8 Best cheap camera for youtube: (2024 Guide & Reviews)

Last Updated on December 4, 2023 by Sharon Advik

YouTube vlogging is the more engaging activity of the new generation that others have captivated and encouraged.

The perfectly equipped handy cameras have undoubtedly done that.

But sometimes, everyone has to face the obstacle of the insufficient consequence of any picture quality command.

And that will, unfortunately, distress the targeted audience.

For this reason, I will elaborate on some excellent and highest-ranked cheap camera models that will surely be a more reliable option for you if you are a vlogger.

So, multiple camera compatibilities have been discussed here indeed, look down and meet your desired one, as these are the best cameras for filming YouTube videos.

Which is the Best cheap camera for youtube?

Here are my recommended top 8 Best cheap camera for youtube:-

Fujifilm X-S10: (best cheap camera for youtube)

I am often asked about the moderately priced camera for youtube best inexpensive camera for Vlogging through my blogs, so I always share my experience working with Fujifilm X-S10.

I used this camera while helping my brother to click start his YouTube channel.

My brother owns a cosmetic company.

It’s not a big brand; the products are outstanding and affordable.

However, the problem he faced for a few months was poor product promotion and advertisement, so I suggested he start a review channel.

It was when I grabbed my X-S10, hired a model, and started working for him.

He gained a lot of appreciation in no time.

So this is the camera I always recommend young YouTubers buy because it’s inexpensive but effectively equipped for perfection.

Features:

  • Sensor: trans-x CMOS 4
  • Effective pixels: 26.1
  • Video resolution: 4k
  • ISO: 160-12800
  • Shutter speed: 30s-1/4000s (A mode)
  • Image stabilization: yes
  • Dimensions: 126.0*85.1*65.4 mm
  • Weight: 465g

ISO/Shutter speed:

Product reviews happen indoors, especially for cosmetics, and I also use multiple led lights to make the set more appealing, so increasing ISO to a certain level is unnecessary.

As for shutter speed, I always keep it at 1/60 to complement the frame rate.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

For aperture and depth of field, it is necessary to know the content of the video as I work specifically on cosmetic projects.

I keep the aperture wide and depth of field narrow to focus the subject under consideration, but the interchangeable lens camera can be used efficiently at both ends f stops.

White balance/Frame rate:

When working with this camera in the studio, I set the white balance via the color temperature setting.

Shooting 4k at 30 fps for product review videos gives me a more cinematic feel.

Why is this camera the best?

The things that make this camera more attractive for many is Fujifilm’s signature color palate that brings vividness, balance, and contrast to the videos and showcases the story in its utmost classic style.

The picture and video stimulation modes add to the aesthetics required for fashion and make-up industry shootings.

Conclusion:

The X-trans CMOS 4 sensor with a primary color filter, 4k video resolution, and 26.1 MP stills make it the best cheap camera for youtube.

It’s a pro in making dramatic movies and letting the motion picture makers use it in any environment without the fear of shakes.

Click here to buy

Pros
  • Proven 26MP sensor
  • 5-axis IBIS
  • In-camera film looks for creatives
  • Front-facing display
  • Fast, reliable autofocus
Cons
  • No weather sealing
  • Single UHS-I memory card slot

Sony α6400: (best cheap camera for youtube)

Social media news channels and pages are becoming a more popular source of information than electronic media; seeing the trend, I also jumped into the field.

At first, I worked with TRT World and People magazine.

I worked as a Videographer and photographer but soon decided to start my news page.

I was good with information collection and capturing the perfect controversial moment for news.

Still, I was having trouble finding a new camera as the device I used previously belonged to the channels.

I had a financial crunch, so I was looking for something cheap but good enough to shoot the news, so my fellow cameraman at TRT suggested a Sony α6400.

It’s been four months since I’ve been using it, and I found it excellent and reliable.

Features:

  • Sensor: Exmor CMOS
  • Effective pixels: 24. 2 MP
  • Video resolution: 4k
  • ISO: 100-32000
  • Shutter speed: 1/4s-1/4000s (movies)
  • Image stabilization: yes
  • Dimensions: 120.0*66.9* 59.7mm
  • Weight: 403g

ISO/Shutter speed:

Shooting the recent Grammy event for the daily news was a fantastic experience.

