When it comes to getting great photo quality on the cheap, looking at buying an older camera model is a great place to start, since many of the older models can still be purchased new. You can get great image quality, solid and long-lasting construction, and even great looking video on these cheaper cameras, and you can get it at a reasonable price. Each of our favorite picks below have different qualities for any type of photographer out there. Whether you want a digital camera, instant film, or even an action camera, we’ve got your needs covered.
Sony Digital Camera
Best cheap camera overall
Why should you buy this: Excellent image quality for the size, and now at a good price.
Who’s it for: Casual shooters, pros on the go, and anyone looking for a step-up from a phone.
Why we picked the Sony Digital Camera:
The Sony Digital Camera helps you preserve precious memories with a 20.1 megapixel super HAD CCD image sensor and five times optical zoom. Images turn out incredibly detailed with superb contrast while you can capture videos at 720 pixels HD in Movie mode. It is also not hard to figure out how it works as you can take advantage of Easy mode that simplifies the camera menu for you. You can even take 360-degree shots in Sweep Panorama mode.
Why we love it:
- Images are incredibly detailed
- Easy mode for quick operation
Panasonic Lumix GX85
The best cheap mirrorless camera
Why should you buy this: Five-axis image stabilization, 4K video, built-in viewfinder
Who’s it for: Amateurs and enthusiasts alike, or anyone who wants a good balance of power and portability.
Why we picked the Panasonic Lumix GX85:
Portable cameras tend to sit at a higher price point than larger models, but it’s not too difficult to find a solid mirrorless camera for a fair price. Released three years ago, the GX85 is not really that old of a camera. Still, it warrants being on this list because of its unique attributes in this price bracket.
The GX85 has a compact design, made possible by the smaller Micro Four Thirds format, yet doesn’t leave out the advanced features of a larger camera. There’s a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF) and a three-inch, tilting LCD screen. There are two command dials and a standard mode dial, so there’s plenty of control, as well.
Inside, the camera features a 16-megapixel Micro Four Thirds sensor with five-axis sensor-shift stabilization for sharp still photos and smooth video. Speaking of video, it shoots 4K at 24 or 30 frames per second — the only
The still image quality won’t match up with the larger and higher-resolution sensors of some of the other cameras, but for general use, especially as a travel or vacation camera, the GX85 is hard to beat. Perhaps the best part is how affordable it is. You’d be hard-pressed to find this much tech in any other similar camera.
Why we love it:
- Shoots 4K video
- Both lens and sensor stabilization
Nikon D3500
The best cheap DSLR
Why should you buy this: Easy to use, great image quality.
Who’s it for: Beginners, students, and first-time DSLR buyers
Why we picked the Nikon D3500:
The Nikon D3500 may not be pocketable like the RX100 or slim like the GX85, but the trade-off is a larger sensor without drastic changes in the price. Intended for first-time DSLR buyers, the D3500 is available only as a kit (there’s no body-only option). It includes the new, retractable version of Nikon’s 18-55mm stabilized lens.
Inside, the D3500 features an excellent 24-megapixel APS-C sensor that produces some of the best images in its class. It shoots Full HD video at 60 fps and has a maximum continuous shooting speed of 5 fps. While none of these numbers are exciting by today’s standards — and haven’t drastically changed from the older models — they nevertheless signal a huge bang for the buck. What’s more, pair the D3500 with a good lens and things will get even better.
Image quality specs haven’t changed much in the D3000 series lately — though Nikon says the sensor is a bit sharper and more colorful — but the latest model has an even smaller body and more streamlined controls and this is one camera where the older version is sometimes inexplicably more expensive. The battery life improved and Bluetooth is also included.
Most entry-level consumers today are probably leaning toward mirrorless cameras, which are more compact, but DSLRs still have some benefits, like optical viewfinders and longer battery life.
