If you’re looking to buy a budget monitor for video editing, photo editing, and gaming, you’re in the right place. I’ve done the research for you and put together this buyer’s guide to help you find the perfect monitor without blowing your budget.

Every monitor on this list is $500 or less. Many of them are a lot less. I focused heavily on color accuracy, which is critical for video and photo editing, while also prioritizing high refresh rate screens so you can game at high frame rates.

To save you time, I’ve linked all of these monitors where I found them at the cheapest prices. Also, just to be clear, this is not a paid or sponsored post. None of these companies paid to be here. I do have full reviews of many of these monitors on my YouTube channel though, so consider subscribing if you want deeper dives.

We’re starting with the cheapest option and working our way up to the most expensive.

The Cheapest Option That Still Gets the Job Done

If you’re on a very tight budget but still want something color accurate with a high refresh rate, take a look at the Dell S2425H.

This monitor is about as budget as it gets. At the time of recording, it was around $109. For that price, you’re getting a 24-inch 1080p display that covers 99% of the sRGB and Rec.709 color spaces. That means it’s surprisingly color accurate.

Even better, Dell somehow squeezed a 100Hz panel into this monitor. If you want to game at up to 100fps, it handles that just fine. Yes, it’s only 1080p, but for the price, it’s an incredible value.

A Small Price Jump for a Big Refresh Rate Upgrade

For about $30 more, Dell offers another option, the Dell S2425HSM. Same size, same 1080p resolution, and the same 99% sRGB and Rec.709 coverage.

The upgrade here is simple but meaningful. You get a 144Hz panel. That’s it. But if you care about gaming performance, that extra smoothness is absolutely worth it.

If you want a cheap, color accurate monitor with a higher refresh rate, this is a solid step up.

Bigger Screen and Faster Performance

Next up is the BenQ EX271, and honestly, this is where things start getting interesting.

The screen size jumps from 24 inches to 27 inches, which makes a noticeable difference for editing. It’s still 1080p, but it now covers 100% sRGB and Rec.709, plus 95% DCI-P3. That wider color gamut makes it much better for color grading and working with HDR or RAW footage.

For gaming, it gets even better. This monitor has a 180Hz refresh rate, which is insanely fast for the price.

If your budget is tight, stick with one of the Dell options. But if you can spend a bit more, the larger screen alone makes this BenQ worth it.

The Budget Unicorn Monitor

Now we need to talk about one of the most impressive monitors on this entire list. The AOC Q27G40XMN.

This is a 27-inch monitor with a big jump in resolution, moving from 1080p up to 1440p. Everything looks sharper. Editing feels better. Gaming looks crisper.

The real magic here is the panel. It keeps the fast 180Hz refresh rate but adds a mini LED backlight. That means much better contrast, brighter highlights, and deeper shadows. Mini LED is still relatively new tech, so seeing it at this price is honestly shocking.

Color performance is excellent. You get 100% DCI-P3, 100% sRGB and Rec.709, and 95% AdobeRGB. That makes this monitor especially strong for photo editing.

There are two downsides you should know about. First, it uses a VA panel. VA panels do not have viewing angles as good as IPS, so you’ll want to sit directly in front of it while editing. Second, it’s mostly color accurate out of the box, but I highly recommend using a color calibrator to dial it in perfectly.

Also worth noting, in the US this monitor is only available at Best Buy. Internationally, it’s available on Amazon.

At around $230, this monitor feels like a unicorn.

If You Want IPS Instead of VA

If you’re telling me you don’t want a VA panel and you’re willing to spend about $10 more, take a look at the BenQ EX271Q.

This monitor is very similar to the earlier BenQ, but now you get a 1440p resolution. It still has a 180Hz refresh rate, 95% DCI-P3, and 100% sRGB and Rec.709.

It’s not as exciting as the AOC mini LED option, but if IPS is important to you, this is a solid alternative.

If you’re curious what I was recommending back then, I’ve still got Budget Monitors for Video Editing & Gaming Buyer’s Guide 2022 and An Ultrawide Monitor PERFECT For Video Editing & Gaming! (Dell U4025QW Review).

The Cheapest OLED Monitor You Can Buy

Now we’re jumping up in price, but stay with me, because this is special.

