If you’re looking for the Best Cheap Cameras you can buy in (Summer) 2022, which is affordable, high quality and better performance, then you’re in the right place. In this guide, I have listed down the Best Cheap Cameras in 2022.
We made this list based on our own opinion, research, and customer reviews. We’ve considered their quality, features, and values when narrowing down the best choices possible.
The Best Cheap Cameras you can buy today.
So, here are the Best Cheap Cameras of 2022. If you want more information and updated pricing on the products mentioned, be sure to check the links in each product we mentioned.
1. Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D
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The best cheap DSLR camera that we’ve tested is the Canon EOS Rebel T7 / EOS 2000D. It’s a simple, entry-level DSLR with a mostly plastic construction that feels fairly comfortable to use and has a great, easy-to-navigate menu system. However, its screen is fixed and lacks touch-capability. Still, there’s a guide mode to explain certain features and settings to novice users. Like all DSLRs, it has an optical viewfinder that gives you an unfiltered view of your subjects.
This camera uses a 24.1-megapixel sensor that delivers very good overall image quality. Photos look sharp and detailed at moderately high ISO levels, though its RAW noise handling capability is just passable, in part due to its APS-C sensor, which can handle some low-light situations but introduces visual noise at higher ISOs. While it doesn’t have any in-body image stabilization, the camera does a great job stabilizing photos when shooting at slower shutter speeds without a tripod when you have its kit lens attached.
Pros
- Very good image quality.
- Decently comfortable ergonomics.
Cons
- Short battery life.
- Cheap-feeling, slightly bulky construction.
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2. Canon PowerShot SX740
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If you’re looking for a simpler point-and-shoot camera, the best budget camera that we’ve tested in the compact category is the Canon PowerShot SX740. It’s incredibly compact and portable, and while it may not be the most comfortable to use for people with larger hands, it has a small textured bump on the front of its body and back thumb rest to help you maintain a secure hold. Its screen can also tilt out to help you shoot at lower angles or take selfies.
Its built-in lens has a 40x zoom range (960mm full-frame equivalent focal length), so you can zoom in on far-away subjects. It takes decent-quality photos with a ton of dynamic range, although sharpness declines significantly as you raise the ISO due in part to its small 1/2.3-inch sensor, so it’s not well-suited to low light conditions. Its lens also has optical image stabilization and does a great job of steady handheld shots.
Pros
- Portable design with decent build quality.
- JPEG images look pretty good at low ISO settings.
Cons
- Not very comfortable to hold.
- Poor battery life.
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3. AKASO V50X
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If you’re looking for an action camera, the best cheap camera we’ve tested for action video is the AKASO V50X. It’s incredibly portable and easy to mount with several mounting accessories in the box. The camera itself feels decently put-together, but it also comes with a protective case that renders it waterproof to an advertised depth of 131 ft (40 m).
Its menu system is easy to navigate, and you can connect the camera to your smartphone through AKASO’s companion app, which lets you preview footage and control the camera remotely. The camera has a good battery life, lasting for approximately 90 minutes of continuous recording on a full charge, though battery life can also vary with settings and usage. It has a fantastic video stabilization feature that effectively smooths out camera shake, albeit with a bit of a crop.
Pros
- Compact design with sturdy outer case.
- Excellent video stabilization performance.
Cons
- No autofocus system.
- Middling video quality in FHD and 4k.
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4. Panasonic LUMIX FZ80
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The Panasonic FZ80 is the best camera under $300 that we’ve tested. This affordable bridge camera provides a comfortable DSLR-like shooting experience with the convenience of having a built-in lens. It has a built-in DC Vario superzoom lens with a 20-1200mm full-frame equivalent focal length, giving you a ton of flexibility to take a range of different photos, from landscape shots to wildlife photography.
The camera has optical image stabilization, which does a good job of reducing camera shake when shooting handheld. Its autofocus system does a fantastic job of keeping moving objects in focus, although it struggles when it comes to face tracking. Still, if you want to take clear shots of fast-moving objects, it has a quick 11 fps burst rate and has a unique ‘4k PHOTO’ mode that pulls still frames from short clips of 4k 30 fps video.
Pros
- Huge 60x zoom range.
- Fast autofocus.
- 10fps Raw capture.
- 30fps 4K Photo capture.
- Touch LCD.
- Sharp EVF.
- Wi-Fi.
Cons
- No EVF eye sensor.
- Fixed rear LCD.
- Limited Raw buffer.
- Omits 24fps video capture.
- Telephoto video shows wobble effect.