Best 4K Camcorder Under $500 [Expert Review]
The term "camcorders" is not new to us as they have been in the market for quite some time but what has changed is their usage. The first developed video cameras were costly, large and were mainly used by commercial filmmakers. But today, camcorders have become a necessary gadget in everyone's life because everyone wants to cherish their precious moments. And why not invest in one when they come at an affordable price. Yes, today, you can get a low budget camcorder for under 500 dollars and still expect a stunning performance from it.
The demand for camcorders is increasing day by day because this is 2021, where social media influencers, Youtubing, vlogging, online classes, etc., all have become quite a reality. And everyone is searching for camcorders capable of recording high-quality videos. Now, you may think that what's the need for a 4K camcorder? Considering this, I'll try to clear things out for you.
See, UHD is the future because the screens on which we view our content is constantly increasing. The 4K comes with a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels which is 4x higher than the full HD resolution, which ensures that the content looks brighter, more color balanced, and vivid irrespective of the screen size.
Finally, if you are in the market looking for the best affordable camcorders under $500, then kindly continue with the following recommendations. I have included both 1080p and 4K supporting models, so everyone will have a choice to choose from.
In a hurry?! here are my top picks of the best budget camcorders under 500
10 BEST CAMCORDERS UNDER 500 REVIEW
1. CANON VIXIA HF W10 VIDEO CAMERA CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
Released in 2019, this Canon HF W10 is one of the most popular video cameras under 500. Be it for your YouTube vlogging purpose or recording family videos, this one is the best for you.
With the 3" 460,000 Dot vari-angle touch screen LCD you can control the camera functions without fiddling with the camera buttons. You get decent quality footage with it's 1-Chip 1/5.8" 2.4 MP CMOS sensor.
Is that all this affordable camera has to offer? No, you're mistaken. Look at the design and performance mentioned below, and you'll understand how big this video camera is!
DESIGN:
It is lightweight and is very compact. You can carry it with you whenever you for any vacation with your family. The LCD touch screen allows you to frame your shots from various angles, which is a big plus point.
The best part I liked about this camcorder is that it is constructed in such a way that it is waterproof, freezeproof (upto 14-degree Fahrenheit), and shockproof (upto 14-feet).
PERFORMANCE:
For on-the-go shooting, it is recommended that it be charged via a USB cable, and luckily this camcorder allows that.
Its 60x dynamic zoom facility allows you to get creative while you record videos with it. That too, the video footage is very smooth as it is built-in with a very good image stabilization system.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
2. ORDRO AZ50 - BEST BUDGET CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
If you’re looking for a perfect nighttime camcorder on a budget, then this Ordro AZ50 is a perfect choice. You can take pictures with a maximum resolution of 24MP; on the other hand, you can record videos at 4K.
Its 1/2.3 inch sensor will help you get brighter shots even in low-light. With its 2-in-1 (0.39x lens), you can take both wide-angle and macro shots.
DESIGN:
There is a 3.1” IPS touch-enabled flip-out screen that supports 270°rotation. The best attraction is its Infrared Night Vision Facility which will allow you to shoot paranormal shots or even take travel vlogs with it.
For transferring files, just install the “D video” app on your smartphone and download the pictures on the app, and you’re done. If you feel you need to plug in an external mic of your choice, you can; this camcorder has a hot-shoe mount that will help you attach external devices with it.
PERFORMANCE:
It has got a better digital zoom facility (64x) than the Canon W10, which is appreciable for a third-party camcorder. I recently bought one to test if the Time-Lapse movie works well, and I’m surprised with its performance. You can use it to shoot any slo-mo shots or even track the growth of your plants in your garden.
It is also great for vloggers because you can live stream videos at 4K just by connecting it to a 4K streaming device using an HDMI cable.
Overall, the ORDRO AZ50 is one of the best low light camcorders under 500 available in the market. Give it a try if you liked its features.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
3. ZOHULU ULTRA HD - BEST 4K CAMCORDER UNDER $500
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
For under 250$, if you could make the best buy, then this Zohulu Ultra HD video camera is the one. Trust me; you have everything in this camera like a Wide-angle lens, in-built stereo mic, stationary stabilizer mechanism, 4K ultra HD resolution, USB, and Wi-Fi connectivity.
When you purchase this video camera, you will get an HDMI cord to connect to a TV, USB plug, and a battery charger with 2 batteries as well.
DESIGN:
This cute little camcorder has a 360-degree rotatable flip-out screen which is very useful for those who do self-vlogging. Like the video camera mentioned above, this camcorder comes with a 0.39X 2-in-1 wide-angle plus macro lens. So, it is the best option if you want a single camcorder to take building photographs, landscape footage, and close-up videography.
