Best cheap camera deals: Budget cameras for all abilities

The best cameras don’t always have to cost great sums. In fact, if you know what you’re looking for and you’re happy to forgo the latest tech and shiniest features, you can grab yourself an excellent option for less than what you may expect to pay.

How is this possible? Keeping an eye on deals is one option, but asking yourself what you actually need is well worth doing too. After all, today’s cameras are typically specified to a standard higher than the average person needs. Newer models may sometimes have a handful of nice-to-have advantages, but slightly older models are often just as good for the everyday photographer – and they’re often much cheaper.

We’ve done all the hard work of testing and examining the current crop of cameras to find out where the bargains are. So, whether you just fancy a small camera to slip into your pocket for everyday use or something a little more powerful for more demanding subjects, read on.

1. Canon EOS Rebel T7: Best DSLR overall 

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Canon EOS Rebel T7

It might not be too exciting but it’s super cheap and ideal for first-timer users

Specifications

Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.1MP
Lens mount: Canon EF
Screen: 3-inch fixed, 920,000 dots
Continuous shooting speed: 3fps
Viewfinder: Optical, approx 95% coverage
Max video resolution: Full HD
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Sound 24.1MP sensor
+
Guided mode useful for beginners 

Reasons to avoid

-
9-point AF system a little basic 
-
Screen not touch sensitive

With the previous EOS Rebel T6 now in camera heaven, the EOS Rebel T7 (known as the EOS 2000D outside the US) steps in its place to provide first-time users on a tight budget with a basic but sound DSLR option. The 24.1MP sensor has the same resolution as many pricer cameras, while the 3in LCD is also the same size as those on many far more advanced models. Wi-Fi allows for fuss-free image-sharing out to the wider world, while Full HD video is also on hand when you need it. There’s also a cheaper EOS 4000D variant in some territories, but the EOS Rebel T7 gives you a more advanced sensor, a much better and larger LCD and a sturdy metal lens mount, which makes it a far stronger model.

2. Nikon D3500: best all-rounder

Nikon D3500

Nikon borrowed from its pricier DSLRs to craft this cracking all-rounder

Specifications

Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.2MP
Lens mount: Nikon F
Screen: 3-inch fixed, 921,000 dots
Continuous shooting speed: 5fps
Viewfinder: Optical, approx 95% coverage
Max video resolution: Full HD
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Huge assortment of compatible lenses 
+
Highly impressive battery life 

Reasons to avoid

-
No 4K video 
-
LCD fixed in place and not touch sensitive 

The impressively compact D3500 is Nikon’s latest entry-level DSLRs, and the company has gone to great lengths to make it as user-friendly as possible for the newbie photographer. The menu interface is great on the eye and the Guide Mode walks you through key shooting options in a way everyone can understand, while the ergonomically designed body is far closer to the pricier D5xxx series than earlier models, with a nice deep grip and an excellent physical control setup. At 1,550 shots per charge, battery life is also considerably higher than we normally find on such a camera while Bluetooth lets you send images to your phone without any fuss. OK, so you’ll have to make do without 4K video, and that LCD screen stays in place at all times, but there’s more to love here than there is to moan about.

3. Canon EOS Rebel SL2: Great first-time DSLR

Canon EOS Rebel SL2

Still one of the best beginner DSLRs with a handful of extras to sweeten the deal

Specifications

Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.2MP
Lens mount: Canon EF
Screen: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1.04million dots
Continuous shooting speed: 5fps
Viewfinder: Optical, approx 95% coverage
Max video resolution: Full HD
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Flip-out touchscreen works really well
+
Lots of great lenses to choose from  

Reasons to avoid

-
Autofocus system only has 9 points
-
Viewfinder only presents 95% coverage 

Canon recently updated the EOS Rebel SL2 (known as the EOS 200D outside the US) with the Rebel SL3, but its continuing presence on the market is great for the bargain hunter after a solid first-time DSLR. You can use it with an exhaustive selection of Canon lenses and the impressive Dual Pixel CMOS AF system kicks into play when using live view and during videos, giving you the smooth and fast focus as you’d expect on a mirrorless or compact camera. The 9-point AF system when using the viewfinder is a little more basic by comparison, but that shouldn’t stop you taking great images. If you’re grabbing it with the default 18-55mm kit lens, make sure that lens has Image Stabilizer (I.S.) written on it – some cheaper options don’t and the small saving you make getting this non-IS lens isn’t really worth it.

