no comments

10 Ridiculously Cheap Vlogging Cameras With A Flip Screen


I wish I had done proper research when I first started vlogging – some of the first-ever vlogs I filmed were on a Canon EOS 550D, and while it was a decent camera, I quickly realized it was redundant anytime I wanted to film myself speaking on video. Can you guess why? If you have read the title of this article, you know why – this particular model did not have a flip screen, which made filming a complicated process. I was eventually forced to delve into some research and find a suitable replacement – at a decent price.

While I have seen some YouTubers like Fran Meneses use cameras without a flip screen, forced to subvert to a more experimental form of video creation (where they film themselves vlogging in the mirror), I don't think you should be forced to jump through hoops to get a decent video. You also don’t have to spend an insane amount of money to start making some eye-worthy content. You can get a great cheap flip screen camera with a tiny price tag – they do exist. On the other hand, if you do want to get the best of the best, and if you’re new to vlogging as a whole, you might want to check out my best vlogging camera review, where I talk about some of the greatest cameras for YouTubers. That way, you can familiarize yourself with some nice video equipment, and who knows – you might find it was “meant to be” with one of the cameras on that list.

Meanwhile, if you want to stick around, I’ll introduce you to some of the cheapest vlogging cameras with a flip screen, perfectly suitable for a gift or to anyone planning on creating video content on a tight budget. If you have read any other articles on this blog, you’ll know I already talked about some of the best cameras with flip-up screens. This time, I want to introduce you to ten of the best cheap vlogging cameras with flip screens. Let’s check them out!

Best Cheap Vlogging Cameras With A Flip Screen

If you’re wondering what the best cheap vlogging camera with a flip screen is, I’ll save you the suspense. The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II is our top pick, outshining the rest with its tiny price tag. Incredible and unique flip up screen which is pretty special (read the review below to find out why), it’s an intuitive camera for any beginner vloggers out there.
 
  1. Top Pick – Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II 
  2. Best Vlogging Camera with a Flip Screen Under $400 – Sony A5100
  3. Best Budget Camera with a Flip Screen for Travel Vloggers – Nikon CoolPix B500
  4. Best Budget Camera with a Flip Screen for Adventure Bloggers – Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70S
  5. Best Budget Camcorder with a Flip Screen – Panasonic HC-V180K
  6. Best Budget Camera for Underwater Vlogging – AKASO EK7000
  7. Best Budget Mirrorless Vlogging Camera with a Flip Screen – Sony Alpha A6000
  8. Best Ultra Cheap Camera with a Flip Screen – Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50
  9. Best Compact Cheap Flip Camera – Panasonic Lumix LX10
  10. Best Cheap DSLR with a Flip Screen – Canon EOS 700D

Best Cheap Vlogging Cameras – Full Reviews

If you couldn’t find the vlogging camera you were looking for, check out our other buyer’s guides here:

1. Top Pick – Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II

Type: Action Camera | Sensor size: 1-inch 20.1 megapixel CM optical sensor | Resolution: JPEG, Raw max resolution 5472 x 3648 | Effective focal length: 24–100mm | Viewfinder: none | Monitor: 3-inch LCD flip up screen | Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth | Movie Resolution: Full HD | Size: 1.65 x 2.4 x 4.15 (inches) | Weight: 1.0 lbs | Battery Type: 1 lithium metal battery included | Battery Life: 265 shots

The Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II was made by Canon as a response to the Sony RX100 Mark III, which is very clear if you were to take a look at both cameras side by side – Canon made the G7X to be almost identical to the compact Sony camera. The previous Canon model – the original PowerShot G7X – wasn’t ideal for vloggers for a few reasons, the major one being the optical dial on the lens, which made an annoying click sound every time you would fiddle with it, which was evident in any video and could be heard during video playback. I’m happy to say the G7X Mark II has provided a quiet function switch, which is great news and already solves one of the major drawbacks this model used to have.

The handling on this camera is also pretty impressive – the grip is amazing, very secure, and feels natural, which is a benefit if you’re going to be recording a lot of handheld footage. The tilt screen is pretty special – it offers both downward and upward angle articulation which is rare and quite unique for a flip screen camera of this price, and it is a huge improvement over the original G7X. The touch screen is also very intuitive. It works just as well as a smartphone’s, and the controls are easy to use – once again Canon proves they have mastered the concept of simplicity and logic. The quick menu is easy to bring up either with the touch screen or the buttons. The focusing shutter button is also very responsive and sensitive which is great if you’re trying to autofocus on a subject.

