9 Best Vlogging Cameras Under $500 in 2024 [Tested!]

Do you have a budget of around $500 for a vlogging camera?

Well, this article covers everything about the best vlogging cameras under $500 for making amazing YouTube videos.

Here’s the deal:

If you are a vlogger or just started thinking about entering the fast-expanding industry as a fresh beginner, then a good digital camera around your budget is a must!

If you are looking forward to inexpensive and reliable vlogging cameras that can be bought within $500, then you have landed at the right place.

If you think that $500 is not the right budget to start vlogging, trust me, for that amount of money, you will get a top-class video camera and still have some money for extra equipment.

Here, we have compiled a list of the 9 best vlogging cameras under 500 dollars in 2024 and mentioned every detail that you should know about them.

Best Vlogging Cameras Under 500 Dollars

Name	Flip Screen	Microphone	Video Resolution	Check
Canon EOS M200 - Editor's Choice	Yes	Mic Jack + Built-in	4K	Price
Canon EOS M200	Yes	Built-in + Bluetooth	4K	Price
GoPro Hero 12 Black	No	Mic Jack + Built-in	4K	Price
Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 - Editor's Choice	Yes	Mic Jack + Built-in	4K	Price
Sony a6000	No	Built-in + Hot shoe	1080p60	Price
GoPro Max	No	Mic Jack + Built-in	5.6K	Price
Canon M100	Yes	Built-in	1080p60	Price
Canon PowerShot G9X Mark II	No	Built-in	1080p60	Price
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II - Bonus	Yes	Built-in	1080p60	Price

1. Sony ZV-1F – Best Daily Camera for Vlogging Under $500

The Sony ZV-1F is a camera that has been specifically designed with vloggers and content creators in mind.

With its compact design, powerful features, and user-friendly interface, it’s no wonder that this camera has quickly become a favorite among the vlogging community.

The Sony ZV-1F boasts a sleek and stylish design that is both lightweight and durable. Its compact size makes it perfect for on-the-go vlogging, ensuring that you can capture high-quality content no matter where you are.

The camera also features a vari-angle LCD screen, allowing for easy self-recording and the ability to get those perfect angles every time.

Also, if you are looking for a camera that fits into your handbag or a backpack while you are traveling – this one is a perfect choice.

The ZV-1F offers stunning 4K video recording, ensuring that your vlogs are always of the highest quality. The colors are vibrant, and the details are sharp, making your content stand out.

One of the standout features of this camera is its fast and accurate autofocus. Whether you’re recording a static scene or on the move, the ZV-1F ensures that your subject remains in sharp focus.

For vloggers, sound quality is just as important as video quality. The ZV-1F comes equipped with a high-quality microphone that captures clear and crisp audio. There’s also a windscreen accessory to minimize wind noise when recording outdoors.

Moreover, this camera offers a unique bokeh mode, allowing vloggers to achieve that professional-looking blurred background effect with ease.

With built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capabilities, transferring your videos to other devices or uploading them online is a breeze. The camera also supports direct streaming, making it perfect for live vlogging sessions.

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2. Canon EOS M200

If recording 4K video resolution is your priority, then the Canon EOS M200 interchangeable lens camera is one of the best vlogging cameras under 500.

Now:

The original 15-45mm style vlogging camera cost around $500. I strongly recommend considering this option, because this vlogging camera is really worth the money.

Canon EOS M200 emanates a sturdy feel and build quality despite its plastic casing. Canon EOS M200 is a multipurpose mirrorless digital vlogging camera. The Canon EOS M200 is quite easy to operate.

The fully articulated touch-sensitive LCD screen is great for viewing angles. Canon EOS M200 has provided a perfect blend of direct controls and DSLR-like design, making it an ideal pick for first-time shooters. Moreover, all the buttons are strategically placed and neatly labeled for easy access.

With the EOS M200 interchangeable lens camera, you may capture countless memories. The EOS M200’s 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor, Eye Detection AF, and improved Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus make it simple to take high-definition photos and films in a portable, mirrorless body. Ideal for sharing on social media.

You can recall your favorite memories with the EOS M200 vlogging camera with built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, 4K 24p/25p video capability, and support for vertical video.