Why we love it:
- 24-megapixel APS-C sensor
- Long battery life
Kodak Digital Camera
Best cheap point-and-shoot
Why should you buy this: The ideal blend between image quality, portability, and price
Who’s it for: Beginners, enthusiasts, and anyone who wants better photos from a compact camera
Why we picked the Kodak Digital Camera:
Those who just want something they can simply use to point and shoot won’t be disappointed with what Kodak PIXPRO Digital Camera has to offer. This slim camera can fit right into your pocket so you can take it out whenever inspiration strikes. The best part about it is that you wouldn’t have to tinker with so many buttons and it has auto detection settings that enable you to focus on your subject without you having to do much.
Why we love it:
- Simple point and shoot operation
- Slim and compact
Fujifilm Instax Mini 9
Best cheap film camera
Why should you buy this: Instant film prints for little cash
Who’s it for: Anyone looking for instant film photos on a mini-budget
Why we picked the Fujfilm Instax Mini 9:
Instant film still has a place in the digital world thanks to its classic and timeless aesthetic, as well as the pure fun of the process. And since the film is largely what determines image quality, the cameras spitting out Instax Mini film will all have very similar quality. (Polaroid film is a bit pricier, so opting with a Polaroid model can cost more in the long run). The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is a rather affordable camera that doesn’t have a lot of frills and features, but gets the job done on a budget while still spitting out some decent photos.
The instant camera uses automatic exposure modes and a built-in flash, along with a manual brightness adjustment. That allows for simplicity while still offering some flexibility on getting those exposure levels right. A high-key mode is also included for even brighter shots. A small optical viewfinder helps compose the shot while a selfie mirror makes the camera good for party shots (and no, not the kind that come in a shot glass).
While the Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 has more features and a design that doesn’t make it look like a party favor, the retro-looking camera will cost twice as much. If you want the best cheap film camera that will still capture some decent results, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 is worth a look.
Why we love it:
- Affordable instant film option
- Automatic exposure modes
AKASO WiFi Sports Action Camera
Best cheap action camera
Why should you buy this: Great quality without the GoPro price
Who’s it for: Adrenaline junkies on a budget
Why we picked the AKASO WiFi Sports Action Camera:
If you’re the adventurous kind who also enjoys documenting experiences, then you can certainly bet on the AKASO WiFi Sports Action Camera to it for you. You’re definitely able to record 4K videos and capture amazing photos at any angle. And for your convenience, this camera can be controlled with the splashproof remote you can wear on your wrist. You won’t even have to wait long to import or share images on your social media with the built-in Wi-Fi.
Why we love it:
- Built-in WiFi
- Splashproof wrist remote
What to look for in an older camera
For casual still photography, many older cameras are still very capable of shooting high-quality photos. Camera technology has entered the point where it’s harder to find an absolutely horrible camera, particularly with interchangeable lens models. In fact, we are still using great cameras that are a few generations old.
Which is great news for inexperienced newbies looking to buy their first ILC, but are on a budget. A camera like the Nikon D3500 allows novices to learn and dabble with advanced photography and videography, without breaking the bank. Once that user graduates to becoming a hobbyist or even an enthusiast (and, hopefully, saved some money), he or she can think about buying the newest camera tech.
Of course, price alone shouldn’t be the deciding factor. If you are into videography, you may want to look for a camera that can handle video with higher frame rates. A model like Canon’s EOS Rebel T5i, for example, is a very good still photo camera, but comes up short in video. When considering an ILC, think about the availability of lenses, as camera glass will grow with you; lenses aren’t interchangeable among different brands. If you like shooting action, get a camera that supports fast burst rates and has good battery life. Do you like to share to Instagram? Find a camera that supports Wi-Fi pairing with a smartphone.
Whatever your passions are, you want to be able to capture it so that you can enjoy memories for years to come. But you certainly don’t want to go broke doing it. Make sure the camera you buy saves you some cash but will still be there for you to capture life’s precious moments, even if it’s a few years old.