Overall, you’re going to find this is a very straightforward and cheap flip screen camera, extremely intuitive, and easy to use, and that is a huge plus. This is a perfect camera for walking around, traveling, and shooting on the go. Lately, Canon cameras have really been working on becoming more intuitive and have been improving on their models, as well as really listening to customer reviews and complaints. They are a joy to use, and they aren’t confusing, which for a beginner will be a huge green light. If you just want a simple, easy, and enjoyable interface, this will be a great camera for you, and it’s also the reason why it’s at the top spot on our list.

Pros

  • Extremely intuitive and lightweight
  • Full HD video quality
  • Pocket-sized
  • Super cheap flip camera and great value for money
  • A great beginner camera for vlogging
  • Flip screen tilts up and down

Cons

  • No viewfinder
  • No 4K
  • 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

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


2. Best Vlogging Camera with a Flip Screen Under $400 – Sony A5100

Type: Digital Camera | Sensor size: 23.2 x 15.4 мм RGB CMOS | Resolution: 3:2,M, S, 16:9 | Effective focal length: 16–70 mm | Viewfinder: flexible LCD, no viewfinder | Monitor: 3-inch | Connectivity: Wifi | Movie Resolution: AVCHD 2.0/MP4/XAVC SAVCHD | Size: 4.33 x 1.42 x 2.48 (inches) | Weight: 0.62 lbs | Battery Type: NP-FW50 series W | Battery Life: 400 shots 75 mins video recording

The Sony Alpha A5100 is a really interesting camera, combining the size of a compact camera with the features and benefits of a Sony mirrorless camera. It seems to be one of the best deals on the market right now for vloggers and content creators. Bear in mind that this is a wonderful camera, but at this price, it will have a few limitations (we’ll try to work around them though, so don’t worry). This camera has an impressive 24-megapixel sensor, which is a standard in the industry, and it’s good enough for most content creators. By far, one of the best things about taking photos or shooting video is the flip-up screen – you can easily put the camera on a selfie stick or a tripod, and for a vlogger, this will be ideal. You can easily see yourself on the screen, and because this camera is so lightweight, it makes it a perfect vlogging camera that won't wear out your arm. Another great feature about the LCD screen is that while the selfie mirror is up, you can just hold down the shooter button, and it will automatically switch into selfie timer mode.

When discussing the video specs on this vlogging camera, it does 24 all the way up to 60 frames per second in full HD (sadly no 4K is available on this camera), but for a camera of this price, it is to be expected. The video itself is pretty impressive – Sony cameras are known to have really good video, and in the case of the Sony Alpha A5100, it does not disappoint.

Another amazing feature worth mentioning is the autofocus – if you know anything about Sony cameras, you know they provide an extremely high standard of autofocus to this day. It’s fast and reliable, so if you’re someone who wants to leave the camera on autofocus, it will keep up with you, tracking objects as they move around. You can also go into the settings and adjust your autofocus speed if you’re not happy with the fabric settings.

When it comes to design, at first glance, you may think the Alpha A5100 is trying too hard to be compact – the grip and the small body in comparison to the huge lens don’t seem to ensure a nonslip video recording or photography experience. However, if you use this camera for vlogging and intend to attach a selfie stick or tripod, the small body will help with the balance. The body itself is surprisingly solid and sturdy. On the other hand, a small drawback for photographers is the lack of a viewfinder, so bear it in mind before purchasing. The LCD screen quality is not ideal, but rest assured any photos or video you take will look phenomenal when you export it to your phone or computer. Overall you won’t be disappointed by this camera, and you’ll be getting a pretty dependable, compact, and practical flip screen camera.

Pros

  • Interchangeable lens system
  • Compact and lightweight body
  • LCD flip up screen – perfect for vlogging and selfies
  • Outstanding autofocus by Sony
  • Impressive battery life for such a compact camera

Cons

  • No 4K video
  • No viewfinder
  • Ultra-fast auto focus with 179 AF points and 6Fps
  • Capture life in high resolution with 24MP APS-C sensor.Lens compatibility Sony E-mount lenses
  • Instant sharing via smartphone with Wi-Fi and NFC1

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

3. Best Budget Camera with a Flip Screen for Travel Vloggers – Nikon CoolPix B500

Type: DSLR-styled super-zoom | Sensor size: 16MP 1/2.3″ BSI CMOS Sensor | Resolution: 4608 x 3456 (15.9 MP, 4:3) | Effective focal length: 22.5–900mm | Viewfinder: none | Monitor: 2.7-inch LCD | Connectivity: Wifi, Bluetooth | Movie Resolution: Full HD 1920 x 1080 | Size: 4 x 3 x 3 (inches) | Weight: 2.27 lbs | Battery Type: AA Alkaline batteries | Battery Life: 600 shots or 50–90 mins video recording

