These are our top calls based on price and functions.
Scoring a decent camera when you’re broke ain’t easy, but it’s doable. Cameras don’t age like phones—they hold up pretty well, so if you’re super strapped, hit up eBay or spots like Adorama, B&H, KEH, or MPB for older used models from the last 5-10 years. They’re still solid for snapping pics and won’t break the bank.
Pair an old body with a dope lens, and you’re golden—better than blowing cash on a fancy body with junk glass. We’ve messed with over 110 cameras, and below are our fave budget picks, all interchangeable lens styles.
Best Budget Camera For Video
Sony ZV-E10
Tested Lens: Sony E PZ 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Released: 2021 Body Type: SLR-Style Mirrorless Sensor Size: APS-C Score: 8.2 Photography: 7.8 Video: 8.5
If video’s your jam, the Sony ZV-E10 is where it’s at for a budget pick. Built with vloggers and creators in mind, this thing’s a steal for what you get. It’s got a flippy screen that moves all the way around and a killer autofocus that locks onto subjects like glue—plus cool modes like ‘Background Defocus’ for that blurry vibe or ‘Product Showcase’ if you’re showing off gear. You’re getting 4k up to 30 fps and slow-mo Full HD at 120 fps, which is dope for the price. Downsides? No in-body stabilization, so you’re leaning on lenses or digital fixes that crop in a bit, and it’s got some rolling shutter wobble if you’re swinging the camera around fast. Still, toss in a mic and Sony’s E-mount lens lineup, and it’s a sweet deal. Want more? The ZV-E10 II steps it up with stabilization and 10-bit video, but it’ll cost ya more.
Best Cheap Camera For Sports
Canon EOS 90D
Tested Lens: Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Released: 2019 Body Type: DSLR Sensor Size: APS-C Score: 8.2 Photography: 8.5 Video: 8.0
For snagging fast action on a budget, the Canon EOS 90D is your guy. It’s a bit pricier than some of these other picks, but it’s still chill on the wallet and brings the goods for sports shots. You’re getting a zippy 10 fps burst (11 fps in live view), a big buffer so you don’t miss the moment, and autofocus that keeps up with the chaos. The 32.5-megapixel sensor pumps out sharp pics, and it does uncropped 4k video too, which is clutch if you’re mixing stills and clips. It’s a chunky DSLR, though, and the video autofocus feels a little old-school next to mirrorless stuff. If you wanna go cheaper, the Canon EOS Rebel T8i/850D is solid too, just with less resolution and slower bursts—though it’s trickier to find new.
Best Budget DSLR
Canon EOS Rebel SL3 (aka 250D outside North America)
Tested Lens: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM Released: 2019 Body Type: DSLR Sensor Size: APS-C Score: 7.8 (Photo: 8.0, Video: 7.5)
If you’re into that classic DSLR feel, the Canon EOS Rebel SL3/250D is the budget king we’ve tested. It’s crazy light for a DSLR, not as tiny as mirrorless stuff like the R50, but still easy to lug around. DSLRs are dirt cheap these days, and you get a fat lens selection, killer battery life, and an optical viewfinder with zero lag. The autofocus isn’t as slick as the R50’s, but it’s fine for chill subjects. It does 4k video, though it’s cropped and skips the fancy Dual Pixel AF in that mode, so video nerds might pass. Still, the sensor’s sharp, the menus are newbie-friendly, and it’s a solid pick. Want cheaper? The Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D is close but skips 4k and the flippy screen.
Best Budget Camera For Travel
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Tested Lens: Olympus M.Zuiko Digital ED 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 EZ Released: 2020 Body Type: SLR-Style Mirrorless Sensor Size: Micro Four Thirds Score: 8.0 (Photo: 8.2, Video: 7.5)
For jetting off on a budget, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is our travel MVP. Its Micro Four Thirds setup keeps it small and pairs with tiny lenses—perfect for keeping your bag light. Plus, it’s got in-body stabilization, rare at this price, so your handheld shots in dim light or video clips stay steady. Autofocus isn’t as snappy as the R50’s, especially for stuff that moves, and the smaller sensor struggles a bit in the dark compared to APS-C. But it still pumps out nice pics and 4k at 30 fps, all wrapped in a retro look with a tilting screen. If you want a viewfinder and a bit more juice, the Fujifilm X-T30 II is a slick APS-C option, though it’s bigger and costs more.
Best Cheap Camera
Canon EOS R50
Tested Lens: Canon RF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM Released: 2023 Body Type: SLR-Style Mirrorless Sensor Size: APS-C Score: 8.2 (Photo: 8.2, Video: 8.2)
If you’re buying new and want the most bang for your buck, the Canon EOS R50 is our top cheap pick. It’s not rock-bottom priced, but it’s a killer deal for a modern mirrorless setup. Super portable, easy controls—it’s a perfect jump from your phone and a no-brainer for newbies. There’s even this ‘Advanced A+’ mode that figures out settings for you, so you can just focus on nailing the shot. Autofocus is on point with tracking for people, critters, and cars, and it shoots 4k at 30 fps with some fancy video tricks up its sleeve—great for creators on a dime. Battery life’s meh, and native RF lenses are slim, but you can adapt EF glass if you’re crafty. Cheaper vibes? The Canon EOS R100 is simpler but skips some perks like the flippy screen and top-tier focus.