10 Best Inexpensive Video Camera

So you’ve decided to start making videos. Excellent choice!

But before you go out and buy the most expensive camera on the market, stop and ask yourself this question – is that really what you need?

Probably not. In fact, there are a lot of great video cameras out there that won’t break the bank.

Here are some of our favorites.

Why should you put your trust in me?

Every one of my Ultimate Guides is based on extensive research, and this article is no exception. I have put in countless hours to ensure you have all of the information you need to make the best decision possible. In my opinion, there are far too many camera articles out there that either don’t cover everything you need to know or aren’t updated on a regular basis.

Because camera technology is constantly evolving, you must have the most up-to-date information in order to make the best decisions. If you want to genuinely grasp what makes a decent budget cinema camera, you need to have used them on a regular basis and in a range of various scenarios, according to my perspective.

After working as a professional filmmaker and photographer since 2018, I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate on projects all over the world with companies such as Alaska Airlines, Kayak.com, Prague Tourism, the United States Postal Service, and Airbnb, among others. If you’re interested in seeing the whole list of firms with which we’ve collaborated, please visit our Work With Us page.

My award-winning short film Spirit of Matsu was shot entirely with the Sony a6500, which is a camera that is both affordable and capable of producing high-quality images.I believe I am in a good position to assist you in finding the best camera for filmmaking on a budget based on my previous experiences working with what is termed a novice filmmaking camera.

10 Best Low-Cost Video Cameras

Do you know what the most prevalent fallacy is when it comes to purchasing cameras?

Basically, cheap is always bad, and costly is always beneficial in this case. Naturally, the most expensive cameras are designed to provide images that are comparable to those produced by professional photographers. However, paying a premium price does not imply that you will take consistently excellent photographs or films.

Of course, you have to be reasonable in your expectations. The truth is that if you’re new to photography or videography, what you actually need is a lot of hard, frequent practice, no matter what kind of camera you’re using. As a result, if you’re a beginner, it makes perfect sense to hunt for the best affordable video cameras on the market.

Listed below are the top affordable video cameras under $500 that we’ve found on the market. DSLR cameras with 4K resolution, 4K point-and-shoot digital cameras, stabilizers for 4K cameras, and portable 4K camcorders are examples of what is available.

1. Panasonic HC-V770K Full HD: Jack of All Trades” option

The Panasonic HC-V770K Full HD Camcorder is a terrific place to start for just about anyone who wants to capture high-definition video. It’s reasonably priced, and it captures high-quality 1080p video at up to 60 frames per second (fps), as well as a slow-mo 120 fps option for special effects. When it comes to creating your photographs, a 20x zoom lens provides a plethora of framing and perspective options.

This camera is an excellent choice for beginners because it provides excellent video quality while still being simple to operate thanks to its automatic exposure options. An easily accessible dedicated manual exposure wheel is situated at the front of the camera for when you are ready to bring a greater degree of exposure and aesthetic control into your content creation.

When you opt to upgrade to dedicated audio equipment, you will additionally have a microphone input on hand. The audio quality of accessories like as lavalier and shotgun microphones is significantly better than that of the camera’s built-in microphone.

As soon as you’re finished filming, the videos are saved in the MP4 format to the widely available SD cards. As a result, they will be compatible with both PC and Mac in the majority of editing applications. For the purpose of expediting the uploading process, most video hosting platforms, such as YouTube and Vimeo, will accept unaltered MP4 files straight from the camera’s memory card.

Top 3 Best Panasonic HC-V770K Full HD Cameras to Buy Online

2. Sony a6400 digital camera

If the Sony a6500 had been available, I would have placed it at this position on the list, but it was recently discontinued. Having said that, the Sony a6400 is an equally good camera with nearly equivalent functionality to the Canon EOS 5D Mark III. Furthermore, because it is a newer Sony camera, you will benefit from some of the most up-to-date Sony technologies.

In terms of picture stabilization, the biggest difference between it and the Sony a6500 is that it does not have a 5-axis system. In spite of slight differences between the Sony a6400 and the Sony a6500, the video frame rates and sensor are identical, so you’ll still be able to get an accurate sense of the video quality produced by both cameras.

The Sony a6400, like the Sony a5100 mentioned above, is a small and compact camera that is jam-packed with video functionality. Having said that, you do get an improved weather-sealed body that is significantly more durable than the Sony a5100 or Sony a6100 models. According to its video specifications, the Sony a6400 can shoot in 4Kat up to 30 frames per second and in 1080p at up to 120 frames per second.

