Cheap camera deals in 2019
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The best cheap DSLR cameras
The best cheap mirrorless cameras
The best cheap compact cameras
Looking for a cheap DSLR camera or a great mirrorless camera deal? You're in luck: we have a ton of great camera offers here for anyone who doesn't want to pay full whack.
Even though you are looking for something of a bargain, the best cheap cameras are now so advanced that you don't have to pay through the nose, anyway.
To help you decide which camera is best for you, we've pulled together our best DSLR deals, favorite compacts and more affordable mirrorless cameras into one handy list that will cater to all your photographic needs – and you'll find today's best camera deals on each model below.
Of course, just because it's easy to buy a cheap camera doesn't mean there's no point in buying the best camera that you can afford. There are many good reasons to do so. But if you just need something that will give you all the essentials – that's capable, reliable and able to produce fantastic images – without breaking the bank, you're in the right place.
Whether you just want a budget camera to slip into your pocket, or something that will allow you to access a world of lenses and camera accessories to take your photography in new directions, read on for our pick of the best cheap cameras – and see the best camera deals for each one, too.
The best cheap DSLR camera deals
1. Nikon D3500
Nikon's newest beginner DSLR delivers brilliant results
Type: DSLR | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Lens mount: Nikon DX | Screen: 3in fixed, 921K dots | Continuous shooting speed: 5fps | Max video resolution: 1080p | User level: Beginner/enthusiast
The entry-level model in Nikon's DSLR range looks a lot like the previous Nikon D3400 before it, but subtle design tweaks have produced improved on a winning formula to produce a camera that's small and light, yet comfortable to grip. It's an entry-level model but it has a 24.2MP sensor as good as those in cameras at twice the price, and it offers a very good 5fps continuous shooting speed for a beginners camera. The Guide mode will help beginners get started and understand the basic principles, and the D3500 has all the manual controls you need to learn about photography as you improve your skills. The cheapest deals include a non-VR kit lens but we'd recommend paying that little bit extra for the VR version of the 18-55mm standard zoom.
Read more: The best Nikon lenses right now
2. Canon EOS Rebel SL2 / EOS 200D
A flip-out LCD, Dual Pixel CMOS AF and excellent connectivity make the EOS 200D a winner
Type: DSLR | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Lens mount: Canon EF-S | Screen: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040,000K dots | Viewfinder: Yes, optical | Continuous shooting: 5fps | Movies: Full HD (1080p) | User level: Beginner
The EOS Rebel SL2, also known as the EOS 200D, isn't Canon's most junior DSLR proposition, but we think it's worth the extra over the ultra-cheap EOS Rebel T100 / EOS 4000D because it provides novice users with some of the company's latest technological goodies. These include the excellent Dual Pixel CMOS AF system, which delivers mirrorless-like autofocus performance in live view and effective adherence in movies, as well as the latest DIGIC 7 processing engine and the full Wi-Fi, NFC and Bluetooth triplet of wireless connectivity options. 5fps burst shooting is decent, and the option to attach a microphone boosts its Full HD video capabilities, while compatibility with decades worth of quality Canon lenses only further enhances its appeal. The only significant area where the camera is a little behind is with its 9-point AF system; if you want something a little more capable here, the older EOS 750D model or Nikon's 39-point D5300 alternative would be worth considering.
Update: The Canon EOS 250D / Rebel SL3 has been announced, so with this arriving in the shops soon the price of the EOS 200D / SL2 has become more of a deal.
Read more: Canon EOS 200D review
Canon EOS Rebel T100 / EOS 4000D
There is no cheaper way into DSLR photography than this!
Type: DSLR | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 18MP | Lens mount: Canon EF-S | Screen: 2.7-inch, 230,000K dots | Viewfinder: Yes, optical | Continuous shooting: 3fps | Movies: Full HD (1080p) | User level: Beginner
Canon has deliberately designed the EOS 4000D down to a price, even to the point of using a single paint colour for all the buttons, integrating the power switch into the mode dial and using a plastic lens mounting plate. It uses Canon's old 18-megapixel sensor rather than one of its newer 24MP sensors, while the kit lens is quite basic and lacks both stabilisation and quiet USM autofocus. And yet the EOS 4000D takes decent pictures and is a ludicrously cheap route into DSLR photography. And if you do get bitten by the camera bug, you'll already have a foothold in the huge Canon camera range and accessory system.
