When starting a YouTube channel or vlogging, it is essential to invest in affordable but quality cameras. A few things to consider in search of a vlogging camera are the qualities for image capturing and video and audio recording.
Many vloggers started their YouTube careers with smartphones. But on a serious note, it is fundamental to invest in cameras to step up their vlogging skills and quality. With a Youtube calculator, you can easily determine how much more you’ll be earning with a quality camera.
However, not everyone has the budget to afford a high-end DSLR for their channels. Some starting YouTubers are still on the look for an affordable camera with the image quality of a pro. Fortunately, today’s technology allows any vloggers to find quality cameras under $200USD.
Pro tip: After you’ve picked your camera, and you’re ready to record videos, check out our guide on how to get brand awareness on YouTube.
Top 10 Vlogging Cameras Under $200 USD
Big company names like Canon and Nikon have competitive cameras in the market under inexpensive price ranges. And apart from those big Camera names, there are also are other cost-effective cameras under $200USD that can help elevate hopeful YouTube careers.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS
First on the list is Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS with 12x Optical Zoom. Ever since its release in 2011, it has been popular among budget-friendly quality cameras. Apart from its affordable price, this camera also has several features fitting for a learning amateur or professional on a budget.
It’s 12x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer is excellent for video capturing with up to 1080p HD video capability. The 20.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor can produce high-quality images and videos even in low-light conditions.
This camera can operate under extreme weather conditions since it was made to withstand temperatures 0 to 40 degrees Celsius. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS’ Creative Shot mode uses composition, color, and lighting to produce unique photos with an artistic flair.
The Hybrid Auto program allows recording of up to four seconds before capturing an image. And in the Story Highlights mode, pictures and videos are combined to make a short movie of the best memories of the day.
The camera also comes with a Hi-Speed USB (Mini-B), HDMI (Type D), and direct cable cord compatible with Canon SELPHY, PIXMA Photo, and PictBridge Printers. For a wireless option, it also has a built-in Wi-Fi and NFC software package convenient for sharing and transferring raw images and videos. Even more, the system of the camera is also DPOF (Version 1.1) compatible.
The screen is also 3 inches large LCD built for easy viewing and playback. Despite the fact that it has no flip screen and no external microphone, it is still rated as a five-star camera that retails $189USD.
Nikon Coolpix L840
Nikon Coolpix L840 prides a 38x optical zoom telephoto lens with Vibration Reduction and 76x dynamic fine zoom. The 3.0-inch 921,000-dot Tilt LCD display can display Full HD 1080p videos with stereo sound.
It’s low-light 16MP CMOS image sensor allows this camera to be flexible even under low-light conditions. Nikon Coolpix is also packed with built-in Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication technology for instant sharing.
However, this camera has no external microphone, no front mic, and has average battery life. Nevertheless, it is still rated as a 4-star quality camera since it gives high-quality raw files. Nikon Coolpix L840 nestles a price range of $120USD to $200USD.
Canon Powershot SX140 IS
Canon Powershot SX140 IS has features that are perfect for starters. The 20.0 Megapixel sensor and Canon DIGIC 4+ Image Processor is paired up with a powerful 40x Optical Zoom and 24-millimeter-Wide Angle lens.720p HD videos of up to 25 frames per second with clear sound are achievable with this camera. The 3.0-inch LCD screen has a high resolution of approximately 230,000 dots.
While it is considered to be an advanced compact camera, it does not perform best under low light conditions. It doesn’t also have a flip screen, no external microphone, and no front mic.
However, Canon Powershot SX140 IS has a tremendously wide range of manual settings and options that the other cameras below $200 USD don’t have. It is a substantially great camera for an indoor studio or outdoor vlogging. It has a four-star rating with a price of $192.00USD.
Nikon Cool Pix S6900 Digital Camera
Nikon Cool Pix S6900 Digital Camera with 12x Optical Zoom is a compact digital camera with 24x dynamic fine zoom – an enhanced zoom function. It also has a vari-angle display and built-in kickstand, which makes it easy to hold.
The camera is packed with Target Finding AF program for accurate, intelligent autofocus of high definition and detailed capturing. Its 19 Scene Modes is capable of producing full HD 1080p videos with stereo sound output. When it comes to wireless sharing, Nikon Coolpix has a built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology.