The EOS M200 vlogging camera is built for maximum creativity and offers easy-to-use features that allow your personality to show. Use the Creative Assist feature to quickly change brightness and color tone, or experiment with the camera’s creative filters to add a dash of color and distinctive effects to your photos.

The Visual Guide for the EOS M200 vlogging camera also offers practical hints and shortcuts that make using this vlogging camera simple. Self Portrait Mode and a 3.0-inch tilt-type LCD that rotates 180 degrees make this vlogging camera among other vlogging cameras ideal for selfie fans who want to capture every aspect with ease. The EOS M200 variable lens camera makes it easy to find inspiration.

By providing built-in Wi-Fi, Canon does its part in pleasing social media lovers who love to share their clicks instantly. Wi-Fi connection also allows you to control the vlogging camera with your smartphone.

In addition to Wi-Fi, the Canon EOS M200 has an HDMI port for playing videos and images on an external screen or recorder.

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3. GoPro Hero 12 Black

GoPro HERO 12 Black is the next step for vloggers and adventurers who are always on the move, capturing the essence of their journeys.

In an era where smartphones are becoming increasingly advanced, the need for a dedicated vlogging camera might seem redundant to some.

Why would one need a separate camera when smartphones today boast of high-quality video capabilities?

The GoPro HERO 12 Black answers this question with its array of features tailored for vloggers and travelers.

Many consider the GoPro HERO 12 Black the pinnacle of tiny vlogging cameras. It fits in your pocket but performs well. The new GP3 processor in the HERO 12 Black lets you record in 5.5K for the best memories. Its improved low-light capabilities make sunrise and nighttime photos beautiful.

Dual screens—a front screen for vloggers to frame themselves and a bigger rear touchscreen for sharp pictures and straightforward controls—are prominent design features.

The 1.5x digital zoom on the HERO 12 Black lets you get closer to the action without sacrificing quality. Hydrophobic coating protects its lens from rain and splashes.

Its 25MP image sensor ensures high-quality films and photographs. Continuous 35fps filming ensures you never miss a moment, and 70fps 4K video recording enhances its video capabilities.

Other important features are:

• Optic Steady Shot: Electronic and optical stabilization for smooth footage.
• GoPro’s latest stabilizing technology, HyperSmooth 5.0.
• While charging, automatically backup footage to the cloud.

It has Wi-Fi for fast uploads and transfers. Bluetooth connectivity allows you control the camera from your phone and logs location data.

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4. Panasonic Lumix DMC G7 

Panasonic has introduced an SLR-style mirrorless vlogging camera for camera enthusiasts and professional vloggers or photographers. It introduced a new contender for the premium market, which is the Panasonic DMC-G7 at an affordable price.

A true hybrid mirrorless best vlogging camera, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 combines 4K Ultra HD video with cutting-edge image capture and burst shooting features.

The G7 has significant low-light sensitivity up to ISO 25600, single-shot AF at 8 frames per second during continuous shooting if it is in electronic shutter mode, and three different 30 frames per second shooting rates depending on 4K video recording.

Panasonic clearly intends to attract DSLR buyers with the G7’s style, but the degree of direct control also puts it on par with models like the Sony a6000 (which also has a built-in viewfinder and a fair level of direct control), the Olympus E-M10, or the Fujifilm X-T10.

For users who want this extra freedom, it, therefore, represents a little bit of a bargain, but they run the danger of frightening off ILC shooters who have never used one.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 features a 16 MP 1.0 inch CMOS sensor that captures images in a 16:9 aspect ratio as standard and ISO sensitivity range up to 25,600 equivalent.

The sensor is responsible for recording video at 4K ultra-high-definition quality at 30fps max. The 4K video recording also can produce a 4K-resolution frame from the footage.

With the 4K Live Cropping option, it will automatically zoom into the scene and set the camera to pan across, giving the result at Full HD resolution automatically.

The lens has a wide aperture that can focus a subject down to 3cm in a macro mode that provides a wide-angle setting. It has a boosted ISO of min-100

The camera incorporates system technology; it allows the focusing point to be positioned anywhere.

Most of these digital cameras include APS-C sensors, which are roughly 60% bigger than those made by Panasonic or Olympus. As a result, they should have a 2/3EV noise advantage, although the Panasonic and its lenses can also be considerably smaller for equivalent focal lengths.

