The 5 Best Cheap and Budget Cameras - Spring 2023 Reviews

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is the best cheap camera for photography beginners we've tested. Though it isn't the cheapest option on this list, it offers the most value for its price. It's one of the only cameras at this price point to offer built-in sensor stabilization, which is great for smoothing out camera shake in vlogs or taking photos at slower shutter speeds.

It's part of the more portable Micro Four Thirds system, which does mean it's a bit less capable in low light than larger-sensor cameras. However, those just getting started in photography likely won't notice much of a difference, and Micro Four Thirds has its own benefits, including smaller lenses and more portability. If you'd prefer a larger sensor, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is a good alternative, though Canon's EF-M mount has fewer lens options and is slowly on its way out as Canon has shifted focus to producing RF-mount cameras.

If you want something even more affordable than the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV, the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D is a solid entry-level DSLR. It's a simple camera with a fixed screen, and though it's a lot bulkier than the Olympus, it feels good in the hand and has a highly intuitive user interface. Plus, it's a DSLR, so it has a significantly longer battery life than mirrorless alternatives.

While you won't get many bells and whistles, the camera has a high-resolution APS-C sensor that can capture great photos. There's also a large selection of affordable EF-S and EF lenses that you can use with this camera, and you can upgrade to better lenses as your skills grow. However, its autofocus system is more basic than the AF found on modern mirrorless cameras. Because of that, and its very slow burst rate, it isn't the best option for sports or fast-moving subjects. Still, this is the best cheap camera for photography if you're looking for a simple interchangeable-lens DSLR.

While interchangeable-lens cameras like the two above will give you the most flexibility and room for growth, a bridge or superzoom camera is a solid option if you want an all-in-one camera with a long zoom range. If that's what you're after, the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 is one of the best cameras under $300 when it goes on sale. It offers a comfortable DSLR-like shooting experience with the convenience of a built-in zoom lens. The lens has a versatile 20–1200mm full-frame equivalent focal length, giving you a ton of flexibility to shoot everything from landscapes to photos of far-away wildlife.

Of course, you won't get the same image quality you'd get with a DSLR or mirrorless camera, but you'll still get good results in daylight. The camera also comes with extra features that make taking photos a breeze. These include a 'Macro AF' mode for close-up photography, and an 'Artistic Nightscape' mode for long-exposure photos, making this a great-value option if you're on a tight budget and prefer the convenience of a built-in lens.

The Panasonic LUMIX ZS80 is similar to the Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 in that it has a built-in zoom lens; however, it comes in a compact form factor, making it a better option for travel or casual street photography. It's one of the best budget point-and-shoot cameras we've tested, packing plenty of features and decent performance for its price.

The lens has a 24–720mm equivalent focal length, so you don't get as much zoom range as the FZ80, but it's still long enough to zoom in on far-away subjects. The image quality isn't amazing, but this camera gets the job done for casual photos of friends or family. Plus, it has a flip-up screen, making it easy to take selfies. You even get a small viewfinder for sunny days when it's harder to see the screen. Overall, it's a solid little compact camera that won't break the bank.

For action video, there's nothing better than a portable action camera, but if you don't want to dish out on a more expensive action cam like the GoPro HERO10 Black, there are still some decent budget options that'll get the job done for less. The AKASO V50X is a solid cheap action cam that can shoot in 4k or 1080p. It's super portable and comes with a protective case, giving it added durability and letting you submerge it in water down to 131 ft (40 m). Unlike more expensive options, the camera itself isn't waterproof without the protective case, but it's still great for all your on-land adventures.

On top of that, it has a very effective stabilization feature and good battery life. Just know that frame rate options are a bit limited. You'll be stuck with 30 fps in 4k and either 30 or 60 fps in 1080p, meaning super slow-motion video is out. However, it's a solid budget option if you're looking for a simple action camera that you can slap onto a helmet or chest rig to capture your extreme sports adventures.