This is a great Nikon camera with a flip screen for the price you’ll pay, and if you click on the link above, you can even get it in a bundle with a camera bag, two 16GB SD cards, and more useful extras. Talking about the Nikon CoolPix B500 flip-up camera, I can’t help but mention the body, which comes in black or metallic red. It’s predominantly plastic, but it does look like it is made with quality in mind. It’s nice, well-built, and hefty, and it has a nonslip rubber grip, so you can handle the camera with ease, along with a textured pad on the back for a thumb rest. On top of this cheap flip-up camera, you’ll find the majority of different buttons for various settings and shooting modes. This is a particularly helpful camera for anyone starting out with vlogging, because everytime you switch between different scenes or modes, there’s a description box below the mode that will describe what that scene actually does for you.

This Nikon flip screen digital camera also has a pop-up flash, a toggle switch for zooming, and an NFC function for Android users who want to wirelessly transfer photos and videos directly to their phones. One of the juiciest functions of this camera is the 3-inch LCD flip screen on the back of the camera. Sadly, it is not a touch screen which is good and bad news depending on your individual reference. Additionally, this camera does have a flip screen, but you can’t flip it all the way around, and you have to roughly estimate where you are in the frame, so keep that in mind.

Where this camera excels is the super zoom mode as well as the macro mode, it has x40 optical zoom. The video capabilities of this camera are actually pretty impressive, so you can say goodbye to blurry videos forever with the ability to shoot full HD (1080p / 60i) movies with 4-axis Hybrid Vibration Reduction (VR), which combines optical element movement and electronic vibration reduction to compensate for any vertical shaking of the camera and effectively reduce blur even at the 40x optical zoom.

Focusing on your subject happens immediately with the target-finding AF technology, which analyzes your shooting conditions to quickly and efficiently identify the subject. All you have to do is point the Nikon flip screen digital camera at the subject you want in focus, and it will immediately predict where the focus should be. The active focus areas are set automatically according to the size of the subject, so your images will always be in clear focus. Target AF works equally well for subjects in the center of the frame and those outside the frame, and it’s also highly effective for shooting smaller subjects, such as food and flowers. This is a great camera to start learning photography and video editing with, and it is now available for a great price!

Pros

  • Pop-up flash
  • Incredible superzoom
  • Full HD video quality
  • NFC connectivity

Cons

  • No viewfinder
  • No microphone input
  • LCD screen doesn’t flip all the way around

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

4. Best Budget Camera with a Flip Screen for Adventure Bloggers – Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K

Type: Point and shoot | Sensor size: 20.3mp MOS sensor | Resolution: 4K photos | Effective focal length: 240–720mm | Viewfinder: 166k-dot EVF | Monitor: 3-inch 180 degree flip up touch screen | Connectivity: WiFi | Movie Resolution: 4K and more | Size: 1.62 x 4.4 x 2.64 (inches) | Weight: 0.71 lbs | Battery Type: 1 Lithium ion batteries required | Battery Life: 380 shots

The Panasonic DC-ZS70K is a cheaper, more affordable alternative to the Canon G7 X Mark series. It was immediately praised by photographers and video creators, both amateurs and professionals, for its compact design. One of the best things you need to consider when purchasing this camera is, of course, the flip-out screen (and the freakishly small price tag). This model also has a sturdy body – the part that houses the lens is made of metal, while the rest is hard plastic. Another truly amazing thing about this camera is that it shoots in beautiful 4K, but if you don’t want a video that large, this camera also has full HD (as well as all other more compact video resolutions). With its competitive price, it was an instant rival to the Sony RX-100 Mark III. This camera has a 20.3-megapixel MOS sensor and a Venus processing engine; shoots in 4K, 30 fps video; and has built-in stabilization with a 180-degree tilt screen and an incredible 30x optical zoom. This camera also has a built-in flash; however, most reviewers complain they occasionally block it with their finger when they’re holding the grip. If you want to customize your video and aren’t happy with the out-of-the-box settings, you can always switch to Intelligent Auto Mode for a crisper, more true-to-life video quality.

The star of the show is definitely the amazing and articulate 180-degree flip-up screen with touch availability. The touch screen is bright and clear, and it feels just as responsive as any modern smartphone, even when tapping on the smaller icons on the screen. I can’t tell you how many times I have read reviews complaining about the responsiveness of the screens and difficulties around navigating on a touch screen, so I’m pleased to report this has my seal of approval. The flip-up screen feels sturdy and secure, so you can place the screen at any angle, and it will stay secure, which is a huge testament to Panasonic’s craftsmanship. When talking about the viewfinder, however, I have heard it’s too small according to reviewers. Consequently, the amount of compact flip-up cameras I have reviewed that don’t even offer the option for a viewfinder is disturbingly large. I think it’s great for Panasonic to offer this advantage. Believe me, you’ll be happy you have any type of viewfinder on a bright and sunny day.

