So what makes the best budget vlogging camera? And how is a vlogging camera actually different from the regular kind? I'll run you through the key differences and what to look for, and then list my favorite affordable vlogging cameras.
You'll have noticed by now that the best cameras for filmmaking don't always come cheap. We're in the middle of an all-out arms race among camera makers to produce ever-better cameras for a rapidly expanding 'creator economy'. All these technical advances come at a price, though, and what are widely regarded as the best cameras for vlogging are often outside the price range of beginners and new users.
But don't worry! There are some really good cheap vlogging cameras out there that can get you started at a fraction of the price. You're probably wondering if they're missing key features that you wish you had paid extra for, but that's not necessarily the case. Very often, more expensive cameras cost more because of features you're not likely to need unless you become a serious/professional filmmaker. Things like log profiles, 4:2:2 10-bit color, raw capture, and 6K or 8K can wait!
There are a few features we do think are pretty essential in a vlogging camera, though (see what to look for below) - and we have used these to pick our recommendations…
The Canon EOS R50 is Canon's smallest, lightest mirrorless camera but it still packs a punch with a 24MP CMOS sensor, 4K 30p video and dual pixel AF. The only downside is the limited choice in RF-S lenses.
The Sony ZV-E10 II is the vlogging edition of the A6000 range boasting 4K video, a 26MP sensor, and a clip-on wind muffler for outdoor shooting plus there's a huge range of lightweight Sony E lenses to choose from.
Considering its size and price, the G100 is a powerful bit of kit. It's easy to use, produces high-quality video and stills, has a flip-out screen perfect for self-shooting and is the cheapest on our list.
For amateur vloggers who don't want to spend anything extra on lenses, Sony's 20mm fixed lens camera is ideal. It's a step up from your phone, delivers 4K video and has snappy eye autofocus.
The Nikon Z30 might be the cheapest of its APS-C cameras but it doesn't feel it. It's perfectly adapted for vlogging with a flip-out screen, a 20MP sensor, and several pancake lenses that match the compact design of the camera.
This retro-looking mirrorless camera is by far the best-looking camera suited to vloggers. It records 4K video and delivers excellent still images plus external control dials make it really easy to use.
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Dimensions: 116.3 x 85.5 x 68.8mm, 328g (body only)
Reasons to buy
+
Smallest, lightest EOS R camera
+
Simple to use with guided UI
+
Social media & vlogging features
Reasons to avoid
-
Limited RF-S lens choice so far
Canon's APS-C EOS R system has come a long way in a short time, and the EOS R50 offers a remarkable combination of features and value for a brand-new camera. It's not designed specifically for vlogging, but stills photography too, and boasts not just 4K video capture with Canon's top-notch Dual Pixel AF system, but an electronic viewfinder and 24MP APS-C sensor for stills photography too.
As we note in our review, the EOS R50 is what would happen if the M50 Mark II and the EOS R10 had a baby! With its excellent sensor, great features, and affordable price tag, we think this is one of the best pocket-friendly cameras today.
The only cloud on the horizon is the relative lack of native RF-S lenses for the EOS R50 right now, particularly an extra-wide zoom for 'selfie vlogging'. If Canon doesn't sort this out soon, the success of its new cameras is far from certain.
Dimensions: 115.2 x 64.2 x 44.8mm, 343g (body only)
Reasons to buy
+
Autofocus performance
+
Vari-angle screen
+
Good lens choice
Reasons to avoid
-
No viewfinder
The Sony ZV-E10 II is designed as an upgraded vlogging camera with enhanced features for video content creators. It shares the same sensor and processor as the Sony a6700, ensuring high-quality images, but its primary focus is on video rather than photography.
The camera offers impressive video capabilities, including 4K30p without cropping and 4K60p with only a minimal 1.1x crop, making it versatile for vloggers. Notable features include the "Cinematic Vlog" mode, utilizing Sony’s S-Cinetone for outstanding footage straight from the camera, and the option to record in S-Log with 10-bit color for flexible post-production editing.
Additionally, the product showcase focus feature provides seamless autofocus between the subject and background, which is beneficial for vloggers showcasing products.
While it lacks 4K120p, this isn't a significant drawback considering its price point. It's worth noting that extended 4K recording may cause overheating, so it's more suitable for shorter video sessions.
Overall, the ZV-E10 II is an excellent option for vloggers seeking a compact, feature-rich camera at an affordable price.
