Finding the best budget camera is a challenge. You often find yourself looking at old, secondhand, or renewed cameras. And sometimes, the source might not be reliable. But it doesn’t have to be that way.
We’ve compiled a list of the best budget cameras. Six are mirrorless and one is a DSLR, and they run from tiny vlogging bodies to a full frame Canon. And these aren’t inferior machines. They are good cameras at even better prices. If you want a pocketable fixed-lens model instead, start with our guide to the best compact cameras. For the wider field, see the best mirrorless cameras.
The Canon EOS R100 is the best budget camera right now. It’s one of Canon’s latest releases. And it’s also one of their most affordable cameras to date. It’s a compact mirrorless with excellent features for photos and video. It shows a little money can go a long way when you shop smart.
What Is the Best Budget Camera?
Let’s dive in and discover which is the best budget camera. We’ll see how the cameras compare, differ, and more!
- Compact and lightweight body
- Responsive and accurate AF with eye detection and tracking
- Wide ISO range with excellent low-noise performance at the top end
- Vari-angle screen is perfect for videos and vlogging
- Built-in stereo mic with adjustable sensitivity, plus an external mic input
1. Canon EOS R100
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon RF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
No
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
3975
|
| Maxiso |
Maxiso
ISO 12800
|
| Fps |
Fps
6.5 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3 in
|
The Canon EOS R100 is one of Canon’s latest releases. But despite being brand new, it’s one of their most affordable mirrorless cameras. It was made to be a budget camera. But that doesn’t mean it can’t still be a good camera. In fact, it’s a great camera.
Sensor and Image Quality
The R100 has an APS-C CMOS sensor. And this has a resolution of 24.1 MP, giving you high-quality images. It defies the price range with sharp, well-rendered photos. They’re bright, rich, and vibrant yet true to life.
The native 100-12,800 ISO range gives you plenty of wiggle room in changeable lighting. But you can also expand the top end to 25,600 if necessary. That allows you to keep working in low-light situations. You might experience some digital noise at higher levels, but the images stay clean until you hit the top numbers.
You can shoot in JPEG or RAW. The JPEG images look great if you’re taking pictures for fun. But the RAW images give you far more options in post-processing. You can make impressive changes using photo editing software.
Focusing and Burst
With Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system, you get reliable focusing for photo and video. It uses 143 focus zones for accurate subject detection and tracking. It copes well with fast-moving subjects. And it has eye-detection AF for human subjects.
With 88% horizontal and 100% vertical AF coverage, the camera can detect and track subjects over most of the frame.
The burst mode is slow for a mirrorless camera. The max speed is 6.5 fps. But with the One-Shot AF mode, you get full autofocus support when using burst mode. That gives you razor-sharp action shots when shooting something like sports photography.
Video Features
The quality video features make the R100 an affordable hybrid camera. You can shoot clear and sharp footage with 4K resolution at 24 fps. And if that frame rate isn’t enough, you can switch to Full HD (1080p). This gives you faster rates, including 60 and 120 fps. The Full HD footage is also uncropped.
The 120 fps frame rate gives you high-definition slow-motion videos. That’s another excellent feature for shooting fast action like sports or wildlife. The R100 also has ports for external audio devices like microphones. It’s an all-in-one unit for making movies.
You can also use the Canon R100 as a webcam. Pair it with your computer and the Canon webcam software, and it gives you live HD video. It’s great for vlogging and live streaming.
Body and Handling
With an APS-C sensor, it’s lightweight and compact. The body weighs 0.78 lb / 356 g, which is feather-light even by mirrorless standards. It’s also small enough for any camera backpack, even day bags like the Peak Design Everyday Zip 15L.
The ergonomic design is reminiscent of Canon’s older DSLR models. It has a comfortable grip that fits nicely into your hand. You can hold it for hours on end with no discomfort at all.
All the buttons and controls are nicely laid out. Even inexperienced users will master the controls in no time. And it has an excellent 2.36m dot electronic viewfinder, which none of the vlogging bodies here can match in bright sun.
