Best Cheap Cameras: The 15 Finest & Most Affordable Cameras

On a budget for your camera setup? Here is our rundown and reviews of 15 cheap cameras to suit every budget and skill set.

While you're getting your new camera sorted for your gearbox, you’ll need to acquire other equipment to flesh out your setup. Check out our page on camera equipment to get started.

5 of the best budget cameras

1. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II

If you are looking for a decent camera for beginners that won’t break the bank, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II may be the one for you. It is constructed out of magnesium alloy, so expect this model to be durable.

• 5-axis stabilization system.
• Burst shooting rate of 8.5fps.
• It has an electronic shutter capable of 1/16000 sec and a 2.36M-dot electronic viewfinder.
• It can shoot in JPEG, RAW, and MPO formats.
• It carries an ISO range of 100 to 25600.
• It also includes wireless connectivity, HDR exposure blending, and a nice selection of filters.

Pros:

• It comes with 5-axis image stabilization.
• High-resolution EVF.
• Able to record time lapses in 4k.
• Wide ISO range.
• In-built Wi-Fi.
• Well-placed controls.

Cons:

• It doesn’t come with weather sealing.
• No mic or headphone jack.
• No 4k video.

Price: around $500.

2. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800

This little thing packs excellent image quality in a compact casing. It measures just 2.1 x 2 x 0.9 inches when turned off and weighs 3.5 ounces.

• 5x zoom.
• 20.1MP resolution.
• It has a 2.7-inch liquid-crystal display screen.
• It shoots in 720p.

Pros:

• Inexpensive and portable.
• Good image quality.

Cons:

• The display is hard to see in sunlight.

Price: Just $94 on Amazon!

3. Canon EOS Rebel T7

This camera is a good choice for beginners, but it won’t take you further since it is pretty basic. It has a fixed rear screen and can only shoot in HD video, and it doesn’t come with an Autofocus system.

• 24.1MP.
• 3” fixed screen.
• Continuous shooting speed of 3fps.
• Max resolution of 1080p.

Pros:

• It’s inexpensive and relatively easy to use.

Cons:

• Fixed rear screen.
• It can’t shoot in 4k.

4. Panasonic Lumix GX85

The Panasonic Lumix GX85 can be adapted to whatever skillset you have. You get an excellent Autofocus system and the ability to shoot in 4k, a tilting screen, and an electronic viewfinder. This model is perfect for travellers or those on holiday.

• A Micro Four Thirds Sensor.
• Max burst speed of 8fps.
• Can shoot in 4k.
• It carries 16MP Megapixels.

Pros:

• Great electronic viewfinder.
• Able to shoot in 4k.

Cons:

• Restricted tilt-screen range.
• It only carries 16MP.

Price: $600 on Amazon.

5. Canon EOS M50

This mid-range mirrorless camera remains famous for beginners and enthusiasts alike. It carries reasonable noise control, an impressive dynamic range, and a responsive touchscreen. However, if you are looking for good battery life, this may not be for you.

• Bright EVF.
• 24.1MP sensor.
• Continuous shooting at 10fps.
• It shoots in 4k.

Pros:

• Excellent image quality.
• Impressive touchscreen interface.

Cons:

• It has a heavy crop on 4k video.
• Poor battery life.

Price: $790 on Amazon.

5 affordable film cameras for enthusiasts

1. Nikon D3500

This classic DSLR camera will suit every skill level and every budget. The Nikon D3500 performs like a professional DSLR but is very suitable for entry-level photographers too.

• A 24-megapixel sensor.
• It also comes with an APS-C sensor and an Exceed 4 processor.
• It can shoot up to 5fps and has an ISO range of 100- 25,600.
• Bluetooth settings.
• It comes with an 18-55mm kit lens.
• It also comes with VR (Vibration Reduction)

Pros:

• Great image quality.
• Bluetooth connectivity.
• Can shoot at 5fps.
• Fast autofocus.
• Affordable.

Cons:

• The screen is fixed, and there is no 4k video.
• It doesn’t come with mic or headphone jacks.
• No touch screen.

Price: just under $450.

2. Fujifilm X-T200

If you are just starting on your photography journey and want a reliable mirrorless camera, the Fujifilm X-T200 may be the one for you. It includes autofocus, a 3.5” rear touchscreen, and a viewfinder for framing shots.

• APS-C CMOS sensor.
• It comes with a 24.2MP resolution.
• Maximum shooting rate of 8fps.
• Shoots in 4k.

Pros:

• It has a great dynamic and color range.
• It comes with a 3.5” touchscreen.
• A beautiful retro design.

Cons:

• It doesn’t subject track in the video.
• Low buffer depth.

Price: around $800.

