Snappy Savings: The best budget DSLR cameras of 2024

A heavenly new high-resolution DSLR doesn't have to come with a hellish price tag.

three of the best budget DSLR cameras

by Kirk Schwarz |
Updated on

The day has finally arrived – you sit reviewing the shots from your last outing and realise that your budget DSLR camera is no longer up to par. The low pixel count is beginning to show. The only way to escape from low-detail purgatory is to finally upgrade to one of the best affordable digital cameras. Getting maximum detail from every shot, plus the freedom to digitally zoom and recompose without penalty is within your reach.

And you'll be spoiled for choice. These days, even entry-level cameras are a far leap from the 10MP sensors of old; with everything on this list sporting at least a 20-megapixel image sensor. But what we think of as a budget DSLR may be deemed too steep or too cheap, depending on your starting point. For us, great photography doesn't have to cost more than £2000, or even half that price.

But how can you make sure that your budget is spent wisely? We believe that resolution always comes first, with lens quality a close second. Put a great wide angle lens on a last-generation camera and you won't be getting the best out of it. Conversely, buying a bargain camera with a poor lens but a high-megapixel count will get you nowhere. We've put together a guide to help, along with answers to some of your frequently asked questions.

The best budget DSLR cameras of 2024 at a glance

• Best overall: Canon EOS 90D – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best compact: Panasonic LUMIX G9 – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best affordable: Canon EOS 250D – Buy now on Amazon UK
• Best for extra features: Sony Alpha 7 III – Buy now on Amazon UK

Our pick of the best budget DSLR cameras represents the best balance of value for money and super high resolution. Your landscapes, cityscapes, portrait photography and more will get a serious quality boost. Whether they’re the last generation, APS-C or even Micro Four Thirds, there’s something for every budget-conscious serious shooter here.

Best budget DSLR cameras of 2024

Best overall

Amazon / Canon

Canon's mid-range DSLR boasts a brand new 32.5MP APS-C sensor that offers a 1.6x crop factor over full-frame. This represents one of the biggest resolutions offered by Canon and easily the biggest to make its way into an APS-C – alongside its sister, the M6 MkII. At over £1,000, it might not sound cheap, but it’s on the low end for this amount of pixels and presents a good value option if you want to buy the latest generation of tech.

You also get a decent ISO range of 100-25,600, a rapid 10fps continuous shooting speed and vibrant, crisp images. You can also buy from the pool of Canon's wide range of lenses for all budgets. Finally, the brilliant Dual-Pixel AF system gives you a traditional focus system using the viewfinder or a mirrorless experience through the LCD. You can't go wrong with a camera as well-specced as this one.

Pros

  • Great battery life
  • Excellent range of lenses available
  • High resolution for an APS-C

Cons

  • ISO is respectable, though isn't the best on this list
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    5.0
  • Features:
    4.5
  • Value for money:
    4.0
  • Ease of use for novices:
    3.5
Photo resolution32.5MP
LensEF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
StorageSD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card
SensorAPS-C
Video resolution4K, Full HD
Weight1.22kg
Dimensions14.7 x 10.5 x 7.7 cm
Extra features9 points AF system, shooting at 10fps, ISO 25,600 sensitivity, 4K video

Best compact

Amazon / Panasonic

The Panasonic Lumix G9, a unique offering in the world of photography, packs a punch in a just over-£1k package. While it may not be a traditional high-resolution camera with its 2X crop of the Micro Four Thirds sensor offering 20.3MP, it compensates with its rapid 20fps continuous shooting speed using the electronic shutter or 6K Photo, a feature that sets it apart from the rest.

There's also a High-Resolution Shot mode that takes multiple images and stitches them together to create a mammoth 80MP equivalent image that increases the detail massively… As long as everything stays perfectly still! The M43 sensor means every lens gives you double its stated focal length (50mm is a 100mm equivalent if it were on full-frame), and the lenses are great value for money. Also, thanks to a recent firmware update, you can film 4K video at 60fps and 1080p at a super-slow mo 180fps. You'll get dual SD card slots and 6K Photo, a mode that allows you to export 18MP stills from a 4K video – ideal for action. It's also weather-sealed.