If you have around $419 to spend, the AOC Q27G4ZD is hands down the monitor I would buy.

This is a 27-inch, 1440p OLED monitor. OLED means unlimited contrast, perfect blacks, and incredible color. For gaming, it has a 240Hz refresh rate, which is the fastest on this list.

For editing, it’s on another level. You get 99% DCI-P3, 142% sRGB and Rec.709, and 99% AdobeRGB. This is world-class color accuracy.

Yes, there is a newer version of this monitor, but it uses the exact same OLED panel. You’re not gaining image quality by spending more, so my recommendation is to save the money and buy this one.

At this price, it’s absurdly good.

Budget 4K Monitors Under $500

If you need 4K resolution for editing or gaming, there are some trade-offs under $500. There’s no OLED. No mini LED. But there are still good options.

The ASUS ProArt PA279CRV is a strong editing-focused monitor. It offers 100% sRGB and Rec.709, 99% DCI-P3, and 99% AdobeRGB. Color accuracy is excellent.

The downside is gaming performance. You’re limited to a 60Hz panel. It does support VRR, but that’s about it.

If you edit far more than you game, this is still a great choice.

Another option is a BenQ PD2706U 4K monitor that regularly sells for $499 but often drops to around $399. It’s very similar to the ASUS in terms of color accuracy, but also limited to 60Hz with no VRR. It’s only on this list because of the sale price.

The One 4K Monitor That Does It All

If you want 4K, good color accuracy, and high refresh rate gaming, there is one option.

The BenQ EX271U is a 27-inch 4K monitor with 95% DCI-P3 coverage and a 165Hz refresh rate. It’s normally $600, but if you can find it on sale around $440, it becomes an easy recommendation.

If you see it discounted, grab it.

My Final Recommendations

Let’s simplify everything.

If you are on a tight budget, buy the AOC Q27G40XMN. At around $230, it delivers incredible color accuracy, mini LED contrast, and a 180Hz refresh rate. Pair it with a color calibrator and you will love it.

If you want the absolute best monitor under $500, get the AOC Q27G4ZD OLED. Perfect blacks, insane color accuracy, and a 240Hz refresh rate. It punches so far above its price it’s ridiculous.

Just buy it. Stop thinking about it.

If you want to see a higher-end version of this buyer’s guide with a $1,000 budget or more, let me know in the video comments. Like the video, subscribe, and check out my free “Edit Videos Like a Pro” guide linked below. It’s quick to read and will instantly improve your editing.

Thanks for reading, and have a great day.

I’m a big fan of using action cameras to capture shots that would be difficult, risky, or straight-up impossible with a larger, more fragile camera.

I’ve used action cameras multiple times while filming weddings, especially when couples do something wild like extreme white water rafting the day before their ceremony, and the footage always ends up looking incredible. These cameras let you be creative without worrying about destroying thousands of dollars of gear.

Over the years, action cameras have gotten smaller, more capable, and more filmmaker-friendly, and this one is a little different. The Xtra Atto packs a surprising amount of power into a ridiculously small body.

But if you really want to unlock what this camera can do, especially for high-action filming like rafting, adventure sessions, or extreme activities, the settings matter. A lot.

Today, I’m going to share with you my fast filmmaking settings for the Atto!

The One Accessory You Actually Need

At first glance, the Atto looks like just a tiny little camera, and it is, but if you want to change settings or really control how it shoots, you’ll need the Vision Dock that comes with it.

This dock is a separate, multifunctional accessory that dramatically expands what the camera can do, and most importantly, it gives the Atto a touchscreen.

The camera magnetically attaches to the dock facing forward or backward, which makes it great for selfies or filming outward. On its own, the camera lasts about 90 minutes, but once you connect it to the Vision Dock, you get a massive 220 minutes of total recording time, which is nearly four hours without touching a wall outlet.

Even better, the dock can fast-charge the camera in about 40 minutes, which is huge if you’re filming all day.

One thing to note: the camera itself is waterproof up to 10 meters, but once you attach the dock, the setup becomes IPX4 splash resistant, not waterproof, so don’t take it underwater in that configuration.

