You have a great idea for a YouTube video or perhaps even a continuing vlog. How will you do that? And how much are Vlogging cameras to get me started?
There are a wide variety of cameras available for you to use. But how much do they cost? What are the differences in all the different cameras?
We will discuss the basic types of camera choices in the article to give you a better understanding.
Specific camera models change rapidly and often you can find new versions of older models still on the shelves. Past and future blog posts cover some specific models we have tried out.
How Much Are Vlogging Cameras?
Smartphone Vlogging Cameras
The first camera type we will look at is your smartphone that might by reading this on.
Whether Android or Apple, and even Windows phones, most smartphones have a pretty decent video camera built in to them.
So, you won’t need to wait to start vlogging, use that smartphone now! While many of the cameras in phones are fairly high quality, they do have limitations. Most rely on digital zooming over any optical zooms, meaning that you are restricted in lens angle of view.
Also, digital zoom adds noise and lowers resolution. The maximum recording time will also have limits. Sound quality will sound like a phone call. You Can check out our guide on Vlogging with your smartphone here. Vlogger Casey Neistat is also known to film Vlogs on his smartphone from time to time.
Point & Shoot Vlogging Cameras
A step up for many will be the Point & Shoot type of digital cameras.
Depending on features and specs, these can run from just under $100 to around $400 or more. Besides being excellent for still photography, many of these have video recording modes.
Most of these cameras have removeable memory cards, so you can record a lot of video before uploading. Still, many do have a time limit of how much video can be recorded in one shot.
Also, the lens range is often restricted and they are not fantastic performers in lower lighting. The microphones in the pricier models may be pretty good, but the lower priced cameras will have sound of moderate quality. Want to see the best point and shoot cameras for YouTube, check out our reviews here.
Video Camcorder
A dedicated video camera or camcorder adds many options and we can still find quite a few nice examples in the $100 – $400 range.
Some are very high priced, over $1000, but those have many added features and much higher quality. These cameras often have an excellent quality optical zoom with reach from very wide angle to extreme telephoto. You can see more YouTube camcorders here.
Recording times are extended compared to smartphones or P&S cameras. Sound quality is often quite a bit better, too. Either by having a stereo microphone built in or by accepting auxiliary mics, you can drastically improve your audio.
The main limitation will be sensor size and resolution, but for most online uses, I don’t think many can discern a difference as viewed on computers, tablets, or smartphones.
DSLR Vlogging Cameras
Finally, we’ll look at DSLRs and ILCs (Digital Single Lens Reflex or Interchangeable Lens Cameras).
The prices, features, quality, and sizes of these are as varied as the topics available for us to makes videos about. Brand new consumer level versions in a kit will start in the $500 range and go up depending on lens choice and other differences.
The video quality of most of these that I’ve tested is superb. Sound quality is usually higher end and virtually all of them will have the capability of auxiliary microphones. The interchangeable lenses and large sensor sizes are what really set these cameras apart from other choices.
A higher end DLSR or ILC set up, many call these prosumer models, are likely to begin in the $800-$1200 price range (Think the Canon 70D-80D). These will be heavier duty, may have some weather proofing, and often have better sensors.
Professional models can easily run as much as nice used used car. Think $3000 to over $6000. This class of camera is a serious tool, meant for heavy use and they have the highest quality sensors.
Next Level Cameras
There are also very high end and professional models of interchangeable lens video camera systems. Prices may begin at the $10,000 level and go up from there (Take a RED camera for example). If this is the type of camera system you are needing, you probably aren’t reading a blog meant for YouTubers. If you are, though, HI! Tell your boss J.J Abrams we liked two of his last three movies.
So, from just under $100 to well over $1000 can get you a nice tool for making videos. The best one for you, though, just might be the one you have right now. If even a smartphone will get you shooting videos and posting them online, then that’s what you need. Start out now, upgrade later. Any way you decide, just have fun making videos and vlogs.
Hopefully this article has given you a better understanding on the range and prices of different Vlogging cameras. Hopefully we have helped ask your question on how much are Vlogging cameras.
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