Unfortunately, this camera has no external and front microphone. Nevertheless, it is very portable and is perfect for either indoor or outdoor shooting. The camera is rated with four stars quality and retails at $189USD.
Canon VIXIA HF R800 Camcorder
This camera has a Canon 3.28 Megapixel full HD CMOS image sensor. It’s zooming capacity is up to 57x (32.5-1853mm) advanced zoom, 32x Optical, 1140x Digital and Super range OIS, all paired up with a Digic DV 4 image processor.
It is also compatible with Canon Connect Station CS100 via USB. The camera is at $189USD with a 4-stars rate review.
Logitech HD Pro Webcam C920
This camera is a powerful widescreen 1080p webcam for a desktop or laptop. It is one of the top-rated webcams for Youtubers. It has a Full HD video recording of up to 1920 x 1080 pixels. The gadget is equipped with dual stereo mics and automatic noise reduction. Logitech HD Pro Webcam has an automatic low light correction system.
The camera is designed with a tripod ready universal clip that fits laptops and LCD monitors. It also comes with a privacy shutter. The device also has high social media compatibility with Google+, Skype, and FaceTime for Mac. With a $62.90USD price, it is very recommendable for beginning YouTube vloggers.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS is a 12.1 MP Digital Camera that is famous for its 24mm ultra Wide-Angle lens. With this fact at hand, it is considered to be one of the world’s thinnest digital camera. It can record 1080p HD videos with excellent stereo sound quality.
As a compact camera, its point-and-shoot quality is also note-worthy. The High-speed Burst Mode captures 8 frames per second even under low-light environments since it also has a DIGIC 4 Image Processor. It’s 5x Optical Zoom is paired with an Optical Image Stabilizer Zoom, which is programmed by a Dynamic IS. The camera is worth-it and affordable at a $70USD price mark.
GoPro HERO 4
The GoPro Hero 4 is a notable action and game camera that is great for vloggers who are into outdoor adventures. Recording a 1080p 30fps and 720p 60fps video is not a problem with the GoPro Hero since one of its best features is to produce Stunning Video Qualities.
With its Diverse Photo Capture program, it can capture a 5Mp single, Time Lapse, and Burst photos of up to 5 fps. It can record videos at 1080p30 and 720p60 and quality audio with its 5 fps built-in microphone.
GoPro Hero 4 is also durable and waterproof up to 131 feet (40 meters). The external memory can support microSD cards up to 32GB (class 10 or UHS 1 required). It is designed to withstand extreme environments and conditions and long hours of recording. This camera is rated 4-stars with its $199.00 USD.
Canon VIXIA HF R600
Canon VIXIA HF R600 is a camcorder perfect for YouTube beginners. This camera has an Advanced Zoom program and SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer – perfect for traveling or outdoor shooting. It is also packed with Canon 3.28 Megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor, which allows it to record a quality video even under low lighting.
Its DIGIC DV 4 Image Processor captures video at 1920 x 1080 resolution. The 1080/60p recording is in MP4 (35 Mbps) and AVCHD Progressive (28 Mbps) format, assuring the vlogger of high-quality outputs. The camera has a 4-star common rating and retails $129.99.
Zoom Q2n 4K
In basic photography lingo, 4K is a higher resolution than 1080p. And that is one feature that gives Zoom Q2n 4k an edge over average video recorders. It records up to 4K/30P HD video.
Apart from that, this camera also has a high dynamic range (HDR) technology. And for video recording, it has built-in stereo microphones that can record up to 24-bit/96kHz. It’s 150° wide-angle lens (F2.8/15.2 mm) has a 5 field of view (FOV) and 12 preset lighting scenes, including an “auto” selector. It is rated with a 3.5-star quality, given that its price is also at $179.99.
Takeaway
There are many other cameras on the market that retails under $200 USD, but these cameras are the best buys for vloggers. The cameras included in this list come in different sizes, shapes, and preferences.
A vlogger’s budget that is under $200USD can choose between a camcorder, a webcam, or a compact camera. These are perfect for starters and for those who are in a budget. One can create excellent content without emptying one’s pocket.