1. The list in brief
2. Best compact
3. Best premium
4. Best stabilized
5. Best 360-degree
6. Best system
7. Best action
8. How to choose
9. How we test
Pro quality video used to be the forte of professional filmmakers, but that's no longer the case in 2024. Low-cost cameras like the ones in this guide can offer incredible video features: 4K resolution with crisp detail, stabilized footage for shots on the move, superb autofocus to keep your subjects sharply focused, and audio output ensuring clear sound.
We've rounded up a variety of the best cheap video cameras covering all the bases so you'll be sure to find your smartphone-beating camera: vlogging, action, compact, swappable lens system cameras, 360-degree and more.
Right now we think the Sony ZV-1 is an excellent all-in-one package that delivers crisp 4K video and dedicated video features such as a tally lamp and audio output. It's even more compelling than the newer ZV-1 II. There are other honorable mentions that didn't make our extensively tested shortlist, including the Nikon Z30.
We've included the best offers available right now, and below the shortlist we’ve also outlined a few key buying tips to help you get the best value from your purchase.
Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. Tim notes; "You don't need to spend a lot in 2024 to get pro quality video, though you do need to work smart to get the best results with the budget-friendly cameras included below. Every option included here has one up on your smartphone – whether that's full waterproofing or the option to swap lenses."
The quick list
If you want a shortcut to the best cheap video cameras, the round-up below will give you an instant overview of our favorite options. When you find one that fits your requirements, you can use the links beneath each entry to jump down to our full summaries.
The best cheap vlogging compact camera
Its 4K video, compact build, flip-out screen, tally lamp and superb autofocus combine to put powerful vlogging abilities in your pocket.
The best cheap video camera for aspiring filmmakers
Panasonic's GH-line of Micro Four Thirds cameras give superb bang for buck for serious video, and the still-available Lumix GH5 is now two generations old and therefore amazing value.
The best stabilized pocket camera
DJI seriously delivered with its gimbal Pocket 3 cam, equipping it with an improved 1-inch sensor, larger touch display that can quickly flip your video between vertical and horizontal.
The best value 360 degree camera
It's the best 360-degree camera available with superb 8K footage and excellent battery life, but and also decent value.
The best compact vlogging camera system
If you don’t need a touch menu and can look past rolling shutter, the ZV-E10 is a powerful little tool for vlogging on the go.
Best value GoPro
If you don’t need the very latest flagship features of the Hero 12 Black, then Hero 10 Black offers the best value, with the ability to shoot 4K/120p video.
The best cheap video cameras for 2024
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Write-ups for each of the best cheap video cameras in our list can be found below. Each model has been thoroughly tested and we're picky over which cameras come recommend.
The best cheap vlogging compact camera
A vlogging-centric twist on Sony’s premium RX100 compact camera line, the ZV-1 is a pocket-sized point-and-shoot with powerful video capabilities. Using a 1-inch sensor and bright f/1.8-2.8 lens, it can capture sharp 4K video with smooth background bokeh. 4K footage tops out at 30fps rather than 60fps, but higher frame rates (up to 960fps for super slow-motion playback) are available if you reduce the resolution to 1080p. Picture profiles like S-Log2 and S-Log3 are supported, boosting its enthusiast credentials, while a built-in ND filter makes it easier to capture better quality footage in bright sunlight.
The ZV-1 benefits massively from Sony’s class-leading autofocus tech, which includes real-time face- and eye-tracking and in our tests did a great job of keeping human subjects in constant sharp focus. It has built-in image stabilization too, but be warned: the system applies a sizable crop to the image frame when at its most effective, which means shooting yourself while holding it requires you to keep your arm fully stretched.
Despite its compact size, the ZV-1 finds room for an articulated screen, good quality three-capsule microphone and an accessory shoe that can accommodate an LED video light or shotgun mic. All in all it’s a very solid package for the on-the-go vlogger and it remains our pick despite the presence of the pricier ZV-1 II which simply doesn't do enough to best the Z-V1.
