Top 10 Best Cheap Video Cameras That Won’t Break the Bank
If you think cheap means poor quality, then think again. The best cheap video cameras can give high-end cameras a run for their money.
Not sure where to look for that affordable but good video camera? Well, good on you for finding this guide. In this roundup, we talked about the best cheap movie cameras you can buy today.
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Best cheap video cameras
You know what the common misconception is about buying cameras? It’s that cheap is bad and expensive is always good. Naturally, most expensive cameras are engineered to give you professional-grade results. Nevertheless, a high price is not a guarantee that you will take exceptional photos or videos every time.
Of course, you have to be realistic as well. Truth is, if you’re new to photography or videography, what you really need is hard, frequent practice, regardless of the camera you have in your hands. That’s why if you’re a newbie, it definitely makes sense to look for the best cheap video cameras.
The best cheap video cameras we listed here cost under $500. These include 4K HD DSLR cameras, 4k point-and-shoot digital cameras, stabilizers with 4K cameras, and handheld 4K camcorders.
#1: Canon EOS M200 – best cheap video cameras
- Fast and accurate Dual Pixel CMOS AF with eye detection AF
The Canon EOS M200 is the best camera for beginner filmmakers, travel videographers, and YouTube vloggers.
Like other great entry-level Canon cameras, it’s equipped with a 24.1 mp CMOS (APS-C) sensor for capturing high-resolution photos and videos.
M200 is also compact and mirrorless, giving you more ability to shoot low-light scenes and in shallow depth. Plus, with 4K 24p/25p video capability, this camera will easily bring that Hollywood movie quality to your videos.
It even supports vertical videos if you want to publish trailers on TikTok or IG stories. If you want to record selfie videos, the LCD screen also has a tilt option (45 degrees down, 180 degrees up) that will come in handy.
Other great features of this camera are remote shooting and built-in WiFi. Remote shooting lets you control M200 from your iOS device, while the built-in WiFi lets you easily upload videos to your cloud storage service or social media site.
Overall, it’s one of the best cheap video cameras available.
#2: Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 4K Digital Camera – best cheap video cameras
- POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA: Large, 1-inch 20.1-megapixel MOS sensor plus 10X zoom LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT...
For its size and price, LUMIX ZS100 is definitely one of the best film cameras for beginners and travel photographers. You just don’t want to underestimate this point-and-shoot digital camera.
First of all, ZS100 can let you film in 4K Ultra HD at 30fps. So, that’s already a guarantee of larger than life cinema-quality in your videos.
It also has a highly sensitive 20.1-megapixel MOS sensor, which is also larger than other point-and-shoot digital cameras. With this kind of sensor, you can maintain excellent resolution even in low-light settings.
Probably our favorite underrated features are that you can sync its real-time controls with your iPhone camera and the post focus. The post focus lets you change your photo’s focus, even after you’ve captured it.
It’s definitely one of the best cheap video cameras, especially if you want a portable camera like an iPhone but with a lot more solid features.
#3: Canon PowerShot SX740 Digital Camera – best cheap video cameras
- 40x optical zoom with optical image stabilizer and zoom framing assist
PowerShot SX740 is another digital camera wonder for people with insatiable wanderlust. With its size, features, and affordability, it’s the best cheap 4k camera you could buy today.
This camera lets you shoot 4K videos at 30 fps. If you want to capture still images for your poster, you can use the 4k frame cropping feature. There’s a time-lapse movie mode in 4K as well.
Despite being compact and slim, it has an impressive 40x optical zoom, perfect for capturing travel photos and videos in tricky situations. With its metal design, it doesn’t look and feel plastic-cheap either, giving you the confidence to film your fun moments in public.
Our favorite feature of this camera is the Hybrid Auto mode, where you can simultaneously capture a photo and a video. It’s similar to the iPhone’s Live Photos mode.
Speaking of the iPhone, you can control this camera using your smartphone. This is beneficial for shooting from multi-camera angles at tricky sets. It also has a great iOS app that lets you instantly sync photos and videos.