The menu system is typical for Lumix cameras, so if you’ve used one before, this will be a pretty intuitive experience for you. In my opinion, Panasonic really does the best menu system on any camera with easy, logical controls and a quick and snappy response, which is great. Likewise, the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K will have difficulty being overrun by another camera in its class and especially at this price, and I think this is a great camera to bring on any adventures, due to its small size and enviable characteristics. If you want to take a look at some more adventure cameras, check out my cheap vlogging cameras article for more information!

Pros

  • Beautiful 4K footage
  • Sturdy and reliable flip up screen
  • Built-in stabilization
  • Super cheap
  • Compact, perfect for adventurers

Cons

  • Flash may be blocked by finger
  • Viewfinder isn’t great
  • 20.3 Megapixel MOS sensor plus 30x Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens (24-720 millimeter), plus 5-axis Hybrid o.I.S. (Optical image stabilizer)
  • 0.2-Inch 1, 166k-dot EVF (electronic view Finder) with eye-sensor for easier viewing under sunny outdoor conditions
  • 4K QFHD video recording (3840x2160), plus exclusive LUMIX 4K PHOTO and 4K Post Focus with internal Focus Stacking feature

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

5. Best Budget Camcorder with a Flip Screen – Panasonic HC-V180K

Type: Camcorder | Sensor size: 1.58 inches | Resolution: 4224 x 2376 pixels max | Effective focal length: 28mm | Viewfinder: EVF | Monitor: 2.7-inch | Connectivity: USB, HDMI, SD Card | Movie Resolution: Full HD | Size: 4.6 x 2.1 x 2.3 (inches) | Weight: 7.5 ounces | Battery Type: 1 Lithium ion battery included | Battery Life: 60 minutes per charge

The Panasonic HC-V180K is the lowest-cost entry-level camcorder by Panasonic. It has a fantastic x50 optical zoom and x90 digital zoom, and this will be one of the main things you’ll love about this device. It’s an extremely compact and lightweight camcorder. It shoots at 1080p, 60 frames per second, which is typically what you’ll be watching YouTube videos on. The 60-fps rate will give you the ability to shoot your video and add a good slow-motion effect without any lags on the footage post slowing it down. Because this camcorder will shoot endlessly, your battery life or your memory card is your limit. It also uses an SD card, which is great if you already have one on hand.

When we talk about the feel of this camera, it’s light. With the strap, it will be pretty sturdy and flexible to move around with. At the top of the corpus, you have the zoom in and out button, the start and stop for video, and a button to take photos with. There’s a power source plugin that opens up with a small slide-open latch on the side, and at the front, you have an open/close slider for your lens, so you don’t have to worry about losing a lens cap. It will also protect your lens when you’re not using the camcorder. You can easily flip open the screen, which will rotate at 360 degrees. When you open the flip screen, that will give you access to the A/V output, the USB and HDMI input, and the power button. There’s also an option that helps you check the stabilization on your video, which can be switched off if preferred.

Do keep in mind the menu on this Panasonic HC-V180K is going to be very different from the menu you’re used to on a DSLR or point-and-shoot model. Most of the menu can be accessed on the left-hand side of the flip screen, and some users have commented that it is a little too narrow for their taste. One thing that’s great about this camcorder is that it has a touch LCD display. This is excellent because you won’t have to press a whole load of buttons to get your desired setting.

The Panasonic HC-V180K also works great as a POV action camera, which you can attach to your biker helmet. If you’re into more extreme sports, worry not – the focus will keep up, and the stabilization is great. Even with a head mount, the camera is barely noticeable and pretty light. If you’re thinking of getting this camera as a cheaper alternative to a GoPro, it might be a good investment. The only potential drawback would be the fact that it’s not waterproof. Otherwise, this is a pretty affordable and durable camcorder I would happily recommend.

Pros

  • Full HD footage
  • Great battery life
  • Compact and lightweight
  • A great action camera replacement
  • Extremely affordable
  • Has a slot for an SD card
  • Incredible superzoom

Cons

  • No WiFi or Bluetooth connectivity
  • No 4K footage
  • Isn’t waterproof
  • 50X and 90X Optical Zoom: Long 50X zoom and 90X intelligent zoom draws in the scene from far away. The focal length is 2.06 - 103 millimeter
  • Wide-angle Lens: A 28mm wide-angle lens is convenient for capturing group images in small spaces, such as weddings, reunions and vacations
  • 1/5.8-Inch BSI Sensor: The Back Side Illumination Sensor has a large effective area with 2.20M effective pixels, suppressing noise even when shooting...

