Recommended Budget Video Cameras under $900

Choose the budget video camera from a list of high-quality camcorders, action, DSLR, and mirrorless models.

Though many people record footage using their smartphone’s built-in camera, if you want to get videos of decent quality, you’d better opt for a budget video camera instead. Using such shooting gear allows you to record pro-level videos for social networks, business promotions, travel diaries, and special moments.

When choosing cheap video cameras for this list, I focused on the main 4 types:

Action. Compact waterproof cameras that are perfect for recording outdoor adventures and fast-paced sports footage.

Camcorders. Such models are primarily known for their convenient features like superior recording times, image stabilization, and video-optimized AF systems.

DSLRs. Such cameras aren’t as small and user-friendly as camcorders, but they usually come with a significantly bigger image sensor, which allows you to take stunning, pro-quality photos even in poor lighting conditions.

Mirrorless. This type is famous for its video recording functionality, as it typically supports 4K resolution, premium-tier video codecs, and a variety of framerate settings. That said, such cameras are more expensive than the other categories.

Type: Mirrorless | Video Quality: 4K | Resolution: 24MP | Battery Life: 125 min

The most appealing aspect of the ZV-E10, which is the cheapest 4K camera in its category, is its completely articulating display that is ideal for recording vlogs. It lets the user see themselves during recording from any angle. Another useful addition is the red rectangle that shows up during recording to let you know you’re filming.

This model also offers great picture quality even if you set a high ISO value. Other than that, the ZV-E10 comes with slow-motion and backdrop blur features as well as a product showcase mode, which are missing from the rest of the APS-C series models. Such functionality is aimed primarily at vlogging and is extremely useful for recording engaging videos for YouTube and other socials.

The biggest downside that might keep the ZV-E10 from being the best budget camera for video recording is that it doesn’t offer integrated image stabilization. Instead, this model depends on the optical stabilization integrated into Sony's lenses. As such, you might have to buy lenses with quality stabilization to ensure your videos look smooth.

Type: Action | Video Quality: 5K | Resolution: 20MP | Battery Life: 97 min

The biggest highlight of this GoPro camera is its 5K resolution support that allows you to capture highly detailed footage. Additionally, the front-facing screen is a godsend to vloggers and selfie lovers who want more convenience in their lives.

The scheduled recording option is also a handy addition. It lets you set specific filming times, which is useful for recording time-lapses and preparing planned shots. The real-time hyperlapse is another fantastic feature, and the Hero9 is possibly the best cheap video camera for video streaming, as it can even be used as a webcam if you connect it to your PC or laptop.

Unlike Sony cameras, this model has built-in image stabilization, which allows you to record smooth videos regardless of how dynamic the events are. However, just like any other GoPro, this camera has a small image sensor, meaning it only shows its full potential in well-lit conditions. In any case, you can always improve the quality of your videos by reaching out to a GoPro video editing service.

Type: Camcorder | Video Quality: HD | Resolution: 9.2MP | Battery Life: 115 min

The HDR-CX405 provides terrific image quality in AVCHD and MP4 formats alike, which is great for posting your content online. Integrated image stabilization is also a great benefit for a budget camera since it helps deal with camera shake and record smooth footage.

Another noteworthy characteristic of this cheap camera is the stunning 30x optical zoom lens from ZEISS. It lets you film the smallest details of your subject even from relatively far away.

This model might have been considered the best affordable video camera if it wasn’t for its subpar sound quality. This is a common issue when dealing with budget cameras, and the HDR-CX405 suffers from it as well. Both the built-in and external mics aren’t great when recording in a noisy environment.

Type: DSLR | Video Quality: FHD 1080p | Resolution: 24.1MP | Battery Life: 3,5 hours

The EOS Rebel T7 allows you to record footage in Full-HD quality, which is usually enough for vlogs and YouTube videos. The picture offers rich and high-contrast colors, particularly if you pick the Auto or Standard image mode. Alas, the fact that this camera doesn’t allow filming in 4K can be a serious drawback to some.

The T7 comes with WiFi and NFC connectivity, simplifying the task of sharing your images and footage with compatible devices.

This Canon camera for video can also be used as a webcam or for filming “talking head” YouTube clips. Since this model is incapable of tracking moving objects when filming, it’s recommended to use it with a tripod and a time-tested Canon lens for video recording.

Type: Mirrorless | Video Quality: 4K | Resolution: 20.3MP | Battery Life: 30 min

The LUMIX G9 might be the best cheap video camera in its segment, as it allows you to create 4K videos in 60fps and 1080p clips in up to 180fps. Moreover, this model has a relay-recording feature that lets you swap memory cards during filming.

