Planning to start your own YouTube channel very soon? Sure, getting your hands on a good camera for producing quality video footage should be your top priority. However, not everyone in this world is rich enough to afford some of the best cameras for producing YouTube videos. Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t get good cameras if you’re on a budget, as there are plenty of cameras that offer a lot of value to the consumer, for the price they’re paying for. Depending on your budget constraints and performance requirements, the camera you’re opting for might totally vary. So, if you’re interested in investing on your YouTube channel without breaking your bank, here are the 10 best cheap cameras for YouTube videos you can buy:
1. Nikon D5600 DX-Format DSLR Camera
If you’re a fan of Nikon’s DSLR cameras, you’ll certainly fall in love with the D5600 DX-Format camera. This camera sports a 24.2 MP CMOS sensor that’s capable of recording video at 1080p up to 60 fps. Sure, you’ll be disappointed if you were expecting 4K recording prowess, but you simply cannot expect a 4K-capable DSLR at this price point. The buttery smooth 1080p/60 fps is certainly the next best option, and this camera manages to deliver just that.
If you’re planning to vlog on YouTube, you’ll be pleased to know that the D5600 has a flip-out touchscreen which you can take advantage of. In addition to shooting some incredible videos, users will also be able to take some breathtaking stills that can be added in their YouTube videos. Lastly, the battery on the Nikon D5600 is good enough to provide you with approximately 2 hours of continuous video recording, which is nothing short of impressive to say the least. However, if you’re planning to shoot for long duration, extra batteries should be kept in handy.
Buy from Amazon: ($696.95, Body only)
2. Canon EOS 77D DSLR Camera
Consider this one to be a contender to the Nikon D5600. Well, it’s suited for the people who’re loyal to the Canon brand when it comes to DSLR cameras and already own plenty of Canon lenses. The EOS 77D manages to sit right between the EOS 70D and the 80D in terms of performance. It boasts a 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor with Dual Pixel AF, that’s capable of recording 1080p video footage at a high-speed 60 fps. Just like the D5600, the EOS 77D lacks 4K recording capabilities, so if you were expecting this feature, you might have to look elsewhere for better options.
Similar to the D5600, the EOS 77D features a flip-out touchscreen which makes this camera is must-buy if you’re interested in vlogging on YouTube. The battery on this camera should be good enough to last you for approximately 90 minutes of continuous video recording, which is noticeably lower than what the D5600 has to offer. As far as pricing is concerned, the EOS 77D is considerably more expensive compared to the Nikon counterpart, so unless you’re on a tight budget, the EOS 77D is definitely a worthy investment.
Buy from Amazon: ($849, Body only)
3. Nikon D3400 Beginner DSLR Camera
Next on the list, we’ve got the Nikon D3400 DSLR camera that targets the beginners and people who’re on a budget. It’s a much more affordable option compared to the Canon EOS 77D or the Nikon 5600. The D3400 features a 24.2 MP CMOS sensor that’s capable of recording Full HD 1080p video at 60 fps. However, it lacks 4K recording just like the other DSLR cameras featured in this list. The camera is powered by the Expeed 4 image processor, which is the same chip found in Nikon’s high-end D810 and D750 cameras, so we’ve got no doubts regarding the camera’s performance.
Unlike the D5600 that we discussed earlier, the D3400 doesn’t feature a flip-out touchscreen, so this is definitely not the camera you should be going for, if you’re planning to vlog on YouTube. As far as the battery life is concerned, the battery on the Nikon D3400 camera should last you for nearly 2 hours of continuous video recording at 1080p/60 fps, which is nothing short of impressive for a camera in this price bracket. Well, this camera shines in terms of sheer value, as it comes with 2 lenses as opposed to the one kit lens that you get with the Nikon D5600 and the Canon EOS 77D.