Dimensions: 115.6 x 82.5 x 54.2mm, 352g (body only)
Reasons to buy
+
High quality video and stills
+
Small size, value and lens choice
+
Good EVF
Reasons to avoid
-
Slight crop for 4K video
-
Less efficient contrast AF
This baby Lumix is remarkably powerful and extremely good value for money. Unlike many rival budget vlogging cameras, this one has a viewfinder and a very good one at that. The Lumix G100D also has access to a wide range of Micro Four Thirds format lenses from Panasonic, Olympus, Laowa, and others, and these lenses are typically a little bit cheaper and lighter than those of other systems.
New vloggers will enjoy the simplicity of the Lumix G100D. It makes it easy to capture high-quality video and stills with its approachable button layout. Even people uninterested in the technicalities of capturing great-looking videos will be able to get results with this camera.
There are just a couple of downsides that stop the Lumix G100D from taking the top spot. First, Panasonic's DFD autofocus system is just not quite as smooth as the hybrid systems from other makers; second, if you shoot in 4K it does come with a crop factor that reduces the angle of view.
If you're after a vlogging camera but don't want to faff with investing in lenses, the fixed-lens Sony ZV-1F might just be the answer. While a fixed lens camera can be limiting it can also take away a lot of financial stress and you won't feel like you have to constantly invest or change lenses - instead, you learn to adapt and shoot with what you've got. It's aimed at an amateur vlogger who wants to have a dedicated camera for content creation instead of just relying on a phone.
It does have the edge when it comes to 4K video footage, even if the quality of the stills lets it down a bit. It's perfect for run-and-gun scenarios as you can set it up and start shooting quickly and it's so easy to use you can pass it among friends to make sure everyone has some airtime.
Sure this camera doesn't have some of the bells and whistles of other mirrorless cameras but if you're after high-quality 4K video for social media wrapped up in a pocket-sized compact camera, you'll be hard-pushed to beat the price of the ZV-1F.
The Z30 is the cheapest of Nikon's three APS-C format mirrorless cameras, but it's also the one best adapted for vlogging, with a flip-out vari-angle screen perfect for filming yourself. It doesn't have a viewfinder, which might restrict its appeal for stills photography, even though its 20MP sensor actually produces very good still images.
If you want an EVF, you're better off with the Nikon Z fc. Like Canon, Nikon is still getting its APS-C mirrorless lens range off the ground, but it is a few steps ahead, having launched the extra-wide Nikkor Z DX 12-28mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ VR zoom and with some neat 'pancake' primes that match the Z30's dimensions very well. The Z30 can, of course, use full-frame Nikon Z lenses too, but most will be too expensive and too bulky for the Z30's compact body.
The Nikon Z fc isn't designed with vlogging in mind in the same way that the Z30 is, but the video capture features are identical, and it also sports an electronic viewfinder and beautiful retro styling that could convince many of us to shell out the extra cash. The aluminum dials are a joy to operate and the body looks so pretty you’ll likely display the camera when it’s not in use.
But the Z fc isn't all style and no substance. Performance and image quality are excellent, so there are few compromises to be made for the extra style. Only the slippery body shape, along with the relative shortage of DX-format native Z-mount lenses (though that is changing) go against the Z fc.
But even with these considerations, if you dig the retro aesthetic, the Z fc is still worth every penny. It's at the top end of the price scale for a budget vlogging camera, but it's still within reach.
What to look for in the best budget vlogging cameras
What to look for in the best budget vlogging cameras
4K video: Even though most YouTube videos and other online/social content are still shared at Full HD resolution, 4K is still the new baseline for video capture.
Interchangeable lenses: All of the cameras on our list are mirrorless camera models that take interchangeable lenses. You can get some good compact vlogging cameras too, but we think the larger sensors and swappable optics of mirrorless cameras are key.
Vari-angle screen: Vloggers typically need to be in front of the camera as well as behind it, so a camera with a screen that can flip forwards to face the front is a must.
Mic socket: Even if you're still only starting out, you'll need to think about using an external microphone at some point, so look out for cameras with microphone sockets, otherwise you're a bit stuck.
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Rod is an independent photography journalist and editor, and a long-standing Digital Camera World contributor, having previously worked as DCW's Group Reviews editor. Before that he has been technique editor on N-Photo, Head of Testing for the photography division and Camera Channel editor on TechRadar, as well as contributing to many other publications. He has been writing about photography technique, photo editing and digital cameras since they first appeared, and before that began his career writing about film photography. He has used and reviewed practically every interchangeable lens camera launched in the past 20 years, from entry-level DSLRs to medium format cameras, together with lenses, tripods, gimbals, light meters, camera bags and more. Rod has his own camera gear blog at fotovolo.com but also writes about photo-editing applications and techniques at lifeafterphotoshop.com
