10 Best Cheap Video Cameras in 2024 ($200-$700)

Many affordable and best-budget cameras for videography are available, but that only sometimes means that they offer acceptable image quality, design, and performance.

Our goal is to assist you in finding a camera that matches your needs, whether you're an enthusiast looking to capture fantastic films or a blogger looking for something more than a smartphone.

In this guide, we've listed the top and cheapest video cameras for you.

Part 1: How Much is a Decent Cheap Video Camera?

A good, affordable video camera costs between $200 and $700. The table below states the cameras for 2024 which are compared based on their price, camera type, year of release, and key features. This camera may not be the latest version, but it is all 4k resolution and good enough for video recording.

Note: The prices can vary based on configurations and locations.

Part 2: Key Features for Best Cheap Video Cameras

1. 4K Resolution

4K video technology produces extraordinarily detailed, high-quality content. 4K offers more clarity, and resolution, along with editing options when it comes to post-production. Enjoy spectacular 4K images with a resolution of 3840 x 2160, which is four times higher than Full-HD. As a result, even on large-screen TVs, images appear realistic and clear rather than pixelated.

2. 60 Fps

Frame rate and visual quality must coexist in the games you like playing. At 60 frames per second, the action will be delightfully fluid, but a slower frame rate will produce excellent visuals. You have a choice, however, 45 fps is a reasonable standard if you want a constant balance. Some digital movies and videos are shot at 60 frames per second, which produces hyper-realistic-looking content when viewed at standard speed. Video that will be replayed in slow motion is captured at frame rates of 120 fps, 240 fps, and higher. High frame rates, including 60, 120, and 240, are used in slo-mo.

3. Auto Focus

Autofocus (AF) refers to a camera's ability to automatically focus on a target. This feature is present in the vast majority of common digital cameras. The AF methods that are available to you will depend on the brand and type of your camera. Depending on the environment or subject you want to photograph, use a variety of techniques.

4. Low Light Preference

A camera's ability to capture images that are comprehensible even in low-light conditions by preserving fine details and minimizing noise in the final image is referred to as low-light performance. Low-light cameras may capture beautiful pictures even in extremely low light.

5. Microphone

Because a camera's built-in microphone is designed to pick up a variety of sounds, the sound quality is typically subpar. Additionally, the camera has a built-in microphone that can pick up other camera noises as well as the sound of the autofocus motor. This microphone is often situated close to the lens.

Part 3: Cheap Video Cameras Under $700

1. OBSBOT Tail Air

OBSBOT Tail Air is an amazing AI-powered 4K PTZ camera, designed for solo and small-team live streamers. This budget video camera has amazing features like NDI connectivity, automatic subject tracking, etc. Since it is a PTZ camera with a subject tracking feature, it will automatically pan, tilt, and zoom to follow the subject. Moreover, with the AI-powered Director Grid shot selector, content creators can easily shift between manually-framed and automatic shots. The camera also has accurate and fast focusing with built-in infrared Time-of-Flight (ToF) target tracking.

Pros:

• Compact and sleek design
• AI-powered subject tracking
• Awesome picture quality
• NDI streaming
• Remote live streaming capabilities
• Remarkable gesture control

2. Sony Alpha ZV-E10

For its price, the Sony ZV-E10 mirrorless vlogger camera offers a lot of features. With a sideways-flipping flexible touchscreen, an outstanding wide-grilled built-in microphone, and ports for connecting an external microphone and headphones, it is lightweight and compact in design. It can also be used as a webcam or for plug-and-play live streaming by connecting to a computer via its USB-C port. Its most remarkable feature for vloggers is its quick and precise autofocus, which can be configured to follow and identify faces and eyes.

Pros:

• Excellent tracking autofocus
• Amazing built-in audio recording
• Articulating touchscreen
• Compact size
• Impressive stills camera

3. Sony ZV-1F

Fast and easy to use, the Sony ZV-1F is perfect for vloggers on the go and still has excellent photo quality. This inexpensive 4K camera boasts industry-leading autofocus and face-tracking intelligence from Sony and SteadyShot stabilization technology for fluid 4K video output. It also has a completely articulating screen that can be touched and a bokeh switch for the Product Showcase mode. For novice vloggers who prioritize usability, this is a fantastic option.

Pros：

• Light in weight and portable
• Easy to use and set up
• Amazing image and video quality
• Strong in-camera audio
• Sharp wide-angle lens

4. Nikon Z30

The Nikon Z30 is hailed as the best affordable recording camera, combining outstanding 4K UHD video quality with a user-friendly design at an attractive price point. Its 20.9 MP APS-C CMOS sensor delivers sharp, vibrant videos, and the camera's lightweight, compact body with a vari-angle touchscreen makes it perfect for versatile shooting. Equipped with a reliable autofocus system, including eye-detection AF, the Z30 ensures your subjects remain in sharp focus. With Wi-Fi, Bluetooth connectivity, and live streaming capabilities, the Nikon Z30 is the ideal choice for content creators seeking professional features on a budget.

Pros:

• Live Streaming Capability
• Versatile Connectivity
• Superior Audio Performance
• Exceptional Autofocus System

5. GoPro Hero 10 Black

The GoPro Hero 10 Black may now be the flagship model, but the GoPro Hero 11 Black may still offer greater value for the majority of users. If you don't require vertical video or 10-bit recording, this gives the majority of the same features for less money as the Hero 11 Black. It is a more streamlined, user-friendly version of its predecessor and features additional slow-mo frame rates, snappier menus, and minor image quality enhancements over the Hero 9 Black. As a result, it is a wonderfully fun, waterproof companion for outings and b-roll videos. But its competitors now come with bigger sensors and cheaper prices.

