The main problem for bloggers is the initial investment required. That’s why I like to recommend the best vlogging cameras under $500 because that’s the best range to find cameras that can record high-quality video for the lowest price. In this post about the best vlogging camera for under $500, you will learn that you can start getting good quality for day and night at that price because the cameras here already bring the best quality video you can get before 4k recording.
Best Vlogging Cameras Under $500
You may not find excellent, or incredibly good, cameras here, but they will certainly allow you to provide beautiful content to your viewers. Now, let’s have a look at the best vlogging cameras under 500 dollars.
1. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Compact Digital Camera w/ 1 Inch...
- 1.0 Inch, 20.1 Megapixel High sensitivity CMOS sensor
- Digic 7 image processor. Compatible with iOS versions 8.4,9.3 and 10.2 and Android smartphone and tablet versions 4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4,5.0,5.1,6.0,7.0,7.1
- 1.0 Inch, 20.1 Megapixel High sensitivity CMOS sensor
- Digic 7 image processor. Compatible with iOS versions 8.4,9.3 and 10.2 and Android smartphone and tablet versions 4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4,5.0,5.1,6.0,7.0,7.1
- Ultra slim, lightweight and pocket size camera
- Features: Touch screen panel (capacitive type)
Featuring a large sensor inside a slim shell, the PowerShot G9 X Mark II exceeds expectations. Key features include a larger-than-average sensor size of 1 in 20.1 MP and aluminum construction that Canon says is 25% thinner than the previous version, as well as continuous shooting speeds of up to 8.2 frames per second (thanks, in part, to a DIGIC 7 processor). If you’re looking for a compact, sleek and easy-to-use camera that produces images that are far superior in quality to your smartphone, the PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a first-rate choice. Overall, this is one of the best vlogging cameras under $500.
2. Nikon COOLPIX A1000
Nikon COOLPIX A1000 Compact Digital Camera 4K Video with 32GB Card 2-Pack...
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Nikon COOLPIX A1000 Digital Camera, The Corel Photo, Video, and Art Suite v.3.0, Two SanDisk Ultra 32GB 80MB/s SD Cards, Point and Shoot Camera Accessory Bundle, and Replacement Lithium-Ion Battery with Charger
- BUNDLE INCLUDES: Nikon COOLPIX A1000 Digital Camera, The Corel Photo, Video, and Art Suite v.3.0, Two SanDisk Ultra 32GB 80MB/s SD Cards, Point and Shoot Camera Accessory Bundle, and Replacement Lithium-Ion Battery with Charger
- VIEW: The Coolpix A1000 is equipped with an electronic viewfinder that boasts a sensor that automatically switches the display between viewfinder and LCD as the camera is lowered and raised to the eye
- ISO RANGE: Performance is enhanced by a wide ISO range—from ISO 100 to 6400—and its high-performance NIKKOR lens. Capture high-quality images with the optimal balance between high resolution and less noise at high sensitivities, even in dimly lit environments.
- ZOOM: Start zooming, and its superb 35x optical zoom NIKKOR lens begins to extend, taking you from wide-angle vistas to flattering portraits, all the way to super telephoto close-ups
- NIKON AUTHORIZED DEALER: Includes USA Manufacturer Warranty
While it may have been a bit overpriced when it was introduced, the Nikon Coolpix A1000 is now available for less than $500, making it a very tempting prospect for traveling photographers. 35x optical zoom is nothing to sniff, and it can be digitally enhanced with Nikon’s Dynamic Fine Zoom technology. The company has even packed 4K video into the slim body of this camera, and unlike the previous A900, this camera can capture images in RAW format, making it suitable for both serious photographers and casual photographers. Overall, this is one of the best vlogging cameras under 500 dollars.
3. Nikon D3500
Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera Bundle with 18-55mm VR Lens | Built-in Wi-Fi|24.2...
- Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera Body (Import Model)- DX-format 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor , EXPEED 4 Image Processor , No Optical Low-Pass Filter , Native ISO 100-25600; 5 fps Shooting , 3.0" 921k-Dot LCD Monitor , Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps , Multi-CAM 1000 11-Point AF System , SnapBridge Bluetooth Connectivity , Guide Mode and Special Effects , Full HD 1920 x 1080p movie recording , Built-in pop-up flash , Active D-Lighting , In-Camera Image Editing , Built-in pop-up flash
- Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera Body (Import Model)- DX-format 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor , EXPEED 4 Image Processor , No Optical Low-Pass Filter , Native ISO 100-25600; 5 fps Shooting , 3.0" 921k-Dot LCD Monitor , Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 60 fps , Multi-CAM 1000 11-Point AF System , SnapBridge Bluetooth Connectivity , Guide Mode and Special Effects , Full HD 1920 x 1080p movie recording , Built-in pop-up flash , Active D-Lighting , In-Camera Image Editing , Built-in pop-up flash
- Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Lens - F-Mount Lens/DX Format ,27-82.5mm (35mm Equivalent) , Aperture Range: f/3.5 to f/38 , Two Aspherical Elements , Super Integrated Coating , Pulse Stepping Motor AF System ,VR Image Stabilization , Access Lens Settings in Camera Menu , Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm , Two aspherical elements , AF-P pulse motor , retractable lens barrel
- The 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor and EXPEED 4 processor work together to produce overall high image quality with notable detail, dynamic range, color accuracy, and low-light sensitivity to a native ISO 25600. Additionally, the sensor's design omits an optical low-pass filter in order to acquire the greatest sharpness and detail from subjects
- 2 Kingston 32GB Canvas Select Plus UHS-I SDHC Memory Card-32GB Capacity, UHS-I / V10 / U1 / Class 10, Max Read Speed: 100 MB/s, Min Write Speed: 10 MB/s, Records Full HD Video, Water / Shock / Vibration / X-Ray Proof, Temperature Proof, Limited Lifetime Warranty, Built with the performance, speed, and durability for heavy workloads, including transferring and developing high-resolution photos or shooting and editing Full HD video
- Bundle also includes -55mm 3pc Filter Kit w/ Ultraviolet protective filter [UV], Circular Polarizer filter [CPL], Fluorescent filter [FLD], Deluxe Camera Gadget Bag , 50 inch tripod , 33 Street Camera Lens Cleaning Cloth , Lens Cap Keeper and a 1 Year Seller Provided Limited Warranty
With the Nikon D3500, it is especially easy to work with. In addition to an “intelligent” fully automatic mode, a wide range of scene modes and effects are available. More unique is the Guide shooting mode, which serves as a kind of interactive photo course. With a powerful 24.2MP image sensor and processor, a generous ISO range (sensitivity), a fast maximum frame rate of 5 frames per second, and a high-resolution LCD screen, there is no shortage of quality.
However, it is not a touch-sensitive screen, and there is no tilt or swivel capability. Another drawback is that the autofocus is relatively slow in live view and movie recording mode, but overall the D3500 is currently the most attractive and one of the best vlogging cameras under $500.
4. Canon EOS Rebel T7
Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera with 18-55mm lens | Built-in Wi-Fi|24.1...
- 24 1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor with is 100–6400 (H: 12800)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology
- 9-Point AF system and AI Servo AF
- Optical Viewfinder with approx 95% viewing coverage
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon camera into a high-quality webcam
- 24 1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor with is 100–6400 (H: 12800)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology
- 9-Point AF system and AI Servo AF
- Optical Viewfinder with approx 95% viewing coverage
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon camera into a high-quality webcam
This is one of the cheapest DSLRs in Canon’s current range, which also makes it a very affordable way to get access to an endless selection of lenses, flashes, and other accessories. Its low price means it understandably lacks some of its bigger brothers’ fancy tricks – flip-out LCD screen, 4K video, and so on – but it still offers a very good level of physical control. And, most importantly, the picture quality of the 24MP sensor is sound.
It’s designed with the target audience in mind, with a feature guide to help you understand everything, and the battery life is also better than many mirrorless models in this price range – still a major advantage of DSLRs. Wi-Fi, NFC, and Full HD video recording round out the specifications and make it one of the best vlogging cameras under 500 dollars.
5. Canon EOS Rebel T100
Canon EOS Rebel T100 DSLR Camera w/Canon EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 + EF...