3. Fujifilm X-A7

This model packs an impressive specs list for an affordable mirrorless camera. It has great noise control, and the image quality is gorgeous with excellent color reproduction. It's small and lightweight but can be a bit fiddly when holding for long periods.

• APS-C CMOS, 24.5MP Sensor.
• It comes with a 3.5” touchscreen.
• Continuous shooting at 6fps.
• Shoots in 4k.

Pros:

• Great autofocus and image quality.
• Stylish and compact design.

Cons:

• No built-in image stabilization.
• No viewfinder.

Price: Around $880 on Amazon.

4. Nikon D5600

This camera has a stronger set of specs compared to the D3500 series, including:

• A large LCD screen.
• It has an advanced autofocus system.
• Built-in Wi-Fi.
• Continuous shooting at 5fps.
• It shoots up to 1080p.

Pros:

• Ergonomic design and impressive image quality.
• Responsive touchscreen.

Cons:

• Slow live view focusing.
• It doesn’t shoot in 4k.

Price: $832 on Amazon.

5. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II

This premium compact camera is probably the best of its class available today. It’s especially great for shooting at awkward angles since it carries a 3” tiltable screen.

• Wi-Fi compatibility.
• 20.2MP resolution.
• Maximum ISO of 12,800.

Pros:

• Useful tiltable screen.
• Full manual control.
• Excellent low-light performance.

Cons:

• No touchscreen.

Price: Can be purchased online from around $250-$400.

5 of the best budget cameras with high skill features

1. Sony Alpha A6000

Don’t let the low price of this model fool you- this camera is highly advanced and is only $500 since it has been on the market since 2014. It includes features like a 24MP APS-C sensor, a hybrid 179-point autofocus system, and continuous shooting at 11 fps. However, it doesn't come with a touch screen and is unable to shoot in 4k.

• Sony E-Mount lens mount.
• It comes with an EVF viewfinder.
• It shoots up to 1080p.

Pros:

• 11fps burst shooting.
• Great specs for its age.

Cons:

• It only shoots in full HD, not 4k.
• No touchscreen.

Price: around $500.

2. Sony A7 Mark II

This camera is incredibly cheap for the quality you get. It includes a great in-body stabilization system, as well as other features:

• 24.3MP.
• It comes with a 3” tiltable screen.
• Electronic viewfinder.
• Max burst speed of 5fps.
• It shoots in 1080p.

Pros:

• Amazing price and good image quality.
• In-body image stabilization system.

Cons:

• Weak battery life.
• It doesn’t shoot in 4k.

Price: You can buy it for around $670 on different marketplaces.

3. Nikon Z6

This model is good value for money and a good choice for Nikon users wanting to jump into mirrorless cameras.

• Full-frame CMOS, 35.9x23.9mm sensor.
• 3.2” LCD tilting screen.
• Max burst speed at 12fps.
• Shoots in 4k.

Pros:

• In-body image stabilization system.
• Can shoot in 4k.

Cons:

• Poor battery life.
• Average buffer capacity.

Price: Can buy on Amazon for around $1200.

4. Canon EOS Rebel SL3

This model is an excellent example of when paying more gets you a better set of features.

• APS-C sensor with 24.1MP resolution.
• Good Autofocus system.
• Shoots in 4k.
• It has Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Max burst speed at 5fps.

Pros:

• A lightweight, intuitive DSLR.
• Impressive live view shooting.

Cons:

• Quite large compared to other mirrorless models.

Price: $710 on Amazon.

5. Canon EOS 6D Mark II

This camera is impressive for many reasons, one being its 26.2MP full-frame sensor with a clever Dual Pixel CMOS AF system incorporated into its design.

• A 45 Point autofocus system.
• 3” vari-angle touchscreen.
• Max burst speed of 6.5fps.
• It shoots in 1080p.

Pros:

• Good handling and fast autofocus system.

Cons:

• It doesn’t shoot in 4k.
• Image quality isn’t very impressive.

Price: $1800 to buy on Amazon.

How to choose the best cheap camera

If you’re looking to purchase a cheap camera, don’t spend your money on something that can do the same things as your smartphone. Many cameras around the sub-$200 mark will perform just the same as your phone camera. First, you should figure out how much you’re willing to spend and then consider:

Size and design

Do you want to be able to fit this camera into your pocket or your backpack? Make sure you check the dimensions before you buy.

Battery Life

This is especially crucial if you travel a lot with your camera.

Autofocus speed

If you’re looking to capture things in fast motion, you’ll need a good AF speed.

Brand

It’s good to get a camera from a reputable brand that also sells accessories compatible with your camera if you want to change things up later on.

Rent or subscribe to your camera

Hopefully, this article helped you in your search. I hope you're ready to get yourself a new camera!

Don’t want to purchase a camera from Amazon? Consider renting or subscribing to your next camera.

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