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The quality of your video can make or break a vlog, so what do you do when you need a good camera but are also on a budget? These vlogging cameras under $400 have such a wide variety of qualities that you need not compromise for either the price or the features.
List of Best Vlogging Camera Under $400
- GoPro HERO 9
- Sony DSC-RX100
- Canon PowerShot SX740
- Nikon D3500
- Canon EOS Rebel T6
Sony DSC-RX100
Although the cheapest on the list, the Sony DSC-RX100 is in no way behind the others. Being the first product by Sony that allows the user to take professional-grade manual HD pictures, this vlogging camera has some standards to uphold.
Several vlogging cameras boast their small size but the Sony RX100 is so small that it could easily slip into the pockets of your trousers. The Sony DSC-RX100 was voted as being the best travel companion among its other competitors in the previous year.
PROS
- Compact and interactive design
- HD 1080p video quality
- Adopts to night and low light situations
- ISO of 6400
- 20.2 megapixels
- Automatic video stabilization and elimination of blurry images through its active mode
- Large aperture
CONS
- The battery life is disappointing
- Zoom option is limiting given that the GoPro can zoom up to 30 times
- 20. 1MP 1. 0 Type stacked CMOS sensor, Zeiss Vario Sonnar T* 24 200 millimeter F2. 8 F4. 5 large...
- 0. 02 sec. High AF speed, 357 point focal plane Phase detection AF and 425 point contrast detection...
- Up to 20 fps blackout free shooting, using up to 60 times/sec. Af/AE calculations.Dioptre...
Canon PowerShot SX740
With advanced features and design that make it convenient to carry around, the Canon PowerShot SX740 boasts excellent quality. The camera has an LCD screen that can be tilted by 180 degrees, not only does this allow the user to shoot from low angles it also allows them to take selfies.
The Canon PowerShot SX740 has the option of connecting via NFC, USB, micro HMDI, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi that increases the number of ways you can share your content.
PROS
- Lightweight design
- Optical zoom of 40 times
- Shot stabilizer
- Dual sensing
- 20.3 megapixel CMOS sensor
- Built-in image processor
- 4K video quality
CONS
- Lacking Wi-Fi options
- Poor exterior design
- Canon PowerShot SX740 HS Digital Camera (Black) 2955C001 - USA Warranty
- 1- Power2000 NB-13L Spare Battery, 2- Vidpro ACT-15 Camera Case, 3- Memory Card Wallet
- 4- SanDisk 64GB SDXC Class 10 Memory Card, 5- SD Card Reader, 6- Camera Starter Kit
GoPro HERO 9
GoPro has built a reputation of being one of the best in the game and rightfully so. The GoPro HERO 9 is easily one of the best options for vloggers. Apart from the standard flexible options, this camera allows its users to directly share their content on social media which means you can reach a larger crowd.
One of the only vlogging cameras under $400 that has no cons to it and is overshadowed by the endless list of reasons why this is the camera for you.
PROS
- Specifications suitable for vlogging
- Waterproof exterior; until 33 feet of water
- State-of-art design
- 3 capture modes made for simple operation
- Touch-screen
- Compact for easy travel
- Video stabilization
- Local tone mapping
- Noise reduction
- 5K Video - Shoot stunning video with up to 5K resolution, perfect for maintaining detail even when...
- 20MP Photo with SuperPhoto: Capture crisp, pro-quality photos with 20MP clarity. And with...
- Front Display + Rear Touch Screen: A new, larger rear touch screen with touch zoom on HERO9 Black...
Nikon D3500
In terms of a beginner-friendly camera, the Nikon D3500 comes highly recommended. Ease of use, budget-friendly, and travel-accessible makes this vlogging camera a favorite.
Nikon offers its users a free app by the name SnapBridge, the uses of this application are endless. It makes the process of sharing your content easier, helps with the backup of your files, and can also be used to trigger the camera to take a picture.
PROS
- Excellent focus accuracy
- HD video quality
- Strategic exterior design
- Easy to operate
- Guide mode and auto mode to make vlogging easier for amateurs
- Captures 5 frames every second
- Built-in image sensor
CONS
- Does not have a touch-screen or a tilting screen
- There are no accessory jacks on the exterior
- No 4K video quality
- Bundle Includes : Nikon D3500 W/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Black + 64GB SD Card + SD Card...
- A DSLR That's as easy to use as a point-and-shoot camera Compact, comfortable design That's great...
- Image sensor That's 15x larger than those Used in Typical smartphones for sharper, clearer pictures
Canon EOS Rebel T6
The Canon EOC Rebel T6 packs a punch with its advanced technology and numerous features that will have you fawning over it. Although a bit expensive for beginners who are yet to commit to vlogging, this vlogging camera is suitable for professionals.
Complete with a 3.5 inch LCD screen, autofocus, and the ability to shoot in HD makes the Canon EOS Rebel T6 a fan favorite. The overall exterior is lightweight and the chances of damage if dropped are considerably low.
PROS
- Sharp images due to 18MP sensor
- ISO range of 100 to 6400
- Allows for night time photography
- Compatible with a wide variety of lenses
- Optical viewfinder
- Tracks fast-moving objects
- Shutter speed of 1/125 seconds
CONS
- The camera does not have an external jack for microphones
- The LCD screen is not a touch screen
- This Photo4Less Top Value Camera And Lens With USA Warranty and manufacturer's supplied Accessories...
- Canon EOS Rebel T6 DSLR camera body -18-55mm EF-S f/3.5-5.6 is II lens - 58mm high definition wide...
- Transcend 32GB SDHC Class 10 Flash Memory Card - Transcend 16GB SDHC Class 10 Flash Memory Card -...
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Vlog?
Vlogging can be divided into three steps; planning, recording, and post-production. The planning stage is all about brainstorming and coming up with ideas for your vlog, it also consists of any steps that you might need to take such as booking tickets if you are shooting a travel vlog.
The recording is all about getting your camera out and shooting the whole process. The post-production includes the editing and the sharing of your content on the platform of your choice.
Which Editing Apps Should I Use?
Ans. Some of the most commonly used video editing applications include InShot, Wondershare Filmora, Abode Premiere Pro CC, Power Director, iMovie. These are only a few apps you can use among the endless others available.
Can I Use My Phone To Vlog?
Based on the quality of your smartphone’s camera, you can use your phone to vlog. But always ensure to edit the footage on a desktop or laptop as this helps refine the content.
Can I Make Money Through Vlogging?
Several platforms pay content creators based on the number of views they receive, YouTube being the biggest example of this.
What Should I Look For In A Vlogging Camera?
First and foremost, ensure to take a look at the camera’s video resolution. The additional equipment that comes along with the camera, the ability to shoot in low light, the size of the camera, ability to auto-focus are some other metrics to keep a lookout for while buying a vlogging camera.
Conclusion
The vlogging cameras on this list are budget-friendly without having to compromise on the quality and features of the camera. From brands whose reputation precedes itself, these cameras are your step into the vlogging community.
A happy to go Photography geek and an entrepreneur. I like to explore new lenses, cameras and help people with their experience