10 Cameras Under $300 for Video!

Here are 10 budget cameras for shooting video and photos! These cameras are perfect for filmmakers starting out or anyone looking for a small fun camera for video and stills use. Link to all cameras below!

MY CAMERA GUIDES

THE CAMERAS
Here are all the cameras I talked in order of appearance.

Sony NEX 5n

Sony a5000

Sony a5100

Sony NEX-6

Canon EOS M

Canon T2i

Panasonic GH2

Panasonic GX7

Samsung NX2000

Samsung NX1000

Pentax Q7

Pentax Q-S1

DISCLAIMERS:

This video was not paid for by outside persons or manufacturers.
No gear was supplied to me for this video.

The content of this video and my opinions were not reviewed or paid for by any outside persons.

[radiorain]

This might be THE most helpful video for beginner/budget filmmakers. Thank you!!!

[Phototropos]

Video samples:
Sony 5N 2:25 . Sony A5000 3:03 . Sony A5100 3:52 . Sony NEX6 4:42 . Canon EOS M 5:52 . Canon T2i 6:51 . Panasonic GH2 7:40 . Panasonic GX7 8:41 . Samsung NX2000 10:38 . Pentax Q7 12:22 and 12:36 .

[CountSorinsRealm]

I don't even need a new camera yet here I am.

[LashleyDesigns]

Thank you for also actually including footage shot from each camera in similar scenarios. A lot of people when using test film will shoot each camera in a different location with various lighting so it makes it really hard to compare them accurately

[DeyvsonMoutinhoCaliman]

In Brazil it is forbidden by law to buy used things from international sellers. So not only we are madly poor, but we are not allowed even to recycle the trash of others.

[BobTheThird]

As a creator working on a budget myself, I suggest just rocking the phone camera and saving up until you can buy something that you are going to be happy with for a long time. I still use my iPhone 8+ and just ordered a Canon Rebel T5i. The quality of most modern smart phones is good enough for most video purposes, and I also think theres some value in the fact that you always have your phone with you so you're always ready to pull out your camera and record something.

[EposVox]

a5100 also has clean HDMI out :) Great as a webcam! Doesn't overheat via HDMI like it does via SD writing.

[PickledDill]

The real lesson here is "Shooting with cheap (slightly) *outdated* cameras looks amazing, just make sure you have good light" All these cameras looked pretty good, certainly good enough for a lot video applications. Yea sure there were some dynamic range issues but honestly for the price you won't beat them.

Just yea, get enough light so you can shoot as close to base ISO as possible.

[cobeer]

Its nice to find a video where the camera costs less than a mortgage payment.
I dont know when "budget" and "affordable" switched meaning you had to sell a kidney to take a picture

[chantal]

This video quality is better than my own eye sight. My eyes are so confused 😂

[elvisgomez]

My friend was trying to look for something in this price range. This video came in clutch

[daycube]

I bought my daughter a Panasonic GF1 and today was looking through some of her video footage and was honestly stunned at how good it looked and I paid $45 for the camera and maybe $60 for the 14-42. Even the sound was great right out of the camera. She had great lighting of course but I just wanted to add that in. Great video thank you for the suggestions.

[AngelicalOrABeat]

Dude they all looked incredible to me - I think it's something in your hands

[mckernel]

Rewatched this one so many times. Not even interested in getting a new camera, just a really entertaining video. Can we get a sequel?

[GreenMorningDragonProductions]

11:00 I'm so pleased the Pentax QS1 is on here, because I've just bought one. I actually mainly shoot film on a Panasonic Camcorder(HC-V360) but it's good to hear someone in the know say that the QS1 is good for video too. I'll definitely put it through its paces, now! Thanks!

[looseyguuzey]

In the beginning of the vid I thought “what a generic intro”
But the VALUE that came after that...
T-H-A-N-K 🙏🏼

[ceddo]

The Sony A5100 is still my go to carry every day cam, it's so small and light with the 35mm f1.8 OSS and still produces lovely images that hold up well even today.

[StrayCatMatt]

I bought a Panasonic lumix gh2 because of this video. I now have three expensive lenses and I love it. The only bad thing is the adaptors and effective mm due to mirrorless. I have a 50mm, 250mm, and a 10mm. It’s a super cinematic camera, I am just shy about posting videos online of it. I’ve done a ton of kids photos and videos for their families with this camera. Love it.

[FlyByFrancis]

I always love your videos. Budget photographers/videographers who are still starting in their careers in video thank you! I learned so much from what kind of cameras are the best value for me. These camera videos that are below...are great! Thanks Caleb. Keep doing what you're doing, I wish you the best bro!

[MissMobileTech]

Wauw finaly a video with real budget camera's since we don't all have 500 bucks lying around when starting out! Thanks so much for this!