Top 10 Best Cameras Under $1000 for 2021

Nowadays, you can get many options when you want to buy one of the Best Cameras Under $1000. But many cameras may not be what you want. To reduce things, there are compact, small but very advanced devices on the market. These have fixed lenses that are not interchangeable but combine exotic features with often excellent performance. And they do it in a small enough package that you can take with you almost anywhere. And let’s be honest, leave your camera kit at home, because it’s too big and too heavy to carry, it’s the surest way to “miss the photo”.

Bridging the gap between all-in-one compact cameras and full-featured DSLRs, there is a growing number of mirror-less “system” cameras with interchangeable lenses. These are designed to minimize size and weight while adding the versatility of being able to mount the ideal lens for shooting at your fingertips. Many enthusiastic photographers still prefer to use a conventional digital SLR, the unaltered image of the viewfinder being represented by mirrors instead of a number of pixels. The overall size of the camera body and associated lenses is probably larger, but most DSLR cameras in this price range are still not too bulky or heavy.

In this list, we have compiled the top 10 cameras under $1000 that you can buy now. All types are characterized and for cameras with interchangeable lenses, we opted for “kit” options with a three-digit zoom lens. This is our top ten, mainly in order of increasing price.

Best Cameras Under $1000 Comparison Table

Cameras Under $1000
Camera Name Megapixels Max Video Resolution
Canon EOS 200D 24.2MP 1080p
Fujifilm X-T100 24.2MP 4K
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III 16.1MP 4K
Nikon D5600 24.2MP 1080p
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark IV 20.1MP 4K
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ200 20.9MP 4K
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80 16.0MP 4K
Canon EOS 77D 24.2MP 1080p
Sony Alpha A6300 24.2MP 4K
Sony Alpha A7 24.3MP 1080p

Here are the Top 10 Best Cameras Under $1000

Canon EOS 200D

Uncommonly small for a DSLR kit, this Canon is a smart body and lens combo

  • Type: DSLR
  • Sensor: APS-C
  • Megapixels: 24.2MP
  • Screen: 3.0” 1,040k pivot touch
  • Viewfinder: Pentamirror
  • Lens mount: Canon EF-S
  • Continuous shooting speed: 5fps
  • Max video resolution: 1080p
  • User level: Intermediate

All DSLRs are not bulky and clumsy. The Canon EOS 200D and its 18-55mm lens are small enough to fit in a shopping bag and carried everywhere, whether you’re going to the coffee shop around the corner or the other side of the world. Despite its small size, the 200D has many advanced features. The Dual Pixel AF image sensor provides fast and accurate autofocus in Live View and video recording modes, which work well with the variable high-resolution touchscreen. The shooting mode selector provides quick access to various scene modes and settings for enthusiastic users. A slight disappointment is that the normal AF module for use with viewfinder views has only nine AF points, but in general it is a very smart camera and one of the best cameras under $1000.

Top 10 Best Nikon Cameras In The World

Pros:

  • Good size for travel and everyday shooting
  • Fully pivoting touchscreen

Cons:

  • Only 9 AF points
  • The pricier 18-135mm kit is more unwieldy

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Fujifilm X-T100

This recently launched Fujifilm camera definitely has the X-factor

  • Type: CSC
  • Sensor: APS-C
  • Megapixels: 24.2MP
  • Screen: 3.0” 1,040k tilt touch
  • Viewfinder: Electronic 2,360k
  • Lens mount: Fujifilm X
  • Continuous shooting speed: 6fps
  • Max video resolution: 4k
  • User level: Intermediate

Available in black, dark gray and champagne gold, the X-T100 is a compact Fujifilm compact camera with a classic and elegant style, with a classic retro look and is one of the best cameras under $1000. It’s simple and intuitive to use, but still has a high-resolution electronic viewfinder and a three-way tilt touchscreen, all for a very competitive price. 4K video recording is limited to a disappointing jerky speed of 15 frames per second, but one advantage is that you can use it to create a high speed of 4K photos. Coupled with the small dinky XC15-45mm lens, this is a high-quality camera kit, compact enough to be a constant companion.

Pros:

  • Smart design and good build quality
  • High-res viewfinder and tilting touchscreen

Cons:

  • Lacks a few of the X-T2’s finer points
  • The poor 15fps frame rate for 4k video

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Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III

The least expensive Olympus OM-D kit, it offers particularly good value

  • Type: CSC
  • Sensor: Four Thirds
  • Megapixels: 16.1MP
  • Screen: 3.0” 1,040k tilt touch
  • Viewfinder: Electronic 2,360k
  • Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
  • Continuous shooting speed: 8.6fps
  • Max video resolution: 4K
  • User level: Intermediate

In the third generation, however, the most basic edition of the Olympus OM-D cameras has proven to be flawless and is one of the best cameras under 1000 dollars. It contains many smart features and controls that integrate creative photographers into a compact, easy-to-handle package. The EZ Kit retractable lens from 14 to 42 mm is remarkably small and combines a motorized zoom lens ideal for photos and movies. 4K UHD capture is available for the latter. Unfortunately, the higher-end E-M1 Mk II phase-detection autofocus system is lacking. Therefore, continuous autofocusing for moving objects may be a little disappointing.

