TOP 5 BEST BUDGET DSLR CAMERAS IN 2024

It’s crucial to get an inexpensive camera that meets your goals and budget while searching for one. Fortunately, almost any modern digital camera can take excellent pictures in the right hands. However, if you’re set on buying new, cameras can quickly get very expensive, and that’s before you even factor in the additional cost of lenses and accessories like memory cards and camera bags.

Thank goodness, cameras don’t lose functionality or worth as rapidly as other types of technology. If money is very tight, you may always hunt for an older used model on eBay or in stores like MPB, Adorama, B&H Photo Video, and KEH. Many of the digital cameras that have been produced in the previous five to ten years are still very good options, and they are reasonably priced. When combined with a high-quality lens, an older camera body may still provide fantastic images and offer you plenty of potential to grow as a photographer. Generally speaking, it is preferable to spend less money on a higher-quality lens set and a less costly camera body than it is on an expensive camera body and inexpensive lenses.

The top inexpensive and budget cameras that we’ve tested in our lab are listed here. We’ve purchased over 100 cameras. You may also view our picks for the greatest cameras under $1,000 and the finest cameras under $500 if you have a certain spending limit. Our top cameras for YouTube are a good option if you’d rather record videos than take pictures. If not, our list of the top digital cameras includes the cameras we’ve evaluated overall.

The Canon EOS R50 is the greatest all-around low-cost camera we’ve tested, if you’d rather purchase new. Though it might not be the most affordable choice, if you’re looking for a high-quality contemporary mirrorless camera, this one gives the most value for your money. In addition to being incredibly portable and easy to carry with you wherever you go, it has an APS-C high-resolution sensor that produces superb image quality. It is a good alternative for vloggers and videographers because it has a fully articulated screen and shoots 4k video with a good number of frame rate settings.

Even though this camera’s clever auto mode helps novice photographers by eliminating a lot of guessing, it also shares an RF lens mount with Canon’s most recent high-end models, so you can ultimately upgrade to a more sophisticated body without having to switch to a completely new setup. The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is an even more portable camera that you might find appealing. The Micro Four Thirds system is compatible with a wide variety of really small lenses, and it’s one of the few cameras in this price range with in-body image stabilisation (IBIS). But compared to the Canon, its focusing is far less dependable, and its ergonomics seem more constrained.

For those who want a more conventional DSLR, the best low-cost camera we’ve tested is the Canon EOS Rebel SL3/250D. Although it isn’t as portable as mirrorless options like the Canon EOS R50, it’s still incredibly lightweight and portable, making it one of the most portable DSLRs Canon has ever made. The main benefit of purchasing a DSLR, besides their always decreasing costs, is the extensive selection of available lenses, together with a much extended battery life and an optical viewfinder that operates without latency.

The SL3’s focusing technology performs better with slower or more static subjects than the R50’s, but it’s still mostly dependable. One of the few DSLRs with 4k video capabilities is this one as well. It functions perfectly for more informal video shooting, despite a few drawbacks. This is one of the most enticing low-cost DSLRs available, especially when combined with the customary simple controls and user interface that Canon is renowned for.

The most affordable DSLR model in Canon’s inventory, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D, is an entry-level camera with an APS-C sensor. With a higher-resolution 24-megapixel sensor than its predecessor, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 / EOS 1300D, it’s an advance, but the formula isn’t significantly improved in other ways. For those searching for a straightforward and reasonably priced DSLR for photography, that’s not too shabby, but don’t expect frills like an articulating touchscreen or 4K video capability.
It is possible to take good landscape photos with the Canon Rebel T7. Although it’s not as good as full-frame or more expensive APS-C cameras, its image quality is still excellent for the price. Even with its lacklustre dynamic range, you can still get beautiful landscape images with it, particularly in well-lit environments. With its straightforward controls geared for novice photographers, the camera is also quite pleasant to use; nevertheless, photographers with more experience may find the absence of command dials restrictive. Sadly, it doesn’t feel weather-sealed and feels very shoddy.