4. Nikon D5300: Great if you want to get more creative

Nikon D5300

This old timer still makes a lot of sense for those after something more than the basics

Specifications

Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.2MP
Lens mount: Nikon F
Screen: 3.2-inch vari-angle screen, 1,037k dots
Continuous shooting speed: 5fps
Viewfinder: Optical, approx. 95% coverage
Max video resolution: Full HD
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Great autofocus system 
+
LCD is relatively large and flips out 

Reasons to avoid

-
Can’t match the D3500’s battery life 
-
4K video not present 

If you feel you may quickly outgrow the D3500 above, or you’re lucky enough have a little more cash to play with, the D5300 is where you should turn your attention. While both have a 24MP sensor, here you get a 39-point AF system, a larger LCD that flips out and can be turned to face the front and built-in Wi-Fi, in addition to a microphone port for better audio recording and even an integrated GPS system. So, if you’re on your travels, or you want to get creative and shoot from awkward positions, the D5300 might be a better option. It’s a shame it can’t match the D3500’s 1550-shot battery life, but then no other DSLR in this price bracket can right now either.

5. Canon EOS Rebel T7i: Best advanced beginner DSLR

Canon EOS Rebel T7i

Upper-entry-level DSLR at a lower price than ever, with good growing room

Specifications

Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.2MP
Lens mount: Canon EF
Screen: 3-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040k dots
Continuous shooting speed: 6fps
Viewfinder: Optical, approx 95% coverage
Max video resolution: Full HD
User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Reasons to buy

+
45-point all-cross-type AF system is great
+
Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth - great connectivity options 

Reasons to avoid

-
Viewfinder only has 95% coverage 
-
Video limited to Full HD 

Much like the D5300, the EOS Rebel T7i (known as the EOS 800D outside the US) is an entry-level camera that gives you more to play with and a superior performance next to the more basic DSLR offerings on this list. While the model came along before 4K video started to become standard on such cameras, there’s a great range of physical controls, a flip-out LCD that responds to touch and Canon’s excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF system for fluid focus in live view and during video recording. And when you’re using the viewfinder to shoot images, you get a comprehensive 45-point AF system, with each point being cross-type for extra sensitivity.  

6. Canon EOS M100: Best mirrorless camera overall

6. Canon EOS M100

Canon’s baby mirrorless model has the basics in place and some clever tech on top

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.2MP
Lens mount: Canon EF-M
Screen: 3-inch tiltable touchscreen, 1,040k dots
Continuous shooting speed: 6.1fps
Viewfinder: No
Max video resolution: Full HD
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Dual Pixel CMOS AF is great 
+
Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth all on board 

Reasons to avoid

-
Relatively modest lens selection 
-
No viewfinder 

This is one of the cheapest mirrorless cameras around, but there are good reasons to consider it over Canon’s more established DSLRs. It’s small, light and comes with a very compact 15-45mm lens as standard, while the flip-up touchscreen is great for selfies. The Dual Pixel CMOS AF system provides speedy focus while Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth also let you get connected to a smart device as simply as possible. The only thing you might want to think twice about is the lens selection, which isn’t too great next to those from rival cameras. But if you don’t plan on building up a whole system and you just need one or two lenses to give you some flexibility, it’s remains a sound option.

7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II: Most stylish

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II

Not the newest option here but great looks are mirrored by a very appealing set of specs

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Four Thirds
Megapixels: 16.1MP
Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.04m dots
Continuous shooting speed: 8.5fps
Viewfinder: Electronic, 2.36million dots
Max video resolution: Full HD
User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Reasons to buy

+
Lots of lens options 
+
Built-in image stabilization 

Reasons to avoid

-
Relatively small sensor 
-
Menus can be confusing  

The OM-D E-M10 Mark II is another example of a mirrorless camera that may not longer be the newest in the series, but that still packs a punch – and its handsome looks don’t hurt it either. With image stabilization built into it you don’t have to worry about having this in the lens, and as a member of the most mature mirrorless system around, lens options are plentiful. Its small size makes it ideal for travels and holidays, while its tilting touchscreen makes light work of focusing on subjects from all kinds of angles. Pair it with a small lens and you’ve got yourself a camera that’s far more powerful that it might appear to the eye, although the 2x crop factor from the sensor means that it’s great whenever you need extra reach, perhaps for wildlife, nature or sports.

