Cheap, Budget, Bargain, Best Deal Camera Recommendations for 2024
What is the Best Cheap/Bargain/Deal Camera?
As a generalization, the above list is sorted in ascending performance, features, and price sequence.
You may have noticed that all DSLR camera models have dropped off the top cameras list. Canon is focusing on mirrorless models, they are outstanding performers, and it is time to move to the mirrorless line-up for all new camera purchases, including the low-budget choices.
What are the important camera features for a cheap, bargain, budget, great deal camera?
That question is easy to answer. The primary feature a cheap or budget camera requres is a low price. Of course, a bargain camera provides a lot of value for the cost, making it a great deal.
The reasons for wanting a cheap camera vary:
- Some can only afford a small amount.
- Some do not use a camera enough to justify spending a larger amount.
- Some do not want to be concerned about the camera's safety, including theft, misplacement, use by kids, etc.
- Even professionals want cheap cameras sometimes, such as when one (or many) are likely to be sacrificed while capturing a high-risk photo.
- A cheap camera can make a good backup camera option.
- Higher end camera models have more features, but if you will never make use of those features, even as you grow in your photography skills, those features hold no value and can even complicate use of the camera.
- Those undecided about their level of interest in photographer may be looking for a cheap starter camera until they decide how important photography is to them and what features they need.
Despite finding yourself interested in a camera in this category, you still want a great image quality. Fortunately, even Canon's lowest-end camera models easily satisfy that requirement.
Before I go over the list of cheap Canon cameras, I'll share a list of tips on getting the best deal on a Canon camera.
- The best Canon camera deals are the Canon USA refurbished models, featuring as-new condition and as-new warranty. Browse the Canon USA Store refurbished camera and refurbished lens inventory. Sort by price descending to bring the cheapest cameras to the top. I regularly buy refurbished Canon cameras and lenses and have always been pleased with that decision. For the ultimate camera deals, watch our news page/feed for Canon refurbished sales.
- If you don't need the latest and greatest features, buying one or two models back within a product line is a good money-saving tactic. The new models are always improved, but we have had great cameras for many years. Camera technology has matured enough that even two-generation-old cameras are still highly capable.
- Perhaps the easiest cheap camera purchasing tactic is to simply buy the camera with the lowest price. Search for Canon EOS Camera at our favorite retailer, and order the results by low price (select the digital camera category to remove the accessory distractions).
- Buying used is another way to get a cheap camera. I don't often recommend buying cameras used, primarily because you don't know the camera's history, and mistreatment, including impact, can be hard to detect. Buying used gear through B&H, KEH, Adorama, or MPB is least risky, especially with a warranty provided.
Cheap Canon Camera Recommendations
Ultra-Low Price, Compact, Lightweight, Good AF System, Excellent APS-C Image Quality
The R100 arrived soon after the R50, bringing us a new low in terms of price. While features were sacrificed to get that price, the R100 is still a competent camera with a solid feature set. As with the R50, serious amateur and professional photographers will find this camera's reduced control set limiting, but the tiny, lightweight Canon EOS R100 features a good AF system and excellent image quality at an affordable price. There is a lot to like about this camera.
Bottom-of-the-Line Price, Compact, Lightweight, Oustanding AF System, Impressive APS-C Image Quality
While serious amateur and professional photographers will find this camera's reduced control set limiting, the tiny, lightweight Canon EOS R50 features outstanding AF performance and excellent image quality at an affordable price. There is a lot to like about this camera.
Compact, Lightweight, Affordable, High-Performance AF System, Fast Frame Rate, Great Image Quality
The R10 was the other first APS-C model in the Canon EOS R-series lineup. While it is a highly capable camera, the R10 is compact, lightweight, and affordable.
Despite those characteristics, the R10 features an outstanding AF system, a very fast frame rate, and high resolution, three features typically omitted from lower-priced cameras.
4. Canon EOS R8
Compact, Lightweight, Great Value, Same Full-Frame Imaging Sensor as EOS R6 II, Oustanding AF System
In the R8, Canon gives us high-end camera features and functionality in a compact, lightweight, low-priced camera.
The R8's imaging sensor, powerful DIGIC X processor, and impressive AF functionality and algorithms were inherited from the not-much-older, much-higher-priced EOS R6 Mark II. While the 24.2 MP resolution is not as high as the older EOS RP's 26.2 MP spec or the R's 30.3 MP spec, the imaging sensor technology improvements enable the R8 to, impressively, out resolve both of these models.
While the R8 does not provide as many controls and features, including in-body image stabilization and dual memory card slots, as its higher-priced alternatives, it has other advantages. The R8's small size and light weight are highly appealing, making this camera attractive even for those with higher budgets, including professionals requiring an easy-to-take-along backup or even as a first-choice model in some cases.
Even beginners will create outstanding images when using the R8 as a point-and-shoot model. The Canon EOS R8 is a great choice for travel, hiking or other carry-all-day needs – and the adequately-sized, comfortable grip supports this use.
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