The screen is where Canon saved the money. It is fixed and it is not a touchscreen, so you cannot flip it round to film yourself and you cannot tap to focus. If you plan to vlog, or to shoot much from above your head or below your knees, skip to the R50 or the Nikon Z30.
2. Nikon Z30
| Brand |
Brand
Nikon
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Nikon Z
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20.9 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
No
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
209
|
| Maxiso |
Maxiso
ISO 51200
|
| Fps |
Fps
11 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3 in
|
The Nikon Z30 is a fantastic camera for vloggers or content creators. It’s an APS-C mirrorless, but it isn’t much bigger than a point-and-shoot camera.
Sensor and Image Quality
Despite the small body size, the Z30 has an APS-C CMOS sensor. The image resolution is 21 MP, which isn’t record-breaking. The pictures are bright, clear, and rich in detail. You’ll notice a huge difference in quality compared to smartphone cameras.
You get good low-light flexibility with a native ISO range of 100 – 51,200. But you can also expand it to 204,800, giving you even more options. It also controls digital noise well until you get to the very high ISO settings.
Focusing and Burst
Using 209 focus points, the Z30 has reliable AF for photography and video. It has face and eye-detection capabilities, which makes it even more accurate when shooting or recording humans. It also tracks moving subjects as they move within the frame. That’s good news for animated vloggers.
An 11 fps burst is not particularly impressive for a mirrorless camera, but it’s still fast enough to capture fast-moving subjects in motion. You also get full AF coverage when shooting at 11 fps.
Video Features
The video features are where the Z30’s strengths really lie. It delivers lovely, uncropped 4K footage. And there’s no 30-minute time limit, so you can shoot long-form videos for over two hours.
The battery might not last that long, but you can keep going thanks to the USB charging. Once connected, you have unlimited power and can record for as long as you need to.
The 4K video has a 30 fps frame rate that’s smooth and jerk-free. You can also switch to Full HD for a 120 fps frame rate. This gives you high-quality slow-motion footage.
Webcam functionality makes the Z30 a great option for YouTubers and live streamers. Delivering a 60 fps Full HD stream over USB-C or 4K 30 fps with a HDMI connection. You’ll look sharp and clear on Zoom, Twitch, or Instagram.
Body and Handling
Even by mirrorless standards, the Nikon Z30 is compact and super lightweight, so it’s easy to take anywhere with you.
A rotating LCD screen makes it easier to record yourself for selfies or vlogs. There’s also a REC red light on the front of the camera to tell you when you’re recording.
It has a built-in stereo mic for high-quality sound recording. And the body has ports if you prefer using external audio equipment for better sound quality.
The Z30 has no viewfinder at all, and that is the reason it is not our top pick. On a bright day you are composing on a screen you can barely see. It also has no in-body stabilization. If you shoot stills outdoors more often than you film indoors, the Canon EOS R100 gives you a viewfinder for less money.
3. Canon EOS Rebel T7
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
DSLR
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon EF-S
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24.1 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
No
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
9
|
| Maxiso |
Maxiso
ISO 6400
|
| Fps |
Fps
3 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
Full HD
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3 in
|
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is an excellent choice for people who like the look and feel of classic cameras. It’s the perfect budget DSLR for beginners.
Sensor and Image Quality
The EOS Rebel T7 features a 24.1 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor. It’s an upgraded sensor. And it’s the highest image resolution in the Rebel lineup of entry-level DSLR cameras. The previous model, the Canon EOS Rebel T6, only has 18MP.
The new sensor, paired with a DIGIC 4+ image processor, delivers good images. Photos have a max resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels. Regardless of shooting JPEGs or RAW files, you can expect edge-to-edge sharpness. And there is little to no distortion. Additionally, the Rebel T7 boasts all Canon cameras’ beloved, rich, vivid colors.
It has no built-in image stabilization and a max ISO of 6400. So, one area that’s not great is shooting in low-light conditions, like sunsets. You can only expect grain-free, low-light images up to ISO 1600. Higher than that, unwanted noise may start to appear in your photos.
Furthermore, the Canon Rebel T7 has a high dynamic range of just over nine. It’s good but not great and gives you some wiggle room when editing RAW images. But overall, this camera is better for photographers who shoot JPEGs.
