Looking for the Best Cheap Cameras? You’re lucky: we offer many great cameras offers for those who do not want to slap completely. The best cheap cameras are now so advanced that you do not have to pay through the nose. We’ve combined our favorite, more affordable DSLRs with our compact, mirrorless cameras into a handy list that meets all your photographic needs – and you’ll find the best camera deals of the day on all models listed below. below.
Of course, just buying a cheap camera does not mean that it makes no sense to buy a more advanced camera. There are many good reasons for that. But if you only need something that offers you all the essentials – capable, reliable and capable of producing fantastic images – without losing the bank, you are in the right place.
Whether you just want to put a budget camera in your pocket or something gives you access to a world of lenses and camera accessories to steer your photography in new directions, read our selection of the best cheap cameras below.
Best Cheap Cameras Comparison Table
Cheap Cameras
Camera Name
Megapixels
Video Resolution
Nikon D3500
24.2 MP
1080p
Canon EOS Rebel SL2
24.2 MP
1080p
Canon EOS Rebel T6
18.0 MP
1080p
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
16.1 MP
1080p
Sony Alpha A6000
24.3 MP
1080p
Panasonic Lumix GX850
16.0 MP
4K
Canon PowerShot SX620 HS
20.2 MP
1080p
Panasonic Lumix ZS50
12.1 MP
1080p
Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100
20.1 MP
1080p
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
20.1 MP
4K
Nikon D3500
- Type: DSLR
- Sensor: APS-C CMOS
- Megapixels: 24.2MP
- Lens mount: Nikon DX
- Screen: 3in fixed, 921K dots
- Max burst speed: 5fps
- Max video resolution: 1080p
- User level: Beginner/enthusiast
The entry-level model of the Nikon DSLR range is very similar to the previous Nikon D3400, but subtle design adjustments have improved the winning formula of a small, lightweight but comfortable hand-held camera. The Nikon D3500 is an entry-level model, but it has a 24.2MP sensor that is as good as cameras, twice as expensive and offers excellent continuous 5 fps starting the camera. The Guide mode helps beginners get started and understands the basics, and the D3500 has all the manual controls you need to learn photography while improving your skills. The cheapest deals include a non-VR kit goal, but we recommend paying extra for the VR version. Overall, the Nikon 3500 is currently the best cheap camera you can buy at the moment.
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Pros:
- Great image quality
- A neat retracting kit lens
- Beginner friendly
Cons:
- Fixed screen not touch-sensitive
Canon EOS Rebel SL2
- Type: DSLR
- Sensor: APS-C
- Megapixels: 24.2MP
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040,000K dots
- Viewfinder: Yes, optical
- Max burst speed: 5fps
- Max video resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- User level: Beginner
The EOS Rebel SL2 (also known as the EOS 200D in the UK) is not Canon’s latest DSLR proposal, but its relatively recent launch means it offers novice users the latest technological developments of the company. These include the excellent CMOS AF Dual Pixel system, offering mirror-less autofocus performance in live-view and effective movie theater, as well as the latest DIGIC 7 processing engine and Wi-Fi triplets, NFC and Bluetooth complete with wireless connectivity options.
Burst recording at 5fps is fine, and the ability to connect a microphone increases Full HD video capabilities, while compatibility with Canon’s decades-old lenses enhances the attraction. The only important area behind the camera is its 9-point AF system; If you want to be more capable here, then the older model, the EOS 750D or Nikon’s 39-point D5300 alternative, is worth considering. It is currently one of the best cheap cameras you can buy right now.
Pros:
- Tiny, light body
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF is great
Cons:
- No 4K video
- 9-point AF system
Canon EOS Rebel T6
- Type: DSLR
- Sensor: APS-C
- Megapixels: 18MP
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Screen: 2.7-inch, 230,000K dots
- Viewfinder: Yes, optical
- Max burst speed: 3fps
- Max video resolution: Full HD (1080p)
- User level: Beginner
Canon deliberately designed the EOS Rebel T6 at a reasonable price, even to the point of using a single paint color for all buttons, by integrating the on/off switch with the mode selector and using a mounting plate. plastic lens. It uses Canon’s old 18-megapixel sensor instead of one of the newer 24MP sensors, while the kit lens is quite simple and lacks both stabilization and silent USM autofocus. And yet, the EOS 4000D takes decent pictures and is a ridiculously cheap way to get a digital SLR. And if the camera’s mistake stings you, you’re already well established in Canon’s extensive digital SLR system, lenses, and accessories. It is also one of the best cheap cameras on the market.
