The Best Affordable Camera 2021
Apr 25th, 2021
The Best Affordable Camera 2021: 10 budget options for every application
We chose 10 budget options from paperbacks to compact digital SLRs.
Would you like to get yourself a valid camera without having to go bankrupt or eat oatmeal for months? No worries, as there are a lot of great cameras on the market for a smaller budget as well.
The cavalcade of low-cost cameras includes mirrored digital SLR cameras, stylish mirrorless cameras, high-end paperback cameras, superzoom cameras with large telephoto lenses, as well as travel cameras and pocket-sized mini options.
We have listed the best low-cost cameras in our opinion as one listing. While not all the cameras on our list are the latest models, they are still powerful and competent.
If your purses give way to a more affordable model, we recommend that you also read our other shopping guides at the bottom of the page.
However, this list includes the cheapest starting cameras of the moment as well as older models available at a good price. Our current choice for the best low-cost camera is the Nikon D3500, a beginner-friendly option with an excellent battery, a capable 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, and huge support for a variety of lenses and accessories. If you are looking for your first SLR camera, this is an excellent choice.
However, if you are looking for another type of camera, we have listed a wide variety of options to accompany it. So check out the models below to find the right partner for your photography trips.
Choose the best camera for you
The supply of cameras has shrunk in recent years - fewer new models are coming, and few new products will remain on store shelves longer before a new version is launched.
One would think that the choice would thus be even easier, but the declining number of models has led to a situation where only a few camera types dominate the whole market. The features are similar in many, even if the manufacturer is different.
Image quality, which is the most important criterion for most buyers when choosing a new camera, is better than good in almost all cameras sold today. This is especially true for SLRs, both mirrorless and mirrorless, which, regardless of the manufacturer, offer such good image quality that a highly trained eye is required to notice qualitative differences.
Thus, other features of the cameras play a more important role. How well does autofocus work? Can the camera maintain a high shutter speed for two seconds or two minutes? Is the device resistant to water and dust? Is a bright telephoto lens available for the camera? Does the video work well? And so on.
The easiest way is to read the tests and find out if there is a camera that is best suited for your own use. A photographer who crawls among the undergrowth to capture immortal moments of nature needs quite different qualities than parents who want to photograph their offspring.
The best camera depends very much on your own needs. Many needs can be met with a cell phone camera, but they still have their limitations that make many end up buying a decent camera. The right camera still offers better image quality and more options.
Before we get to the best cameras of the year, let’s go through a few more basic things about choosing the right device.
The Best Affordable Camera:
1. Nikon D3500
2. Fujifilm X-T20
3. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV
4. Canon EOS 250D
5. Sony Alpha A6000
6. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
7. Olympus E-PL9
8. Fujifilm XP140
9. Panasonic Lumix TZ200
10. Nikon D5600
1. Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3400 was a really popular digital SLR camera, and its appeal did not wane even when the D3500 appeared on the market. Now that the price of the D3500 has dropped, it is definitely the best purchase. The D3500 has much of the same features as its predecessor, but offers a few practical extras. The main improvements are an advanced APS-C sensor (though still with a resolution of 24 megapixels) and better battery life. The camera's battery is now enough to take 1,550 images on a single charge, compared to 1,200 on the previous model. The hand feel is also more comfortable and the body is lighter. Sure, the older D3400 is still a good purchase for the first-timer, but this newer model has a bit more yummy.
SPECIFICATIONS
- • Camera Type: Digital Video Camera (DSLR)
- • Cell: APS-C CMOS, 24.2 MP
- • Lens mount:: Nikon F (DX)
- • Display: 3.0-inch, 921,000 dots
- • Viewfinder: Optical Continuous shooting
- • speed: 6 fps
- • Video:: 1080 p
- • User level: Beginner
2. Fujifilm X-T20
An excellent alternative to the slightly older model is the Fujifilm X-T20, which has since been replaced by the X-T30. It’s still an excellent camera, which is practically a pruned version of the company’s flagship model X-T2. The more affordable model features a great 24.3 megapixel X-Trans CMOS sensor, high-resolution viewfinder, foldable touch screen and 4K video recording. So for the price, there are plenty of features, in addition to which it looks stylish. For those who capture movement and action, the enhanced X-T30 is a better option, but for landscape and portrait photography, this old model is a great choice.
