Best Affordable Camera – Comparisons and Buying Guide

You want to buy a decent best affordable camera, but you do not want to rob your bank? The good news is that there are affordable cameras if you’re on a tight budget, including many entry-level DSLRs, sleek looking mirror less cameras, advanced high-end compacts, and more. Bridge cameras with huge zoom lenses, not to mention travel zooms and pocket compacts.

And while some of these inexpensive devices may not be state-of-the-art or are the larger models available right now, they still do the trick.

We have compiled a selection of the best affordable cameras, so if you want something better than your smartphone, or a device with which you can be a little more creative, you’ll find it here.

If you need a little more help finding the type of camera you need, read this article: Which camera should I buy?

And if you want to spend a little more money or are looking for a quality compact camers, then check out our other camera buying guides:

• Best compact cameras.
• Best mirrorless camera.
• Best SLR camera.

1. Sony Cyber-shot RX100

Sony’s first true high-end compact came out several years ago, but still has the answer.
 

 

• Type: Compact  
• Sensor: 1 inch, 20.2MP
• Lens: 28-100mm f / 1.8-4.9
• Screen: 3 inches, 1229 K points
• Viewfinder: N / A
• Continuous shooting: 2.5 frames per second
• Movies: 1080p

 

User Level: Expert

 

The latest addition to the Sony RX100 series, the RX100 V, is one of our favorite compact cameras at the moment, but it’s not possible to do without it being a choice expensive. The good news is that the original RX100 is still available new (as well as all other versions we’ve had since). And even if it does not offer some of the latest features, it remains an excellent compact at a great price.

The large 1.0 inch sensor offers excellent levels of detail, with the zoom lens’s wide and fast reach, making it a versatile travel companion. Ok, there is no built-in viewfinder or tilt screen as we saw on the Mk V, but the screen offers excellent clarity, and the RX100’s controls offer a lot of options for those who love tamper with themselves. Also consider the elegant finish of first quality.

All this translates into a compact camera of great quality at an affordable price like a best affordable camera.

 

 

 

2. Nikon D3300

The best entry-level digital SLR is excellent value for money.
 

 

• Type: DSLR
• Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.2MP
• Lens Mount: Nikon F
• Screen: 3 inches, 921,000 K points
• Viewfinder: Yes, optical
• Continuous shooting: 5 frames per second
• Movies: 1080p

 

User Level: Beginner

 

If you’re looking for your first digital SLR, the Nikon D3300 is hard to beat in terms of price. Although the D3300 is not the cheapest digital SLR on the market, it’s probably the best value for money. And despite the arrival of the D3400 in the range of Nikon DSLRs, the D3300 remains our best choice.

Why ? In simple terms, it meets many expectations for new users – the 24MP sensor delivers stunning images, is easy to use, has an impressive battery life and adapts to an impressive selection of lenses. accessories.

 

 

 

3. Panasonic Lumix ZS50 / Lumix TZ70

A large, versatile compact camera with wide zoom range.
 

 

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1 / 2.3 inches, 12.1MP
• Lens: 24-720mm, f / 3.3-6.4
• Monitor: 3 inches, 1,040 K points
• Viewfinder: EVF
• Continuous shooting: 10 frames per second
• Movies: 1080p

 

User Level: Beginner / Intermediate

 

The Panasonic ZS / TZ compact series has long dominated the compact travel zoom market, and it is still the case with the ZS50 (known as the TZ70 outside the US). Although it can be overshadowed by its brother to the largest sensor, the ZS100 / TZ100, the TZ70 has the advantage of shipping a huge 30x zoom in a pocket.

There is even room for an electronic viewfinder (modest), ideal when lighting makes it difficult to adjust or view photos on the back screen. You can use the camera as an advanced Point and Shoot compact, just leaving it in automatic mode for the camera to handle settings. You can also shoot high-quality RAW images and make your own choices regarding aperture and shutter speed.

Thus, Panasonic ZS / TZ compact series is one of the best affordable camera available.

 

 

 

4. Canon EOS Rebel T6 / EOS 1300D

Perhaps the cheapest SLR available today.
 

 

• Type: DSLR
• Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 18MP
• Lens Mount: Canon EF-S
• Screen: 3 inches, 920,000K points
• Viewfinder: Yes, optical
• Continuous shooting: 3 frames per second
• Movies: 1080p

 

User Level: Beginner

 

The EOS Rebel T6 (known as the EOS 1300D outside of the US) is the most affordable digital SLR in the Canon lineup and, although it does not share the same advanced technology as the newer models, it remains an excellent choice for novice users. The 18MP sensor is starting to get old, while the AF is a little slow, but when you take into account the fact that we have a digital SLR for the price of an average compact, it does not have the look bad at all.

So, the EOS Rebel T6 makes our list of best affordable camera.

 

 

 

5. Nikon D5300

Replaced by the D5500 and the D5600, but still a good choice.
 

 

• Type: DSLR
• Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.2MP
• Lens Mount: Nikon DX
• Screen: 3.2 inches articulated, 1,037,000 points
• Viewfinder: Yes, optical
• Continuous shooting speed: 5 frames per second
• Movies: 1080p

 

User Level: Beginner / Intermediate

 

The D5300 worked for just over a year before the D5500 technically replaced it, which in turn was replaced by the D5600. It shares the same 24.2 megapixel sensor with a maximum ISO25600 sensitivity identical to that of the D5500, while the EXPEED 4 image processor of the D5300 and the 39-point autofocus system were also kept when it was replaced.