Focusing and Burst Mode
Autofocus may be the biggest drawback of the Canon EOS Rebel T7. Whereas most new best budget cameras have over 100 AF points, it only has nine. Most people shoot exclusively in autofocus. So Canon’s decision not to upgrade the AF system is a real head-scratcher.
It takes approximately 0.1 seconds to find focus with direct sunlight. But that falls to 0.6 seconds if there is less light. These numbers are slower than average. But they are fine if you plan to shoot portraits or non-moving subjects.
What’s even stranger is the lack of autofocus capabilities when recording video. Autofocus can usually set focus before filming. But with the Rebel T7, you must make all focus adjustments manually once rolling.
On a positive note, subject tracking is available in AI Servo mode (Canon’s continuous AF). So is continuous shooting. The three-frame-per-second burst mode is by no means lightning-fast. But it gets the job done for slower-moving subjects.
Video Features
The Canon Rebel T7 can’t capture 4K footage but has three distinct video formats: 1080p Full HD, 720p HD, and 480p SD. The 1080p Full HD video can be shot at 24 or 30 fps, while you can shoot 720p at 60 fps. A good option for creating a slow-motion video? You can shoot at 60 fps and slow it down in post-production.
Shooting handheld movies is strongly discouraged. There is no in-body image stabilization (IBIS). Unless there is no other option, you will always want to use a tripod or gimbal. They help remove camera shake and generate much smoother movies.
One cool video feature is the Video Snapshot mode. It captures short video clips of up to eight seconds. And the camera automatically merges them to create a highlight video. Another extraordinary trait? You can edit your movies directly on the camera in playback mode. You can’t do everything, but basic adjustments like trimming are possible.
Body and Handling
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is incredibly light and compact for a DSLR camera. It weighs only 475 grams (battery included) and measures 129 x 101 x 78 mm. Its portability is, without a doubt, one of its most attractive features.
The plastic body has a textured rubber grip for extra comfort and control. Even though it’s plastic, it feels well-made and is reasonably durable. There is no weather sealing, though. You would have to keep it away from rain and dust.
Handling is a strong point of this camera. The layout of the buttons and dials is straightforward and perfect for beginners. You can quickly change the most-used settings by pressing a button or going to the Q menu. And if you need to enter the main menu, they are color-coded and easy to navigate.
Lastly, it uses the standard Canon EF lens mount. You can access some of the best and most popular budget lenses ever made!
4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
| Brand |
Brand
Olympus
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Micro Four Thirds
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Micro 4/3
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
Yes
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
121
|
| Maxiso |
Maxiso
ISO 6400
|
| Fps |
Fps
15 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3 in
|
The Olympus OM-D is a beautiful and compact mirrorless camera with a retro look. It’s an excellent first camera for those looking to upgrade from smartphone photography.
Sensor and Image Quality
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV has a new 20 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor at its core. Micro Four Thirds (MFT) sensors are slightly smaller than APS-C sensors, measuring 17.4 x 13 mm. They are the go-to choice for Olympus and Panasonic crop sensor cameras.
Another essential thing to keep in mind about MFT sensors is that they apply a 2x crop factor to images. For example, the E-M10 Mark IV with the 14-42mm kit lens has an equivalent focal length of 28-84mm.
While its RAW files keep more detail, JPEG resolution is equally impressive. I recommend sticking with the smaller JPEG files for personal use and social media.
Since the sensor is small, you might expect poor low-light performance. But low-light shooting is a strength. That’s due to 5-axis stabilization that adds 4.5 stops of exposure. On top of that, it has a dynamic range of 12.5 with a TruePic VIII image processor.
Focusing and Burst
The E-M10 Mark IV uses 121 point contrast detection autofocus. It’s an outdated system that is slower than hybrid phase-detection autofocus. It works well for static and slow-moving subjects. But it’s not great for sports or action photography.
There was a big issue with the previous model, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III. It would lock focus onto the wrong subject or the background in continuous AF. Luckily, the engineers at Olympus updated the AF algorithm, significantly reducing this problem.
