Whether you're capturing the cosmos or taking pictures of local wildlife, you don't have to break the bank to get into photography. We have rounded up the best budget cameras, from big names like Canon, Sony, Panasonic and more, all under $500.
Now's a great time to pick up a budget camera, too, particularly if you're into astrophotography. This March 13-14 there's a spectacular total lunar eclipse or "blood moon", when a trick of the light turns the moon crimson. What better way is there to break in your camera than by capturing that event?
Of course, you'll need a camera first, which is where our guide to the best budget cameras comes in. Don't be fooled; despite being under $500, there's nothing cheap and nasty about these cameras. Many offer excellent image quality, and some excel at video as well.
Granted, they might not be as advanced as the best cameras or best mirrorless cameras, but it's not a good idea to spend thousands on a camera unless you know you've got the experience to make the most of it.
The quick list
Skim through our top picks below, or scroll further down to read full reviews of each product.
Best overall
Despite being nearly 10 years old, the Sony A6000 still holds its own as one of the best compact cameras on the market. What's more, its age means you can grab it at a bargain price, saving more if you buy used.
Best for beginners
The Canon T7/2000D is a great option for beginners looking for their first DSLR camera. It's a straightforward and reliable camera that comes at an affordable price.
Best for action photos
Best suited for sports and outdoor photography, the GoPro Hero 12 Black is a tiny rugged camera that'll stand up to hard play. It offers 5K video, 27MP still images and comes with a host of accessories.
Best for vlogging
With UHD 4K video, Sony's SteadyShot stabilization and a high-quality a built-in directional three-capsule microphone, the Sony ZV-1F is a great choice for vlogging and making other content.
Best for durability
The Olympus Tough TG-6 lives up to its name. This resilient camera is waterproof, crush-resistant and offers 4K underwater shooting for all your outdoor adventures.
The best cheap cameras we recommend in 2024
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Best overall
✅ You value image quality: This camera offers excellent 24.3MP still images with high levels of color fidelity.
✅ You're looking for quality on a budget: This slightly older model means you can benefit from high-quality Sony technology and reliability without the huge price tag.
❌ You mainly want to shoot video: This camera biggest downside is that it's not capable of filming 4K video.
🔎 Sony A6000: A reliable camera that offers high image quality on a budget, but it's not the most up-to-date and the lack of 4K video may be a dealbreaker for some. ★★★★½
The Sony A6000 is one of the best compact mirrorless models, despite being more than 10 years old. It may have been succeeded by several models including the Sony A6700, but it's a very capable camera.
It's also the perfect entry point for those looking to get into photography without spending a lot. The A6000 is excellent value for money at under $500, and a second-hand version may be available for a little $350 if you're lucky. Package deals, including lenses, are also available online.
This APS-C mirrorless camera combines a fantastic design, comfortable grip and great handling with excellent image quality and a really useful autofocus. While it obviously lacks some features such as 4K video, this won't matter if you're mainly picking up a camera to practice your still image shooting skills and improve on your craft.
Amazon reviews show that Sony A6000 users love the image quality, ease of use, weight, and autofocus feature. The battery life is less than optimal, lasting for around 300 shots, but at such a low price, that's hardly surprising.
It's worth shopping around to ensure you find the best deal, as the price often changes from retailer to retailer. Amazon has a range of options including lenses and used cameras.
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | APS-C mirrorless camera |
Performance | High image quality and great color rendition |
Functionality | Lacks 4K video |
Best for beginners
✅ You're looking for your first DSLR camera: It's straightforward and easy-to-use, a great entry point into the world of DSLR shooting.
✅ You're on a budget: It's a more affordable option than newer DSLRs.
❌ You want to shoot high-quality video: Like the Sony A6000, this camera lacks 4K video.
❌ You want a camera you can grow with: You may find yourself needing to upgrade further down the line.
🔎 Canon T7/2000D: An ideal choice for beginners looking for an easy way to get into DSLR photography, but with limited scope for future development. ★★★★
Mirrorless cameras have come to dominate the market, taking over from DSLRs. But the quality of the Canon T7/2000D shows that DSLRs are still viable. If you're looking for a camera to start off with, this budget-friendly and model is a great entry-point, and it's reliable with it.
Canon's current line-up boasts a host of models, including DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Many of those are newer than the T7/2000D but while it might not have the most impressive specs and the bells and whistles of those models, it's still a very capable DSLR.
As such, we think makes a fantastic starting point for anyone looking to jump into photography. If you've previously been shooting on your phone, you'll be amazed by the difference a DSLR camera can make to your shots.
The added benefit of this camera being slightly older is you can now secure great bundle deals online. We've frequently seen deals including the camera, a lens and various accessories for under $500.
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Easy-to-use DSLR camera |
Performance | Reliable and durable |
Functionality | Slightly older tech without 4K video |
Best for action photos
✅ You enjoy action shooting outdoors: The GoPro is waterproof and small enough to mount on your helmet, bike handlebars, or even your drone.
✅ You want something light and portable: This will easily slip into any pocket, perfect for taking out and about.
❌ You're looking for something more traditional: This is a tiny action camera that works alongside a phone app, so it may not suit photography purists.
🔎 GoPro Hero 12 Black: A tiny and waterproof action camera that offers impressively high image quality for its size. It's perfect for outdoor pursuits, or just as a highly portable camera to take on day trips. ★★★★
Looking for an action-oriented camera that'll let you shoot on the go, wherever you are? The GoPro Hero 12 Black is a great choice. It's a reliable and versatile camera and now that the Hero 13 Black is out, you can pick up this model for a cut-price deal less than $300. This represents great value for money for a rugged camera that gives you a fantastic entry point into on-the-go photography.