All in all, PowerShot SX7540 truly is a good cheap video camera for practice videography, travel vlogs, and fun shoots.
#4: DJI Pocket 2 – Handheld Stabilizer with 4K Camera – best cheap video cameras
- POCKET-SIZED: DJI Pocket 2 weighs only 116 g and offers up to 140 minutes of battery life. It fits...
DJI Pocket 2 is our favorite cheap 4k camera for its compact design, uniqueness, and practicality. Because who does not like a gimbal and 4K camera in one device? Definitely not us.
Unless you’re new to photography or videography, you probably already know that DJI is a great camera gimbal brand. So, unsurprisingly, DJI Pocket 2’s gimbal design is no exception. This 3-axis gimbal is great at keeping your fast-paced clips smooth and clean.
Now, how about the camera’s quality? This may be a 2-in-1 device, but each of the halves’ qualities is not compromised at all. The 4K camera lets you film at 60 fps using a huge 1/1.7” CMOS sensor. So, whether you’re filming during the day or night, you’ll find this small guy reliable.
And one surprising thing about it? It has exceptional audio quality.
The only caveat of this 4K camera is the small LCD screen. If you’re fine with it, then this is definitely one of the best cheap video cameras you ought to have. Plus, it literally fits right in your pocket.
#5: Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K – best cheap video cameras
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K 20.3 Megapixel 4K Digital Camera, 64GB Memory Cards,...
LUMIX DC-ZS70K is a great budget video camera, especially if you travel a lot. It has features that just don’t kid around.
Well, first of all, this camera has an impressive 30x optical zoom. It also has a huge 20.3 Megapixel MOS sensor and ISO range of up to 6400, great for shooting scenes with tricky light situations.
DC-ZS70k also lets you film in 4K Quad Full High Definition (QFHD), which is four times better than High Definition (HD).
Our favorite feature of this camera is the 24mm Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens. This small lens is especially known to have a bigger, brighter aperture. It also has less distortion in wide angles, compared to other lenses.
To have such a premium lens in an affordable and portable device is a great advantage.
Add a 4K post-focus feature to its features, and you have an unstoppable device you can grab for a lower price.
With a great combination of features, it’s one of the best cheap video camera you could have these days.
#6: Canon VIXIA HF R800 – best cheap video cameras
- A 3.0-inch capacitive touch panel LCD screen that is bright and clearly visible, even outdoors in...
If you have a tight budget, then you might like Canon VIXIA HF R800. It’s the best budget camcorder to have nowadays.
For action-packed scenes, this camcorder’s SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer will stabilize your shots taken at long focal lengths. However, one disadvantage is that you can’t shoot in 4K, just full HD.
With that said, its 3.28 Megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor still lets you capture images with incredible detail. There’s also the 57x Advanced Zoom that uses the telephoto lens up to 1853mm. This is indeed essential if you film events, ceremonies, or animals in the wild.
Meanwhile, our favorite feature of R800 is probably the Slow and Fast Motion feature. This makes action clips even more interesting, as you can emphasize movement without using editing software. It all happens on your camera.
VIXIA HF R800 is definitely one of the best cheap video cameras, perfect for filming precious family moments and remembering them through mini-movies later.
#7: Sereer Camcorder 4K HD 48MP – best cheap video cameras
- 4k Camcorder with IR Night Vision?This 4k digital camera have IR Night Vision Function.It can take...
Sereer’s camcorder is a surprisingly cheap 4k video camera. For such an inexpensive price tag, it comes with a filmmaker’s essentials: hood, a foldable stabilizer, and night vision.
While it’s built with plastic parts and feels lightweight, the video quality is not something you can ignore. It can let you film in 4K Ultra HD at 30 fps, which is more than adequate for beginner filmmaking on a budget.
There’s more to love besides its quality. We love that you can use this camera while it’s charging. You can even use it as your webcam if you want to go Live on social media. It also comes with slow motion, an 18x digital zoom, and beauty mode.
