Want to kick-start your vlog or Youtube channel? Here are five great budget cameras that are ideal for your vlogging needs.
It’s 2018, and the average attention span is growing shorter than ever. Most people nowadays find media engaging only when it’s interactive in nature, so it’s no surprise why vlogging has really clicked.
Vlogging or video blogging has gained a lot of popularity over the years. The average internet user enjoys the video format; this is very clear from the rapid manner in which Youtube has taken over our lives (not literally, but you know what we mean).
So, we’ve clearly established that there is a good market for vloggers today. As an aspiring vlogger who wishes to capture your travels or stories and share it with the rest of the world, you need to make sure that your content is not only engaging but also of good quality – by quality here, we mean technically. Yes, you’re going to need to find decent gear to give your vlog a professional edge.
Don’t worry; you don’t necessarily have to break the bank to get a good camera for vlogging purposes; we’ve made a list of the best budget cameras around that are great for vlogging~
Before we proceed with our list, here’s something you should know when you’re on the lookout for the ideal vlogging camera.
It should:
- Be easy to carry around
- Be able to record good quality footage
- Preferably have an image stabiliser (because you’re going to be moving around a lot)
- Have a decent mic
Sounds good? Let’s go find you a camera.
Additional Reading: How to Become a Youtube Star
Nikon Coolpix B500 – ₹ 16,490
What’s a camera list without a Nikon in it, right? This baby here is wonderfully user-friendly. It offers a great grip that’s ideal for shooting when you’re moving around. What’s more? It offers the one crazy thing that Nikon is known for; crazy zoom!
It has a great zoom that can help you close in on interesting elements around you from a safe distance. Of course, the B500 has an image stabiliser too.
Some may find this camera slightly heavy for Vlogging use, but it’s surely not as bulky as a DSLR. At its price, the Coolpix B500 more than delivers what you need for your regular vlogging needs, and may be a little more than that too.
Yi 4k – ₹ 16,490
Adrenaline junkie much? The latest GoPro may set you back by a few bucks, but you can explore budget options and find something great, like the Yi 4K! Build like a quintessential action camera, this little gadget performs surprisingly well for its price range, and though you may need to purchase accessories separately (not the case with Go Pro), it still works out to be easier on the pocket.
Rugged, handy and reliable, the Yi 4k can handle typical action coverage with ease. One downside to this camera is that it doesn’t record great audio, but hey if you’re into action sports, the audio isn’t of great importance, is it? Besides, you can always double up your video with great music later on.
Another cool feature of this camera is its 4k30p and 1080pslow-mo recording at 120 fps; boy can you have fun with that. Let’s say you want to record yourself doing a backflip; the slow-mo mode will more than do justice to capturing your epic movement in a cinematic way.
Additional Reading: Holiday for the Adventurous – Trekking
Canon Powershot ELPH 360 HS – ₹ 26,992
If you thought you need a whole crew to execute your Youtube video, think again. This pocket-sized powerhouse from Canon shoots in 1080p and also has decent microphones, thus working as the perfect choice if you want to get started on your vlog or Youtube channel as soon as possible!
Do keep in mind that, like most budget cameras, the 360 HS may not be a great low-light camera. If low-light performance is your requirement, you need to really invest in a top-end DSLR for desirable results. For vlogging, you’re rarely going to be in low-light situations, so this isn’t something you need to worry about/
Additional Reading: Lights, Camera And A Whole Lot of Action – Behind The Lens With Pritham D’Souza
Canon VIXIA HF R800 – Rs. 33,731
Canon’s no stranger to the camera market, but the company is usually known for its high-end professional series of cameras and lenses. However, there are a few hidden gems in the budget section that are actually worth checking out, like the Canon VIXIA HF R800.
Now, don’t underestimate the power of a camcorder if you haven’t met this beast yet. Loaded with useful features for vlogging, this camera packs quite a punch despite not being a DSLR. Its external mic and screen, in particular, are perfect for your vlogging needs. What’s more? Its easy portability makes it a convenient choice for recording purposes; you can lug it around pretty much anywhere without any strain.
Additional Reading: 7 Fancy Ways to Make Money Online
Sony DSCHX80 – Rs. 38,888
Next up, we have an interesting gadget from Sony; the DSCHX80. Now, this camera seems to be made for a vlogger, as it offers all the features you’d need to record good quality videos for a blog. Though a little on the higher end of this budget range, this camera makes for a great investment in the long run – it’s still a budget camera in comparison to the professional ones.
The camera records at 1080p60 and features a convenient flip-up screen, image stabiliser, WiFI connectivity as well as some cool features such as time lapse. For a vlogger like you, features such as the flip screen and the WiFI are surely helpful, as you’d want to preview what you’re shooting and also easily be able to transfer your videos onto your computer.
With the wide array of convenient financing options available today, any of these budget cameras should be easy for you to pick up right away. Speaking of easy financing options…