If you have a particular budget in mind and you want to find out what the best camera under $X is, then you’ve come to the right place. Our reviewers have narrowed down your options and put together a list of some of the best cameras on the market today within each individual price bracket. You can browse all the cameras within your upper limit, or scan down the page to find out which additional features might justify a jump in price if your budget is a bit more flexible.
Our reviews aim to highlight the pros and cons of each camera and give you an idea of the kind of photography you can do with each model. Whether you’re a beginner looking for your first camera or an advanced user looking to get the best value for your money, we’ve got you covered.
For those who have a more specific purpose in mind for their camera, we also have guides to the best beginner cameras and best cameras for astrophotography. You can also find a wider range of affordable models in our best budget cameras guide.
The quick list
Here are our top picks in a ‘quick view’ layout. For more information about each camera, click ‘read more below’.
Best under $200
A rugged and resilient compact camera with 4x optical zoom and full waterproofing up to 50ft. It’s cheaper than the competition and a great choice for all your beach and vacation snaps.
Read more below
Best under $400
A tiny camera weighing only 154g, it has great image quality, full waterproofing and excellent image stabilization technology. Slip it in a pocket to take with you on any outdoor adventure.
Read more below
Best under $500
Our top pick as a budget beginner camera for those who want to master all the photography basics. It’s a capable DSLR camera that offers much better image quality than you’d get from a smartphone.
Read more below
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
Best under $700
A stylish, retro mirrorless camera that has a beginner-friendly auto mode and effective autofocus. It’s lightweight to take on your travels, fitting easily into a backpack or a large pocket.
Read more below
Best under $1000
A vintage-style camera that offers lots of modern functionality like a vari-angle touchscreen and 4K video. We think it makes a great choice for those interested in street and travel photography.
Read more below
Best under $1500
Undoubtedly one of the best mirrorless cameras you can buy for the price, it offers full-frame features like in-body image stabilization and top-notch autofocus without the full-frame price.
Read more below
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Best under $2000
This camera performs incredibly well in low light, with an enormous ISO range and autofocus that’s sensitive down to -10EV. This makes it one of our favorite cameras for astrophotography.
Read more below
Best cameras under $2000 that we recommend in 2025
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Best under $200
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Buy it if:
✅ You want a point-and-shoot camera: Everything on the KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2 is automated, making it supremely easy to use.
✅ You want to shoot outdoors: It’s got a tough build and is waterproof up to 50ft, making it a great choice for outdoor pursuits and beach vacations.
✅ You want something your kids can use: This camera is shockproof up to 2m, so you can let the kids have fun with it without fear of it getting broken.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want manual controls: There are limited options for manual control on this camera as most settings are automated.
❌ You want something more sophisticated: The relatively small sensor and basic photography features are probably best suited to casual users.
The bottom line:
🔎 KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2: A tough and resilient point-and-shoot camera that’s ideal for vacations with the kids or taking on outdoor adventures. The features are fairly basic, but the price point is very appealing when compared with the competition. ★★★★
The KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2 is a rugged entry-level camera that’s waterproof down to 50ft (15m), making it a great option for taking on beach vacations or other outdoor adventures where your phone might get damaged. It’s able to withstand drops of up to 2m (6.5ft) and all the elements, including the 4x optical zoom, remain protected by its toughened housing. This is the kind of camera your kids can get their hands on without you having to worry about it.
You can shoot 16MP still images or 1080p HD video with this camera, and can even have fun shooting underwater with it. There’s a handy built-in flash, as well as a wrist strap and a loop for attaching it to your belt or backpack when you’re on the go. The menus are navigated via the rear 2.7-inch LCD screen, and it comes in a range of bright colors, including yellow, blue and red.
You’ll need to purchase a 32GB microSD card separately, but this camera still represents excellent value for money compared with other toughened cameras in this category. The built-in WiFi also lets you easily connect it to your phone and other devices to share your images on social media.
