Top 5 BEST Budget Cameras in 2024
Whether you’re a budding photographer or someone looking to up your content creation game, you don’t need to spend a fortune to get great results. Are you tired of blurry photos from your smartphone or missing crucial moments because your old camera isn’t fast enough? A budget-friendly camera can be your solution. These cameras offer features like high-resolution sensors for sharp images, user-friendly interfaces, and wireless connectivity for easy sharing on the go.
Plus, they’re equipped with advanced autofocus systems and versatile shooting modes that make capturing stunning photos and videos a breeze. When choosing the best budget camera, what matters most to you? Superior image quality or ease of use? Our top contenders in this category balance affordability with performance, ensuring you don’t have to compromise on essential features. Let’s dive right in.
Nikon D3500
Let’s kick off our review list with the Nikon D3500, crowned as the best DSLR budget camera of 2024. This model is Nikon’s top entry-level SLR camera, perfect for those diving into the world of DSLRs for the first time. Compact, lightweight, and user-friendly, it even includes a tutorial mode to help you learn the ropes.
Despite its simplicity, it’s packed with features that rival higher-tier cameras. The Nikon D3500 boasts a 24-megapixel sensor, 11 autofocus points, and can shoot at 5 frames per second. It also offers live view mode, full HD video recording, and ISO sensitivity ranging from 100 to 25,600, making it suitable for low-light scenes.
The guide mode is particularly handy for beginners, providing step-by-step instructions on how to take great photos, even if you’re new to SLR photography. The 24MP sensor is among the best on the market, delivering sharp, clean images. However, the D3500 falls slightly lower in our ranking of the best beginner DSLRs because it lacks some features found in other models.
The LCD screen neither tilts nor swivels and isn’t touch-sensitive, which can limit usability. Additionally, the autofocus system with just 11 points doesn’t cover the entire frame, making it harder to track moving subjects. Yet, for those with little or no experience, the Nikon D3500 remains an excellent choice.
It supports high-precision focusing and has a continuous shooting speed of 5 frames per second, which is great for capturing moving objects. You can also record 60p HD video, adding to its versatility. One of the standout features is its battery life, capable of 1550 shots on a single charge, outperforming many competitors.
Whether you’re exploring DSLR photography or need a compact, affordable model for travel, the Nikon D3500 is a fantastic option. Plus, it’s compatible with a broad range of Nikon lenses, enhancing its flexibility. Good stuff.
Sony Alpha A6000
A thumbs up from here. Next on our review list is the Sony Alpha A6000, regarded as the best budget mirrorless camera in 2024. This compact APS-C mirrorless camera offers impressive features like fast and accurate autofocus and a touchscreen.
Despite being the oldest and most affordable in the series, it’s an excellent choice for beginners venturing into mirrorless photography. The A6000 boasts a 24-megapixel APS-C sensor, a Bionz X processor, and a hybrid autofocus system with 179 phase-detection points, enabling sharp and quick image capture. Its small size shouldn’t deceive you.
It’s packed with noteworthy features. The 24.3-megapixel APS-C sensor works with the Bionz X processor to deliver highly detailed images. One of its standout features is its focusing speed, making it ideal for capturing moments on the go.
For video, the camera records in full HD. While it doesn’t offer 4K video, which might be a drawback for some, it remains a solid option for those looking to step up their photography game without going professional just yet. This compact camera includes a 24.3 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, a Bionz X image processor, and a 3-inch LED screen, and can shoot continuously at 11 frames per second.
It can capture up to 47 JPEGs, 22 RAW, or 21 simultaneous JPEG plus RAW before the buffer slows down. The A6000 is affordable, powerful, and reliable. While newer models like the Sony A6100 can shoot 4K video at up to 30 FPS or full HD at up to 120 FPS, the A6000 holds its ground. Its autofocus system is top-notch, with 425 phase detection and 425 contrast detection points, covering 84% of the frame. The sleek, lightweight body makes it easy to carry around. And battery life is decent, too, offering up to 420 shots per charge, and 125 minutes of video recording.
Canon EOS RP
Thumbs up, that’s for sure. Introducing the Canon EOS RP, also known as the best full-frame budget camera for 2024. Canon is targeting advanced hobbyists with this affordable, lightweight mirrorless mount without compromising on quality.
