Vlogging has become quite popular today with many entrepreneurs venturing into the field. To become a successful vlogger, however, you must have a high-quality camera and a good microphone. A majority of vloggers starts on YouTube, and if you are among them, then you know that you can’t rely on your smartphone to deliver high-quality content. You need a vlogging camera that has better sensors to capture high-quality images and videos. The best part is that you don’t even have to break the bank to develop the high-quality content needed to succeed as a vlogger. This is because you will find high-quality cameras that go for less than $300 on the market.
For a beginner vlogger, however, you might find it hard to identify the right camera for your needs. That’s why this article will review some vlogging cameras that you could get yourself. Moreover, the article will discuss some of the things that you will need to look out for before making the purchasing decision.
Things to Look Out For Before Choosing a Vlogging Camera
Running a vlog is not only exciting but also an avenue for you to make a substantial amount of money. For you to obtain the traffic that you need, however, you must be able to share high-quality content, something that requires an equally high-quality camera. The quality of a camera is determined by the features it comes with.
As a result, you have to assess the features of the camera that you would like to get carefully to ensure you get a quality product at a fair price. Additionally, you need to keep in mind that you will find many camera brands in the market, and they all differ in their quality and specifications.
Here are some of the most important things to consider when getting a vlogging camera.
i. The type of camera
Before you select a camera to use for your vlog, one of the essential things to consider is the type of camera that you want. There are different types of cameras on the market with each designed to serve different purposes. As a result, you will find point-and-shoot cameras, action cameras, and mirrorless cameras.
A point-and-shoot camera is ideal for people who want a camera that can automatically adjust its focus and other settings. If your vlog deals with intense activities such as extreme sports, however, then an action camera might suit you best to avoid breakages when you are shooting. If you need a camera that allows you to connect an external mic or lets you change the lens, on the other hand, then you should get a mirrorless/ DSLR camera. The important thing is that you select a camera that suits your specific needs.
ii. The image quality
Image quality says a lot about your vlog, and it could help you gain more traffic. Therefore, before you purchase a camera, you need to assess its image quality. Fortunately, you can get a vlogging camera under $300 with excellent video quality.
It is advisable to get a camera that can record video qualities of at least 1080p. After all, most YouTubers ensure that their videos meet this quality. You must keep in mind that the video quality could promote or compromise the growth of your channel. To be on the safe side, therefore, you need to get a camera with great image quality.
iii. Frame rate
Another critical feature to look out for is the frame rate of the camera you intend to get. Usually, a video has a particular amount of still frames per second (fps). You will find that most vlogging cameras record videos at 30 frames per second – and this is adequate for the majority of shooting events. However, you can still find a camera with a higher frame rate, and these are ideal for recording objects that are moving relatively fast. Moreover, if you intend to shoot slow motion videos, you might want to look for a camera with a higher frame rate per second.
iv. Image stabilization
Another critical feature that you need to look out for before purchasing a vlogging camera is the image stabilization. This feature is especially effective when you shoot your videos as you walk. It eliminates the unwanted camera movements that could end up ruining your video. If you want to deliver content that is devoid of sudden camera movements or vibrations even when your hand shakes, you will have to settle for a camera that has optical image stabilization.
v. Autofocus
Autofocus is a great feature that eliminates the blurriness in videos. It allows your camera to focus on what you want to capture automatically. The feature helps to improve the video quality, which is among the issues that your viewers or followers want.
vi. Sound quality
Most vlogs are created to provide viewers with valuable content. For you to drive your point home, therefore, you must be audible enough. This means that you need to select a camera that has outstanding audio quality that will block out unwanted noises.
Most cameras feature built-in microphones to record sound, but they don’t always have the best quality. To ensure that your audio is as clear as your videos, you could go for those cameras that allow you to attach an external microphone to improve the sound quality.
Product Reviews
1. Nikon COOLPIX B500 Digital Camera
The first entry in this review of vlogging cameras under $300 is Nikon COOLPIX B500 Digital Camera. The B500 is a simple and convenient camera that allows you to capture excellent videos for your blog. It features a 16MP 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor to let you capture high-quality images and videos.
The camera also has easy menu controls, and it allows you to record 1080p full HD videos at 30 fps. What’s more, it features Bluetooth low energy technology that allows you to connect it to compatible smartphones for instant image and video sharing. It also allows remote camera control. To capture your subjects closely, this camera features a 40x optical zoom plus 80x dynamic fine zoom.
The image quality of this camera is further enhanced by its Lens-Shift Vibration Reduction (VR) that helps to keep your shots steady. Other outstanding features on this camera include its 3-inch 921k-Dot tilting LCD and NIKKOR f/3.0-6.5mm ED Lens.
Recommendation
At such a price, the B500 is one of the best vlogging cameras that will allow you to capture high-quality videos. It also has WI-FI and NFC connectivity, making it ideal for vloggers looking for an excellent and affordable camera.
