Best Budget Cameras for Beginners

When looking to buy a camera to begin your photography journey, the sheer number of cameras on the market with different specs and different price ranges can make choosing one a daunting task. It is difficult to know which cameras are worth it and if you are overspending. Sure, logically the pricier the camera the better it is, but that is not always the case. And sometimes just choosing the cheapest option isn't a great idea either. It is important to know which cameras are worth your time as a beginner and which aren't, and which cameras will give you most for an affordable price. Advances in cameras have made after digging through expert reviews, user feedback, spec comparisons, and testing a few of them myself, I’ve compiled a list of the cameras that offer excellent value, performance, and beginner-friendly features in 2025.

Canon EOS R50 – Mirrorless Power in a Compact Body

While this may not be the cheapest camera on the list, this certainly gives you your bang for your buck. The Canon EOS R50 https://amzn.to/47LzXWZ is lightweight, fast, and packed with features that make learning photography feel intuitive. This is a modern mirrorless camera with a lot of value behind it. The system feels simple and easy to use which is perfect for beginners. A lot of settings such as the autofocus mode takes a lot of the guesswork out of operating the camera. The portability on this camera doesn't make it feel like a burden to carry around everywhere. It is even a good option for vloggers and novice video shooters because of its completely articulated screen and 4K video recording capabilities, which include a respectable variety of frame rate settings. While it does have some limited features, it brings a lot to the table for under $1000.

Pros:

• 24.2MP APS-C sensor for crisp, detailed images

• Dual Pixel autofocus with subject tracking

• 4K video with no crop

• Flip screen for selfies and tutorials

• USB streaming support

Cons:

• No in-body image stabilization

• Battery life is average—carry a spare for longer shoots

Best for: Beginners who want pro-level image quality and room to grow into more advanced techniques, while not overwhelming the user.

Sony ZV-1 – Compact Photography & Vlogging Hybrid

The ZV-1 is a pocket-sized powerhouse. It’s ideal for those who want to shoot both video and still shots without fussing over lenses or settings. Every time I have picked up this camera for a casual day of photography or video capturing, I've been pretty amazed at what it's been able to capture considering how small and simple it is. The best word to describe this camera is straightforward. If you are looking for a compact camera that is not overly complicated to use then the Sony ZV-1 is a great choice for you. While it lacks some features like pop-up flash or a viewfinder, its size makes up for it.

Pros:

• 20.1MP 1" sensor for excellent image quality

• Fast f/1.8–2.8 lens for beautiful background blur

• Real-time Eye AF and face tracking

• Flip screen and directional mic

• Built-in ND filter for bright conditions

Cons:

• Fixed lens (no zoom or lens swapping)

• No headphone jack

Best For: Creators and photographers who want high-quality results in a pocket-sized camera.

If you like the size and vlog specific camera of the ZV-1, but it still is a little pricey for you, then the Sony ZV-1f https://amzn.to/3VB1Fyj is a cheaper option but still a solid choice. Likewise, if you want a more powerful camera and have the money to spend, then the Sony ZV-1 II https://amzn.to/4pFKSYz is a big improvement over the ZV-1. Our personal pick is the ZV-1 for a budget friendly camera with great specs, but the ZV-1f and ZV-1 II are great options for their price ranges as well.

Canon EOS R100-Cheap Mirrorless for first-time shooters

While I already have included the EOS R50 for a good mirrorless, I also have to mention the Canon EOS R100, because it's a great camera for its relatively cheap price. If you're set on a mirrorless camera, but other options seem much too expensive, than this camera might be the one for you. Its excellent image quality and solid AF make it perfect for beginner photographers while remaining one of the most affordable mirrorless cameras on the market. It offers all the essential tools someone might need to break into photography such as a great autofocus feature, the ability to swap lenses, or a 24MP APS-C sensor which can create amazing photos and 4K video. It's all-around solid build that will last you many years, even if it doesn't necessarily have every feature.

Pros:

• 24.1MP APS-C sensor with solid dynamic range

• Reliable face/eye autofocus for people

• Lightweight and compact—great for travel or everyday shooting

• Built-in flash and simple menu system

Cons:

• Fixed, non-touch LCD screen

• Cropped 4K video and no in-body stabilization

• Limited burst speed (3.5 fps RAW)

Best For: Beginners upgrading from smartphones or DSLRs who want clean image quality and simplicity.

