In this guide, I will take an in-depth look at the best affordable vlogging cameras with flip screens and explain why they stand out over other models.
I’ve worked with and used cameras for most of my life. I took that knowledge and combined it with my vlogging experience to conduct extensive research on the following models as well as the people who could best use them.
I believe the VIXIA HF R800 to be the best flip screen vlogging camera because of its ample specs, strong battery, and maneuverable design.
Where many affordable models cut down on traits, the lightweight device has an LCD touch screen, SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer, and 57x advanced zoom. That allows it to deliver high-quality images and exceptional video quality.
If you want to take a deeper look at the model, or if you’re interested in other budget-friendly vlogging cameras with flip screens, the following sections break down the best ones.
Contents
Top Cheap Vlogging Cameras with Flip Screens
This section analyzes each top vlogging flip screen camera by looking at their niches and individual traits.
1. VIXIA HF R800
- Best for: Overall
- Key Features: 3-inch touch panel LCD screen. 57x advanced zoom. Extremely strong battery. Lightweight and easily portable design. SuperRange Optical Image Stabilizer.
- Screen Size: 3 inches
- Weight: 8.5 ounces
- Lens Type: Prime
The RF800 is a complete vlogging camera that lets you record great video without breaking the bank. This model gets the top spot on my list because it excels across many different areas. Not only does it have a 3-inch LCD touch panel, it also has an HD sensor and 57x advanced zoom.
The other reason this camera excels is that it’s incredibly small and lightweight. You can easily bring it with you if you like to record on the road. The full HD video has excellent color and you can even turn the camcorder into a webcam through the clean HDMI output.
It’s not quite perfect, however. As great as the device is, it doesn’t quite have strong low light capabilities. It still works in dim environments, but it’s not exactly going to blow your mind. Still, if you vlog in daytime or lit areas, it gives you a ton of quality for the price.
2. Keculbo 4K Digital Camera
- Best for: Image Quality
- Key Features: 4k digital camera with 30fps recording and 48MP photographs. 52mm wide-angle lens. Pause function and continuous shooting. Webcam and HDMI output.
- Screen Size: 3 inches
- Weight: 1.21 pounds
- Lens Type: Prime, Macro, Wide Angle
This vlogging camera from Keculbo is a strong model that’s best for people who care about image quality thanks to the 4k/30fps smooth video resolution. That’s backed by a stunning 16x digital zoom, 48MP photo, and a 52mm digital lens. That combination delivers unmatched quality.
This also gets high marks for the ample shooting characteristics that increase the versatility. That includes silent recording, loop recording, motion detection, continuous shooting, as well as video pause. There’s almost nothing you won’t be able to do with this model.
The biggest drawback to this device, especially compared to similar models on this list, is that it’s on the heavy side. It’s also not the most intuitive camera and may take some time to get used to. Once you do, you’ll be rewarded with a reliable camera you can use for years.
3. Panasonic HCV1-80K
- Best for: Compact
- Key Features: 28mm wide-angle lens. Extremely clear audio thanks to two-channel zoom microphone. Multiple shooting modes. 50x and 90x optical zoom.
- Screen Size: 2.7 inches
- Weight: 7.5 ounces
- Lens Type: Wide-Angle
Vlogging can involve carrying your camera around for a long time, which can lead to fatigue. The HCV1-80K gets around that issue with its lightweight shell and compact design. The device, while affordable, has 90x optical zoom, strong image quality, and extensive creative controls.
You’re never going to run out of options here due to filters like silent movie and time lapse. In addition, the two-channel zoom microphone is perfect for vloggers. The 1/5.8-Inch BSI Sensor suppresses noise at all times, even if you’re recording or shooting in dimly lit environments.
However, the camera isn’t perfect. As strong as the specs are, it can be a bit slow to turn on compared to more expensive vlogging devices. It also has mainly plastic construction. That helps when it comes to the weight, but it hurts the general durability.
4. Rosdeca Vlogging Camera
- Best for: Connectivity
- Key Features: Fully rotatable screen with 16x digital zoom. Wi-Fi functionality. Wide range of different shooting modes. Motion detection. Anti-shake.
- Screen Size: 2.7 inches
- Weight: 1.96 pounds
- Lens Type: Prime, Macro, Wide-Angle
While it’s certainly heavier than other options on my list, the Rosdeca Vlogging Camera is a perfect option for users who want great connectivity. It doesn’t just have strong specs, including 1080p video resolution and a macro lens, it can be fully controlled through Wi-Fi.
As long as you have internet connectivity, you can use your smartphone to browse or download pictures and videos. It allows you to quickly share them to social media as well. On top of that, it can be used with the webcam function for true live streaming.
The camera is excellent during the daytime, but it’s not a great choice for low light. You’re going to see a drop in quality in such situations. There’s also no autofocus. As long as those don’t affect your blogging, you’ll be happy with the results.
5. LINNSE Camcorder
- Best for: Low Light
- Key Features: 1080p quality. 3-inch IPS screen with 16x digital zoom. Remote control and IR night vision. External microphone support. Low-speed video and time lapse.
- Screen Size: 3 inches
- Weight: 10 inches
- Optical Zoom: 1x
This small camcorder from LINNSE is an excellent vlogging choice for those who often find themselves shooting in dark or low light situations. This model comes with powerful IR night visions that enable you to record whether you have lights or not.
When it’s bright, this camera delivers full HD 1080p video and 24MP photos. You also get 16x digital zoom, remote control capabilities, and a 3-inch flip-out screen. There’s even external microphone support as well as a pause function for better recording control.
Some people won’t like that you have to purchase a separate microphone in order to get the best possible audio quality. Others might have trouble properly navigating through the menus. If you can get over those drawbacks, this camera goes a long way for vloggers on a budget.
How to Choose a Cheap but Good Vlogging Camera with Flip Screens
When considering an affordable flip screen vlogging camera, don’t forget these key aspects.
Resolution
With any camera, image quality should always be your first concern. Vlogs have to be entertaining, and a big part of that is making them look good. If your footage is grainy or fuzzy, it will turn viewers off. Sharp, detailed recordings should always be your goal.
That image quality applies to the screen as well. Using the flip-out screen is a key part of the above models. They need to look good. 1080p or 4k quality is your goal. The only reason you should dip below that threshold is if it’s for budget concerns.
Battery Life
Most vloggers tend to record for long periods of time. Even if you don’t use all of the footage, it’s still good to have for when you go to edit. As such, it’s important to get a camera that you can use for hours at a time without worrying if it’s going to suddenly die or run out of juice.
Some cameras take regular batteries. Others use rechargeable ones. The type of battery you use doesn’t matter as long as it stays on for your entire vlog. A few hours should be your minimum goal towards that end.
Audio
A big part of recording a professional vlog is audio. If your viewers can’t understand or hear what you’re saying, it defeats the purpose of the entire video. You want to find a model that has crisp audio quality both in and outside. External microphone support is also quite important.
My Verdict
If you want an affordable vlogging camera with a flip screen, I would recommend the VIXIA HF R800. The camera gives you everything you need to take awesome footage, including HD video, 57x advanced zoom, and a flip-out 3-inch LCD screen.
It’s also lightweight and easy to carry around for extended periods of time. Though it’s not the best for low light, every other part of the camera takes your vlogging or general video to the next level.
