Best Cameras Under $1000 in 2024: Ranked & Reviews

Cameras under $1000 with advanced shooting features and user-friendly controls.

You don't need to empty your pockets to capture stunning photos. Whether it's an affordable mirrorless camera, a trusty DSLR, or a budget-friendly point-and-shoot, there's a camera under $1000 waiting to unleash your creativity.

Fellow photographers, remember these characteristics when searching for a camera under $1000. Image quality, video quality, autofocus, and those little rare facts that can make all the difference.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Video: 4K

With a modern sensor, a powerful processor, and an impressive autofocus system, Canon EOS R50 photography camera under 1000 dollars captures images that are hard to beat at its price point. Beginners will find it incredibly user-friendly, especially with its automated shooting modes that produce great-looking images effortlessly.

Being one of the best cameras on the market, Canon EOS R50 truly excels in subject recognition. Thanks to its artificial intelligence-powered system, it can identify people, animals (including our beloved dogs and cats), and vehicles.

For vloggers and content creators looking to upgrade from their smartphones, this is a fantastic choice. It offers an array of settings and comes with well-designed help screens to assist beginners.

For those interested in shooting videos, the inclusion of a zebra display during movie shooting is fantastic. It helps identify overexposure in areas like highlights, particularly useful for vertical videos like Reels and Story clips.

However, let's address one of the downsides of this camera - the lack of image stabilization. While it may seem like a minor drawback, it can actually be a significant issue depending on your needs.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 20.9MP | Video: 4K

The Nikon Z50 is a fantastic choice if you're looking to step up from using just your phone for photography. It's a compact mirrorless camera under $1000 that offers impressive Eye AF and decent continuous shooting speed. The picture quality is excellent, with sharp images and vibrant colors.

One standout feature of the Z50 is its ability to record high-quality 4K video at up to 30 frames per second. As one of the best Nikon photography cameras, it even has a headphone port for audio monitoring during filming, which is a convenient addition. The camera also has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, making it easy to transfer files to your phone and control the camera remotely.

However, there are a few areas where the Z50 falls short compared to its competitors. The autofocus system of this video camera is pretty basic, which means it can sometimes struggle to focus on the right subject, especially if there's something in the background.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 26.1MP | Video: 4K

As a photographer, I have to say that this Fujiflm camera truly impresses me with its modern mirrorless capabilities. It not only captures stunning stills but also delivers high-quality video. Moreover, it comes packed with a range of advanced features.

One standout feature of the X-S10 1000-dollar camera is its 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS), which is quite impressive considering its price point. This means you can say goodbye to shaky shots and confidently shoot handheld video without any worries. It's a game-changer for those of us who value stability in our work.

Fujifilm has really stepped up their game with this camera, incorporating features that were previously only found in their premium models like the X-T4. It boasts a large sensor with excellent dynamic range and sharpness, allowing you to capture breathtaking images with a wide variety of lenses.

However, like any camera, the X-S10 does have its downsides. One thing to note is its compact size and APS-C sensor, which may not appeal to those looking for a larger full-frame experience.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Video: 4K

This Sony camera is a great choice for both photography and video, with its impressive megapixels and excellent autofocus system for capturing vlogs. The 11fps burst shooting is fast enough for sports and wildlife action, and the focus peaking and zebra stripes assist with manual focus.

The viewfinder of this camera under $1000 has been improved, with a larger size and higher dot count, allowing for better live-view action with minimal blackout. Another advantage is its fast autofocus system, ensuring you won't miss a shot of a moving subject.

On the downside, the A6300's tilting screen may not be ideal for vloggers, as it can't compose of unusual angles or shoot in portrait orientation. Additionally, the camera's 16:9-shaped photos may not be suitable for everyone's preference.

Type: DSLR | Megapixels: 24.1MP | Video: 4K

The T8i is a fantastic camera for amateur photographers, especially for those looking to upgrade.

The ISO range is impressive, ranging from 100 to 25600, and can be expanded up to 51200. This makes it a great choice for everyday photography, whether you're capturing family events or fast-moving subjects like school or sports games.

One standout feature of the T8i camera under $1000 is its ability to shoot high-definition videos. Not all DSLRs in this price range offer this feature, so it's a bonus for content creators who want to share their experiences. The camera can record videos at Full HD resolution, with an optional 60p mode for smoother playback.