Pros

  • High-Resolution Mode
  • Fast burst shooting
  • Excellent video features

Cons

  • AF performance is not the best
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    5.0
  • Features:
    5.0
  • Value for money:
    4.5
  • Ease of use for novices:
    3.5
Photo resolution20.3MP
LensPANASONIC Leica DG VARIO-ELMARIT 12-60mm f/2.8-4.0
StorageSD Memory Card
SensorCMOS, Micro Four Thirds
Video resolution4K
Weight650 g
Dimensions9.16 x 13.69 x 9.73 cm
Extra featuresContinuous AF, resolution mode delivers 80 megapixel (equivalent) images in both JPEG and raw,

Best affordable

Argos / Canon
Price: £579.95
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For many, Canon is the go-to brand for DSLR cameras. As we discovered when we reviewed the Canon EOS M50 MkII, you can certainly find some capable kits in the sub-£1000 bracket. For a start, Canon lenses have open-standard mounts, so you'll have more choices than you can imagine for future upgrades. This one comes with a more than adequate EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 III lens, which means plenty of scope for shot variation.

For the price, this really is one of the most accessible and practical on-ramps to much better DSLRs down the line. The important thing here is that you'll have access to all of the tactile controls and features that you need — a manual focus ring, f-stop and ISO control, plus a great deal of in-camera adjustments. Thanks to Canon, quality 24.1MP stills and 4K video are now within your reach — and all for well under £1000. 

Read our full Canon EOS M50 MkII review

Pros

  • Canon build quality
  • Easily swapped lenses
  • Plenty of manual settings

Cons

  • Slower continuous shooting than mirrorless models
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    5.0
  • Features:
    4.5
  • Value for money:
    4.5
  • Ease of use for novices:
    3.5
Photo resolution24.1MP
LensEF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 III
StorageSD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card
SensorAPS-C 22.3 x 14.9mm
Video resolution4K, Full HD
Weight450 g
Dimensions‎22.2 x 16.6 x 14.9 centimetres
Extra featuresDual Pixel CMOS AF, rotatable and swivelling display, creative assistant, guided user interface

Best for extra features

Amazon / Sony
Price: £1300.76

If you want a big resolution but are put off by a heavy and bulky camera, consider the Sony Alpha 7 III. Despite its diminutive casing, it features a 24MP full-frame sensor. The sensor has a 5-axis image stabilisation system, which detects movement during the exposure and shifts to compensate. This can allow you to shoot up to 4.5 stops slower than would ordinarily be possible without encountering the blur of camera shake.

While there are comparatively few lenses available for Sony full-frame CSCs, it is possible to use Canon or Nikon lenses with the aid of a converter. The BIONZ X image processor supports the imaging chip, giving the Alpha 7 III a native ISO range of 100-25,600. It also uses a Hybrid AF system to set the focus, and it features an enormous 399 AF points, which cover 45% of the frame area. This makes it easy to lock onto and track moving subjects. NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity mean you can use your smartphone or tablet as a viewfinder and remote shutter release.

Pros

  • 5-axis image stabilisation
  • 4K video
  • Tiltable LCD touchscreen

Cons

  • Battery performance is not the best – buy a spare
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    5.0
  • Features:
    4.5
  • Value for money:
    4.5
  • Ease of use for novices:
    3.5
Photo resolution24MP
LensSony 28-70 mm f/3.5-5.6 Zoom Lens
StorageSD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card
SensorFull-frame CMOS
Video resolution4K HDR
Weight650 g
Dimensions9.56 x 12.69 x 7.37 cm
Extra features5-axis in-body optical image stabilisation, Large Battery Capacity, Real-Time tracking and Eye AF, 425 densely positioned contrast-detection AF points, continuous burst at up to 10 fps, 4K HDR video

Best for sports and action photography

Wex / Canon

The Canon EOS R7 is a brilliant budget camera. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a dream to carry around, especially if you’re upgrading from a previous model from the Canon R range. Its 32.5MP sensor and oversampled 4K video make it equally reliable and versatile for stills and video. Likewise, the AF performance makes it an excellent purchase for sports and wildlife photography enthusiasts.

