Taking photos using your smartphones is a very common thing people do, especially when they don’t have cameras. A lot of people ask themselves if it is worth spending tons of money on a legit camera when a smartphone is readily available. Yes, phone cameras may be easy to use and work faster, but a smartphone does not have a whole range of features than the best affordable camera for photography. If you are interested in photography, then investing in a camera is essential. Are you looking for a cheaper one? Read on and check out our list of the best affordable camera for photography.
Comparison Chart
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | DETAILS | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon D3500 DX-Format DSLR Two Lens Kit | If you want to invest in an entry-level camera, the Nikon D3500 is a great option for the best affordable camera for photography. | ||
| KODAK PixPro AZ252-WH Digital Camera | Experience everything great with the KODAK PixPro Astro Zoom Digital Camera. This gadget is on a great deal as it offered good value despite its world-class quality. I know you’re wondering how, but keep reading if you want to know why this gadget is one of the best around. | ||
| Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 4K Point and Shoot Camera | Another great option for the best affordable camera for photography is the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000. | ||
| Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera | Although this is Sony’s oldest A6000-series model, it’s still a great option for the best affordable camera for photography. | ||
| Nikon D5300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera | The Nikon D5300 is another great addition to your list of the best camera for photography. | ||
| CANON EOS R Mirrorless Full Frame Camera | Try the best-selling camera in town. The CANON Mirrorless full-frame camera is one of the highly-rated products in the market. If you’re a novice photographer, this gadget is your perfect companion, as it allows you to take high-quality images while promoting portability. | ||
| Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera | If you’re thinking of investing in a cheaper camera that’s equipped with unique features, the Sony RX100 is another option for the best affordable camera for photography. |
A Detailed Review on the 7 Best Affordable Cameras for Photography
Nikon D3500 DX-Format DSLR Two Lens Kit
If you want to invest in an entry-level camera, the Nikon D3500 is a great option for the best affordable camera for photography.
Product Highlights
The Nikon D3500 features a huge battery life and a massive lens selection. It also includes a newly developed APS-C sensor with a better battery life of 1,550 frames per charge. The image sensor is 15x larger than the ones used in a typical smartphone, so the images are sharper and clearer. It can also shoot 1080 full HD videos.
The Good
Users noted that the DSLR is easy to use as a point and shoot camera. It’s also compact, has a comfortable design, and perfect for travel or special events. It also works with the Nikon snap bridge app for easy photo sharing on phones or tablets. Plus, it’s budget-friendly.
The Bad
However, this camera does not support 4K videos, and its LCD screen is not touch-sensitive.
PROs
- Huge battery life
- Massive lens
- Newly-developed APS-C sensor
- Longer battery life
- Can shoot 1080 full HD
- Comfortable design, compact
- Budget-friendly
CONs
- Does not support 4K videos
- Screen not touch-sensitive
KODAK PixPro AZ252-WH Digital Camera
The Olympus Mark II is the best affordable camera for photography in the category of price and quality.
Product Highlights
This camera features a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor with a high-speed shooting of 8.6 frames per second and Full HD videos. It comes with a wide range of shooting modes, plus photo-processing algorithms. This Olympus camera also features tons of functions such as time-lapse, focus picking, live composite, photo stories, live bulb, and live time.
The Good
Users love the compact dimensions and the fast autofocus of the camera. It also comes with a Wi-Fi that provides camera control. Aside from its friendly price, the quality is amazing. Plus, it’s a great choice for Micro Four Thirds lenses.
The Bad
Although loved by many, some users noted that you could not connect an external microphone to the camera. Plus, it has a complicated menu, and the sensor is slightly out-of-date.
PROs
- 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor
- High-speed shooting
- Fast autofocus
- Compact
- A lot of functions
- Wi-Fi control
CONs
- Can’t connect an external mic
- Complicated menu
- Out-of-date sensor
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 4K Point and Shoot Camera
Another great option for the best affordable camera for photography is the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000.
Product Highlights
This camera is specially focused on video shooting as it has a maximum video resolution of 3840×2160. Unlike other cameras, you can connect an external microphone to this one. The non-removable lens gives you 16x optical zoom, and you can choose an option for the shutter – mechanical or electronic. Its rotating screen also gives you convenience when shooting from various angles and positions. The camera comes with a built-in OLED design electronic viewfinder with w built-in flash.
The Good
Most users love this model as it’s one of the best affordable cameras in its category. They also love the remote control that can be used via WiFi or NFC modules. Another impressive feature is the image stabilization of the camera, especially with such 16x zoom. It’s got a variety of story programs and excellent digital filters.
The Bad
Although this model is packed with awesome features, some users pointed out that the camera has no built-in neutral density filters and has a non-touch-sensitive screen. Others also noted that you wouldn’t have access to the memory card or battery when using a tripod.
PROs
- 16x optical zoom
- Powerful image stabilization
- Built-in OLED electronic viewfinder
- Built-in flash
- Rotating monitor
- WiFi or NFC modules
- Excellent set of digital filters
CONs
- Non-touch-sensitive screen
- No access to memory card and battery when in tripod
- No built-in neutral density filters
Sony Alpha a6000 Mirrorless Digital Camera
Although this is Sony’s oldest A6000-series model, it’s still a great option for the best affordable camera for photography.
