Last chance: The best UK Black Friday 2023 camera deals available today

The big Black Friday sale may be over, but many retailers still have great deals all year round. So, if you're looking at updating your photography gear in time for Christmas there are still bargains and offers to be found. It's no secret that the best cameras often come with a seriously high price tag. That's why finding the best deals is essential. That's where our experts come in, even when Black Friday isn't running. So, whether you're trying to get into photography, upgrade your ageing DSLR or buy them as gifts, it's always possible to make some serious savings.

Have a specific or popular item on your shopping list? They can often sell out in advance or not make it onto a sales event. We're continually looking for the best deals and updating our list so you won't miss out.

Black Friday camera deals 2023: The best deals across the web

• Amazon: Deals on cameras and DSLRs

• Wex Photo Video: Black Friday camera deals still on

• John Lewis: Big savings on cameras and camcorders

• Currys: Enormous camera deals

• Very: Excellent camera savings

• Jessops: Camera deals from DSLRs to compact

Your choice of camera is going to come down to what kind of photographer you are. An experienced professional will probably look for high-spec DSLRs with a range of advanced features and lens options. A beginner who's aiming to break into the world of photography might look for a fairly capable compact camera with manual settings, or a simple and affordable DSLR. Fun and casual snappers have the most to choose from, with both pocket and instant cameras to choose from. We've included a brief buyer's guide to help you narrow things down.

Whether you're a seasoned pro or someone looking for an excellent deal on the best entry-level cameras, there are already lots of choices out there. Our run-down of excellent camera deals from the best brands is below, along with a short buyer's guide. So, prepare your viewfinders for some of the hottest deals on the best budget DSLR cameras and more, from the likes of Canon, Sony, Fuji and more.

The best Black Friday camera deals of 2023 at a glance:

• Best overall camera deal: Panasonic LUMIX DC-S5 S5 Full Frame Mirrorless - View at Amazon
• Best budget camera deal: Canon EOS 2000D - View at Amazon
• Best instant camera deal: Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera - View at Amazon

Please note: Prices are correct at the time of writing. Deals, prices and stock levels are subject to change at short notice.

Last chance: Best Black Friday camera deals of 2023

Best Black Friday 2023 camera deals: Buyer's guide

As always (and especially when there's a sale on) it's important not to get carried away as you read up on many impressive camera features. Depending on your style and type of photography, you may not need or ever use lots of them. Given that most digital cameras come packing very similar-sounding features, let's take a moment to consider your needs:

Choose the photography features you'll actually use

There's a huge range of creative and practical needs at play here. For some, all that's needed is a fully automatic compact camera that can slip into a back pocket. Others, such as those just setting out with more serious photography, might want to prioritise lenses and manual camera settings. Professional photographers or videographers might opt for mirrorless cameras with larger sensors and resolutions; plus video benefits like quick and silent autofocus. Here's some pointers:

Cameras for casual shooters

If you're not 'into' photography you're more than likely fine with an easy-to-use compact digital camera. They are the point-and-shoot camera variety and come with lots of automatic settings to look after the exposure, shutter speed and more. Some of the more advanced compact cameras can actually do an awful lot of things that a full DSLR can do, minus the larger sensors and swappable lenses.

For the ultimate in quick and easy fun photography consider an instant camera of the Polaroid or photo-printing variety. They're cheap and a great talking point at any party.

DSLR cameras for beginners

Depending on how experienced you are with manual camera settings (and principles like depth of field, ISO, aperture, and shutter speed) your choice is probably going to be led by your budget. Swappable lens options are important here, but not necessarily essential. If you're totally new to manual photography we recommend a simple camera - like the Olympus PEN E-PL10. It will give you enough control over the basics and let you practice key principles. But, anyone who is more adept but still a beginner could go for the Canon EOS 250D. It'll give you most of the settings you'll need, and a decent lens, but won't break the bank.

Experienced photographers: Mirrorless VS DSLR

One key choice for experienced snappers is mirrorless or DSLR. Knowing the difference can affect more than just your spend. Mirrorless means a lighter body and faster operation due to the removal of the reflex mirror (the 'R' in DSLR). That mirror would normally divert light from the lens to an offset viewfinder. So, unless you really want a bit more shooting speed and prefer a viewfinder over a screen for your framing, you may not need the benefits that mirrorless can bring.

Experienced photographers: Lens compatibility

Never assume that your existing lenses will fit because you're sticking to the same brand of camera body. If they don't fit, double-check to make sure that there are compatible adapters available. If not, but you're dead-set on the camera of your dreams, you'll need to budget for an extra lens or two.

Stick to your budget

It's easy to read up about bigger and better cameras. But, unless you know just what makes a mirrorless camera better for your style of photography, you could be wasting some of your money. Even if money is no object, you may simply not need 4K video shooting and image stabilisation and more. If you can get more features and don't mind splashing out, more is always more. But, for everyone else, setting a budget and then focussing on the features you'll need is the best way to start.

Leave room for accessories

Even after getting a great Black Friday camera deal, don't be tempted to cut out those essential accessories. If you're buying gear for a beginner photographer this is paramount. Any beginner is going to want as many lenses as they can get their hands on, but soon regret not getting a weatherproof camera bag or backpack.

And then there are camera body and lens essentials like a camera cleaning kit with new brushes, cloths, and supplies. One pro-tip for any camera of any size (providing it has the attachment threads on the lens) is a UV filter to improve clarity and - crucially - protect the lens itself.

Best Black Friday 2023 camera deals: FAQs

When is the Black Friday Sale?

The Black Friday sale officially began on Friday 24th November and is now over. But it'll be back in November 2024 -so check What's The Best closer to the time for the expert low-down on the best deals.

Who has the best Black Friday camera deals?

Deals naturally vary from store to store, but we always prefer the ease and simplicity of online shopping. Despite first introducing the concept of Black Friday to the UK back in 2010, Amazon's own Black Friday event isn't the only one. Many online retailers offer special deals on the same day. That said, quite often the product choice and massive discounts passed on to Amazon Prime Members can be almost unbeatable.

Which camera is best value for money?

While you'll probably always be able to spend more on a top-of-the-range Nikon camera than with some other brands, it really comes down to the discount that's applied to the right camera for you. There's not much point in getting a brilliant Black Friday deal on a camera that actually doesn't meet your needs. That said, in the world of DSLRs, Canon cameras are often our favourite choice for solid kit with lens options and manual features - they often make a great professional choice too, offering excellent affordable cameras ideal for portrait photography and the like.

Is now a good time to buy a camera?

Black Friday can be an excellent time to buy a camera in the UK, as many retailers offer significant discounts and deals on electronics. This, of course, includes cameras, lenses and accessories. During this period, you can often find discounts on entry-level and high-end cameras, making it a good opportunity to upgrade your photography gear or invest in a new camera.

Which is the number one camera company?

As of 2023, determining the number one camera company is subjective and can depend on individual preferences and needs. However, some leading camera manufacturers include Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Panasonic.

Each company has its strengths, with Canon and Nikon traditionally being strong contenders for decades, while Sony has gained prominence with the dawn of the mirrorless camera. Researching the latest camera models and reviews can help you find the best fit for your specific requirements during Black Friday sales.

Chris Duffill is a Tech Product Writer for What's The Best and Yours. He’s an experienced bargain-hunter on Black Friday and Prime Day - finding genuine deals on electronic and audiovisual tech from the best brands. As one of our resident experts in computing, he also specialises in PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, games consoles and peripherals. His background in video production and digital media also means that speakers, amplifiers, turntables, TVs and streaming entertainment of all kinds are at the centre of his tech expertise. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.

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