Top 5 Cheap Action Cameras for Vlogging Beginners in 2025

Did you know over 110 cameras were tested for vlogging? Yet, many beginners find it hard to find affordable ones. Video creation is booming, especially for newbies wanting to share their stories. Action cameras are perfect for them because they’re small, light, and tough.

In this detailed review, we’ll look at the 5 best action cameras for starting vlogs. We’ll focus on quality and price in 2025. You’ll see brands like GoPro, DJI, and AKASO. We’ll cover their specs, how they perform, and what’s good and bad about them.

Key Takeaways

• Action cameras are lightweight and durable, making them ideal for beginner vloggers.
• Vlogging can be achieved on a budget with options priced as low as $345 for high-quality action cameras.
• Enhanced video resolution, including up to 5.3K, is available in affordable models.
• Key features to consider include stabilization technology and battery life for efficient vlogging.
• Major brands like GoPro and DJI provide reliable choices in the market of cheap action cameras.

Why Choose Action Cameras for Vlogging?

Action cameras are great for vlogging because they are small and light. They are perfect for both adventurers and influencers. You can take them anywhere without the big equipment hassle.

Compact and Lightweight

Vloggers love how easy action cameras are to carry. Cameras like the GoPro HERO and DJI Osmo Action fit in small bags. They are under 300 grams, so you can attach them to helmets or bikes easily.

This makes it simple to catch those quick moments. You don’t have to worry about losing quality.

Durable and Weather-Resistant

Action cameras are built to last. They can handle tough conditions like water and shocks. This means they last longer and you can vlog anywhere without worry.

They work well in rain or snow. So, you can film your adventures without a hitch.

Key Features to Look for in an Action Camera

Choosing the right action camera for vlogging is key. Look for models that shine in video quality, stabilization, and battery life. These features help you capture and share your adventures well.

Video Quality and Resolution

Video quality is very important for vlogging. Many cameras now offer 4K to 8K resolution. The GoPro Hero 13 Black records at 5.3K up to 60 frames per second.

This ensures your videos are clear and vivid, even in tough conditions. Other cameras, like the Oclu Action Camera, offer 4K at 30 fps. They are known for their good video and image quality.

Stabilization Technology

Stabilization technology is key for smooth footage. It reduces shakiness in fast-moving scenes. This makes your videos better for viewers.

The GoPro Hero 13 Black has HyperSmooth 6.0. It keeps the horizon steady, even when you’re moving in circles. This means you can capture every moment smoothly.

Battery Life

Battery life is crucial for non-stop vlogging. Choose cameras that can record for a long time. The Hero 13 Black can record up to 79 minutes at high settings.

This is great for filming long events without needing to recharge often.

GoPro HERO11 Black Review

The GoPro HERO11 Black is a top pick for action cameras. It’s perfect for beginner vloggers. It has great specs and easy-to-use features for top-notch video in many places.

Specs and Performance

The GoPro HERO11 Black has amazing specs. It was released in September 2022. It can record video up to 5.3K at 60fps.

It also has a 27MP image sensor for clear photos. You can get creative with its 8:7 ratio for storytelling. It’s great for slow-motion with 4K at 100fps.

The battery lasts about an hour for non-stop shooting. You can charge it while filming with its USB-C port. Its Hypersmooth 5.0 tech keeps your video smooth, even when it’s moving.

It also has GPS and special video modes. These make it a top choice for new vloggers.

Pros and Cons

Here are the good things about the GoPro HERO11 Black:

• It takes amazing videos and photos
• It has many frame rate options for creative projects
• It’s tough and waterproof for outdoor filming
• It can automatically upload to the cloud with a subscription

But, there are some downsides:

• Its sensor tech is the same as before
• It’s not the best in low light

The HERO11 Black costs $399.99 without a subscription. Its advanced features and quality make it a great choice for new videographers.

DJI Osmo Action 4 Review

The DJI Osmo Action 4 is a top pick for vloggers who want quality without spending too much. It has amazing DJI Osmo Action 4 features that stand out in a crowded market. It’s light, weighing just 145 grams, but strong enough for outdoor adventures.