Product Highlights
This Sony Alpha a6000 is still one of Sony’s best entry-level cameras, and it features an APS-C format compact style with access to a wide range of interchangeable lenses. The small body really does pack a punch. It comes with a 24.3MP image sensor and a built-in electronic viewfinder.
The Good
Though a little bit old, this handy camera really does pack a punch. With a solid yet lightweight build, the image quality is amazing, plus it features continuous shooting with an autofocus performance, not to mention the very affordable price for photography beginners.
The Bad
Although a favorite among entry-level cameras, this model has a little weak viewfinder compared to today’s standards. It also lacks the ability to record 4K videos, plus it does not have a high-tech AF.
PROs
- Small yet lightweight build
- Built-in electronic viewfinder
- Compact style
- 24.3MP image sensor
- Built-in electronic viewfinder
CONs
- No 4K video
- Weak viewfinder
- Relatively old model
Nikon D5300 24.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera
The Nikon D5300 is another great addition to your list of the best camera for photography.
Product Highlights
This handy camera allows you to take clear pictures thanks to its 24.2 megapixels and its built-in Wi-Fi and GPS modules. Thanks to its Wi-Fi function, this camera can be connected directly to your computer, laptop, or smartphone so you can share photos instantly after shooting. With its GPS function, you can also add information about the location where your photos were taken.
The Good
This handy camera allows you to take clear pictures thanks to its 24.2 megapixels and its built-in Wi-Fi and GPS modules. Thanks to its Wi-Fi function, this camera can be connected directly to your computer, laptop, or smartphone so you can share photos instantly after shooting. With its GPS function, you can also add information about the location where your photos were taken.
The Bad
Aside from short battery life, some users also noted that the camera’s live view mode is average. Plus, the camera’s accessories are also expensive.
PROs
- Handy
- High-quality photos
- Swivel screen
- Wi-Fi and GPS support
- Wide choice of lenses
- Wide range ISO
- Best for low light conditions
CONs
- Short battery life
- Average live view mode
- Expensive camera accessories
CANON EOS R Mirrorless Full Frame Camera
Try the best-selling camera in town. The CANON Mirrorless full-frame camera is one of the highly-rated products in the market. If you’re a novice photographer, this gadget is your perfect companion, as it allows you to take high-quality images while promoting portability.
Product Highlights
As the first in Canon’s EOS R line, this camera comes with improved features that you’ll surely love. It offers high visibility even in low light. Aside from that, it comes with a flexible touchscreen LCD that makes control a breeze. This full-frame camera has all the top-notch features packed in one compact model. So, if you’re looking for a professional camera that comes in a less bulky set, this is the right one for you.
The Good
One thing that you’ll surely love about this device is that it comes with an exceptional LCD panel that shows you real-time info on camera settings even when it’s off or on standby mode. Besides that, it also has a whopping 5,655 manually selectable AF, giving you more control over photo structure.
The Bad
The only downside of this product is that it still has room for enhancement, especially in control customization. Besides that, it does not have a port for an external flash trigger. This issue made the buyers disappointed as they expect all the features of a standard DSLR.
PROs
- Highly versatile product.
- Compatible with other CANON lenses.
- Delivers crisp and high-resolution images.
- Offers high visibility in low light.
CONs
- Needs further improvement in customization.
- No room for an external flash trigger.
Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera
If you’re thinking of investing in a cheaper camera that’s equipped with unique features, the Sony RX100 is another option for the best affordable camera for photography.
Product Highlights
This camera boasts a user-friendly structure with a beautiful design. Overall, it has a great balance of size, the multiplicity of the body’s zoom, and good dimensions. It does provide you with amazing shots, particularly those well ahead of the “usual compacts” when there is a lack of light exposure. It comes with a large matrix format, a swivel monitor, and fast autofocus. The photo quality is also great, even in low-light conditions. The camera also supports full HD video shooting, and WiFi and NFC features.
The Good
Users love the various functions and the excellent quality of the camera’s video shooting that comes in full HD. Plus, the camera also supports RAW format. It is one of the best affordable cameras in its class.
The Bad
Though a favorite, some users pointed out that the camera has a non-touch sensitive screen, and there is no video editing feature. Plus, the shortest shutter speed is only 1/2000 second.
PROs
- Large matrix format
- High-quality photos in low-light
- Fast autofocus
- Swivel monitor
- Full HD video shooting
- Support for Wi-Fi and NFC
- Support for RAW format
CONs
- Shortest shutter speed is only 1/2000 second
- No video editing
- No video editing
Conclusion
Photography is indeed one of the satisfying and interesting hobbies out there. To be able to capture moments and keep them is exciting. If you are interested in photography and want to level up your game, you may want to invest in the best affordable camera for photography. Though your smartphone is readily available, the thrill and fun of holding a real camera and taking snapshots are different. If you’re into smaller and compact ones that pack a punch, a point-and-shoot camera is best. But, if you want to bring out the best in your photography skills, compact DSLRs are your best buds. Review this list and think twice before picking the best affordable camera for photography. Know more about affordable cameras.