I kept the ISO to the base range while framing the stars at Red carpet and shutter speed at 1/50 while interviewing the world’s best singers and rappers exclusively for my channel, including Doja Cat and Cardi B.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

Playing with the aperture is my favorite thing, and I love capturing closeups and then going wide to include the surroundings for a dramatic effect.

At the Grammy, is kept my lens aperture to f/16 for a vast field and included everything in the background.

White balance/Frame rate:

Let’s get out of the Grammy news report and talk about the white balance as a general guide for the camera.

Several settings can be helpful to eliminate the hues of colors, but Auto White balance is enough to get through all the basic clicks.

I shoot in 4k at 24 fps when making videos, and continuous shooting at 11 fps is also possible with the camera.

Why is this camera the best?

Powerful, compact, and a trademark for perfection, this camera features intelligent subject tracking, fast autofocus, and a highly efficient viewfinder to let the world go digital.

Time-lapse, slow motions, and high-quality higher ISO performance are other features to let the innovation serve creativity.

Conclusion:

Alpha is installed with 24. 2 MP resolution for stills and 4k recording for motion pictures.

The APS-C sensor with copper wiring BIONZ X processor teams up to deliver remarkable quality imagery even in dimly lit scenarios.

The viewfinder ensures a detailed preview of the scene.

Click here to buy

Pros
  • Compact build.
  • 24MP APS-C image sensor.
  • Quick, accurate autofocus.
  • 11fps continuous drive.
  • Large, sharp EVF.
  • Selfie LCD.
  • Built-in flash and hot shoe.
  • 4K video without recording limit.
Cons
  • No in-body image stabilization.
  • External charger not included.
  • Only full-frame lenses are weather sealed.
  • UHS-I card slot.

Sony ZV-E10: (best cheap camera for youtube)

My wife owns a bakery and makes terrific cakes.

A few months ago, she decided to start a baking channel.

Because I’m a travel photographer and mostly away from home, I wanted to do something to help her establish her little show.

She is not very knowledgeable about video making, so I was looking for a simple camera to record her videos; I advised my son to shoot for his mom in my absence.

Of the many options I saw online, I chose Sony ZV-E10 and gifted it to my wife.

I also use a Sony device for my work, and I think it makes the most easygoing cameras for both professionals and passionate.

Features:

  • Sensor: Exmor CMOS
  • Effective pixels: 24. 2 MP
  • Video resolution: 4k
  • ISO: 100-32000
  • Shutter speed: 1/4s-1/4000s (movies)
  • Image stabilization: yes
  • Dimensions: 115.2*64.2* 44.8 mm
  • Weight: 343g

ISO/Shutter speed:

When I first shot with this camera, I kept the ISO at the base range because my wife has a proper kitchen studio for shooting with ample lighting.

For shooting the baking and decorating videos in 4k, the frame rates at 24 fps suffice.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

Keeping the aperture wide when the lens is focused on the oven, cake, and decoration process defocuses the background set and creates a bokeh.

Still, when my wife gave instructions, I told my son to narrow the aperture to include the background as it looked more promising.

White balance/ Frame rate:

The kitchen and studio light a lot of heat.

That’s where some image makers make mistakes, as they don’t consider the light temperature and only use the preset to adjust the whites.

As for me, I never go directly for presets and prefer adjusting the color temperature settings to get the desired whites.

The videos are baking shoot in 4k at 24 fps, adding a touch of realism.

Why is this camera the best?

The technology has come so far to incorporate progressive elements in this camera, such as ZV-E10, that take the experience of video making to another level.

In addition, it can turn the image into reality via a fixed focal length that produces eye-catching backgrounds with fantastic bokeh.

Conclusion:

The 24. 2 megapixel Exmor CMOS sensor and BIONZ X processor ensure plenty of light gathering and fast data readout.

Moreover, the autofocus with 425 phase detection and 425 contrast detection enables quick grab and tracking of the subject motion that helps to capture important yet fleeting moments.

Click here to buy

Pros
  • Excellent 4K video at 24 or 30fps
  • Best-in-class autofocus
  • Bright, front-facing LCD
  • Clear in-camera microphone
  • Supports add-on mic and headphone monitoring
  • Works as a USB webcam
Cons
  • Battery drains quickly
  • Limited touch controls
  • Slow-motion limited to 1080p

GoPro HERO9 Black: (best cheap camera for youtube)

What does it mean to go to magnificent places and enjoy nature when it’s not shared with humanity?