The best cheap mirrorless camera deals
4. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
This handsome OM-D model marries masses of features with plenty of physical control
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds | Megapixels: 16.1MP | Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds | Screen: 3in tilting, 1.04million dots | Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36million dots | Max burst speed: 8.5fps | Max video resolution: Full HD (1080p) | User level: Beginner/enthusiast
Another example of a camera that's a little older and now great value because of it, the OM-D EM-10 Mark II has an admittedly ageing 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, but on top of this it boasts a 2.36million-dot EVF, a tilting touchscreen, a very effective five-axis image stabilisation system, Wi-Fi and an 8.5fps burst-shooting mode. 4K video doesn't feature, but you do get a 4K time-lapse function that lets you output images captured over an extended period of time as 4K-quality time-lapse video, and the Full HD recording to 60p offered is at least the next best thing. Definitely a camera that's designed for those who want far more than just point-and-shoot control, the body is laden with buttons and switches, and you can customise these external controls to a high degree. Furthermore, an exhaustive range of Micro Four Thirds lenses makes it unlikely that the lens you need doesn't exist. Like what you see but want something a little more powerful? The more recent OM-D E-M10 Mark III is also one to check out.
Read more: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II vs OM-D E-M10 Mark III: Specs compared
5. Sony A6000
For its entry-level asking price, the A6000 packs a raft of mid-range features
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.3MP | Lens mount: Sony E-mount | Screen: 3in tilting, 921,600 dots | Viewfinder: Electronic, 0.39-inch, 1,440,000 dots | Max burst speed: 11fps | Max video resolution: Full HD (1080p) | User level: Enthusiast
For a long time it was the Sony A5100 that made more sense for the cash-strapped beginner looking to get to grips with mirrorless shooting, but as the A6000 has steadily dropped in price, it's now the clear favourite. Much like its RX100 compact camera, Sony has kept this in its mirrorless line up for some time, and it continues to offer a very solid set of specs against other models in in the same price bracket. Highlights include a 24.3MP APS-C sensor, 11fps burst option, Wi-Fi with NFC and a tilting LCD screen on the back, but its the excellent 179-point phase-detect AF system and 2.36million-dot EVF that really show it to be a camera willing to perform to a standard beyond expectations at this level. There is a much newer Sony A6400, but it's also much more expensive.
Read more: The best Sony lenses right now
6. Panasonic Lumix GX850 / GX800
4K video and a 180º touchscreen make the budget GX800 stand out
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds | Megapixels: 16MP | Lens mount: Micro Four Thirds | Screen: 3in tilting touchscreen, 1,037,000 dots | Continuous shooting speed: 10fps | Max video resolution: 4K | User level: Beginner/enthusiast
It's one of the cheapest Micro Four Thirds cameras you can buy right now, but with 4K video and a tilting, selfie-friendly touchscreen on board, it trounces many competitors straight away. There's lots to love elsewhere too, from the Depth From Defocus (DFD) AF system and built-in Wi-Fi, to the ability to extract 8MP stills from 4K video footage. The 5fps burst-shooting mode is respectable too, and while the the 210-shot battery is a little on the low side – no doubt a concession made to get the camera so small – you can at least usefully charge it up via its USB port. Overall, a unique, well-priced proposition for the first-time mirrorless user looking to travel light.
Read more: The best Micro Four Thirds lenses for Panasonic and Olympus cameras
The best cheap compact camera deals
7. Canon PowerShot SX620 HS
A whole lot of zoom and a handful of extra sweeteners for a very reasonable asking price
Type: Superzoom compact | Sensor: 1/2.3in | Megapixels: 20.2MP | Lens: 25-625 (equiv.) f/3.2-6.3 | Screen: 3in fixed LCD, 922k dots | Viewfinder: No | Max burst speed: 2.5fps | Max video resolution: Full HD (1080p) | User level: Beginner
Most manufacturers have shifted their focus to the top end of the compact market, which means there's not as much choice as there used to be here. Nevertheless, Canon's 20.2MP PowerShot SX620 HS stands out. While many other cameras at this level are fairly pedestrian in what they offer, the PowerShot SX620 HS's big draw is its 25x optical zoom, which offers a focal range equivalent to 25-625mm in 35mm terms – and this is, thankfully, bolstered by Canon's Intelligent Image Stabiliser to make this a great low-cost travel camera. The spec sheet is rounded off with Full HD video, a 3in LCD screen that has a very respectable 922k-dot resolution and both Wi-Fi and NFC. Sure, it'd be nice to have a touchscreen and a more recent processing engine, but these are far from essential on such a camera.
Read more: Are the best compacts as good as DSLRs and mirrorless cameras?