The dock is also the main way you’ll adjust settings, and the good news is you don’t even need the camera attached to it. You can wirelessly preview your shot and change settings remotely, which makes setup fast and painless.

The Best Resolution and Frame Rate Settings

Despite weighing just 54 grams, the Xtra Atto has a 1/1.3-inch sensor, which is larger than most cameras in its class and comparable to much bigger action cameras. That translates to better image quality and better low-light performance in a tiny package.

The Atto can record 4K 10-bit video at up to 60 frames per second, and for action cameras, I think 4K60 is the sweet spot. Everything happens fast, and having the ability to slow footage down in post is incredibly valuable.

To enable it, swipe up from the bottom of the screen, swipe left until you’re at 4K resolution, then set the frame rate to 60fps.

If you’re willing to give up a little frame rate and want more flexibility in post, there’s another setting I really like. You can shoot 48fps in a 4:3 open format at 3840×2880, which gives you a lot more vertical room to reframe later. If maximum control is your goal, this is the setting I’d use.

Before moving on, make sure you also set the bitrate to High. Swipe down from the top, tap the settings icon, scroll to bitrate, and set it to high for the best quality.

Pre-Record: The Feature That Saves Shots

One of my favorite features on the Atto is pre-record, and it’s something that can completely save a shot.

When enabled, the camera continuously buffers footage up to five minutes before you ever press record. So if you’re filming someone fishing, waiting for a big moment, or tracking unpredictable action, you can press record after it happens and still capture the previous five minutes.

That means you don’t miss the shot and you don’t waste storage space.

Speaking of storage, the Atto includes 128GB of internal storage, which I love, and you can expand that with up to a 1TB microSD card using the Vision Dock.

It also supports gesture controls, so you can start recording by nodding your head if the camera is mounted on a hat, or by tapping it. No matter how you mount it, Xtra clearly designed this camera so you’re always able to start recording quickly.

The Best Color Mode for Filmmakers

Just like larger professional cameras, the Atto supports multiple color modes, including 8-bit, 10-bit, and a log profile called X-LOG.

If you want the most dynamic range and the most control in post, I highly recommend filming in X-LOG 10-bit.

To enable it, tap the settings button on the right side of the screen, turn on Pro mode, then tap the color option and select X-LOG 10-bit. While you’re there, you can also lock white balance and exposure, which is huge for consistent results.

All the footage you’ve seen here was colored using my own presets, which work great with both X-LOG and the standard color mode. I’ll link those below if you want to check them out.

Stabilization Settings That Actually Work

Because the Atto is so small, stabilization is critical, and thankfully, it offers two modes that are genuinely useful.

The first is Motion Master, which is ideal for POV shots where you want maximum smoothness, especially if the camera is mounted to your head or chest.

The second mode, and the one I prefer most of the time, is Tilt Guard. This mode not only stabilizes footage but also keeps the horizon level, which instantly makes shots look more professional.

A crooked horizon is one of the easiest ways to spot amateur footage. Tilt Guard does an excellent job of preventing that, even when the camera rotates, and in my testing, it works extremely well. For most situations, this is the mode I’d leave enabled.

Final Thoughts on the Xtra Atto

The Xtra Atto is an incredibly capable, ultra-compact camera. It has a lot of settings, but once you dial them in, the video quality you get out of something this small is seriously impressive.

If you want to capture action-heavy shots, dangerous angles, or moments you simply couldn’t film with a traditional camera, this is a fantastic tool to have in your kit.

Live streaming wedding ceremonies is one of the best ways to provide a killer service to your couples, grow your business, and make significantly more income from every wedding you film. Seriously, if you’re not doing this yet, it’s time to consider it.

I want to walk you through the easiest way to live stream an entire wedding ceremony. I’ll show you the tools and equipment you need, how to set them up from start to finish, and share professional advice from my 15+ years of filming weddings.

To save you time, I’ve put together a cheat sheet of all the gear you’ll need for live streaming.

What Equipment Do You Need for a Wedding Live Stream?

Let’s start with the basics.

Cameras: You need at least one, but for a more professional look, two or three cameras can make your live stream much more dynamic. For this example, I’m using three.

Audio: You absolutely need a wireless microphone system. I recommend putting it on the officiant—it guarantees clear, high-quality audio that captures the ceremony and the couple’s vows perfectly.