The integrated 5-axis image stabilization offers terrific performance and guarantees smooth footage. Moreover, the G9 has an in-body microphone and a headphone input while also allowing you to set Cinelike D and Cinelike V color profiles for recording. It won’t completely replace a wedding video editing service, but will significantly simplify the manual editing process.

The vari-angle 3” LCD screen is also very useful, helping you set the optimal recording angle at any time. I wasn’t particularly impressed by the battery life of this mirrorless camera and the limited RAW photo quality when using High-Resolution mode, but this model can still be considered a universal tool for video recording.

Type: Ultracompact | Video Quality: 4K | Resolution: 12MP | Battery Life: 29 min

The TG-6 is possibly the best inexpensive video camera if you record a lot of slow-motion footage, as it allows filming in up to 480fps, which is perfect for adding a cinematic feel to your content.

Another benefit of this waterproof camera is the TruePic VIII processor, which is usually only included in the brand’s premium swappable lens cameras. This processor guarantees you can capture top-tier images with terrific colors.

This compact camera is also highly durable thanks to its waterproof properties. It’s usable up to 15 meters underwater, which is why it's often employed for underwater videography or filming during rainy days. Additionally, the TG-6 is shock-resistant and crushproof, meaning it can withstand some rough handling.

Type: Mirrorless | Video Quality: 4K | Resolution: 20.3MP | Battery Life: 20 min

This video camera allows capturing 4K footage in 30fps while the framerate for 1080p resolution is capped at 120fps, which is great for slow-motion videos. The integrated hybrid image stabilization system, which relies on both digital and optical lens stabilization, allows for minimizing camera shake when recording videos on the go.

Even though this vlogging camera has the OZO sound system created by Nokia, the built-in microphone still isn’t very good at canceling out the wind noise. Besides, the G100 doesn’t have a headphone jack, meaning you can’t check the sound quality when recording.

Type: Action | Video Quality: 4K | Resolution: 64MP | Battery Life: 140 min

DJI Pocket 2 is arguably the best budget video camera if you highly value object tracking. This slow motion camera allows previewing the live feed on your smartphone to check if you’re in the frame, which can be extremely useful. Moreover, the timelapse mode comes with a manual “path” setting, providing more movement freedom than a regular phone camera.

Even though the DJI Pocket 2 doesn’t have the functionality of a pro-grade camera, it still offers impressive video and image quality. The automated stabilization provided by the compact gimbal handle helps you record smooth footage regardless of what you’re doing.

Type: Mirrorless | Video Quality: 4K | Resolution: 20.9MP | Battery Life: 65 min

Nikon Z 30 is targeted towards YouTubers, Twitch streamers, and other content creators who want to improve their video quality without breaking the bank. This Nikon camera for video boasts a larger sensor compared to most smartphones used for vlogging, which is a significant improvement in terms of image quality.

This camera can capture up to UHD 4K at 30 frames per second, providing you with ample flexibility during video editing. The camera even supports slow-motion playback at up to 120 frames per second, allowing you to add some creative flair to your videos.

If you’re still a beginner, you need to find a model that matches your requirements while staying within your budget. This list features cameras for podcasting, YouTube, and travel blogs within the $200 to $900 price range. The cheapest options are action cameras and camcorders, while mirrorless models represent the opposite end of the spectrum.

Video resolution. It’s recommended to get a model that allows recording in at least Full-HD to ensure the picture is detailed and crisp.

Image stabilization. It allows minimizing camera shake, providing steady, stable footage. This option is usually included in more expensive mirrorless cameras for video recording.

Framerate. This characteristic determines the amount of frames captured each second when filming. For an affordable video camera, 30fps is solid, 60fps is good, and 120fps and more is great for slow-motion videos.

Battery duration. It’s recommended to pick a camera that can record footage for at least an hour without having to be recharged.

LCD screen. For vloggers, it’s also important for the screen to be rotatable so that they can better control the recording process.

Sensor size. Prioritize models with an APS-C or bigger sensor, if you’re planning to record videos in poor lighting conditions. This way you’ll be able to create stunning shallow focus effects without any hassle.

Supported formats. Ensure your chosen mirrorless or DSLR camera for video recording allows you to pick a format that is compatible with your video editing software.

I compared the most important features of the top 3 cameras to help you understand which model suits you the best. For instance, the Sony Alpha ZV-E10 is a great option for streaming, GoPro Hero9 is well-suited for travel videos, while the Sony HDR-CX405 is the best budget video camera for recording family footage.