Budget camera for beginners

Two years of innovation and creative expression. Are you ready to capture the beauty of the world through your lens but worried about breaking the bank on a high-end camera?

What makes the best cheap camera? There are plenty of low-cost cameras on the market, but that doesn't always mean they give you good image quality, design, and performance at the same time. In this guide, we recommend cameras that balance a combination of features and good value. Some of these cameras originally sold for a lot more money than they do now, and they're only cheaper now because their tech is slightly dated but still good. Some new cameras in this guide have been designed to offer the best features for the least money and succeed brilliantly at doing so. Our best cheap camera deals aren't only at the lower end of the market. There are cameras here for experts and enthusiasts, too.

Budget camera for beginners

The list in brief 2. Best for most people 3. Best cheap mirrorless 4. Best compact mirrorless 5. Best second-hand 6. Best cheap instant 7. Best cheap full-frame 8. Best cheap action cam 9. Best cheap tough camera Best cheap compact

These lab results are an important part of evaluating every camera, but real-world use — and usability — is every bit as important. We're on a mission to find the best affordable camera for beginners, so price matters.

When looking for an affordable camera, it's important to pick one that fits your budget and needs. If you want the latest camera technology and are willing to spend a little extra for a brand-new model, some relatively cheap cameras will give you solid performance without breaking the bank. But cameras can quickly veer into very expensive territory, and that's not even accounting for the cost of additional lenses. Many digital cameras released within the last five to ten years are still well worth considering and can be found at relatively cheap prices. An older camera body will also give you ample room to grow as a photographer and can still yield excellent results when paired with high-quality lenses.

The list in brief 2. Best overall 3. Best value 4. Best everyday 5. Best for video 6. Best mid-range hybrid 7. Best retro 8. Best instant 9. Best DSLR Best compact

Budget camera for beginners

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. It also needs to be affordable, because while the best mirrorless cameras are great, they are priced for enthusiasts and professionals. If you think you might prefer a camera with a fixed lens, check out our guide to the best compact cameras.

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Good image quality and video performance. See all our test results. Screen: 3in vari-angle touchscreen, 1,, dots. Megapixels: Megapixels aren't everything, but they do have an impact on image quality. Best for everyday use 6. Autofocus Points: 9. In this guide, we recommend cameras that balance a combination of features and good value. Beyond that, it's also relatively small and lightweight for a DSLR. The biggest advantage of getting a DSLR, aside from falling prices, is the wide range of lens options on offer, not to mention a longer battery life. Step 3.

The Nikon D is our pick for the best DSLR camera for novice photographers because it offers outstanding image quality for its price and a truly useful Guide Mode that helps you learn along the way.

This camera is renowned for its user-friendly interface and beginner-friendly features. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other. Beyond that, it's also relatively small and lightweight for a DSLR. Yes, Apple Vision Pro is being returned to stores - but this could actually be a good thing. When you find a recommendation that fits your requirements, you can read more about it by using the links to jump to our full write-ups. It remains a solid choice if zoom reach is your priority: its lens goes from an ultra-wide 20mm all the way to the far reaches of mm. Now, let's talk about money. The list in brief 2. Passionate about weaving the core principles of storytelling into his images, he approaches brand and copywriting work in much the same way. In our tests, we found that it delivered high-quality images and was super-easy to handle and understand, particularly for novices. Vloggers and creatives more broadly will enjoy the simplicity of the Lumix G A camera body might be cheap, but expensive glass will limit your ability to experiment with different barrels. More about cameras. Look for a camera with a popular lens mount Micro Four Thirds, for example to ensure you have maximum flexibility when it comes to buying new glass. Its large APS-C sensor gives better image quality than using a phone, too.