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Attributes |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Design |
Toughened, waterproof and shockproof |
|
Performance |
Shoots 16MP still images and HD video |
|
Functionality |
Connects to other devices via WiFi |
Best under $400
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Buy it if:
✅ You’re want to take action shots: GoPro is unrivalled when it comes to shooting action photos and videos and can be mounted onto helmets, bike handlebars or drones.
✅ You want something lightweight and portable: The GoPro Hero 12 slips easily into a pocket for vacations, day trips or hikes.
✅ You want to shoot outdoors: This camera is waterproof up to 33ft and offers a rugged build that will withstand all the elements.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re looking for a traditional camera: Whilst the GoPro Hero 12 produces sharp images, the lack of manual controls may put off seasoned photographers.
❌ You want to shoot in low light: The small sensor isn’t really equipped to handle low-light conditions and performs best in full daylight.
The bottom line:
🔎 GoPro Hero 12: Despite its tiny size, the GoPro Hero 12 still packs a punch in terms of image quality. It’s ideal for sports and outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of different mounting options and impressive image stabilization, but could also be a handy lightweight option for day trips. ★★★★
GoPro are the market leaders when it comes to action cameras, and the GoPro Hero 12 offers excellent image quality inside a tiny, lightweight package. It’s rugged and durable, with waterproofing up to 33ft (10m), meaning that it can be used for a whole range of outdoor pursuits without fear of it getting damaged. Measuring 2.79 x 2.16 x 1.32 inches (71 x 55 x 33.6 mm) and weighing only 154g, it’s small enough to be mounted on your sports helmet, bike handlebars or even a drone.
The Hero 12 doesn’t skimp on image quality, offering 27MP still images and up to 5.3K video, with slow mo options up to 240fps. GoPro’s award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 image stabilization ensures that your videos remain smooth even when the camera is getting bounced around.
Whilst it’s primarily aimed at sports enthusiasts, we think that the GoPro Hero 12 would make a great choice for vacations or days out, since it slips easily into your pocket and can even film underwater. What’s more, with the recent release of the GoPro Hero 13, you can bag the Hero 12 for less than $300, which is great value for all the features offered.
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Attributes |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Design |
Waterproof action camera |
|
Performance |
Shoots 27MP images and 5.3K video |
|
Functionality |
Compatible with a range of different mounts |
Best under $500
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Buy it if:
✅ You want to upgrade from a phone camera: Anyone who’s used to using their phone for taking photos will notice a big step up in image quality with this camera.
✅ You’re working with a tight budget: The older technology means that you can grab a great package deal with this camera.
✅ You want something reliable: Canon is a trusted brand within the camera world and this camera should last you for years to come.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want the highest quality video: This camera can only film video up to 1080p, which may feel limiting for some users.
❌ You want a camera to learn and grow with: Whilst this is a great beginner option, people interested in pursuing serious photography may find themselves wanting to upgrade quite quickly.
The bottom line:
🔎 Canon EOS 2000D: The perfect entry point into the world of DSLR cameras, the Canon EOS 2000D is beginner-friendly and won’t burn a deep hole in your pocket. It’s a significant upgrade from a smartphone, but may feel limiting for serious photographers. ★★★★
If you’re looking for an affordable way to upgrade your smartphone photography, then the Canon EOS 2000D may just be the way to go. Although most brands are moving steadily towards mirrorless camera technology, this camera shows that there is still a welcome place for DSLR models among beginners and those shopping on a tight budget.
You won’t get all the modern bells and whistles with this camera, but what you will get is a steady and reliable camera that will allow you to learn all the necessary photography techniques without breaking the bank. Anyone moving from a smartphone up to the EOS 2000D will be amazed by the image quality and the ability to produce shots with beautiful bokeh (background blur). It is equipped with WiFi, allowing for remote shooting via the Canon Camera Connect app, and you can also shoot 1080p HD video.
The Canon EOS 2000D fits into the Canon ecosystem, opening up a whole range of APS-C lens options. The older technology makes the price of this camera an absolute steal, as you can regularly find deals on bundles including the camera, a lens and accessories for less than $500.
