The best cheap camera for 2024: finest budget cameras you can buy

A tight budget shouldn't hold back your photography, which is why we've put together this expert round-up of the best cheap cameras. From simple DSLRs to affordable mirrorless options, we've comprehensively reviewed the best reasonably priced cameras and ranked our top picks in the guide below.

Based on our extensive tests, we think the best cheap camera right now is the Nikon D3500. It's not in production any more, but you can still find the entry-level DSLR available online. That's a good thing, because its capable 24.4MP sensor and massive battery life make it one of the best beginner cameras you can buy.

If you're in the market for a cheap mirrorless camera, we recommend the Fujifilm X-T200. It offers fantastic value, combining an articulating touchscreen, 4K recording and solid stills performance with a conveniently compact retro body.

Whatever your expectations, this list has been assembled to help you choose the best value camera for your needs. Each entry has been tested at length in the real world: our reviewers check everything from handling and battery life to image quality and usability. We've also set out some useful buying advice to point you in the right direction when selecting your ideal cheap camera, while our deal links will take you directly to the best offers currently available online.

Written by
Timothy Coleman
Written by
Timothy Coleman

Tim is TechRadar's Cameras editor, with over 15 years in the photo video industry and most of those in the world of tech journalism, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with all things camera related. He’s also worked in video production with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi.

The quick list

Want a shortcut to the best cheap camera for your needs and budget? Use the quick round-up below for an instant overview of the top cheap cameras. When you find a recommendation that fits your requirements, you can read more about it by using the links to jump to our full write-ups.

The best cheap cameras in 2024

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Below you'll find summary reviews for each of the best cheap cameras in our list. We've tested all of them extensively, so you know that you can trust our expert recommendations.

The best cheap camera overall

A Nikon D3500 being held in two hands

The best cheap camera for most people

Specifications

Type: DSLR
Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.2MP
Lens mount: Nikon F
Screen: 3-inch, 921K dots
Viewfinder: Optical
Continuous shooting: 5fps
Movies: 1080p
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Huge battery life
+
Massive lens selection available

Reasons to avoid

-
No 4K video
-
Screen not touch-sensitive
Buy it if:

✅ You like a traditional DSLR: With great handling and excellent battery life, the Nikon D3500 offers learners all the classic strengths of a DSLR.

✅ You want lots of lenses: Nikon’s well-established DX system has a huge range of lenses to suit almost every budget and genre of photography.

Don't buy it if:

You want to shoot 4K video: The Nikon D3500’s 24.2MP sensor produces excellent stills, but its video resolution is limited to Full HD.

❌ You want a touchscreen: Although the D3500 is easy to use, it doesn’t feature the touchscreen interface found on many contemporary rivals.

DSLRs may be less and less common nowadays, but they still offer excellent value compared to mirrorless cameras – and the Nikon D3500 remains the best budget camera for new photographers. The Nikon D3400 was a hugely successful and popular DSLR, and the Nikon D3500 has taken its baton into the mirrorless age.

Key changes versus the older D3400 include an improved APS-C sensor (though still with a 24MP resolution) and a longer battery life of 1,550 frames per charge, compared to the D3400's already capable 1,200 shots per charge. You also get a better grip and a slightly redesigned body that's a bit lighter, too. 

While it's also worth considering the mirrorless alternatives in our guide, the D3500 is the most user-friendly option in this list – particularly if you want to use it with longer lenses. In our tests, we found that it delivered high-quality images and was super-easy to handle and understand, particularly for novices.

Read our in-depth Nikon D3500 review

The best cheap mirrorless camera

A Fujifilm X-T200 sitting on a table

(Image credit: TechRadar)
The best cheap camera with a retro design

Specifications

Sensor size: APS-C CMOS
Resolution: 24.2MP
Viewfinder: EVF OLED, 2,360,000 dots
Monitor: 3.5-inch fully articulating touchscreen, 2,780,000 dots
Maximum continuous shooting rate: 8fps
Movies: 4K
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Great color and dynamic range
+
Sharp 3.5-inch rear touchscreen
+
Sleek, lightweight retro design

Reasons to avoid

-
No subject-tracking in video
-
Low buffer depth
Buy it if:

✅ You like retro styling: Among entry-level cameras, the X-T200 is easily one of the most stylish, with a retro DSLR design that stands out.

