cameraupick

Best Budget Camera Under $800 (2026)

Contrary to popular belief, you don't need $3,000 to take professional photos. These cameras offer 90% of the image quality for 20% of the price.

Budget camera setup on desk

At a Glance: Top 3 Picks

Model Type Resolution Lens Mount Price
Canon EOS R100 DSLR Style 24MP APS-C RF-S Check Price
Sony ZV-E10 Compact 24MP APS-C E-Mount Check Price
Panasonic Lumix G100D Micro 4/3 20MP M4/3 M4/3 Check Price
💰 Cheapest Option Canon EOS R100

Canon EOS R100

This is currently the cheapest mirrorless camera on the market that includes a viewfinder. It strips away fancy features like touch screens and flip-out displays to focus purely on image quality.

It uses the same 24MP sensor found in much more expensive Canon cameras, meaning your photos will look identical to those from a $1,000 body. Ideally suited for students who strictly want to learn photography.

Sensor 24MP APS-C
Screen Fixed (Non-Touch)
AF Eye Detection
Weight 356g
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Pros

  • Incredible image quality for the price
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Includes an electronic viewfinder (EVF)
  • Great Canon colors

Cons

  • Screen is fixed and not a touchscreen
  • 4K video has a heavy crop & bad autofocus
  • Uses older, slower technology
🏆 Value King Sony ZV-E10

Sony ZV-E10

Even with a successor out, the original ZV-E10 remains the king of value. You get 4K video, a fully articulating screen, a headphone jack, and microphone input—features usually reserved for $1,000+ cameras.

The autofocus is still miles ahead of competitors in this price bracket. It tracks eyes and faces reliably, making it the perfect budget hybrid for YouTubers who also take photos.

Sensor 24MP APS-C
Video 4K30 (Uncropped)
Lens Sony E-Mount
Mic 3-Capsule (Good)
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Pros

  • Access to affordable Sigma/Tamron lenses
  • Fully flip-out screen for selfies/vlogging
  • Reliable face/eye autofocus
  • Headphone and Mic ports included

Cons

  • No viewfinder (screen only)
  • Rolling shutter (jello effect) in 4K
  • Menus are the older, confusing style
📸 Tiny Hybrid Panasonic Lumix G100D

Panasonic Lumix G100D

The G100D is a tiny camera with a big heart. It uses the smaller Micro Four Thirds sensor, which allows the camera and lenses to be incredibly portable. It has a beautiful, bright electronic viewfinder—something the Sony ZV-E10 lacks.

It features Nokia OZO audio tracking which focuses audio on whoever is speaking. It's a fantastic, often overlooked option for travel vlogging on a shoestring budget.

Sensor 20MP M4/3
Viewfinder High Res OLED
Audio Nokia OZO
Charge USB-C
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Pros

  • Excellent viewfinder for bright days
  • Huge selection of cheap used lenses
  • Advanced audio features built-in
  • USB-C charging (updated model)

Cons

  • Heavy crop in 4K video
  • Autofocus pulses (hunting) in video
  • Smaller sensor than APS-C rivals

Budget Buying Advice

Buy Used to Save 30%

Cameras are durable. Buying a used "Like New" body from reputable dealers like MPB or KEH is the smartest way to stretch your budget.

Kit Lens is Fine

Don't stress about expensive lenses yet. The 18-50mm (or similar) kit lens that comes with these cameras is perfect for learning the basics.