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Attributes |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Design |
Traditional DSLR camera |
|
Performance |
DSLR image quality and HD video |
|
Functionality |
WiFi remote shooting and a range of lens options |
Best under $700
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Buy it if:
✅ You’re looking for your first mirrorless camera: This is an intuitive and easy-to-use mirrorless camera that will be a step up on your smartphone.
✅ You want a camera to take traveling with you: As mirrorless cameras go, this one is very lightweight and portable, making it a great vacation companion.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You’re an avid vlogger: The lack of a mic port on this camera is a significant oversight for anyone who’s into serious vlogging.
❌ You want a premium feel: Whilst it has a stylish look with its retro dials, it is a primarily plastic build.
The bottom line:
🔎 Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV: A capable mirrorless camera that covers all the main bases that you’d look for in an entry-level model. It’s lightweight and portable, whilst still offering a significant improvement in image quality over a smartphone, along with excellent autofocus. ★★★★
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is an ideal starting point for those looking to get into the world of mirrorless cameras. This stylish retro camera harks back to Olympus’s earlier 35mm film models and features black and silver coloring, manual dials and a chunky hand grip for one-handed use. It also features a tilting and extending rear touchscreen, enabling you to shoot pictures at a range of awkward angles.
Despite its small size, the sensor performs admirably, producing 20MP still images and 4K video, aided by effective 5-axis image stabilization. Whilst this might make it seem appealing to vloggers and videographers, the lack of a mic port will put some people off.
The interface is very intuitive, especially in auto mode, so you should get the hang of things very quickly even if you’re a complete beginner. In our Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review, we found the autofocus to be quick and accurate, and the 15fps burst mode means this camera could be used for sports or wildlife photography. Another big appeal is how compact and lightweight it is. We think this makes it an excellent choice for traveling, since it’s easy to tuck into your backpack or a large pocket.
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Attributes |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Design |
Retro styled mirrorless camera |
|
Performance |
Fast and effective autofocus |
|
Functionality |
5-axis image stabilization and tilting touchscreen |
Best under $1000
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Buy it if:
✅ You want something for street or travel photography: This camera is very at home in these sorts of scenarios. It looks the part, is lightweight and starts up quickly and easily.
✅ You want to develop your skills: The Nikon Z fc neatly bridges the gap between beginner and serious amateur photography, allowing you to learn and grow with the camera.
✅ You enjoy the classic camera look: The retro design and manual dials will appeal to traditionalist photographers.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want to shoot sport or action photography: The burst shooting on this camera isn’t really up to these tasks, so you’d be better choosing another option.
❌ You want a wide choice of lenses: Nikon’s range of DX lenses is somewhat limited for more serious photographers who want to shoot in multiple different scenarios.
The bottom line:
🔎 Nikon Z fc: This camera has a pleasing retro appearance and is lightweight enough to use for street and travel photography. It combines traditional features with usability and will appeal to photographers who are looking to advance and develop their skills. ★★★★ ½
The Nikon Z fc effectively bridges the gap between beginner photographers and serious amateurs, offering room for you to develop your skills and learn and grow with the camera. It has a beautiful retro design that will particularly appeal to anyone who’s enjoyed using classic cameras in the past, but it combines this with a range of modern functional features.
The sensor on the Nikon Z fc produces sharp images and we were particularly impressed with its dynamic range during testing. The autofocus does a great job of tracking faces and people, making it particularly suited to street and travel photography. The top features large manual dials to manage the ISO and shutter settings, but there is also a vari-angle touchscreen on the back with a “press to focus” option. We found the screen very responsive and fun to use.
The low-light performance was much better than we had expected in our Nikon Z fc review, and the 4K video on offer is enough to satisfy most content creators. Sports or action photographers would be disappointed with the burst shooting on this camera, but for more general photography it is an enjoyable camera that comes in a lightweight package for carrying around with you.
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Attributes |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Design |
Classic retro design |
|
Performance |
Sharp images and good dynamic range |
|
Functionality |
Manual dials and vari-angle touchscreen |
Best under $1500
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Buy it if:
✅ You want professional-looking results on a budget: We think this is one of the best mirrorless cameras out there for the price, with many features that are usually only found on full-frame cameras.
