Hey guys! I want to start vlogging and am really stumped on what to start with. I want something that is good all around and thought a gopro hero 6 would be good but not be able to meet all needs. A dslr seems too expensive for just getting my feet wet, and the problem I worry about with something like a canon g7 mark2 is they are fragile and get dust under the lens. I'm trying to stay around $500 or $600.
$600 starter camera
- Thread starter NoFear10
- Start date
I moved this to the Video Editing, recording, software, and hardware discussion forum. 
Xynudu
Super Poster
A lot depends upon what features you need/want.
I used a $215 AU (new) Nikon L820 for years and it's great, but it lacks Mic input, flippy screen, manual focus, and eye viewfinder. All stuff that makes life a lot easier - but not essential.
So recently I bought a 6 months old secondhand Panasonic Lumix FZ300 off Gumtree (like Craigs list) for $225 (new price $680 AU) and still under warranty.
Is it as good as they say ? No it's not. Optically it's on a par with the Nikon, it has all the features I want BUT close up auto focusing is hopeless. I have to use manual focus - most of my video is within 1 - 8 feet. Apparently it's a well known problem.
So I find myself still using the Nikon as it's smaller and so much easier to shoot with.
What I'm saying is, more expensive isn't necessarily better, you don't need to pay a lot and buy new.
So my advice is to buy cheap to start off with (you can get an L820 for $80 ), just look for a popular YT camera that's on the used market and at the right price.
The FZ300 is nice, but not worth $680, even if the macro focus worked properly
.
A lot of the current cameras are really just re-hashed earlier models with a few upgrades, so don't be sucked in.
Cheers Rob
I used a $215 AU (new) Nikon L820 for years and it's great, but it lacks Mic input, flippy screen, manual focus, and eye viewfinder. All stuff that makes life a lot easier - but not essential.
So recently I bought a 6 months old secondhand Panasonic Lumix FZ300 off Gumtree (like Craigs list) for $225 (new price $680 AU) and still under warranty.
Is it as good as they say ? No it's not. Optically it's on a par with the Nikon, it has all the features I want BUT close up auto focusing is hopeless. I have to use manual focus - most of my video is within 1 - 8 feet. Apparently it's a well known problem.
So I find myself still using the Nikon as it's smaller and so much easier to shoot with.
What I'm saying is, more expensive isn't necessarily better, you don't need to pay a lot and buy new.
So my advice is to buy cheap to start off with (you can get an L820 for $80 ), just look for a popular YT camera that's on the used market and at the right price.
The FZ300 is nice, but not worth $680, even if the macro focus worked properly
.A lot of the current cameras are really just re-hashed earlier models with a few upgrades, so don't be sucked in.
Cheers Rob
AnimeSpry
Member
Look into the rebel series by Canon (t3i,t4i etc) they're great cameras if you're starting out. I sold my t3i not too long ago since I upgraded but I'd imagine you can get a newer version for your price range with a decent amount of features. If you can see if you can get a refurbished model and use the left of money on a lens.
YouTube4x4
I've Got It
Now that the Hero 7 is out I would consider it. The big plus about this one is that it will give you a wide array of shooting options for many conditions. Waterproof, shock proof, time lapse features. This might not be the best one for that use, but if I could only have one camera that would probably be it.
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Madiisuun
I've Got It
this is true!! i just got the canon rebel t6i with the flip-out screen at target just a few weeks ago, i've filmed a little bit with it and it looks really nice imo. the rebel series is a really good starting camera line in general, but if your budget is about $600, you can probably get some of the newer ones in the series.
videoeditgr
I Love YTtalk
No brand or kind of equipment suggestion.
The most common things you might need (also metioned above) are:
mic in, flip screen, full HD output, autofocus in video, wide lens (if blogging) and maybe stabilization.
You can choose from actioncams (mobile for monitor), dslrs, mirrorless or camcorders.
Whatever you might choose, you will probably need a mike and definetely some lights.
Good luck!
The most common things you might need (also metioned above) are:
mic in, flip screen, full HD output, autofocus in video, wide lens (if blogging) and maybe stabilization.
You can choose from actioncams (mobile for monitor), dslrs, mirrorless or camcorders.
Whatever you might choose, you will probably need a mike and definetely some lights.
Good luck!