Best budget cameras: ultra-affordable cameras that still take great pictures | 2026

The best budget cameras will allow you to capture memorable, exciting images and videos without breaking the bank. We know that in times of increased cost of living, it can feel hard to justify spending money on your hobbies. And so, we’ve put together this list of the cameras that we feel offer amazing bang for buck.

Our list includes a mix of mirrorless cameras, DSLRs and compacts from major manufacturers. We’ve included cameras as cheap as £30, and some that will cost a few hundred with a lens, so there should be something for every budget. Many of the cameras on our list are quite specialised, so it's worth thinking about what you want to shoot when making your decision – is waterproofing important to you, for instance, or do you prefer the idea of a long zoom lens?

While you won’t find the top-end best mirrorless cameras on this list, you will find a selection of cameras that will work brilliantly for beginners, families, or just anyone who wants to take great pictures on a budget.

Best budget compact camera

Just when we all thought the cheap point-and-shoot was gone, never to return, Kodak introduced the PixPro range of amazingly affordable cameras that are perfect for budget-friendly holidays and family fun. With a 16MP sensor and 4x optical zoom lens, it’s a fairly basic proposition, but the Kodak Pixpro FZ45 is an easy-to-use and dependable camera that’s light enough to carry everywhere with you. At its widest setting, the lens produces an equivalent focal length of 27mm, making it great for wide group shots that fit everybody in the frame.

The PixPro FZ45 is powered by AA or NiMH batteries, and features a USB port for transferring images (bear in mind that it’s micro USB not USB-C, so you might have to dig out an older cable). It has face-detection functionality and a few different scene modes for use in different shooting situations.

Best budget mirrorless camera

This is one of the cheapest beginner mirrorless cameras you can buy, and it provides you with a gateway into the magnificent Canon EOS R system. The EOS R100 is essentially a replacement for the old entry-level DSLRs like the EOS 250D (though one of these is still going strong, as you’ll see shortly). It’s a simple mirrorless camera that does everything you need it to, with a 24.1MP APS-C sensor that produces excellent image quality.

There are also a few features here you might not expect to see on such a cheap camera, most notably the sophisticated autofocus system with face tracking and eye detection. Video can be recorded in 4K, though this does come with a significant 1.55x crop, and you can’t take advantage of the Dual Pixel Autofocus system while shooting it. While the EOS R100 doesn’t have built-in stabilisation, the RF-S 18-45mm lens in this package

Best budget keychain camera

The Kodak Charmera is a viral sensation. A keychain-style camera that's about the size of a USB pen (if you remember those), this little device captures 1.6MP stills and short 1440 × 1080 clips at 30 fps, and exploded in popularity among fans of retro image-making. Its image quality is not about to trouble the best mirrorless cameras, but here, the graininess and low resolution are the point. The Kodak Charmera is all about fun, vibes, and not taking your shooting too seriously. Simple to use, it's great for adults and kids alike.

The design of the Charmera is based on the 1987 Kodak Fling. It's available in a number of different retro-styled colourways, and interestingly, it comes in a 'blind box', meaning that you don't know which variant you've got until you open it up. At 30g, it's small and light enough to attach to your keyring and take everywhere with you, meaning you'll always have a tool at your disposal for bringing the retro imaging vibes.

Best budget waterproof camera

Tough compacts are the ideal choice for holidays and travel photography, pairing great image quality with rugged, waterproof bodies. The Pentax WG-1000 can be taken down to underwater depths of 15m or dropped from 2.1m height onto its shockproof casing, and will still keep on trucking and snapping great images. With a 4x optical zoom, it gives you plenty of compositional flexibility, and there are a number of picture styles available to give your images specific colourful looks. The battery life is generous too, with the WG-1000 rated to give you up to an hour of underwater shooting. It can be quickly topped up during breaks via the USB-C port as well.

It uses a smaller 1/2.3-inch sensor — a similar size to the ones found in smartphones — so you can expect fairly similar image quality to that which you’d get from a phone.

Best budget action camera

Even though the DJI Osmo Action range has since expanded to include the Osmo Action 5 and Osmo Action 6, the manufacturer keeps its older models in circulation at discount prices, and as such, you can pick up the Osmo Action 4 at an absolute steal of a price. Tiny and waterproof, capable of capturing great-looking 4K video at up to 120p, the Osmo Action 4 is the perfect companion for recording your intrepid adventures.

This affordable edition also isn't just the camera, but a full kit that includes accessories such as a protective frame, a quick-release adapter mount, a lens hood and more, making you completely kitted out for capturing professional-looking footage. The Osmo Action 4 also records in 10-bit and D-Log M for accurate colour performance, providing maximum latitude in the colour grade, and supports external microphones to improve audio. Unlike later DJI Osmo cameras, it doesn't feature internal memory, but takes microSD cards for storage.

Best budget DSLR

Expanding Canon’s range of budget-friendly, entry-level DSLRs, the EOS 2000D is a pleasingly comprehensive entry that doesn’t skimp on quality despite its low price point. It’s equipped with a 24.1-megapixel APS-C sensor that produces fantastic images, rich in detail and colour, and it has all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a modern camera – connectivity options such as Wi-Fi, 3fps burst shooting, fast autofocus and more.

It’s definitely designed with the new user in mind, featuring a selection of guide modes and tutorials designed to help anyone get up to speed with using it as quickly as possible. Images come out looking just as good as you remember seeing them, and for the budding filmmakers, it’s also possible to shoot Full HD movies on the EOS 2000D, making it an extremely solid all-rounder.

Alternative budget DSLR

Entry-level DSLRs are getting to be in shorter and shorter supply these days as manufacturers have shifted their focus over to their mirrorless lines. However, Pentax is still going strong with its DSLRs, and the Pentax KF is an ideal way to get on board with this unashamedly old-school system. Producing brilliant images with its 24MP sensor, the Pentax KF also performs very well indeed at high sensitivities, making its upper ISO settings genuinely useable. This combines well with the built-in Shake Reduction (SR) system that allows you to use slower shutter speeds handheld, further expanding opportunities in low light.

Bear in mind that the list price here doesn’t include a lens, so you’ll need to factor that into your budget (looking at used lenses can be a great place to start). Also, while the KF takes great photos, it’s not as strong with video, and if video is a priority for you then you can definitely get more for your money with a mirrorless camera.

FAQs

What features should I look for in a budget camera for beginners?

When choosing a budget camera for beginners, there are several key features to look for. You will want a camera with at least 16 megapixels, user-friendly interfaces and automatic modes, lightweight and compact design, Full HD (1080p) video capabilities, and connectivity options like Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for easy sharing of photos to your devices and social media.

What is the best budget camera for beginners under £500?

The best budget cameras for beginners under £500 should offer a good balance of image quality, ease of use, and additional features such as video capabilities and connectivity. Look for well-reviewed models that meet these criteria to ensure you get the most value for your money. 

Is it better to start with a DSLR or a mirrorless camera as a beginner?

Both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras have their pros and cons. Ultimately, the choice depends on your preferences and intended use. Mirrorless cameras are popular due to their advanced features and portability, and arguably the future of photography. However, DSLRs remain a solid choice for beginners and many professionals swear by them.

Can I take professional-quality photos with a budget camera?

Yes, if you are dedicated to learning the basics of photography and applying yourself, you can easily take professional-quality photos with a budget camera. 

Are used or refurbished cameras a good option for beginners on a budget?

Yes, used or refurbished cameras can be an excellent option for beginners on a budget. You’ll save money and if you buy from our large selection of used equipment, they come with a 12-month warranty.

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