If you are an aspiring photographer but on a budget, the best cheap cameras for photography beginners is a great option you can opt for to learn Photography without having to spend too much.
They will provide premium specifications and features on cameras without necessarily breaking the bank. Make sure to consider what you want to use your camera for before choosing it. This will help narrow down to the type of camera you need.
We have considered Compact, Mirrorless and DSLR camera types to create this review. We have tested and researched the very best that you can get in terms of affordability, easy usage and performance.
We found out that the best cheap camera that you can buy is the Nikon D3500. This DSLR camera is not a 4K camera but features an APS-C CMOS sensor and a high 24.2 MP resolution.
Additionally, you will be able to shoot at 1080p full HD resolution, crisp and clear. Unfortunately, Nikon discontinued it, but it is still available in many common stores.
Top Budget Camera Recommendations
| Product | Rating | Price |
| Canon EOS Rebel T7 | Best Overall | Check Price |
| Nikon D3500 | The Best Budget Camera | Check Price |
| Fujifilm X-T200 | 4K Mirrorless Camera | Check Price |
What is the best budget camera for photography?
- Canon EOS Rebel T7: Best Overall
- Nikon D3500: The Best Budget Camera
- Fujifilm X-T200: 4K Mirrorless Camera
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: The Best Budget Mirrorless Camera
- DJI Mavic Mini: The Best Camera Drones
- Sony Alpha 6000: Best value for money Vlogging Camera
Canon EOS Rebel T7/EOS 2000D: Best Overall Budget Camera
- Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.2MP
- Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- Screen: 3 inches fixed, 921K dots
- Continuous shooting: 3 fps
- Movies: 1080p
- User level: Beginner
The Canon EOS Rebel T7/EOS 2000D is our pick for the best overall cheap camera for beginner photographers.
Although it is not a 4K camera, this affordable camera has a decent APS-C CMOS, 24.2 megapixel sensor, and 1080p full HD recording capability.
A few complicated features make it easy to understand and easily get used as you start off your photography career.
The Canon EOS Rebel T7/EOS 2000D features a 3-inch screen with 921K dots, which is great but unfortunately fixed in place and not movable.
It does not come with the usual dual-pixel CMOS autofocus, but it is quite good for its price range. If you want a good camera at a very affordable price, this is the one for you.
Pros
- Affordable price range
- Easy to use
- 1080p full HD video recording
- Large Sensor
Cons
- Not a 4K camera
- The rearview screen is not movable
Nikon D 3500 – Best Budget camera
- Type: DSLR
- Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.2MP
- Lens mount: Nikon Screen: 3-inch, 921K dots
- Viewfinder: Optical
- Continuous shooting: 5fps
- Movies: 1080p
- User level: Beginner
Although DSLRs are not as popular as they used to be, the Nikon D3500 DSLR takes the top spot. It features a powerful APS-C CMOS sensor and a 24.2-megapixel resolution.
The Nikon D3500 is the best cheap camera for beginner photographers. This DSLR will provide quality performance without necessarily denting your pocket too much.
You will have remarkable image quality thanks to the 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor and Nikon F lens mount. To view your settings and shots before you take them, you have a 3-inch 921K-dot non-touchscreen display, which provides a very clear view.
This camera is easy to use and best suited for beginner-level users. It comes equipped with an optical viewfinder and an overall user-friendly interface.
If you need it for recording videos, you will be able to record full HD 1080p videos with 5 frames per second of continuous shooting.
This is a great performance for both wildlife photography and event coverage, such as weddings and social ceremonies.
This is a simple, budget-friendly camera, but it still leaves room for upgrading. It comes with an 18-55mm kit lens and a 70-300mm lens kit option.
However, for shooting in low-light conditions and overall better results, you might need to upgrade this to a better lens.
Although it appears lacking in features such as a touch-screen LCD screen and video autofocus, the price is very affordable and easy to use compared to other similar cameras.
Pros
- Affordable price range
- Upgradable by buying better lenses
- Powerful APS-C CMOS sensor and 24.2 megapixel resolution
Cons
- No Autofocus
- It does not come with the best lenses
- Discontinued in some countries
Fujifilm X-T200: The Best Budget 4K Mirrorless Camera
- Sensor size: APS-C CMOS
- Resolution: 24.2MP
- Viewfinder: EVF OLED, 2,360,000 dots
- Monitor: 3.5-inch fully articulating touchscreen, 2,780,000 dots
- Maximum continuous shooting rate: 8 fps
- Movies: 4K
- User level: Beginner
If you are an aspiring beginner photographer, the Fujifilm X-T200 is the best pick for a budget-friendly mirrorless camera.
