Even if you’re a big fan of mobile photography, there are probably times when you wish your phone’s camera could do more. Maybe you love to take pictures at live concerts and shows but hate how grainy and washed-out they always look. Perhaps your photos fall short every time you try to capture the beauty of an epic mountain range.
Whatever the case, even the most ardent fans of mobile photography can benefit from having a dedicated camera on hand for when phones just won’t cut it. That said, not everyone has the budget for an expensive DSLR or mirrorless camera—and that’s okay! There are still plenty of great options for those looking to step up their photo game without breaking the bank.
Panasonic Lumix GX85
Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 16MP | Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds | Sensor: Micro Four Thirds | Max video resolution: 4K | Continuous shooting speed: 8 FPS | Display: 3-inch tilting touchscreen, 1,040,000 dots | Suitable for: Beginners
Let’s be honest, If you’re looking for a budget camera, the chances are that it’s your first time buying a new camera. The Panasonic Lumix GX85 is not only a great first camera but also an excellent choice for enthusiasts and professionals.
It has all the features a budget camera needs, such as easy-to-use controls and an electronic viewfinder (a must-have feature if you plan to use manual settings). It has good automatic modes and great photo processing capabilities. This is available at a very low price point compared with other options on this list!
The GX85 is also extremely comfortable to shoot with, and it has a fantastic image sensor that produces high-quality photos in all lighting conditions. Additionally, it can shoot amazing 4K videos if you are into videography. There is a good variety of lenses available, plus its fixed lens can get you started for cheap, which means it’ll be easy to grow into as your photographic needs evolve.
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W830
Type: Compact | Megapixels: 20MP | Sensor: CCD | Max video resolution: 720p HD | Continuous shooting speed: 1 FPS | Display: 2.7-inch LCD, 230,000 dots | Suitable for: Beginners
If you’re looking for a compact camera that won’t break the bank, but still offers advanced features and decent photo quality, then the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W830 is worth considering.
This 20-megapixel camera has a 2.7-inch LCD screen and 8x optical zoom capabilities, which means you can take great pictures from afar with great levels of detail without having to crop them. Compared with other cameras, there are rarely any complaints about this model from owners who have used it extensively over time. Most users find that it takes great photos with minimal effort.
Sony Alpha A6000
Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 24.3MP | Lens Mount: Sony E-mount | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Max video resolution: Full HD | Continuous shooting speed: 11 FPS | Display: 3-inch tilting, 921,600 dots | Suitable for: Beginners and enthusiasts
The Sony Alpha A6000 might be a bit on the older side but it is still a great choice for those looking for a camera that can do it all. It’s got a 24.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor, ISO 100-25600 sensitivity range, 3-inch LCD screen, and compatibility with E-mount lenses. You can use your old film SLR lenses with this camera if you have any lying around (even better if they are vintage!).
The APS-C sensor produces high-quality images with very little noise, even at higher ISOs, while its 24MP resolution ensures that you’re capturing excellent levels of detail. The combination of these two things means that this camera can produce superb results even in low light conditions without flash. If you’re looking for a camera that always delivers, whether it is light or dark, then this is for you.
The Sony Alpha A6000 also has 5-axis SteadyShot image stabilization, which helps prevent blurry images. You won’t see any distortion in your photos or videos since there are no lenses involved, just pure optical clarity from the lens itself!
At just 45mm thick with a weight of just 0.63 lbs, the A6000 can easily fit into any bag or even your pocket. It’s about half the size and weight of its predecessor, the A550, you’ll never have to worry about getting tired from lugging around too much gear. It might be old, but it was expensive and considered at the top of its category when this camera was released. Now you can find a great bargain on it on Amazon.