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

6. Best Budget Camera for Underwater Vlogging – AKASO EK7000

Type: Action camera | Sensor size: 12MP OV4689 Image sensor | Resolution: 12mp photos | Effective focal length: Wide-angle lens | Viewfinder: None | Monitor: 2-inch display | Connectivity: WiFi, HDMI | Movie Resolution: 4K | Size: 0.9 x 2 x 1.5 (inches) | Weight: 1.40 lbs | Battery Type: 2 rechargeable 1050mAh batteries | Battery Life: 60 mins at 4K

The AKASO EK7000 is an extremely compact action camera that you can literally put in your pocket. This camera is using the SURPLUS 6350 chipset and has a field of view 1 of 70 degrees. One of the first things you’ll notice upon purchasing is that the camera comes in a waterproof case, and it will protect the camera for up to 30 meters in the water. This camera also comes with a remote control bracelet which you can put on your arm and switch the camera on or off with ease. You can also use the middle button to take pictures, which is a really nifty extra by AKASO. This will be very useful if you have the camera sitting on a tripod somewhere and you want to start vlogging or take a photo or selfie with it without holding the camera.

At the front of the camera, you’ll find the power button or the mode button as well as an LED light and the lens. On top, you’ll find another LED light that usually flashes whenever you’re recording, and you’ll also find the recording button. On the right-hand side are two buttons with arrows – the one below will connect with WiFi, which allows you to control your camera with a smartphone through an app called Ex iCam which you can download for free. Once you’ve got that set up, you can turn on the camera and connect it to your smartphone, and this is the best part – this camera technically doesn’t have a flip screen, but after connecting it to your phone, you can use the image on your phone as a real-time flip screen, giving you incredible flexibility and access. That way you’re not limited by the manufacturer’s flip screen design and size, which is a huge benefit for such a cheap action camera.

From the app, you can also change some of the settings on the camera, like selecting your preferred resolution, for example, you can also start recording via your smartphone if you prefer. Additionally, you can take pictures through your phone, and lastly, of course, this useful WiFi feature allows you to instantly download everything that you have recorded on your camera onto your smartphone, making it extremely easy to use. This camera also has an HDMI port and an SD card slot, which supports a maximum of 32 GB, so even if you plug in a 64GB card into the camera, it will only register 32 of them, which is worth noting before you buy it. Personally, I don’t find that to be a dramatic issue at all, especially with all these incredible benefits and all for such a small price tag. This is the cheapest camera on this list. And speaking of tiny price tags, if you want to check out cameras with an even smaller price range, similar to the AKASO, check out our article on the cheapest cameras around $200.

Pros

  • Amazing WiFi connectivity
  • Tiny action camera that will fit in your pocket
  • Waterproof up to 30 meters
  • Comes with a remote control bracelet
  • 4K video quality

Cons

  • Only reads up to 32GB of memory
Sale
  • 4K Ultra HD action camera: Professional 4K30Fps & 2.7K30Fps video with 20MP photos at up to 30 frames per second for incredible photos, which is 4...
  • Smooth Stabilization: Built-in Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) delivers steady and smooth videos. It can enable excellent footage even you or the...
  • 131ft waterproof camera: AKASO EK7000 is designed to withstand extreme environments, together with durable waterproof case. With the accessories,...

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

7. Best Budget Mirrorless Vlogging Camera with a Flip Screen – Sony Alpha A6000

Type: Mirrorless | Sensor size: 24 APS HD CMOS image sensor | Resolution: 24.2 megapixels | Effective focal length: 75mm | Viewfinder: 0.39 in type electronic viewfinder | Monitor: 3-inch tilting LCD | Connectivity: WiFi and NFC | Movie Resolution: Full HD | Size: 4.72 x 1.77 x 2.64 (inches) | Weight: 31.25 oz | Battery Type: NP-FW50 battery | Battery Life: 360 shots

The Sony A6000 is one of the best Sony cameras with a flip screen you can find on the market, and it has held a great reputation for the past couple of years. The Sony A6000 has a 24.3-megapixel CMOS sensor and can record up to 60 fps in 1080 p, and it has built-in WiFi and NFC connectivity. The 3-inch LCD screen is perfect for vloggers, and it tilts at 180 degrees. This camera also has the Sony E-mount which has plenty of lenses for you to choose from.