Pros
- It has Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC connectivity
- Captures quality videos at 1080p
- Includes a tilting LCD
- Can be connected to compatible smartphones
Cons
- Does not come with manual focus
- It’s slightly heavy
- Poor battery life
[https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-COOLPIX-Digital-Camera-Black/dp/B01C3LEBW6/]
2. GoPro HERO5 Black
Next up is GoPro HERO5 Black. The camera might be ideal if you are looking to start your vlog because it captures high-quality 4K videos and 12MP images. This camera has three capture modes – burst, single, and time-lapse to ensure that you record only the best of videos.
This camera features a sturdy construction, which means that you have little to worry about its longevity. What’s more, it is waterproof up to 33 feet (10m) when it doesn’t have housing. It also includes a 2-inch touch display that allows you to change the settings and playback your videos. And it gets better; the GoPro has excellent video stabilization, and you can control it through simple voice commands.
Recommendations
The GoPro is a suitable camera for vloggers who would like a camera that produces an outstanding video quality as it captures 4K videos. It also has voice control, thus allowing hands-free operation. Moreover, it allows you to upload videos directly to the cloud.
Pros
- Features a simple one-button control
- Captures high-quality 4K videos
- Allows hands-free operation
- Has a rugged and durable design
Cons
- Poor customer service
- Its waterproof qualities aren’t so impressive
- Has an outdated design
[https://www.amazon.com/GoPro-HERO5-Black-Waterproof-Digital/dp/B01M14ATO0/]
3. Canon PowerShot N 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera
If you just started your YouTube blog, you need a high-quality camera to maintain your loyal audience and attract new viewers. To do this, consider starting with this camera. It features a sturdy design that enhances its durability. It also boasts of built-in Wi-Fi, a feature that allows you to upload images and videos to social media platforms.
The camera features a 12.1MP CMOS sensor and allows you to capture high-quality 1080p full HD videos for your vlog. It also allows you to bring objects closer with its 8x optical image stabilized zoom to capture crispier images. The camera also comes with a 28mm wide-angle lens.
This camera also features a mobile device connect button that allows you to connect it to both Android and iOS devices. It also has a new creative shot mode that allows you to create up to five unique images. Other features on this device include a lens shutter, a zoom ring, and a tilt, touch panel LCD.
Recommendations
Any vlogger would be lucky to have this camera because it allows seamless sharing over social media sites. It also has a great design, it’s easy to use, and it’s compatible with both iOS and Android devices. All those features are available at an affordable price.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Captures quality 1080p videos
- Has a tilting LCD
- Compatible with Android and iOS gadgets
- Has a compact and sturdy design
Cons
- The battery life is not impressive
- Doesn’t work well in low-light conditions
[https://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-Digital-Optical-Wide-Angle/dp/B00AWYN1O6/]
4. Panasonic Lumix ZS50 Camera
Whoever said that you couldn’t get a high-quality, affordable camera to start your vlog with must not have heard about Panasonic Lumix ZS50 Camera. This camera has a compact design, and it allows you to capture images and videos without using the flash because it has enhanced low-light sensitivity. What’s more, it has a built-in eye viewfinder that allows it to eliminate the outdoor glare.
The camera’s lens delivers a 30x optical zoom to allow you to capture images and videos better. Interestingly, it has manual control that allows you to control every aspect of your shot. It also has autofocus and a frame rate of 100fps in HD resolution and 200fps in VGA. This camera also has a HYBRID O.I.S. that enhances its image stabilization.
Recommendation
This camera is ideal for vloggers who like to get hands-on with their cameras because it allows full manual control. Moreover, it has a high frame rate to allow better recording.
Pros
- It has manual control
- Excellent image stabilization
- Has a compact design
- Works well in low-light environments
- Has a live viewfinder
Cons
- It has a small sensor
- Quite fragile
[https://www.amazon.com/Panasonic-Lumix-ZS50-Camera-Black/dp/B00RBG687A/]
5. Canon PowerShot SX610 HS
Lastly, we have Canon PowerShot SX610 HS. As a YouTube vlogger, you might consider starting with this device. It features an 18x optical zoom range to allow you to capture high quality images and videos. The SX610-HS comes with a 20.2MP high-sensitivity CMOS sensor and the DIGIC 4+ image processor that make every shooting session exemplary.
Additionally, it features built-in W-Fi that allows you to share images and videos with compatible smartphones. The camera also has a dedicated movie button, and it captures high-quality 1080p full HD videos. That’s not all, the SX610-HS has a large 3-inch LCD with a screen resolution of 922,000 dots to enable excellent viewing.
Recommendation
The SX610-HS is a great vlogging camera for vloggers who want a camera that has a large display and capable of capturing high-quality videos and images. Its compact design also allows you to go with it to different shoot locations.
Pros
- It has a large LCD
- Includes DIGIC 4+ processor
- Captures 1080p full HD videos
- Has built-in Wi-Fi for seamless sharing
Cons
- The image quality is not so impressive
- Does not have a USB port
[https://www.amazon.com/Canon-PowerShot-SX610-HS-Enabled/dp/B00RKNNGUQ/]
Conclusion
Finding the right vlogging camera requires an extensive market research because you have to identify a camera that best suits your needs among the many brands available. If you are looking to find yourself one, you might want to check out the five listed above. Be sure to keep in mind the essential features before selecting the item that works best for you.