Another attribute worth mentioning is it has a built-in flash capable of a 40-foot range at the wide end of the lens and a 20-foot range at the telephoto end with Auto ISO.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 has built-in Wi-Fi connectivity.

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5. Sony a6000

It is a tough challenge to decide which is better, a5100 or a6000.

Here’s the deal:

If the flip or tiltable screen is not a high priority for you, then a6000 is a pure deal for every vlogger!

Also, If you don’t have a budget of around 500 dollars, we strongly recommend checking a few used options (brand-new condition) of this camera that is standing on the list as one of the best vlogging cameras under 500 dollars.

Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless digital camera features a dual dial design on the top, which makes it easy to change the camera settings on the go. For example, mounting a different camera and flash accessories, the a6000 comes with an ISO-standard hot shoe.

Sony has also made other changes in the design, such as removing confusing unlabelled buttons and a simple tilting LCD screen that contributes to the overall ergonomics of the camera.

One of the reasons why the Sony Alpha a6000, in our opinion, is the best vlogging camera under $500 is because of its compact design and comfortable grip.

It weighs just 0.76 lb (344 g), which is incredible for outdoor shooting.

With a high resolution 24.3 MP APS-C size CMOS sensor, the Sony a6000 features 179 on-chip detection points and a Hybrid AF system for fast phase detection.

Moreover, the camera can capture 11 frames per second in continuous shooting mode using autofocus tracking. Needless to say the a6000 delivers excellent detail and incredible enlargements owing to its advanced CMOS sensor.

Textures and details are remarkably great in it because of the new Bionz X processor. You can ISO in the range of 100-25600 and can also use pop-up flash and a standard hot shoe for mounting flash accessories. Nevertheless, the a6000 allows you to record full HD video in cinematic 60p.

Sony a6000 makes sharing photos incredibly easy with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. Moreover, you can control your camera with your smartphone and tablet. You can also use the PlayMemories Camera App to control the camera via your smartphone.

These amazing features and connectivity just prove that this camera is the best vlogging choice for people with less than $500 in their pocket.

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6. GoPro Max

Are you looking for the right equipment for the next vlog that will land you your dream as the next YouTube sensation on a low budget? Then GoPro cameras should be

Well, we found the right camera that will surely help you create amazing vlogs to post on YouTube.

GoPro MAX is a reliable camera with optical zoom and a compact body, better than your smartphone or many multi-lens camera phones.

The design and build quality of the GoPro Max compact cameras are among its best advantages. The Max compact cameras are engineered to withstand numerous harsh settings and is waterproof camera resistant up to 5 meters without a case.

Additionally, lens shields that will prevent the camera’s fragile lenses from breaking should you drop it are included in the box. The Max is properly protected and clearly designed with action in mind.

Here are some of the features of why GoPro MAX is the right gear to reach your dream as the next YouTube sensation.

If you are tired of using smartphones for your vlogs, then GoPro MAX has a sizeable, grippy panel that will make it comfortable to use.

It incorporated dedicated mode dials to enable instant access to aperture and shutter priority modes and also a fully manual mode for your creative shots.

Despite being larger than GoPro’s Hero line of cameras, the Max fits comfortably in one hand. Additionally, the Max is a 360-degree camera for consumers to feature a complete touch screen. The Max is the easiest camera to use simply because of this.

Following the shot, you can view the media and change all of the camera’s settings. All other 360 cameras require a phone connection in order to preview videos or make configuration adjustments.

Although voice commands are available on the Max and generally seem to function, I still believe that manual controls are faster in general.

GoPro MAX has a VR/Action camera, which makes its video shooting capacity at 5.6K full high-definition quality at 30fps.

The camera comes with intelligent digital image stabilization technology that reduces motion blur to your images and videos.

Paired with this technology is the CMOS-type sensor that helps improve digital processing. Another key feature of this stunning action camera is that it has a dedicated

GoPro MAX has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, and you can quickly transfer images and videos to your smartphone or desktop. You can connect your smartphone via the Camera Connect App.

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7. Canon M100 

First of all, if you haven’t created a YouTube channel but have plans to do and due to this, you are looking for the right gear to shoot your dream YouTube vlogs – Canon has the right equipment for you.

Here’s the deal:

Canon M100 is explicitly designed for beginner vloggers, photographers, and so on.

It’s an ultra-simple camera that doesn’t require a lot of knowledge to use, but it really has something to offer to make your content at least look at a professional level.