PERFORMANCE:
You can actually zoom in up to 30x digital zoom, which is pretty helpful, and I should say that the picture quality this Zohulu camcorder delivers is just awesome. And like the Ordro video camera discussed above, this also is capable of infrared night vision. So those who will be mostly shooting at night or indoors, this camcorder is a big thumbs up for you.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
4. KOT VIDEO CAMERA
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
The first thing you get when you open the package is a well-presented bag that contains all the accessories and camera in a well-organized manner that tells that the manufacturer is concerned about how their product works and feels.
But that's not the only thing; you also get a great 4K video camera that shoots good quality ultra-high definition, which is rich with vibrancy and color.
DESIGN:
This HD camcorder under 500$ is easy to hold, even when the LED light and microphone is attached to the camera. The video camera is easy to set up and operate, making it a good option for newbies.
It comes with a 2-in-1 macro and a wide-angle lens that gives you varied perspectives for the same shot, making it a good choice for people looking for the best camcorders for 4K vlogging.
PERFORMANCE:
Apart from delivering Ultra HD footage, the camcorder is very easy to use. Like you have to download the "NovaCam" app from App Store, and that's it now you can control the KOT camcorder from your smartphone/tablet itself.
Overall, it is the best HD camcorder under $500. Give it a try, if you like the features!
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
5. KICTECK VIDEO CAMERA - BEST VALUE CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS:
FEATURES:
We are talking about the fifth product on our list, which is the Kicteck video camera. What separates this camera from its counterparts is that it can record 4K videos at 60 FPS and 1080p videos at 120 FPS, and 270-degree screen rotation allows you to be aware of how the video is looking like in real-time.
DESIGN:
It comes with ample picture customizability features like exposure, white balance, sharpness, sensitivity, etc. This gives you the option to customize your settings to record your 4K videos that are crisp and clear hence making them look the way you want them to look. One complete charge allows it to record for two to three hours.
The inbuilt microphone that comes with noise reduction ensures minimum voice distortion in video capturing.
PERFORMANCE:
The video quality is crystal clear, and that is what you exactly want from any camcorder, right! And its handheld stabilizer/holder is very useful to get that stable footage even while you’re shooting videos while walking or doing any movement.
Its Road Cam app allows you to control your video camera with your smartphone or tablet and allows you to download videos and images directly into your devices without the need for any cable, which is an added benefit.
Overall, it is the best cheap option for video cameras for recording your precious memories with your family and friends.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
6. SAULEOO 4K CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS:
This is meant for people who are new in the field of recording and is one of the best camcorders under 500. Even though it is an entry-level video camera, it comes with a host of features. It can record videos up to 4K and believe me the quality is really good and also supports digital zoom up to 16x for added magnification.
Operating it is also not that difficult as it comes with easy to customize options that are suitable even for rookies. The video camera can also take pictures up to 30M resolution and also comes with a 3.0 inch IPS screen with 270-degree rotation.
The microphone is able to capture clear audio without any distortions, which is a blessing for vlogging enthusiasts. It has a built-in hood to protect it from unseen falls. It can support SD cards up to 128 GB, a class 10 SD card is more preferable, and you can also install a 37mm lens.
Other features like face detection, continuous shooting, support selfie come built-in. You can totally consider it if you are on a budget and are looking for a 4K camera that can live stream, has good vlogging capabilities and doesn’t compromise on the quality of the recording and which offers ample of connectivity options.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
7. AASONIDA 4K CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS:
If you consider yourself an amateur and are just starting on with your journey into the world of content creation, then this is another good camcorder under $500 you can purchase. It offers all the features that you are going to need in your nascent journey. Its interface is user friendly, and it has anti-shake to countervail shaky hands.
Shoots 4K at 60 frames per second and Full HD at 120 frames per second. As a beginner starting out with a 4K camera that can capture high-resolution videos and photos can put you miles ahead of the competition, newcomers can be quite negligent with the way they handle their cameras and so it also comes with a hood to protect the lens from accidental damages.
2.4G Remote control that has a range of 60 feet allows you to take pictures and videos with a click of a button, isn’t that cool?
If you like capturing videos in the moonlight, then the output from this camcorder can be a bit fuzzy but nothing that you can’t live with. As a newbie, if you are passionate about vlogging and don’t want to miss capturing your journey into new landscapes and adventures, then this is one of the perfect digital video cameras for you.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
8. SEREE CAMCORDER 4K
PRODUCT DETAILS:
You are going to fall in love with the quality of recording that this video camera as it will fall within your budget. It has a compact form factor, and so it’s easy to carry and handle it won’t be much of a hassle. The best part of this camcorder is that it comes with a sturdy grip that provides you stability while shooting your videos and also prevents arm fatigue.
It is sturdy, and the build quality and also comes with a hood making it good for people who are bad camera keepers!!! Also, the 4K 30 FPS videos from this camera is a treat to the eyes due to the number of details that this little beast captures. The night vision shooting is also pretty good, but the little downside is that it can only shoot in black and white.