Pros:
- Cheap entry to the Canon system
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Basic features and kit lens
- Quite cheaply made
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
- Megapixels: 16.1MP
- Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Screen: 3in tilting, 1.04million dots
- Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36million dots
- Max burst speed: 8.5fps
- Max video resolution: Full HD
- User level: Beginner/enthusiast
Another example of a slightly older and now more valuable camera is the OM-D EM-10 Mark II, which features a recognized 16 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, but features an EVF filter from 2.26 million pixels and a tilting touch screen, highly efficient five-axis image stabilization system, Wi-Fi and burst mode at 8.5 fps. 4K video is not available, but you have a 4K time-lapse function that allows you to render captured images over a long time in time-lapse video format with 4K quality, and full HD recording at 60p is better. Absolutely a camera designed for those who want more than just focusing on taking pictures. The body is filled with buttons and switches and you can adjust these external controls to a large extent. All in all, this is one of the best cheap cameras you can choose.
Pros:
- Excellent image stabilization
- Twin dials for DSLR-like control
Cons:
- Complex menus
- Not the newest sensor
Sony Alpha A6000
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: APS-C
- Megapixels: 24.3MP
- Lens mount: Sony E-mount
- Screen: 3in tilting, 921,600 dots
- Viewfinder: Electronic, 0.39-inch, 1,440,000 dots
- Max burst speed: 11fps
- Max video resolution: Full HD
- User level: Enthusiast
For a long time, the Sony A5100 has the most sense for a beginner with a band looking for a record without a mirror, but now that the price of the A6000 is steadily declining, it is now the favorite. Like its RX100 model (above), Sony has kept it in its mirrorless configuration for a while and still offers a very solid set of specifications compared to other models in the same price range. Highlights include a 24.3 MP APS-C sensor, an 11 fps burst option, Wi-Fi with NFC and a tilt-back LCD, but the excellent AF system with phase detection at 179 points and the factor of 2.36 million points prove a camera ready to exceed expectations at this level. Such specifications make it one of the best cheap cameras right now.
Pros:
- Superb AF system
- Sound image quality
Cons:
- Video not 4K
- No weather sealing
Panasonic Lumix GX850
- Type: Mirrorless
- Sensor: Micro Four Thirds
- Megapixels: 16MP
- Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
- Screen: 3in tilting touchscreen, 1,037,000 dots
- Max burst speed: 10fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Beginner/enthusiast
This is one of the best cheap cameras with Micro Four Thirds sensor that you can buy now, but with 4K video and a tilting touch screen designed for selfies, you will immediately encounter many competitors. There’s also a lot to take advantage of elsewhere, from AF Depth From Defocus (DFD) to built-in Wi-Fi, to the ability to extract 8 MP photos from 4K video images. The burst mode with 5 fps is also respectable, and although the battery 210 shots are slightly lower – no doubt compensation for having the camera so small – you can at least easily load it via its port USB. In short, a unique and economical proposition for the first mirrorless user who wants to travel lightly.
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Pros:
- Excellent features-to-price ratio
- 4K video recording
Cons:
- Relatively low battery life
- No viewfinder
Canon PowerShot SX620 HS
- Type: Superzoom compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 20.2MP
- Lens: 25-625 (equiv.) f/3.2-6.3
- Screen: 3in fixed LCD, 922k dots
- Viewfinder: No
- Max burst speed: 2.5fps
- Max video resolution: Full HD
- User level: Beginner
Most manufacturers have turned to the upper segment of the compact market, which means there are not as many choices here. Nevertheless, the Canon 20.2 million PowerShot SX620 HS stands out. Although many other devices at this level offer pedestrians what they offer, the main attraction of the PowerShot SX620 HS is its 25x optical zoom lens, which offers a focal range of 25 to 25 mm in 35 mm – and fortunately, amplified by Canon’s Intelligent Image Stabilizer. The data sheet is complemented by a Full HD video, a 3-inch LCD screen with a very respectable resolution of 922,000 pixels and Wi-Fi and NFC. Of course, it would be nice to have a touch screen and a subsequent processing engine, but these are far from essential for such a camera. Still, it’s one of the best cheap cameras you can buy right now.