Pros:

  • Endearing retro styling
  • Clear electronic viewfinder and tilting screen

Cons:

  • Physically small Four Thirds image sensor
  • Autofocus can struggle to keep up with moving targets

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Nikon D5600

A travel-friendly Nikon DSLR with street smarts

  • Type: DSLR
  • Sensor: APS-C
  • Megapixels: 24.2MP
  • Screen: 3.2” 1,037k pivot touch
  • Viewfinder: Pentamirror
  • Lens mount: Nikon F (DX)
  • Continuous shooting speed: 5fps
  • Max video resolution: 1080p
  • User level: Intermediate

The D5600 is Nikon’s most exotic entry-level DSLR and is one of the best cameras under $1000. It is remarkably small and lightweight, especially when combined with the 18-55mm retractable zoom lens. The D5600 does not have the ‘Guide’ interactive shooting mode for the Nikon D3xxx series, but with a simple and intuitive interface and command layout, it is always easy to understand. There is a particularly wide range of scene and effect modes to achieve the desired results with minimal effort and effort. An equally generous range of adjusted parameters will appeal to more experienced photographers. The fully articulated touch screen allows you to shoot from challenging angles and is ideal for taking selfies. In general, it’s a great buy for anyone who wants a compact and lightweight camera for everyday photography and travel photography, which is also a “good” digital SLR.

Pros:

  • Fully pivoting touchscreen
  • An advanced 39-point autofocus system

Cons:

  • Image sensor-based autofocus struggles in Live View and movie mode
  • It lacks the beginner-friendly Guide shooting mode of the D3400

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Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark IV

It’s not the newest Sony RX100, but it’s the best value

  • Type: Compact
  • Sensor: 1.0-type
  • Megapixels: 20.1MP
  • Screen: 3.0” 1,229k, tilt
  • Viewfinder: Electronic 2,359k
  • Lens mount: 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 (effective)
  • Continuous shooting speed: 16fps
  • Max video resolution: 4K
  • User level: Beginner

The style of the Sony RX-100 Mk IV may seem a bit unobtrusive, but this compact device is very attractive in the field of high technology. The permanently attached lens has an effective zoom range of 24 to 70 mm with a high f/1.8-2.8 aperture value. A 1.0 type stacked image sensor ensures excellent image quality and fast data throughput. As such, the camera can shoot at up to 16 fps and produce a great video, with 4K UHD clips for up to 5 minutes and 40x slow motion options. The latest edition of the RX100 VI offers a wider optical zoom range of 24 to 200 mm, but its cost is almost double. You can not beat the Mk IV for added value, making it one of the best cameras under $1000.

Pros:

  • Comparatively large 1.0-type sensor
  • Pop-up electronic viewfinder

Cons:

  • No touchscreen
  • The zoom range isn’t overly generous

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Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TZ200

The latest and greatest ‘Travel Zoom’ compact camera from Panasonic

  • Type: Compact
  • Sensor: 1.0-type
  • Megapixels: 20.9MP
  • Screen: 3.0” 1,240k touch
  • Viewfinder: Electronic 2,330k
  • Lens mount: 24-360mm f/3.3-6.3 (effective)
  • Continuous shooting speed: 10fps (4K 30fps)
  • Max video resolution: 4K
  • User level: Intermediate

The Panasonic TZ90, advanced but affordable, was a daunting task, with its 30x zoom range. The new TZ100 and TZ200 are actually less impressive because of the huge zoom potential, with respectively 10x and 15x, but the big advantage is that they have a physically larger 1.0 type image sensor. The number of megapixels is pretty much the same, but the new sensors provide much cleaner and quieter images with higher ISO settings. Nevertheless, the sensor is still much smaller than that of APS-C cameras. With advanced controls and excellent quality in all respects, this is a great camera for everyday photography and travel, but leaving a sloped or swivel screen for the touchscreen can be frustrating.

Top 10 Best Cameras Under $500

Pros:

  • 15x optical zoom in a small camera
  • A large 1.0-type image sensor

Cons:

  • The fixed touchscreen has no tilt or pivot facility
  • Slow f/6.4 aperture at long end of the zoom range

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-G80

A high-performance compact system camera from Panasonic with DSLR-like styling

  • Type: CSC
  • Sensor: Four Thirds
  • Megapixels: 16.0MP
  • Screen: 3.0” 1,040k pivot touch
  • Viewfinder: Electronic 2,360k
  • Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
  • Continuous shooting speed: 9fps (40fps elec shutter)
  • Max video resolution: 4K
  • User level: Enthusiast

With a DSLR style design with a sturdy grip and a large viewfinder on the top, the Lumix DMC-G80 is one of the best cameras under $1000. It is well constructed with a splash-proof and dust-proof construction that is weather-resistant. The technical highlights are a 5-axis sensor-shift stabilizer that can work with optically stabilized lenses. “Light Speed AF” offers fast and accurate autofocus performance. Typical high-end Panasonic supplements include focus stacking and “post-focus simulation”, with which you can adjust the focal point after taking a picture. The fast burst speed of 9 fps is increased to 40 fps if you use the electronics instead of the mechanical shutter. Recordings and recordings have an excellent viewfinder and a perfectly articulated touch screen. The high-quality case is a good deal for the price, even more with the lens of the 12-60 mm kit.