Face and eye-detection AF have also improved. It now recognizes faces, such as profiles looking away from the camera. But there are problems with a busy background. It still struggles to consistently lock on and track subjects.
At first, the max frame rate of 15 fps sounds stellar. But the numbers aren’t great upon closer examination. The speed tumbles to a below-average 5 fps as soon as autofocus is activated.
Video Features
It has high-quality 4K 30p video and built-in stabilization. So the E-M10 Mark IV is a terrific little video camera. The colors look natural and bright. Plus, the footage is usable straight from the camera.
Also, shooting handheld videos is possible thanks to in-body image stabilization. The results are even smoother when paired with a stabilized lens like the Panasonic 42.5mm f/1.7 prime lens.
Another premium video feature is recording slow-motion movies directly in the camera. The mode uses 720p/120p video settings and plays back at 30 fps. That gives it a playback speed 4x slower than in real life.
Additionally, it features a tilting screen which is excellent for vloggers. My biggest complaint is the lack of a microphone and a headphone jack.
Body and Handling
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV manages to be both stylish and user-friendly. It measures 122 x 84 x 49 mm, weighs 383 grams (battery included), and has an attractive silver and black retro design.
The first things that jump out are the two control dials on the top of the camera. Because crop sensor cameras are more compact, most only include one dial. I love having two! In my experience, it makes adjusting the exposure settings far quicker.
The rest of the buttons are well-placed. You can control the camera using only one hand. Also, there are three customizable buttons on the back of the camera. Overall, the design and handling are two of the biggest strengths of this Olympus OM-D E camera.
Lastly, it uses the Micro Four Thirds lens mount system. All MFT lenses are the same. This means tons of compatible lenses are available. You can look at Olympus, Panasonic, and third-party lenses.
5. Canon EOS R50
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon RF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
No
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
651
|
| Maxiso |
Maxiso
ISO 32000
|
| Fps |
Fps
12 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3 in
|
The Canon EOS R50 is a compact APS-C mirrorless camera built for photographers who want interchangeable lenses without paying flagship prices. It has been in Canon’s line-up since 2023, and it sits between the R100 and the R10 in both price and specification.
Sensor and Image Quality
The R50 uses a 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor paired with Canon’s Digic X processor, the same imaging engine found in Canon’s higher-end R-series bodies. Photos are sharp and detailed for the price, with a native ISO range of 100 – 32,000 that expands to 51,200.
You can shoot JPEG or RAW, and the RF lens mount gives you access to Canon’s full mirrorless lens catalog, including the budget RF-S lenses designed specifically for this sensor size.
Focusing and Burst
Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF II system uses 651 autofocus points and includes subject detection for people, animals, and vehicles. It’s a meaningful step up from the older autofocus system in the Rebel T7.
Burst shooting reaches 12 fps with the mechanical shutter, fast enough for casual sports and wildlife shots. One real drawback: the R50 has no in-body image stabilization, so you’ll need a stabilized lens or a faster shutter speed to avoid blur in low light.
Video Features
Video is where the R50 earns its keep. It shoots uncropped 4K at up to 30 fps, and switches to a cropped 4K mode at up to 120 fps for slow motion. That’s a rare spec at this price point.
A fully articulating touchscreen makes it a solid choice for vlogging or webcam use, and built-in WiFi and Bluetooth handle file transfers and remote control without extra hardware.
Body and Handling
At 375 g and 116 x 86 x 69 mm, the R50 is light enough to carry all day. The trade-offs that keep the price down are real, though: a single control dial that slows down manual adjustments, no weather sealing, and a battery rated for only 370 shots per charge, so a spare is worth packing for a full day out.
If you shoot regularly in rain or dust, or want twin dials for fast manual control, look further up Canon’s range. For stills and video on a budget, the R50 is hard to beat.
6. Sony ZV-E10
| Brand |
Brand
Sony
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Sony E
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
No
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
425
|
| Maxiso |
Maxiso
ISO 32000
|
| Fps |
Fps
11 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3 in
|
The Sony ZV-E10 is the budget camera to buy if video is the reason you’re buying a camera at all. It pairs a 24 MP APS-C sensor with Sony’s E lens mount, so you get a proper interchangeable-lens body for around $700 with the audio and screen features vloggers actually use.
