Best Budget Cameras | 2024

Pros:

• DSLR handling with optical viewfinder
• EF-S mount offers lots of lenses
• Dual Pixel autofocus (in Live View)

Cons:

• Only 9AF points in viewfinder shooting
  
  

A lightweight DSLR that gives the user access to the amazing range of EF-mount lenses, the EOS 250D offers a broad feature-set that provides real flexibility for photographers and videographers alike. Its 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor is paired with a vari-angle screen and Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus, giving the camera a strong balance between power and useability. It shoots 4K video too, and composition is easy and enjoyable thanks to the optical viewfinder.

If you’re new to DSLRs generally, the EOS 250D is a great starting point, with a guided user interface that gives you the lowdown on how to capture the images you want. It’s fantastic for travel, lightweight and with a small form factor that makes it easy to throw into a small bag and take on your adventures. If you want to step up from smartphone photography and start pushing your images further, this is a fantastic place to start.

Pros:

• 5-Axis HYBRID O.I.S
• 12fps burst shooting
• 4K video

Cons:

• Battery life could be better
• ISO noise can become quite noticeable
  
  

Rugged and durably built, with a 20x optical zoom, the FZ2000 comes from a long line of rock-solid Panasonic bridge cameras. It's got a high-sensitivity 20.9MP sensor that really comes into its own in low light, and ensures crisp shots throughout the zoom range. The lens is a 24-480mm equivalent Leica optic, so you’ve got the scope to capture all sorts of subjects and its f2.8-4.5 aperture is going to help with those different shooting scenarios.

The ergonomics of the FZ2000, while they can be seen as a little bulky, make it really satisfying to handle and use. Plus, with features like 7fps burst shooting, you can be confident that it'll handle even challenging shooting situations with ease. High-resolution QFHD 4K video rounds out a hugely impressive package that's available for an excellent price.

Pros:

• Extensive tough waterproofing
• Macro mode with built-in light
• Can be bought with wrist strap and neoprene case

Cons:

• 16MP is fairly low
• Small 1/2.3-inch sensor limits dynamic range
  
  

You won’t believe how much imaging tech you get for the money with this heavy-duty outdoor camera from Ricoh. Not only does it shoot 16MP images on its CMOS sensor, it can also capture Full HD video, covering a broad range of perspectives with its 28-140mm equivalent optical zoom lens. Thanks to the minimum focusing distance of just 1cm, you can get extremely close to your subjects, and even illuminate them yourself with the built-in ring light that surrounds the lens.

Waterproof down to 20m, shockproof against drops of up to 2.1m and cold-resistant down to -10°C, the Ricoh WG-80 is a true outdoor camera. Use its creative scene modes to capture unforgettable images, log your position with the GPS module, and view your compositions on the 3-inch LCD monitor – it really does it all.

Pros:

• One of the cheapest DSLRs out there
• Can connect via Wi-Fi
• Useful tutorial modes

Cons:

• No 4K video
• Only 3fps burst
  
  

Expanding Canon’s range of budget-friendly, entry-level DSLRs, the EOS 2000D is a pleasingly comprehensive entry that doesn’t skimp on quality despite its low price point. It’s equipped with a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor that produces fantastic images, rich in detail and colour, and it has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a modern camera – connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, 3fps burst shooting, fast autofocus and more.

It’s definitely designed with the new user in mind, featuring a selection of guide modes and tutorials designed to help anyone get up to speed with using it as quickly as possible. Images come out looking just as good as you remember seeing them, and for the budding filmmakers, it’s also possible to shoot Full HD movies on the EOS 2000D, making it an extremely solid all-rounder.