Switcher & Laptop (or not): Traditionally, you’d need a switcher to handle multiple cameras, which would then feed into a laptop connected to Wi-Fi or a long Ethernet cable. It works, but it’s a lot of gear to carry and set up.

But what if you could simplify all that into one device? That’s where the YoloBox Extreme comes in. It replaces the switcher, the laptop, and even handles your internet connection. Live streaming a wedding becomes dramatically easier.

Setting Up Your Wedding Live Stream

Set up your YoloBox in a central, accessible spot. Unlike traditional setups with tables of gear, the YoloBox is compact enough to mount on a tripod or light stand. If you’re only using one camera, you can even attach it to your camera tripod. The device comes with a hot shoe mount adapter, but given its size, I wouldn’t recommend it unless you’re mounting it on a camera cage.

Use HDMI cables to connect your cameras to the YoloBox. The shorter the cable, the less chance of signal issues. If you’re using multiple cameras, the YoloBox acts as a switcher, letting you easily change angles during the live stream.

Pro tip: Passive HDMI cables have length limits. For 4K, stick to 10–15 feet; for 1080p, you can go 25–50 feet. Want longer runs? Fiber optic HDMI cables can extend hundreds of feet, but they’re pricier.

Positioning Your Cameras

Position your cameras wisely. Place one camera to the side for close-ups of the couple and officiant, and another in the back for a wider shot down the aisle. For a three-camera setup, add a mobile camera on a gimbal using a wireless transmission system like the Accsoon CineView. You can follow the bride walking down the aisle or capture the guests in action. All cameras feed into the YoloBox for seamless switching.

Using the YoloBox Extreme

Once your cameras are connected, turn them on along with the YoloBox. Set cameras to 30fps (I find this works best for live streaming). Connect cameras to HDMI inputs 4–8 on the YoloBox Extreme—these inputs are optimized for 4K and will work more reliably. Tap Live Streaming, create a new stream, title it, and optionally schedule it. Add a thumbnail if you like—keep it generic, like “Wedding Ceremony Live Stream,” rather than showing the couple.

The interface is intuitive: preview window on top left, input selection bottom left, settings on the right. Change the video transition from “cut” to “fade” for smoother live switching. Set resolution to 1080p, 30fps, and a bitrate of 4 Mbps for reliable streaming. You can also record the stream in 4K at 30fps with H.265 encoding, either internally or on an SD card/USB. Enable Generate Timeline FCPXML to automatically create a pre-edited timeline for Premiere Pro, Final Cut, or DaVinci Resolve—perfect for delivering a polished video after the wedding.

Audio Setup

Plug the wireless microphone receiver directly into the YoloBox mic input. In the audio menu, keep only the mic and program inputs enabled for streaming. Optional: multiple mics can be controlled individually. Auto switch based on audio: the YoloBox can detect who is speaking and automatically switch camera angles, staying on the officiant until the bride or groom speaks. Don’t forget to monitor audio through the headphone jack.

Streaming Platforms & Internet

The YoloBox supports YouTube, Facebook, Twitch, or any platform that accepts RTMP or SRT streaming. Simply add your account and select your platform.

Internet options: Wi-Fi (antennas boost signal), Ethernet (wired, reliable), or a cellular SIM card for remote locations. For maximum reliability, YoloBox offers Network Bonding (paid feature), which combines Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and cellular simultaneously. If one connection drops, the others take over automatically—perfect for critical events like weddings.

Wrapping It Up

Live streaming a wedding doesn’t have to be stressful or overly complicated. Using the right tools, like the YoloBox Extreme, you can save time, reduce gear, and deliver professional-quality streams that your couples will love.

Download my free Wedding Live Streaming Cheat Sheet to see all the gear I recommend. You can also check out the YoloBox Extreme I used, as well as smaller setups for simpler streams.

Thanks for reading! If this helped, make sure to share it with fellow filmmakers and subscribe for more tips on filmmaking and video editing.

I want to show you something a little different today, because this wasn’t a YouTube setup, and it definitely wasn’t a controlled studio shoot.