The EOS RP boasts a 26.2 MP CMOS sensor paired with a powerful DIGIC 8 processor, ensuring high precision and detail even in challenging lighting conditions with an ISO sensitivity of up to 40,000. One standout feature is the digital lens optimizer, which corrects chromatic errors and aberrations in RAW files, delivering unparalleled accuracy. The camera also offers next-gen 14-bit RAW files and a compact RAW option, saving approximately 40% per file size.
The Dual Sensing IS digital image stabilization system, proven effective in the EOS R, reduces camera shake using sensor data. This is particularly noticeable when combined with Canon’s stabilized lenses. For burst shooting, the EOS RP can achieve up to 5 frames per second or 4 FPS with AF Servo, offering an unlimited buffer in RAW plus JPEG thanks to the UHS-II card slot.
The Canon EOS RP excels in autofocus, leveraging dual-pixel CMOS AF for just 0.05 seconds with up to 4,779 selectable focus points covering 88-100% of the frame. Videographers will appreciate the DIGIC 8 processor’s capacity to record 4K videos at 25 FPS and Full HD at 60 FPS. Additional features include a 4K time-lapse, timer, Servo AF for video, HDR videos, and Movie Digital IS for stabilizing handheld shots across five axes.
Weighing only 485 grams, the Canon EOS RP’s magnesium alloy body provides durability without sacrificing portability. Its excellent sealing makes it resistant to dust and moisture, rounding out a package that’s perfect for aspiring photographers looking for a robust yet lightweight camera. Good stuff, guys! Just a quick note, if you’re interested in any of the products, I’ve gone ahead and updated the description below with links to get you the best deals available right now.
Panasonic Lumix G100D
So check those out for the most current prices and offers. Up next, meet the Panasonic Lumix G100D, our top pick for the best budget V-logging camera in 2024. The Lumix G100D is a compact, user-friendly camera with an intuitive menu and button layout, perfect for content creators seeking simplicity.
Its appeal lies in its high-quality video capabilities, electronic viewfinder, and ergonomic grip. The camera shoots in 4K, though with a crop factor, meaning you won’t get the full benefit of the sensor. The rotating screen is a great feature for vlogging or taking shots from various angles.
However, it lacks in-body stabilization, so investing in a gimbal might be necessary for handheld shooting. Despite these limitations, the Lumix G100D is an excellent affordable choice. It combines high-quality picture and sound with easy handling and a lightweight design.
It features a large live MOS sensor with 20.3 effective megapixels and no low-pass filter, resulting in sharper, more detailed images. The ISO sensitivity range of 200 to 25,600 lets you shoot in various lighting conditions. The focus lock function allows you to take multiple images with different focus levels, helping you select the best shot.
The camera’s 5-axis hybrid image stabilization system is particularly useful for video recording, reducing shakes, and ensuring smooth, stable footage even on the move. The internal microphone delivers clear, directional sound that adjusts based on facial recognition. Vertical recording features make the Lumix G100D ideal for social media and mobile content sharing.
The free-angle LCD monitor rotates 180 degrees, perfect for selfie mode or shooting from low and high angles. Additionally, the camera includes Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for easy content transfer to mobile devices and can sync with a smartphone. Nice one! Finally, we’re excited to introduce the Canon EOS Rebel T7, our pick for the best overall budget camera in 2024.
Canon EOS Rebel T7
This camera is perfect for beginners stepping into photography, offering durability and ease of use. Its high-resolution sensor, wireless connectivity, and automatic modes make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to improve their skills. The Canon EOS Rebel T7 stands out for its affordability, solid performance, and ease of use.
The 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor delivers sharp, detailed images that are great for large prints and flexible cropping. Beginners will find the user interface intuitive, with automatic modes and simple menus that reduce the learning curve. A significant feature is the inclusion of Wi-Fi and NFC, which allow easy image transfer to mobile devices for quick sharing on social media.
Another highlight of the Rebel T7 is its 24.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C sensor, also found in higher-end models like the Canon SL2 and T7i. This sensor provides excellent image quality, making it a standout for an entry-level SLR. The camera is a classic point-and-shoot with JPEG as the reference format, avoiding lengthy post-production sessions.
However, it also supports high-quality RAW format for those who prefer to spend time on post-editing. The Canon EOS 2000D’s ability to save both formats simultaneously is a useful feature. Image quality is impressive for an entry-level camera.
Beginners will appreciate the automatic recording mode, while more experienced users can explore creative modes like Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Full Manual Mode. Overall, this model delivers top-notch performance at the best possible price-quality ratio. You wanted the best, you got it.