Best Cheap Cameras for YouTube Videos — 6 Budget Camera Reviews

Logitech C920 Webcam

• The Logitech C920 webcam is a budget-friendly option for YouTube videos.
• It records 1080p HD video and can be purchased for under $65.
• The webcam comes with free software that allows for custom settings such as white balance adjustment.
• It is highly recommended by YouTuber Sunny Lenarduzzi.

“It does 1080p HD video and you can get it for under $65, last time I checked, brand-new.”

Canon PowerShot ELPH Series

• The Canon PowerShot ELPH 110 HS or 300 HS are great budget options, especially for vloggers.
• They provide 1080p video quality and have image stabilization to reduce shakiness in recordings.
• These models have their microphones placed on the top, which is ideal for vloggers who want to be picked up from behind the camera.
• The Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS can be purchased for well under $100 in the used section of Amazon.

“One of your best budget options, especially for vloggers.”

GoPro

• The base GoPro, priced around $130 or less, offers HD video quality and is suitable for lifestyle videos and practical applications.
• The base model, though, has limited functionality and does not support external microphones.
• To gain additional features such as external microphone support, it is recommended to upgrade to the GoPro HERO2, which costs around $200.

“One of the most budget options for YouTubers that want to have good video quality, but also have good audio.”

Canon Vixia HF R600

• The Canon Vixia HF R600 is a proper video camera with a fold-out screen and image stabilization.
• It is priced around $200 and offers a range of features.
• This camera also includes a mic input, making it suitable for external microphone use to improve audio quality.
• Users can enhance their filming experience by adding a screw-on wide-angle lens to capture a wider shot.

“A proper video camera, fold out screen, image stabilization on the R600 is really good.”

Canon Rebel T5i

• The Canon Rebel T5i is recommended as a camera for those willing to invest a bit more for professional-level video quality.
• This camera, priced around $650 with the kit lens included, offers impressive video quality comparable to professional standards.
• Compared to the previous budget options, the Canon Rebel T5i provides a significant upgrade in video quality.
• It is particularly suitable for creators who desire top-tier video content for their YouTube channels.

“For what you want to do to make the extra investment, to really get pro video that’s gonna be on par with almost anything that you are watching online.”

Shopping Options and Savings

• You can shop for cheap cameras on eBay or Amazon, and consider buying used or refurbished ones to save even more money.

“You can save even more [money] than that”

Footage Comparison: Canon T5i vs Canon 70D

• The footage quality of a Canon T5i is comparable to that of a Canon 70D when compared side-by-side.
• There are differences in audio quality due to the onboard mic on the camera and the type of lens used.
• The T5i comes with a wide lens, which is great for creative shots in YouTube or vlogging.
• The kit lens starts at 18 millimeters and has a zoom range.

“You can expect your footage to look like on a T5i”

Video Quality and Features of Canon T5i

• Once you learn how to use the Canon T5i, it can produce video quality on par with professional cameras.
• The T5i has continuous autofocus, which is a useful feature for maintaining focus while recording.
• It also has a mic input for good audio quality.
• Buying a DSLR like the T5i introduces lens choice, allowing for more creativity in content creation.
• Canon offers a wide range of lens options for different effects and creative videos.

“Once you learn how to use this camera, it will produce video quality that is on par with any of the pros that you see out there making videos”

Panasonic G7: A Game-Changing Camera

• The Panasonic G7 is a great all-around camera that competes well with Canon Rebels.
• It has features like mic input and continuous autofocus during video.
• The G7 stands out by offering 4K video at a lower price point compared to other cameras.
• The G7 is highly recommended, especially for those interested in diving into 4K video production.
• Deals can often be found for the G7 on platforms like Amazon, including open-box versions.

“The G7 seems to kind of be one of the best all-around cameras, right now, when you add up everything, the amount of features and performance you’re getting compared to how low the price point is”

Panasonic G7 Footage Comparison

• The Panasonic G7 provides high-quality footage, even when shooting in 4K.
• The video shown in the review was recorded in 4K and then scaled down to 1080p for viewing.
• The G7 offers a great combination of features and performance, making it a top choice in its price range.

“you can get a vibe of the footage.”

Importance of Using What You Have and Upgrading

• The best camera to have is the one you already own, so make use of it and level up your content.
• Once you can afford it, consider upgrading your gear to enhance the quality and creativity of your videos.

“The camera that you do have… use whatever you have and level up your content and then, when you can afford it, upgrade your gear”