Best Vlog Camera Under $500

If you’re interested in creating a vlog or already have one but want to upgrade your setup, finding the perfect camera is an important step. First, you’ll need to set a budget. There are plenty of cameras on the market that cost thousands of dollars. But if you want to find one for under $500, this is the guide for you.

Here, you’ll discover some amazing pieces of gear for your budget. Keep in mind that, aside from new cameras, you can also find great used ones that work perfectly well and might have even better features.

So, let’s dive into the best vlog cameras under $500. They are all different and can each add to your project in great ways. After reading this guide, you should feel more comfortable in making your next investment into your vlogging career.

GoPro Hero11 - The Best Vlog Camera Under $500

Next up you’ll read a list of the best vlog cameras for under $500. But the one that sticks out as the best in terms of quality, versatility, and price is the GoPro Hero11. Here’s why:

• The highest video resolution available for this price - 5.3k.
• Top frame rate of 240fps.
• 27.13MP for stunning pictures.
• Fantastic stabilization system.
• Highly versatile digital lenses - hyper wide for adventurers, linear for studio creators.
• Dedicated editing software for desktop, iOS, and Android.
• And so much more.

Best Vlog Cameras Under $500

This list has something for everyone. All the cameras are compact, can record high-quality videos, and cost under $500. Read on to find out more about the:

• GoPro Hero11
• Canon EOS Rebel T7
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50
• Sony 𝞪5100
• DJI Pocket 2

GoPro Hero11

The best camera in this list is easily the GoPro Hero11. It has an incredible stabilization system, so you won’t have any shaky footage, no matter what activity you’re doing. It’s waterproof to 33ft (10m) and comes with a linear digital lens that can lock on to the horizon. This means that you can flip your camera 360º and the image will correct itself to avoid spinning.

It has a very high video resolution at 5.3k at a high frame rate of 60fps (max. 240fps for slow motion). This means that you will have some of the highest quality footage on YouTube. You can even live stream to this platform and plenty more at 1080p.

One of the best features of the Hero11 is that it can be kitted out with several mods and accessories. For a small extra investment you can add an even better audio recording system, extra battery power, and more lighting without losing the compactness of the camera.

Specifications

• 5.3k video resolution
• 60fps frame rate (max. 240fps)
• 27.13MP
• HyperSmooth 5.0 stabilization
• Plenty of extra kits available

Canon EOS Rebel T7

Canon makes high-quality, sturdy cameras and the EOS Rebel T7 is no exception. The APS-C sensor is the same as the one used on higher-end Canons which cost a lot more. So, for less than $500, you’re getting gear that is worth a lot more.

What makes a difference to this model is the processor. It’s not as great as the higher-end cameras from this brand, but it can still give you amazing videos. The video resolution is 1080p with a 30fps frame rate, but this can increase to 60fps for slow motion shots at 720p. It’s not Full HD but is good enough for social media posts.

You can quickly connect the camera to your phone using NFC or WiFi. This allows you to swiftly edit and share short videos before making the main content available.

Despite not being the best for action shots, the Rebel T7 has great color and skin tone settings, so your videos will stick out with fantastic visuals. You’ll also save time on post-production color editing.

Specifications

• 1080p video resolution
• 30fps frame rate
• 24.1MP
• Amazing color settings
• Connectivity with phones and other devices

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 is basic in the best way. It has simple controls so even beginners will love it. That doesn’t mean that it won’t suit more advanced users.

It has everything you need for great YouTube vlog videos.

It records in Full HD (1080p) and has a frame rate that can suit detailed shots. The photo resolution is lower than some of Panasonic’s older cameras, but this works to the ZS50’s advantage. Shots in low light have a lot less image noise and look great.

A feature that you won’t find on many cameras is the lens control ring. It can be used for different settings, including focus, aperture, zoom, and more.

If your vlog focuses on outdoor shots and close-ups of wildlife, the 30x zoom is a great feature for you.

Specifications

• 1080p video resolution
• 60fps frame rate
• 12.1MP
• Lens control ring
• 30x zoom

Sony 𝞪5100

Sony are one of the leading companies for vlogging cameras, and the 𝞪5100 is one of their best models available for under $500. It has YouTube’s recommended resolution of 1080p and a high frame rate of 60fps. It’s lightweight, so you won’t feel tired carrying it around while creating your best content.

One of its highlights is the hybrid autofocus system. It’s described as 4D: it tracks height, width, depth, and has enhanced predictive tracking over time.

It also has an advanced image processor. Your footage in lower light will come out with less image noise and higher-quality colors overall.

It has a three inch LCD display that can flip 180º so you can see yourself as you record. Another perfect feature for vloggers that you can take advantage of.

Specifications

• 1080p video resolution
• 60fps frame rate
• 24.3MP
• Hybrid autofocus
• Flip screen

DJI Pocket 2

The Pocket 2 is a unique camera from DJI. It has 4k video resolution and a 60fps frame rate, which can be boosted to 240fps at 1080p for stunning slow motion shots. At an ISO range of 100 to 3200, it works on a 64 megapixel resolution, so it’s great for photography as well as videography.

One of the best features that makes it perfect for vlogging, aside from its pocket size, is the built-in gimbal. This 3-axis system gives you fantastic stabilization, so you can have steady shots while walking or even running.

The audio system is already incredible, with four microphones that can be set to different polar patterns (front, front and back, and 360º), but you can also add an external mic. DJI makes their own wireless mic that can be connected quickly and easily for even better recordings of your voice when you have it placed close to your body.

Specifications

• 4k video resolution
• 60fps frame rate
• 64MP
• Built-in gimbal
• Compact pocket size

Bottom Line

Picking one of the cameras mentioned above can be tough as they are all great pieces of gear.

If you’re looking for the most compact, the DJI Pocket 2 should be your choice. The Canon, Panasonic, and Sony are built in a more standard format, which might be what you’re looking for.

They all record in Full HD and have a great variety of settings and special features.

But the GoPro Hero11 speeds ahead with great features, robustness, and the highest resolution and frame rate available under $500.

Whichever you go for, you can be sure that you can stick to your budget of $500 or less and still get perfect quality for creating amazing content.

Do you use any of the cameras in this list? Feel free to share your experiences with them in the comments section.