If you are looking for the best cheap camera that takes high-quality pictures, this article will help you find the camera body that suits your budget exactly. If you don’t want to pay $1,000 for a camera, choose the best camera under 100 from my list below.
Taking photos with your smartphone is a common thing. Many people ask themselves whether it is worth spending money on a professional camera for photography when you can take photos with your smartphone. Phone cameras are absolutely easy to use, they work fast and you get beautiful pictures. However, even amateurs are well aware that a smartphone does not have the whole range of features that the best cheap camera has. On the other hand, some people try to keep up with expensive cameras, but is it the right decision? If you aren’t engaged in photography professionally, you do not need to spend a huge amount of money on expensive gadgets; just choose the best camera for amateur photographer best camera for amateur Photographer. We have prepared a list of 15 best affordable cameras that will allow you to take stunning pictures.
Canon EOS Rebel T6/EOS 1300D
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 / 1300D is an entry-level DSLR targeted toward first-time ILC users and smartphone upgraders. Built around an 18MP APS-C sensor, the T6 offers Wi-Fi with NFC for easy photo sharing when you’re out-and-about, and adds a faster processor compared to its predecessor, the Rebel T5.
Its closest competitor in the category is the Nikon D3300, which was announced in January 2014 and is getting a little long in the tooth at this point.
As per Rebel tradition, the T6 packages up some tech borrowed from previous-generation higher end models, and that’s no bad thing. It offers a 9-point AF module, 1080/30p video and built-in Wi-Fi with NFC. Battery life is a very respectable 500 shots per charge, putting it near the top of its class in that respect. But one of the T6’s headline features isn’t on the inside of the camera at all, it’s written on the outside of the box: that sweet $500 price tag with lens.
Key Feature
- 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- 9-point autofocus system
- 1080/30p video capture
- Fixed 3″ 920k-dot LCD
- ISO 100-6400, expandable to 12800
- 3 fps burst shooting
- Wi-Fi with NFC
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
Olympus E-M10 II has a Micro Four Thirds lens mount and currently there are 101 native lenses available for this mount. MFT is the most mature and versatile mount in the Mirrorles camera world. Olympus MFT lenses are known by their high optical quality and affordable prices. Other main contributor of the system, Panasonic also offers similarly well regarded lenses. Third party lens manufacturers also increase number of their offering and new manufacturers also jump in the wagon as the popularity of the system increases.
E-M10 II also has a Sensor based 5-axis Image Stabilization system which means that all of these lenses will be stabilized when used on E-M10 II. Sensor based image stabilization is one of the most useful features that you can have in an ILC. There are also 28 lens weather sealing for E-M10 II but bear in mind that E-M10 II body doesn’t have weather sealings.
Olympus E-M10 II has a 16.0MP Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features TruePic VII processor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. E-M10 II has a native ISO range of 200 – 25600 which can be boosted to 100 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.
Key Feature
| Body type | SLR-style mirrorless |
| Max resolution | 4608 x 3456 |
| Effective pixels | 16 megapixels |
| Sensor size | Four Thirds (17.3 x 13 mm) |
| Sensor type | CMOS |
| ISO | Auto, 200 – 25600, expands to 100-25600 |
| Lens mount | Micro Four Thirds |
| Focal length mult. | 2× |
| Articulated LCD | Tilting |
| Screen size | 3″ |
| Screen dots | 1,040,000 |
| Max shutter speed | 1/4000 sec |
| Format | H.264, Motion JPEG |
| Storage types | SD/SDHC/SDXC |
| USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
| Weight (inc. batteries) | 390 g (0.86 lb / 13.76 oz) |
| Dimensions | 120 x 83 x 47 mm (4.72 x 3.27 x 1.85″) |
| GPS | None |
Panasonic Lumix FZ1000
This is another contender for the best cheap camera for starting a photography career. This model is especially focused on the possibility of video shooting: the maximum video resolution is 3840×2160, and if necessary, you can connect an external microphone. The non-removable lens of the camera lets you achieve an optical zoom of 16x. There is also a combined shutter so that you may choose between mechanical and electronic. A rotating screen provides the convenience of shooting in different positions, and for remote control, there are Wi-Fi and NFC modules. This model can be called the best budget camera in its class.