The Sony a6400 is still one of the only APS-C sensor cameras with the capacity to shoot at 120 frames per second at its current price range. It’s true that the Sony ZV-1 includes a High Frame Rate (HFR) mode that allows you to film at exceptionally high frame rates such as 240 frames per second and even 960 frames per second, but the sensor size is far lower.

One of the most significant features of this camera, as with all Sony cameras, is the speed and accuracy with which it can focus. Another advantage is that because the a6400 is a newer model of Sony camera, it is equipped with the most up-to-date autofocus technology available.

Using the traditional Sony combination of 425 phase-detection points and 425 contrast-detection points, the Sony a6400 enhances the experience even further with the inclusion of real-time focusing tracking while shooting in video mode. Another good feature of this camera that distinguishes it from the Sony a6100 is the inclusion of the entire Sony catalog of photo profiles, which is a pleasant touch.

These picture profiles include HLG (High Dynamic Range), S-Log2, and S-Log3 image profiles, all of which will provide you with a higher dynamic range and make it easier for you to color grade your video in post-production if you choose to do so. There are, of course, certain disadvantages to using this camera.

That this camera continues to employ the very terrible Sony NP-FW50 battery means that the battery life isn’t the best it could possibly be. Its LCD screen is also difficult to see in high light, and it lacks built-in image stabilization, unlike the now-discontinued Sony a6500 and the Panasonic cameras reviewed in this piece.

Having said that, with its video-specific features, focusing skills, and low-light performance, this is still one of the best cameras for filmmaking. The following are some observations made while using the Sony a6400: If you like what you see and you’re looking to save a little money, the Sony a6100 might be a nice option for you. It has a less sturdy design and does not have any options for flat image profiles.

However, because it is equipped with the same sensor as the Sony a6400 and the more costly Sony a6600, the picture and video quality will be nearly the same.

Top 3 Best Sony a6400 digital Cameras to Buy Online

3. Camera with 4K resolution from Panasonic, the LUMIX ZS100

The Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 is unquestionably one of the greatest film cameras for beginners and vacation photographers due to its size and pricing. You certainly don’t want to undervalue this point-and-shoot digital camera’s capabilities. For starters, the ZS100 is capable of recording in 4K Ultra HD at 30 frames per second. As a result, you can be assured that your videos will have a larger-than-life cinematic quality.

It also contains a 20.1-megapixel MOS sensor, which is both more sensitive and larger than the sensors used in other point-and-shoot digital cameras. It is possible to maintain great resolution even in low-light conditions by using this type of sensor. The fact that you can sync its real-time controls with your iPhone camera, as well as the post focus, are two of our favorite underappreciated features.

The post focus feature allows you to adjust the focus of your photograph after it has been captured. If you’re looking for a portable camera that’s similar to an iPhone but with a lot more functions, this is unquestionably one of the best affordable video cameras available.

Top 3 Best LUMIX ZS100 4k Cameras to Buy on Amazon

4. The Canon PowerShot SX740 Digital Camera is a good choice.

The Canon PowerShot SX740 is another digital camera marvel for those who have an unquenchable desire to travel. Because of its size, functionality, and cost, it is the greatest affordable 4k camera available on the market today.

This camera is capable of recording 4K videos at 30 frames per second. If you wish to use the 4k frame cropping option to collect still photos for your poster, you may do it with ease. In addition, a time-lapse video mode is available in 4K.

Despite its small size and low profile, it boasts an astounding 40x optical zoom, making it ideal for taking vacation images and videos in difficult lighting conditions. Because of its metal construction, it does not appear or feels cheap, allowing you to feel comfortable filming your enjoyable moments in public places as well.

Its Hybrid Auto mode, which allows you to take both photos and videos at the same time, is our personal favorite feature of this camera. It’s comparable to the Live Photos function found on the iPhone. You can use your iPhone to control this camera, which is appropriate given the topic at hand.

This is very useful when shooting from multiple camera angles on difficult sets. It also offers a fantastic iOS app that allows you to sync photographs and movies in real-time. Overall, the Canon PowerShot SX7540 is an excellent low-cost video camera for practicing videography, creating trip vlogs, and having fun.

Top 3 Best Canon PowerShot SX740 Cameras to Buy Online

5. Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K digital camera

The Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K is an excellent affordable video camera, especially if you travel frequently. It has some qualities that aren’t to be trifled with. For starters, this camera offers an amazing 30x optical zoom, which is very remarkable. Aside from that, it sports a massive 20.3 Megapixel MOS sensor with an ISO range of up to 6400, which makes it ideal for capturing scenes in low light conditions.

The DC-ZS70k also has the capability of recording in 4K Quad Full High Definition (QFHD), which is four times better than High Definition (HD). The Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens with a focal length of 24mm is our favorite feature of this camera. This little lens is particularly well-known for having a larger, brighter aperture than other similar lenses. In addition, as compared to other lenses, it exhibits less distortion at wide angles.

