How Much Are Body Cameras – Comprehensive Guide!
Body camera prices range from $50 to over $1,000 depending on features, usage (personal, security, law enforcement), storage type, and brand. Costs may include accessories, software, and optional cloud subscriptions.
Body cameras have become increasingly common in law enforcement, private security, and even personal use. They provide real-time video recording, audio capture, and often GPS tracking, offering accountability and transparency.
If you’re asking, “How much are body cameras?” The answer depends on many factors: brand, features, resolution, storage capacity, cloud access, and whether it’s for professional or personal use. In this guide, we’ll break down the cost of body cameras by type, use case, and price range.
Average Cost of Body Cameras by Use Type
| Use Type | Price Range | Example Brands |
| Law Enforcement | $300 – $1,000+ | Axon, Motorola, Getac |
| Security Guards | $150 – $500 | Wolfcom, Boblov, CammPro |
| Personal Use | $50 – $250 | Rexing, MIUFLY, PatrolMaster |
Prices vary significantly depending on the features you need, like night vision, LTE streaming, or rugged waterproof build.
How Much Are Police Body Cameras?
Police-grade body cameras are built for durability, long recording times, HD video, and secure evidence handling. They often come with cloud services, GPS, encryption, and remote management software.
🔸 Typical Cost:
- Entry-level police body cams: $300 – $500
- Mid-range: $500 – $800
- High-end (with LTE, docking stations, & cloud): $800 – $1,200+
🔸 Example:
- Axon Body 3: $699+
Offers HD video, real-time upload, LTE connectivity, GPS, and AI features for law enforcement agencies. - Motorola V300: $1,000+
Provides shift-long battery, 4G live streaming, automatic triggers, and seamless evidence integration.
🔸 Hidden Costs:
- Docking Stations: $300–$700
- Cloud Storage & Evidence Management Systems: Monthly fees ($20–$50/user/month)
- Licensing & Support: Extra subscription costs
Total ownership cost can reach $2,000+ per unit annually for law enforcement departments.
How Much Are Body Cameras for Security Guards?
Private security firms often use body cameras to document incidents, reduce liability, and protect guards in the field. These cameras are rugged but more affordable than police-grade models.
🔸 Price Range:
- Basic security body cams: $120 – $250
- Professional-grade: $250 – $500
🔸 Popular Models:
- Boblov KJ21: Around $130
Offers 1080p video, night vision, and 64GB internal memory. A reliable and budget-friendly option. - Wolfcom Vision: $300 – $500
Designed for private security with 360-degree rotation, HD video, password protection, and pre-event recording.
Many security body cams come with built-in memory (no monthly cloud cost), and some include clip mounts or dashboard options.
How Much Are Personal Body Cameras?
Individuals are increasingly using personal body cameras for self-protection, documentation, biking, delivery work, or encounters with the public. These models are the most affordable.
🔸 Price Range:
- Entry-level: $40 – $100
- Mid-range with good features: $100 – $200
- High-end consumer cams: $200 – $300
🔸 Example Models:
- PatrolMaster 1296P: $119
Comes with 64GB storage, infrared night vision, and a long battery life. - MIUFLY 2K: $160
Offers ultra HD video, GPS tagging, and IP67 waterproof rating. - Rexing P1 Pro: Around $200
Includes WiFi transfer, 1080p HD, and 3000mAh battery life.
These cameras don’t usually require cloud storage or subscriptions, making them great for personal budget use.
