The 5 Best Cheap and Budget Cameras - Spring 2024 Reviews

If you prefer to buy new, the Canon EOS R50 is one of the best budget models we've tested. It may not be the cheapest option you can buy, but it offers a ton of value at a very reasonable price for a modern mirrorless camera. With a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture excellent images and a portable body, you'll want to take this camera everywhere you go. It has a fully articulated screen and records 4k video with a decent amount of frame rate options, making it a solid choice for vloggers and video shooters.

Though its intelligent auto mode takes a lot of the guesswork out of photography for beginners, this camera also uses the same RF lens mount as Canon's latest high-end cameras, so you can eventually upgrade to a more advanced body without buying into a whole new system. If you'd prefer an even more portable camera, don't count out the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. You'll find plenty of highly compact lenses for the Micro Four Thirds system, and it's one of the few cameras at this price point to feature in-body image stabilization (IBIS). However, its autofocus isn't nearly as reliable as the Canon's.

The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is another one of the best budget cameras we've tested for those who don't mind opting for a DSLR. It's one of the most portable and lightweight DSLRs Canon has ever produced, and while it isn't as portable as mirrorless offerings like the Canon EOS R50, it's still very easy to take on the go. Aside from their ever-lower prices, the biggest advantage of getting a DSLR is the wide range of lens options on offer, not to mention a significantly longer battery life and a lag-free optical viewfinder.

The SL3 features a high-resolution APS-C sensor, which captures great image quality overall. While its autofocus system isn't as effective as the R50's, it's still fairly reliable and does a good job with slower or more static subjects. This is also one of the few DSLRs to offer 4k video capability. Despite some limitations, it works fine for more casual video recording. All that, plus the usual intuitive controls and user interface that Canon is known for, makes this an appealing budget DSLR.

If you want something even more affordable than the picks above, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D is the best cheap camera we've tested. This DSLR doesn't have as many bells and whistles as the Canon EOS R50, so there's no 4k video capability or flip-out screen, but it has a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture great photos. Like the Canon EOS Rebel SL3, it's compatible with any of Canon's EF and EF-S lenses, so you'll have plenty of options to choose from, including some high-value lenses if you ever want to upgrade from the kit lens.

It's a DSLR, so it has a longer battery life and a more established lens ecosystem than its RF counterparts. However, its autofocus system is more basic than the AF found on modern mirrorless cameras. Because of that and its very slow burst rate, it isn't the best option for sports or fast-moving subjects. Still, this is the best cheap camera for photography if you want a simple interchangeable-lens DSLR.

If you're set on mirrorless, the Canon EOS R100 is the cheapest mirrorless camera that Canon offers and is essentially the mirrorless equivalent of the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D above. Because it's newer and mirrorless, it has a better autofocus system and a more portable design akin to the Canon EOS R50. However, unlike its pricier stablemate, this model doesn't have an articulating touchscreen, and its 4k video features are very limited.

Although RF lenses are relatively few and far between, the kit lens will be enough to get you started. Also, because this model has the same lens mount as Canon's high-end mirrorless cameras, it's a solid long-term investment since you can eventually upgrade bodies without needing to replace your lenses. Despite its pared-down design, this is a good entryway into mirrorless cameras for those on a very tight budget. That said, if you can afford it, we recommend going for the R50 over this model, as it offers significant improvements in areas like autofocus and video at only a slight premium in price.

The Nikon D3500 is the best cheap camera for photography beginners. This budget DSLR stands out because of its unique Guide Mode, which walks you through the basics of photography so you can learn as you go, making it an ideal choice for those just getting started in photography. It's a very pared-down DSLR, similar to the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D. However, it still has a high-resolution APS-C sensor that punches above its class.

Beyond that, it's also relatively small and lightweight for a DSLR. It offers spectacular battery life, too, meaning you can shoot to your heart's content without worrying about running out of juice in the middle of the day. Plus, there's a wide array of compatible lenses that you can use to upgrade your kit as your skills improve. It's worth noting, however, that Nikon has discontinued the D3500, so you'll likely have to settle for a used model.