It features a powerful APS-C CMOS sensor with a resolution of 24.2 MP. This camera will produce exceptional image resolution and quality.
To view your settings and shots, you have a 3.5-inch fully articulating touchscreen with a 2,780,000-dot EVF OLED viewfinder. This means you will easily be able to frame your shots and settings.
This camera is slightly more powerful than the Nikon D3500. It features a maximum of 8 frames per second of continuous shooting and 4K resolution, which is better than Nikon’s 1080p.
If you are a beginner vlogger, this is the camera for you. The powerful features, including a fully articulating touchscreen and impressive autofocus, set this camera apart as one of the best affordable cameras.
It perfectly balances price and quality features, which is an important aspect newbie photographers need to consider.
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: The Best Budget Mirrorless Camera
- Sensor: CMOS
- Resolution: 20.3 MP
- Sensor Size: Micro Four Thirds
- Max Shutter Speed: 1/4000 seconds
- Min Shutter Speed: 60 seconds
- Image Stabilization: Sensor-shift
- Flash: Inbuilt
- Optical Zoom: 3x times
- Digital Zoom: 2X times
- Screen Size: 3 Inches
- Video Capture: 4K DCI 2160p
- Continuous shooting: 15 fps
If you are looking for the best budget camera then the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is your best pick. This is a beginner level camera and comes at a very affordable price range. It features 20.3 MP resolution for stills and 4K DCI 2160p for video recording.
A large Micro Four Thirds CMOS sensor allows a lot of light into the camera allowing you to shoot high resolution footage and images even in low light.
Additionally, an inbuilt flash set up makes sure that you will be able to shoot in low light set ups or indoors. Inbuilt image stabilization IBIS makes sure that your footage does not shake even when shooting with the camera in your hand.
Continuous shooting at 15 fps and 3x optical zoom will allow you to shoot far off objects with ease. Unfortunately, there is no inbuilt microphone on the camera, limiting audio recording. I noticed that the autofocus was also not the best.
Choosing the right camera for photography beginners
When choosing the best camera for you, there are a number of factors you will need to consider. These will go a long way toward determining the camera you will go for and how useful it will be for you as a beginner photographer and creator.
How do you want to use the camera?
There are different reasons why you have a particular camera. Having this clearly in mind before you start shopping is very important.
You may be more inclined to do video recording, photography, or even both. Make sure to choose a camera that is well suited for what you need it for.
Additionally, it can help pinpoint the niche or micro-niche you want to target. For example, if you are targeting the investigative journalist niche, you need small, undetectable cameras due to the nature of the work.
Budget
Many good cameras don’t come cheap. Once you identify the type of camera you need for your work, you now need to compare it with your budget and choose the one that makes sense to you in terms of price and features.
Always keep in mind that you can buy a cheaper camera but upgrade it later with powerful lenses for the best output.
Sensor Size
A larger image sensor will ensure better image quality compared to a smaller one. It will allow more light into your camera, hence improving your image quality. A smaller sensor, on the other hand, may have a lower image quality but is less bulky and easily portable.
If you understand the differences between a full-frame, an APS-C, and smaller sensors like one-inch sensors, it will be easier for you to choose.
Megapixels
Megapixels affect the overall image resolution. Higher megapixels mean that your image is more clear but equally larger and requires more storage space.
Lower megapixels mean reduced image size and equally reduced image quality. Choose a camera with higher megapixels for the best output.
Video shooting capabilities
Almost always, choose a camera that can both shoot high-quality photos and record videos in Full HD or 4K resolution at 24 frames per second.
This will make you versatile as an artist and help you produce all-rounded content. Consider a camera with stabilization features and slow-motion recording capabilities.
Size and portability
Depending on how you want to use your camera and the quality of your sensor, choose the sizes and dimensions that work best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which camera is best for photography on a budget?
The Nikon D3500 is our pick for the best cheap camera for photography. If you are on a budget, then the Fujifilm X-T200 Mirrorless Camera is your best pick.