Sereer’s 4K video camera is truly a great, more affordable alternative to expensive filmmaking video cameras. It’s one of the best cheap video cameras we can highly recommend.
#8: Kicteck Video Camera Camcorder 4K 60FPS – best cheap video cameras
- 4K Wifi Camcorder : WIFI Connection Function,enable remote view, image capture and video...
Kicteck’s camcorder is another surprisingly affordable 4K camcorder. This is an all-around camcorder. It’s easy to use, plus it’s packed with essential features and accessories for everyday life.
First, let’s start with how it looks and feels. Like Sereer’s camcorder, Kicteck’s camcorder is lightweight and small. And yet the video quality is unquestionable. You can shoot in 4K at 60fps and even use night mode.
We also like the Infrared (IR) cut light filter, which prevents excessive heat. It will be useful in long hours of filming in weddings or online classes. Other goodies that you’ll find helpful are the Slowly Record, Loop Record, and Ultra HD mode.
The accessories won’t disappoint you either. You will have an external microphone and remote control with this camcorder. Having these, you can easily broadcast on social media, online classes, or webinars.
With solid quality and features, Kicteck’s camcorder is one of the best cheap video cameras you buy for yourself or a loved one.
#9: Linnse Video Camera 4K Camcorder – best cheap video cameras
You will notice that Linnse’s 4K camcorder looks a lot like the previous two. It’s a small and lightweight camcorder. That’s true, and like those two, this camcorder doesn’t fall short in quality either. You can film in 4K at 24ps. It has an 18x digital zoom, IR night vision, and a 30mp image resolution.
However, we particularly like that Linnse’s camcorder has a separate, removable microphone and a detachable wide-angle lens. This also comes with a lens cover and a lens hood. Having these, you’ll have more freedom in experimenting with different lenses.
It also has the essentials you need to film videos conveniently and upload them right away. There’s a handy remote control, an HDMI output, plus a seamless WiFi transfer. You can also rely on its dual battery feature, which is practical for traveling.
Overall, Linnse’s 4K camcorder is one of the best cheap video cameras on the market. It’s a good alternative for those who are missing the feeling of recording on a real camera instead of an iOS device or Android phone.
#10: Vafoton 4K Video Camera Camcorder – best cheap video cameras
- 【4K & 48MP Video Camera】: This camera camcorder is equipped with the newest upgraded CMOS image...
Vafoton’s 4k camcorder is an easy pick on this list of the best cheap video cameras. Besides being able to record in 4K Ultra HD, it has a 48mp image resolution and a high frame rate of 60fps. It’s also very easy to use, perfect for kids, or even the non-techy people.
We also like that it’s jam-packed with accessories. It has a remote, a stabilizer, a noise-canceling microphone, and a lens cover. These will all come in handy when a place has overwhelming background noise and harsh bright lights.
Essential video shooting features like slow-mo, anti-shake, and continuous shooting are also present in this camcorder. You may not realize it yet, but you will find these helpful when you’re hosting a webinar or even filming a travel vlog episode in crowded places.
Overall, Vafoton’s 4K camcorder is an affordable camera for those who can’t wait to live their life to the fullest.
Final thoughts
Don’t believe that you need something expensive to start making art or immortalizing moments. Sure, an expensive tool may give you confidence, but it isn’t always a guarantee that you will get the best results. So, if you don’t have the budget for an expensive video camera, you can choose from any of the best cheap video cameras we listed here. Good luck!
Related questions
What are the best event video cameras?
It depends on how you will use a camera. Will you mount it on a tripod or will you carry it around and film candid moments? If you’re doing the former, then we suggest a camera like Canon PowerShot SX740. However, if you’re doing the latter, we suggest something slimmer and handheld like the DJI Pocket 2 or the Sereer Camcorder.
What is the best camera for filmmaking on a budget?
We recommend you use the Canon EOS M200 or a handheld camcorder like the Kicteck Video Camera Camcorder, which can film at 60fps.