With the number of social media platforms coming into existence, this vlogging and streaming industry has seen a rapid rise. From YouTube to Instagram everyone is making money through vlogging. If you also want to try out your hand in the industry then start with investing low. Here is an article that will tell you about the Best Cameras for Vlogging and Streaming under $500.
What is the first and the foremost thing needed to start a vlog? A camera. If you are new to the concept then obviously you would like to start the process by investing low. So, here we bring you the list of the Best Cameras for Vlogging and Streaming Under $500. But that is not all. You need to know the kind of vlogging you are about to start and the type of camera required. For example, a makeup tutorial video camera has nothing to do with the motion senses. Well, we will look into all these factors further in the article.
The List of the Best Cameras for Vlogging and Streaming under $500 includes
- Canon Powershot G7X MarkII
- GoPro Hero 5
- Sony Cyber-Shot DSC- HX905
- Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K
- Olympus PEN E-PL5
- Sony Alpha 5100
- Sony Alpha a6000
- Canon EOS 80D
- Nikon D3400
Well, this was the list of vlogging cameras under $500 but, this is not all, you must be aware of the features of these cameras so that you can choose the right one according to your requirements.
Best Cameras for Vlogging and Streaming Under $500
Before moving on to the specifications of the camera for vlogging and streaming under $500 mentioned above. Let’s have a look at the important features that you must consider before buying a vlogging camera.
Also Read, 9 Best Cameras For Vlogging And Streaming Under $1000
Factors To Consider Before You Buy A Vlogging Camera
Mentioned below are the 6 important features that you should look for before purchasing any vlogging camera. We have explained each feature in great detail below.
Camera Video Resolution
Camera video resolution is the first thing that we see and go for while buying a camera for vlogging. As we know the user experience is very much affected by the quality of the image you present.
4k video resolutions are very much popular these days that provide the 1080p i.e the full HD experience. But, if you don’t like to spend much on the resolution of the camera then I suggest not to buy any piece providing less than 720p.
Low Light Performance
Low Light Performance or the ISO. The camera can make itself more sensitive to light. If you want your camera to capture more light you need to get a camera with a higher ISO.
Higher ISO of a camera can be its limitation too. As you increase the ISO i.e the light sensitivity of the camera it will increase the noise and grain and more noise and grain means a decrease in the quality of the picture.
Then, what should be done? You need to figure out what amount of ISO you require for your work. Let’s get this clear with an example, if you are making tutorials on something and you have enough lighting then you don’t require the ISO. But, if you know that your vlog requires a lot of shifting and proper light won’t be available then, a camera with a higher ISO is recommended.
Lens selection
Now, the next factor that you must consider before buying a vlogging camera is its lens. As far as the small cameras are a concern then you don’t have many choices and have to work with the inbuilt lenses that come along.
If you are going for a DSLR or mirrorless then you have a variety of lenses that you can choose according to your requirements.
How will you judge your requirements for the mirror lenses?
Well, that is simple, if you are making standing tutorials that do not require much zooming in or out, the cameras with low zoom-in features can meet the requirements. But, if you are thinking of making the travel vlogs then you require the ones with the great lenses.
When you order the camera with a removable lens, remember to check whether you are going to get it with the lenses or not.
Video Autofocus
Cameras without autofocus can be time-consuming. You require to give special attention to get the things at the right focus.
The camera with the video autofocus can be a show-stealer here. Always prefer and go with the camera that provides you an option of the video autofocus.
Video Autofocus can save you from a lot of re-editing and it saves a lot of time.
Camera With A Flip Screen
You should have a flip screen on your vlogging camera otherwise it would make it difficult for you to shoot yourself.
Remember you are not shooting a film, this is a vlog where you won’t be having any director, cameramen, or makeup man. You have to do it all by yourself. As far as you are shooting in the direction opposite to you, it is fine. But when you have to capture yourself, you gotta have that flip screen to check the focus and exposure correctly.
You can say that the flip screen would work in the same manner as the front and the back camera of the phone works.
Camera Size
Now, this is something that you must consider before buying any camera. The size and the weight of the camera don’t matter if you are shooting from a static place and your work doesn’t involve much movement.
But, in case you are vlogging with the movements from one place to another. The weight and the size of the camera do matter in the situation.
If you are in some kind of vlogging that requires moments and action then go for the lightweight cameras without a lens. As lenses add up the weight to the camera and carrying heavy weight would restrict you from doing an action. It would add an electronic effect to your video and video-making experience.
