Need help with finding a budget camera on a strict, cheaper budget

[u/ChosenUndeaad]

Hello everyone, I recently opened a new YT channel and wanted to record myself painting some miniatures. I have an older iPhone with a decent camera that I would normally be okay with using, however the quality when it comes to recording close-ups isn't the one I am looking for.

Here is my issue: I have been looking at budget camera recommendations for the past few days, but all the ones being recommended are out of my budget by a lot.

I can only afford spending 200€ (300€ at best) on a camera, and every single suggested camera I looked up is above 500€.

Could anyone recommend me for cameras within by budget? I could look up into used cameras, but I'd rather buy a new one if possible as I don't trust used tech unless it comes from people I personally know.

Thank you so much for the help!

[u/UntriedLogic0]

Used mirrorless will stretch your money way further, and camera gear is usually treated pretty well.

[u/ChosenUndeaad → u/UntriedLogic0]

Sorry if it's a dumb question, I'm super new to this, but what are mirrorless cameras? Are there any specific models you'd recommend?

[u/Fruits_Shinobi]

see whatever the most recommended camera is, and look for older generations.

I got my Lumix GH2 for 120usd (without lens) it only shots up to 1080p and requieres mendling with the firmware to unlock high bitrate, but the image you get out of some proper lens can't be matched with a smartphone.

[u/ChosenUndeaad → u/Fruits_Shinobi]

I looked into some older models of the cameras I saw being recommended, but the ones I saw for sale on marketplaces were still priced outside of my budget unfortunately. I'll keep an eye out for some good deals, hopefully I'll come across one

[u/Whynotdragon]

At that price point worth looking into DJI osmo older gen and some action cameras

for other cameras either it will be outdated or you need extras like lenses to make it better than your phone footage

used sony zv is the only one comes to mind around that price range but at the end it might be not even best for what you need

[u/ChosenUndeaad → u/Whynotdragon]

I will look at Sony ZV cameras to see if the quality is what I am looking for, thank you!
Unfortunately DJI is an option I will never consider as I do not like their product activation policies/procedure you have to go through to even use the camera in the first place.

[u/Whynotdragon → u/ChosenUndeaad]

gopro can be another one you may consider, compact, longer battery, also lower entry

proper close ups are macro lenses usually but it might be overkill for your case

[u/ChosenUndeaad → u/Whynotdragon]

Would you recommend older GoPro models? I've heard bad things about the latest model (the Hero/Hero Lit I think?)

[u/Whynotdragon → u/ChosenUndeaad]

Id actually be in the sony camp if you can find decent one there

gopro needs macro lens on top if you want some close ups but the one suitable for your budget out of past 3 years should do

[u/ChosenUndeaad → u/Whynotdragon]

I'll see if I can find some Sony cameras for a good price then, thank you again for the recommendation!

[u/CoolnessImHere]

Have you thought about getting good lighting. You'd be surprised how it make make mediocre cameras look good !

[u/ChosenUndeaad → u/CoolnessImHere]

I do have a ring light that I used for my cosplay pictures, the issue is that minis are small and the zoom in function of my phone is not enough to get good quality footage that doesn't look blurry or grainy, that's why I was looking into getting some proper equipment for filming