Cheap (CHEAP) video cameras for youtube?

So I started to put together my third video, and I can see the FOV jump as the focus changes as I step in and out of view. It's enough to drive me crazy, so I'd hate to wonder what other people think of it.

So I was looking for a cheap video camera to do the filming instead of my phone.

I looked up video cameras on Amazon, and a dozen "different" manufacturers popped up with basically the same product:

https://www.amazon.com/Camcord…-Batteries/dp/B094JJKGYX/

All about $150. All decent reviews. But should I avoid this? If people are really subscribing, maybe I'll get a better camera. But is this worth it?

It's 2 years old, or so. 13 MP camera on it. Pictures are decent. I've got a little phone tripod it rests on.

Quote from Sluggo

Do you need to have the auto focus turned on?

Good thought. I checked earlier and can't adjust the focus in video mode. Can do it in camera mode.

Quote from Sluggo

Try turning off image stabilization.

None to turn off. Video mode is very rudimentary on this phone.

New phone is an option, but I'm on a pay as you go plan. So I'd be out of pocket. Looking at the cameras they offer, I'd have to spend a lot more to get a comparable camera to a dedicated one. (I think.)

Quote from MurderFace

Samsung S21 Ultra is the phone you want.

My current phone isn't any good for a trade in, so that'd be a full $700. For that price, I'm in to a good quality Nikon camera.