Also Read, Best Cameras For Vlogging and Streaming Under $1500
Best Cameras for Vlogging and Streaming Under $500
Now, you are aware of all the factors and features that you must consider before you make a move to buy any vlogging camera. So, here we present you the list of the Best Cameras for Vlogging and Streaming Under $500 with the full specifications.
Canon Powershot G7X MarkII
Canon Powershot G7X MarkII is a lightweight camera that comes with the 180 Degree flip screen. It is compact and has high ISO sensitivity that reaches up to 12,800 which made us list the camera in the list of “Best Cameras for Vlogging and Streaming Under $500”. The camera would be perfect for the movement vloggers and the camera comes with a touch screen.
Pros
- Optical Zoom up to 4.2X
- Light in weight
- Frame rate – 8 Frames per second
- Can use ND Filter
Cons
- Does Not Have an Integrated Viewer
Specifications
| Brand | Canon |
| Manufacturer | Canon Inc., Canon Inc. |
| Model | 1066C001 |
| Model Name | Canon Powershot |
| Model Year | 2016 |
| Product Dimensions | 4.19 x 6.1 x 10.54 cm; 453.59 Grams |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal battery |
| Mounting Hardware | Camera, Battery Charger, AC Cable |
| Standing screen display size | 3 Inches |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Supported Image Type | JPEG |
GoPro Hero 5
GoPro Hero 5 is the best camera when it comes to action cameras that can shoot 4K video quality. The voice command and the one-touch operation by the camera make it the best.
Pros
- Small In Size
- Submersible up to 10m
- Voice control
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth supported
- Photos at 12 MP
Cons
- It does not have a GPS
Specifications
| Brand | GoPro |
| Model | CHDHX-701-RW |
| Product Dimensions | 6.2 x 4.45 x 3.2 cm; 117 Grams |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal battery |
| Item model number | CHDHX-701-RW |
| Flash Memory Type | SD |
| Card Reader | MicroSD |
| Hardware Interface | Secure Digital Card |
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC- HX905
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC- HX905 is one of the most stylish cameras that you can get with the powerful optics and weighs just 245 grams that makes it the first choice of action vloggers. A model with or without GPS can be found. The different varients with various features makes it one of the Best Cameras for Vlogging and Streaming Under $500.
Pros
- High-quality Work with less Noise
- Reliable Optics
- Easy and Simple to use
Specifications
| Brand | Sony |
| Model | DSC-W830 |
| Model Name | Cybershot |
| Model Year | 2016 |
| Product Dimensions | 9.31 x 5.25 x 2.25 cm; 104 Grams |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium-ion battery |
| Hardware Interface | USB |
| Special Features | 20 MegaPixel Camera |
| Standing screen display size | 2.7 Inches |
| Display Type | LCD |
Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K
The camera Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K is compact and is capable of recording video in 4K quality. The 12MP resolution can be increased up to 20.1 MP and the 30 X zoom of the camera makes it the perfect choice for travel vloggers.
Pros
- Supports raw format
- Comfortable and light design
- Folding LCD Screen
- Videos in 4K
- Venus Engine Processor
Cons
- The optical stabilizer works only for the full video
Specifications
| Brand | Panasonic |
| Model | DC-ZS70K |
| Product Dimensions | 4.11 x 11.18 x 6.71 cm; 322.05 Grams |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium-ion battery |
| Hardware Interface | AV Port |
| Standing screen display size | 3 Inches |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Has Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Optical Zoom | 30 x |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 |
| Max Resolution | 20.3 MP |
| Optical Sensor Resolution | 20.3 MP |
| Max Vertical Resolution | 3888 Pixels |
Olympus PEN E-PL5
Olympus PEN E-PL5 is a mirror camera and has interchangeable lenses. The camera comes with twelve artistic filters and is easy to use. The ISO of the camera can reach up to 5000 at a time.
Pros
- Includes 12 artistic filters
- Easily manageable
- Flip Screen available
Cons
- Flash Light is not integrated
Specifications
| Brand | Olympus |
| Product Dimensions | 11.95 x 4.67 x 8.31 cm; 342 Grams |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium-ion battery |
| Card Reader | Secure Digital Card |
| Hardware Interface | SDHC, SDXC |
| Mounting Hardware | Main Unit and Lens |
| Standing screen display size | 3 Inches |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Supported Image Type | RAW |
| Has Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Max Resolution | 16 MP |
| Horizontal Resolution | 1920 Pixels |
Also Read, Best Gaming Laptops Under $2000 in 2021
Sony Alpha 5100
Sony Alpha 5100 comes with various special features. The main and the most important of them is the autofocus feature that is 179 AF. Sony has launched this model with a high focus and then moved to higher rates for more features.