8. Panasonic Lumix GX85: Pocket powerhouse

Panasonic Lumix GX85

Full of Panasonic’s impressive technology, the GX85 delivers superb value for money

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Four Thirds
Megapixels: 16MP
Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1.04m dots
Continuous shooting speed: 8fps
Viewfinder: Electronic, 2.76million dots
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Reasons to buy

+
Strong 4K video and image quality 
+
Many useful features make it great value 

Reasons to avoid

-
Lower-res sensor than current standard 
-
Handling not ideal for larger hands 

Panasonic has made a habit of packing plenty of tech into its G-series mirrorless bodies and delivering them at very competitive price points, and the Lumix GX85 (known as the Lumix GX80 outside the US) exemplifies this perfectly. What other mirrorless camera delivers 4K video, a high-resolution electronic viewfinder, sensor-based stabilization and a tilting touchscreen this cheaply? This all means that it’s still relevant three years since its release, although the grip could be a little more ergonomic and those want to use longer lenses might want a more substantial body. Still, you get lots of Micro Four Thirds lenses to choose from, and as a further bonus, you can easily get it into a coat pocket with the default 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6 ASPH MEGA O.I.S. lens.

9. Sony Alpha A5100: Best bargain mirrorless camera

Sony Alpha A5100

Sony’s cheapest mirrorless camera is compact, easy to use and capable of great things

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C
Megapixels: 24.3MP
Lens mount: Sony E
Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 921,600 dots
Continuous shooting speed: 6fps
Viewfinder: No
Max video resolution: Full HD
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Tiny and light 
+
Great value next to newer models 

Reasons to avoid

-
No built-in viewfinder 
-
Screen not sensitive to touch 

The A5100 might be almost five years old and at the bottom of Sony’s impressive mirrorless camera portfolio, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s no longer a great choice. Its 24.3MP sensor, 6fps burst shooting mode and Full HD video options are still the kinds of features we see on entry-level models released today, while the hybrid AF system is something many cheap mirrorless cameras don’t even have. The E PZ 16-50mm F3.5-5.6 OSS default kit lens is also a very compact pancake-style zoom, which means you can take this anywhere. It might not have the very latest tech on board, but there are good reasons Sony has kept this camera going this long.

10. Olympus PEN E-PL9: Best for the fashion conscious

Olympus PEN E-PL9

Not every camera can combine brains and looks, but the E-PL9 has no issue here

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Four Thirds
Megapixels: 16.1MP
Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
Screen: 3-inch tilting, 1,040k dots
Continuous shooting speed: 8.6fps
Viewfinder: No
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Sensor-based stabilization is a big plus 
+
4K video not always included in such cheap cameras 

Reasons to avoid

-
No built-in viewfinder 
-
Sensor is a little dated 

The PEN E-PL9 stands out for its attractive design, but it isn’t just a looker – it’s pretty advanced on the inside too. The 16MP sensor isn’t quite the newest or the most advanced, but the fact that it’s stabilised gives the camera an advantage over rival bodies from the off as you don’t need to worry about this being in the lens. It also records 4K videos, which we don’t always see on mirrorless models at this price point, and has a display that flips all the way around to face the front for selfies. It’s also compatible with many compact Micro Four Thirds lenses, so you can pack a few different options without the whole kit weighing you down. It’s a touch on the pricer side, but it does deliver a fair bit over some of the other mirrorless cameras on this list.

11. SJCAM SJ8 PRO: GoPro rivalling bargain

SJCAM SJ8 PRO

This budget action camera packs features normally seen in high-end models, making it great for the more active photographer

Specifications

Type: Action camera
Sensor: 1/2.3in-type
Megapixels: 12MP
Lens: 170º field of view
Screen: 2.33-inch touchscreen
Continuous shooting speed: na
Viewfinder: No
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Reasons to buy

+
Superb value for money 
+
4K60p great to see 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not waterproof without a case 
-
Now updated by SJ9 series 

GoPro may be the brand that comes to mind when you think of action cameras, but a raft of rivals have been battling the market leader for some time with their own competitively priced offerings. And the SJCAM SJ8 PRO delivers a dazzling set of specs at a surprisingly low price, including 4K video recording to 60p, a 2.33-inch touchscreen on the rear, a further display on the front, raw shooting and six-axis stabilization. Unlike GoPro’s offerings it’s not waterproof on its own, but you can easily grab a case for it you plan on shooting anything underwater.

12. Canon PowerShot SX620 HS: Best travel zoom compact

Canon PowerShot SX620 HS

This affordable, connected camera packs a big zoom into its svelte shell

Specifications

Type: Compact
Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
Megapixels: 20.2MP
Lens: 25-625mm f/3.2-6.6*
Screen: 3-inch LCD, 922,000 dots
Continuous shooting speed: 2.5fps
Viewfinder: No
Max video resolution: Full HD
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Pocketable despite the huge focal range 
+
Great zoom range and effective stabilization 

Reasons to avoid

-
LCD not touch sensitive 
-
Slow maximum aperture at telephoto end 

Some superzoom compacts are a little too ambitious for their own good, but the PowerShot SX620 HS keeps things relatively restrained so that it maintains a certain standard of performance. The 20.2MP sensor offers a very respectable output size, while the zoom range stretches to a setting equivalent to 625mm, which is plenty for most users. It’s great to find both Wi-Fi and NFC on board to help you get connected to a smart device without any faff, and there’s even a small flash concealed in the top plate for extra illumination. Admittedly, there’s no 4K video nor a touchscreen, though neither is really critical on a camera of this kind.