- This Jerry’s Photo DSLR Camera Package Includes 2PC Sandisk 64GB Class 10 SD Memory Cards ,USB Card Reader ,58mm 3 Piece Filter Kit , 58mm 4 Piece Macro Kit ,58mm .43 Wide Angle Lens, 58mm 2.2x Telephoto Lens, 58mm Tulip Hood 50 inch DSLR Tripod, Battery Charger ,Spare High Capacity Battery , Spare travel Charger ,Slave Flash, Lens Caps , And Body Cap ,Neck Strap , Jerry’s Photo Lens Cleaning Cloth ,Camera Gadget Bag + 1 Year Seller Supplied Warranty , And Includes :
- This Jerry’s Photo DSLR Camera Package Includes 2PC Sandisk 64GB Class 10 SD Memory Cards ,USB Card Reader ,58mm 3 Piece Filter Kit , 58mm 4 Piece Macro Kit ,58mm .43 Wide Angle Lens, 58mm 2.2x Telephoto Lens, 58mm Tulip Hood 50 inch DSLR Tripod, Battery Charger ,Spare High Capacity Battery , Spare travel Charger ,Slave Flash, Lens Caps , And Body Cap ,Neck Strap , Jerry’s Photo Lens Cleaning Cloth ,Camera Gadget Bag + 1 Year Seller Supplied Warranty , And Includes :
- Canon EOS Rebel T100 DSLR Camera Body (International Version)- 18.0MP APS-C CMOS Sensor,DIGIC 4+ Image Processor, 6.8 cm (2.7") TFT LCD, approx. 230 K dots,,Full HD 1080p Video Recording at 29.97fps ,9 Point Auto Focus,Dual,Up to 3 fps Shooting and ISO 12800 ,Built-In Wi-Fi, Scene Intelligent Auto
- Canon EF-S 18-55mm F/3.5-5.6 DC III Zoom Lens - EF-S-Mount Lens/APS-C Format, 28.8-88mm (35mm Equivalent) ,Aperture Range: f/3.5 to f/38 ,One Aspherical Element ,Super Spectra Coating ,Micro Motor AF System , Rounded 6-Blade Diaphragm
- Canon EF-S 55-250mm F/4-5.6 IS STM Lens -EF-S Mount Lens/APS-C Format,88-400mm (35mm Equivalent),Aperture Range: f/4 to f/32,One Ultra-Low Dispersion Element,Super Spectra Coating,STM Stepping AF Motor,Optical Image Stabilizer,Rounded 7-Blade Diaphragm
- Just frame and shoot for great results with Scene Intelligent Auto. Enjoy guided Live View shooting with Creative Auto mode and add unique finishes with Creative Filters.Shoot with confidence ,Capture the moment just as you remember it with precise auto focus, 3.0 fps and DIGIC 4+. Easily frame your shots with the optical viewfinder and see results on a 2.7 Inch (6.8 cm) LCD screen
When you make your first foray into DSLR ownership, you don’t necessarily need a camera that can do everything. And if you’re looking for something very simple but very affordable, Canon’s Rebel T100 could tick the boxes. Besides the latest entry-level models, much of the Rebel T100 seems to be outdated. The 18MP sensor and DIGIC 4+ processor are both outdated, as is the modest 9-point autofocus system that has been in Canon’s catalog since 2009.
The 2.7-inch diagonal LCD display with 230 kDot resolution is also aging, while live-view performance is somewhat sluggish. Finally, the polycarbonate shell understandably feels cheap. But it’s not all bad: the button layout is easy to navigate for new users, the battery life is high at 500 shots, and the image quality is solid, with the sound being handled quite well. Those upgrading from a smartphone or compact camera should find decent results with good detail and saturation, while the Picture Style presets allow easy tonal adjustments. Overall, this is one of the best vlogging cameras under $500.
6. Canon EOS M200
Canon EOS M200 Mirrorless Digital Camera (Black) w/EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 is STM...