✅ You want an electronic viewfinder: The eye sensor isn’t completely reliable, but the 2.36 million-dot viewfinder is useful for framing.

Don't buy it if:

You shoot continuous action: 8fps burst shooting speeds are decent, but the limited buffer depth means the rate slows quickly.

❌ You find a good deal on the X-T30: The X-T200 offers excellent value, but Fujifilm’s superior X-T300 can often be found for not much more.

We're still fans of the Fujifilm X-T30, but this cheaper, learner-friendly version of that camera is our favorite mirrorless option for those starting out on their photography or film-making journeys. 

It's a big improvement over its X-T100 predecessor in almost every way, including autofocus, and has a fantastic 3.5in rear touchscreen. Unlike the Fujifilm X-A7, you also get a viewfinder for framing shots, which is especially good news in bright light while traveling. We discovered that image quality was reliably lovely in our review, and we loved the retro design.

The only downside we found during our tests is that the subject-tracking can be a little hit-and-miss during burst shooting and isn't available for video, but otherwise this is one of the best cheap cameras around for those who want a new mirrorless model.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-T200 review

The best compact mirrorless camera

An Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV sitting on a tripod

(Image credit: Future)
The best compact mirrorless camera on a budget

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: 20.3MP
Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds
Monitor: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,037K dots
Viewfinder: 2.36m-dot EVF
Continuous shooting: 15fps
Movies: 4K/30p
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Capable stabilized sensor
+
Compact body

Reasons to avoid

-
No microphone input
-
Autofocus isn’t cutting edge
Buy it if:

✅ You want a small, powerful stills camera: Compact proportions belie the class-leading stills capabilities of the E-M10 Mark IV.

✅ You often shoot handheld: In-body image stabilization gives the Mark IV an edge over rivals, keeping handheld shots sharp.

Don't buy it if:

You record a lot of video: The E-M10 Mark IV can shoot decent footage, but no mic input and a 4K/30p cap limit its blogging potential.

❌ You own the E-M10 Mark III: Upgrades include a new sensor and flip-down screen, but these don’t justify swapping from the Mark III.

If you’re an eager photographer in the market for a compact mirrorless camera, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV should be top of your list. An affordable Micro Four Thirds model, it pairs a capable 20.3MP sensor with impressive in-body image stabilization to deliver consistently attractive images using the kit lens. 

With footage capped at 4K/30p and no microphone or headphone input, video isn’t a major focus. Instead, this is a small, powerful camera for stills: we discovered in our review that dynamic range is better than anything a smartphone can capture, while the IBIS system keeps images sharp even when shooting handheld after dark.

We found that AF tracking across the Mark IV’s 121 points can be a little patchy, but improved face detection and subject tracking from the Mark III mean it’s largely reliable. Our tip is to stick to centre point focus and you’ll find it fast, even in low light.

An ergonomic grip, approachable button layout, and handy flip-down touchscreen make the Mark IV an accessible upgrade for smartphone photographers. And with a wide catalog of lenses available, it shapes up one of the best cheap cameras around if you want a modern mirrorless experience.

Read our in-depth Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV review

The best second-hand camera

A Sony A6000 sitting on some grey material

(Image credit: Future)
The best cheap camera to buy second-hand

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: APS-C CMOS, 24.3MP
Lens mount: Sony E-mount
Screen: 3.0-inch tilt-angle, 921K dots
Viewfinder: Yes, EVF
Continuous shooting speed: 11fps
Movies: 1080p
User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Reasons to buy

+
Good specs even now
+
11fps burst shooting

Reasons to avoid

-
No touchscreen
-
Full HD video only
Buy it if:

✅ You want a small system camera: Excellent image quality and a useful viewfinder make the A6000 a fantastic small package.