| Model Number: | FZ1000 |
|---|---|
| Alternate Model Number(s): | |
| Camera Format: | EVF |
| Currently Manufactured: | Yes |
| Retail Price: | $899.99 |
| Street Price: | $597.99 |
| Date Available: | 2014-07-31 |
| Tripod Mount: | Yes |
| Weight: | 29.4 oz (833 g) includes batteries |
| Size: | 5.4 x 3.9 x 5.1 in. (137 x 99 x 131 mm) |
| Waterproof: | No |
| Waterproof Depth: | n/a |
| Image Sensor | |
| Sensor Type: | CMOS |
| Sensor Manufacturer: | |
| Effective Megapixels: | 20.1 |
| Sensor Format: | 1 inch |
| Sensor size: | 116.16mm2 (13.20mm x 8.80mm) |
| Approximate Pixel Pitch: | 2.41 microns |
| Focal Length Multiplier: | 2.7x |
| Aspect Ratio: | 3:2 |
| Color Filter Type: | RGBG |
| Anti Aliasing Filter: | Fixed |
| Self-Cleaning: | No |
| Sensor shift image stabilization: | No |
| On-Sensor Phase Detect: | No |
| DxO Sensor Score: | 64 |
| DxO Color Depth Score (bits): | 22.1 |
| DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): | 11.7 |
| DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): | 517 |
| Image Capture | |
| Image Resolution: | 5472 x 3648 (20.0 MP, 3:2), 3888 x 2592 (10.1 MP, 3:2), 2736 x 1824 (5.0 MP, 3:2), 4864 x 3648 (17.7 MP, 4:3), 3456 x 2592 (9.0 MP, 4:3), 2432 x 1824 (4.4 MP, 4:3), 5472 x 3080 (16.9 MP, 16:9), 3840 x 2160 (8.3 MP, 16:9), 1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9), 3648 x 3648 (13.3 MP, 1:1), 2592 x 2592 (6.7 MP, 1:1), 1824 x 1824 (3.3 MP, 1:1) |
| Image File Format: | JPEG (EXIF 2.3), RAW, RAW+JPEG |
| Continuous-mode frames/second: | 9.5 |
| Video Capture | |
| Can take movies: | Yes |
| Movie Resolution: | 3840×2160 (30p) 1920×1080 (60p/60i/30p/24p) 640×480 (30p) 1920×1080 (120p) |
| Movie File Format: | AVCHD or MP4 with stereo sound |
| Composite Video Out: | Yes |
| NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: | No |
| Video Usable as Viewfinder: | |
| HD Video Out: | Yes |
| HD Video Connection: | HDMI |
| Lens & Optics | |
| Lens Mount: | n/a |
| Lens: | LEICA DC VARIO-ELMARIT 15 elements in 11 groups (5 aspherical elements/8 aspherical surfaces, 4 ED elements) |
| Focal Length (35mm equivalent): | 25 – 400mm |
| Focal Length (actual): | 9.1 – 146mm |
| Zoom Ratio: | 16.00x |
| Aperture Range: | f/2.8 (wide) / f/4.0 (tele) – f/8.0; Multistage Iris Diaphragm |
| Integrated ND Filter: | No |
| Normal Focus Range: | 30 cm to Infinity 11.8 in to Infinity |
| Macro Focus Range: | 3 cm to Infinity 1.2 in to Infinity |
| Filter Thread: | 62.0mm |
| Thread Type: | On lens |
| Optical Image Stabilization: | Yes |
| Digital Zoom: | Yes |
| Digital Zoom Values: | Up to 4x |
| Auto Focus | |
| Auto Focus: | Yes |
| Auto Focus Type: | Contrast Detect: Face/Eye Detection / Tracking / 49-area / Custom Multi / 1-area (flexible / scalable) / Pinpoint |
| Auto Focus Assist Light? | Yes |
| Manual Focus: | Yes |
| Viewfinder | |
| Viewfinder: | EVF / LCD |
| Viewfinder Type: | EVF type; 0.39-inch 2359K-dot XGA OLED, Field of View: Approx. 100%, Magnification: Approx. 1.88x / 0.7x (35mm equiv.), Eye Sensor |
| Focus Peaking: | Yes |
| EVF Resolution: | 2,359,296 dots (786,432 pixels) |
| Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent): | 0.70x |
| Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed): | 1.88x |
| Display | |
| Eye-level Viewfinder: | Yes |
| Rear Display: | Yes |
| Rear Display Size (inches): | 3.0 |
| Rear Display Resolution: | 921,600 dots (307,200 px) |
| Touchscreen: | No |
| Articulating Screen: | Yes |
| Tilt Swivel Screen: | Yes |
| Selfie Screen: | Yes |
| Max Playback Zoom: | |
| Top Deck Display: | No |
| Exposure | |
| Maximum ISO (native): | 12800 |
| Minimum ISO (native): | 125 |