✅ You need accurate autofocus: The autofocus on this camera can rival even the best-in-class options like Sony.
✅ You’re a vlogger or videographer: With 4K video, no record limit and eye tracking and autofocus offered in video mode, this would be an excellent choice.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You want to shoot motorsports or other fast action shots: Whilst this camera offers 30fps burst shooting, the buffer fills up too quickly to use more than 15fps consistently.
❌ You need wide-angle lenses: Canon’s selection of APS-C lenses remains somewhat limited to date, particularly in the wide-angle category.
The bottom line:
🔎 Canon EOS R7: A powerful APS-C camera that offers near full-frame results, we think the Canon EOS R7 is hard to beat at this price point. You’ll get professional-looking images, excellent autofocus and 7 stops of in-body image stabilization, all in a compact package. ★★★★ ½
In our Canon EOS R7 review, we were extremely impressed with the images produced by this camera — they come out razor-sharp with beautiful color rendition. If you’re looking to take professional-looking images but either you can’t stretch your budget to full-frame or you’re wanting something smaller to take on your travels, then this may just be the camera for you.
In addition to the stunning image quality, this camera packs in a lot of features that you’d usually only expect to find on full-frame models. You get 7 stops of in-body image stabilization, along with a dual SD card slot. The autofocus is good enough to rival even the best in the field. It offers accurate face and eye tracking, switching seamlessly between the two when the subject turns towards or away from the camera, and it can also track animals and vehicles.
We think this camera would also make an excellent choice for vloggers or videographers. The eye tracking and autofocus work just as well in videos as they do in still images, and we were pleased to see that there’s no record limit. The fully articulating rear touchscreen also makes it easy to vlog, shoot selfies or capture images low to the ground. Although it’s often used for wildlife photography, this versatile camera could turn its hand to almost any genre.
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Attributes |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Design |
Powerful 32.5MP mirrorless camera |
|
Performance |
Razor-sharp images and accurate autofocus |
|
Functionality |
Fully articulating rear touchscreen |
Best under $2000
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Buy it if:
✅ You want to shoot the night sky: This camera is the perfect choice for astrophotography since it has an enormous ISO range and the autofocus is sensitive down to -10EV.
✅ You like physical dials: The Nikon Zf comes with a range of tactile metal dials on the camera body to operate nearly all of its functions.
✅ You want to go full frame: This represents great value for a full-frame camera.
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You have larger hands: Some people with larger hands may find the hand grip on this camera too shallow for comfort.
❌ You want to take pictures for large prints: The 24.5MP sensor may feel a bit limiting if you’re planning to blow your pictures up to larger sizes.
The bottom line:
🔎 Nikon Zf: An absolute powerhouse when it comes to low-light photography, this camera would be an ideal choice for astrophotographers since it boasts a huge ISO range and the autofocus is sensitive down to -10EV, which is practically unheard of. ★★★★ ½
The full-frame Nikon Zf is one of our top picks for astrophotography thanks to its seriously impressive low-light performance. It features the same flagship processing engine as the Nikon Z8 and Nikon Z9, making it a speedy performer in all different conditions, and it produces highly detailed images with excellent dynamic range.
This camera has a pleasing vintage design, and in our Nikon Zf review, we particularly enjoyed the range of metal dials on the camera body that enable you to operate nearly all of its functions, including the ISO, shutter speed and switching between photo and video modes. It also features a fully articulating screen, allowing you to shoot at a range of different angles. The textured back to the screen was a nice touch and means that it still fits in with the retro aesthetic when folded in.