This was a real music video set, with a real crew, real pressure, and absolutely no room to mess things up. This is not the first time I have pointed a camera at music. Back in 2016 I made an album teaser film for Josh Garrels.

I was brought on to operate camera, and I figured this was the perfect opportunity to show you what that actually looks like in the real world, plus the gear choices that matter when you’re no longer filming for yourself.

Because once you’re on a professional set, things change fast.

What a Real Music Video Set Actually Feels Like

Music video sets move quick. There’s energy, controlled chaos, and a whole lot of “cool, let’s go again” happening back to back.

You’re not standing around tweaking settings for ten minutes. You’re expected to show up ready, know your job, and execute. When the director calls action, everything needs to work.

And honestly, that’s one of the reasons I love this kind of work.

There’s pressure, but it’s the good kind.

My Role on Set

On this shoot, my job was simple on paper and demanding in reality.

Hit the framing.
Stay smooth.
Stay in sync with the movement.
Do it again.
And again.
And again.

As an operator, you’re not thinking about specs. You’re thinking about rhythm, motion, and consistency. If your framing drifts or your movement feels off, it sticks out immediately.

This is where experience matters way more than gear hype.

The Camera Setup

The camera choice for this project wasn’t about what’s new or trendy. It was about reliability.

On a set like this, the camera has to:

• Hold up under long takes
• Handle quick lighting changes
• Give you confidence in what you’re seeing
• Just work

When you’re operating, the last thing you want is to wonder if the camera is going to do something weird. You want to focus on the shot, not the menu system.

And this setup delivered exactly that.

Lens Choices and Why They Matter

Lens choice on a music video is everything.

Compression, depth, and subject separation can completely change the emotional impact of a shot. We weren’t just picking lenses because they were sharp. We were picking them because of how they feel.

I’ve always loved lenses that give you separation without feeling artificial, and on this shoot, that look really came together. The background falls away, the subject pops, and suddenly the frame feels intentional instead of busy.

That stuff matters way more than people realize.

Rigging and Camera Support

If you’re operating all day, ergonomics are not optional.

This rig needed to be balanced, comfortable, and predictable. Small issues turn into big problems after hours of shooting. When everything is dialed in, you stop thinking about the rig and start thinking about the shot.

That’s exactly where you want to be.

Monitoring, Power, and Set Reality

Clear monitoring is non-negotiable. Period.

If you can’t trust what you’re seeing, you’re guessing, and guessing on a professional set is how mistakes happen. Focus, exposure, framing, it all needs to be obvious at a glance.

Power was another big factor. Nothing kills momentum faster than stopping a set because a battery died at the wrong time. Everything needs to be thought through before the first take.

Why Shoots Like This Matter

This is the kind of experience you can’t get from reading spec sheets or watching highlight reels.

You learn:

• What gear actually holds up
• What slows you down
• What you can trust when things get hectic

And maybe most importantly, you learn how to work as part of a team instead of just as a solo creator.

That’s the jump a lot of filmmakers want to make, and this is what it actually looks like.

Final Thoughts

Operating camera on this music video was a blast, and it was a great reminder that filmmaking at this level is less about having the “perfect” setup and more about being prepared.

Gear matters, but confidence and consistency matter more.

If you’re aiming to work on higher-end productions, start thinking less about what’s impressive on paper and more about what works every single time when the pressure is on.

That’s the difference.

In a world where computer monitors try to do everything, productivity, web browsing, gaming, and content creation, it is refreshing to see a monitor that specializes in one thing. The BenQ VideoVue PV3200U is clearly designed with video editing in mind, and almost every feature reflects that focus.

This is a 31.5 inch 4K monitor aimed squarely at video editors, and in this review I am looking at it from the perspective of someone who edits YouTube content, corporate videos, and commercial projects.

For transparency, this review is not paid or sponsored by BenQ. They did send the monitor for review, but they had no input on the content or conclusions.

Screen Size and Build Quality

At 31.5 inches, this monitor sits right in the sweet spot for video editing. You get plenty of room for a full timeline, scopes, and a large preview window without feeling cramped. Once you work on a screen this size, it is hard to go back.

The build quality is excellent. BenQ clearly knows what they are doing when it comes to professional displays. The stand is easy to assemble and offers height adjustment, tilt, swivel, and even vertical rotation. It feels solid and well designed for long editing sessions.