✅ You like personalized controls: All of the buttons and function menus can be customized to give you quick access to your regular settings.

Don't buy it if:

You want a touchscreen interface: The A6000’s display isn’t touch-sensitive and there’s no quick way to set the AF point.

❌ You want an articulating screen: The screen on the A6000 tilts but doesn’t fully articulate, so it’s not as useful for vlogging.

Don’t let the price fool you: the A6000 costs the same as other entry-level DSLR and mirrorless cameras, but it’s an advanced and powerful camera that has only dropped to this price by being on the market since 2014. 

It may be old, but most of the specifications still look surprisingly fresh today. This includes a 24MP APS-C sensor, a fast hybrid 179-point autofocus system, and continuous shooting at 11 frames per second (fps). We found during our review that it delivered fantastic image quality.

Its age shows in other areas, though: it only shoots 1080p Full HD video, and the screen isn’t touch-sensitive – which we found to be a little frustrating for setting AF points. Still, the latter is still the case on many Sony cameras and the A6000’s high-end features ensure that it's a camera that will grow with you.

Read our in-depth Sony Alpha A6000 review

The best cheap instant camera

Instax Mini 12 on a brick wall in front of graffiti

(Image credit: Future)
The best cheap camera for instant photography

Specifications

Type: Instant
Sensor: N/A
Lens mount: N/A
Screen: N/A
Continuous shooting speed: N/A
Viewfinder: Optical
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to use
+
Accurate viewfinder

Reasons to avoid

-
Overexposes in bright light
-
Handling is a little slippery
Buy it if:

✅ You want point-and-shoot simplicity: Auto exposure control and affordable film refills make the Instax Mini 12 an accessible camera to shoot with.

✅ You want vibrant party prints: With rich vintage colors, Instax prints have a distinctively attractive look that’s great for capturing memories.

Don't buy it if:

You shoot in sunlight a lot: The Mini 12 tends to overexpose images in bright light, not helped by the always-on flash which fires every time.

❌ You want a tactile camera: The bubble-like design is fun, but it’s also slippery in the hand making it tricky to keep hold of at times.

Our favorite instant camera is also one of the top cheap cameras for those who want the no-frills fun of instant photography. Simple and affordable, we found in testing that the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 builds on everything that the Instax Mini 11 did well, making it easy to create punchy party prints. 

Though its design proved a little slippery during our review, we think the Mini 12 is otherwise a comfortable camera for anyone to use. It now turns on with a twist of the lens, which we think is more intuitive than previous editions. You still get the option of close-up mode by pulling the lens out, while parallax correction means the viewfinder more accurately represents how scenes will be printed.

From our tests, the Mini 12 still tends to overexpose images in bright sunlight, although repositioned sensors mean your fingers are less likely to interfere with light readings. While prints can seem a little small, the Mini 12 makes it straightforward for first-time users to capture rich, attractive images at a reasonable price.

Read our in-depth Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 review

The best cheap full-frame camera

The Canon EOS RP resting on a stone wall

(Image credit: Future)
The best affordable full-frame camera

Specifications

Sensor size: Full-frame CMOS
Resolution: 26.2MP
Lens mount: Canon RF
Monitor: 3.0-inch vari-angle touchscreen, 1,040K dots
Viewfinder: EVF OLED, 2,360K dots
Max continuous shooting: 5fps
Movies: 4K
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Compact and lightweight
+
Excellent value for money

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited native lens selection
-
Rolling shutter and crop in 4K
Buy it if:

✅ You want full-frame on a budget: Offering a capable feature set at a reasonable price, the EOS RP is a fantastic full-frame entry point.

✅ You want a great value camera: With a light, compact build, solid image quality and stellar AF performance, the EOS RP is a great package.

Don't buy it if:

You like a lot of lens options: There are limited native lenses for the RF mount, and even fewer that make sense on the RP’s small body.

❌ You shoot a lot of video: It can shoot detailed footage, but rolling shutter and cropped 4K limit the video capabilities of the EOS RP.