Sensor and Image Quality
The 24 MP APS-C sensor matches the R100 and the R50 for size and resolution, and it produces 6000 x 4000 pixel files with plenty of room to crop and edit.
The native ISO range runs 100 – 32,000 and expands to 51,200. That’s more than double the R100’s ceiling, which matters if you film indoors or keep shooting after sunset.
Focusing and Burst
Sony’s autofocus is why this camera keeps selling. It uses 425 phase-detection points with real-time eye tracking for people and animals, and it holds a moving subject far more reliably than the contrast-detection system in the E-M10 Mark IV.
Burst shooting tops out at 11 fps, matching the Nikon Z30. That’s quick enough for a child running or a dog in a park, but it isn’t a sports camera.
Video Features
The ZV-E10 records 4K at up to 30 fps and Full HD at 120 fps for slow motion. It also combines three things no other camera on this list does: a 3.5 mm microphone input, a headphone socket so you can monitor your audio while you record, and a three-capsule directional mic with a wind muff in the box. Product Showcase mode racks focus from your face to whatever you hold up, and one press of the Background Defocus button opens the aperture for a blurred backdrop.
Two limits are worth knowing before you buy. The 4K 30 fps mode is cropped, so you lose part of your wide angle, and panning shots show visible rolling shutter. Pan slowly, or drop to Full HD.
Body and Handling
At 343 g the ZV-E10 is the lightest interchangeable-lens body here, and the fully articulating screen flips to the front for filming yourself. The battery is rated for 440 shots, the best figure on this list, and it charges over USB while you work.
The trade-offs are real, and they’re why it isn’t our top pick. There is no viewfinder at all, so in bright sun you compose on a screen you can barely see. There is no in-body stabilization either, so handheld walking shots need a stabilized lens or a gimbal. If you mostly shoot stills, and especially if you shoot outdoors in daylight, the Canon EOS R100 or the R50 will serve you better for less money.
7. Canon EOS RP
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
Full Frame
|
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Canon RF
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
26 MP
|
| In Body Stabilisation |
In Body Stabilisation
No
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
4779
|
| Maxiso |
Maxiso
ISO 40000
|
| Fps |
Fps
5 fps
|
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K
|
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3 in
|
The Canon EOS RP is a budget camera with a full frame sensor. Being a budget camera is a relative thing, and it is pricier than most of the other cameras on this list. But that’s because full frame cameras are more expensive generally.
Sensor and Image Quality
As stated, the Canon EOS RP has a full frame CMOS sensor, which is bigger than APS-C and Micro Four Thirds sensors. The larger surface area allows for more megapixels, and the RP has a healthy resolution of 26 MP.
Image quality is a real strong point for the RP. There are plenty of high-resolution cameras with more powerful sensors, but the detail and clarity here is fantastic.
The larger sensor also gives you better low-light performance and a wider dynamic range. It reduces the risk of digital noise at high ISOs, and it brings out more detail in light and dark areas.
A native ISO range of 100 – 40,000 gives you good flexibility. But you can extend this to 50 – 102,400. The 50 ISO setting gives you even better image quality.
Focusing and Burst
Burst mode isn’t the RP’s strong point, with a max of 5 fps using the mechanical shutter. But those are full-res images and you get AF support when bursting.
The autofocus, however, is a real highlight of this camera. It uses Canon’s world famous Dual Pixel AF system that gives you nearly full frame coverage of your scene.
A selection of AF modes gives you even better support. There’s zone focusing, eye-detection, and face tracking. You can also touch and drag on the touchscreen to keep moving subjects in focus.
Video Features
It gives you sharp videos with a 4K resolution. But the frame rate is limited to 24 fps, and the 4K mode crops into the sensor rather than using its full width. That combination can look sluggish and feel tight compared to the uncropped 4K on the R50.
Shooting in Full HD does give you a 60 fps option, but you do lose some quality. It does have digital video stabilization, which helps you shoot without a tripod or gimbal.
The RP doubles as a high-resolution webcam, perfect for live streaming or conference calls.
