13 of the Best Cheap Cameras for Photography in 2024
Looking for the best cheap cameras for photography? Wondering what camera most photographers use? You're in the right place! Budding photographers don't need to spend a fortune to get amazing results. Buy used or buy cheap, using this article's recommendation to get the best cameras available.
We've rounded up 13 of the best cheap cameras for photography in 2024. These budget-friendly options pack a punch when it comes to features, image quality and overall value. So, grab your camera bag (or backpack). It's time to explore the cameras that will help you capture your world without draining your wallet.
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- Best Cheap Cameras for Photography Beginners
- Best Budget Cameras for Travelling and Personal Use
- Best Cheap Cameras for Video
Best Cheap Cameras for Photography Beginners
1. Canon EOS R50
The best way to learn photography for beginners is to practice and there are few cameras better to practice with than the Canon EOS R50. It’s one of the best cheap cameras for photography beginners who want a modern mirrorless option without breaking the bank.
While it isn't the lowest-priced model available, it offers incredible value for its features. The camera is lightweight and portable, making it perfect for travel or on-the-go photography. It boasts a high-resolution APS-C sensor, ensuring excellent image quality and features a fully articulated screen for ease of use when shooting from different angles.
The R50 also records 4k video, making it a solid option for vloggers and content creators (we see you TikTokers). Its intelligent auto mode simplifies the learning process for beginners, allowing them to focus on composition and creativity.
What sets it apart is that it uses the same RF lens mount as Canon's high-end cameras, so you can gradually upgrade your gear without replacing your entire lens collection.
2. Canon EOS 2000D
Check out one of the best cameras for photography beginners. The Canon EOS 2000D is another strong contender for those seeking the best cheap cameras for photography.
This DSLR provides excellent value for those just entering the world of interchangeable-lens cameras. It lacks some of the advanced features found in pricier models, such as 4k video recording and an articulating screen but its high-resolution APS-C sensor ensures you capture stunning photos with ease.
The design is simple yet effective, making it accessible to photography beginners who may find more complex systems overwhelming. The EOS 2000D is compatible with Canon's extensive lineup of EF and EF-S lenses, allowing users to expand their creative horizons as they become more comfortable with the camera.
While it doesn't have the rapid autofocus or burst rate of modern mirrorless cameras, it’s a solid option for those looking to step up from a point-and-shoot or smartphone without spending too much. You may be wondering, “Should I buy an expensive camera as a beginner?” Well, with this camera, you don’t have to trade quality for affordability.
3. Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3500 stands out as one of the best cheap cameras for photography beginners, particularly for those who prefer the feel of a DSLR. Learning how to become a photographer is a lot simpler with this DSLR in your hands.
This budget-friendly model features Nikon's unique Guide Mode, which walks users through various settings and techniques, making it an ideal option for those just starting out. Its APS-C sensor delivers impressive image quality, capturing sharp, vibrant photos that exceed expectations for a camera at this price point.
Despite its budget status, the D3500 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on photo outings. Though Nikon has discontinued the D3500, it remains a popular choice for beginners thanks to the wide array of compatible lenses, enabling photographers to grow their skills over time. It's one of the best cheap cameras for photography Amazon offers.
4. Canon EOS Rebel SL3
What is the best camera for a non-professional? The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is a good bet. It’s one of Canon’s most portable and lightweight DSLRs, making it easy to take on photography outings without feeling weighed down.
While not as compact as mirrorless cameras like the Canon EOS R50, the Rebel SL3 offers significant advantages, such as a longer battery life and an extensive range of compatible lenses.
It features a high-resolution APS-C sensor that produces excellent image quality, while the optical viewfinder allows for lag-free shooting. Though the autofocus system isn’t as fast as newer mirrorless models, it remains reliable for everyday photography and works well with slower-moving subjects. The camera also offers 4k video recording, making it a viable option for casual videography.
Overall, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 combines classic DSLR handling with modern features, making it a fantastic choice for the best camera for professional photography beginners.
Best Budget Cameras for Traveling and Personal Use
5. Canon EOS R100
The best photography trick is buying a solid, compact camera. For those searching for the best cheap cameras for photography while traveling, the Canon EOS R100 offers an excellent balance of performance and portability.
As Canon’s most affordable mirrorless camera, the R100 combines the lightweight design of a mirrorless body with a solid set of beginner-friendly features. It lacks some advanced functions found in higher-end models but still provides impressive image quality thanks to its APS-C sensor.
The autofocus system is more advanced than those found in older DSLR models, making it easier for beginners to capture sharp, clear images. Its compact design makes it easy to slip into a travel bag and the RF lens mount allows for future upgrades without needing to replace your lenses (neat perk).
While the kit lens is sufficient for starting out, this camera offers long-term value as you can build out your lens collection over time. For those on a tight budget, the R100 is an excellent introduction to mirrorless photography.
6. Fujifilm X-A2
How do you take good pictures with a cheap camera? Make sure it’s a premium option like a Fujifilm.
The X-A2’s 16MP APS-C sensor delivers impressive clarity and color performance, capturing vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions. The camera is fully compatible with Fujifilm's X-mount lens system, allowing users to explore various creative possibilities as they advance their photography skills.
Despite its affordable price, the X-A2 includes twin control dials for quickly adjusting settings and a tilting screen that enhances visibility when shooting at difficult angles.
However, the camera's plastic build can feel somewhat flimsy compared to Fujifilm's higher-end models. Nonetheless, its portability and image quality make it a reliable companion for travel photography. The X-A2 is a strong choice for travelers looking for the best budget camera for traveling.
7. Sony RX100 VII
If you're seeking the best cheap cameras for photography that offer portability and versatility, the Sony RX100 VII is a standout option. This compact camera packs an impressive range of features into a pocket-sized body.