A portable full-frame mirrorless camera with a capable feature set, sound performance, and reasonable price: the Canon EOS RP is a compelling proposition for those looking to shoot with a large sensor. Built around the same RF mount as the EOS R, its native lens catalog is limited, but a bundled adapter at least allows you to use existing EF glass.

Despite housing a 26.2MP full-frame sensor, our tests found the EOS RP to be remarkably compact yet reassuringly well-made. Button placement will irk some, but we found both the physical controls and touchscreen to be responsive.

With Canon’s Digic 8 processor driving performance, autofocus proved fast and reliable in our review. Burst rates drop to 4fps with continuous focus, but the AF generally did a solid job of locking on. We also found the buffer to be more generous than expected.

As with most affordable cameras, the Canon EOS RP isn’t without compromise. Besides a lack of sensor-based image stabilization, battery life was underwhelming in testing, while the metering system seemed slightly sensitive. Rolling shutter and a 4K crop also limit its video skills. But if you want full-frame mirrorless shooting on a shoestring budget, it’s hard to argue with the Canon EOS RP’s core performance.

Read our in-depth Canon EOS RP review

The best cheap action camera

The Akaso Brave 7 LE on a wooden surface

(Image credit: Future)

7. Akaso Brave 7 LE

The best cheap action camera you can buy

Specifications

Weight: 127g
Waterproof: IPx7(no case needed), 40M (with case)
4K video: up to 30fps
1080 video: up to 120fps
720 video: up to 240fps
Stills resolution: 20MP
Battery life: 120 mins

Reasons to buy

+
Dual screens
+
Case-free water resistance
+
Class-leading build quality

Reasons to avoid

-
Jumpy electronic stabilization
-
Cheaper options have better 4K
Buy it if:

✅ You want a cheap action camera: A feature-packed 4K camera with two screens, the Akaso Brave 7 LE represents excellent value.

✅ You want reliable build quality: Despite its affordable price, the Akaso Brave 7 LE is a well-built action camera with weather sealing. 

Don't buy it if:

You want the best stabilization: The Akaso’s electronic image stabilization can be jumpy, and doesn’t match up to a GoPro’s abilities.

❌ You want the sharpest 4K footage: 4K video from the Akaso Brave 7 LE is good, but can appear slightly soft compared to rivals.

If you need a cheap action camera, then the Brave 7 LE should certainly make your shortlist. Considering its price tag, it's packed with features including weather-sealing and a front-facing screen that's handy for vloggers. We also found that this action cam's audio was better than any other action cam outside of GoPro, in quieter environments at least.

The Brave 7 LE also has an intuitive touchscreen interface, which is another feature that tends to be overlooked by budget action cams. Downsides? While the video quality is decent at 4K resolution, its slightly soft look doesn't quite match the rest of the action cam's features. The image stabilization also falls short of GoPro standards. But for the price, it's still one of the best all-round action cams you can buy.

The best cheap tough camera

An Olympus TG-6 in front of a white wall

(Image credit: Future)
The best cheap tough camera

Specifications

Type: Compact
Sensor: 12MP
Lens mount: N/A
Monitor: 3.0-inch, 1,040K dots
Viewfinder: N/A
Continuous shooting: 20fps
Movies: 4K/30p
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
 Intuitive to use
+
Raw shooting and 4K video

Reasons to avoid

-
Inconsistent stills quality
-
Small sensor inside
Buy it if:

✅ You want an intuitive rugged camera: Super tough yet easy to operate, the TG-6 is an ideal choice for adventurous novices.

✅ You’d like a compact camera: The Tough TG-6 is conveniently pocketable, yet an internally stacked zoom lens keeps it versatile.

Don't buy it if:

You need the best image quality: Image quality is fair, but a small sensor at the heart of the TG-6 means stills aren’t outstanding.

❌ You mainly shoot in bright conditions: Both the image quality and the LCD display suffer in bright outdoor conditions.

