Photography is undoubtedly rewarding, but as a hobby, it demands a decent investment. You’ll want the best camera, the best lenses, and perhaps a tripod or a camera bag. And that’s only to start.
Fortunately, there are ways to keep the costs down. There are plenty of high-quality and lost-cost cameras to choose from. We’ve listed just a few of the best affordable cameras this year, from low-cost mirrorless cameras to budget DSLRs.
At Camera House, we have put together the ultimate list of the best mirrorless cameras and the best DSLR cameras for your budget. Don't compromise on performance and quality with these excellent camera options.
List of the best affordable mirrorless cameras:
- Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
- Sony Alpha A6000
- Canon EOS RP
- Canon EOS M50
List of our top affordable DSLR cameras:
- Nikon D5600
- Canon EOS 200D Mark II
Read more below to get the full details on the best affordable cameras!
The best affordable mirrorless cameras
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
With its powerful sensor and petite size, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV camera is a great starting point for beginners.
The affordable mirrorless camera boasts an impressive in-body image stabilization system and a decent 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor. You can expect sharp images, even in low light, and a great dynamic range.
All this in a beautifully compact body, with a flip-down screen, an ergonomic grip, and intuitive button layout that makes shooting a breeze. There’s even 4K video recording so you can capture high-quality videos for less.
We’d be remiss without mentioning the exceptional array of Micro Four Thirds lenses available for this little Olympus powerhouse.
Take a look at the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV budget mirrorless camera today.
Sony Alpha A6000
Released as a top-of-the-line mirrorless camera, Sony’s a6000 may not be the most recent Sony release - but that only means you’re getting even more value for money.
With every new model, the a6000 becomes a little cheaper yet it still has incredible specs. We’re talking a 24MP sensor, a fast hybrid autofocus system, an electronic viewfinder, and an impressive 11fps continuous shooting speed.
Granted it only records video in 1080p Full HD instead of 4K, but this is still a high-end camera at a low price.
Check out the Sony Alpha A6000 mirrorless camera today.
Canon EOS RP
Coming in at just under $2000, the Canon EOS RP is an incredible price for such a worthy full-frame mirrorless camera. In fact, as of early 2020, the RP has been the most affordable full-frame camera ever released.
The entry-level mirrorless Canon camera boasts a decent 26MP full-frame sensor, enviable JPEG quality, and a solid build, complete with a fully articulating touchscreen.
The petite body is also worth mentioning, given full-frame cameras are renowned for their bulk - although the lenses add some weight to the overall effect.
To save you even more money, you can use a converter so that the camera works with all your existing EF-mount lenses.
Check out the affordable Canon EOS RP mirrorless camera online today.
Canon EOS M50
Of all the cameras on our list, this is the best affordable camera when it comes to video. You can shoot 4K video at 30fps (albeit with a 1.75x crop) or Full HD 1080p at 60fps.
You also get a flip-out touchscreen and a microphone jack, both essential features for cameras used for video.
Of course, it isn’t just great for videos. The M50 has an array of impressive features for stills photography, such as the large 25MP sensor and the built-in electronic viewfinder.
Take a look at the Canon EOS M50 mirrorless camera for videos today.
The best affordable DSLRs
Nikon D5600
As with the Sony Alpha a6000 we’ve mentioned above, the Nikon D5600 is only as affordable as it is because newer models have replaced it.
Read the specs list and you quickly discover that this cheap DSLR is anything but entry-level. We’re talking an advanced 39-point autofocus system, impressive image quality, and a beautiful ergonomic design.
A sizable vari-angle touchscreen allows you to see more of your scene, yet the camera is surprisingly compact for a DSLR.
And as with any Nikon camera, you can expect a huge array of lenses to choose from. This is a DSLR that guarantees room to grow, making it excellent value for money.
See the Nikon D5600 affordable DSLR online today.
Canon EOS 200D Mark II
The perfect affordable DSLR camera for beginners, the Canon EOS 200D Mark II is easy to use, with a Creative Assist feature that helps you learn as you shoot. Yet there is also plenty of room for you to grow into your skills.
The Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system is incredible and will ensure you’ll capture every shot with sharp clarity. You’ll enjoy smooth focusing in Live View as well.
It is also Canon’s lightest DSLR camera, perfect for those on the go who need something portable. (With such a vast range, discover some of the other Canon cameras for all occasions).
Finally, Mark II features 4K recording capabilities, a great addition for a camera with this affordable price tag.
Take a look at the Canon EOS 200D Mark II camera today.
Ready to invest in an affordable camera?
At Camera House, we have a huge range of affordable cameras, whether you’re after a mirrorless camera, a DSLR, or even a quality affordable video camera. Visit us in-store or shop our collection of cameras online for free delivery across Australia on orders over $49.
Get expert advice and tips from Camera House!
Camera House are your local camera experts. If you need more guidance on purchasing the perfect camera for you, visit us in store and speak to our friendly and knowledgeable team.
Elevate your photography with helpful videos on the Camera House Youtube Channel. Check out our Photography Fundamentals video to get statrted.
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The Best DSLR Cameras for Beginners
What Is the Best Camera for Instagram?
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