Even though this 4K video camera is quite small in size, you don’t lose out on any necessary features; it comes with face detection, anti-shake, webcam function also supported. This video camera is perfect for people who want a camcorder that’s handy, are on a budget and doesn’t want to compromise on the functionality aspects.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
9. ORDRO HD VIDEO RECORDER - BEST AFFORDABLE HD CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The first thing that you notice when you unbox the video camera you can find the big LED lights with which it comes, having 2700-6500K color to enhance the scene with fill light. It also comes equipped with the hood to protect the lens from accidental drops and an external microphone to record crisp and clear audio.
The 3.1-inch IPS touchscreen is vibrant and is good to look at along with 270-degree rotation. It has a 13M Sony IMX258 CMOS sensor that comes with 30x digital zoom which is fairly capable and captures good images and 4K videos with it wide angle lens. As the sensor is Sony made, you can guess the quality of 4K video that you are going to get.
The video camera totally lives on the legacy of the picture quality that Sony is known to offer. It also offers both USB and HDMI connectivity options for data transfer.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
10. VAFOTON 4K VIDEO CAMCORDER
PRODUCT DETAILS:
The last in my list of the best video cameras under 500 is VAFOTON 4K VIDEO CAMCORDER. Buy this, and the vlogger in you would surely pop out. This is a handy camcorder that is compact and easy to operate that comes with a hood which makes it suitable even for children. It comes with a 48MP camera capable of shooting 4K videos that are crisp and clear and offer great amounts of detail.
The infrared night vision ensures that your vlogging passion continues even at night even if secretly you are on a mission to bust ghosts this camera will have your back.
It has digital zoom up to 16x which allows to you explore even the far-off places. The box doesn’t come with SD card, so that’s one thing to keep in mind but other than that it surely is one of the best camcorder under 500.
What I liked about this CAMCORDER:
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHILE PURCHASING THE BEST VIDEO CAMERA UNDER 500 DOLLARS
Lens
A camcorder has fixed lenses which means you cannot buy any camcorder and try to fit other lenses with it. So, take the camcorder's lens features like its optical zoom facility, the picture quality it delivers, the aperture range, focal range into consideration while purchasing any brand new camcorder.
Viewfinder
A camera's viewfinder is the small rectangular/circular space through which you can see what the camera is focusing/recording. Higher-end camcorder models will have an EVF, but as the models discussed in this article are mid-priced, you may be okay with an Optical viewfinder itself.
If you're used to taking casual shots/videos or even vlogs, the viewfinder should be a flip-screen type. But note if the flip-screen is touch-screen enabled and allows a 180-degree rotation. And mainly has a good screen resolution.
Microphone
Most of the budget camcorders in this list come with a built-in mic. But, be sure that they have an additional mic jack so that you can purchase some external microphones and attach them with them.
Camera Controls and functions
All camcorders will have controls and buttons for these functions: Power, Record, video functions like Play, Stop, Rewind, Fast Forward, and Pause.
So, what extra you can expect is Wi-Fi, USB connectivity. Trust me; these features will be very helpful to you. If the camcorder is Wi-Fi enabled, you can both transfer files easily and operate the camcorder functions easily using your smartphone itself.
Battery
It is better if the camcorder has a rechargeable battery so that you needn't purchase extra batteries now and then.
Even the least costly camcorder will last for at least 120min. However, I want to stress that we don't completely rely on any camcorder's inbuilt battery power alone. Always have some extra battery packs with you because you don't know when the battery power will get drained off/ when you will need to shoot for long hours.
FAQ
1. Camcorder vs. DSLR: Which is better?
Not only you, but most people also raise the same question. The answer is it depends on what type of shoots you will be taking and what is picture/video quality you're expecting.
As you know, camcorders are built for videography, whereas the main attraction of DSLRs is the quality of their still pictures. If you compare a low-budget camcorder with a mid-priced DSLR, the latter's picture quality will be better. However, don't forget that there are camcorders, even at $3000, $2000, and no DSLR, can beat their video shooting performance.
So, overall if you are a beginner Vlogger or just want to shoot your home events, then a camcorder is the best. You can select any of the camcorders from this list, and you're sorted.
You can check my article on camcorder vs dslr for more information.
2. Is a camcorder worth buying even in 2021?
Oh yes, though the DSLR and mirrorless camera market is rapidly increasing, there are no replacements for camcorders if videography is your passion. Camcorders can shoot Full HD/Ultra HD videos, zoom, show exceptional bokeh quality, and have sharp AF tracking.
3. Can you take pictures with a video camera?
Well, yes. A camcorder can not only record high-quality videos but is also capable of capturing high-resolution still pictures. In my article CAN A CAMCORDER TAKE STILL PICTURES? I have explained this in detail.
CONCLUSION
The list of the top camcorders under 500 ends here; I hope that you could have gained some perspective on which camera suits best to your needs.
Vlogging and YouTubing is a field that’s gaining a lot of traction today, and if you are embarking on a journey in any of these fields, then a camera becomes quite an essential tool to help you achieve what you are aspiring to be. In that sense, investing in a camcorder makes sense.