Breaking your camera is one way to make photography an expensive hobby. Investing in a rugged model should cut replacement costs – and the Olympus Tough TG-6 is one of the best tough cameras you can buy. Freeze-proof, shockproof and waterproof: its reassuringly industrial shell is robust enough to survive all manner of extreme scenarios. It’s also an intuitive camera to use: in testing, we found its arge buttons made operation accessible, while an improved 3-inch LCD display ensured good visibility in bright conditions. 

Focusing proved snappy during our review, while an equivalent zoom range of 25-100mm adds welcome versatility, even if a little detail is lost at the telephoto end. Our tests revealed that image quality is decent enough for a 1/2.3-inch sensor, with rich colors – although the TG-6 is prone to overexposure. The older TG-5 is similarly equipped and less expensive, but the TG-6 represents excellent value for adventurous photographers thanks to its significantly sharper screen.

Read our in-depth Olympus Tough TG-6 review

The best cheap compact camera

A Panasonic TZ100 sitting on a bookshelf

(Image credit: Future)
The best cheap compact camera

Specifications

Type: Compact
Sensor: 1-inch CMOS, 20.1MP
Lens mount: N/A
Screen: 3-inch, 1,040K-dot touchscreen
Viewfinder: 0.2-inch, 1,160K-dot EVF
Continuous shooting: 9.9fps
Movies: 4K/30p
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
1-inch sensor
+
10x optical zoom
+
4K video

Reasons to avoid

-
Small electronic viewfinder
-
Fixed screen
Buy it if:

✅ You want a compact travel camera: Pocket-friendly yet equipped with 1-inch sensor and 10x optical zoom, the TZ100 is built for travel.

✅ You value good controls: With plenty of buttons and dials, plus a responsive touchscreen, the TZ100 is an enjoyable camera to use.

Don't buy it if:

You like an articulating display: Unlike many rivals, the Panasonic TZ100 has a fixed display which limits framing flexibility.

❌ You want ergonomic handling: The TZ100 is nice to operate, but its small proportions mean the hand grip isn’t the biggest.

Back in 2017, we called the Panasonic TZ100 “the perfect compact camera.” Although several models have since arrived with superior specs, the TZ100 remains a fantastic option for those looking for an affordable travel camera.

Its metal shell is solid yet small enough to slip into a pocket. The main controls are clustered on the back for easy one-handed control, while function buttons offer the welcome option of customization. The touchscreen is responsive, too.

On the go, we discovered that the TZ100’s 1-inch sensor (larger than most smartphones') delivers vibrant, punchy images with a fair level of detail for an older compact, even in low light. Dynamic range is also decent and noise isn’t generally an issue. The 10x optical zoom will be versatile enough for most, while the option of shooting 4K footage makes simple vlogs an option as well.

Sure, it's not quite as powerful as today’s premium compacts, but the TZ100 is plenty good enough for taking travel snaps to share online and will still surpass most smartphones.

Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix ZS100 / TZ100 review

The best cheap vlogging camera

Panasonic G100

(Image credit: Future)
The best camera for vlogging on a budget

Specifications

Type: Mirrorless
Sensor: Micro Four Thirds, 20.3MP
Lens: Micro Four Thirds
Screen: 3.0-inch articulating, 1,840K dots
Viewfinder: EVF, 3,680K dots
Continuous shooting: 10fps
Movies: 4K
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Compact, travel-friendly design
+
Useful optional tripod grip

Reasons to avoid

-
Smaller sensor than some rivals
-
Video crop when shooting 4K
Buy it if:

✅ You want a versatile vlogging tool: With plenty of video-focused features, including three mics, the G100 is a great choice for vloggers.

✅ You need something lightweight: Built small but powerful, the G100 is a neatly sized smartphone alternative for shooting on the move.

Don't buy it if:

You shoot a lot in low light: The Panasonic G100 does well in a lot of scenarios, but its small sensor struggles with a loss of detail after dark.

❌ You value direct access controls: Its smaller body is convenient, but also means the G100 doesn’t have space for many physical controls.

