Unfortunately we cant all fork out big money for the hottest camera. That is why I created this list of the best vlogging cameras under $100.
But before I get stuck into this list, I’m going to go against the grain and tell you something that many wont dare.
And that is that your iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, HTC or whatever smartphone you use, can shoot the same quality if not better than a camera under $100. Crazy right!
The only drawback to using a smartphone for Vlogging is that the audio is typically of lesser quality. But you can get around this by using an external microphone like the Rode Video Mic Me.
Why am I telling you this?
Well as a fellow YouTuber/Vlogger, I want to give other aspiring creators the best information before they get started. But if you are not into using your smartphone for Vlogging, thats perfectly fine! Having a dedicated camera is a great move as it’s usually more robust and can deliver great results.
If you want to jump straight to the chase, here is a quick reference table of all the cameras I have reviewed for this guide.
| Brand/ Camera | Video Quality | Megapixels | Price | Rating | More Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sony DSCW800 (Best Tested) | 720P HD | 20.1 MP | $ | 4.8 | Find Out More |
| Nikon COOLPIX L32 | 720P HD | 17 MP | $ | 4.6 | Find Out More |
| Canon PowerShot A2500 | 720P HD | 20.1 MP | $ | 4.5 | |
| Yisence Camcorder | 1080P HD | 24 MP | $ | 4.5 | Find Out More |
| Canon PowerShot SX610 HS | 1080P HD | 22 MP | $$ | 4.6 | Find Out More |
Ok, lets get stuck in!
Top 5 Best Vlogging Cameras Under $100
1. Sony DSCW800/B 20.1 MP Digital Camera (Best Tested)
First up on this list is the mighty Sony DSCW800. If I was going to pick a great Vlogging camera for under 100 bucks, this would be my first pick for sure. Many other people also have this opinion as this model has over 1,200 reviews with an average rating of 4 stars on Amazon.
But what makes this model standout from the rest?
For me it is the 20.1MP Super HAD CCD Sensor which captures vibrant and detailed video. Another huge advantage of using a HAD CCD sensor is that its has much greater contrast and clarity compared to similar models. This gave me great results when recoding in a wide range of environments.
One other great benefit I found when using this Sony DSCW800 was the built in lens. With a variable optical zoom, I could co from wide angle (20mm) to zoomed in (130 mm) in and instant. But for Vlogging I was using the wide angle aspect 95% of the time. The lens also has an aperture of F3.2 – F6.4 which is pretty decent for a camera of this price.
2. Nikon COOLPIX L32 Digital Camera
Next up on this list is the Nikon COOLPIX L32. As far as affordable cameras go, Nikon has done a great job with this model as it covers all the basics extremely well.
From initial use and tinkering, it felt like this camera was made more for video than photography. One reason I say that, is the supporting features seem to benefit video recording with things like Electronic Vibration Reduction and a good built in microphone. It also supports a dedicated video recording button to start shooting in an instant.
When it comes to the sensor and lens on this COOLPIX L32, it’s very similar to the above Sony. The sensor is almost identical with 20.1 megapixels while the lens can also zoom out to 130mm. However on it’s widest range, the lens is 26mm which is just a touch narrower than the Sony. While not a major, it can make the difference in the long run.
Overall this Nikon was great to Vlog with and I would recommend this camera to any YouTuber on a budget. I have made close to 15 videos with this camera and it definitely is a video workhorse. Viewing the video black back on the 3″ display screen paired with a wide angle lens was great. A Vlogging must have!
3. Canon PowerShot A2500
Moving onto my third choice of the best Vlogging cameras under $100 is the Canon PowerShot A250. To be more exact, this model is hovering just over the hundred dollar mark. But I thought it would be unfair not to include this camera as it’s only a few extra dollars more.
When it comes to cameras, Canon sure knows their stuff with a long lineage of great cameras with this one included.
Using this PowerShot A2500 for Vlogging was a pleasure to use and felt right at home with it’s simple interface and dedicated video button. The results I received as far as video is concerned were pretty good. It produced great vivid colours and crispy resolution thanks to it’s Canon DIGIC 4 image processor. Again this model shoots in 720p.
4. Yisence Camcorder With Flip Screen
Next up on my list of reviewed cameras is the Yisence Camcorder. If you have never heard of this brand, your not the only. Yisence is a relatively new brand. While I usually buy more established brands, this model perked my interest because of it’s flip screen capabilities.
If you have read some of my previous articles, then you know I am a big advocate for using a flip screen camera for Vlogging. In a nut shell it allows you to see yourself while recording which minimises mistakes and framing issues. While at first it may seem vain, seeing yourself while recording is a massive benefit and time saver.
While this camera does record in higher definition than the above models, the actual clarity and crispness of the video is quite poor when compared to other 1080p models. But with the addition of the articulating 270 degree screen, I feel like this model makes up for the poorer video quality. A well deserved spot!