Having such a high-quality lens in such a reasonably priced and portable device is a significant advantage. When you combine its features with a 4K post-focus feature, you have an unstoppable device that you can purchase for a reduced price. It has a fantastic combination of functions, making it one of the best inexpensive video cameras available today.

Top 3 Best Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70K Cameras to Buy on the Internet

6. Panasonic G85 Camera for Beginners

A wonderful inexpensive video camera for filmmaking is the Panasonic G85, which comes next in our list of outstanding inexpensive video cameras. As a result, if you like what you’ve read about the Panasonic GH4, you should consider this camera as well. Having said that, there are still some advantages and disadvantages to both cameras, so let’s go into the specifics.

The first thing you’ll notice about the G85 is how much it resembles the GH4 in terms of both appearance and feel. You get the same wonderful heavy-duty weather-sealed shell and ergonomics that made the GH4 so popular but with a more modern look.

This camera’s most significant enhancement over the Panasonic GH4 is a significantly improved autofocus mechanism, which is combined with incredible in-body image stabilization. In terms of focusing performance, it is not the greatest on this list, as the Sony phase-detect AF technology is clearly superior, but it is reliable in the vast majority of scenarios.

This camera’s in-body image stabilization is quite remarkable. I’ve seen a lot of video from other filmmakers that appear like they were shot with a gimbal but were actually shot with a handheld camera. As previously said, there are some negative aspects to this camera.

The most significant disadvantage of this camera is that it does not have a changeable frame rate. With the GH4, you may choose from a variety of variable frame rates ranging from 30 to 96 frames per second. The G85, on the other hand, only offers three frame rates: 24 frames per second, 30 frames per second, and 60 frames per second. Aside from that, there’s no headphone jack, and the battery life isn’t nearly as long as it is on the Panasonic GH4.

While keeping that in mind, this is still one of the best cameras for filmmaking, especially if you’re looking for a camera that comes equipped with an in-built image stabilization system.

Top 3 Best Panasonic G85 Cameras to Buy on the Internet

7. Canon VIXIA HF R800 digital camera

If you are on a tight budget, the Canon VIXIA HF R800 may be a good choice for you. It’s the best budget camcorder to have these days, and it’s also the most affordable. When shooting action-packed scenarios, the SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer on this camcorder will help to steady your photos taken at long focal lengths. One negative is that you cannot shoot in 4K, only in full HD, which is a limitation.

Having said that, the 3.28 Megapixel Full HD CMOS sensor still captures images with remarkable detail, despite its lower resolution. There’s also the 57x Advanced Zoom, which employs the telephoto lens to extend the focal length up to 1853mm. If you plan on filming events, rituals, or animals in the outdoors, this is an absolute must-have.

Meanwhile, the Slow and Fast Motion features of the R800 are arguably our favorite aspects of the device. This makes action clips much more fascinating because you can accentuate movement without having to use any editing software to achieve this. Everything takes place through your camera lens.

The VIXIA HF R800 is unquestionably one of the greatest low-cost video cameras available, and it is ideal for capturing cherished family moments and afterward recalling them through mini-movies.

Top 3 Best Canon VIXIA HF R800 Cameras to Buy Online

8. Sereer Camcorder 4K HD 48MP (High Definition)

Sereer’s camcorder is a shockingly affordable 4K video camera for its quality. For such a low price, it includes all of the requirements for a filmmaker, like a hood, a foldable stabilizer, and night vision technology.

Despite the fact that it is constructed entirely of plastic parts and appears to be lightweight, the video quality is not something to be overlooked. It has the ability to shoot in 4K Ultra HD at 30 frames per second, which is more than sufficient for beginning filmmakers on a tight budget.

There’s more to love about it than just its superior quality. We appreciate that you may continue to use this camera while it is charging. In fact, you can use it as your camera if you wish to broadcast live on social networking platforms. Slow motion, an 18x digital zoom, and a beauty mode are all included as options.

Sereer’s 4K video camera is a fantastic, more economical alternative to more expensive filmmaking video cameras on the market today. It’s one of the greatest budget video cameras available, and we heartily recommend it.

Top 3 Best Sereer Camcorder 4K HD 48MP Cameras to Buy on Amazon

9. Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera

Introducing the Sony ZV-1, the company’s newest 1′′ sensor point-and-shoot camera. It addresses many of the shortcomings of the company’s prior RX Series cameras, as well as older APS-C cameras like as the Sony a5100, which we just discussed in detail. Here are just a few examples of the significant enhancements they made. When Sony designed this camera, it appears that they paid close attention to the feedback from their community and made every effort to incorporate as many upgrades as possible.