I realized the need for more recognition and awareness about natural habitation, so I turned my profession towards the aim.

I’m a nature videographer, and I let the world see my voyage through my GoPro HERO9 Black lens.

When I decided to make this channel, the biggest concern was carrying cameras and tripods to distant places.

Soon after I searched the Internet for a portable camera, all my worries were gone.

Now it’s my ultimate Partner that makes my work more refined.

Features:

  • Effective pixels: 20 MP
  • Video resolution: 5k, 4k, full HD
  • Image stabilization: HyperSmooth 3.0
  • Super Slow motions: yes
  • Time-laps: yes

ISO/Shutter speed:

ISO aims to induce brightness when there is not enough light collection by the sensor or aperture; as I shoot outdoors, there is always enough light for the sensor to keep the pictures bright; therefore, I work with the native ISO range.

The shutter for shooting landscapes, heavenly Valleys, and Greenland best be slower for fluid video quality.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

Landscapes offer too much to frame, and the signal elements can’t be captured, so keeping the aperture narrow to take the full depth of field in the videos is a must.

However, sometimes when giving a dramatic bokeh effect to sunlight behind the tree or focusing on a particular animal, I use a wide aperture.

White balance/Frame rate:

It is imperative to know the amount and direction of light the sensor is getting.

For instance, when there is direct sunlight, the picture may show hot orange hues, or if the weather is cloudy blue hues are more likely to happen, so I prefer setting the color temperature instead of relying on the presents.

Shooting 5k in 24 frame rates is delightful, and when I’m making slow motions for previews, I use full HD at 120 fps.

Why is this camera the best?

This camera is a stunningly intelligent and robust performer for video and still making.

The 5k video quality and 20-megapixel picture quality make it the ultimate option for carrying to distant destinations.

Moreover, its rechargeable battery provides enough time to enjoy the whole day of videography, and the waterproof seal helps it survive the harsh environment.

Conclusion:

Thrilling 5k video quality improves the presentation of the content, and HyperSmooth 3.0 image stabilization gives reliable shake and vibration elimination.

Moreover, it is the cheapest camera for youtube to offer such fantastic specifications in a cost-effective price range.

Click here to buy

Pros
  • Up to 5K quality at 30fps
  • Front-facing color LCD
  • Exceptional video stabilization
  • Up to 240fps HD slow motion
  • Time-lapse, buffering, and HDR imaging
  • USB-C charging
  • Strong app support
  • Compact and waterproof
Cons
  • You’ll likely want to carry extra batteries

Sony ZV-1: (best cheap camera for youtube)

My cousin is very passionate about vlogging, and he wanted to start his channel.

He is just 19 and freshly graduated from high school, so obviously, he didn’t know anything about professional cameras; he called me for help.

He thought it would be easy to handle a professional camera.

Still, the working technicalities of a camera are always complex for beginners, so I advised him to buy a less expensive, less complicated camera to start his channel.

Because the market has many options and choosing the best one can be tricky, after carefully evaluating some devices, I suggested Sony ZV-1F; it is one of the best for passionate vloggers and budding videographers.

Features:

  • Sensor: 1.0 type CMOS
  • Effective pixels: 20.1 MP
  • Video resolution: 4k
  • ISO: 100-12800
  • Shutter speed: 1/30s-1/32000 (movies)
  • Image stabilization: yes
  • Dimensions: 10.54*5.99*4.34 cm
  • Weight: 294 g

ISO/Shutter speed:

The first thing to remember for Vlogging is less noise in the videos when recording is done at the native ISO setting; however, I told my cousin to increase ISO up to 1600 in low light and night recording.

Another vital lesson to Learn is that shutter can be used in various photography ranges, but for videos, I suggest using the shutter twice the frame rate value.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

The concept of aperture and depth of field was a bit difficult for my cousin to comprehend, so I gave him a fundamental lesson to keep the aperture wide when he wanted a defocused background and narrow when he wanted a sharp transparent background in the vlogs.

White balance/Frame rate:

The white balance modes might confuse many novice image makers as it did to my cousin, but fortunately, the Auto White Balance mode of the camera is effective enough to keep the whites pure.

The camera can shoot 4k videos at 24 and 30 fps and full HD at 60 fps. I told him to go for 4k vlogs for better resolution.

