There's no denying that photography can be an expensive hobby. But thankfully, you can find plenty of great entry-level cameras for under $1,000. These include interchangeable-lens DSLRs and mirrorless models, as well as point-and-shoots with fixed lenses and dedicated vlogging cameras. Given the wide variety of options and how far camera tech has come, it's hard to go wrong with any modern-day camera, even at this budget. That said, if you want to open up even more options in the under $1,000 range, you can also shop around for used models on eBay or at retailers like Adorama, B&H Photo Video, KEH Camera, and MPB.
We've bought and tested over 130 cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our recommendations for the best cameras under $1,000. If you're on an even tighter budget, you should see the best cameras under $500 instead. If you're specifically looking for a mirrorless model, check out the best mirrorless cameras under $1,000, and if you're looking for beginner-friendly options, you can also see our picks for the best cameras for beginners.
We've independently purchased over 125 cameras and tested them using a standardized methodology. All the results are available to help you make the right purchasing decision for your needs, with objective, data-driven reviews. We keep every product in our lab inventory to ensure we can go back, retest models, and verify that all the information we provide is still accurate.
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Best Camera Under $1,000
Travel Photography7.9Landscape Photography7.8Sports & Wildlife Photography8.4Vlogging7.4Studio Video8.2Action Video4.2Raw Photo7.5Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CThe Canon EOS R10 is the best camera we've tested that you can buy new for under $1,000. Though the body alone typically goes for $1,000, you can often find it on sale or find used models for less. At this price point, it's one of the best-value APS-C cameras on the market. With 4k recording at up to 60 fps (albeit with a crop), along with a very reliable autofocus (AF) system, this is an excellent entry-level hybrid camera. It also delivers great image quality and has a very quick 15 fps burst rate to capture moments of fast action. If that wasn't enough, it also features an easy-to-use interface, comfortable ergonomics, and a solid battery life. It doesn’t have IBIS, though; its battery life is only okay, and Canon's selection of compact RF-S lenses is still fairly limited.
If you shoot more video, or want more dynamic range in your photos, the Nikon Z 50II is a great alternative at a similar price. Its sensor captures much wider dynamic range and handles noise better, and it's a far more capable video camera, with internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, N-Log, and much wider video dynamic range for color grading. However, its autofocus tracking isn't quite as dependable as Canon's, and its battery life is poor, so you'll want a spare or a power bank for longer days. Like the R10, it doesn't have IBIS.
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Best Beginner Camera Under $1,000
Travel Photography7.9Landscape Photography7.5Sports & Wildlife Photography8.0Vlogging7.6Studio Video8.0Action Video4.2Raw Photo7.4Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CFor those just getting started in photography, the Canon EOS R50 is one of the best-value options for beginners. Like the Canon EOS R10 above, it has simple controls and an intuitive menu system, making it very accessible for people jumping into their first dedicated camera. Image quality is great for its class, and its lightweight, portable design makes it easy to take on the go. Plus, its extensive auto and creative shooting modes let you try out different photography styles while learning the ropes. It doesn't have IBIS, though, and like the R10, it has a limited selection of compact lenses.
The R50's fully articulated touchscreen makes it easy to shoot from high or low angles or to film yourself, and it still has a viewfinder for bright days, which many cameras this small skip. Its autofocus recognizes people, animals, and vehicles, and while its tracking isn't as dependable as the R10's, it still handles everyday moments like kids and pets fairly well. It also records 4k video at up to 30 fps without a crop. Compared to the R10, it's smaller, lighter, and lasts a bit longer on a charge, but it shoots slower bursts, its grip is less comfortable, and its RAW buffer is smaller. Since it uses Canon's RF mount, you can also move up to a full-frame body later and keep any full-frame RF lenses you buy along the way.
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Best Cheap Camera Under $1,000
Travel Photography7.7Landscape Photography7.6Sports & Wildlife Photography6.9Vlogging5.1Studio Video7.4Action Video3.1Raw Photo7.3Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CThe Canon EOS R100 is the best cheap camera under $1,000, leaving most of your budget free for a second lens or accessories. Its APS-C sensor delivers image quality on par with the Canon EOS R50 above, and it has the same easy-to-use menu system, so you still get a big step up from a smartphone for much less money. Canon cut a lot to keep the price down, though. The screen is fixed, its autofocus is less reliable than the R50's, and it shoots slow bursts.
It's still a capable everyday camera. It has a viewfinder for framing in bright light, and its compact body is just as portable as the R50's. Battery life is okay for photos, and it lasted much longer than the R50 in our video recording test. Video is otherwise its weakest point. Its 4k tops out at 24 fps with a crop and shows heavy rolling shutter, so it's better for casual clips than for vlogging. Like the R50, it uses Canon's RF mount, so you can upgrade to a full-frame body later without having to start your lens collection over.
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Best Portable Camera Under $1,000
Travel Photography7.9Landscape Photography8.0Sports & Wildlife Photography7.4Vlogging8.5Studio Video9.2Action Video6.0Raw Photo8.0Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:APS-CThe Fujifilm X-M5 isn't just the most compact interchangeable lens camera on this list; it's also a surprisingly powerful little camera. While it uses an older-generation sensor, it features Fujifilm's latest processor and, with it, brings a highly effective autofocus tracking system and the latest video features. For the price, it's hard to beat all that it has to offer, from 4k 60 fps video recording in 10-bit to subject tracking and excellent image quality.
