Updated Mar 04, 2024 at 11:46 am
By Adriana Wiszniewska
overview 10 comments
When looking for an affordable camera, it's important to pick one that fits your budget and needs. Most modern digital cameras are more than capable of capturing excellent images.If you'rewilling to spend a little extra,you can get a brand-new model with the latest technology that will hopefully serve you for years to come. But cameras can quickly veer into very expensive territory, and that's not even accounting for the cost of additional lenses.
Thankfully, if you're on a really tight budget, there's a big used market for cameras on eBay and atretailers likeB&H Photo Video, MPB,KEH, and Adoramasince cameras generallydon't depreciate in value or performance nearly as quickly as other kinds of technology. Manydigital cameras released within the last five to ten yearsarestill well worth considering and can be found at relatively cheapprices. An oldercamera bodywill also give you ample room to grow as a photographer and can stillyield excellent results when paired with high-qualitylenses. As a general rule, it's better to invest ina less expensive camera body and higher-quality lenses than it is to invest in an expensivecamera body and cheaplenses.
We've bought and tested over 100cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find the best cheap cameras for photography that we've tested. If you have a set budget, you can also see our recommendations forthe best cameras under $1,000and the best cameras under $500. If you're specifically interested in mirrorless options, check out our best budget mirrorless cameras, andif you're more interested in making videos than snapping pics, you can try our best cameras for YouTubeinstead.
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Best Budget Camera
Canon EOS R50 9
Travel Photography
7.9
Landscape Photography
7.5
Sport & Wildlife Photography
8.0
Raw Photo Performance
7.4
Vlogging
8.0
Studio Video
8.1
Action Video
4.9
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
If you prefer to buy new, the Canon EOS R50 is one of the best budget models you can get. Though it isn't the cheapest option, it offers a ton of value at a very reasonable price for a modern mirrorless model. With a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture excellent images and a portable body, you'll want to take this camera everywhere you go. It also has a fully articulated screen and records 4k video with a decent amount of frame rate options, making it a solid choice for vloggers and video shooters. Though its intelligent auto mode takes a lot of the guesswork out of photography for beginners, the camera also uses the same RF lens mount as Canon's latest high-end cameras, so you can eventually upgrade to a more advanced body without buying into a whole new system.
If you aren't bothered about having more lens options or eventually upgrading to a full-frame body, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a similar camera that'll save you a bit more money. This is especially true if you find a used model—just be aware that Canon has stopped developing new lenses for the M-mount, and the camera has notably worse 4k video capabilities. For a more portable option with built-in stabilization, don't count out the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, although its autofocus isn't nearly as reliable as the Canon's.
See our review
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Best Budget DSLR Camera
Travel Photography
7.2
Landscape Photography
7.5
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.7
Raw Photo Performance
7.3
Vlogging
7.4
Studio Video
7.0
Action Video
3.1
Body Type
DSLRMirrorless
NoSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is another of the best budget cameras. It's one of the most portable and lightweight DSLRs Canon has ever produced, and while it isn't as portable asmirrorless offerings like the Canon EOS R50, it's still very easy to take on the go. Aside from their ever-lower prices, the biggest advantage of getting a DSLR is the wide range of lens options on offer, not to mention significantlylonger battery life.
The SL3featuresa high-resolution APS-C sensor, which can capturegreat image quality for its class. While its autofocus systemisn't as effective as the R50's, it's still fairly reliable and does a goodjob with sloweror more static subjects. This is alsoone of the few DSLRsto offer 4k video capability. Despite some limitations, it works fine for more casual use.All of that, plus the usual intuitive controls and user interface that Canon is known for, makes this an appealing budget DSLR.