SPECIFICATIONS
- • Type: Mirrorless
- • Cell: APS-C X-Trans CMOS III, 24.2 MP
- • Lens mount: Fujifilm X
- • Display: 3 - inch folding, 1040k dots
- • Viewfinder: Electronic
- • Continuous shooting: 8 fps
- • Video: 4K 60p
- • User level: Beginner / hobbyist
3. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 IV
The Sony Cyber-shot RX100 Mark IV is still one of the favorite models for compact cameras. The camera manages to be technically up to date, but is also significantly cheaper than its Followers - arguably excellent - Mark V and Mark VI. The series has also recently received a representative of the seventh generation. Due to newer models, the price of the Mark IV has dropped significantly. In addition to the price, the camera is worth considering for its 4K video recording and excellent image quality. The camera performs well in both dim and bright exposure conditions. Although the focal length is limited, it is sufficient for almost all shooting situations.
SPECIFICATIONS
- • Camera type: Compact
- • camera Cell: 1-inch CMOS, 20.1 MP
- • Lens: Fixed, cinema equivalent 24 to 70 mm, maximum aperture f / 1.8 to 2.8
- • Display: 3.0-inch swivel display, 1,229,000 dots
- • Viewfinder: Electronic Continuous shooting
- • speed: 10 fps Video: 4K
- • User level: Beginner / intermediate
4. Canon EOS 250D
When the original EOS 200D was released in its time, it would immediately become a hit among novice photographers. Among other things, the easy-to-use menu and the on-screen user guide were praised. The EOS 250D continues in the footsteps of its predecessor, and with this camera it is good to practice photography. Plus points are boosted by Canon's excellent Dual PIxel CMOS autofocus system, which focuses smoothly even in Live View mode. Video quality, on the other hand, should be improved, as the image of 4K video is annoyed. However, the reasonable price is a lot of forgiveness: you can buy a camera with an additional lens for well under 1,000 euros.
SPECIFICATIONS
- • Camera Type: Digital SLR Camera
- • Cell: APS-C CMOS
- • Resolution: 24.1 MP
- • Lens mount: Canon EF-S
- • Display: 3-inch swivel touch screen, 1,040,000 dots
- • Continuous shooting speed: 5 fps
- • Video: 4K
- • User level: Beginner
5. Sony Alpha A6000
Don't let the price fool you. The Sony Alpha A6000 costs the same as other SLRs and mirrorless models for beginners, but is more powerful and sophisticated than average. The low price is affected by the age of the camera: the model was launched as early as 2014. The camera is old-fashioned, but still looks fresh in light of its features. The camera includes a 24-megapixel sensor, a high-speed 179-point autofocus system and 11 frames per second. The age is most clearly shown on the video side. The camera only records 1080-pixel Full HD video instead of higher-quality 4K video, and its screen does not respond optimally to touch. However, the low selling price ensures that even beginners can enjoy other slightly more advanced features.
SPECIFICATIONS
- • Camera type: Mirrorless camera
- • Cell: APS-C CMOS, 24.3 MP
- • Lens mount: Sony E
- • Display: 3.0-inch swivel display, 921,000 dots
- • Viewfinder: Electronic Continuous shooting
- • speed: 11 fps
- • Video: 1080 p
- • User level: Beginner / enthusiast
6. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The small, compact and lightweight body of the OM-D E-M10 Mark IV makes it an excellent option for novice photographers. The company's fourth version is the culmination of recent years of development, making the E-M10 an excellent camera for almost everyday and travel photography. The power of the camera lies in its simplicity, which is also reflected to some extent in the compromises made. These include the lack of a 4K / 60p image and a microphone and headphone jack. But if you’re looking for a camera primarily for photography, the lack of these isn’t significant. In addition to the small size, the Micro Four Thirds lenses used by the camera are also stylish and compact, so you can easily bring the camera into even a small space. Other handy features include a foldable three-inch touch screen, built-in image stabilization and a handy 2.36 megapixel OLED viewfinder.