The camera boasts a 24-200mm zoom lens that delivers exceptional image quality across its entire range, providing creative flexibility whether you're capturing landscapes or close-up shots. The camera's ultra-fast autofocus, combined with real-time eye and subject tracking, ensures sharp images even when shooting fast-moving subjects.
Plus, the RX100 VII offers enhanced image stabilization and includes a microphone jack for high-quality video recording. It’s a strong choice for vloggers and content creators. The compact design, paired with professional-grade features, makes the RX100 VII one of the best budget cameras for traveling.
Whether you're documenting your travels or shooting everyday moments, this camera delivers exceptional performance in a small package.
8. Apple iPhone
What is the best camera for a non-professional? Well, when it comes to the best cheap cameras for photography, sometimes the answer is right in front of you. The Apple iPhone has become a go-to tool for travel photography, thanks to its ever-improving camera technology. With each new model, the iPhone delivers sharper images and better low-light performance. It’s one of the best cameras for photography beginners who prize versatility.
Its compact size and ease of use make it a perfect companion for minimalist travelers who don’t want to carry heavy camera gear. The iPhone’s camera system offers incredible flexibility for a variety of shooting conditions. Plus, its editing capabilities allow you to enhance your photos directly from your device, streamlining the process of creating high-quality images.
The iPhone proves that the best cheap cameras for photography don’t always have to be traditional cameras — they can also be powerful smartphones ready to capture memories.
9. GoPro Hero 11 Black
The GoPro Hero 11 Black is a top choice for adventurers seeking the best cheap cameras for photography Amazon offers. With its taller sensor, the Hero 11 offers unique cropping possibilities and better battery life, making it ideal for long days of shooting in the wild.
Its ability to capture higher-resolution still images from video ensures that you won't miss a single moment, while the new Easy Mode simplifies settings, allowing you to focus on the action rather than fiddling with camera options.
The Hero 11's fun shooting modes, like Star Trails and Vehicle Light Trails, add creative flair to your footage. This action camera is also waterproof and durable, perfect for capturing extreme sports or outdoor adventures.
While editing 5.3K video requires a newer smartphone for smooth processing, the GoPro Hero 11 Black remains one of the best cheap cameras for photography in action-packed environments. Plus, it’s pretty darn cute.
Best Cheap Cameras for Video
10. Audio Recorder and Mic
The best camera for professional photography beginners can be incredibly expensive. Instead of investing in a new camera, upgrading your audio setup can be a smart, cost-effective way to significantly enhance the quality of your video content. Pairing your existing camera with a reliable audio recorder and a high-quality microphone can instantly elevate your productions.
For an affordable yet impactful solution, we recommend combining the Sony ICD-PX370 recorder with the Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Microphone. The Sony ICD-PX370 is a highly portable and budget-friendly audio recorder that easily integrates into your video workflow.
This recorder delivers clear, crisp audio without the need for an expensive upgrade to your camera setup. With intuitive controls and USB connectivity, it simplifies audio recording, ensuring you capture high-quality sound to complement your footage.
For capturing professional-grade sound, the Sennheiser MKH 416 Shotgun Microphone is an industry-standard microphone. Renowned for its precision and ability to isolate dialogue or specific sounds while minimizing background noise, this microphone is perfect for outdoor shooting, interviews or narrative content.
11. Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 is one of the best cheap cameras for photography and video enthusiasts who demand high performance in both areas.
The GH3 is packed with advanced features that cater to still-life photography and videographers alike. Its compact design makes it much smaller than a traditional DSLR, but it delivers comparable performance, offering excellent handling and responsiveness. The GH3’s movie capabilities, in particular, have made it a favorite among professional videographers, with many integrating it into their video rigs.
The camera's customizable controls and intuitive interface make it easy to adjust settings on the fly, providing an ideal balance of usability and performance (making it simpler for beginners to get the hang of it).
Its ability to capture high-quality video in various formats, including full HD, makes it a versatile tool for content creators who need a camera that excels in both stills and video. For those seeking the best cheap cameras for photography and videography, the GH3 is a solid, affordable choice.
12. Insta360 X4
The Insta360 X4 is a versatile option for those looking for the best cheap cameras for photography and 360-degree video. This camera excels in creating immersive content, offering 8K 360-degree video that captures everything around you, making it a perfect tool for travel, action and creative video projects. The X4 builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, the X3, with improved single-camera modes that allow for 4K 60p video capture.
It’s waterproof up to 10 meters which is ideal for outdoor adventures and features enhanced in-camera microphones for more immersive sound and supports external mics via Bluetooth. The standout feature is the ability to capture footage that would be impossible with a traditional camera, offering a new level of creativity.
13. Sony ZV-E10
This powerful, budget-friendly mirrorless camera ranks among the best cheap cameras for videography. The Sony ZV-E10’s compact size and lightweight design make it perfect for on-the-go shooting, while its side-flipping articulating screen is ideal for selfie videos and vlogging.
The ZV-E10 excels in video autofocus, with real-time eye and face tracking that ensures sharp, well-focused footage even in dynamic situations. It also offers picture profiles like S-Log 2, S-Log 3 and HLG, providing videographers with the ability to capture footage that can be color-graded to their liking in post-production.
With built-in microphone features and options to connect external mics and headphones, the ZV-E10 is a comprehensive package for content creators who need both quality video and audio. As one of the best cheap cameras for photography and video, the Sony ZV-E10 delivers professional-grade features at an affordable price.
You can capture stunning photos without a hefty price tag. Use this guide to find a camera that fits your budget and still delivers impressive quality. Happy shooting!
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