- This Canon EOS M200 Mirrorless Digital Camera Bundle from Paging Zone offers an ideal professional experience along with 1-Year Seller Warranty. The Bundle includes :
- Canon EOS M200 Mirrorless Digital Camera - 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor - DIGIC 8 Image Processor - 3.0" 1.04m-Dot 180° Tilt Touchscreen - UHD 4K and HD 720p120 Video Recording - - Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC - Creative Assist and Self Portrait Mode
- This Canon EOS M200 Mirrorless Digital Camera Bundle from Paging Zone offers an ideal professional experience along with 1-Year Seller Warranty. The Bundle includes :
- Canon EOS M200 Mirrorless Digital Camera - 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor - DIGIC 8 Image Processor - 3.0" 1.04m-Dot 180° Tilt Touchscreen - UHD 4K and HD 720p120 Video Recording - - Built-In Wi-Fi with NFC - Creative Assist and Self Portrait Mode
- Canon EF-M 15-45mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM Lens is a tiny, retractable lens has great optical performance, focusses super close and works for any EOS-M camera. The 35mm-equivalent 24-72mm range combines a wide angle for landscapes and big group photos, with a telephoto zoom for close-ups and detailed headshots. It weighs nothing and makes carrying and storing the lens and camera even easier.
- Also contains : Canon Battery Pack and Charger - Canon Neck Strap - Wide-Angle Lens - Telephoto Lens - CC-2 Cushioned Camera Bag - Tulip Lens Hood - 3pc Filter Kit (incl. UV, FLD, CPL) - 32GB Sandisk Memory Card - Grip Strap - Card Reader - Lens Cap Keeper - Portable and Steady Tripod - Extra Replacement Battery - Camera and Lens Cleaning Kit - Pen and Blower Set for dust-free lenses
The EOS M200 is an upgrade to the Canon EOS M100, which shares with this camera the return to basic design and simplified controls. The 24-megapixel sensor gives good image quality, but there are compromises at this price: you don’t have an electronic viewfinder, for example, and although the EOS M200 shoots 4K video, it’s not at full image width and uses a slower contrast AF system. The rectangular body of the EOS M200 is not the easiest to grasp either, but at this price, it is a very cheap way to integrate Canon’s EF-M system, a mirrorless camera. Overall, this is one of the best vlogging cameras under 500 dollars.
7. Canon PowerShot SX720 HS
Canon PowerShot SX720 HS (Black)
- Powerful 40x Optical Zoom with Intelligent IS helps optimize image stabilization for virtually shake free images
- Built in WiFi and NFC allows for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos
- 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 6 Image Processor helps deliver stunning image quality even in low light
- Powerful 40x Optical Zoom with Intelligent IS helps optimize image stabilization for virtually shake free images
- Built in WiFi and NFC allows for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos
- 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor with DIGIC 6 Image Processor helps deliver stunning image quality even in low light
- Capture spectacular 1080p Full HD video at 60p with stereo sound
- Large 3.0 inch LCD (approx. 922,000 dots) allows easy viewing even from a wide angle
The Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is a compact travel super-zoom that manages to fit a 40x optical zoom into its tiny shell. It features full manual control and built-in Wi-Fi and delivers crisp, vivid images. Although its sensor is a bit small, it has a backlit design that allows it to capture light more efficiently. We would have liked to see a touch screen, maybe one that can also tilt up and down, but perhaps it’s because of the absence of these that Canon is able to keep the price down. Overall, this is one of the best vlogging cameras under $500.
8. Sony Alpha a5000
Sony Alpha a5000 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 16-50mm OSS Lens (Black)
- 20.1 MP Exmor APS-C sensor for great images
- Mirror less DSLR - Compact Interchangeable Lens camera system
- Quick Wi-Fi connectivity to smartphones via NFC
- Model: ILCE5000L/B
- 20.1 MP Exmor APS-C sensor for great images
- Mirror less DSLR - Compact Interchangeable Lens camera system
- Quick Wi-Fi connectivity to smartphones via NFC
- Model: ILCE5000L/B
If you didn’t like DSLRs and were looking for high performance, a mirrorless video camera that lets you take high-quality pictures and record great videos, the Alpha a5000 is one of the best video cameras under $500 available. The reputation not only of this model but of the entire Sony Alpha series continues its dominance in the mirrorless category, especially within the affordable price range. This 8-ounce camera is equipped with a unique 20.1 MP Exmor APS CMOS sensor and a mirrorless design that provides wide dynamic range, sharpness, and excellent control of background noise when shooting HD video. Overall, this is one of the best vlogging cameras under 500 dollars.
