15 Best Budget Video Cameras to Invest Your Money in 2023

Efficient but budget video cameras tested by FixThePhoto experts.

What is the best budget video camera to record breathtaking travel, commercial, personal and many other types of videos? It is unnecessary to spend about $2000 on expensive video equipment in order to record a high-resolution clip for your YouTube channel or Instagram, as there is a lot of affordable variants.

Though many people record footage using smartphone built-in cameras, if you want to get videos of decent quality, you’d better opt for cheap video cameras. Using such shooting gear, it is possible to record pro-level videos for social networks, business promotion, to document your trips and special moments. People just learning the ropes of filming often choose budget-friendly video cameras. We suggest you take some time to research and compare cameras until you find the best one for you!

People just learning the ropes of filming often choose budget-friendly video cameras. I have described the main criteria to keep in mind while shopping around. Besides, you can buy older models of top-tier devices at a reduced cost. This is a wonderful option for people with limited funds.People just learning the ropes of filming often choose budget-friendly video cameras. I have described the main criteria to keep in mind while shopping around. Besides, you can buy older models of top-tier devices at a reduced cost. This is a wonderful option for people with limited funds.

All the latest cameras from Panasonic, regardless of their price and level, have the function of 4K video recording. Undoubtedly, this is a huge advantage for beginners. Very few budget models have this feature. The ZS100 is the cheapest 4K video camera that gives you the opportunity to record wonderful videos. It can be used both for amateur photography and video shooting and as a professional tool if you need a reliable compact camera.

This device records 1080p video at up to 120 frames per second and 4K video at up to 30 frames per second. The video quality is awesome. That is why they call it the best point-and-shoot camera for video. The excellent autofocus, which works very quickly deserves special attention. It gives you the opportunity to get a very clear image.

The camera has a huge number of modes and filters for video recording and photographing. The 4K Live Cropping allows you to work with zoom and cropping area. It’s amazing because some mirrorless cameras can’t boast of such a variety of functions.

This video camera is an excellent option for video lovers. Compared to the previous version (RX100), the main feature of this model is the possibility to record slow-motion videos at speeds up to 1000 frames per second with a resolution of 270 x 800 pixels during 4 seconds, or 1136 x 384 pixels during 2 seconds. This makes it the best slow motion camera.

Due to 4K support, you can record high-quality videos that will impress viewers with the saturation and brightness of colors, as well as amazing clarity and details. Using the slow-motion shooting option, you can create unusual artistic effects. No doubt, if you compare the Sony RX100 IV with other modern cheap cameras, it is the undisputed leader.

If you want to give your footage a professional finishing, don’t wait any longer and address the FixThePhoto team.

Experts will perform all the needed tweaks as quickly as possible.

Fitted with an advanced ultra fish eye lens consisting of 8 elements and f2.5 aperture, this camera allows you to capture 240-degree videos and photos with rich colors and impressive resolution. It has an integrated mic, which enables you to create voice-overs easily. Another advantage of this model is that it has in-built Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules. It enables you to enhance your videos and share them online quickly.

Thanks to its native app, you can use an in-built accelerometer sensor to track your and record speed data. This model is fully dustproof, protected against shock impact, and has a water-resistant body. You can take it with you on a mountain biking trip or use it in any location where you might need to capture footage in severe conditions.

Now recording underwater videos won't be a problem as you can use GoPro HERO7 waterproof camera. Despite being a cheap video camera, it provides indispensable functions for qualitative video and photo shooting. Since it is modernized with ultra-smooth video stabilization, each picture looks very accurate and smooth. The underwater model is perfectly capable of filming 8x slow-motion clips and time warp videos. An active social media user looking for a good vlogging camera will certainly appreciate the Live Streaming mode.

The main advantages of the model are 4K video recording at 60 fps, voice control and touch screen, which turns it into the best budget camera for traveling. Moreover, this GoPro camera efficiently operates at a depth of up to 33ft (10m) and is characterized by water resistance and durability.

If your GoPro footage lacks energy and vibrant colors, turn to the FixThePhoto team and it will have you covered.

Specialists can edit footage the way you want no matter how specific your demands are.

This camera has a pro-level image stabilization system. Balanced Optical SteadyShot allows you to use this model in a handheld mode without a tripod. The camera has quick focusing capabilities. Thanks to the Spot Focus feature, it can focus on an object in the frame in less than a second. When you use it in AF mode, the camera selects the right target after a short delay, which allows you to capture professional-quality footage.