One of the greatest features this camera has and still manages to hold up even in 2022, 7 years after it’s initial release, is the incredible eye autofocus by Sony. Actually, a lot of people don’t know that the A6000 has eye autofocus, but it does! It also has phase autofocus, facial recognition, which is a great feature to have if you want to customize how you shoot. One of the main things you need to ask yourself is whether you need an insane picture quality for your YouTube videos as a vlogger. If you don’t, full HD will suit you just fine, and this camera provides some great options for vloggers that aren’t just limited to a flip up screen. This camera has a flip-out screen to the side, which in my opinion is better than a flip-up screen because it won’t get in the way of any of your control buttons on the top, and cameras with a flip-up screen usually omit a viewfinder.

With this camera, you can shoot in a flat picture profile, which you can customize to avoid any high contrast or the level of sharpness. The A6000 works with an 8-bit processor, which is essentially the amount of information it can record per second of recording. The next thing worth mentioning is the stabilization – this camera does not have any inbuilt stabilization, but you can get around that by using lenses with an optical steady shot, which will greatly improve your stability with handheld footage. Otherwise, if you’re super worried about your footage being unstable, you can always invest in a gimbal, which is a standard for video creators in 2022. You can also look at some tripods and sliders if that’s how you roll.

The great thing about the A6000 is that it has NFC connectivity and WiFi as well. After all, we live in the age of social media, and being able to transfer your photos and video on your smartphone device or tablet has become a necessity. All you’ll need is an editing program on your smartphone, that is of course if you feel like you don’t like your raw footage or photographs. Most importantly, you can upload your content on social media, which can be an important feature for many people. This is also great for anyone who is constantly on the go or likes to travel because it will literally connect to your camera. Trust me, this is an excellent and very cheap vlogging camera with a flip screen

Pros

  • Extremely lightweight and compact – can fit in your pocket
  • Sony E-mount for Interchangeable lens
  • Flip-out screen
  • WiFi and NFC connectivity

Cons

  • No 4K
  • No IBIS
Sale
  • Advanced 24.2MP back Illuminated 35 millimeter full frame image sensor
  • ISO 100 25600 (expandable to 51200). Lens compatibility: Sony E mount lenses
  • Hybrid AF with 179 point focal plane phase detection and 25 contrast detect points

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

8. Best Ultra Cheap Digital Point-and-Shoot Camera – Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50

Type: Point and shoot | Sensor size: 12.1 megapixels | Resolution: 4000×3000 | Effective focal length: 24–710 mm | Viewfinder: Electronic | Monitor: 3-inch | Connectivity: WiFi | Movie Resolution: Full HD 1080p | Size: 4.36 x 1.35 x 2.54 (inches) | Weight: 7.65 ounces | Battery Type: Panasonic DMW-BCM13 | Battery Life: 300 shots

Here’s the thing – if you want a ridiculously cheap digital point and shoot, I know exactly what to recommend. The Panasonic DMC-ZS50 is a great pocket-sized camera for anyone on a low budget. Although this is not a professional-class camera, it has a lot of great features that I’m sure will work in tune with you. The ZS50 will easily fit in a pocket, and it’s not bulky and doesn’t consume a lot of space, which is one of its many benefits. Even though it doesn’t look like it, this camera does have a manual focus feature even for video – if you want to step up your video game and switch off autofocus, you’d be starting off on a great camera if you choose the ZS50. This camera also has an electronic viewfinder with a great resolution. Like other ZS family members before this one, it also has the benefit of a built-in flash.

One of the great things about this camera which I mentioned briefly is the manual focus. You’ll often find that with point and shoots, the lens will “hunt” for the object and move back and forth until it can locate the subject you want to focus on. This looks pretty amateur, so it’s nice that Panasonic gave the option of manual focus with this camera. You can easily switch that on if you move the mode’s dial at the top of the camera on anything but “A” – automatic focus. There are various scene modes on this camera, as well as easy access to different frame rates for slow-motion video capture. Bear in mind this camera really just has all the basics, so don’t expect 4K quality here. On the other hand, if you really want to save on some cash and still take good photos and HD video, this can be a great option for you. It is also a suitable gift, and it’s great for teaching your kids the basics of video and photo creation without worrying they are going to break a ridiculously expensive piece of equipment.

If cheap cameras are what you’re into, we have a whole article listing some of the best cameras around $200. Check it out if you want some more variation and an honest review for each one!