It shoots videos in stunning 4K at 120fps. This means your videos will look vibrant and play smoothly.

Specs and Performance

This camera has a 1/1.3-inch CMOS sensor. This boosts its action camera performance in many shooting situations. It’s also waterproof up to 18 meters without a case, making it great for underwater videos.

Its dual screen setup makes framing easy from different angles. The battery lasts all day, and you can use extra batteries for even longer.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Excellent 4K video capability at 120 fps
  • Lightweight and compact design
  • Durable construction with waterproof functionality
  • User-friendly interface with dual screens
  • Competitive pricing at $299.00
• Cons:
  • Low-light performance may not match competitors
  • Image stabilization lacks the robustness seen in GoPro models
  • Some users report overheating issues

AKASO Brave 8 Lite Review

The AKASO Brave 8 Lite is a great choice for those on a budget. It’s light at just 114g and captures 4K video at 60fps. It also has a 20MP still camera. But, it might not do well in dark places or with shaky hands.

This review will look at what it can do and what it can’t. We’ll talk about its good points and bad points.

Specs and Performance

The AKASO Brave 8 Lite has good specs for its price. It has a 1/2.3-inch sensor for clear images in bright light. It costs $199.99 in the US, making it a good deal compared to more expensive cameras like the GoPro Hero12 Black.

This camera does well in bright light. But, it struggles in dark places because of too much noise.

Pros and Cons

• Pros:
  • Affordable price point
  • Compact design with dual screens for easy framing
  • Decent video quality in good lighting conditions
• Cons:
  • Poor image stabilization
  • Low-light performance issues
  • Flimsy construction affecting durability

Insta360 ONE X2 Review

The Insta360 ONE X2 is a cool 360-degree action camera. It’s great for adventure lovers and creators. It shoots 5.7K video and takes 18MP photos. This makes it stand out in reviews.

It’s light at 149g and can go underwater up to 10 meters. This camera is perfect for outdoor use. Let’s look at its specs and how it compares to other cameras.

Specs and Performance

The ONE X2 offers many filming options. It can record up to 5.7K video at 100 Mbps. This is great for clear footage.

It has four microphones for better sound. The color LCD touchscreen makes it easy to choose modes and frame shots. This is a big improvement from earlier models.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: It has amazing 360 features, great video and sound, and new modes for creativity.
• Cons: It might be hard for beginners to learn, and the battery life is average.

Reviews say the Insta360 ONE X2 is amazing for making immersive content. It’s a top choice among action cameras. Even with some downsides, it’s worth it for those who want to learn its advanced features.

Sony ZV-1F Review

The Sony ZV-1F is a top pick for vlogging cameras. It’s made for content creators and is easy to use. Its small size and light weight make it perfect for carrying around.

This camera has great specs for high-quality videos. It’s also easy to handle, making it great for vlogging.

Specs and Performance

The Sony ZV-1F has a 20.1MP Exmor RS CMOS sensor. It can record 4K videos at 30P. For slow-motion, it can do 1080P at 120fps.

It has 425-point autofocus for quick and accurate shots. The ISO range is 80-12,800, working well in different lights.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Compact and lightweight, excellent 4K video quality, user-friendly design for self-recording.
• Cons: Fixed zoom lens may limit shooting flexibility, potential overheating issues during extended recording sessions.

Canon PowerShot V10 Camera Review

The Canon PowerShot V10 is a great tool for new vloggers. It mixes quality with easy use. It costs $429.99 and shoots amazing 4K videos and photos.

It’s small and light, making it easy to carry. This camera is perfect for anyone who loves to record videos.

The PowerShot V10 has a simple interface and a built-in kickstand. It can record in 4K30 and 1080p up to 60fps. But, it might shut down after 23 minutes of recording due to heat.

It’s fast to transfer videos, taking just 2.5 minutes to move a 30-second 4K clip to an iPhone 13. It also has fourteen filtered looks for video, adding to your creativity. The PowerShot V10 is a good choice for beginners, competing with Sony ZV-1F and GoPro HERO11.