5. Canon PowerShot SX610 HS
Wrapping up this list is another well designed and highly functional Canon model. Ok I’m not going to lie, I really enjoy recording with Canon’s compared to Nikon or Sony’s. One of the biggest reasons why I opt for Canon is the vibrant and deep colors that are produced from their sensors.
Recording Vlogs on this SX610 was extremely rewarding after viewing the finished results. This model fitted well into my palm and I was able to record for long periods of time while not getting a sore wrist. With a smaller body size, it also fitted well into my pocket.
Overall this is a great little camera that packs a punch and is suitable for Vlogger who want to shoot HD videos or for travel YouTube Vlogs. A worthy pick indeed for one of the best vlogging cameras under $100.
6. Ivation 20MP Underwater Shockproof Digital Camera
Although Ivation isn’t discussed like Sony or Nikon, the brand has produced some great vlogging cameras. If you’re looking for an affordable option that offers quality, check out the Ivation Digital Camera. Designed particularly for vlogging in rugged terrains, the camera comes in a compact and thin design. This eases up the process of handling significantly.
One of the prime features of this camera is that it‘s dustproof. It’s also resistant to water up to 10 feet. With a 20 Megapixel lens, it can record videos in 640X480 VGA resolutions. You can also use Photoshop (or other softwares) to enhance the images that you take with this affordable camera.
You also have the option of digital zooming, where you can zoom in on your object up to 4X times. The shockproof mechanism makes it ideal for capturing sports or moving scenes. This camera only requires 2 AAA batteries to operate.
If you love taking selfies during your trips, you’ll find the 1.8-inch display ideal. The camera is compatible with a microSD card and can store up to 32 GB.
The only drawback of this camera is its battery life, which comes under the scanner. In the event of long trips and vlogging sessions, you might run out of battery. Otherwise, it serves as a perfectly affordable solution with its dust and shockproof technologies. Besides, the camera can capture outstanding videos, even under the water.
7. Sony Cybershot 16.2 MP Digital Camera
This particular camera from Sony has been popular among vloggers, considering its reasonable pricing and affordability. Its simplistic design and ease of use further make it trendy. You can take stunning photos and videos while vlogging with this camera.
The 16.2 MP camera is capable of zooming in on objects up to 16X times, and the brilliant quality of the camera, coupled with its image stabilization features, make it a perfect choice for vloggers. When it comes to vlogging, image stabilization is something you need to prioritize. This ensures that you can take stable videos while walking or moving.
This camera is powered to record 720p videos. High-quality and smooth videos can significantly enhance your vlogging journey, complemented by their precision.
When it comes to battery life, you can take around 200 shots with this camera. That said, we’d recommend you carry a spare battery while you’re vlogging. With this camera, the only thing where you might have to compromise is the battery life.
The impressive zooming feature in this camera makes it an ideal option. Along with the excellent video quality, you’ll love the quality of zoomed shots.
Most importantly, you have a CCD image sensor with this camera. This ensures that all the videos are high definition and clear. The integration of a TFT LCD screen in the camera enables the users to adjust the brightness across six settings.
All in all, if you’re looking for a low-budget vlogging camera, this would be a great choice to consider. The smoothness of videos and the ability to zoom while capturing a video make it one of the best vlogging cameras around.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully this guide has given you some insight on the best vlogging cameras under $100. While it might seem like an obvious choice to choose a dedicated camera, using a smartphone might be a even better option.
I for one use an iPhone and my Canon 70D for making my own videos and it is sometime hard to tell the difference. If there is anything else you would like to know about, please let me know in the comment section and I’ll be happy to help!
Phill says
Thanks for the honest write up! Was going to use my iPhone 5 but instead decided to get the Sony DSCW800 as my iPhone video quality is pretty aveerage.
Bill R says
Glad to help! The Sony DSCW800 is a great choice! That was actually one of the first cameras that I got for YouTube videos, it served me very well…
FH says
Hi there! Love your article, but was wondering—I have the Sony DSCW800 and like the photos it takes, but have always been disappointed in the video because it seems like it is CONSTANTLY trying to auto focus, which results in blurry video every few seconds. Have you come across this? The sound and video quality have always looked good, but the auto focus drives me away from using it for video. Any suggestions?
Bill R says
Thanks! Yes I have also noticed the auto focusing issue for the Sony DSCW800. It seems this is a issue with many cameras under the $100 price range. To lessen it I sometimes lock the focus if I know I wont be moving when recording, or record in an environment where there is minimal things the camera will try and focus on. Hope that helps!
Nowshad Rahman says
First time here on your blog and it’s amazing! Really had a great time! Keep up the good work. Thanks for the insightful article.
Franklin says
Nice article, I’m new to vlogging, so didn’t want to spend too much money.
I personally use the: Nikon COOLPIX L32
In summary, the benefits of the camera are its wide-angle zoom, 720p capability, extreme portability, and portrait system. The downsides are the short battery life, potential glitches, and a lack of a 1080p video that some vloggers look for.
If anyone is interested I also wrote on Best Vlogging Camera Under $100
https://www.rungunshoot.com/best-cameras/vlogging-camera-under-100/
Cheers,
Franklin