Best Cheap Camera For Photography Beginners

Whether you’re a budding shutterbug eager to explore the world of photography or a hobbyist looking to upgrade your gear, we’ve got you covered.

Top Picks for Budget-Friendly Cameras in 2024

Let’s get to the exciting part: our top picks for the best budget digital camera. We’ve handpicked these devices with care to ensure they meet the needs of budding photographers without straining your wallet!

1. Canon EOS Rebel SL3 / EOS 250D

The best budget DSLR for beginners

Specifications

• Sensor: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS

• Processor: DIGIC 8

• ISO Range: 100–25,600 (expandable to 51,200)

• Autofocus System: Dual Pixel CMOS AF, 9-point AF system

• Video: 4K (24 fps), Full HD (up to 60 fps)

• Display: 3.0-inch Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

• Battery Life: Approx. 1,070 shots (optical viewfinder)

• Weight: 449g (with battery and card)

The Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (EOS 250D) is a compact and lightweight DSLR perfect for beginners in photography or videography. With its 24.1-megapixel sensor and 4K video recording, this camera offers excellent image quality and versatility in a beginner-friendly package. The vari-angle touchscreen makes it ideal for vlogging, creative angles, and easy navigation of the intuitive menu system. It’s a great option for users who want DSLR performance in a portable design.

Buy it if:

• You’re a beginner photographer looking for an easy-to-use DSLR.

• You’re a content creator or vlogger who needs 4K video in a lightweight body.

• You want a versatile device with great image quality and creative shooting angles.

• You value excellent battery life for long shooting sessions.

When to avoid:

• You need a faster burst rate for action or sports photography (limited to 5 fps).

• You require uncropped 4K video, as the camera applies a crop when recording in 4K.

• You prefer a mirrorless option for even lighter weight or a more modern design.

• You often shoot in low light and need superior high ISO performance.

2. Canon EOS R100

A compact mirrorless camera for beginners

Specifications

• Sensor: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS

• Processor: DIGIC 8

• ISO Range: 100–12,800 (expandable to 25,600)

• Autofocus System: Dual Pixel CMOS AF

• Video: 4K (24 fps, cropped), Full HD (up to 60 fps)

• Display: 3.0-inch Fixed LCD

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

• Battery Life: Approx. 350 shots per charge

• Weight: 356g (with battery and card)

The Canon EOS R100 is an inexpensive digital camera for beginner photographers and vloggers. Its 24.1-megapixel sensor and 4K video recording capabilities deliver excellent image quality in a compact, lightweight design. Its intuitive touchscreen interface provides a smooth learning curve, while the portability makes it an ideal companion for travel and everyday use.

Buy it if:

• You’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use mirrorless camera with great image quality.

• You want a lightweight, portable device for travel and on-the-go photography.

• You’re interested in creating 4K videos on a budget.

When to avoid:

• You need a wider selection of lenses, as options in the RF mount may be limited compared to other ecosystems.

• You plan to shoot extensively and require better battery performance.

• You prefer advanced features like a vari-angle screen or uncropped 4K video.

3. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV

The best starting photography camera with exceptional stabilization

Specifications

• Sensor: 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds Live MOS

• Processor: TruePic VIII

• ISO Range: 200–6,400 (expandable to 100–25,600)

• Autofocus System: 121-point Contrast Detection AF

• Video: 4K (30 fps), Full HD (up to 60 fps)

• Display: 3.0-inch Articulating Touchscreen LCD

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

• Battery Life: Approx. 360 shots per charge

• Weight: 383g (with battery and card)

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is a top choice for beginners seeking the best budget compact camera. Its 20.3-megapixel sensor and outstanding in-body 5-axis image stabilization delivers crisp, steady shots, even without a tripod. The retro design and compact construction make it very easy to tote. Still, its articulating touchscreen also aids creative composition on the job, whether out shooting picturesque scenery or performing as a vlogger. For those looking to refine their photos, tools like Skylum’s image retouching can easily enhance your images.

Buy it if:

• You’re a beginner looking for the best starting photography camera with great stabilization.

• You need a lightweight, travel-friendly camera with high-quality results.