Buy from Amazon: ($596.95, with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR kit lens and AF-P DX NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-6.3G ED zoom lens)
Best Action Camera For YouTube Videos
GoPro Hero 5 Black Action Camera
YouTube is a platform where you can upload a variety of videos. So, if you’re planning to launch your own channel filled with action and adventures, an action camera is much needed, at least as a secondary camera. When it comes to action cameras, the GoPro Hero 5 Black sits right on top, as it brings a slew of features to the table. The Hero 5 Black does a splendid job when it comes to recording 4K video footage at 30 fps with its 12 MP sensor. In addition to this, it features a built-in touchscreen display, which is a first for any GoPro Hero action camera.
Well, what makes this action camera so special is due to the fact that it can be easily carried around and mounted anywhere, by taking advantage of a variety of different mounts that’s currently available for this camera. Thanks to a rugged body, the GoPro Hero 5 is waterproof up to 10m without the need of a housing. However, if you’re planning to go even deeper, you will have to purchase the housing separately. When it comes to battery performance, the battery on the GoPro Hero 5 should be good enough to last you for just under 90 minutes of continuous 4K video recording, which is pretty decent, considering its $399 price tag.
Buy from Amazon: ($399)
Best Camera For Stabilized YouTube Videos
DJI Osmo+ Handheld Fully Stabilized 4K Camera
There are plenty of professional cameras currently available in the market that promises stabilized footage with the help of built-in image stabilization, but that’s no match for what the DJI Osmo+ has to offer. This device completely focuses on providing you with stabilized 4K footage, without breaking a sweat, thanks to the professional 3-axis stabilization that this device has to offer.. The DJI Osmo+ features a 22-77mm zoom lens with 3.5x optical zoom and 2x digital lossless zoom. The 12 MP sensor on this camera is fully capable of recording 4K Ultra HD video at 30 fps, which is nothing short of impressive to say the least.
Users will be able to fully control the camera on the DJI Osmo with their smartphones, by making use of the DJI Go app, which can be downloaded for free. The Osmo+ will also be able to shoot motion timelapse and panorama with absolute ease, so there are no worries in this regard. Well, this is certainly a really great handheld camera for making some impressive vlogs for YouTube that’s nearly free of unwanted shakes and bumps. In addition to all this, the Osmo+ supports a number of mounts and extensions, so that you can use it in almost any situation, and for a price tag of just under 680 bucks, we think the DJI Osmo+ is truly a revolutionary product that’s totally worth considering.
Buy from Amazon: ($679)
Best Budget 4K Mirrorless Cameras For YouTube Videos
1. Panasonic Lumix G7 4K Mirrorless Camera
Mirrorless cameras have gained popularity over the past couple of years, thanks to its much more compact body, when compared to hefty DSLRs. The Panasonic Lumix G7 is an affordable mirrorless camera that targets the beginners who’re on a tight budget constraint. It features a 16 MP micro four thirds sensor that’s capable of recording 4K Ultra HD video at 30 fps. This is something that the DSLR cameras featured in this list fail to deliver. So, if you’re stern on having an affordable 4K camera, the Lumix G7 is a must-buy.
In addition to the video recording prowess that this camera has to offer, the sensor also does a great job in taking some breathtaking stills, which can be used in the YouTube videos. The battery life on the Lumix G7 is rated at 350 shots, but if you’re constantly recording 4K video, expect the camera to run out of juice in under 90 minutes. That being said, the sub-$600 price tag is what makes this mirrorless camera hard to resist.
Buy from Amazon: ($597.99, with 14-42mm kit lens)
2. Sony Alpha a6300 Mirrorless Camera
This might be the most expensive camera featured in this list, and it’s suited for professional use. Well, the camera is even capable of rivalling some of the mid-range DSLR cameras that are currently available today. At the time of launch, this camera was considered as the world’s fastest when it comes to autofocus speed. The a6300 features a 24.2 MP APS-C Exmor CMOS sensor that’s capable of recording 4K Ultra HD video at 30 fps, from a 6K full pixel readout in order to make the footage as crispy and detailed as possible.
In addition to all the video recording capabilities that this mirrorless camera has to offer, the a6300 is also capable of shooting up to 11fps in continuous mode with auto focus and exposure, which is nothing short of impressive to say the least. The weather-sealed magnesium alloy body makes the camera quite durable, so we’ve got no doubts regarding the build quality of the device. As far as battery life is concerned, you’ll run out of juice in nearly 80 minutes if you’re shooting 4K footage continously, so make sure you purchase additional batteries.