Pros

  • Ultracheap point and shoot
  • Perfect for a gift
  • Great entry camera for kids
  • Great manual focus for video
  • Durable pocket-sized camera for traveling

Cons

  • No flip screen
  • No 4K
  • 12. 1 Megapixel sensor delivers high resolution photos with fewer image artifacts
  • 30x (24mm) LEICA DC Lens optical zoom performance is ideally suited for travel and everyday photography
  • Enhanced low light sensitivity for improved sharpness even without a flash

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

9. Best Compact Cheap Flip Camera – Panasonic Lumix ZX10

Type: point and shoot | Sensor size: 1-inch sensor 20.1 megapixel still images | Resolution: 4K photos | Effective focal length: 24–72mm | Viewfinder: None | Monitor: 3-inch 180-degree tilt screen | Connectivity: WiFi, HDMI | Movie Resolution: 4K and Full HD video | Size: 1.65 x 4.15 x 2.36 (inches) | Weight: 0.68 lbs | Battery Type: 1 lithium battery included | Battery Life: 265 shots

I know, I know, this review truly indulges in talking about Panasonic, but what can be done when the company has proven time and time again that their cameras are reliable and come at a fair price? So why not give you a little review on this astonishingly cheap camera with a flip screen. The Lumix LX 10 is designed to compete with the high-end compact point-and-shoot cameras of the same category. It is designed to compete with rivals like the Sony RX100, which I have mentioned previously in my best cameras with a flip screen article, so if you want to compare the two, you can go check that out! 

The Panasonic Lumix LX10 is also considerably less expensive than the Sony RX100, which is great news, and it features a lot of the same thing you will see on the RX100 series. The LX 10 flip-up camera can also be viewed as the “younger sibling” of the LX100, which is a slightly larger-looking version of the same concept. One of the key features of this camera is that it has a physical aperture ring, which means that while you’re in aperture priority mode or manual mode, you can dial in your aperture. Due to the physical restrictions that come with compact cameras, there are only so many knobs and dials you can fit onto a device to ensure its practicality, so it’s nice to be able to physically turn the aperture on this device.

Another great feature that a lot of people are excited about and the main reason I included this camera on the list is, of course, the amazing 180-degree tilt screen. This would make a very interesting vlogging camera, but before I talk to you about that, let’s check out some of the main characteristics of this camera. To start with, the LX10 has a 24–72 mm f 1.4–2.8 lens, which is the equivalent to a 35mm lens except when you’re recording in 4K. The LX10 does feature some cropping when shooting in 4K, making it more like 37mm at the widest angle. Usability and layout are exceptional on the LX10, which isn’t a surprise – Panasonic has always strived for customizability in their settings, and this camera is no exception. They give you a ton of custom button functions that you can tailor to your taste, which I think only makes this camera more professional.

As promised, I wanted to shed some light on the touch screen, which is of course exceptional on this Panasonic LX10. Everything is extremely easy to use, and it’s easy to navigate. You are able to simply touch on an object, and the camera will automatically focus on that object in your scene. There is also a pop-up flash that is tiltable, generously provided despite this being an ultrasmall camera. It also has a hybrid optical image stabilization, which is great if you’re into vlogging and you need some stabilization while you’re on the move. With all of this in mind, it’s hard to resist this cheap and affordable camera by Panasonic. I honestly think you’ll be making a pretty solid investment if you choose to buy it.

Pros

  • Tiltable flip-up screen
  • 4K image and video quality
  • Extremely compact camera
  • Super affordable
  • Customizable menu and settings
  • Pop-up tiltable flash

Cons

  • No viewfinder
  • Pop-up tiltable flash
  • POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA: Large, 1-inch 20.1-megapixel MOS sensor plus 3X zoom LEICA DC VARIO-SU millimeter ILUX lens (24-72 millimeter) and POWER...
  • TILTING SELFIE DISPLAY: Rear touch-enabled 3-inch LCD display (1040K dots) tilts upward 180 degree for easy selfie photos
  • 4K VIDEO CAPTURE: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160), plus exclusive LUMIX 4K photo and 4K Post Focus with internal Focus Stacking allows you to...

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

10. Best Cheap DSLR With a Flip Screen – Canon EOS 700D

Type: DSLR | Sensor size: 22.8 x 14.9 CMOS sensor | Resolution: RAW/JPEG, 1920 x 1080 | Effective focal length: 18–55 with kit lens | Viewfinder: LCD | Monitor: 7.7-inch | Connectivity: Bluetooth | Movie Resolution: Full HD | Size: 5.24 x 3.24 x 3.11 (inches) | Weight: 1.28 lbs | Battery Type: 1 Lithium ion battery included | Battery Life: 440 shots

The Canon EOS 700D DSLR camera weighs 1.3 pounds which is about the size of a bag of sugar for comparison – it’s safe to say I haven’t chosen to talk about this camera for its compact size, unlike most of the cameras on this list. Still, this camera is pretty light in comparison to most DSLRs. I think you’ll really enjoy this DSLR if you’re starting off with vlogging and want a cheap DSLR with a great flip screen, as well as the option to start investing in different lenses. This Canon video camera with a flip screen is also great for photography, and it will shoot JPEG and RAW images at 5 fps. It has an 18-megapixel, 22.8 x 14.9 CMOS sensor. It comes with an 18–55 mm kit lens, which is standard for Canon.

