In case you are still trying to get your head around the meaning of Vlogging, it simply means “video blogging”. If you are planning to start your own vlog whether for YouTube or your personal blog, choosing the best equipment for the worth of its money is important.
It is not mandatory you have to spend lots of cash to get a top-quality vlogging camera. As a matter of fact, many vloggers usually start with a budget-friendly camera. Not only that, there are budget-friendly cameras with great features that surpass those with a hyped price.
Here are the best cheap vlogging cameras that cost less than $200
- Sony DSCWX220
Sony never fails in its production especially in the case of Sony DSCWX220 camera. The camera can record videos with quality as high as 1080/60p. Not only that, it also boasts of a WiFi and NFC connectivity to devices like smartphones. Its compact design makes it comfortable to handle and could operate under temperature as high as 104oF (40oC) and as low as 32oF (0oC). Even when the illumination in your scene area is low, this camera will never fail to deliver its topnotch quality video recording.
Features:
- Camera Type: Point and Shoot
- Video Recording: 1080p/60fps
- Connectivity: WiFi and NFS
- Sensor: 18.2MP
- Zoom: 10x Optical/20x clear image
- Engine: BIONZ X
- Battery Life: 210 shots/105 minutes
- Available Color: Black, Gold
- Price: $179.99 (Gold)
Pros
- Image stabilization
- Good sound quality
- Superb noise reduction
- Motion shot video traces subject movement
- Low light capture
Cons
- Continual price increase
- Very fragile
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Canon PowerShot ELPH 190
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 is one of the best beginner’s friendly cheap vlogging camera out there. The lens processing time is fast which comes in handy in situations you have to take instant multiple shots. It, however, comes with a downside in its video quality ― lesser than 1080p. But can be forgiven because of its Smart Auto feature that makes it super easy for anybody irrespective of experience in handling in a vlogging camera.
Features:
- Camera Type: Point and Shoot
- Video Recording: 720p
- Connectivity: WiFi and NFS
- Sensor: 20MP
- Zoom: 10x Optical
- Scene Modes: Fisheye, Toy Camera, Monochrome
- Battery Life: 50 Mins
- Available Color: Black, Blue, Red
- Price: $149
Pros
- Optical image stabilization
- Long distance recording
- Smart AUTO
- Quick processing time
- Low light capture
- Good image quality
Cons
- Lower image quality compared to Sony DSCWX220 (720p vs 1080p)
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Canon PowerShot ELPH 360
Yes. Another Canon product making our list. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 features are more of a repetition of the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 with the exception of the image quality (1080p) and zoom feature (12x). If you are okay with the image quality of the ELPH 190, go for it as it is cheaper. But for better features, you can spare some few bucks to get this.
Features:
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Video Recording: 1080p
- Connectivity: WiFi and NFS
- Sensor: 20.2MP
- Zoom: 12x Optical
- Scene Modes: Fisheye, Toy Camera, Monochrome
- Available Color: Black, Purple, Silver
- Price: $179
Pros
- Optical image stabilization
- Long distance recording
- Smart AUTO
- Wide angle easy viewing
- Good image quality
Cons
- Lower image quality in low light
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YI 4K Action Camera
This is for the travel vloggers that cannot afford to miss recording at any moment. The budget vlogging action camera comes with a touch screen and voice command feature. Plus, files can be easily shared to other gadgets using either the built-in WiFi or Bluetooth. Considering its price, the performance in a lowly illuminated area is fantastic when compared with expensive GoPro cameras.
Features:
- Camera Type: Action
- Video Recording: 1080p/120fps
- Connectivity: WiFi and Bluetooth
- Sensor: 12Mp
- Battery Life: 120 mins
- Available Color: Black, Night Black, White Pearl
- Price: $104.65
Pros
- Advanced video stabilization
- Touch screen
- Long battery life
- Low light recording
- Slow motion and time lapse options
- Up to 4k recording quality
Cons
- Low audio quality
- Produce quite a noisy image
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Sony DSCW830
The Sony DSCW830 is quite beginner’s friendly and cheaper than others. The low price, however, comes at a cost. The image quality is lower (720p) and the build material is plastic which does not do well when it falls.
Features:
- Camera Type: Point and shoot
- Video Recording:
- Connectivity:
- Sensor: 20.1MP
- Zoom: 8x
- Scene Modes: Toy camera, Pop color, Partial Color, Soft High-key
- Compatible Software: Final Cut Pro X and iMovie
- Battery Life:
- Available Color:
- Price: $118
Pros
- Optical steady shot image stabilization
- Compatible with Final Cut Pro X and iMovie
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Low image quality (720p)
- Low build quality
- Poor performance in low light environment
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GoPro HERO
The GoPro Hero from the renown manufacturers of action camera is a great choice for vloggers that will be capturing moments in a pool or diving event for instance. This is because it is waterproof and at the same time offer fantastic image result.
Features:
- Camera Type: Action
- Video Quality: 1080p Record/760p Video
- Sensor: 5MP
- Waterproof: Yes
- Built-in Microphone: Yes
- Price: From $69.99
Pros
- Good image quality
- Waterproof
- Light to carry
Cons
- Poor performance under low light
- Need mounting accessory for good shots
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Nikon COOLPIX S33
The Nikon COOLPIX S33 boasts waterproof capability up to 33 feet down the sea and can withstand a temperature as low as 14oF. This makes it another excellent choice for filming underwater even though it can be used to capture events outside water too.
Features:
- Camera Type: Action
- Video Recording: 1080p
- Sensor: 13.2MP
- Zoom: 3x
- Waterproof: Yes
- Available Color: Blue, White
- Price: From $78
Pros
- Waterproof
- Budget-friendly
- Good image quality with stereo sound
Cons
- Plastic body built
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Canon PowerShot ELPH 160
This camera is elegantly designed. The image quality is good but not as great as some other vlogging cameras we have reviewed before ― 720p. With the Smart AUTO feature, anybody can pick it up and operate with no hassle.
Features:
- Camera Type: Point and Shoot
- Video Recording: 720p
- Sensor: 20MP
- Zoom: 8x
- Available Color: Black, Red, Silver, White
- Price: $159.95
Pros
- Smart AUTO mode
- DIGIC 4+ Image Processor
- Eco Mode feature to prolong battery
Cons
- Low image quality compare to other cameras (1080p vs 720p)
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Nikon Coolpix L340
The Nikon Coolpix L340 is a perfect cheap vlogging camera for both beginners and intermediate Vloggers. It comes with an outstanding 28x optical zoom with additional 56x dynamic fine zoom. The only worry is the 720p image quality which is not that bad in the real sense.
Features:
- Camera Type: Point and Shoot
- Video Recording: 720p
- Sensor: 20.2MP
- Zoom: 28x Optical/56x Dynamic
- Price: From $120
Pros
- High zoom capability
- Good frame coverage
- Good sound quality
Cons
- Low image quality compared to other low-cost cameras (1080p vs 720p)
- Shutter speed cannot be manually adjusted
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Sony DSCH300/B
Vloggers looking for an affordable camera with extreme optical zoom and a good quality image should consider the Sony DSCH300/B. It is easy to handle and move around with.
Features:
- Camera Type: Point and Shoot
- Video Recording: 720p
- Connectivity:
- Sensor: 20.1MP
- Zoom: 35x Optical
- Available Color: Black
- Price: $178
Pros
- Easy to handle
- Optical SteadyShot Image stabilization
Cons
- Low battery life