Low-light photography is where this camera really excels. The autofocus is quick and accurate, with a sensitivity all the way down to -10EV, which is practically unheard of and even edges out Nikon’s higher models. The ISO range is also the widest of any of Nikon’s Z series cameras. The result is that you can take pictures with very little discernible noise even when pushing the ISO extremely high, making it a wonderful camera for astrophotography.
|
Attributes |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
Design |
Full-frame vintage-style camera |
|
Performance |
Seriously impressive low-light performance |
|
Functionality |
Autofocus accurate down to -10EV |
Best cameras under $X: Comparison
|
Product |
Rating |
Type |
Sensor |
Megapixels |
Video Resolution |
ISO Range |
Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2 |
★★★★ |
Compact |
CMOS |
16 |
1080p |
100-3200 |
176g (6.2 oz) |
|
GoPro Hero 12 |
★★★★ |
Action |
APS-C |
27 |
5.3K |
100-6400 |
153g (5.4 oz) |
|
Canon EOS 2000D |
★★★★ |
DSLR |
APS-C |
24.1 |
1080p |
100-6400 |
475g (16.8 oz) |
|
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV |
★★★★ |
Mirrorless |
Micro Four Thirds |
20 |
4K |
200-25,600 |
383g (13.5 oz) |
|
Nikon Z fc |
★★★★ ½ |
Mirrorless |
APS-C |
20.9 |
4K |
100-51,200 (expandable up to 204,800) |
445g (15.7 oz) |
|
Canon EOS R7 |
★★★★ ½ |
Mirrorless |
APS-C |
32.5 |
4K |
100-32,000 (expandable up to 51,200) |
612g (21.6 oz) |
|
Nikon Zf |
★★★★ ½ |
Mirrorless |
Full-frame |
24.5 |
4K |
100-64,000 (expandable up to 204,800) |
710g (25 oz) |
Best cameras under $X 2025: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best beginner camera?
This depends a bit on what kind of beginner you are. Are you a beginner who just wants something to point and shoot some vacation snaps with? Or are you a beginner who wants to take up photography as a hobby and learn as you go?
If you’re looking for a simple point-and-shoot camera, then the KODAK PIXPRO WPZ2 is a great option. It’s rugged and resilient, so it will easily survive beach trips, hiking and sightseeing. If you’re looking for a camera to learn and grow with, then the Canon EOS 2000D would be our top pick. It’s easy to get the hang of and offers great image quality for the price.
What is the best mirrorless camera?
If your budget can stretch far enough, we think the Canon EOS R7 is a fantastic mirrorless camera that will suit a range of different photography styles. It offers many of the same features as full-frame cameras, without the full-frame price point, and it produces stunning images.
What is the best camera for video?
Again, the Canon EOS R7 would be our top choice for video thanks to its 4K resolution, lack of recording limit and fully articulating touchscreen that allows you to see yourself while you’re filming.
But if you’re looking for a slightly cheaper option, then the Nikon Z fc also offers 4K video and a mic port. And for any sport or action videos, we’d happily recommend the GoPro Hero 12 with its 5.3K video and excellent image stabilization.
Will I need to buy other accessories for my camera?
This may depend a bit on what you’re wanting to use your camera for. If you’re purchasing a lightweight compact camera for traveling with, you may only need a bag or case to put it in and a memory card. But if you’re buying a heavier camera or looking to do any kind of long-exposure shots, then we’d recommend getting one of the best tripods for the best results. DSLR and mirrorless cameras will probably require additional lenses further down the line, although the kit lens may be enough if you’re just starting out.
Update log
How we test the best cameras under $X
To guarantee you’re getting honest, up-to-date recommendations on the best cameras to buy, here at Space.com we make sure to put every camera through a rigorous review to fully test each product. We consider a number of factors when testing, including functionality, design and construction as well as the camera’s overall performance and the image quality it produces. We also like to suggest any extra kit or accessories that would enhance a photographer’s experience.
Our expert staff or freelance contributors carefully review each camera and test it out in real-life scenarios. That means you get a fair insight backed up with a personal experience of each model so you can rely on the judgement based on price, destined use and class. It would be inappropriate to compare a small crop-sensor DSLR with a 60MP full-frame mirrorless camera directly, even if each camera was a top performer in its class, for example. Here, we’ve weighed each camera against other available models in the same price bracket to show you where your hard-earned money would be best spent.
With complete editorial independence, Space.com are here to ensure you get the best buying advice on cameras, whether you choose to purchase a product or not, making our buying guides and reviews reliable and transparent.
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