Why is this camera the best?

Apart from the basic settings that every video and photographer must learn to adjust to the requirements, the camera is also outfitted with vlogging-specific features such as a vari-angle LCD to monitor oneself and an ergonomically adjustable grip to hold for shooting.

Conclusion:

The best cheap camera for youtube that offers a large 1.0 type CMOS sensor, a wide aperture, and AI-powered autofocus that doesn’t let anything slip away from the frame.

Additionally, there is a 3-directional mic that ensures clear audio quality with every shoot.

Click here to buy

Pros
  • Compact form factor
  • Flip-out touch screen
  • Bright, sharp zoom lens
  • Excellent in-camera audio
  • External mic and flash support
  • 4K video capture
Cons
  • Limited touch features
  • No in-camera flash

DJI Pocket 2: (best cheap camera for youtube)

Too many years into vlogging and having 2M subscribers is a responsibility to establish more creative and high-quality content.

Over time I have updated my content, video quality, and algorithm to gain positive feedback whenever I post a video.

Still, recently I was shooting a concert when my camera lens broke, and I had to complete the vlog with my friend’s  DJI Pocket 2.

I was among people who used to think if it is expensive, then it’s exclusive, but the truth is entirely different.

After using DJI, I learned that even inexpensive cameras could produce high-quality video, so what’s the meaning of spending too much?

Features:

  • Sensor: 1/1.7 inch CMOS
  • Effective pixels: 64 MP
  • Video resolution: 4k
  • ISO: 100-6400
  • Shutter speed: 8-1/8000s
  • Image stabilization: yes
  • Dimensions: 124.7*38.1*30 mm
  • Weight: 117g

ISO/Shutter speed:

When I was at the concert, I needed higher ISO performance to compensate for the low light, and this camera did magic when I increased the ISO to 1500, yet there wasn’t any sign of noise or artifact in the videos.

While shooting the vlogs, I used the shutter at 1/60 as its most recommended range.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

Whether the aim is to create fantastic bokeh with f stop at 1.8 or increase the depth of field by narrowing the aperture, the camera lets everything be done.

For example, I was shooting the enthusiastic audience dancing on the ground while the concert was at its peak, and I used a narrow aperture to capture gracefully moving bodies.

White balance/Frame rate:

The camera’s white balance modes are effective, but I don’t prefer it presets because auto white balance does the needed work.

Talking about frame rates, I can write a separate article, but in short, I got terrific 4k videos at up to 60 fps and made some time laps and slow motions to add to the vlog for more dramatic picturization.

Why is this camera the best?

The first and foremost feature to astonish everyone is its pocket size, built with a 93-degree field of view and wide-angle lens.

The whole purpose of the camera is to make it a convenient device for a vlogger to record everything everywhere single-handedly.

Conclusion:

Please don’t get confused by its size because this camera is installed with a 1/1.7 inch CMOS sensor and 64-megapixel resolution.

In addition, there is 3-axis image stabilization to handle the shakes, a grip that works as a tripod, and an active track 3.0 too much to expect in this small and best cheap camera for youtube.

Click here to buy

Pros
  • Exceptional image stabilization.
  • Lightweight and portable.
Cons
  • Fixed focal length and aperture.

Panasonic HC-V180K: (best cheap camera for youtube)

When I was in Hawaii last year for a shoot, I realized I was still not earning enough after putting so much effort into my shoots.

Hence, a friend suggested I start a vlogging channel to shoot the journeys, as people are more interested in what’s behind the scenes.

I liked this idea and decided to buy a proper camera for Vlogging.

In those days, I had a few financial difficulties, so I aimed first to buy an affordable device.

I started my vlogs with Panasonic HC-V180K and got extraordinarily impressed by the results.

Features:

  • Sensor: 1/5.8 inch BSI
  • Effective pixels: 2. 20 MP
  • Optical zoom: 50x
  • Video resolution: full HD
  • Image stabilization: yes
  • Dimensions: 19″ x 6″ x 8″
  • Weight: 0.47 pounds

ISO/Shutter speed:

The gain control of the camera has a 0dB – 18 dB range; the closer I am to 18 dB, the brighter the image, and it’s more required when shooting in low light.

Because my primary shoots happen outdoors and mainly before sunset, as I’m recording landscapes and beaches, the native gain value suffices my need.