Its Crystal Engine uses interpolation technology to reach 60 fps. Since the camera supports a wireless connection, you can stream videos in real-time. If you are looking for a reliable camera for streaming for keeping an eye on your kids and pets, this is a perfect option to consider. The camera allows you to quickly copy your videos to your PC. You just need to eject a card from the SD Card slot and insert it into your desktop device.

This Nikon camera for video is quite expensive, although it is a small fee for such incredible quality. It has a huge zoom that can enlarge an image 125 times. Such a zoom allows you to shoot very clear images even from far distances, making this camera a good choice for travelers and nature lovers.

Coolpix functions perfectly even in low light. In addition, the device has a precise autofocus system, stabilizer, as well as a variety of modes and filters. This gadget is especially good for shooting video in 4K and Ultra HD formats. Moreover, the camera creates high-quality audio tracks with stereo sound. Although it is not cheap, you can consider it as a transitional stage between the camera of your smartphone and a professional device.

The main feature of this device is the incredible clarity of images. You can easily select the necessary frames from your videos and create shots of incredible quality. For the first time in history, the camera introduces the 4K photo feature, which lets you take amazing 8 megapixel photos.

Video shooting in Full HD format has such characteristics as impressive details and accurate color. Video in 4K format creates the effect of full presence due to the incredible realism. It is all about wonderful 3840x2160 resolution.

Such characteristics allow you to shoot even in motion and get the clearest images. Due to all these advantages, it is a good part of wedding photography gear. You can also use it to record videos at a wedding.

If you like the shooting part most of all, while video editing drives you crazy, why not delegate the task to professionals?

The FixThePhoto’s team will fix basic issues with colors and lighting, add filters, adjust the playback speed of all video or a specific part, as well as spruce it up with creative filters.

Many people call this Canon for video a smaller version of Rebel T5i. Indeed, this device took all the best features from its older relative. You can record 1080p video at 30 and 24 fps or 720p at 60 fps.

The main disadvantage of this model is poor sound quality, so if you need a camera for podcasting, better search for other models. The device has a built-in microphone, but it can record only mono sound, unlike the Rebel T5i, which is capable of creating high-quality stereo audio tracks. This camera has an additional stereo microphone connector, which lets you record amazing videos with nice sound.

Undoubtedly, this is the best budget video camera for beginners. According to the manufacturers, the main function of this device is photographing. However, many users have noticed that this compact camera copes well with video recording in various conditions.

You can shoot Full HD video at 1080p resolution at up to 60 frames per second. Moreover, the camera supports Ultra HD 4K video. The device has quite a big sensor, which contributes to the improvement of image quality. You also have the opportunity to change lenses and choose the options that are suitable for your needs.

This device has a swivel touchscreen that will greatly simplify your work. The autofocus system is very fast. This is the key factor in getting a clear image with rich colors, which is extremely important if you are in search of a camera for Instagram.

Look at this film camera, as it comes with incredible characteristics. The main feature is a combination of modern photo and video technologies with such a compact size. It is one of the cheap but good video cameras that can compete with large professional devices.

18-megapixel matrix provides the highest quality of videos. 9-point autofocus helps achieve perfect accuracy and simplifies work even in the most difficult conditions. Nighttime or poor lighting is no longer a problem. The above-mentioned features contribute to reducing digital noise.

Canon EOS Rebel T7 has an incredibly comfortable and stylish design. One of the main advantages of this DSLR for video is a large LCD screen.

You can instantly view a clip that was just recorded. There are no analogs with the same high-grade and large display today. If you want to make your works more creative, you can apply a large number of filters and modes, such as Fisheye, Toy Camera, Miniature effects and others.

The Insta360 One X2 is a pro-level 360-degree camera suitable for those who need to capture engaging content for social media. It allows you to apply unusual effects and give your videos a dynamic feel. The camera features two lenses and a 5.7K sensor. The One X2 allows you to add transitions to your footage. You can either use its Studio software or a dedicated cross-platform app. The latter is a bit buggy and resource-consuming.

When I tested this camera, I found out that it is hardly suitable for shooting in poor light conditions. However, during the day, you can use it to capture 1080p footage. Then, you can further enhance it using native software and apply a range of effects.