Factors That Affect Body Camera Prices
1. Video Quality
- 720p: Entry-level cams
- 1080p: Standard for most users
- 2K or 4K: High-end or specialty use
2. Storage Capacity
- Internal storage: 16GB – 128GB
- Expandable SD cards: Some support external memory
- More storage = higher cost
3. Battery Life
- Ranges from 3 to 14 hours of continuous recording
- Some support hot-swappable batteries or charging on the go
4. Connectivity
- WiFi or Bluetooth for file transfers
- LTE for live streaming (expensive feature)
- GPS for location tracking
5. Durability & Waterproof Rating
- IP65 to IP68 ratings are common
- Ruggedized cameras with military-grade housing cost more
6. Software & Cloud Integration
- Law enforcement cameras usually include software for:
- Evidence storage
- Chain-of-custody management
- Automatic redaction tools
- Evidence storage
- These services require subscriptions, increasing the long-term cost
Body Camera Subscription Costs (Cloud Storage)
Many police and enterprise users pay monthly or annual fees for cloud storage and device management.
| Provider | Monthly Cost per Camera | Includes |
| Axon Evidence | $25–$50 | Cloud storage, redaction, audit trails |
| Getac Video Cloud | $30+ | Evidence management, user controls |
| Motorola CommandCentral | Custom pricing | Fleet management, live feeds |
For personal users, many budget cams store videos locally, avoiding ongoing fees.
Renting vs Buying a Body Camera
Renting is an option for short-term needs (events, temporary security roles).
- Rental rates: $30 – $100/month per camera
- Good for short contracts or limited budgets
- Often includes support and replacement coverage
Buying is more cost-effective long-term, especially for organizations needing continuous recording and storage access.
Tips for Choosing a Body Camera Based on Budget
💰 Under $100
Best for basic personal use
✔ 720p/1080p recording
✔ 32–64GB storage
✘ Limited durability and features
💰 $100 – $250
Ideal for private security or advanced personal use
✔ HD video
✔ Night vision, GPS
✔ Better battery life
💰 $300 – $1,000
Law enforcement or professional security
✔ HD/2K video
✔ LTE streaming, GPS, encryption
✔ Software/cloud features
Are Body Cameras Worth the Investment?
Yes — depending on your goals. For law enforcement and security, they offer evidence, reduce complaints, and enhance accountability. For individuals, they can protect your rights and document interactions.
While some cameras are a one-time cost, software, support, and storage can add long-term expenses. Always factor in total cost of ownership, not just the upfront price.
Final Cost Summary Chart
| Use Case | Price Range | Recommended Models |
| Personal Use | $50 – $250 | MIUFLY, Rexing, PatrolMaster |
| Security Work | $150 – $500 | Boblov, Wolfcom, CammPro |
| Police Use | $300 – $1,200+ | Axon, Motorola, Getac |
FAQs:
1. What factors affect the cost of a body camera?
Video resolution, storage size, GPS, battery life, durability, and software features like cloud access or live streaming all influence the final price. More professional features typically mean higher costs.
2. Are cloud storage and software subscriptions necessary?
Only for law enforcement or enterprise use. Personal and basic security cameras often store video locally on SD cards, avoiding ongoing cloud fees unless advanced file management is required.
3. Can personal users find reliable body cameras under $100?
Yes, several models under $100 offer HD video, basic night vision, and built-in storage. They’re ideal for personal protection or casual use but may lack high-end durability and advanced features.
4. Why do police body cameras cost significantly more?
They include enterprise-level features such as GPS, encryption, LTE streaming, and evidence management tools, often bundled with software licenses, cloud access, and support—raising both purchase and maintenance costs.
5. Is it more cost-effective to rent or buy a body camera?
Renting is ideal for short-term or temporary use. Buying is more economical long-term, especially for frequent use, since it avoids recurring rental fees and allows for customization and accessory ownership.
Conclusion:
Body cameras range widely in cost based on user needs—from $50 personal models to $1,000+ law enforcement units. Personal cameras offer affordable protection without subscriptions, while professional devices include robust features like GPS, LTE, and cloud integration. Carefully evaluating your recording needs, budget, and storage preferences helps avoid unnecessary expenses. Whether you’re a security guard, civilian, or police department, selecting the right camera depends on both initial and long-term costs, making research essential to finding the best value.