| ISO Settings: | Auto, iISO, 80*, 100*, 125, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800, 25600* (* Extended ISO); Changeable to 1/3 EV step |
| Auto ISO Mode: | Yes |
| White Balance Settings: | Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Shade, Incandescent, Flash, White Set 1/2/3/4, Color Temperature (2-axis adjustable) |
| Shutter Speed Range: | 1/16000 – 60 sec |
| Bulb Mode: | Yes |
| Exposure Compensation: | +/- 5.0EV in 0.3EV steps |
| Metering Modes: | Intelligent Multiple, Center-Weighted, Spot |
| Program Auto Exposure: | Yes |
| Aperture Priority: | Yes |
| Shutter Priority: | Yes |
| Full Manual Exposure: | Yes |
| Creative Exposure Modes: | Scene: Clear Portrait, Silky Skin, Backlit Softness, Clear in Backlight, Relaxing Tone, Sweet Child’s Face, Distinct Scenery, Bright Blue Sky, Romantic Sunset Glow, Vivid Sunset Glow, Glistening Water, Clear Nightscape, Cool Night Sky, Warm Glowing Nightscape, Artistic Nightscape, Glittering Illuminations, Handheld Night Shot, Clear Night Portrait, Soft Image of a Flower, Appetizing Food, Cute Dessert, Freeze Animal Motion, Clear Sports Shot, Monochrome, Panorama; Creative Control: Expressive, Retro, Old Days, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Monochrome, Dynamic Monochrome, Rough Monochrome, Silky Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Toy Pop, Bleach Bypass, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Fantasy, Star Filter, One Point Color, Sunshine (22 filters) |
| Self Timer: | 2, 10, 3 shots in 10 seconds |
| Time Lapse (intervalometer): | Yes |
| High Resolution Composite: | No |
| Flash | |
| Built-in Flash: | Yes |
| Flash Modes: | Auto, Auto/Red- eye Reduction, Forced On, Forced On/Red- eye Reduction, Slow Sync./Red- eye Reduction, Forced Off; Flash Synchro; 1st / 2nd |
| Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): | n/a |
| Flash Range Description: | Auto ISO: 0.3 – 13.5m (Wide), 1.0 – 9.5m (Tele) |
| Max Flash Sync: | 1/4000s with mechanical shutter; flash not supported with electronic shutter |
| Flash Exposure Compensation: | +/- 3.0 EV in 0.3EV steps |
| External Flash Connection: | Hot Shoe |
| Built-In Wireless Flash Control: | |
| Image Storage | |
| Usable Memory Types: | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| UHS Support: | UHS-I |
| Other Memory: | |
| Dual Card Slots: | No |
| RAW Capture Support: | Yes |
| Uncompressed Format: | RAW, RAW+JPEG |
| Movie File Format: | AVCHD or MP4 with stereo sound |
| Included Memory: | No memory included |
| Included Memory Type: | |
| Connectivity | |
| Built-In Wi-Fi: | Yes |
| NFC: | Yes |
| Bluetooth: | No |
| Built-In GPS: | No |
| Microphone Jack: | Yes |
| Headphone Jack: | No |
| External Connections: | USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi |
| PictBridge Compliant: | Yes |
| DPOF Compliant: | Yes |
| Remote Control: | Yes |
| Remote Control Type: | Wi-Fi, optional wired |
| Connections (extended): | Micro-HDMI (Type D) with Viera Link, Combined AV Out/USB 2.0; 2.5mm Remote Jack, 3.5mm External Mic Jack |
| Performance Timing | |
| Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): | 0.34 |
| Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): | 0.34 |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): | 17 |
| Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot): | 0.45 |
| Camera penalizes early shutter press? | No |
| JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): | 9.5 |
| Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): | 73 |
| RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 9.0 |
| Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames): | 11 |
| RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps): | 9.0 |
| Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames): | 12 |
| Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): | 0.10 seconds |
| Shutter lag (full AF, tele): | 0.11 seconds |
| Shutter lag (full AF, live view – DSLR): | |
| Shutter lag (prefocused, live view – DSLR): | |
| Shutter Lag (manual focus): | 0.053 seconds |
| Shutter lag (full AF, with flash): | 0.22 seconds |
| Shutter Lag (prefocused): | 0.029 seconds |
| Shutter Lag (notes): | |
| Startup Time: | 1.2 seconds |
| Play -> Record Time: | 1.0 seconds |
| Flash cycle time, full power: | 5.8 seconds |
| Power | |
| Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): | 360 shots |
| Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF): | 300 shots |
| Battery Life, Video: | |
| Battery Form Factor: | Proprietary |
| Usable Battery Types: | 7.2v 1200mAh Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Batteries Included: | 1 x Proprietary Lithium-ion rechargeable |
| Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): | Yes |
| Dedicated Battery Charger Included: | Yes |
| Internal Charging Supported: | No |
| Software | |
| Included Software: | PHOTOfunSTUDIO 9.5 PE, SILKYPIX Developer Studio, LoiLoScope (trial version), Adobe Reader |
| OS Compatibility: | |
| Miscellaneous | |
| Notes & Features: | 20.1-megapixel 1″-type CMOS sensor, f/2.8-4 16x wide-angle zoom with 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S, 4K video shooting, 12fps full-res burst mode, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC. |
Nikon D5300
Nikon’s ‘advanced beginner’ DSLR, the D5300 takes the D5200’s place between the entry-level D3200 and the enthusiast-targeted D7100 in the company’s APS-C lineup. The D5300 offers a 24MP sensor (like its 24MP APS-C stablemates), an articulated rear LCD, and more physical controls than the D3200, but without the twin-dial interface and professional-grade AF system of the decidedly higher-market (and much more customizable) D7100.
Both visually and ergonomically the D5300 is a near-clone of its predecessor (it’s fractionally lighter and a tiny bit smaller), but under the hood it is a stronger camera in a couple of important ways. The D5300’s 24MP sensor lacks an anti-aliasing filter, which – consistent with our experiences testing the D7100 and D800E – gives it the edge in terms of resolution over the D5200. The difference is subtle (especially with a kit zoom attached), but it’s always nice to see improvements to critical image quality potential, especially in mid-range models.
The D5300 also offers a beefed-up video mode, which is now capable of true 1080/60p HD video. This, plus the slightly widened (3.2″ compared to 3″) fully-articulated 1.04 million-dot LCD screen, should mean that the D5300 will be attractive to videographers as well as stills photographers. Easy to miss, but useful features include built-in Wi-Fi and GPS – both firsts for Nikon’s DSLR lineup. Battery life gets a boost too: according to CIPA figures the D5300 offers an endurance of 600 shots, compared to 500 from the D5200. Remember, though, that this figure does not take features like Wi-Fi or GPS into account, and using them will shorten the amount of time you can spend shooting.
Nikon D5300 key features
- 24.1MP DX format CMOS sensor, without OLPF
- EXPEED 4 processing
- ISO 100-12,800 standard, up to 25,600 expanded
- 5 fps continuous shooting
- 39-point AF system, 9 sensors cross-type
- 2016-pixel RGB metering sensor
- 1080p60 video recording, built-in stereo mic
- 1.04M dot 3.2″ vari-angle LCD monitor