Although the D5300 is not equipped with a sophisticated touch screen, you have the GPS instead. The life of the battery, 600 shots of the D5300 has since been exceeded by the D5500, but it will still survive the Canon EOS Rebel T6i / 750D.

All in all, this may not be the latest entry level DSLR, but the D5300 remains a smart buy if considering best affordable camera.

 

 

 

6. Sony Alpha A7R

More megapixels than you would like at an affordable price.
 

 

• Type : Without mirror
• Sensor: Full Frame CMOS, 36.4 MP
• Lens Mount: Sony E-mount
• Screen: 3 inches articulated, 1,230,000 points
• Viewfinder: Yes, electronic
• Continuous shooting speed: 4 frames per second
• Movies: 1080p

 

User Level: Passionate

 

The Alpha A7R II is one of our favorite mirrorless cameras, equipped with a superb 42 megapixel full frame sensor. This is an expensive option, so we chose the old Alpha A7R – equipped with a superb full-frame sensor of 36 megapixels, it would pay more than double to obtain an equivalent resolution for a competitor device. Autofocus can be a little slow and performance a little slow, but if you are ready to overcome these problems, you will be rewarded with great images.

 

 

 

7. Sony Alpha A5000

Sony’s entry-level CSC is easy to use.
 

 

• Type : Without mirror
• Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 20.1MP
• Lens Mount: Sony E-mount
• Screen: 3 inch reclining, 460K points
• Viewfinder: N / A
• Continuous shooting: 3.5 frames per second
• Movies: 1080p

 

User Level: Beginner / Intermediate

 

Although more than a few years old, the Alpha A5000 remains an interesting purchase for those looking for a simple mirrorless camera to use. Not only that, but it’s also incredibly compact – even the 16-50mm lens is not that big considering the focal length. There is a decent tilt angle screen, but the resolution is a little outdated today, while there is no viewfinder.

That said, it’s easy to use, even though Wi-Fi connectivity only adds to its charm.

 

 

 

8. Canon PowerShot SX710 HS

Compact 30x optical zoom at a great price.
 

 

• Type : Compact
• Sensor: 1 / 2.3 inches, 20.3MP
• Lens: 25-750mm, f / 3.2-6.9
• Screen: 3 inches, 922,000 points
• Viewfinder: No
• Continuous shooting: 6 frames per second
• Movies: 1080p

 

User Level: Beginner

 

The PowerShot SX710 HS is suitable for beginners as well as those with a little more experience in photography. At the rear is a small mode selector that allows you to quickly switch between different exposure modes, including manual and semi-automatic modes for those who want to take control, as well as fully automatic and scene modes.

The 30x optical zoom lens covers an excellent range of focal lengths and offers great flexibility for the everyday holiday photographer. There is no touch screen though, but you can not really complain when you see its price. It is a well-equipped camera for those who want a compact camera with a long focal length.

So, the PowerShot SX710 HS makes it on our list of the best affordable camera.

 

 

 

9. Sony Cyber-shot WX220

In the category Handheld Camera with 10x Optical Zoom
 

 

• Type : Compact
• Sensor: 1 / 2.3 inches, 18.2MP
• Lens: 25-250mm, f / 3.3-5.9
• Monitor: 2.7 inches, 460K points
• Viewfinder: No
• Continuous shooting: 1.5 frames per second
• Movies: 1080p

 

User Level: Beginner

 

If you want a compact camera that can provide a better job than your smartphone, the Cyber-shot WX220 fulfills several roles, especially when you consider the additional flexibility offered by the 10x optical zoom, ranging from 25-250mm. The images are brilliant and punchy, with decent details – great for sharing online or for printing at standard sizes – while having Wi-Fi connectivity that makes it a good addition.

The 2.7-inch screen is a little smaller, but it keeps the camera’s dimensions in a pocket size.

The WX220 may not have many features, but what it does have, it does it quite well.

 

 

 

10. Panasonic Lumix FZ70 / FZ72

Bridge camera that embeds a 60x zoom monster lens.
 

 

• Type : Compact Bridge
• Sensor Size: 1 / 2.3 inches, 16.1 MP
• Lens: 20-1200mm, f / 2.8-5.9
• Screen: 3 inches, 460,000 points
• Viewfinder: Yes
• Continuous shooting: 9 frames per second
• Maximum video resolution: 1080p

 

User Level: Beginner / Passionate

 

Although it is one of the cheapest Bridge cameras available, you get what you pay for with still many cameras with the Panasonic Lumix FZ70 (known as the FZ72 out of the US).

Let’s start with the goal. The Lumix FZ70 is equipped with a breathtaking 60x optical zoom, 20mm wide – the equivalent of 1200mm – so you’ll have no excuse for not filling the frame. You also have the ability to control it entirely manually (as well as many useful automatic modes), take RAW-format photos, and get decent picture quality from a sensor of this size.

The inconveniences? Although there is an EVF, it is not the best quality, and there is no touch screen functionality or wireless connectivity.