4K

Many photo/video equipment manufacturers have recently been offering models of the best cameras for filmmaking on a budget, as they are in great demand. Among the abundance of offers, it is not easy to choose a good option in terms of price/quality ratio and one that suits individual requirements. Therefore, we have compiled a rating of the best budget action camera considering price, shooting quality, functionality, and user reviews.

How to choose the best camera for filmmaking on a budget

Choosing equipment among budget models is always more difficult, but you can find decent devices in this category with a competent approach. The main thing is to decide on the tasks that the device should solve and also pay attention to the following criteria:

• Stabilization. This option is essential if you intend to shoot on the move, not on a tripod. Otherwise, the pictures will be blurry, and the movie will come out with a shaky picture. Stabilization is digital, optical, and hybrid. The last two options are the most effective.
• Automatic noise reduction. Improves picture quality when shooting in low light conditions. Without this option, the pictures will have abundant noise (defects).
• Video quality. This setting is affected by the frame rate and maximum resolution. It would be best to choose among models that support Full HD mode and provide a frame rate of at least 30 per second. It is also better if the camera supports 4 K, which allows you to get more detailed videos.
• Additional options. Modern, even budget cameras often support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for wireless file transfer. The camera can also be equipped with an additional screen for taking selfies. Additional options include the photo mode since not all models have it.
• Moisture resistance. Action cameras are usually purchased for extreme conditions, so a waterproof case is necessary for longevity. The degree of moisture resistance can differ – some cameras can withstand splashes, while others are designed for underwater photography. If the case is not protected from moisture, the kit should have a sealed box that allows you to shoot directly in it.
• The presence of the screen. Models with a screen are more convenient, and if the screen is rotatable, the camera can even be used for taking selfies. When purchasing such a model, please consider the screen size and brightness to make it convenient.
• Autonomy. This indicator tells how long the device can work, from when it is fully charged until the battery is completely discharged. A good indicator is 2-3 hours, but cameras often have less autonomy.
• Matrix resolution. The higher this indicator, the higher the picture detail (resolution). High resolution allows you to enlarge the image without losing quality. For modern cameras, the optimal resolution is at least 15-20 megapixels.
• Equipment. Especially for bike/moto riders, many models are equipped with special mounts for helmets, bikes, or motorcycles. They may contain sealed boxes for underwater shooting and additional straps and mounts.
• Viewing angle. Action cameras have wide-angle lenses—120 ° and higher. The higher this indicator, the more objects the lens can capture.

After deciding on the best camera for filmmaking on a budget model, review the reviews and comparisons, especially if the model you choose isn’t on our list of the best budget action cameras.

Rating of the best action camera

07. EGO Jump

• Country: China
• Maximum shooting quality:2034×1314
• Autonomy:1.5 h
• Stabilization: absent
• Rating (2021):8.5

If you are looking for an inexpensive action camera that allows you to take selfies, this model will be an excellent option since it has two screens—on the back and front side. In addition, it has other advantages, such as 4 K support and a 170 ° wide angle. There is a VR Video 360 mode. It includes a large set of mounts and a sealed box.

06. HP ac200w

• Country: USA
• Maximum shooting quality:1920×1080
• Autonomy:2.3 h
• Stabilization: absent
• Rating (2021): 8.5

This model of a well-known American company can be recommended for those who need a universal camera that can take good family photos and cope with the tasks of the action camera. Even the design looks more like a classic camera. Among the advantages, one can single out not only the quality of shooting but also good autonomy. There is a Wi-Fi module and an application for controlling the camera from the phone. The set includes a sealed box for underwater filming.

05. X-TRY XTG373 ULTRA HD Indigo

• Country: China
• Price:11990 P
• Maximum shooting quality:2880×2160
• Autonomy: no information
• Stabilization: Electronic
• Rating (2021): 8.6

This is the best option for those who will shoot during sports or who need to shoot without drawing attention to themselves. This model is made in sunglasses, while the camera is almost invisible and not striking. With its compactness, it can shoot in 4k, is the best camera for filmmaking on a budget, and even has electronic stabilization. There is also a photo mode.

04. Drift Innovation Ghost x

• Country: England
• Maximum shooting quality:1920×1080
• Autonomy:5 h
• Stabilization: absent
• Rating (2021): 8.7

This action camera suits those who value autonomy, as it can continuously shoot for 5 hours. The maximum resolution is Full HD. The quality of the shooting can be assessed as good, but it is not the highest in our rating. But, since the manufacturer is English, the camera cost is relatively high. Another disadvantage is that there are many fakes, so there are negative reviews that have nothing to do with this gadget.

03. X-TRY XTC162

• Country: China
• Maximum shooting quality:3840×2160
• Autonomy: up to 1 h
• Stabilization: absent
• Rating (2021): 8.8

You shouldn’t expect the high quality of expensive cameras from this camera, but it will allow you to understand whether you need an action camera at all. It is also quite suitable for amateur photography if you do not make high demands on it. With such a low cost, it is even capable of shooting in 4K quality; however, there is no stabilization. The package bundle is not rich but contains a waterproof box for underwater shooting. There is support for Wi-Fi.

02. SJCAM SJ8 Air

• Country: China
• Maximum shooting quality:1728×1296
• Autonomy:2.1 h
• Stabilization:Electronic
• Rating (2021): 9.2

best camera for filmmaking on a budget

This is another model of a well-known Chinese brand with good shooting quality. It does not support 4 K, but it shoots well in Full HD. Besides, there is stabilization, which does its job well. In addition, the device is equipped with a powerful enough Novatek NT96658 processor, which provides fast information processing. Other advantages include a large touchscreen display and good battery life.

01 . Rekam A310

• Country: Canada
• Maximum shooting quality: 3840×2160
• Autonomy: 2.5 h
• Stabilization: absent
• Rating (2021): 9.3

This camera, the best for filmmaking on a budget, has several important advantages. It supports 4K video recording at 30 frames per second, has good battery life, and belongs to the category of the most budget devices. The set includes a variety of mounts, straps and Velcro, an aqua body, and much more. There is support for Wi-Fi. The only thing is that the camera lacks stabilization to get a higher score.

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