The 10 Best Cameras Under $1000 in 2023

Hello, fellow photography enthusiasts! As a professional photographer, I know that finding the perfect camera can be a daunting task, especially if you’re on a budget. But worry not! I’ve done the research for you and compiled a list of the top 10 best cameras under $1000. Whether you’re a beginner just starting your photography journey or an experienced pro looking for an affordable backup, these cameras offer fantastic features and image quality without breaking the bank.

Top 10 Best Cameras Under $1000

1. Canon EOS M50

• 24.1MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus
• Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD
• 4K Video Recording

The Canon EOS M50 is a compact mirrorless camera that offers impressive image quality and autofocus capabilities. The Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus ensures fast and accurate focusing, while the vari-angle touchscreen LCD makes it easy to shoot from various angles. With 4K video recording capabilities, this camera is perfect for those looking to explore both photography and videography.

Pros:

• Dual Pixel CMOS Autofocus: Fast and accurate focusing for both stills and video.
• Vari-angle Touchscreen LCD: Allows for easy shooting from various angles and improves overall usability.
• 4K Video Recording: Capture high-quality videos for versatile content creation.

Cons:

• 4K Video Crop: 4K video recording comes with a significant crop, which may limit wide-angle shots.
• Limited Native Lens Selection: While there are adapters available, the native lens selection for Canon’s M series is not as extensive as other systems.

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2, Nikon D3500

• 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
• 5fps Continuous Shooting
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording
• Bluetooth Connectivity

The Nikon D3500 is a lightweight DSLR with a user-friendly interface, making it perfect for beginners. Its 24.2MP sensor captures sharp images, and the 5fps continuous shooting allows you to capture fast-moving subjects. The full HD 1080p video recording and Bluetooth connectivity make it a versatile choice.

Pros:

• User-friendly Interface: Great for beginners learning the ropes of DSLR photography.
• Lightweight Design: Easy to carry around for extended periods.
• Bluetooth Connectivity: Transfer images wirelessly to your smartphone for easy sharing.

Cons:

• No Articulating Screen: The fixed screen can make it challenging to shoot from certain angles.
• No 4K Video: Limited to full HD 1080p video recording.

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3: Sony Alpha a6000

• 24.3MP APS-C Exmor Sensor
• Fast Hybrid Autofocus System
• 11fps Continuous Shooting
• OLED Electronic Viewfinder

As a proud owner of the Sony A6500 and A7II, I can attest to Sony’s excellent image quality and features. The Sony Alpha a6000 is no exception, with its 24.3MP APS-C sensor and Fast Hybrid autofocus system. The camera’s 11fps continuous shooting makes it great for action photography, while the OLED electronic viewfinder ensures accurate framing and exposure. You can’t make a list of the best cameras under $1000 without including at least ONE Sony.

Pros:

• Fast Hybrid Autofocus System: Impressive autofocus performance for both stills and video.
• 11fps Continuous Shooting: Great for capturing action and fast-moving subjects.
• OLED Electronic Viewfinder: Provides accurate framing and exposure information.

Cons:

• No 4K Video: Limited to full HD 1080p video recording.
• Menu System: Sony’s menu system can be confusing and challenging to navigate, especially for beginners.

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4. Fujifilm X-T200

• 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
• 4K Video Recording
• 3.5-inch Vari-angle Touchscreen
• Hybrid Autofocus System

The Fujifilm X-T200 is a stylish mirrorless camera with a retro design that packs modern features. Its 24.2MP sensor, 4K video recording, and hybrid autofocus system make it a solid choice for those who want to capture high-quality images and videos. The vari-angle touchscreen adds convenience and versatility to your shooting experience.

Pros:

• Retro Design: Stylish and attractive camera body.
• 4K Video Recording: Capture high-quality videos for versatile content creation.
• Hybrid Autofocus System: Fast and accurate focusing for both stills and video.

Cons:

• Limited Battery Life: May require additional batteries for extended shooting sessions.
• No In-body Image Stabilization: Lacks in-body image stabilization, which can lead to blurry shots when shooting handheld at slower shutter speeds.

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5. Panasonic Lumix GX85

• 16MP Micro Four Thirds Sensor
• 5-Axis Image Stabilization
• 4K Video Recording
• Compact Body and Electronic Viewfinder

The Panasonic Lumix GX85 is a compact mirrorless camera that features a 16MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and 5-axis image stabilization. The 4K video recording capabilities and electronic viewfinder make it a well-rounded camera for various photography styles and situations.

Pros:

• 5-Axis Image Stabilization: Reduces camera shake for sharper images and smoother videos.
• 4K Video Recording: Capture high-quality videos for versatile content creation.
• Compact Body and Electronic Viewfinder: Portable design without sacrificing essential features.

Cons:

• 16MP Sensor: Lower resolution compared to other cameras on this list.
• Smaller Grip: The compact body may not be as comfortable to hold for extended periods.

