Best Cheap Camera for Photography

Choosing the best cheap camera for photography can be challenging, especially when you are starting your photography journey. The many cameras and different types can be a little confusing.

Do you go for a basic point-and-shoot camera, DSLRs, or mirrorless options, and what is the difference? A good entry-level camera for photography needs to be versatile, easy to use, and still not be too expensive. As you grow in the field, you can choose a more expensive camera with better specifications later on.

Cheap Cameras for Photography: Top Picks

1. Canon EOS R100: Best Overall
2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: The best mirrorless camera
3. Canon EOS Rebel T7: Best Beginner
4. Nikon D3500: Best DSLR
5. Canon EOS R50: Best Budget

Canon EOS R100: Best Overall

The Canon EOS R100 is our best overall pick. This compact mirrorless camera features a lightweight and travel-friendly build for a very affordable price.

It provides high-quality image output without the need for a lot of technical knowledge. This is made possible by the large 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor.

You will be able to shoot moving images with ease, thanks to the inbuilt DIGIC 8 processor and Dual Pixel setup that offers fast and accurate autofocus.

If you need an entry-level camera that offers professional image quality, fast autofocus, simple learning, and an affordable price, the R100 is your pick. It is best recommended for travel, street, and wildlife photography.

Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: mirrorless camera

If you are looking for the best mirrorless camera, then the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is your best pick. It features a wide 20 MP Micro Four Thirds sensor that ensures high-quality output.

The 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization eradicates blur even when shooting moving subjects and challenging shooting conditions.

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is small and compact, ensuring easy portability for versatile shooting. If you are a vlogger, its flip-down LCD screen makes it possible to record and vlog without any need for assistance. Reliable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity allows you to instantly share your content online.

For professional output, the camera features many free, powerful creative filters that will allow unique editing even without using design software. If you are looking for a reliable, lightweight mirrorless camera with DSLR-like performance, this is the one for you. It is best for vloggers, travelers, or social media enthusiasts.

Canon EOS Rebel T7: Best for beginners

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 is our pick for the best 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 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.

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: 5 fps
• 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 budget option. 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.

The Nikon D3500 camera is best for students and casual users on a budget. It offers the quality of DSLR photography without spending too much.

Canon EOS R50: Best Budget

The Canon EOS R50 is best for content creators, bloggers, and online enthusiasts. It is ideal for those who need a professional-level camera that will not cost too much but will still offer high-quality images and videos.

If used properly, the quality provided will be a perfect recipe to help you grow on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. The Canon EOS R50 is a decent mirrorless camera made with beginner users in mind. First, it features a portable, lightweight body that you can easily carry around.

Despite this, the camera features a wide 24.2 MP APS-C sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus that allows for fast autofocus and eye and subject tracking even on moving subjects. This ensures crisp and clear photos.

For content creation, you will have 4K video shooting capability without cropping, vertical video support, plus full touchscreen support.

The Canon EOS R50 features inbuilt tutorials that help users get started with complex concepts that help in overall quality output. These tutorials will help you learn about exposure, aperture, and ISO settings.

Choosing the best Camera for Photography

There are some important factors you must have in mind as you choose budget cameras for photography. Bottom line, if you choose a very high-end camera as you start, you are likely going to be overwhelmed by its specifications. 

A very basic camera will not last too long for you because you will outgrow its specifications too fast. The ideal camera needs to be just right to get the best user experience. 

1. Budget
2. Image Quality
3. User Friendliness
4. Autofocus
5. Portability

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.

Image Quality

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 affect the overall image resolution. Higher megapixels mean that your image is clearer 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.

User Friendliness

For photography, avoid very complex cameras. Choose easy-to-use devices for the best user experience. Consider cameras with auto modes, touchscreen controls, and available guides and tutorials to help you get started.

Autofocus

If you are shooting moving subjects, like wildlife or sports shots, a fast and accurate autofocus is recommended. It makes capturing moving subjects and portraits much easier.

Portability

Most of your work will be done on the go. Consider a camera that is easy to carry around or can fit in a small backpack. Long battery life, lightweight build, and water and dust resistance will all help in making your camera more portable.

Frequently Asked Questions