Pros
- Hybrid approach system
- Light and comfortable for carrying
- Touch screen
Cons
- The electronic viewfinder isn’t available
Specifications
| Brand | Sony |
| Model Name | Alpha |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium-ion battery |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 128 GB |
| Flash Memory Type | SD Card |
| Included Memory Card Size | 16 GB |
| Flash | External |
| Hardware Interface | SDXC, Secure Digital Card |
| Standing screen display size | 3 Inches |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Colour Screen | No |
| Image Stabilization | Yes |
Sony Alpha a6000
Sony Alpha a6000 is a mirrorless camera that comes along with a hybrid AF system, individual control dials, electronic viewfinder, and three flip screens. No wonder why it finds a place in the list of the “Best Cameras for Vlogging and Streaming Under $500”. Although the camera is a bit old, it is still called the all-rounder.
Pros
- Comes with Optical Image Stabilizer
- 1440K resolution points EVF
- Autofocus at 179 points
- Lightweight
Cons
- Can be noisy
- You have to be specific with the focus point selection
Specifications
| Brand | Sony |
| Product Dimensions | 11.99 x 4.52 x 6.68 cm; 285 Grams |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal battery |
| Flash Memory Type | Memory Stick Pro |
| Hardware Interface | AV Port |
| Special Features | BIONZ X Image Processor; Built-In Flash; Fast Hybrid AF System |
| Mounting Hardware | Camera Body & Lens |
| Compiler | SONY |
| Standing screen display size | 3 Inches |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Aperture Modes | F3.5–F5.6 |
| Has Image Stabilization | Yes |
| Optical Zoom | 3 x |
| Digital Zoom | 4 x |
| Resolution | 1560000 Pixels |
| Max Resolution | 24.3 |
| Optical Sensor Resolution | 24 MP |
| Max Vertical Resolution | 4000 Pixels |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 Seconds |
| Min Shutter Speed | 1/4000 Seconds |
Canon EOS 80D
Canon EOS 80D is one of the heaviest and the biggest cameras than the others on the list but still, it is the first choice of many bloggers. The quality of the image that the camera offers with its 24.2-megapixel resolution makes it one of a kind.
Pros
- Speedlight Transmitter is integrated
- 45 AF Points
- Images are captured with the sharp and natural colors
Cons
- Does Not offer recording in 4K
- Heavy and big
Specifications
| Brand | Canon |
| Product Dimensions | 17.78 x 24.38 x 13.46 cm; 729.97 Grams |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Metal battery |
| Flash | Internal |
| Card Reader | Secure Digital Card |
| Hardware Interface | AV Port |
| Resolution | 24.2 |
| Special Features | Eye Detection Auto Focus |
| Mounting Hardware | Camera, Battery Charger, AC Cable |
| Display Technology | Fully articulated LCD |
| Standing screen display size | 3 Inches |
| Display Type | LCD |
| Colour Screen | No |
| Image Stabilization | Optical |
| Supported Image Type | RAW, JPEG |
Nikon D3400
Nikon D3400 is one of the best cameras for beginners. The new model is up with the various new features that the old ones didn’t have. The photography course given by the camera makes it best for the newcomers.
Pros
- High Capacity Battery
Cons
- A memory card is not included
Specifications
| Brand | Nikon |
| Product Dimensions | 12.4 x 7.01 x 9.7 cm; 390.09 Grams |
| Batteries | 1 D batteries required. (included) |
| Flash Memory Installed Size | 128 |
| Flash Memory Type | SDHC, SDXC, SD Card |
| Flash | External |
| Digital Storage Capacity | 13.2 GB |
| Hardware Interface | AV Port |
| Resolution | Full HD (1920×1080) |
| Special Features | Special effects modes (night vision; super vivid; pop; photo illustration; toy camera effect; miniature effect; selective color; silhouette; high key; low key) |
| Standing screen display size | 3 Inches |
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Also Read, Best Gaming Laptops Under $1000 in 2021-In Your Budget
How To Choose The Best Cameras for Vlogging and Streaming Under $500
The list we have provided you for the Best Cameras for Vlogging and Streaming Under $500, will help you in choosing the best one for the purpose. Keep in mind the purpose and the requirements before you jump onto any decision. Read both the sections of the articles properly and then make up your mind. If you feel we have skipped any point then let us know in the comments section.
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