Buy from Amazon: ($998, with 16-50mm kit lens)
Best Cheap Camcorders For YouTube Videos
1. Panasonic HC-WXF991K 4K Camcorder
Unlike DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, camcorders focus completely on producing quality footage rather than stunning stills, and the Panasonic HC-WXF991 is no exception in this regard. The camera is capable of recording 4K video at 30 fps frame rate without breaking a sweat. The Leica Decoma lens is an absolute pleasure to work with, as it features 20x optical zoom and 5-axis hybrid optical image stabilization, for minimizing the shakes and bumps in your video footage.
In addition to the powerful primary camera, this camcorder manages to stand out from the rest of the competition by offering a secondary twin camera located right behind the flip-out display which lets users record in a picture-in-picture fashion. The camera also boasts an HDR mode, in order to reduce the high-contrast look created by overexposed and underexposed shooting conditions. As far as battery life is concerned, this camcorder will provide you with nearly an hour of continuous 4K video recording, which is just average when compared to the competition.
Buy from Amazon: ($897.99)
2. Sony FDRAX53/B 4K Camcorder
Last on the list, we’ve got a 4K camcorder from Sony that’s capable of going toe-to-toe against the Panasonic camcorner that we just discussed. The AX53 packs a Carl Zeiss 20x optical zoom lens that works in tandem with the 16.6 MP Exmor R sensor to produce crisp 4K Ultra HD video with up to 30 fps frame rate. The device makes use of the XAVC-S codec and features pixels that are nearly 1.6x larger than its predecessor, the AX33. The AX53 also boasts Sony’s Balance Optical SteadyShot image stabilization technology to minimize the shakes and bumps in the recorded footage.
The integrated 3-inch LCD touch panel can be also be used to control your shots with ease. The camcorder also features a 5.1 channel integrated microphone that records active sounds from five different directions, for a surround sound experience. When it comes to battery performance, the AX53 camcorder should be good enough to last you for just over an hour of continuous 4K video recording, so make sure you’re carrying additional batteries, if you’re planning to shoot for a longer duration. As far as pricing is concerned, it’s slightly lower when compared to Panasonic’s offering, so we’ve got no complaints in this department.
Buy from Amazon: ($848)
3. Canon VIXIA HF R800 Beginner Camcorder
If you don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on a 4K-capable camcorder, this is probably one of the best cheap camcorder that you can currently buy for your YouTube videos. Sure, you might not get the same level of visual fidelity like the previous camcorders that we discussed above, but the VIXIA HF R800 is fully capable of recording 1080p videos at a smooth 60 fps. It also features built-in Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) to reduce the shakes and bumps in your footage.
Now, let’s talk about the standout feature of this camcorder. The HF R800 features a 32X optical zoom lens and combined with digital zoom, users can zoom up to 57X which is exceptional for a camcorder in this price range. When it comes to battery performance, this camera shines, as it lets users record for nearly 2 hours of continuous recording, so we’ve got no complaints in this department. For an asking price of just under 250 bucks, you simply cannot go wrong by opting for the Canon VIXIA HF R800, especially if you’re a beginner.
Buy from Amazon: ($249)
SEE MORE: 15 Best Cameras for YouTube Videos You Can Buy
The Best Cheap Cameras For YouTube Videos You Can Buy
When it comes to launching a professional YouTube channel, the top priority should be given to video quality, and that’s exactly why we recommend you to get a dedicated camera for producing great content. Well, we’re glad that we could list out some of the best budget cameras at multiple price points for recording and uploading high quality videos to YouTube. From the DJI Osmo+ handheld camera to the Sony Alpha a6300 mirrorless camera, there are plenty of options that you can choose from, depending on the type of videos you’re planning to create and your budget. So, which one of these cameras are you planning to go for, and why? Do let us know, by shooting your valuable opinions in the comments section down below.
Anshuman Jain