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6. Panasonic Lumix GX85

• 16.1MP Micro Four Thirds Sensor
• In-body Image Stabilization
• 8.6fps Continuous Shooting
• 4K Video Recording

The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a compact and lightweight mirrorless camera with a 16.1MP Micro Four Thirds sensor. Its in-body image stabilization ensures sharp images, while the 8.6fps continuous shooting and 4K video recording make it suitable for various photography and videography needs.

Pros:

• In-body Image Stabilization: Ensures sharp images and smooth videos, even when shooting handheld.
• 8.6fps Continuous Shooting: Great for capturing action and fast-moving subjects.
• 4K Video Recording: Capture high-quality videos for versatile content creation.

Cons:

• 16.1MP Sensor: Lower resolution compared to other cameras on this list.
• Menu System: Olympus’ menu system can be confusing and challenging to navigate, especially for beginners.

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7. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II

• 20.1MP 1-inch CMOS Sensor
• 3x Optical Zoom
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording
• Slim, Pocket-sized Design

For those who want a powerful camera in a compact form factor, the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is an excellent choice. Its 20.1MP 1-inch sensor provides outstanding image quality, and the 3x optical zoom allows for versatile shooting options. The full HD 1080p video recording and slim design make it a great option for on-the-go photographers.

Pros:

• 1-inch CMOS Sensor: Provides better image quality compared to smaller sensors in similar compact cameras.
• Slim, Pocket-sized Design: Highly portable and easy to carry around.
• 3x Optical Zoom: Versatile shooting options for various subjects and scenes.

Cons:

• No 4K Video: Limited to full HD 1080p video recording.
• No Electronic Viewfinder: Framing and exposure control rely solely on the rear LCD screen.

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8. Nikon COOLPIX B500

• 16MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
• 40x Optical Zoom
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

The Nikon COOLPIX B500 is a budget-friendly bridge camera with a 16MP sensor and an impressive 40x optical zoom. Its full HD 1080p video recording and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity make it a versatile and convenient choice for photographers looking to capture a wide range of subjects.

Pros:

• 40x Optical Zoom: Impressive zoom range for capturing a wide variety of subjects.
• Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Transfer images wirelessly and control the camera remotely using a smartphone.
• Full HD 1080p Video Recording: Capture decent-quality videos for various purposes.

Cons:

• No RAW Support: Limited to JPEG image capture, which may not be ideal for more advanced photographers.
• No Manual Controls: The camera lacks manual exposure controls, making it less suitable for experienced users.

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9. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99

• 18.2MP 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor
• 30x Optical Zoom
• 4K Video Recording
• Built-in Electronic Viewfinder

The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 is a compact travel camera with an 18.2MP sensor and a 30x optical zoom. Its 4K video recording capabilities and built-in electronic viewfinder make it a great choice for travelers who want to capture high-quality images and videos during their adventures. (Ok, you can’t make a list of the best cameras under $1000 with at least TWO Sony offerings. What can I say? I’m a fanboy.

Pros:

• 30x Optical Zoom: A versatile zoom range for capturing various subjects and scenes.
• 4K Video Recording: Capture high-quality videos for versatile content creation.
• Built-in Electronic Viewfinder: Provides accurate framing and exposure information.

Cons:

• Small Controls: The compact design may make the controls feel cramped for some users.
• No RAW Support: Limited to JPEG image capture, which may not be ideal for more advanced photographers.

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10. GoPro HERO8 Black

• 12MP Sensor
• 4K Video Recording
• Waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters)
• HyperSmooth 2.0 Stabilization

If you’re into action photography or videography, the GoPro HERO8 Black is an excellent choice for a camera under $1000. Its 12MP sensor, 4K video recording, and waterproof capabilities make it perfect for capturing fast-paced activities and adventures. The HyperSmooth 2.0 stabilization ensures smooth, professional-looking footage. Not only is this one of the best cameras under $1000, it’s one of the best VIDEO cameras under a grand as well.

Pros:

• Rugged and Waterproof: Built to withstand extreme conditions and underwater adventures.
• 4K Video Recording: Capture high-quality videos for versatile content creation.
• HyperSmooth 2.0 Stabilization: Ensures smooth, professional-looking footage.

Cons:

• Limited Still Photography Capabilities: Primarily designed for action video, so still photography features may be lacking compared to other cameras on this list.
• Fixed Lens: No zoom capabilities, which can limit the camera’s versatility for certain subjects and scenes.

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Conclusion

There you have it – the top 10 best cameras under $1000! Each of these cameras offers unique features and capabilities, making them great options for various photography styles and budgets. So, whether you’re a beginner looking to dive into photography or an experienced pro in need of a backup camera, this list has something for everyone.

Happy shooting!

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate and affiliate marketer for other companies, I earn from qualifying purchases. When you click on links and purchase items, I may receive a commission. This does not increase the cost to you and helps support my website. Thank you for your support!

Tony Simons

Tony has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Phoenix and over 11 years of writing experience between multiple publications in the tech, photography, lifestyle, and deal industries.