Pros:

• Powerful GP2 processor
• The new 4K/120p mode is impressive
• Top-notch stabilization
• Quicker menus and interface
• Waterproof and durable

6. DJI Pocket 2

The DJI Pocket 2 is the go-to steady-cam choice for vloggers and content creators. This is a good cheap video camera that has object tracking and stabilization expertise. The addition of a wireless microphone and other essential tools for video production in the more expensive Creator Combo bundle is great, and the larger sensor over its predecessor is also much appreciated. With object tracking, in particular, for vloggers moving and conversing around a space, it particularly shines. In the end, it's an excellent image tool that may easily integrate into a videographer's or vlogger's process and inexpensive video cameras for both video recording and daily vlog.

Pros:

• Amazingly stable and pocketable camera
• Remarkable tracking feature
• Creator Combo perfect for bloggers
• Excellent tracking feature
• Great image stabilization

7. Panasonic LUMIX G100

YouTubers and vloggers will find the G100 to be the best affordable filming camera. It's among the most adaptable and well-specced cameras, with a good selection of video options. In addition, its weight, form, and tiny size make it a wonderful choice for trip photographers searching for something inconspicuous and modest. This is a fun alternative suitable for a broad range of users, with a fantastic selection of Micro Four Thirds lenses, especially tiny and travel-friendly optics. In addition, there are social media-friendly features like a video selfie mode, a social media frame marker to ensure that your photos and videos are framed appropriately for the social media platform of your choice, and a dedicated button to transfer your content straight to your smartphone so you can share it.

Pros:

• Travel-friendly design
• Useful optional tripod grip
• Bright EVF and articulated LCD
• Amazing audio-recording capabilities
• Quality stills and video

8. Canon EOS M50 Mark II

This is the best cheap camera for videography and makes a respectable travel camera. Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a feature-rich camera. The software-based updates in this camera could be essential for aspiring video creators. Moreover, vertical videography for social media sites and eye-detect autofocus for both still and video images make it the best camera for filmmaking on a budget. A new video-recording button on the touchscreen and a movie self-timer that allows you to get ready for the camera to start shooting are also amazing features of this camera. You may also wirelessly live stream to YouTube with the M50 II if you have more than 1,000 followers on the platform.

Pros:

• Eye AF for video and stills
• Swing-out touch LCD
• Vertical video recording option
• Wide focus coverage
• Supports external microphone

9. Canon R50

The Canon R50 is a very portable camera. Its lightweight and small body makes it convenient to carry wherever you go. The Canon EOS M50 Mark II is comparable in size and weight, but it has a larger lens mount and a chunkier handgrip. Overall, for an interchangeable lens camera, it is still fairly portable.

Pros:

• Provides great shots even when the settings are difficult
• Makes things fun for its lightweight and convenience
• Detects and tracks subjects automatically

10. Panasonic G85

The latest DSLR-style mid-range mirrorless camera from Panasonic, the G85 delivers a wealth of high-end capabilities and draws heavily from the GH4 flagship model. The G85 has several noticeable improvements, particularly to the camera body and 4K footage, but keeps the same mid-range price as its predecessor. Both still photographers and videographers will appreciate the power of this feature-rich mirrorless camera. This is the best budget camera for videography.

Pros:

• Very good dynamic range and high ISO performance; lovely image quality
• Excellent 4K video recording quality and features; quick and precise autofocus
• Waterproof and dustproof

Part 4: FAQs for Cheap Video Cameras

1. What is the Best Budget Camera for Video?

OBSBOT Tail Air is one of the best budget cameras you can find out there. This PTZ camera boasts an internal 4K sensor, allowing you to record or live from any location. With a simple hand gesture, you can create new videos with this good and cheap video camera.

2. What Video Camera Should Beginners Buy?

Nikon Z30 is a good mirrorless vlogging camera for beginners. This is quite small in size but intuitive to use. It has a 20.9MP APS-C sensor, which helps you capture amazing videos.

3. What Cameras Are Good to Record?

Canon EOS R50 has outstanding features and capabilities that make it a perfect pick to record mind-blowing videos. With great autofocus and subject recognition, this camera can help you capture an impressive level of detail in videos.

4. What is the Difference between a Video Camera and a Camcorder?

Video cameras are devices that can record motion and translate picture data into digital signals. These days, the options are minimal and usually receive the video's output as input and record electronic signals on a different device. Media in the form of memory cards, DVDs, hard drives, and video cassettes were stored by video cameras. These gadgets can also record still photographs.

Similar to video cameras, camcorders also provide sound-recording options in addition to video-capturing capabilities. Even if digital cameras are capable of recording in 4K resolution, camcorders still have superior video quality since they can record at higher bit rates. Camcorders allocate a portion of their storage medium to recording storage.

5. Should I Shoot a Video in 1080p or 4K?

You should shoot a video in 4K as it will allow greater image clarity, sharpness, and fine details. Also, 4K videos can be zoomed in, cropped, and reframed with minimum loss of quality.

6. What Camera Do Most YouTubers Use?

Most professional YouTubers use Panasonic Lumix GH6 to record videos and capture stills. It has a huge range of video options and a versatile screen. Also, the camera is both dust- and splash-proof.

Conclusion

Here are our recommendations for the top cheap video cameras at various price points. In conclusion, finding an affordable yet capable video camera in 2024 is certainly achievable. Whether you're a budding filmmaker, vlogger, or simply looking to capture special moments in high-quality video, there's a budget-friendly camera on this list for you. Keep in mind that while these cameras may come at a lower price, they still offer impressive performance, ensuring that you can capture your creative vision without breaking the bank. So, go ahead and explore these options to kickstart your video-making journey without compromising on quality.