• You enjoy editing your photos and want easy access to tools for image retouching.

When to avoid:

• You need a larger sensor for superior low-light performance.

• You prefer a more straightforward option with a minimal learning curve.

• You require faster autofocus for sports or fast-action shots.

4. Nikon Z fc

A stylish mirrorless camera with a classic design and modern features

Specifications

• Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C CMOS

• Processor: EXPEED 6

• ISO Range: 100–51,200 (expandable to 204,800)

• Autofocus System: 209-point Hybrid AF

• Video: 4K (30 fps), Full HD (up to 120 fps)

• Display: 3.0-inch Flip-out Touchscreen LCD

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

• Battery Life: Approx. 300 shots per charge

• Weight: 445g (with battery and card)

The Nikon Z fc is an excellent choice for anyone looking for the best budget point-and-shoot camera with advanced features. Combining a sleek, retro design with a 20.9-megapixel APS-C sensor and 4K video delivers superb image quality and versatility. The tactile dials and intuitive controls make it easy to use. At the same time, the flip-out touchscreen ensures flexibility for shooting at different angles, which is ideal for both photography and video. 

Buy it if:

• You’re looking for the best budget point-and-shoot device with a classic design and modern features.

• You want a compact, easy-to-use camera for both photography and vlogging.

• You appreciate a gadget with good image quality and video capabilities.

When to avoid:

• You need a wider selection of lenses, as the Z fc series is still expanding.

• You seek for longer battery life for extended shooting sessions.

• You require faster burst rates for capturing fast-moving subjects.

5. Sony ZV-E10

A mirrorless camera designed for content creators and vloggers

Specifications

• Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS

• Processor: BIONZ X

• ISO Range: 100–32,000 (expandable to 51,200)

• Autofocus System: 425-point Phase Detection AF

• Video: 4K (30 fps), Full HD (up to 120 fps)

• Display: 3.0-inch Fully Articulating Touchscreen LCD

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

• Battery Life: Approx. 440 shots per charge

• Weight: 343g (with battery and card)

The Sony ZV-E10 is a mirrorless camera specifically built for content creators, especially vloggers, who want a user-friendly, adaptable option for both video and photography. Featuring a 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor and 4K video recording, it delivers high-quality visuals with excellent autofocus and real-time tracking, making it perfect for dynamic video shoots. 

Buy it if:

• You’re a vlogger or content creator looking for a camera optimized for video.

• You need a compact and portable device with excellent video quality.

• You’re a beginner looking for an easy-to-use interface with powerful features.

When to avoid:

• You require in-body image stabilization for smoother handheld footage.

• You need extended battery life for long recording sessions.

• You plan to shoot a lot of still photography and prefer more advanced features.

6. Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D

The best budget DSLR for entry-level photographers

Specifications

• Sensor: 24.1MP APS-C CMOS

• Processor: DIGIC 4+

• ISO Range: 100–6,400 (expandable to 12,800)

• Autofocus System: 9-point AF

• Video: Full HD (1080p, 30 fps)

• Display: 3.0-inch LCD

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi

• Battery Life: Approx. 500 shots per charge

• Weight: 475g (with battery and card)

The Canon EOS Rebel T7 (EOS 2000D) is an excellent entry-level DSLR that offers great value for beginners. It delivers sharp, vibrant images with a 24.1-megapixel sensor and Full HD video recording. The 9-point autofocus system is simple yet effective, and the gadget is easy to use, with an intuitive menu system and a solid build. This one is a fantastic choice for those looking for the best camera for beginners on a budget.

Buy it if:

• You want a budget-friendly DSLR with good image quality.

• You’re a beginner looking for a straightforward camera with easy-to-understand controls.

• You prefer a device with a traditional DSLR feel and an optical viewfinder.

When to avoid:

• You need a 4K video recording.

• You require faster autofocus for moving subjects.

• You plan to shoot in low light and need superior high-ISO performance.