The R7 offers excellent in-body IBIS for easy handheld shooting, which, coupled with the flip-out touchscreen and face/eye detection, create a fantastic camera for home video and vlogging. It’s also a great entry-level camera for those taking their first steps into mirrorless technology.

Pros

  • High resolution keeps well after cropping
  • Weather-sealed body
  • Great AF tracking and in-body stabilisation

Cons

  • Lacks the dynamic range for capturing high-contrast detail
Photo resolution33MP
Lens18-150mm f/3.5-6.3 IS STM
Storage2 x SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card, UHS-II Memory Card
SensorAPS-C sensor
Video resolution4K, Ultra HD
Weight630g
Dimensions132 x 90.4 x 91.7 mm
Extra featuresDual Pixel CMOS AF II

Best for video

Argos / FUJIFILM

The X-S20 is an excellent budget camera with superb image quality and FUJIFILM's renowned lightweight, sleek, yet subdued design build. Its impressive video recording offers an improved 4K 60P 4:2:2 10-bit internal with an even crisper open-gate 6.2K option. Likewise, its improved IBIS stabilisation, AI-based AF eye/face detection and repositioned and enlarged buttons make for easier and more efficient photo and video capturing.

Additionally, the X-S20, true to its brand, offers FUJIFILM's signature film simulations, recreating their analogue films' tones, colours and contrast. These provide an affordable way to experiment, sparing you the need to buy pricey film stocks. So, despite its higher price, the X-S20 is an intelligent investment that will save you heaps in the long run.

Pros

  • Compact and easy-to-use build
  • Incredible video specs
  • Impressive range of film simulation technology

Cons

  • Only one SD Card slot
Photo resolution26.1MP
Lens15-45mm f/3.5-22
StorageSD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card
SensorX-Trans CMOS 4 sensor
Video resolution4K, Full HD
Weight545g
Dimensions127 x 85 x 65 mm
Extra featuresDual 3.5mm Mic / Headphone jacks

Best value

Argos / Canon
Price: £379.99
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There's a good reason why Canon feature so heavily in our selection here – they're consistently well-regarded by users and top the league table for the most cameras over 20MP. This 2000D boasts a 24.1MP APS-C sensor, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens and a 3-inch 920k-dot rear LCD screen. However, beyond this and a few cosmetic upgrades, it's a very similar story. You still get the 9-point phase detection autofocus system, 3fps continuous shooting speed and native ISO range of 100-6400. With so many features at your fingertips, it's no wonder this made the top spot on our line-up of the best Canon DSLR cameras.

As you'd expect, the Canon has an in-built flash, which keeps it in line with the rest of the competition and helps when shooting in low light. Overall, there's little to separate this from the 4000D, except build quality and megapixels. If you have the budget, this is an excellent choice, but if you're looking to spend less, it's the Canon 4000D.

Pros

  • 24.1MP for stunning shots
  • Well-designed and easy to handle
  • Excellent choice of compatible lenses

Cons

  • Lacking a touchscreen
  • Design:
    4.5
  • Build:
    4.0
  • Features:
    4.0
  • Value for money:
    4.5
  • Ease of use for novices:
    3.5
Photo resolution24.1MP
LensEF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II
StorageSD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card
SensorCMOS, APS-C sensor
Video resolution1920x1080 FullHD<br>1280x720 HD 720p<br>640x480 VGA
Weight475g
Dimensions101.3 x 129 x 77.6 mm
Extra features9-point AF, Optical viewfinder

Best Sony budget

Sony Alpha ZV-E10L APS-C Mirrorless interchangable-lens vlog camera with 16-50mm lensAmazon / Sony

The Sony AZ-E10 packs an impressive punch for such a compact camera. Its 24MP APS-C sensor and real-time eye autofocus make it a versatile and user-friendly option for easily capturing fast-moving subjects. Likewise, the flip-out touchscreen and dedicated video record button offer seamless and hassle-free navigation, whether recording family or vlogging yourself.

With an in-built directional microphone and included windshield, the AZ-E10 captures high-quality audio. Moreover, the hot shoe mount allows for external microphone attachment, making this camera a solid choice for content creators and vloggers.