- Read our in-depth Sony ZV-1 review
The best cheap video camera for aspiring filmmakers
Released as the company’s flagship video-centric mirrorless camera back in 2017, the Panasonic Lumix GH5 remains a fantastically powerful tool for serious filmmakers years later. It has been superseded by more recent and higher spec models: the GH5 Mark II, GH6 and more recently the GH7. However, you can still buy it new and being two generations old its even better value
The GH5 can record beautiful Cinema 4K footage at 60fps with a bitrate of 150Mbps, and supports 10-bit color depth and 4:2:2 subsampling. It can also output Apple ProRes to an external recorder via its HDMI port, and (when equipped with an optional adapter) can record sound through high-end XLR microphones.
Its contrast-based autofocus system generally works well, although it does feel a little hesitant compared to more advanced hybrid systems from rival manufacturers like Sony and Canon, and indeed Panasonic's latest cameras like the GH7 that now use phase detection autofocus too. It’s a great camera to use all told though, with good handling and controls, a sizeable 3.2-inch flip-out touchscreen which is useful for shooting from tricky angles and weather-sealing for fuss-free outdoor operation.
You can pick up the GH5 for less a three-digit sum new and for around half the price when buying from a trusted secondhand retailer.
- Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix GH5
The best stabilized pocket camera
If you're more of a vlogger and want a pocketable and powerful video camera, look no further than the DJI Osmo Pocket 3. We rate it as the best vlogging camera equipped with an 1-inch sensor and neat 2-inch rear LCD that can be flipped between horizontal and vertical formats to instantly switch your aspect ratio. It's a super neat trick for those that mix up where they share video, ably backed up by the larger sensor and 4K multi-aspect video options.
You also get DJI's famed 3-axis gimbal-mounted camera which produces silky smooth on-the-go video, all in a super-tiny pocket-friendly device. If you're after pro audio, we recommend adding the DJI Mic 2 kit which instantly pairs with the Pocket 3 for fuss free wireless pro audio.
It's not a perfect camera – it can get hot when shooting long videos and it's not the most rugged camera in this list – it's certainly not waterproof. But rrust us. the Pocket 3 can shoot better video than your phone and is more convenient than many of the alternatives in this list, especially for vlogging. In addition to the advantages mentioned above, you can also shoot lovely looking slow motions videos with support up to 4K 120fps. Top stuff.
Read our in-depth DJI Pocket 3 review
The best value 360 degree camera
The Insta360 X4 recently took top place in our best 360-degree cameras guide. It upgrades the Insta360 X3 with higher-resolution 8K 360-degree video, plus it has some superb single camera modes with up to 4K 60p and shoot-first-frame-later FreeFrame mode. Combine its single camera chops with waterproofing up to 10m and you effectively have a solid action camera on your hands.
Insta360 has improved the in-camera mics for impressively immersive sound, plus you can also pair the device to external mics via Bluetooth for clearer audio, especially when talking to camera. It's unique selling point in this guide is undoubtedly the 360-degree video functionality – you simply can't shoot this kind of footage with your smartphone or rival cheap cameras.
Other improvements over the Insta360 X3 include a larger 2.5-inch touchscreen with super user-friendly control, plus significantly longer battery life – up to 135-minutes from a full charge. Lens design is also better – you can now attach and remove the lens protectors which are necessary for intense outdoors action. We still get the best bits from before too: superb FlowState image stabilization and Horizon Lock plus Active HDR which retains stunning detail in high-contrast light. All in all, a superb multi-function camera that can make videos with a difference.
Read our in-depth Insta360 X4 review
The best compact vlogging camera system
The Sony ZV-E10 is a mid-range mirrorless vlogger camera that delivers a lot for its price. It’s compact in size (thanks in part to the lack of a viewfinder or flash) and lightweight in build, with a sideways-flipping articulated touchscreen, impressive wide-grilled built-in microphone, and jacks for hooking up an external mic and headphones. It can also be tethered to a computer via its USB-C port, allowing it to be used as a webcam or for plug-and-play live streaming.
Perhaps its most impressive vlogger-friendly feature is its fast, accurate autofocus, which can be set to detect and track eyes and faces in real-time. It can also record video in picture profiles like S-Log 2, S-Log 3 and HLG, which videographers who like to color correct and grade their own footage will appreciate.
It’s not without some issues, though. It has a tendency to display wobbly rolling shutter effects during quick pans and doesn’t have in-body image stabilization, both of which reduce its appeal as a run-and-gun video camera. 4K recording is limited to 30fps (you can record at 60 and 100fps, plus 120fps for slow motion, but you’ll need to use a lower 1080p resolution), while the lack of a viewfinder also limits its stills usability somewhat.