Canon EOS Rebel T7 (EOS 2000D) – Best Budget DSLR

Though DSLRs are becoming less common in the photography world, the Rebel T7 remains a solid choice in 2025. This camera can provide a satisfying DSLR experience while still producing good images. In the right hands, it can produce awesome photos, though it is a little outdated. I decided to include it, because many people still prefer the feel of DSLR cameras https://amzn.to/42IAgOI to newer mirrorless ones and if you're on a tight budget this is a good beginner friendly camera to get you started in photography. It also can be a good camera if you are wanting to start off learning manual settings. The biggest takeaways for this camera and why it was included in this list is because it's a gateway to interchangeable lenses and also provides that classic DSLR feel that most mirrorless cameras do not.

Pros:

• 24.1MP APS-C sensor

• EF/EF-S lens compatibility - gives you room to grow with lenses without switching systems

• Optical viewfinder - gives a traditional DSLR shooting experience

• Built in wi-fi and NFC

Cons:

• Outdated autofocus system

• No 4K video - 1080p at 30 fps

• Fixed ISO range - low light performance suffers

• Fixed LCD screen - forces you to use buttons for settings control

• No Bluetooth or headphone jack

Best For: Beginners, portrait shooters, and DSLR loyalists who aren't really interested in videography.

OM System Tough TG-7 – Best Rugged Budget Camera

The TG-7 is built for the outdoor while also being a very reliable camera. If you're a hiker, traveler, or just like spending time outdoors then this camera may be great for you. This rugged, compact camera is built for harsh conditions while being waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof. It is built to survive drops, dust and dirt, water and so much more. With RAW shooting, advanced macro modes, and built-in GPS it also provides great photos as well as durability for under $500. It is also lightweight at just around 250g, so it is extremely portable as well. If you want to take a nice camera with you on trips but are hesitant about breaking it, then this camera might be perfect for you.

Pros:

• Extreme durability - Waterproof (up to 15m), shockproof (2.1m drop), crushproof (100kgf), freezeproof (-10°C), and dustproof

• Offers RAW shooting

• Includes Microscope Mode and Focus Stacking

• 4K video recording

• Compact and lightweight

• Built in GPS and field sensors

Cons:

• Small sensor size - limited low light performance and dynamic range

• Fixed lens - Up to 4x (equivalent of 25mm-100mm)

• No Viewfinder or Articulating Screen

• No manual exposure control in video

Best For: Hikers, travelers, and outdoor enthusiasts or those just looking for a durable camera https://amzn.to/4ms1DDJ

Final Thoughts

Today's budget cameras offer serious performance and quality that does not need to be achieved with an expensive price tag. Budget cameras in 2025 are redefining what entry-level gear can do. There are so many cameras that will cater to your niche without making a dent in your wallet. In this list there is something for anyone looking to get into photography or expand and fit your style.

If you are just looking for the best all-around budget camera in 2025 than our verdict is the Canon EOS R50 https://amzn.to/47LzXWZ. It stands out as the most versatile pick. It is a great blend of pro-level image quality with beginner-friendly controls, fast autofocus, and 4K video all in a lightweight mirrorless body. It's inexpensive for how much it offers, and if you are looking for a camera that does it all (photos, video, travel, or content creation) with minimal learning curve and a maximum value then this is the camera for you. However, if you have a more specific niche such as underwater shooting or vlogging then the other cameras on this list are all equally strong contenders.

Honorable Mentions

While these cameras don't necessarily meet the BEST budget cameras in 2025 due to not having the most optimal value for the price, we thought we would include some of these since they are still highly capable options and may fit your needs or style much better.

Panasonic Lumix GX85 - Travelers who want portability and control. Compact, stylish, and loaded with manual controls, the GX85 is underrated street and travel photography.

Olympus OM‑D E‑M10 Mark IV - Compact and lightweight. Micro four thirds' leans is a plus for reducing the size and weight and the handheld image stabilization is great

Nikon Z30 - Video hybrid oriented. Solid pick if you are mostly interested in vlogging or videoing. Forward facing screen. is a plus.

Nikon D3500 - Cheap and beginner-friendly. Lacks a lot of modern features of newer models but still holds good image quality and ease of use.