By Tati Taylor 20 days ago, Cameras & Lenses
What is a good cheap vlogging camera under $300?
Looking for the best vlogging camera under 300 USD with decent stabilization that allows creating high-quality videos and stunning pictures?
If you aim to become an expert vlogger, make sure you have a pro-level camera. By creating captivating content, you will expand beyond your niche audience and attract more subscribers.
To find the best YouTube camera under 300 dollars more quickly, check this list of 8 devices that are in high demand by vloggers in 2024. Each of them comes with great advantages and at an affordable price.
As every camera boasts a unique set of specs, pay attention to the parameters that you need most and make sure to consider all the shortcomings before making your decision.
Type: Professional | Sensor size: 1/2.3-inch (6,17x4,55 mm) | Resolution: 3840x2160 MP | Lens: 40x, 24-960 mm | Viewfinder: - | Screen type: 3-inch touch screen LCD display | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10 fps
⊕ 4K support
⊕ 40x zoom
⊕ An ultra-precise autofocus
⊕ Solid built
⊖ Insufficient resolution at low ISO
The Canon PowerShot SX740 comes with a CMOS image sensor featuring a 1/2.3-inch backlight. The lens is pretty amazing as well as they are capable of covering a 24-960mm equivalent focal length range. In other words, it delivers 40x zoom.
The camera has the ISO sensitivity range of 100-3200 while its burst shooting speed reaches 10fps. For better image quality, there are different PASM modes available.
What’s more, you can record a video in 4K and a 30fps frame rate. The key selling point of this device is its 3-inch LCD touchscreen that can be rotated to 180 degrees.
Type: Action camera | Sensor size: 1/2,3-inch (6.2x4.6 mm) | Resolution: 4000x3000 MP | Lens: 24.4-15.1 mm | Viewfinder: - | Screen type: Screen type: 2-inch touch screen LCD display | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 60 fps
⊕ Amazing picture stabilization
⊕ Handy design
⊕ Responsive LCD-screen
⊕ Pro-level tools are easy-to-use
⊕ 10m waterproof
⊖ Small-size LCD
⊖ Less tough than previous GoPro devices
If you need a camera with impressive stabilization, take a look at the GoPro HERO8. It comes with the HyperSmooth 2.0 system that adds to the improved stabilization circuit.
To record videos, you can choose from 3 modes available, namely High, Elevated, and Standard.
The camera has a solid housing protecting it from external harm. If you enjoy shooting videos underwater, you will be delighted to find out that this device is 10m waterproof so you can use it without buying a special case.
Another advantage for vloggers is that this camera supports self-recording thanks to a foldable 2-inch screen. It is a great option to choose if you need to purchase a great camera under 300 dollars.
Type: Camcorder | Sensor size: 1/4.85-inch | Resolution: 1920x1080 MP | Lens: 57x, 32.5-1853 mm | Viewfinder: - | Screen type: 3-inch touch screen LCD display | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30 fps
⊕ Compact
⊕ Great battery
⊕ Amazing zoom
⊕ Stunning picture stabilization
⊖ Old design
This device has an outstanding 57x zoom and a 3.28MP CMOS sensor that is perfect for recording high-quality content. It is an excellent low light camcorder under 300 USD as it allows creating visuals with close-to-life colors.
Thanks to the in-built Wi-Fi module, you can quickly send your files to your friends. The device also supports an NFC standard.
As the camera doesn’t weigh too much, it’s easy to carry around. It ensures 6-hour shooting which is extremely helpful if you create vlogs while traveling. The unprecedented zoom capabilities account for a great level of detail.
Type: Camcorder | Sensor size: 1/5.8-inch | Resolution: 4032x2272 MP | Lens: 30x/350x (optical/digital), 26.8-804 мм mm | Viewfinder: - | Screen type: 2.7-inch Clear Photo LCD display | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 60 fps
⊕ Digital and clear image zoom
⊕ Crisp motion shots
⊕ Allows recording XAVC S and AVCHD formats at the same time
⊕ A SteadyShot image stabilization feature
⊖ Small screen
⊖ No external mic port
The Sony HDRCX405 delivers sharp visuals and comes with impressive zoom capabilities. Thanks to the SteadyShot feature and an Active Smart mode, it reduces any signs of blurriness caused by camera shaking.
The device allows recording videos in AVCHD and XAVC S formats. It is equipped with ZEISS optics, an Exmor R CMOS matrix, and a powerful BIONZ X processor.
The impressive set of specs accounts for superb HQ visuals with vibrant colors and a high level of detail.
Being one of the best camcorders under 300 USD, it features a streamlined design and has a black matte coating. It is perfectly suitable both for personal use and creating vlogs for a wider audience.