Body and Handling
Despite its full frame sensor, the Canon EOS RP is svelte and lightweight. It’s more angular than Canon’s DSLR cameras, but it’s smaller and lighter than their DSLR full frame machines.
A rotating touchscreen is always beneficial. And a bright electronic viewfinder helps you compose shots that way.
Two things catch people out. The battery is rated for about 250 shots, roughly a third of what the Rebel T7 manages, so carry two or three spares for a full day. And the 4K video is cropped by 1.6x, which turns a 24mm lens into something closer to a 38mm. If video matters more to you than sensor size, the R50 or the ZV-E10 will frustrate you far less.
How to Choose a Budget Camera
Seven cameras is a lot to weigh up. Start with the thing that decides most of it: what you will point the camera at.
You mostly shoot stills, and you want the cheapest way in. The Canon EOS R100. It is the smallest and lightest body here, and the only one on this list with a proper viewfinder at that price. You give up the flip screen and the touchscreen.
You mostly film yourself. The Sony ZV-E10 if you want to change lenses and monitor your audio through headphones. The Nikon Z30 if you want uncropped 4K with no recording limit and can live without a headphone socket.
You want one camera that does both well. The Canon EOS R50. It has the best autofocus here by a wide margin, with 651 points and subject detection, plus uncropped 4K and 12 fps.
You care more about cheap lenses than a modern body. The Canon EOS Rebel T7. Canon now sells only two DSLR lines new, and this is the affordable one. Its EF and EF-S mount opens up two decades of second-hand glass at prices no mirrorless mount can match yet.
You want stabilization built into the camera. The OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the only one here with it. Every other camera on this list leans on the lens instead.
You want a full frame sensor. The Canon EOS RP, and only if you accept the battery life and the cropped video.
Two things not worth choosing on. Megapixels: every camera here sits between 20 and 26 MP, and the difference is invisible unless you print very large. And burst speed: 6.5 fps against 12 fps sounds decisive, but unless you shoot sport it almost never is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a budget camera really better than my phone?
For anything beyond a well-lit snapshot, yes. Every camera here has a sensor many times larger than a phone's, which is what produces cleaner low-light files and genuinely shallow depth of field rather than a software imitation. The bigger gain is the lens: you can put a fast prime or a long zoom on any of these bodies, and no phone can do that.
How much should I spend on my first camera?
Enough for a body and a lens, and no more. On this list the Canon EOS R100 and the Canon EOS Rebel T7 both come in kits with a zoom lens, which is the sensible way to start. Money left over is better spent on a memory card, a spare battery and a camera backpack than on a more expensive body you have not learned yet.
Should I buy a used or refurbished camera instead?
Only from a dealer with a warranty. Second-hand bodies from KEH or MPB are graded and returnable. A marketplace listing that quietly says "Renewed" is a different proposition, and it is why we check the condition on every listing we link. Every camera on this page is one you can buy new.
Do I need 4K video?
Only if you deliver in 4K or you crop your footage. Six of the seven cameras here shoot it, but they do not shoot it equally: the Nikon Z30 and Canon EOS R50 give you uncropped 4K, while the Sony ZV-E10 and the Canon EOS RP crop into the sensor and narrow your view. Full HD at 60 fps is still enough for most social video.
Which of these cameras has image stabilization?
Only the OM System OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, which has 5-axis stabilization in the body worth about 4.5 stops. The rest rely on stabilized lenses, so check for IS, VR or OSS in the lens name before you buy one.
Conclusion: Best Budget Cameras
There are more good cheap cameras now than at any point in the last ten years, and the hard part is no longer finding one. It is deciding which compromise you can live with, because at this price every camera makes one.
The Canon EOS R100 is still the best budget camera for most people. It is the cheapest way onto Canon's RF mount, it is light enough that you will actually carry it, and its viewfinder makes it usable in the bright daylight where the vlogging bodies struggle. Its fixed, non-touch screen is the compromise. If that is the one you cannot live with, the Canon EOS R50 is the next step up.
Whichever you pick, buy a kit with a zoom lens, then add one fast prime once you know what you shoot. That single lens will change your photos more than any body on this list.