This is an excellent, user-friendly all-rounder.

Pros

  • Compact, lightweight body
  • Brilliant in-built microphone
  • Wide range of compatible lenses

Cons

  • No IBIS stabilisation
Photo resolution24.2MP
Lens16-50 mm f/3.5-5.6
StorageSDXC Memory Card
SensorASP-C, CMOS
Video resolution4K, Ultra HD
Weight343g
Dimensions157 x 144 x 115 mm
Extra featuresSupports over 60 compatible lenses

Best entry-level

John Lewis / Canon

If you want to step up from the quality of your smartphone camera, the Canon R50 offers a great entry point into the world of DSLR. Its advanced AF system allows the camera to differentiate between people, animals and vehicles, among others, to capture your intended subject better. Its 15fps burst shooting supports capturing faster-moving subjects, whether birds, planes, or cars. However, for most experienced DSLR shooters, it's worth noting there is a limited buffer for RAW imaging.

The R50 offers 4K Ultra HD at 30fps video capabilities. However, it's recommended that you consider getting a tripod or stabiliser, as some users may experience rolling shutter distortion when panning the camera. Its small body and compact grip make it an ideal choice for those with smaller hands.

Pros

  • Reliable 24.2MP sensor for size and price
  • Great AF and burst shooting for faster-moving subjects
  • Lightweight build and compact grip

Cons

  • Rolling shutter distortion at 4K
Photo resolution24.2MP
LensRF-S 18-45 mm f/4.5-6.3
StorageSD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card
SensorCMOS
Video resolution4K, Ultra HD
Weight460g
Dimensions68 x 85 x 116 mm
Extra featuresA+ Auto mode with Creative Assist

Best entry-level for travel

John Lewis / Canon

The R10 is an excellent entry-level camera for those wanting a compact and lightweight DSLR to take on their travels, all the while not breaking the bank. The camera has a refined 24MP APS-C sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF with up to 23/30fps burst shooting. It can shoot 4K/30p, making it ideal for vlogging, and 4K/60p with crop for those wanting to adjust their footage for the 9:12 of most social media platforms.

The R10's UHS-II storage support also makes it a brilliant addition for those who know they'll be shooting for extended periods or on day trips. However, there are some downsides, with the camera having limited lens options and no built-in IBIS stabilisation. Yet, several free and paid applications from Google and Apple can address these shortcomings once you've downloaded your footage. More effective features are also available in software like Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve, but they may well set you back.

Pros

  • Impressive AF and subject-tracking
  • Fast shooting speeds
  • Compact and lightweight design

Cons

  • Lacks in-built stabilisation
Photo resolution24.2MP
LensRF-S 18-45mm f/4.5-6.3
StorageSD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, SDXC Memory Card
SensorAPS-C
Video resolution4K, Ultra HD
Weight382g
Dimensions122.5 x 87.8 x 83.4 mm
Extra featuresTouch Screen TFT colour LCD monitor

How to choose the best budget DSLR camera for you

There are usually a couple of things to keep in mind when you’re looking to invest in any technology, and this is especially true when it comes to shopping for the best budget DSLR cameras.

Make room in your budget for storage

Higher resolutions also mean higher image file sizes. Your 45MP camera will be burning through SD cards twice as fast as a 24MP will. So, don’t leave home without plenty of high-capacity spares. Also, pay attention to the speed Class of your card. Class 10 are a good choice for read/write speeds. This is essential if you want to avoid a slight drop in continuous shooting speed when files write to the card. Many mirrorless camera options do compensate for this a little, as there's no mirror to move out of the way with every shot.

Stick to your budget (if you can)

All of our recommendations come from established brands and, as long as you have a modest budget in mind, you could choose any of them and be well on your way as a high-resolution photographer.

On the subject of budget, it's easy to get carried away by features like in-camera AI enhancement and 4K video. But resist the urge to overspend – you'll want your budget to be going into the core features you're going to need: lens, sensor and build quality. So our advice is to keep things simple now and upgrade later if you're hankering for high-tech frills.