Here are the following features to help you design that Canon M100 is the right tool to achieve your long-lived dream of being a new YouTube sensation.

Impress others right away with well-focused images and dramatic Full HD video quality made day or night with a 24.2 MP CMOS sensor, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, and auto modes.

The EOS M100 is stylish and portable, giving you all the capabilities of a DSLR in a small package. With 6.1 frames per second shooting and DIGIC 7 processing, capture the action.

Give your camera a distinctive look by selecting from a variety of styles. Choose one of three recognizable camera body colors, then add an EH31-FJ Face Jacket in a variety of hues and patterns.

You will also require the Mount Adapter EF-EOS M in order to utilize the EF 50mm f/1.8 STM, EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS II USM, and EF-S 10-18mm f/4.5-5.6 IS STM lenses with the EOS M100.

Canon M100 features a 24.2MP CMOS sensor that produces quality images. It has a DIGIC 7 processor that allows us to shoot 1080p full HD video quality up to 60fps. The maximum shooting time is 29 minutes.

Here are some of the attributes present in the Canon M100:

It incorporates an electronic image stabilization that reduces motion blur in pictures and videos.

It has a 49-point AF system and Dual Pixel CMOS AF that improves subject tracking when it is moving.

It has a face-detection useful for tracking faces for portrait photography that delivers images of color quality quite sharply.

The Canon M100 has in-camera RAW processing. It allows users to change parameters like white balance, picture style, and lens correction when taking shots.

Utilize Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and the Canon Camera Connect app to quickly connect to smart devices. Take advantage of smartphone-like control and a selfie-friendly touchscreen interface.

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8. Canon PowerShot G9X Mark II

In this list of the best vlogging cameras with around 500 dollars budget, we have another Canon model that just needs to be mentioned as well.

If you are a vlogger who is looking for a compact camera that can add additional value to equipment – I recommend checking this one.

Canon Powershot G9X Mark II is one of the cameras that has a 1-inch sensor. It is also ultra-compact in size and allows novice users to understand the advanced compact cameras have to offer.

Here are the following features and functionality that will charm every content creator to grab this compact camera as reliable equipment for high-quality videos and images.

Canon Powershot G9X Mark II is considered one of the most ultra-compact cameras that weigh only 206 grams (0.45 lb).

It has a touchscreen 3.0-inch LCD that cannot be tilted nor flipped – that’s a downside for sure.

Anyway, Canon G9X Mark II features a 20MP, 1-inch type CMOS sensor that produces cleaner and more precise images at a higher ISO range. For instance, at ISO 6400, you can provide 5 x 7 prints.

The Canon G9X II has a 28-84mm built-in lens that has a maximum aperture range of f/2.0-4.9. This means a faster maximum aperture. G9X II’s built-in lens and image sensor deliver excellent performance and images with great detail.

Despite the limited dimensions, it comes with a 1-inch size sensor, which gives the camera improved image quality in low-light conditions.

Its DIGIC7 image processor produces 31 JPEG frames and 20 RAW frames when shooting continuously.

The Canon G9X II is capable of shooting Full High-Definition video at 60 fps.

It has Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connectivity. You can connect your smart device and camera via the Canon Camera Connect App.

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 9. Bonus: Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II – Most Popular Used Vlogging Camera Under $500

Here’s the bonus camera for this budget:

I will not expand much on introducing this camera. Simply put, this is the most popular vlogging camera in the last few years for most vloggers and YouTubers!

In general, this camera has everything you need: starting from an amazing tiltable screen and finishing with great video quality, amazing connectivity, and a controlling system.

If you want to buy a really reliable camera for under $500  – I highly recommend that you consider this option (even if it’s already used).

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Final Word From Editor

Selecting the right type of shoot camera, especially in the field of vlogging, is crucial. The quality of your content can be drastically improved if shot from a camera that suits your shooting style and fulfills your best vlogging camera requirements.

As you can see, from the listed best vlogging cameras under 500 dollars that our editors already selected, there isn’t a huge difference. As a result, with all the listed cameras, you can make an excellent video blog for your YouTube channel.

So, please read our review, and according to cameras, and features select the one which ideally fits your budget and requirements. I hope that this list has helped in picking the camera that is best for you and fits right in your budget.