Just a few years back, YouTube was one of the only media repositories that everyone could access, free of charge. Lots of now-famous singers and media personalities have been discovered through YouTube, and since then there’s been an explosion of websites and tools that can help you make it big as well. One of the most popular hobbies or even careers now is that of a blogger. Travel blogs are becoming increasingly sought after, as social media is making everything around the world more accessible for us. You often see bloggers posting beautiful photos, blog posts, and video logs, or vlogs, online and on their social media pages. But even if you’re not aspiring to be a career influencer, there’s a lot of value in documenting your travels and personal life. You can create great memories to look back on and share them with your friends and family. To do so, you’re going to need more than just your phone though. A great vlog starts with a great vlogging camera, which gives you all the features and tricks that you need to create professional looking vlogs to bring home.
Whether you’re documenting your travels, your day-to-day, or something else altogether, a vlogging camera is a great investment that will allow you to cherish your memories forever. Because there are a few features that make it different from a regular camera, it might be difficult to begin thinking about what works the best for you. So we went ahead and put together our 2020 picks for the best vlogging camera under $300. With one of these, you’ll be sure to be a pro in no time without breaking the bank.
Our Favorite Vlogging Cameras Under $300
If you’re a first time vlogger and are looking to transition away from using your phone, consider this multi-function camera from SUNLEO. This camera with a 3 inch flip screen shoots in 30MP resolution JPEG format images and records 2.7K / 30FPS resolution MOV format videos, which are the most widely used formats, respectively. You get 16x digital zoom so that you can easily document images or action that’s farther away. Once you’re actually recording you can utilize the pause function and mute recording so you can pause your recording at any time and continue recording in the same file without having to start over, while muting sounds can give you more flexibility with how you want your videos to turn out. One reviewer noted that this camera “comes with many features. [You] can use in auto mode where [the] camera does all the work or you can use manual mode and customize your photos.”
For those of you who are just entering the vlogging space for the first time, this CEDITA vlogging camera likewise will help you get your feet wet without overwhelming you with everything that you need to pay attention to. It’s handy, lightweight, and portable, so you don’t need to worry about any extra bells and whistles while you’re on the road. The Full HD camera allows you to record and take pictures with high resolution, and you can easily toggle between recording a video and taking a picture depending on what shot you’re looking for. The self-timer has a range of time settings so that you’re always prepared for the shot, and it comes with retractable flash, anti-shake technology, and even face detection so if you’re shooting solo you don’t need to worry about the camera capturing you. The camera can also record videos while it’s charging, so you don’t need to worry about waiting while it’s plugged into the outlet or a portable charger. This comes with a USB cable so you can easily transfer files to your laptop and edit to your heart’s desire. As one reviewer commented, “I need a flip screen camera for keeping record of my daily life.This camera has a good quality with 180 rotating screens, so it’s easy to take a selfie and has a flashlight function. If you are looking for a decent camera to carry around with you and used when needed or need a present, this would be a great one to get.”
- 2.7K 25FPS 24MP FULL HD CAMERA: This vlogging camera could record with 2.7K 25FPS video resolution and take photos with 24.0MP picture resolution. Pressing "M" key to switch the "Picture" mode and "Video" mode. Great pictures and videos quality could preserve your cherished memories forever! It is also very handy and light weight, easy to operate and convenient to carry everywhere.
- SELF-TIMER/CONTINUOUS SHOOTING/MOTION DETECTION: Self-timer with a versatile range of settings: 2seconds, 5seconds, 10seconds. The digital video camera has 3 inch screen which can rotate 180 degree,making selfies easier and more fun. In addition, the digital camera could make continuous shooting and have the function of motion detection, so you could observe the every moment of movement.
If you’re looking for a bit of an upgrade from a point and shoot camera and want something a little more professional for your vlogging needs, you can consider this camcorder from Lincom Tech. It has a relatively low price but really packs a punch in terms of what it can deliver on. The camcorder is able to deliver clear images at 48MP and shoot at 4K (3880*2160), or 30FPS for higher quality videos than you can get on a regular camera. It has 16x digital zoom so you can get up close on what you’re trying to capture. If you’re already close to your subject or object, the camera is equipped with a microphone to help you accurately pick up sound while also reducing extra noise so you get the best sound quality possible. It also has a lens cover, which can effectively block the sun or other light sources to prevent glare and lens flare (unless that’s the look you’re going for). In addition to the pause function, this camcorder also has night vision, wifi connectivity, and even remote control for the maximum customization options possible. One reviewer noted that they “highly recommend it! Great for anyone just looking to casually record or capture family moments, or for anyone looking to record to upload to social media outlets.”
- ♥4K Camcorder: This 4K camcorder comes with 3.0 inch 270 degree rotation touch screen, 12 megapixels CMOS image sensor, 4K Ultra HD video resolutions, 30.0 MP image resolution, 16x digital zoom, IR night vision, external Microphone, WIFI wireless transmission function and so on.This digital camcorder also comes with a hot shoe interface, that can be used to install a camcorder with microphone depending on your needs, and supports a 1/4-inch standard tripod (not included in the package).
- ♥Wifi Camcorder: This vlogging camera supports Wifi wireless transmission function. You can download the "XDV PRO" APP on your mobile phone to playback, edit and transfer your pictures and videos to online social media immediately. Under the infrared camcorder night vision, the video and photo functions can be used as normal in the dark night.
- ♥3.0 Capacitive Touch Screen & 1500mAh Battery: would you like your vlog camera to have a flip screen? This youtube camera is equipped with a 3’’ touch screen capable of a 270 degrees rotation. In addition, the video camera for youtube supports recording while charging, pause function and is equipped with a 1500mAh battery. It also has a shortcut key function, that allows you to directly access the content stored on the memory card.
- ♥Night Vision Function & High Memory Card: this video camcorder can function as a night vision camcorder, thanks to a powerful built-in infrared light that can help you take black and white pictures and videos at night. The hd camcorder with microphone also supports 128G SDHC card (not included).
- ♥Perfect Gift &Warranty :Video camera for youtube easy to carry and store,record important events(wedding, birthday party, sports events, tourist attractions).Use the digital video camera to share your life with your close family or friends, give you a beautiful happy memory in your life.
At the top of our list is this Canon digital camera with a full bundle of accessories to support your vlogging needs. Canon is an industry giant, and the Powershot SX530 is no exception to the quality of its technology. You can shoot on 1080p Full HD video, shoot in 30FPS, and utilize the 50x optical zoom to get crystal clear images of your subject. It has built-in wifi, image stabilization, zoom framing assist, and hybrid auto mode if you’re looking for something with some manual functions. In terms of the accessories, this comes with a 32GB high speed memory card, card reader, 2 in 1 lens cleaning pen, dust blower, camera case, cleaning cloth, and more. One reviewer rightly raves that “this camera ROCKS!!! It takes excellent photos from a 50 feet away (e.g. I took a photo of a firework display and it looked like I was right there!). It has image stabilizing features for those long distance shots. It’s smart because it recognizes what type of photo you’re going for. The pictures are crisp and clean.”