best cheap camera for youtube videos

You’ve got big plans to start your own YouTube channel, but you can’t afford the high-end equipment that many YouTubers use. Don’t worry!

You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars on fancy cameras and microphones when there are plenty of affordable options on the market. This article will help you find the best cheap camera for YouTube videos, so you can start producing great content from day one.

Do you need a new camera?

The first thing you need to do is figure out what kind of camera you want. There are a lot of factors to consider, including picture quality, features and budget. By asking yourself a few questions up front, you can get it narrowed down quickly and make your research more efficient.

The four main types of cameras are: compact digital cameras, mirrorless cameras, DSLRs and Micro Four Thirds (MFT) cameras. Compact digital cameras are usually very affordable - many sell for less than $200 - and they're lightweight enough to carry around everywhere. They're great if all you want is something simple that takes good pictures.

One of our favorite YouTube channels to follow is Casey Neistat. The vlogger has 4 million subscribers, so it’s not surprising that he needs a high-quality camera. But would you believe that his DSLR is only $650?

While that might sound like a lot of money, it really isn’t when you consider how important good visuals are for creating engaging videos. Here are some reasons why cameras under $1,000 will create better content:

Video resolution: It is well known that cameras with higher resolutions produce higher quality video. Cameras under $1,000 typically have 1080p as their max resolution while more expensive models can go up to 4K and above.

What should you look for in a camera?

There are a number of things to consider when looking at cameras. The first thing is, what is your budget? Cameras can range from fifty dollars all the way up to thousands of dollars. If you’re trying to save money and not break your bank account, you’ll want to stick with a lower priced one under two hundred dollars.

Luckily there are many different brands offering quality equipment and features in that price range. Then next thing you’ll want to think about is whether or not it has a viewfinder, as well as if it supports an external microphone.

The main thing you should consider when looking at a digital video camera is whether or not it has interchangeable lenses. Lenses can be expensive, but they’re crucial to capturing quality video. You should also look at how many megapixels it captures;

Higher megapixels means better clarity and allows you to zoom in on objects without losing image quality. Also look into how long of a battery life you can expect and make sure that there’s an external mic jack if possible—you'll want to get as much sound detail as possible with video if you plan on editing them together with music later on.

What makes an ideal cheap camera?

Many YouTubers use their smartphone as a primary filming device, but if you are going to be taking things up a notch or two, then it’s worth looking into getting a dedicated video camera.

The one piece of advice we’d offer here is to avoid being seduced by anything too fancy and instead opt for something that has good reviews and can serve your basic needs. If you’re just starting out then there’s no reason to spend lots of money on equipment.

That may end up sitting in your cupboard because you don’t know how to use it! Once you start getting more ambitious with what you shoot, though, a professional-level camera will start seeming like an even better idea! :)

Your phone may be a suitable option, but you’ll want to avoid using it too much if possible as it’s hard to get good sound and framing with smaller cameras. In addition, when filming with your smartphone in many cases you will have less control over what your end product will look like.

A DSLR or mirrorless camera is better than using a phone because you can use external microphones (or plug in a set of headphones so that you don’t have to rely on an external mic).

They are easier to hold steady (if you can get used to it) and have better lenses. The flip side is that these are more expensive cameras and might be out of reach if you are just starting out.

1. Canon Rebel T7i: Tried and True

Canon's long-standing line of rebel cameras make a great choice for creators looking to upgrade from their mobile device or compact point-and-shoot. The Canon Rebel T7i features a 24.2 megapixel sensor, touchscreen, and both microphone and headphone jacks.

It also takes beautiful HD video (1080p at 60fps). The only downside is that it doesn't have an external mic jack. This option is almost $300 more than our top pick but has many more features including auto focus and image stabilization along with higher image quality due to its large sensor size (6 more MP)..

However, in recent years there has been much competition with manufacturers introducing many cheaper DSLR cameras like Sony A5100 which actually costs less than T7i.

When it comes to video, Canon has long been a trusted name in cameras. The most popular is probably their EOS Rebel line. The T7i is their latest model and offers a lot of bang for your buck. It boasts an impressive 24 megapixel APS-C sensor, 4K video recording at 30 fps, touchscreen LCD, Wi-Fi/NFC capability and more.

Canon makes excellent DSLRs, and if you’re looking to film a video that’s going to be posted on YouTube, you’ll want to look into getting your hands on one of these cameras. The Rebel T7i is a consumer-level DSLR with full HD recording capabilities.

If you shoot at 1080p or 720p and are editing your own work on software like iMovie, there shouldn’t be too much of a jump in quality between your footage and any other clips shot by Canon users.

Some reviewers say that focusing takes a little longer than it does with some professional-grade models but that shouldn’t deter anyone from enjoying the benefits of filming on one of these models.

2. Canon 77D: For those with a larger budget

The 77D is a large jump up from entry-level DSLRs, but it doesn’t have quite as many advanced features. However, you’ll still get automatic focusing and full HD video recording at 60 frames per second, both of which are ideal if you want to vlog or make creative videos.

The 77D has a 24 megapixel sensor and boasts several new technologies, including dual pixel autofocus (which helps you to quickly focus on an object in your viewfinder) and Dual Sensing IS (which combines image stabilization with nine different types of in-camera motion correction).

It also has some great additional features such as Bluetooth capability, expanded in-camera Wi-Fi control capabilities and a 3.5mm microphone jack.

Canon’s latest addition to its lineup of DSLRs is a good pick. It includes autofocus technology, which isn’t always present in cameras in its price range. One Amazon reviewer also said that because it has more than enough features.

It has replaced her more expensive DLSR as her daily driver. I got myself a beginner DSLR several years ago and have been wanting to step up from my very basic kit lens and what-have-you ever since, she said.