Pros:

  • Very good build quality and handling
  • A clear, high-res electronic viewfinder
  • Fully pivoting touchscreen

Cons:

  • A relatively small 16MP image sensor

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Canon EOS 77D

The most advanced DSLR in the sub $1000 price sector comes from Canon

  • Type: DSLR
  • Sensor: APS-C
  • Megapixels: 24.2MP
  • Screen: 3.0” 1,040k pivot touch
  • Viewfinder: Pentamirror
  • Lens mount: Canon EF-S
  • Continuous shooting speed: 6fps
  • Max video resolution: 1,080p
  • User level: Enthusiast

Unlike most DSLRs at this price, Canon’s EOS 77D features an LCD display on the top, two controllers (front and rear) and an AF-ON button. However, high-end attractions have been reduced to a relatively compact and lightweight scale. Intelligent features include a Dual Pixel AF image sensor for extremely effective live viewing and auto focus (compared to most digital SLRs), a variable touch screen and a built-in image shift stabilizer. 5 axes for recording videos. There is also a 45-point autofocus system for shooting with the standard viewfinder, much better than the 9-point AF of the cheaper Canon 200D. Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth are all integrated, making the 77D a well-connected camera. All of these features make it one of the best cameras under $1000.

Pros:

  • Great handling and enthusiast-grade controls
  • Reasonably small and lightweight

Cons:

  • No 4K movie capture
  • 600-shot battery life isn’t great for a DSLR

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Sony Alpha A6300

Sony’s best APS-C format compact system camera for under a grand

  • Type: CSC
  • Sensor: APS-C
  • Megapixels: 24.2MP
  • Screen: 3.0” 922k tilt
  • Viewfinder: Electronic 2,359k
  • Lens mount: Sony E
  • Continuous shooting speed: 11fps
  • Max video resolution: 4K
  • User level: Enthusiast

Small but with a comfortable and natural feel, thanks to the generous gripping areas, the Sony Alpha A6300 was the flagship product of Sony’s compact APS-C format camera until the arrival of the newest A6500 and still is one of the best cameras under 1000 dollars. The new model exceeds our price limit, but the A6300 remains a very attractive option, with a very fast autofocus system, 4K video recording, and gorgeous image quality. The lens of the 16- to 50-mm PZ (Powerful Zoom) kit is a good choice for the camera, although some of Sony’s other E-mount lenses on such a slim camera look relatively large. The 16-50mm lens also has optical image stabilization. This is good news because unlike the new A6500, the A6300 does not have a stabilizer for switching sensors.

Pros:

  • Conveniently compact build
  • Fast autofocus is good for tracking

Cons:

  • Lacks the newer A6500’s image stabilizer
  • Some Sony lenses are large compared with the body

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Sony Alpha A7

This Sony Alpha has become a legend in its own lifetime

  • Type: CSC
  • Sensor: Full-frame
  • Megapixels: 24.3MP
  • Screen: 3.0” 922k tilt
  • Viewfinder: Electronic 2,359k
  • Lens mount: Sony E
  • Continuous shooting speed: 5fps
  • Max video resolution: 1,080p
  • User level: Enthusiast

A true breakthrough, the Sony A7 and A7R were the world’s first interchangeable full-frame mirror-less cameras. They were announced at the end of 2013 and it takes five years for Canon and Nikon to catch up. Perhaps even more striking is the fact that the A7 is the only camera of any kind on the market that meets our $1000 limit, with a 28-70 mm lens. A modern classic, the A7 is a pleasure to use with its high-resolution electronic viewfinder and tilting high-tilt screen. The built-in stabilization of the Mk II editions of the camera is missing, while the A7R with its higher megapixel number is outside the price range. The original A7, however, is one of the best cameras under $1000.

Pros:

  • Full-frame image sensor
  • Excellent all-around performance

Cons:

  • No 4K video capture
  • No built-in stabilizer

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Final Words

$500 to $1000 is currently a good price for camera buyers, and you can not go wrong with my choices. That said, unless you have a particular reason why you need a DSLR, I would avoid this category and instead choose models without a mirror. The latter is technically more competent, especially for video, lighter and easier to carry. Our list of the Best Cameras Under $1000 includes the top 10 cameras you can buy now at the price tag.

Top 10 Best DSLR Cameras