Are you looking to get the perfect budget camera to start your journey as a photographer? There aren’t many options to choose from on the market, especially when it comes to budget. The prices are getting more competitive with every passing day.
But this doesn’t mean that you should end your search for the perfect camera for yourself.
To help you on your search, we have sorted out some of the best budget cameras to choose from as a beginner-level photographer. The features these cameras offer are more than enough for you to start your photography journey.
Low-budget cameras
Canon EOS M100
You might be surprised at how a Canon model can be included in the best budget cameras list. But after evaluating various features of the M100, there was no way we couldn’t have included it within the list.
The camera includes a large Canon signature APS-C sensor with a super impressive picture quality even for a budget camera. The autofocus speed is also quite impressive. However, you will not be able to capture 4K videos with this camera. Plus, the battery life is also an issue, which is important when we talk about long adventures.
Sony RX100
Even after many years after its initial model launch, Sony cameras have a specific place among the best budget camera range. Sony is already known for manufacturing budget-friendly professional cameras. But with the RX100, they added some truly remarkable features in their budget series.
The RX100 has exceptional battery life. The sensor quality is also quite amazing that can be adapted with a range of lenses. But in this budget model, you aren’t going to get high-end features like Hit-or-mist flash metering and ND filters. After all, you may not need them at the beginning at all.
Nikon D3500
Of course, how can we talk about the best budget cameras without including the Nikon D3500? Among beginner-level photographers, this is the most popular Nikon model. The lens that is suitable with the D3500 is 18-55 mm.
Let’s talk about the specifics of the camera. Like all the popular Nikon models, the D3500 generates exceptional image quality. The credit goes to the amazing Nikon-specific APS-C sensor. Plus, you get features like Bluetooth connectivity and a 5 fps continuous shooting mode even at this price tag. Sadly, you don’t get a 4K video shooting option with this model, along with a lack of a touch screen.
Sony A5100
The portability king is finally here. According to experts, even a person with very basic know-how about cameras can easily identify the Sony A5100 in a room full of cameras. This shows how popular a5100 is among photographers.
The image quality generated by A5100 is way superior to any camera under the same price tag range. The autofocus is out of this world, the AI integration is spot on, the LCD can flip up to 180 degrees, and many more amazing features are included in the A5100 set.
But at the same time, there are some cons as well that are associated with A5100. You can’t add any external mike with the camera, the camera doesn’t have GPS, and a larger lens size will make it difficult to handle.
Cameras for high budget
Canon 5D Mark IV
Canon 5D Mark IV – This camera has an incredible battery life and is good enough for outdoor shoots as well as studio work. It comes with a large viewfinder and a lot of storage options. You won’t face any difficulty while using the menu system due to its user-friendly interface. The ergonomics are easy to use, but it can be hard to store the camera inside your bag because of its bulky size.
It includes full-frame 40 MP which helps you capture up to 14 stops of dynamic at ISO 64 which is quite amazing. The camera is ideal for low-light photography as it includes an image stabilizer, 50% larger pixels, and a DIGIC 6+ image processor. Overall the camera is good for high-budget photographers because of its superb quality and durability.
Nikon D850
Nikon D850 – This DSLR model from Nikon generated huge hype all around the world by providing some great features such as 8K timelapse video shooting, no optical low pass filter, and 45.7 MP which provides stunning results for landscape, macro, and sports shoots due to its dynamic range and ISO performance.
It has a tilting touch screen LCD that includes 4K video recording with 10-bit output along with a huge 153 AF points. The camera is big and heavy but it offers high performance for capturing images in both outdoor and studio conditions.
Sony A7R III
Sony A7R III – This mirrorless model from Sony is lighter, smaller, and more comfortable to use rather than its DSLR counterparts that are also loaded with amazing features such as a 42 MP BSI CMOS sensor, 5-axis stabilization system which provides stunning results even while shooting handheld videos at 4K resolution, 10 fps continuous shooting speed, 4K time-lapse video shooting without any flicker along with many other superb features.