8. Panasonic Lumix ZS50 / TZ70
With a 30x optical zoom and a built-in EVF, the ZS50 is ideal for travels and holidays
Type: Superzoom compact | Sensor: 1/2.3in | Megapixels: 12.1MP | Lens: 24-720mm f/3.3-6.4 | Screen: 3in fixed LCD, 1.04million dots | Viewfinder: EVF, 1.116million dots | Max burst speed: 10fps | Max video resolution: Full HD | User level: Beginner
If you have a slightly more accommodating budget, the Panasonic ZS50, also known as the TZ70, is well worth considering over the Canon above. Not only do you get the advantage of a broader zoom range that ends at a mammoth 720mm (35mm-equivalent) setting, but you also benefit from a built-in electronic viewfinder – very useful in harsh light. Panasonic has even provided focus peaking for precision when manually focusing and time-lapse video option, and even Raw shooting (although this is arguably less significant on a camera with such a small sensor). On that subject, don't let the sensor's 12.1MP pixel count throw you off; Panasonic deliberately reduced this from the 18.1MP TZ60 that came before it for the benefit of image quality in low light. Full HD video recording to 60p, effective Hybrid O.I.S. image stabilisation and both Wi-Fi and NFC on top of all this make the SZ50 unquestionably brilliant value for money and another great camera for travel.
9. Sony RX100
If you don't need the latest tricks, Sony's first 1in-sensor RX100 model should make your shortlist
Type: Compact | Sensor: 1in | Megapixels: 20.1MP | Lens: 24-70mm (equiv.) f/1.8-2.8 | Screen: 3in fixed, 1.228million dots | Viewfinder: No | Max burst speed: 5fps | Max video resolution: Full HD (1080p) | User level: Enthusiast
Sony's original RX100 was released all the way back in 2012, but the fact that you can still pick one up brand new says a lot. Blending a 20.1MP 1in-type sensor with a 28-100mm f/1.8-4.9 lens inside a tiny body, this was the camera that very much raised the standard for such models. The series has since welcomed four further iterations, and these have all been very well received, but in terms of value for money the original model is still difficult to argue with. Sure, its age means it misses out on a few newer technologies, but you get Steady-Shot image stabilisation, 10fps burst shooting, Full HD video to 60p and a control ring around the lens for more immediate changes to key settings. Do note that there are currently six different generations of RX100 family currently on sale - but it is this one that is the bargain of the family.
10. Panasonic FZ1000
With a 1in sensor, a wide-aperture superzoom lens and 4K video, the FZ1000 is an absolute bargain
Type: Supzerzoom compact | Sensor: 1in type | Megapixels: 20.1MP | Lens: 25-400mm (equiv.) f/2.8-4 | Viewfinder: EVF, 2.36million dots | LCD: 3in vari-angle LCD, 921k dots | Max burst speed: 12fps (50fps in SH mode) | Movies: 4K and Full HD | User level: Enthusiast
One of the pricier cameras on this list, but the FZ1000 offers such superb value for money that it simply can't be omitted. On top of the very solid foundation of a 20.1MP 1in sensor and a 25-400mm f/2.8-4 Leica-branded optic, Panasonic has gifted the camera with Power O.I.S. image stabilisation, Raw file capture, 12fps burst shooting and both Wi-Fi and NFC. Videos are captured in both 4K and Full HD quality, with a 120fps setting in Full HD for slow-motion output, together with advanced options such as zebra patterning and even a 3.5mm mic port, while a 2.36million-dot electronic viewfinder is partnered with a fully-articulated 3in LCD. Can you find another camera that can provide all of that for the same money? Nope!
Here are some other great deals we've spotted right now.
The best US camera deals right now
Canon EOS Rebel T6 EF-S 18-55mm + EF 75-300mm Double Zoom Kit : $399 (was $749.99)
This is a great beginner's DSLR - and it is currently being sold in a tremendous deal that gives you a fantastic dual zoom kit. This kit at Walmart includes two zoom lenses and a carry case – great if you want to cover all eventualities without emptying your bank account. Get it here
Deal subject to availabilityView Deal
Canon PowerShot SX420 IS - Save $100, now just $199 - This 20MP bridge camera boasts a whopping 24-1008mm (35mm equiv.) focal range, HD video and Wi-Fi connectivity among other things. A great-value all-in-one that would be particularly ideal for the first-time user. Deal hereView Deal
The best UK camera deals right now
Nikon D3500 with 18-55mm VR zoom - £349
The latest of a long-line of D3*** series DSLRs - and one of our favorite recommendations to anyone wanting to take up photography seriously. A great camera, that taps into the huge NIkon DSLR system of lenses and accessories. This is a great price for a camera to get you going on your photographic journeyView Deal
Fujifilm X-T20 with 15-45mm zoom - £649
This has been superceded recently by the X-T30, but this does mean that the X-T20 is now very pleasingly priced. This is a great little mirrorless camera, and just the sort of camera for those who want to be serious about their photography – and travel light
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