SPECIFICATIONS
- • Cell: Four Thirds, 20.3 MP
- • Display: 3 - inch flexible touch screen, 1,037,000 dots
- • Viewfinder: 2.36 megapixel electronic OLED EVF Continuous
- • shooting: 15 fps Video: 4K / 30p
- • User level: Beginner
7. Olympus PEN E-PL9
The Olympus Pen E-PL9 has already got a successor (Olympus Pen E-PL10), but the older model is almost identical and therefore at a good discount. If you are looking for a stylish camera and a huge range of lenses for yourself, here is a great option. The camera has a sleek and easy-to-use design, making it great for beginners as well. It is also suitable for personal photography, although there is no exploration. Otherwise, its use is simple and smooth. The E-PL9 takes advantage of the proven 16.1 megapixel Live MOS Micro Four Thirds sensor to capture beautiful images regardless of conditions. Despite its compact size, the camera also has a three-axis image stabilizer, which helps especially in low light shooting.
SPECIFICATIONS
- • Cell: Micro Four Thirds
- • Resolution: 16.1 MP
- • Display: 3.0 - inch foldable touch screen, 1,040K dots Focus: 121-point AF, 1 cross-type
- • Continuous shooting: 8.6 fps
- • Video: 4K / 30p
- • User level: Beginner
8. Fujifilm XP140
Today, the Fujifilm XP140 is a good-value and durable model that you dare to take on even the toughest trips. It is dust, shock (1.8 m), water (25 m) and frost resistant (-10 ºC), so the camera can withstand even the toughest bumps. In addition to durability, it can take great pictures. The 16.4 megapixel sensor and image stabilizer are supported by enhanced face recognition. Unfortunately, 4K video is limited to a frame rate of 15 frames, but a 1080 / 60p image is digestible instead. The slow motion image can be taken at 720p / 100fps. For twilight and underwater shooting, the ISO rises to 12,800 to enhance successful images. The 5x optical zoom also adds versatility to this compact model, while the three-inch touch screen keeps management simple. Connectivity to the machine is possible via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
SPECIFICATIONS
- • Camera Type: Compact
- • Cell: 1 / 2.3 inch BSI-CMOS, 16.4 MP
- • Display: 3 - inch touch screen, 920K dots
- • Continuous shooting: 15 fps
- • Video: 4K / 15p
- • User level: Beginner
9. Panasonic Lumix TZ200
When it came out, the Panasonic Lumix TZ200 was one of the most expensive compact cameras - no wonder, as the camera was far more advanced than its competitors. Now that the price of the Lumix TZ200 has dropped, you might want to consider it the next time you get a pocket-sized travel paper. The large single-inch sensor produces excellent and detailed image quality. However, be careful when using the JPEG file format if you are shooting at high ISO values, as the images may be blurred. In this way, the camera tries to reduce possible noise from the images. However, the best quality is obtained when shooting RAW files. Thanks to the 15x zoom range, the camera is versatile for shooting landscapes and architecture as well as strictly delimited portraits.
SPECIFICATIONS
- • Camera type: Compact
- • camera Cell: 1-inch, 20.1 MP
- • Lens mount: Fixed, cinema equivalent 25-360 mm, maximum aperture f / 3.3-6.4
- • Display: 3.0-inch touch screen, 1,240,000 dots
- • Viewfinder: Electronic Continuous shooting speed: 10 fps Video: 4K
- • User level: Beginner / intermediate
### 10. Nikon D5600The Nikon D5600 is a degree higher quality camera than the manufacturer's D3000 series models, and its technical features are also stronger than its competitor, the Canon EOS 800D. The most significant improvements over the D3500 include a larger swivel and touch-responsive LCD display, a more advanced autofocus system, Wi-Fi connectivity, and a variety of additional internal controls. Of course, you also have to pay more for this joy, but if you want any more room for growth from your camera, we recommend grabbing the D5600 - a camera that will be a joy for years to come.