7. Nikon D3500

A good entry-level DSLR for beginners on a budget

Specifications

• Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS

• Processor: EXPEED 4

• ISO Range: 100–25,600

• Autofocus System: 11-point AF

• Video: Full HD (1080p, 60 fps)

• Display: 3.0-inch LCD

• Connectivity: Bluetooth

• Battery Life: Approx. 1,550 shots per charge

• Weight: 365g (with battery and card)

The Nikon D3500 is an excellent choice for beginner photographers, offering solid performance at a budget-friendly price. With a 24.2MP sensor and impressive image quality, it captures sharp, vibrant photos. For those looking to explore photography, this DSLR is one of the best cheap cameras for getting started. Enhance your photos with post-processing tools like picture filters, offering endless creative possibilities for transforming your shots into gorgeous visuals.

Buy it if:

• You’re a beginner looking for a simple and reliable DSLR.

• You want a lightweight camera with excellent battery life.

When to avoid:

• You desire advanced features like 4K video or more autofocus points.

• You request a handheld device with a fully articulating screen for vlogging.

8. Sony Alpha a6000

Good mirrorless camera for beginners on a budget

Specifications

• Sensor: 24.3MP APS-C CMOS

• Processor: BIONZ X

• ISO Range: 100–25,600

• Autofocus System: 179-point Phase Detection AF

• Video: Full HD (1080p, 60 fps)

• Display: 3.0-inch Tilting LCD

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, NFC

• Battery Life: Approx. 360 shots per charge

• Weight: 344g (with battery and card)

The Sony Alpha a6000 is one of the best cheap mirrorless option for beginners. With a 24.3MP sensor and an impressive 179-point autofocus system, it offers fast performance and great image quality. The camera is compact, portable, and ideal for those who want a mirrorless system without the high cost. 

Buy it if:

• You want a compact, lightweight camera with great autofocus.

• You seek a device for both photography and video at an affordable price.

When to avoid:

• You need a camera with 4K video.

• You require longer battery life for extended shooting.

• You want a fully articulating screen for vlogging or self-recording.

9. Fujifilm X-T200

The great option for creative beginners

Specifications

• Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS

• Processor: 4th Generation X-Processor 4

• ISO Range: 200–12,800 (expandable to 51,200)

• Autofocus System: 425-point Hybrid AF

• Video: 4K (30 fps), Full HD (up to 60 fps)

• Display: 3.5-inch Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

• Battery Life: Approx. 450 shots per charge

• Weight: 371g (with battery and card)

The Fujifilm X-T200 is a great choice for creative beginners who want a mirrorless camera without breaking the bank. Its 24.2MP sensor, excellent video capabilities (including 4K), and intuitive touchscreen make it ideal for those who want to experiment with both photography and video. 

Buy it if:

• You want a stylish mirrorless camera with great image and video quality.

• You appreciate an option with a vari-angle screen for flexible shooting.

When to avoid:

• You need a more advanced autofocus system for fast-moving subjects.

• You require superior low-light performance or larger sensor size.

10. Panasonic Lumix GX85

The best budget-friendly compact mirrorless camera for travelers

Specifications

• Sensor: 16MP Micro Four Thirds

• Processor: Venus Engine

• ISO Range: 200–25,600

• Autofocus System: Contrast Detection AF

• Video: 4K (30 fps), Full HD (up to 60 fps)

• Display: 3.0-inch Tilting LCD

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi

• Battery Life: Approx. 290 shots per charge

• Weight: 426g (with battery and card)

The Panasonic Lumix GX85 is a compact mirrorless camera that offers excellent value for beginners. With a 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, 4K video recording, and solid performance, it’s perfect for those looking to get into mirrorless systems at an affordable price. 

Buy it if:

• You seek for a budget-friendly, compact camera with 4K video capabilities.

• You want a versatile system that performs well for both video and photography.

When to avoid:

• You need a larger sensor for better low-light performance.

• You require faster autofocus for fast-moving subjects.

Wrap-Up

Finding a great camera that fits both your budget and photography needs is entirely possible in today’s market. Whether you’re looking for a DSLR, mirrorless, or compact one, there are excellent options like the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 and Nikon Z fc that offer high-quality performance at an affordable price. So, if you’re wondering “what is the best cheap camera for photography?” rest assured, there are many fantastic choices that will help you take your photography to the next level without breaking the bank!