It also includes a touch screen display along with an impressive design that can satisfy your needs during high-budget shoots.
Nikon D5
Nikon D5 – This DSLR model from Nikon is the most powerful and durable option available under high-budget photography. It includes a 20 MP FX sensor which helps you shoot stunning images even with limited light conditions. The camera also features an amazing autofocus system which includes 153 AF points, 3D color matrix metering III along with HDR mode features.
The camera doesn’t include 4K video shooting but has slow-motion video modes up to 120 fps which allows you to capture some great footage that can be used in TV shows or movies. Overall this is one of the best cameras for professional photographers who are looking for some high-budget DSLR models for their work.
Panasonic GH5s
Panasonic GH5s – This mirrorless model from Panasonic is incredibly small and portable. It features a 20 MP sensor along with an IBIS feature that helps you capture stunning images without any shakes and vibrations even while using the camera handheld.
The body of this camera includes a hybrid viewfinder which consists of both an LCD and EVF display. However, you can choose to toggle off the electronic viewfinder in order to save some battery juice if needed.
Price or quality - what to choose?
When selecting a camera for photography, you should always look at the camera’s performance and features rather than its price. As mentioned above, if you are a professional photographer looking for high-resolution cameras then you can choose 5D Mark IV, D8500, and Sony A7R III as they all include impressive sensors that help you capture crisp images even in low light conditions.
If you want to save some money then go with Nikon D5600 or Panasonic GH5s because both these models offer great features along with an excellent value proposition.
The use of a battery is also something to be considered before choosing your camera. Cameras such as the Canon 5D Mark IV consume more power than others but they can provide you with outstanding performance for high budget shoots.
The Nikon D5600 is a more power-efficient option for amateurs and people who are looking to save some money off their budgets without compromising with amazing features.
All these three cameras from Canon, Nikon, and Sony have been loaded with impressive features along with superb quality sensors that can capture stunning images. However, it doesn’t matter which model you choose because all the choices mentioned above will be able to meet your needs according to your budget or preference.
What camera brand to select?
If you are a beginner or amateur looking for DSLR cameras under $1,000 then Nikon D5600 is the best option as it includes amazing features along with a great value proposition. If on the other hand, you want to buy some advanced models including more professional features and powerful sensors then go with Canon 5D Mark IV or Sony A7R III.
However, if you don’t have that big of a budget then choose Panasonic GH5s as it not only shoots 4K videos but also contains an impressive sensor that can be used to capture beautiful images.
What you should always remember is that DSLR camera companies review their models every year with an aim to include new features in them. This is the main reason why they are able to provide you with some high-end cameras even when you are looking for DSLRs under 1000 dollars.
So, try not to get confused by choosing between cameras which belong to different years. Instead, look at the specific model in order to compare its performance and features in comparison with your requirement and budget.
Other considerations
Are you going to use it professionally or as an amateur?
This is one of the most important questions to ask yourself as different models come with different features and specifications. For example, Nikon D5600 offers plenty of features but lacks some professional options such as 4K video recording and weather sealing.
On the other hand, Canon 5D Mark IV is loaded with advanced features like 60 FPS high-speed shooting and 4K video recording but it comes at a higher price tag. So choose your camera according to your requirement and budget because if you buy a model which doesn’t meet all your requirements then it will be out of its actual use.
Do you require any special features?
As mentioned above, each camera model contains different features so it is important for you to check if the DSLR under your budget can provide you with all the options that you are looking for. For example, Nikon D5600 lacks 4K video recording while Canon 5D mark IV includes this option along with 60 FPS high-speed shooting.
So if you need a camera that can shoot stunning 4K videos then go with Canon 5D Mark IV while if high-speed shooting is your priority then go with Nikon D5600 or Sony A7R III. However, keep in mind that both these cameras are more expensive than Panasonic GH5s but provide quality performance according to their price tags.
Conclusion
Even with an unlimited budget, you can enjoy a great camera for your travels. Use our recommendations and enjoy clicking!