As with all products from GoPro, the Hero 12 is completely waterproof up to 33 feet, and it's built to last, so you can truly take it anywhere without worrying about knocks. In terms of features, the Hero 12 is a great option — think 5K video, fantastic stabilization, time-lapse options and more. While it's mostly thought of as a video camera, you can shoot 27MP stills as well.
It's not suited to every single type of photography - if you're into shooting landscapes or portraits, for example, we'd suggest you opt for a DSLR or mirrorless camera with interchangeable lenses. But if it's action you want, and if shooting video is important to you, we can't recommend this enough.
The GoPro Hero 12 Black is, for a little more, also available with a 50-piece accessory bundle, which includes an SD card and various mounts, straps and tripods to capture any live-action moment perfectly.
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Waterproof 27MP action camera |
Performance | Captures sharp 5K video and high-res photos |
Functionality | Comes with a range of mounting accessories |
Best for vlogging
✅ You're a content creator: The Sony ZV-F1 is designed specifically with vlogging and content creation in mind and doesn't require an external mic.
✅ You want portability: You can slip the Sony ZV-F1 in your pocket or bag and vlog from wherever you are.
❌ You want to zoom in on your subjects: The Sony ZV-F1 only has digital zoom, not optical, which will lower the quality when you zoom in.
🔎 The Sony ZV-1F: This camera is excellent for vloggers and other content creators, but the lack of an optical zoom means it's not ideal for regular snapping. ★★★★
Looking to get into vlogging, or take your existing content creation on the go? This Sony ZV-1F compact camera could be exactly what you need. It's a mini-studio in itself, boasting quality video and an excellent microphone. We rank its pricier sibling, the Sony ZV-1F as the best Sony camera for vlogging.
The ZV-1F is superbly portable, and Sony's SteadyShot stabilization should give your video quality a boost, helping keep it free from shaking if you're on the move. It boasts real-time face detection and is packed with other vlogging-friendly features too.
Influencers, for example, will be love the Product Showcase Mode which quickly shifts focus from your face to an object you're holding. And it supports USB streaming, effectively turning into a webcam if you want to stream live. It's worth bearing in mind that it doesn't have optical zoom, so if you plan on using this as a regular camera, you'll have to reply on digital-only zoom. Otherwise, however, this is a superb camera for vloggers.
Best for durability
✅ You want to take photos in or near water: The Olympus Tough has an even higher waterproofing level than GoPro and is designed to be able to shoot underwater.
✅ Your kids will want to have a go: This camera can handle being dropped and knocked about.
❌ You want top-quality photos: The 12MP photos produced by this camera aren't as good as some of the other offerings on the list, but it's great for 4K video.
🔎 Olympus Tough TG-6: One of the most resilient cameras you can buy, the Olympus Tough will make a nice starter camera for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures with their family. ★★★★
You should consider the Olympus Tough TG-6 if you find yourself usually dropping your belongings and you might worry about potentially damaging your camera. This rugged and durable model is designed to withstand heavy impacts and also serves as a great entry point into photography.
The Tough TG-6 is waterproof up to 50 feet (even more than the GoPro Hero 12), shockproof up to seven feet, and its shell can withstand more than 100 kg of crushing force, so you won't have to worry about dropping it or lending it to your kids to try it when you're out and about. The Olympus Tough TG-6 can also handle freezing temperatures, so it truly a camera suitable for any and all weather conditions.
As we said above, it's not just impressive thanks to its resistance, either. While its photo quality isn't quite as impressive as our top choice the Sony A6000, it does a great job for a compact camera — and it's bolstered by some rather impressive features, including the ability to shoot 4K video at up to 120fps. That's seriously impressive, especially at this price range.
The Tough TG-6 has five dedicated underwater shooting mode, including an underwater microscope. If you're a keen swimmer, snorkeler or scuba diver, then it may be worth adding this to your adventure kit to capture some wonders under the waves.
Attributes | Notes |
|---|---|
Design | Extremely waterproof and crush-resistant |
Performance | Impressive 4K video at 120fps |
Functionality | Underwater shooting modes |
Update log
Recent updates
Editor's note. Updated 3/4/25 to replace best vlogging camera, and add information about the upcoming lunar eclipse.
Jacob Little is a photographer, writer and communications professional based in Bristol and Cornwall. His main inspirations come from outdoor adventure, travel, rural living and wild ways and crafts. Passionate about weaving the core principles of storytelling into his images, he approaches brand and copywriting work in much the same way. Conveying a compelling narrative is one of the main drivers behind much of his work.
How we test the best budget cameras
When it comes to buying the best cameras and our recommendations for what to buy, we make sure to test and review each product, so you're guaranteed an honest and up-to-date opinion. Our tests take into account a range of important factors; construction, design, function, performance and more.
Where we haven't personally tested and reviewed a camera, only models that have been carefully researched and approved make the cut. Our experts are keen photographers and won't recommend a product that they themselves wouldn't like to use. With this in mind, we've noted the things we don't like as much, as well as the good aspects of each product, to help you make an informed choice. We also suggest alternatives if what you're reading isn't for you.
We also look at how easy each camera is to operate, whether it can shoot high-quality images and videos, and if a camera has up-to-date technology or not. Sometimes, we like to make suggestions for a suitable alternative to a recommendation and look at any additional kit that would enhance the photography experience.
We only have expert staff and knowledgeable freelance contributors test out cameras, to ensure a fair, hands-on review from someone experienced in the field. This means that you get an informed and accurate review of cameras, including their price point, class, and destined use. So, for example, we wouldn't compare a 60MP full-frame mirrorless camera to a little crop-sensor DSLR as it wouldn't be appropriate, even if each camera was the best performing in its class.
Space.com operates with complete editorial independence to ensure you get the best buying advice on cameras possible. Whether or not you purchase an instrument or not, we strive to make all of our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
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