With a compact design and solid feature set, we think the G100 is an excellent choice for vloggers and YouTubers without a big budget. We found its small size and weight convenient in testing, making the G100 an easy camera to travel with, even if that means sacrificing the direct access controls found on larger alternatives. The G100 also benefits from a wide array of compatible Micro Four Thirds lenses, offering useful versatility.

We were impressed in our review with the video-focused features of the G100, particularly the Nokia Ozo Audio system. This uses three microphones to automatically detect sound from different directions, and it worked very effectively in testing. The quality of footage also proved good on the whole, with great colors and detail. That said, we were disappointed with the smudging of details in low light, and the crop on 4K 30p video.

If you mainly shoot stills, you’ll find better overall value from cameras like the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV. But if you’re looking for a small shooting tool with powerful video features, we think the G100 is a budget winner.

Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix G100 review

The best cheap bridge camera

The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 / FZ82 camera on a sandy beach

(Image credit: Future)
The best cheap super-zoom bridge camera

Specifications

Sensor: 1/2.3-inch CMOS, 18.1MP
Lens: 20-1200mm, f/2.8-5.9
Monitor: 3-inch touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots
Viewfinder: EVF
Maximum continuous shooting rate: 10fps
Movies: 4K
User level: Beginner/enthusiast

Reasons to buy

+
Easy to use
+
Effective image stabilization

Reasons to avoid

-
No eye sensor for EVF
-
Weak high-ISO performance
Buy it if:

✅ You want an easy all-in-one option: Capable yet straightforward to use, the FZ80 / FZ82 is a great entry-level all-rounder.

✅ You need powerful optical zoom: With a huge 20-1200mm zoom range, this is very versatile option for use in a range of scenarios.

Don't buy it if:

You shoot regularly after dark: Noise at the highest ISO settings is high, which means this isn’t the best choice for low-light photography.

❌ You want the best EVF: The viewfinder lacks punch, while low magnification makes it feel as if the image is at the end of a tunnel.

Launched in 2017, the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 (also known as the Lumix FZ82 outside the US) is still one of the most affordable bridge cameras you can buy. It remains a solid choice if zoom reach is your priority: its lens goes from an ultra-wide 20mm all the way to the far reaches of 1200mm. During our review, it proved capable of producing decent image quality – as long as you're aware of its limitations. 

We found it best to shoot no higher than ISO 800, or ISO 1600 in an emergency, so it's best to avoid low light. But in daylight conditions, it's still a very useful companion, particularly at this price – and we found that Panasonic's Power O.I.S. image stabilization kept things nice and stable at longer focal lengths. Sure, the viewfinder could be better, but this remains one of the best cheap bridge cameras around.

Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix FZ80 / FZ82 review

How to choose the best cheap camera for you

How to choose

Buying a budget camera will usually mean accepting a few compromises. A cheaper DSLR might not capture 4K footage, for example, while a more affordable mirrorless model may lack a viewfinder or shoot at lower burst speeds than its costlier competitors. But whichever type of camera you decide to buy, you should consider what and how you like to shoot – and make sure that, at the very least, it ticks the key boxes for your specific needs.

So if you normally shoot stills, a cheap camera’s video skills are less important. Instead of focusing on whether it can capture 4K footage, look for something with a decent sensor and a relatively high resolution (20MP and above). Similarly, if you’re happy framing with an optical viewfinder and using buttons to navigate system menus, you don’t need to worry too much about whether a camera has a sharp touchscreen interface. But it is always worth making sure that a camera’s handling is comfortable and that its physical controls are useful and accessible.

If you’re shopping for an affordable travel camera, your focus should be battery life and zoom versatility. Don’t get too caught up in software tricks or raw shooting. Those are nice extras, but it’s much easier to edit JPEGs when you’re back home than it is to crop in on a faraway subject.

And if you’re planning to buy an interchangeable lens camera, be sure to consider the cost of lenses. A camera body might be cheap, but expensive glass will limit your ability to experiment with different barrels. Look for a camera with a popular lens mount (Micro Four Thirds, for example) to ensure you have maximum flexibility when it comes to buying new glass.