Canon G7 X Mark II belongs to the list of cheap video cameras that have compact dimensions. This point-and-shoot device features a large 1.0-inch 20.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor along with DIGIC 7 image processor that impresses users with tracking and detection mechanisms.

The smoothness and clarity of pictures are ensured due to the blur-reducing optical image stabilizer. The video quality is no less incredible. Nevertheless, I wouldn't recommend it as the best budget camera for video to those who primarily seek 4K video filming, as this feature is absent. Still, it records Full HD videos at 60 fps and has plenty of useful functions.

Sony DSC W800 is a small and lightweight point-and-shoot device on our list of cheap but good video cameras. It has a vivid 2.7" Clear Photo LCD monitor at the back that displays your shots and qualitative 720p HD videos. The model is notable for its 5x optical zoom lens with a 35mm corresponding focal length of 26-130mm. The 1/2.3" Super HAD CCD sensor of 20.1MP also deserves attention.

As for video recording, the DSC W800 can shoot top-quality 1280x720 footage at 30fps while using optical zoom in 29-minute fragments to the fullest. Choose the specialized Sony lenses in order to achieve the professional-grade video result.

This is a good cheap video camera which deserves your attention. The model was developed specifically to satisfy the needs of aspiring videographers and photographers who aren't satisfied with smartphone shooting. Through the “SnapBridge App” and Bluetooth LE connection, the videos and pictures may be transferred immediately. The full HD device is made of plastic, therefore, it is rather lightweight.

Long battery life and an 11-point focus system are also the advantages of the camera. The D3400 model has simplified controls, especially useful for beginners, who are only figuring out how a video camera operates. Unfortunately, its fixed 3-inch LCD Live-View screen may cause difficulties while photographing in bad light environments.

A small number of manufacturers produce large-sensor fixed lens devices, and Sony RX100 is a bright example. While you are recording videos, you may take advantage of autofocus and optical zoom. If you use it with professional macro lenses, you’ll get great video output. It is possible to adjust exposure either manually or automatically prior to or throughout the shooting.

Photographing stills at high resolution alongside video filming is a nice bonus. Being the best affordable video camera, it is often praised for funny Picture Effects and background defocus option that enables you to modify the way your videos look in the camera. As for its downsides, a 720p filming mode, hand-operated audio levels control, and the outward mic connection are absent. Besides, professional shooters might lack fine-grained frame rate control.

If you need to choose the best camera brand for video recording, you need to consider such parameters as megapixel count, video resolution, stabilization system, screen features, battery consumption. Also, it is better to purchase a lightweight camera with weather sealing.

Megapixels. A 3840x2160 pixel video camera exceeds the resolution of 1920x1080 pixels four times. The latest video cameras feature excellent detail. However, to notice all the details you need an ultra HD TV.

Video Capture Resolution. If you examine the recent best cheap video cameras, you will see that they can record HD videos. Not so long ago, 4K camcorders, which are HD video cameras with high resolution, started appearing on the market. The typical resolution for a 4K camcorder is 3840x2160 pixels. Nevertheless, the majority of users can’t afford these types of cameras and opt for an HD video camera instead.

LCD Screen. The quality of the electronic viewfinder and LCD display for achieving manual focus plays a significant role for videographers. There exist 3 primary variations of LCD displays, such as articulated, tilt and fixed ones.

Stabilization. While choosing the best cheap video camera, check its image stabilization (IS) twice. If this parameter is poor, pictures are likely to be ruined because of the blur.

Battery Performance. In case you are shooting outside frequently, battery life should be taken into account in the first place. The filmmaking process will be stressful if you need to constantly switch batteries. Furthermore, trying to find the place to plug in the battery isn't the best activity during a video session.

Weight. Select the weight and dimensions of the best budget video camera depending on your goals. You must be able to effortlessly reach the necessary controls and switches. Besides, a camera should feel convenient while you are holding it.

Weatherproofing. You can't predict what happens while shooting outside. Weather may change in an instant, so a weather-resistant feature might help you cope with those unexpected situations. Knowing that your equipment is protected, you won't be worrying about anything but a photo shoot. What’s more, it increases the life of your video camera.

Use waterproof accessories in order to keep your camera safe in any weather conditions. For example, you can buy a camera bag made of plastic or use a special protective layer for the lens.