Shooting the videos happens at a shutter speed of around 1/60 for more smooth outcomes.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

As I mentioned above, I am a landscape photographer and vlogger.

I have to frame everything that comes with the land, so I keep the aperture at the narrow end for closer objects and at the mid-range for distant landscapes to adjust the depth of field accordingly.

White balance/Frame rate:

There is a total of 6 white balance settings, but my choice is always the manual adjustment that gives me control over the color perceptions of the camera.

I record vlogs in Full HD at 24 fps because of its more realistic frame rate setting.

Why is this camera the best?

One of the features I use the most during my vlogs is its 50x zoom and 90x Intelligent optical zoom which helps me see what’s on the far side of the landscape from my recording site.

Moreover, the camera can record crisp and clear audio via its two-channel zoom microphone.

Conclusion:

The full HD 50x zoom camcorder is the best cheap camera for youtube that allows excellent quality motion pictures with back side illustrated sensor and 5-axis body image stabilization for a shake-free experience.

Additionally, the camera also gives creative control with many filter effects.

Click here to buy

Pros
  • Optical image stabilization finally hits the Panasonic low-end.
  • Improved lens and microphone should impress the Zoom crowd.
  • 28 Mbps AVCHD recording option is now available.
Cons
  • Average low-light performance.

Kicteck 604s: (best cheap camera for youtube)

Professional, I’m a Videographer, but by passion, I’m a fashion designer.

I have always been obsessed with making out-of-the-box clothes for men, but I somehow became a Videographer following in my father’s footsteps.

However, I soon realized I could use both fields to fulfill my career needs and my childhood dream.

Thus I started my youtube channel.

I shoot my vlogs using Kicteck 604s.

People may think it’s a cheap device, but have you seen my videos?

I mean, the quality is far better than any other expensive camera.

Features:

  • Sensor: CMOS
  • Picture resolution: 24.0 MP
  • Video resolution: full HD
  • Digital zoom: 16x
  • Storage: 128 GB support
  • Dimensions: ‎5.2*2 *2.3 inches
  • Weight: 1.8 pounds

ISO/Shutter speed:

I often play with ISO settings between 100-400 when shooting something in low light or proper dark backgrounds.

As for shutter speed, it’s more appropriate to keep it slower for video shoots, more precisely two times the frame rates used for shooting.

Aperture/Depth of Field:

The camera, unlike many, has a fixed lens with a 3.2 aperture and a focal distance of 7.36 mm.

Unfortunately, the aperture size impacts the quality of pictures too much, so it’s essential to adjust it carefully for my fashion videos.

On the other hand, I keep the aperture around f/8-/16 because the distance from which I’m shooting also affects the depth of field, so I guess this range for wide-field shooting works the best.

White balance/ Frame rate:

The camera doesn’t have an indoor white balance, but it has Fluorescent settings that I use when shooting under fluorescent studio lights.

Please choose the white balance according to the type of studio light; otherwise, the pictures will be too blue or orange.

This is a full HD camera, and it enables shooting at 15 fps in 1920*1080

Why is this camera the best?

The camera starts entirely with a CMOS sensor and 24 MP still resolution and whole HD video eminence.

The camera works beautifully even in the lowest light, and the ISO, when increased, doesn’t introduce noise in the video and stills.

Moreover, the 3-inch TFT LCD supports 270-degree rotation that gives multi-direction control.

Conclusion:

This is the best cheap camera for youtube, with crystal clear pictures and anti-shake abilities, making it even more beneficial for Vlogging and video making.

There is a 128 GB capacity to store data and a very long battery life to take the tasks to completion.

Click here to buy

Pros
  • Features a small and lightweight design that makes it easy to carry around for recording.
  • It comes with two 1500mAh rechargeable batteries that can be used for 60-90 minutes after a full charge.
  • It is equipped with a built-in fill light that makes it easy to record in the nighttime or dark places.
Cons
  • It May take time to detect the SD card.

CONCLUSION:

Alright, guys, that concludes all the cameras we will discuss today in this article.

Do you guys have any experience with these cameras? What are your thoughts on them?

Which is your Best cheap camera for youtube?

Is there a camera that I didn’t mention in this article that you love to use?

Would you please leave your thoughts and comments below?

Related post:

Best cameras for live streaming:

Best lens for live streaming:

Leave a Comment