See our review
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Best Cheap Camera
Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D 5
Travel Photography
6.7
Landscape Photography
6.8
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.0
Raw Photo Performance
6.9
Vlogging
2.6
Studio Video
3.2
Action Video
2.5
Body Type
DSLRMirrorless
NoSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
If you want something even more affordable than the picks above, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D is the best cheap camera we've tested. This DSLRdoesn't have as many bells and whistles as the Canon EOS R50, so there's no 4k video capability or flip-out screen, but the camera has a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture great photos. Like the Canon EOS Rebel SL3, it'scompatible with any of Canon's EF and EF-S lenses, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from, including more affordable lenses if you ever want to upgrade from the kit lens.
It's a DSLR, so it has a longer battery life and a more established lineup of lenses. However, its autofocus system is more basic than the AF found on modern mirrorless cameras. Because of that, and its very slow burst rate, it isn't the best option for sports or fast-moving subjects. Still, this is the best cheap camera for photography if you want a simple interchangeable-lens DSLR.
See our review
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Best Cheap Mirrorless Camera
Canon EOS R100 7
Travel Photography
7.7
Landscape Photography
7.6
Sport & Wildlife Photography
7.0
Raw Photo Performance
7.3
Vlogging
4.8
Studio Video
7.0
Action Video
3.5
Body Type
SLR-StyleMirrorless
YesSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
If you're set on mirrorless, the Canon EOS R100 is the cheapest mirrorless camera that Canon offers and is essentially themirrorless equivalentof the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D above. Because it's newer and mirrorless, it has a better autofocus system and a more portable design akin to the Canon EOS R50. However, unlike its pricier stablemate, this model doesn't have an articulating touchscreen, and its 4k video features are very limited.
AlthoughRF lenses are still relatively few and far between, the kit lens will be enough to get you started. Also, because this model has the same lens mount as Canon's high-end mirrorless cameras, going with an R100 ortheR50can be a good long-term investment since you can eventually upgrade bodies without needing to replace yourlenses. Overall, despite its pared-down design, this is a good entryway into mirrorless cameras for those on a very tight budget.
See our review
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Best Cheap Camera For Photography Beginners
Nikon D3500 4
Travel Photography
7.2
Landscape Photography
7.0
Sport & Wildlife Photography
6.5
Raw Photo Performance
7.2
Vlogging
2.9
Studio Video
3.1
Action Video
2.6
Body Type
DSLRMirrorless
NoSensor Size
APS-CSee all our test results
If you've never used a camera, the Nikon D3500 is the best cheap camera for photography beginners. This budget DSLR stands out because of its unique Guide Mode, which walks you through the basics of photography so you can learn as you go, making it an ideal camera for those just getting started in photography. It's a very pared-down DSLR, similar tothe Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D. However, it still has a high-resolution APS-C sensor that punches above its class.
Beyond that, it's also relatively small and lightweight for a DSLR. It offers spectacular battery life, meaning you can shoot to your heart's content without worrying about running out of juice in the middle of the day. There's also a wide array of compatible lenses that you can upgrade to as your skills improve. The manufacturer has discontinued the D3500, so you might have to settle for a used model.
See our review
Notable Mentions
- Sony α6000: The Sony α6000 from 2014 may be old, but it still holds up surprisingly well in today's camera market if you can find it. It offers more native and third-party lens options than the Canon EOS R50, but its EVF has a low resolution, and its autofocus system is outdated by comparison. See our review
Recent Updates
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Mar 04, 2024: We've tweaked the introduction of this article for clarity.
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Feb 09, 2024: Removed the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 and Panasonic LUMIX ZS80, since they've been discontinued. Added the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 as the 'Best Budget DSLR Camera' and the Canon EOS R100 as the 'Best Cheap Mirrorless Camera'.
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Jan 12, 2024: No changes to picks after reviewing the article for accuracy.
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Dec 06, 2023: Ensured that picks still represent the best choices for user needs.
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Nov 09, 2023: Made minor touch-ups to text for clarity, with no change to picks.
All Reviews
Our recommendations aboveare what we think are currently the best cheap and budget cameras for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to findor almostout of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose foryourself, here's the list of all our budget cameras. Be careful not togetcaught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.
