphone app. 
• A 1/4″-20 tripod/selfie mounting thread.
• The internal mic shoots good audio quality. 

Cons:

• It shoots sub-par videos in low-light deep waters. 
• A USB-C would be better for ultrafast data transfer. 
• It doesn’t record sound when in the waterproof case.
• It sinks in water, so you need to get a floating hard grip.

The AKASO Brave 7 LE does a wonderful job shooting at 4K/30fps for a low-budget action camera. The video is of great quality but not as sharp or smooth as GoPro’s. 

It, however, captures grainy videos in low lighting, even with the image stabilization on. But 4K/30fps videos are great in clear underwaters and daylight outdoors!

That said, the Brave 7 LE is an excellent deep-water vlogging action camera for beginner and enthusiast vloggers looking for a budget GoPro alternative. 

In the package, you get a waterproof housing, two batteries, a battery charger, and a remote control (works with WiFi 2.4GHz), among other accessories.  

Check Prices: AKASO Brave 7 LE

How to Choose the Best Budget Vlogging Camera

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.  

What to Look For To Get A GOOD Budget Vlogging Camera

The first step to buying a budget camera for your vlogging it so know the features that make a vlogging camera GOOD. Below we list the main things 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

Find 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 not 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.

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 videos while sitting in front of your camera.

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.

5. Video and Image Resolution

A good vlogging camera should be able to at least record 1080p footage at 30fps. Some of the cameras that we have recommended above can shoot 1080p at up to 60fps, which is great. If you’re intending to capture some stills for your photography blog, then you’ll want to consider the megapixels.

6. Audio Quality

Nothing turns off your audience like having good vlog content with poor audio quality. Look for a camera with a decent inbuilt stereo microphone.

We like to use an external mic so when we look for a camera it must have a microphone input for an external mic. We use and recommend the Rode Wireless Go II!

7. Connectivity

WiFi should be a basic feature of 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. 

We recommend you ALWAYS have a spare camera battery that’s charged and ready. Recording video drains the camera battery pretty fast so it’s a good rule to always have extra on hand.  

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.

And a lightweight tripod is another must-have!

Camera Gear at B&H Photo