SPECIFICATIONS
- • Cell: APS-C CMOS
- • Resolution: 24.2 MP
- • Lens Mount: Nikon DX
- • Display: 3.2-inch swivel touch screen, 1,040,000 dots
- • Continuous shooting speed: 5 fps
- • Video: 1080 p
- • User level: Beginner / enthusiast
Check these things before buying a new camera
When you buy a new camera, you need to figure out many features and functions. We made a list of the most important things to consider. Feel free to first take a look at camera tests and product reviews, for example in the Digital Image Tool Guide , you will see what experienced professionals have said about the models that interest you.People’s camera needs are different, but there are a few basic things to at least pay attention to when considering stores.
1. Image sensor size
The size of the image sensor is the single technical factor that most affects image quality.The image sensor captures light, as the film did on analog cameras in decades ago.The cells of cheaper compact cameras and smartphones are smaller than the claw of a little dragonfly, while the cells of full-size cameras are the size of a large stamp, so it can collect much more light and image information.
2. Number of focus points
Some cameras have thousands of focus points, but whether they are 50 or 5,000 is not as essential as one might think in light of the numbers. The important thing is that they are evenly distributed over the image area so that the camera can focus even if the subject is at the edge or at an angle. Focus points usually fill a larger portion of the image area when shooting through the screen than when shooting through the optical viewfindr. Focusing is faster when shooting through the viewfinder.
3. Burst speed
Continuous shooting speed refers to how many frames per second the camera can take.For landscape and building photographers and portraits, this is not particularly important, but for sports and bird photographers, for example, it is a good thing if the burst speed is at least ten frames per second.
4. Battery life
The better the battery life, the better - then the risk of losing a good shooting situation in the event of a power outage is reduced. In practice, however, one charge gets more dry than promised in the operating instructions.The operating instructions usually describe a shooting method in which the camera is turned off and on often, and e.g. flash. Video recording, of course, consumes battery power briskly.If the indicated number of shots on a single charge is less than 400, we recommend purchasing a spare battery if there is a lot to shoot in one shooting trip.
5. ISO sensitivity
At high ISO values, you can shoot in low light without shaking the images and showing too much movement. As the ISO sensitivity is increased, the image signal from the cell is amplified, and at the same time the image noise is increased.Some cameras have the option of using six- or seven-digit ISO values, although this may not tell you much about how good or better bad results are obtained at the highest ISO sensitivities.However, a high maximum value can be an indication that medium values such as ISO 25 600 or 51 200 still produce quite valid images.We do not usually exceed ISO 12,800 to ensure that the image quality is always good enough.
6. Display
Today, the size of a liquid crystal display (LCD) is usually 3 to 3.2 inches. Screen accuracy is at least as important. It should preferably have at least a million dots so that the image it reproduces does not pixelate.It’s also at least a good thing if the screen turns in different directions. This makes it much easier to shoot, for example, overhead or on the ground.
7. Ergonomics
You should try the camera at a store, if at all possible. Only then do you feel how it feels in your hands - even when you have a lens attached to it.At the same time, check how conveniently the main controls and buttons are positioned.
8. Resolution
Camera resolution was still a hot topic of discussion a few years ago, but today most cameras have a resolution of at least 12 megapixels, images are always repeated in detail unless printed on paper and enlarged to poster size.The 4K screen is equivalent to 8.3 megapixels, and the 17 megapixel image can already be magnified into a high-quality A3 poster without any worries. The high resolution also allows for severe cropping and partial enlargements.
9. Camera system
When purchasing a SLR camera, you should consider the composition of the included accessories such as a lens, flash unit, etc. - in relation to what you already have.Some systems include, for example, special lenses.It may also be that your old lenses are accessing your new camera through an adapter.
10. Weather protection
You should also consider whether you want a weatherproof model with joints that are all sealed so that water and dust cannot get in.Most cameras can withstand a small cloud of dust and morning fog, but if you want to shoot in heavy rain or at the seaside, you should get a fully weatherproof camera.Digital image number 10/2019 contains a large camera guide that brings together all the SLR cameras on the market.
11. The smart light tent guarantees perfect light and sharp images
With the digital photo tent, you get a nice little home studio that is also easy to take with you anywhere.The new light tent makes it easier than ever to photograph macro objects such as flowers and insects or food and goods that are to be sold over the internet.The uniform background of the light tent gives your images a professional look, and its LED lamps illuminate the images perfectly without shadows or reflections.
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