Type: Professional | Sensor size: 1/2.3-inch | Resolution: 5184x3888 MP | Lens: 25x/50x (optical/digital), 25-625 mm | Viewfinder: - | Screen type: 3-inch touch screen LCD display | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30 fps
⊕ 25x zoom with stunning quality
⊕ Recording in Full HD
⊕ An LCD display with great brightness
⊕ Wi-Fi and an NFC
⊖ Slow continuous shooting of HQ videos
⊖ Insufficient quality under poor lighting conditions
Canon PowerShot SX620 comes with a 20.2MP image sensor and covers a 25-625mm zoom range. What’s more, you can double its capabilities by using the ZoomPlus feature while maintaining high quality.
This is a great camera for action shots. A CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ processor allow shooting Full HD 1080p content at 30fps.
If lighting conditions aren’t favorable, you can still enjoy the maximum 3200 ISO sensitivity.
Even if you don’t have a tripod, there is in-built stabilizer that allows shooting decent videos without any signs of a blur. The only significant drawback is that you can’t set shutter speed and aperture.
Type: Travel camera | Sensor size: 1/2.3-inch | Resolution: 5184x3888MP | Lens: 30x, 24-720 mm | Viewfinder: Electronic | Screen type: 3-inch 180° tilting touch screen LCD display | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 30 fps
⊕ 4K QFHD resolution
⊕ Eye Viewfinder
⊕ Display can be rotated up to 80 degrees
⊖ Insufficient quality under poor lighting
⊖ Not for beginners
If you are looking for the best vlogging camera under 300 USD, you will hardly find a more compact option than the Lumix DC-ZS70. It comes equipped with 24-720mm equivalent lens and a 30x optical zoom.
Thanks to its 20.3MP BSI sensor from CMOS and a powerful Venus Engine processor, it allows shooting 4K/UHD videos.
Vloggers will also appreciate the DFD technology and the effectiveness of the autofocus feature.
It comes with a 3-inch 1040k display tiltable to 180 degrees. This camera is a smart option to choose for those, who enjoy shooting videos of beautiful cities and landscapes.
Type: Camcorder | Sensor size: 1/4.85-inch | Resolution: 1920x1080 MP | Lens: 32x/57x (optical/digital), 32.5-1853 mm | Viewfinder: - | Screen type: 3-inch touch screen LCD display | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 60 fps
⊕ Amazing picture stabilization
⊕ Delivers HD videos
⊕ Can be used right out of the box
⊖ iPhones deliver better recording quality
⊖ No Wi-Fi
⊖ Comes without internal memory
It boasts a 57x zoom and impressive image stabilization range. Thanks to these features, the camera allows shooting without any sign of blur or shaking.
If you often record videos in poor lighting conditions, you will appreciate the DIGIC DV 4 processor that allows creating clips with fantastic brightness.
You will also appreciate a slow-motion mode that allows deceleration to 0.5X and a fast-motion option with acceleration to 1200X.
Type: Semi-professional | Sensor size: 1/2.3-inch | Resolution: 4608x3456 MP | Lens: 40x, 22.5-900 mm | Viewfinder: - | Screen type: 3-inch tilting LCD | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 7.4 fps
⊕ 1920x1080 resolution
⊕ Optical image stabilization
⊕ 3-inch tiltable display
⊕ Wireless connectivity
⊖ Exposure can’t be adjusted manually
⊖ Noise at low ISO
By using it, you can shoot Full HD videos at 1080p. It comes with a flip-up LCD display and a 16MP sensor that delivers great performance regardless of lighting.
Those who purchase the Nikon COOLPIX B500 for vlogging won’t have to worry about any signs of camera shake as they are virtually non-existent thanks to the Lens-Shift VR feature.
Besides being easy to use, this device also has automatic modes and comes with unique effect tools.
Thanks to the BSI sensor, image quality and overall picture clarity stay at a top-notch level regardless of lighting conditions.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Canon PowerShot SX740
Professional |
CHECK PRICE→ | |
 |
GoPro HERO8
Action |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Canon VIXIA HF R80
Compact |
CHECK PRICE → |
If you want to purchase the best vlogging camera under 300 dollars, you have a wide range of options to choose from. I have included the best of them on this list.
If you are just starting your vlogging career, you can buy a great device at a low price.
Those, who travel a lot, need to pay attention to the size of a camera. If a device is compact, you can carry it around easily. I advise you to pay attention to medium-sized models that can be held with one hand.
A pro-level microphone is essential when it comes to video recording. You can buy the best YouTube camera under 300 USD with an in-built microphone or buy an external microphone. A tripod is handy when you need to ensure that your videos won’t be blurry.
The most influential vloggers invest in professional devices, for instance, the Canon PowerShot SX740, GoPro HERO8, and Canon PowerShot SX620.
You can choose any camera from this list to create a perfect YouTube video. Start from deciding what features you might need and how much you are ready to spend.
The Canon PowerShot SX620 is the best vlogging camera under 300 USD that is perfectly suitable for newbies.
Nikon COOLPIX B500 is quite cheap as you can purchase it for $154.