Invest in your kit with accessories

Not all of your existing accessories, if you have any, are going to fit or be useful for your new budget DSLR. You may need a set of filters with a different diameter, or spare batteries.

Camera lens essentials include a UV filter to protect your lens as well as improve clarity. You might also go for a polariser to prevent nasty reflections. And, of course, a camera cleaning kit so that you can look after your lens and camera body with nice new brushes, cloths, and supplies.

Consider your lens options

Possibly the most exciting items you can buy for your photographic arsenal are lenses, like a wide-aperture prime lens for capturing stunning landscapes and architecture. If your pick of the best budget DSLR camera has an interchangeable lens, first check the type of fitting your camera will support. Many manufacturers, such as Sony, have their own proprietary lens systems and ranges, so you should partly base your choice on the lenses available.

Protect your investment

A full-size DSLR, especially if you buy additional lenses, will mean getting one of the best camera bags you can afford. Yes, most cameras come with straps and lens covers, but nothing beats keeping your prized kit in a properly cushioned bag or case. If you're planning on doing a lot of outdoor shoots, make sure you have waterproofing or a rain cover for it too. And don't forget extra space for filters, spare batteries and the like.

budget dslr camera with lens addition. Held at computer
A GOOD CHOICE OF LENSES AND MORE MEGAPIXELS MEANS TONS OF FLEXIBILITY ©Getty

FAQ: budget DSLR cameras

What's the best budget DSLR cameras for beginners?

As mentioned in our best entry-level cameras article, this comes down to how comfortable you are with camera settings; not to mention basic photography principles like depth of field, ISO, aperture, and shutter speed. Your choice is also going to be influenced by what you're interested in – and lens options are important here. If you're totally new to photography (other than the point-and-click variety) we recommend a simple camera like the Canon SX740 HS PowerShot. It has enough manual control to let you practice the basics. If you're already used to a DSLR with some knowledge under your belt, go for the Canon EOS 250D – it's got plenty of control without too many expensive extras.

What does high-resolution mean?

In photography terms, resolution refers to the number of pixels – light-sensitive areas – on a camera’s sensor. Each group of 1 million pixels is counted as a Megapixel and is directly linked to image size. A 24MP sensor will produce images that are 6000x4000 pixels in a 3:2 image ratio; whereas a 45MP sensor boosts this size to roughly 8000x5500, meaning more real estate.

Why are more megapixels better?

The larger image size means you will be capturing more information. You'll have the ability to crop more severely than at a lower resolution without sacrificing image quality. This allows you to recompose a shot in the edit, applying a digital zoom by cropping in image editing software. Many of the best budget DSLR cameras with high resolution also forgo the anti-aliasing filter. This is an element that sits in front of the sensor. It adds a slight blur to your images to combat an unwanted effect called moiré. Moiré is that zig zag you may have seen in tightly repeated patterns such as clothes or roof tiles. The plus side is that removing this filter allows for some incredibly sharp images.

Are there downsides to high-resolution cameras?

Yes, kind of. Larger image sizes mean you’ll burn through storage at a faster rate since the files are bigger – especially RAW. You will also need faster SD cards. If you have an 8GB card with a 30MB/s transfer rate in your 45MP camera, it’s going to take longer between shots to copy images. In fact, a 64GB memory card will give you anywhere between 400-700 shots – half as many as a 24MP sensor. So, if you like to take plenty of captures this is generally the sweet spot. Equally, because of the extra file size, these cameras will often come with a smaller buffer – the number of shots that the camera can hold in its internal memory while transferring to the SD, so capturing the action at 10fps may only give you a second or less of burst.

You will also notice that the ISO ranges are usually slightly smaller than lower resolutions, which is to do with the smaller effective area of the pixel – meaning they aren’t quite as adept at collecting light. However, in real-world terms, this won’t present an issue in 99% of cases. You can also help your camera’s low-light performance by using a lens with a big aperture, such as f2, f1.4 or f0.8, and of course, using one of the best tripods with longer exposure times.

Kirk Schwarz is one of our resident tech experts. A tech-addicted photographer with more than a decade's experience, Kirk's used to putting new gear through extreme field-testing.

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