Which camera is best for a low budget?

The list above features a range of cameras to suit photographers with a limited budget. Which option is best for you will depend on what you’ll use your camera for and how versatile you’d like it to be. 

One option is to consider entry-level models like the Nikon D3500. These are designed with new photographers in mind, so they usually feature simple, accessible controls that are easy to get to grips with. To keep costs down, entry-level cameras don’t usually include advanced features or performance, but they should nail the basics. That means solid battery life, great handling, and decent image quality.

You can also consider older mid-range mirrorless cameras. These won’t offer cutting-edge technology, but should still be very capable – especially if you’re upgrading from a smartphone. Previous generations tend to be discounted as newer versions arrive, which means models that are a few years old normally become more affordable. Take a look at the Sony A6000: its price now is a lot lower than when it launched in 2014, yet it still features a 24.3MP sensor, 11fps burst shooting and a capable 179-point autofocus system.

If you’re looking for a cheap travel camera, powerful compacts like the Panasonic TZ100 offer excellent value and versatility, with its 1-inch sensor and 10x optical zoom. Or if it’s an outright bargain you’re after, instant cameras are a cheap, accessible way to have fun with photography. Models like the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 are easy and enjoyable to use, producing immediate prints that make shooting more tactile.

There’s also value to be found in lesser-known names. The Akaso Brave 7 LE, for example, is our favorite cheap action camera. The make might not be famous, but the camera is feature-packed and intuitive, making it the best budget action cam you can buy.

Fujifilm Instax SQ40 camera in reviewer's hands

(Image credit: Future)

How we test cheap cameras

We test cheap cameras in the same way as models with higher price tags: thoroughly. While the value may play a more important role in our overall rankings, the cameras themselves still need to perform in the real world. Putting them through our usual test procedures lets us see which ones outperform their price tags, and which haven't dated so well.

To start with, we look at the camera's design, handling, and controls to get a feel for which kind of photographer it's most suitable for. We then take it out on a shoot, where we'll test its startup speed and use it both handheld and on a tripod.

To assess the camera's performance, we use a formatted SD card and shoot in both raw and JPEG (if available). For burst shooting tests, we dial in our regular test settings (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF) and shoot a series of frames in front of a stopwatch to see if it matches its official speeds. We'll also look at how quickly the buffers clears and repeat the test for both raw and JPEG files.

In various lighting conditions, we also test the camera's different autofocus modes (including Face and Eye AF) in single point, area, and continuous modes. We'll also shoot a mix of photos (portrait, low light, landscape, macro/close-up) in RAW and JPEG to get a feel for the camera's metering accuracy and its sensor's ability to handle noise and resolve fine detail.

Assuming the camera's RAW files are supported by Adobe Camera Raw, we'll also process some test images to see how far we can push areas like shadow recovery. We'll also test its ISO performance across the whole range to get a sense of the levels we'd be happy to push the camera to.

Battery life is tested over the course of a day with the screen set to the default brightness level. Once the battery has hit zero, we'll then count the number of shots to see how it compares to the camera's official CIPA rating. Finally, we test the camera's video skills by shooting some test footage at different frame rates and resolutions, along with its companion app.

We then take everything we've learned about the camera and factor in its price to get a sense of the value for money it offers, before reaching our final verdict.

Timothy Coleman
Cameras editor

Tim is the Cameras editor at TechRadar. He has enjoyed more than 15 years in the photo video industry with most of those in the world of tech journalism. During his time as Deputy Technical Editor with Amateur Photographer, as a freelancer and consequently editor at Tech Radar, Tim has developed a deeply technical knowledge and practical experience with cameras, educating others through news, reviews and features. He’s also worked in video production for Studio 44 with clients including Canon, and volunteers his spare time to consult a non-profit, diverse stories team based in Nairobi. Tim is curious, a keen creative, avid footballer and runner, and moderate flat white drinker who has lived in Kenya and believes we have much to enjoy and learn from each other. 


With contributions from