Pros:
- High-resolution LCD screen
- Massive zoom range
Cons:
- Narrow aperture at telephoto
- Lackluster burst-shooting speed
Panasonic Lumix ZS50
- Type: Superzoom compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 12.1MP
- Lens: 24-720mm f/3.3-6.4
- Screen: 3in fixed LCD, 1.04million dots
- Viewfinder: EVF, 1.116million dots
- Max burst speed: 10fps
- Max video resolution: Full HD
- User level: Beginner
If you have a somewhat accommodating budget, the Panasonic ZS50, also called TZ70, is worth seeing. You get not only a wider zoom range ending in a gigantic 720mm (35mm equivalent), but also an integrated electronic viewfinder, very useful in bright light. Panasonic has even proposed a focus on accuracy in manual focus and accelerated video option, and even raw shooting (although this is obviously less important on a camera with such a small sensor) . On this subject, do not be deterred by the 12.1 MP pixel number of the sensor; Panasonic has deliberately reduced this from the added 18.1 MP TZ60 for low-light image quality. Full HD video recording up to 60p, Hybrid O.I.S. Efficient Image stabilization, Wi-Fi and NFC plus, makes the SZ50 one of the best cheap cameras to buy.
Pros:
- Massive zoom range
- Built-in EVF
Cons:
- No touchscreen
- LCD fixed in place
Sony CyberShot DSC-RX100
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1in
- Megapixels: 20.1MP
- Lens: 24-70mm (equiv.) f/1.8-2.8
- Screen: 3in fixed, 1.228million dots
- Viewfinder: No
- Max burst speed: 5fps
- Max video resolution: Full HD
- User level: Enthusiast
The original Sony RX100 was released in 2012, but the fact that you can still buy one says a lot. By combining a 20.1 MP type sensor with a 28-100mm f/1.8-4.9 lens into a compact body, this camera has raised the standard for such models. The series has since hosted four new iterations and these have all been very well received, but in terms of value for money, the original model is still difficult to argue. Age certainly means that some newer technologies are missing, but you get Steady-Shot image stabilization, a burst recording of 10 fps, a Full HD video up to 60p and a control ring around the camera for more immediate changes to the main parameters. All in all, this is one of the best cheap cameras right now.
Pros:
- 1in-type sensor
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- Small maximum aperture at 100mm
- Handling not for everyone
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
- Type: Superzoom compact
- Sensor: 1in type
- Megapixels: 20.1MP
- Lens: 25-400mm (equiv.) f/2.8-4
- Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36million dots
- Screen: 3in vari-angle LCD, 921k dots
- Max burst speed: 12fps (50fps in SH mode)
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Enthusiast
One of the most expensive cameras on this list, but the FZ1000 offers such a great value that it just can not be left out. In addition to the very solid base of a 20.1 MP 1in sensor and a 25-400mm f/2.8-4 Optical Leica lens, Panasonic has equipped the camera with Power O.I.S. image stabilization, raw file recording, burst recording of 12 fps, Wi-Fi and NFC. The videos are recorded in 4K and Full HD quality, with full HD resolution at 120 fps for slow-motion playback, with advanced options such as zebra patterns and even a 3.5mm microphone port with a 3-way LCDs inches.
Pros:
- Excellent sensor/lens combination
- Great 4K video recording
Cons:
- No touchscreen
- Bulky
Final Words
We’ve put together a list of the Best Cheap Cameras, so whether you want something that just fits in your pocket for the weird click that will be better pictures than your smartphone can ever do or a camera that lets you get more creative with, you’ll find it here. And if you want to spend more money, check out our other manuals for buying cameras at the bottom of the page.