13. Panasonic Lumix ZS60: Great vacation compact

Panasonic Lumix ZS60

With a long zoom and a viewfinder, this is a great choice for holidays

Specifications

Type: Compact
Sensor: 1/2.3in type
Megapixels: 18MP
Lens: 24-720mm f/3.3-6.4mm*
Screen: 3-inch fixed, 1.04million dots
Continuous shooting speed: 10fps
Viewfinder: Electronic, 1.12million dots
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
4K video not usually found this cheap 
+
Image stabilisation works well at long focal lengths 

Reasons to avoid

-
Small sensor means so-so image quality
-
Screen doesn’t tilt (but it’s touch sensitive) 

Packing a big zoom lens, a viewfinder and some impressive tech in such a small body, the Lumix ZS60 (known as the Lumix TZ80 outside the US) provides far more control than we’d usually get at this level. Raw shooting gives you a better starting point for image processing later on, while 4K video captures far more detail than the Full HD option on rival cameras. Handling is also very nice on account of a defined grip and thumb rest, although to squeeze such a huge lens into that body the sensor is on the small side. So it’s perhaps better when light is good rather than at night and indoors, where it can really show you what it’s capable of. Be warned: with the Lumix ZS70 and and more recent Lumix ZS80 now on the scene, the ZS60 probably won’t be around for a great deal longer.

14. Panasonic Lumix FZ80: Great value bridge camera

Panasonic Lumix FZ80

With an all-encompassing lens, this would be a great choice for travels, holidays and homing in on far-away details

Specifications

Type: Bridge-style compact
Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
Megapixels: 18.1MP
Lens: 20-1200mm f/2.8-5.9*
Screen: 3-inch touchscreen LCD, 1.04million dots
Continuous shooting speed: 10fps
Viewfinder: Electronic, 1,117k dots
Max video resolution: 4K
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Humongous zoom range 
+
Great autofocus performance 

Reasons to avoid

-
LCD doesn’t pull away from the camera
-
Small sensor means it struggles at high ISOs 

Few cameras manage to offer a zoom lens like the Lumix FZ80 (known as the Lumix FZ82 outside the US), and the fact that it begins at 20mm (in 35mm terms) makes it particularly useful for travelling photographers shooting landscapes, cityscapes and any other scenes where you need to get lots into the frame. Other perks include 4K video recording, a touchscreen and an effective image stabilization – which is probably just as well. Is there room for improvement? The screen doesn’t tilt away from the body, which some may expect, and the viewfinder is a little on the small side, although this is generally the case on cameras of this sort. This is a little pricier than some of the other options here, but you do get your money’s worth.

15. Sony RX100: Best bargain enthusiast compact

Sony RX100

Pocket-friendly compact that’s bulging with enthusiast-level specs

Specifications

Type: Compact
Sensor: 1-inch
Megapixels: 20.2MP
Lens: 28-100mm f/1.8-4.9mm*
Screen: 3-inch fixed, 1.23million dots
Continuous shooting speed: 10fps
Viewfinder: No
Max video resolution: Full HD
User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Reasons to buy

+
Large sensor in a tiny body 
+
Great build quality  

Reasons to avoid

-
Handling could be better 
-
No viewfinder nor tilting screen 

Small cameras with large, high-quality 1-inch-type sensors are now fairly common, and this was the camera that started that trend. The RX100 delivers great image quality in a tiny package, with a modest 28-100mm lens but fast burst shooting, great Full HD video quality and effective Face Recognition, all inside a tough metal body. As an older model you do miss out on some mods cons, such as 4K video and a tilting touchscreen, and there’s also no viewfinder. But if you’re serious about image quality and you’re on a shoestring, you could do much worse. Got a bit more money to spend? Successive RX100 models that are all still available each add a few extra niceties in line with slightly higher price tags.

* Lens measurements given in 35mm-equivalent terms.

Luke Edwards

Luke is a veteran tech journalist with decades of experience covering everything from TVs, power tools, science and health tech to VPNs, space, gaming and cars. You may recognize him from appearances on plenty of news channels or have read his words which have been published in most tech titles over the years. In his spare time (of which he has little as a father of two) Luke likes yoga, surfing, meditation, DIY and consuming all the books, comics and movies he can find.