The Canon 77D is a DSLR that shoots amazing photos, offers a flip-out touchscreen LCD and records 4K video. The 77D includes Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity, which allows you to control your camera using a smartphone or another device. You’ll get 1080p at 60fps from its APS-C sensor.

3. Panasonic Lumix G7: If you want to go mirrorless

The Panasonic Lumix G7 is a good compact, lightweight option that shoots 4K video at up to 30 frames per second. It’s only weather-sealed in a few places, which means it isn’t ideal for heavy rain or snow.

It lacks features found on other mirrorless cameras, such as built-in image stabilization and automatic lens corrections (distortion and chromatic aberration). But it captures excellent video footage when light is abundant, such as outside on a sunny day. The autofocus takes time to kick in, however.

So fast-moving subjects can be challenging to capture properly without some practice. It uses Micro Four Thirds lenses from Panasonic and Olympus that won’t cost much more than $100 each.

The Panasonic Lumix G7 ($698.99 at Amazon) is a feature-packed and high-performing compact system camera with plenty of creative control and an impressive 12–60mm lens that sells for just $600.

If you don't need 4K video or interchangeable lenses, but are still looking to get a great still-image quality, it’s hard to beat. It boasts built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.

So you can send images wirelessly from your camera to your mobile device (with an optional accessory). For those who are on a tight budget, it’s one of our favorite affordable mirrorless cameras on the market today.

This Micro Four Thirds-format Panasonic makes a great entry-level, step-up or sidekick camera. As with other mirrorless models it’s smaller than an SLR and has better image quality in low light. It also shoots 4K video and includes built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth.

An articulating touch screen makes it easy to shoot from odd angles. It’s available in both black and silver finishes at B&H Photo Video (silver) or Amazon (black).

4. GoPro HERO7: When portability takes priority

Many YouTubers want to take vlogs on-the-go, and that’s where a small, portable camera comes in handy. If you’re looking for something lightweight, with a long battery life and high quality video recording capabilities, it’s hard to beat GoPro.

The HERO7 comes with all sorts of cool features including live streaming capabilities and low light recording settings (down to just 1 Lux).

Plus, it shoots 4K video at 60 frames per second (fps), which is more than enough power if you don’t need any fancy editing options. At $399, it isn't cheap by any means; however, it can often be found on sale which is when we suggest pulling out your wallet.

If you don’t mind leaving your camera at home, and you need a capable shooter that can be taken almost anywhere, then we recommend a GoPro. This is one of our favorite cameras for shooting outdoor vlogs and travels.

With its small size and waterproof design, it’s ideal for vloggers who want to take their cameras on adventures but aren’t looking to lug around a hefty setup. The GoPro HERO7 is especially good if you shoot lots of hands-free video (like skiing or biking) because it has advanced stabilization features.

The GoPro HERO7 Black is waterproof to 33 feet, shockproof to 9 feet, and can shoot in 4K at 60 frames per second. For vloggers who need something lightweight that won’t slow them down on their travels, it’s tough to beat. It comes in four colors—black, silver, white, and copper—and starts at $399.

5. The Logitech C922: Super cost-effective

If you’re just starting out as a YouTuber, you might not want to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-end webcam that has no resale value. The Logitech C922 is a pro-quality video and audio setup with 1080p HD capture, light correction and noise cancellation.

Advanced autofocus, a dedicated two-year warranty, and replaceable low-glare lenses. It’s also $200 cheaper than comparable webcams like Microsoft’s LifeCam Studio. Bottom line: If you’re looking for top quality on a budget, grab a C922 and get started making YouTube videos today!

The C922 is far and away one of our top picks when it comes to best cheap webcam under $100. It shoots in 4K at 30fps with no issues, has an 88-degree wide angle lens, dual stereo mics with noise cancellation and a 3x zoom.

Not bad for something that costs less than $50.00 on Amazon. Perfect for any vlogger just starting out or looking to upgrade from their current 2MP webcam! One of our personal favorites! (Click here to see more about it!)

video cameras are expensive. If you’re just getting started, and aren’t sure how your channel will do, then it can be hard to justify dropping $800 on a Sony RX100 V.

But if you want high-quality YouTube video, don’t need 4K and want something that has great reviews at an affordable price, then look no further than a Logitech C922. In our view it offers more bang for your buck than any other video camera in its class.

6. The Smartphone: The camera you already own

Your smartphone is likely equipped with a fairly decent-quality camera, though it will depend on which phone you own. If you’re looking to capture video, your best bet is to shoot in HD and at a frame rate of 30 frames per second or higher.

It also depends on your subject matter; if you’re filming fast action, like sports, for example, then 720p at 60 frames per second will give you smoother results than 1080p at 30 fps.

Once you know what resolution is right for your project (and what frame rate works best), there are still more variables to consider: You’ll want to find an optimal balance between exposure time and ISO so that you get good image quality while keeping noise levels low.

Many smartphones have built-in cameras that can produce quality video. For example, if you have an iPhone 6 or newer, you can shoot 1080p HD video at 60 frames per second. While it may not be quite as sharp and clear as some dedicated video cameras, your footage will look good when shared to YouTube.

Plus, because phones are always with us (and thus easy to turn on and capture moments whenever they happen), it's a great way to capture spur-of-the-moment thoughts or events in real time. For example, what does your typical day look like? What do you have for lunch each day?

The phone in your pocket right now is more than good enough to capture quality photos and video for most people’s basic needs, including YouTube. If you’re concerned about how those photos will look blown up on a larger screen (say, your HDTV or computer monitor).

Then invest in an inexpensive tripod to stabilize your phone. You can even get fancy and use a stabilization device like Osmo Mobile ($69) to reduce camera shake if you’re worried about movement.