Of course, being as compact as it is, there are some major downsides here. Most notably, the camera lacks a viewfinder, which can be a dealbreaker for some photographers, especially if you're shooting outdoors in sunny conditions. Its ergonomics and battery life also leave a little to be desired, and there's no room for IBIS. Still, if you're looking for an ultra-portable mirrorless body, this is the way to go. If you'd rather frame your shots through a viewfinder, the Fujifilm X-T30 III is a great alternative for a little more money. It uses the same sensor in a slightly bigger body and adds an electronic viewfinder and a built-in flash. However, its screen only tilts up and down, so you can't see yourself while you film.
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Best Vlogging Camera Under $1,000
Travel Photography8.0Landscape Photography8.1Sports & Wildlife Photography8.1Vlogging8.2Studio Video9.1Action Video4.8Raw Photo8.1Body Type:Point and ShootMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:1.4-inchThe Canon PowerShot V1 is the best vlogging camera under $1,000, and since its zoom lens is built in, you don't have to budget for extra lenses. The 16-50mm equivalent range is wide enough to fit you and your surroundings in the frame at arm's length, and optical stabilization helps smooth out walk-and-talk footage. Its fully articulated screen flips around so you can see yourself, and face tracking keeps you in focus as you move. The main drawback is heavy rolling shutter in 4k, so quick pans look skewed.
Its 1.4-inch sensor is larger than the 1-inch sensors in most vlogging compacts, so it captures excellent dynamic range and handles noise well for its class. It's also well-equipped for creators, with internal 10-bit 4:2:2 recording, Canon Log 3, a microphone input, a headphone jack, and a built-in cooling fan for longer sessions, though it still overheated once during our 4k test. Recording 4k at 60 fps adds a large crop, and there's no viewfinder or weather sealing. Battery life is only okay, but USB-C power keeps it recording after the battery runs out. If you'd rather have interchangeable lenses, the Fujifilm X-M5 mentioned above is a cheaper option with a larger APS-C sensor.
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Best Point-And-Shoot Camera Under $1,000
Travel Photography7.3Landscape Photography7.0Sports & Wildlife Photography6.8Vlogging5.1Studio Video6.6Action Video3.5Raw Photo6.5Body Type:Point and ShootMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:1-inchThe Panasonic LUMIX ZS300 is the best point-and-shoot camera under $1,000 if you want long zoom reach in a camera that fits in a jacket pocket. Its 15x zoom lens covers everything from wide street scenes to distant landmarks without a lens swap. Its 1-inch sensor is also much larger than the ones in cheaper travel zooms, so your photos hold up better indoors and after sunset. The trade-off for this small size is its autofocus, which struggles to keep up with moving subjects, so it's best for landscapes, architecture, and other still scenes.
Optical stabilization in the lens does an excellent job of keeping handheld shots sharp, and the menu system is among the easiest to learn we've tested. Two command dials and a lens control ring also give you more manual control than most compacts. Battery life is decent for a camera this small. However, its image quality can't match the APS-C picks above, and there's no viewfinder. Its fixed screen is also hard to see in bright sunlight and awkward to use at high or low angles. Video is limited, too, with basic 4k recording and no microphone input, so if you also want to film yourself or don't mind a slightly bigger camera, the Canon PowerShot V1 above is the better choice. It's much more capable for video, but also takes better pictures, even if its lens is less versatile.
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Best Full-Frame Camera Under $1,000
Travel Photography7.5Landscape Photography8.1Sports & Wildlife Photography7.3Vlogging6.1Studio Video7.6Action Video3.3Raw Photo8.4Body Type:SLR-StyleMirrorless:YesSee all our test resultsSensor Size:Full FrameThe Nikon Z 5 is the best full-frame camera under $1,000, and it's the cheapest way to get full-frame image quality in a body that doesn't feel stripped down. Its sensor captures excellent dynamic range and stays clean in dim light, and the weather-sealed body has a superb grip that's comfortable for hours. You'll need to buy it body-only to stay under budget, though, and it's much bigger and heavier than the APS-C picks above.
It also includes features you rarely see at this price, like IBIS and dual SD card slots, though the IBIS is only okay at steadying handheld shots. Its sharp, high-resolution viewfinder makes framing easy, and battery life is outstanding, so you can shoot all day without swapping. The camera is clearly built for stills and slower subjects, however. Its burst rate is slow, its tracking autofocus is only okay, and 4k video comes with a severe crop. If you mostly photograph landscapes, portraits, or travel scenes, those limits won't matter much. Nikon's Z mount also offers some excellent lenses, though third-party options are more limited than on Sony's E-mount.
Notable Mentions
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is another great beginner camera for those on a budget. It's more portable than the Canon EOS R50 and has more lens options, but it uses a smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor and has a less reliable autofocus system. See our review
Recent Updates
Oct 26, 2026:
We replaced the Canon EOS RP with the Nikon Z 5 as the 'Best Full-Frame Camera Under $1,000' and the Sony ZV-E10 with the Canon PowerShot V1 as the 'Best Vlogging Camera Under $1,000.' We added the Canon EOS R100 and the Panasonic LUMIX ZS300 under new 'Best Cheap' and 'Best Point-And-Shoot' categories, and removed the Sony α6400. We also updated the alternatives within the picks to reflect current availability.
Jan 29, 2025:
We added the Fujifilm X-M5 as the 'Best Portable Camera Under $1,000' because of its highly compact size and well-rounded feature set.
Nov 04, 2024:
We added a comparison to the Sony ZV-E10 II to provide more market context for the Sony ZV-E10.
Aug 01, 2024: We added the Nikon Z fc to the Notable Mentions since it occupies a unique position in the market thanks to its vintage-style design.
May 06, 2024: We added links to various retailers that sell used cameras in the introduction of this article to give users a wider range of cameras to consider at this price point.
All Reviews
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best cameras under $1,000 for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in price, visitor feedback, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or nearly out of stock in the U.S.).
If you would like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our reviews for cameras under $1,000. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.