One of the best features about the Canon EOS DSLR 700D vlogging camera is that it comes with a really cool flip-out screen which is perfect for doing vlogs. I’m happy to say this is the largest flip screen on this list, and it really can’t compare with the 3-inch ones – it’s 7.7 inches, so you have a detailed view of everything you’re shooting. It’s absolutely perfect for handheld vlogging, so if you have a gorilla pod, you can attach that on the bottom of the camera and combine that with a mic, and voilá – you’ve got a pretty solid vlogging kit already. The fact that this camera also has a touchscreen display is also pretty impressive, and you can even swipe through your gallery much like you would on a smartphone.

 It also has a hot shoe on the top to fit in a flash or a microphone so you can complete your vlogging kit if you want (and yes, it does come with a built-in flash too). Another really cool thing about this Canon video camera with a flip screen is that it has a high video resolution mode, even though it doesn’t go all the way up to 4K. However,if you’re one who want to save on storage and you’ll be uploading to YouTube like I have said many times, you won’t feel that deprived of the 4K absence here. This DSLR shoots 1080p video at 25 fps or 720p video at 50fps. You can take professional photographs and production-grade videos all in one camera, which is pretty amazing for this price.

The battery life on the Canon EOS 700D is actually great. It takes approximately two batteries if you’re planning on having a full day of video recording and you don’t want to be surprised by the sad red flashing battery indicator in the middle of your day. This is a high-quality Canon vlogging camera with a flip screen, it’s extremely durable and reliable, and it takes incredible photos and videos, perfect for YouTubers and vloggers.

Pros

  • Interchangeable lens system
  • Sturdy with a good grip
  • Big flip-out touch screen
  • Great for building your own vlogging kit

Cons

  • Quite a heavy camera
  • No 4K
  • Optical Sensor Type:CMOS
  • Image Stabiliser:Optical
  • Auto Focus Features:Predictive Focus Control

Last update on 2024-10-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Best Cheap Vlogging Cameras – Buyer’s Guide

I thought it would be a wonderful idea to answer a major question around choosing the appropriate cheap camera with a flip screen to help you select a camera, matching your individual taste and needs. In this short buyer’s guide, I’ll be answering a very popular question: What’s better – a flip-up screen or a flip-out screen?

Flip-Up Screen vs. Flip-Out Screen

If for some reason you have chosen the one camera on this list that doesn’t have a flip screen, it’s not the end of the world. Particularly, if you’re filming the sort of sit-down vlogs, with a bit of tweaking, you can adjust the frame composition and press record, and not having a flip screen won’t make a big difference. Even though it’s possible to get around not having a flip screen in this specific scenario, if you're a vlogger that is planning on going out and doing some outdoor video recording, this won’t be a feasible option. So the question stands – what’s better? A flip up screen or a flip out screen?

Flip-Up Screen

A lot of your shooting preferences come with the sort of habit you have. One of the main questions you should be asking yourself is, “What kind of vlogger/photographer am I? Am I someone who needs a certain level of invisibility on the streets? Do I want to remain incognito? Is my footage going to include strangers on the streets because I am a traveler and I want to capture the authenticity and atmosphere of a particular place?” If the answer to any of these is yes, choosing a smaller mirrorless camera with a flip-up screen will be the right choice for you – compact cameras aren’t as noticeable and don’t look that imposing on strangers.

Flip-Out Screen

Just think about it – you’re walking around the streets of a developing country, and you start filming people with a huge DSLR, flip screen popping out and everything – you will be noticed. If you're the type of vlogger that wants to primarily record themselves talking or being on the go, living the city life, then choosing a camera with a flip-out screen (on the side) might be a better option for you. If you’re a YouTuber who advertises a lot of products from the comfort of your home, having a flip-out screen is more comfortable, and you can easily place your camera on a tripod, whereas some flip screens will come out from the bottom of the body, preventing the attachment of a gimbal or tripod.


If this list of ridiculously cheap cameras wasn’t enough for you and you want to find out the best camera for vlogging, you can check out our article on the best vlogging cameras!

Best Selling Cheap Vlogging Cameras with Flip Screen

Last update on 2024-10-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.