The Canon EOS R100, which is effectively the mirrorless version of the Canon EOS Rebel T7/2000D above, is the least expensive mirrorless camera that Canon provides if you’re determined on mirrorless but have a very limited budget. Its mirrorless design and recent age make it more portable than the Canon EOS R50, and its focusing mechanism is more efficient. But unlike the more expensive R50, this device has relatively few 4K video functions and no articulating touchscreen.

The stock lens should be plenty to get you started, even though RF lenses are scarce. This model is also a good long-term investment because it has the same lens mount as Canon’s high-end mirrorless cameras, which means you can ultimately switch bodies without having to replace your lenses. For individuals with limited funds who prefer not to purchase used cameras, this mirrorless camera is a good starting point due to its simplified design. Having said that, we advise choosing the R50 above this model if you can afford it because it comes with a little price increase and delivers notable upgrades in areas like focusing and video.

The finest inexpensive camera for beginning photographers is the Nikon D3500. This entry-level DSLR is a great option for beginners because of its unique Guide Mode, which takes you step-by-step through the fundamentals of photography so you can learn as you go. It’s a pretty simple DSLR, like to the EOS Rebel T7/2000D from Canon. Nonetheless, it manages to capture excellent image quality because to an APS-C sensor that outperforms its class.

In addition, it’s comparatively light and compact for a DSLR. You may shoot to your heart’s content without worrying about extra batteries or portable power banks because to its amazing battery life. In addition, a large selection of suitable lenses are available for you to employ as your photographic abilities advance. It’s important to note that Nikon has stopped making the D3500, so you’ll probably need to look for a used one.

What To Consider When Buying A Budget Dslr Cameras In 2024

To make sure you get the greatest value for your money in 2024, a few key things should be taken into account when considering to purchase a cheap DSLR camera. These are the main points to remember:

Image Calibre:

Seek for a camera that has a decent resolution and size of sensor. APS-C sensors are often found in low-cost DSLRs and provide an excellent trade-off between cost and image quality. For the majority of photographic applications, a resolution of 18–24 megapixels is usually enough.
ISO Efficiency:

Examine the ISO range and low-light capabilities of the camera. A wider ISO range makes it possible to take better pictures in low light, which means you won’t need a flash as much.
System of Autofocus:

Having a strong focusing (AF) mechanism is essential for taking crisp photos. If you want to take photos of moving things in particular, look for a camera with a lot of AF points and dependable tracking capabilities.
Lens Interoperability:

Take into account the variety and cost of the camera-compatible lenses. Idealistic budget DSLRs should be able to use a large selection of lenses, including reasonably priced choices for different types of photography.
Build both ergonomics and quality.

Make sure the camera is well-built and pleasant to hold. Budget versions should be sturdy enough for daily usage even if they might not have weather sealing.
Usability:

Seek for an interface with menus that are simple to use and intuitive. For novices, features like instructional or guide modes might be useful.
LCD screen with viewfinder:

Optical viewfinder clarity is crucial for conventional DSLR photography. Take the LCD screen’s quality into account as well. For shooting from different angles, articulating or tilting displays might be helpful.
Video Features:

Verify the video resolution and frame rates of the camera if you intend to record any video. Standard resolution is Full HD (1080p), although certain low-cost DSLRs may also support 4K video.
Life of Battery:

Extended photography sessions might benefit from a longer battery life. Verify the approximate quantity of shots for each charge.
Interaction:

Remotely controlling the camera or transferring photographs to other devices can be made simpler using features like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or NFC.
Reviews of Brands and Models:

Examine customer evaluations and ratings as well as those from reliable sources. Budget versions from well-known companies like Sony, Canon, and Nikon are usually dependable.
Value and Cost:

Establish a budget and evaluate the features and technical details of several models that fall into that range. To get most for your money, look for package offers that include lenses or other accessories.
Path of Upgrade:

Think about the possibility of upcoming updates. Purchasing a camera from a manufacturer that offers a large selection of lenses and accessories might provide you additional choices as your demands and skill level change.
You may locate an affordable DSLR camera that fulfils your requirements and enables you to take excellent pictures without going over budget by taking these things into account.