this post was submitted on 12 Feb 2026
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Suggestions for budget small multi-purpose camera (piefed.zip)
submitted 3 weeks ago by scytale@piefed.zip to c/askelectronics@discuss.tchncs.de
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Hey all. I'm looking into getting a small action cam type of camera. Primary purpose would be for travel and recording music playthrough videos at home. My wife would like something small and discreet that she can use to take short videos while traveling, but not make her look like an obnoxious vlogger. At the same time I'd like to use it in my home studio to make videos. Doesn't have to be 4k, 1080p would be fine if it doesn't meet the budget limit. I'm looking into something less than $200.

Anyone have suggestions?

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[–] brucethemoose@lemmy.world 3 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (1 children)

Also, if you’re trying to beat a smartphone optically, modern mirrorless cameras are good. And not embarrassing to hold. This is my little R50V next to an older body:

And I am not a vlogger. It’s my travel/family cam.

Though TBH I’d recommend a used Panasonic Lumix S9 instead. That will utterly blow a smartphone out of the water.

…But it’s not cheap. A used S9 with a 18-40mm lens is $1000, and that’s a steal in the photography world. The R50V with a kit lens is like $700 new, and that’s as cheap as these video-centric cameras get.

[–] scytale@piefed.zip 3 points 3 weeks ago

Those aren't exactly small and discreet, and like you said, they're way above my budget.