The camera features a side-flip-out screen, which is a first for a Sony camera. ND filter that was built into the camera, which was removed from the RX100 VII, which we shall discuss next. There is no time limit for 4K recording, unlike the Fujifilm X-T200, which has a 15-minute limit, and the Panasonic G85, which has a 30-minute limit.

There is a hot shoe built-in so that you can connect an external microphone. The Sony RX100 VII does not feature a hot-shoe for attaching lenses. Sony APS-C cameras’ rolling shutter problem has been alleviated thanks to this update. There is a timelapse mode built-in.

Following the implementation of these enhancements, the Sony ZV-1 has emerged as one of the most powerful and cost-effective filmmaking cameras available, and it comes equipped with everything you need to get started filming right out of the box.

According to the manufacturer, the camera’s technical specifications are substantially comparable to those of Sony’s newest and significantly more expensive APS-C sensor camera, the Sony a6600. In addition to the same menu structure, it also has the same sophisticated video focusing system with real-time eye autofocus tracking, as well as the ability to track objects. It also includes the most up-to-date Sony color science, which results in a more professional overall appearance for your videos.

One of the most appealing features of this camera, in my opinion, is the inclusion of the popular High Frame Rate (HFR) option, which is also featured in the Sony RX series cameras. The ability to record at extremely high slow motion frame rates, such as 240 FPS, 480 FPS, and even 960 FPS in 1080p, will be enabled by this feature.

The most significant thing to note is that Sony has managed to keep the price of this camera around $1,000, which is very remarkable!

When considering all of the additional capabilities and enhancements, you’d expect that Sony would have set the pricing at a minimum of approximately $1,000, which is the same price that other Sony RX series cameras have historically been marketed at.

Top 3 Best Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera to Buy on Amazon

10. Fujifilm X-T200 Film Making Camera

I honestly didn’t know about the Fujifilm X-T200 until one of you suggested I have a look at it, and after doing so, I have to say that this is an excellent budget filmmaking camera for the money.

It’s incredible how much Fujifilm was able to fit into this small camera, especially considering that it’s typically sold at a lower price range than cameras like the Panasonic GH4, Panasonic G85, and Sony a6400, all of which are already reasonably priced. They’re also the X-most T200’s significant competitors in the market.

First and foremost, let us discuss the positive aspects of this camera and compare it to the two Panasonic cameras and the Sony a6400. The most noticeable difference between the Panasonic cameras and the Fujifilm X-T200 is the sensor size difference; the X-T200 has an APS-C size sensor, whilst the Panasonic G85 and Panasonic GH4 have Micro Four Thirds size sensors.

This difference in sensor size, like with the Sony a6400, will provide you with superior performance in low light circumstances, as well as the ability to shoot at higher ISOs without having to worry about introducing too much grain into your video clip.

Additionally, the Fujifilm X-T200 performs admirably in terms of video quality. The Panasonic cameras and the Sony a6400 are both more powerful, but it still provides a broad range of video capabilities that will allow you to create a stunning film with less effort. When it comes to video frame rates, it can record in UHD 4K at up to 30 frames per second, and the greatest thing is that there is no additional 4K cut in either 24 or 30 frames per second, as there is with the Sony a6400 (1.2x 4k crop in 30 FPS).

The X-T200 can also record in 1080p at up to 120 frames per second, which is significantly better than the 96 frames per second found in the Panasonic GH4 and the 60 frames per second found in the Panasonic G85.

In addition, like with all other Fujifilm cameras, you have access to the company’s popular film emulation modes, which are included with this model. Having this tool is a terrific cinematic asset because it will allow you to recreate 11 various historic film looks from Fujifilm film stock, including Provia, Velvia, and Classic Chrome, without the need to apply LUTs to your movie.

There are some disadvantages to the Fujifilm X-T200, just as there are with any other camera. The two most significant drawbacks of this camera are that it only offers electronic image stabilization, as opposed to the 5 axis image stabilization found in the Panasonic cameras, and that it has a 15-minute recording restriction when filming in 4K. (versus 30 min recording limit in the Panasonic G85)

Top 3 Best Fujifilm X-T200 Cameras to Buy on Amazon

Our Final Thoughts

With so many options for cameras, it can be difficult to choose the best one. But we’ve narrowed down our favorite inexpensive video camera options and hope this helps you find your perfect match! Our favorite is Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 because of its affordability. What’s your favorite? Let us know in the comments below!

Frequently Ask Questions

Originally posted on March 24, 2022 @ 6:47 pm