It might be beginning to show its age, but the ZV-E10 is part of an incredible Sony E-mount system compatible with superb lenses: we recommend a number of the tiny fast aperture prime lenses that perfect match the compact dimensions of the camera while capturing smartphone-beating quality.
- Read our in-depth Sony ZV-E10 review
The best value GoPro
The latest GoPro is the Hero 12 Black which makes the Hero 10 Black two-generations old. However it remains an excellent choice if you want a good value GoPro that still has the skills to capture smooth, sharp 4K footage and it's easily the best value GoPro in 2024.
In testing, we found its ability to capture 4K/120p video genuinely impressive, while it's far more responsive touchscreen makes it a better choice than the GoPro Hero 9 Black: we found it more versatile and fun to use than its predecessor. With GoPro's effective HyperSmooth stabilization available across most shooting modes, it's an ideal tool for recording 4K adventures and handheld vlogs alike. Thanks to its waterproof build, it's also more durable than your smartphone.
The newer GoPro Hero 12 Black offers a higher resolution 5.7K multi-aspect 4:3 sensor with greater editing flexibility, while the marginally pricier DJI Osmo Action 4 probably represents better value overall. But if you want a GoPro action camera for less than flagship money, we think the Hero 10 Black is a great choice.
Read our in-depth GoPro Hero 10 Black review
How to choose the best cheap video camera for you
There are a number of important factors to consider when choosing a video camera, with perhaps the most obviously important being the image quality.
You should first consider the resolution(s) offered by any potential camera, as well as the frame rate(s) on offer. Resolution gives an indication of the level of detail that’ll be visible in your movies (4K is more detailed than 1080p, which is more detailed than in 720p, and so on) while frame rate determines how smoothly they play.
Recording at a high frame rate also gives you the option of slowing the video down to create smoother, non-choppy slow motion, either in-camera or in an editing app in post-production. Standard video frame rates are 24, 25 and 30fps. A frame rate of 60fps is able to slow down to half speed, while 120fps is a quarter speed and so on.
You should note that resolution isn’t the only criterion that affects detail, however: 1080p footage with strong contrast, high dynamic range and low noise can appear a lot more detailed than noisy, flat-looking 4K footage – which is why other aspects like sensor size and the lens being used are also important things to consider.
Autofocus is also important. While all the cameras here have it, some implement it better than others, and if you’re vlogging you’ll almost certainly want a camera with face and/or eye detection and, if possible, real-time face/eye tracking to ensure you’re always in sharp focus even if you move within the frame. Right now, Sony offers the best video autofocus systems in more affordable cameras.
Image stabilization, meanwhile, can make handheld videos much steadier and less nausea-inducing, and things like long battery life, storage speed/capacity, handling and waterproofing can also be important depending on your particular requirements. DJI and Insta360 stand out here.
How we test cheap video cameras
If you've decided you want smartphone-beating video quality in an affordable alternative, there are some key factors to look out for: outright video quality, autofocus accuracy, enhanced image stabilization and decent audio options both in-camera and compatibility with external mics. These are the core areas that we focus on in our real-world tests.
When reviewing any video camera, not just cheap ones, we make sure to record at the camera’s highest available resolution and frame-rate in a range real scenarios, whether that's low light or out and about during the day in a busy city.
We shoot 'run-and-gun' clips to test a camera's stabilization and for any adverse impact any rolling shutter brings. We record audio in quiet and noisy environments using the in-camera mics and check how easy it is to connect to external mics: wired or wireless.
Most cameras in this guide offer enhanced autofocus features, including Face and Eye tracking or subject detection autofocus. We check the accuracy of these systems.
We also shoot in both day and night to check image quality and how well the auto-exposure adapts to lighting changes. Usually features such as flat color profiles that require grading are for pro cameras only – though you get this with the Lumix GH5. For most of the other cameras you select which color profile you like and so we check how good these profiles look.
We test all of the functions offered by a video camera to see how they match up to their closest competitors, then draw informed conclusions based on our overall impression of the camera’s construction, design, features and the quality of its output.
