The 5 Best Cheap and Budget Cameras - Fall 2023 Reviews

If you'd prefer a new camera, the Canon EOS R50 is the best budget camera we've tested and will give you the best bang for your buck. With a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture high-quality images and a portable body, you'll want to bring this camera everywhere. It also has a fully articulated screen and records 4k video at up to 30 fps, making it a solid choice for vloggers, too. Though it has an extensive auto mode that takes a lot of the guesswork out of photography for those getting started, the camera is also part of the same RF lens mount ecosystem as Canon's latest high-end cameras, which means you can upgrade to a more advanced body down the line without having to buy into a whole new system.

If you're not bothered about having more lens options or eventually upgrading to a full-frame body, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a similar camera that'll save you a bit more money—just be aware that the M-mount has stopped receiving support and development, and the camera has notably worse 4k video capabilities. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a more portable alternative thanks to its Micro Four Thirds sensor, but its autofocus isn't nearly as reliable as the Canon's.

If you want something even more affordable than the Canon EOS R50, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D is a solid entry-level DSLR. While you won't get as many bells and whistles as the R50—like 4k video capability or a flip-out screen—the camera has a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture great photos. It's a DSLR, so it has a longer battery life and a more extensive selection of lenses. 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 Canon has to offer and is essentially a mirrorless version of the T7. It has a better autofocus system and a more portable design. However, you can likely find a T7 for less money, and although cost-cutting measures are evident with both cameras, the longer battery life, better ergonomics, and wider lens selection you get with the T7 give it an edge.

If you've never used a camera, the Nikon D3500 is one of the best places to start. This budget DSLR stands out because of its unique Guide Mode, which is ideal for beginners and walks you through the basics of photography so you can learn as you go. While it's a pared-down camera, similar to the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D, it also has an APS-C sensor that delivers excellent image quality.

Beyond that, it's also small and lightweight for a DSLR and offers spectacular battery life, meaning you can shoot to your heart's content without worrying about running out of juice in the middle of the day. This camera has been discontinued, so it may be harder to find one brand new.

While interchangeable-lens cameras like the two above will give you the most flexibility and room for growth, a bridge or superzoom camera is a solid option if you want an all-in-one camera with a long zoom range. If that's what you're after, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 is one of the best-value bridge cameras you can get. It offers a comfortable DSLR-like shooting experience with the convenience of a built-in zoom lens. The lens has a versatile 20–1200mm full-frame equivalent focal length, giving you a ton of flexibility to shoot everything from landscapes to photos of far-away wildlife.

Of course, you won't get the same image quality you'd get with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, but you'll still get good results in daylight. The camera also comes with extra features that make taking photos a breeze. These include a 'Macro AF' mode for close-up photography and an 'Artistic Nightscape' mode for long-exposure photos, making this a great-value option if you're on a tight budget and prefer the convenience of a built-in lens.

The Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 is similar to the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 in that it has a built-in zoom lens; however, it comes in a compact form factor, making it a better option for travel or casual street photography. It's one of the best budget point-and-shoot cameras we've tested, packing plenty of features and decent performance for its price.

The lens has a 24–720mm equivalent focal length, so you don't get as much zoom range as the FZ80, but it's still long enough to zoom in on far-away subjects. The image quality isn't amazing, but this camera does the job for casual photos of friends or family. Plus, it has a flip-up screen, making it easy to take selfies. You even get a small viewfinder for sunny days when seeing the screen is harder. Overall, it's a solid compact camera that won't break the bank.