Ports and Connectivity

This is where things get a little unusual. The PV3200U includes three HDMI ports and one USB C port that delivers up to 65 watts of power. However, there is no DisplayPort input, which is surprising, especially for desktop PC users. DisplayPort is extremely common on modern graphics cards.

The monitor also does not include an HDMI cable in the box, only a USB C cable. Combined with some Mac focused features like a Mac color mode, it feels like BenQ expects many users to connect this monitor to a MacBook.

There is also a built in USB hub with three USB A ports and one USB C port, along with a headphone jack. These are handy for connecting peripherals directly to the monitor.

Surprisingly Good Built In Speakers

One of the first things you notice about the VideoVue is the large speaker grills on the front. Most monitors technically have speakers, but they are usually terrible. BenQ took a very different approach here.

The PV3200U features a 2.1 speaker system with two front facing speakers and a small built in subwoofer on the back. This is easily the best built in audio I have ever heard from a monitor.

Out of the box, the speakers are set to a Studio preset, which is relatively flat and neutral. That is ideal for editing and light audio work. Switching to Cinema mode makes a dramatic difference, adding more low end and overall presence.

These speakers will not replace proper studio monitors, but if you are used to editing on laptop speakers, this is a massive upgrade and a genuinely useful feature.

Monitor Controls and Software

The physical controls for the monitor are located underneath the center of the display. There is a power button, a customizable function button, and a joystick for navigating menus. While I generally prefer front facing controls, BenQ offers a better solution.

The VideoVue includes a wireless control puck that lets you adjust volume, switch inputs, change color modes, and more without touching the monitor. It is one of the best monitor control systems available.

You can even use one puck to control up to three BenQ monitors, which is great for multi monitor setups.

If you prefer software controls, BenQ also offers Display Pilot 2. This app lets you adjust all monitor settings using your mouse, which is my preferred way to manage a display.

Display Performance and Color Accuracy

The PV3200U features a 3840×2160 UHD 4K IPS panel with a maximum refresh rate of 60 Hz. While that would be limiting for gaming, it is perfectly fine for video editing.

There is one important limitation to be aware of. When connected to a MacBook via USB C at 60 Hz, the USB hub is limited to USB 2.0 speeds. To access faster USB 3.2 speeds, you must drop the refresh rate to 30 Hz. This is frustrating, but if you edit primarily at 24 or 30 frames per second, it may not be a dealbreaker.

The panel itself is very color accurate. It comes factory calibrated, Calman verified, and includes a calibration report specific to your unit. Using my Spyder X2 Ultra, I measured 100 percent Rec.709 coverage and approximately 93 percent DCI P3 coverage. BenQ rates it at 95 percent P3, so this result is well within expected variance.

For SDR video work like YouTube, corporate, and commercial projects, this monitor performs extremely well.

HDR Limitations

The VideoVue is HDR certified, but only up to 400 nits of brightness. That means it can display accurate HDR color, but it will not deliver the high brightness levels needed for serious HDR grading. If HDR is a major part of your workflow, you will want to look at a higher end display.

Price and Value

At the time of recording, the BenQ VideoVue PV3200U has an MSRP of $800, but it is often discounted to around $650.

In this price range, competition is fierce. QD OLED monitors offer much better contrast if you have closer to a $1000 budget. On the lower end, the ASUS PA329CRV offers similar color accuracy for around $600.

That puts the VideoVue right in the middle. Whether it is worth the extra cost comes down to how much you value the built in speakers and control options.

Personally, I wish it were slightly cheaper, which would make it an easy recommendation over the ASUS. Still, if you find it on sale, it becomes a very compelling option for video editors.

Final Thoughts

The BenQ VideoVue PV3200U feels like a thoughtfully designed monitor for video editors. The color accuracy is excellent, the controls are some of the best available, and the built in speakers are genuinely useful rather than an afterthought.

If you are editing SDR video and want a monitor that focuses on the actual needs of video editors, this is a strong contender. Be sure to check current pricing, as sales can make it an even better value.

Thanks for reading, and if you have thoughts on this monitor, I would love to hear them.