DSLRs, including the T8i, can be expensive when bought new. However, you can often find discounts during the initial launch phase or later on as newer models are released. Another downside is that DSLR lenses tend to be more expensive compared to mirrorless cameras.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 26.1MP | Video: 4K

Fujifilm X-T30 II delivers fantastic JPEGs and an impressive dynamic range. This is a great 1000-dollar camera for emerging photographers who want to grow into a system with an established brand and a growing selection of lenses.

One standout feature is the camera's dial-based operation, allowing users to navigate most functions using physical knobs rather than an on-screen menu system. This gives the camera a more traditional feel and will appeal to photographers who prefer a hands-on approach.

For video shooters, this camera for beginners offers Cinema 4K and HD recording capacities, although there is a 30-minute record limit. One downside, though, is that the camera lacks a headphone jack, but you can still use headphones with an adapter.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 24MP | Video: 4K

One of the standout features is its ability to shoot uncropped 4K video at various frame rates, giving you a lot of flexibility in capturing high-quality footage. I really like the articulating screen on this camera under $1000, as it allows for easy framing and monitoring while vlogging or recording. Plus, it has dual memory card slots for extra storage convenience.

The latest model of this vlogging camera has a larger sensor, faster autofocus, and in-body image stabilization, which is a significant improvement from its predecessor. Additionally, the camera now features a more powerful zoom lens, allowing you to capture shots from a greater distance.

However, there are a few drawbacks to consider. The camera does have a rolling shutter issue, which can make panning shots challenging, especially when shooting video. This might be a minor concern for some, but it could be a dealbreaker for videographers who rely on aggressive pans.

Type: Compact | Megapixels: 24MP | Video: Full HD

As one of the best cameras for under $1000, Ricoh GR IIIx is perfect for street photography enthusiasts like me who prefer a compact and lightweight option. It easily fits into a purse or pocket, making it incredibly convenient. The wide lens and minimalist design are ideal for capturing great street shots.

This cheap camera offers different presets, including Vivid, Black and White, Retro, and HDR, allowing for creative effects.

However, the HDR mode can be a bit aggressive in certain scenes. On the positive side, the GR IIIx has a hot shoe for attaching external flash strobes, which is useful if you need more powerful lighting than the built-in flash provides.

Now, let's talk about some downsides. The camera's buffer fills up quickly when shooting in RAW, so it's not ideal for continuous shooting. Sports photographers who rely on rapid-fire shots might find this limitation frustrating.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 20MP | Video: 4K

The E-M10 Mark IV camera under $1000 has an impressive range of advanced features that can really elevate your photography. Its sensor delivers excellent performance and image quality. The camera also comes with a variety of on-board art filters, including a cool new Instant Film option that can add a unique touch to your images.

One standout feature is the Advanced Photo Mode, which is perfect for beginners who want to learn more about photography without getting overwhelmed by complicated settings and menus. It guides you through simple steps to create different types of photographs and even provides tips for taking better photos.

On the downside, the E-M10 Mark IV doesn't have the most sophisticated autofocus system found in higher-end Olympus micro four thirds cameras. It relies on contrast detection, which can sometimes result in hunting for focus when shooting static or fast-moving subjects.

Type: Mirrorless | Megapixels: 26.2MP | Video: 4K

While not as advanced as other full frame cameras, it's still impressive for its price range. It's also worth mentioning that the camera is incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around.

The image quality is also impressive, thanks to its full-frame sensor and optically stabilized lens. The new RF mount system is a nice addition, allowing for more sophisticated lenses and better autofocus capabilities.

However, there are some downsides to consider. This camera for under $1000 lacks multiple stops of headroom in RAW files, which can limit its usefulness in high-contrast scenes. Moreover, it doesn't have in-body image stabilization, making it less ideal for sports or fast-action shooting.

Sensor. If you plan to take portraits often, shoot a video, or take artistic photos, then you need a camera with a large sensor. Thus, you can separate an object or blur the background. In this case, opt for DSLR or mirrorless cameras with APS-C.

Focus options. DSLR cameras have OVF, and top speed focusing compared to mirrorless competitors. Thus, they are suitable for sports events and wildlife shooting. However, it is necessary to take into account the weight of the camera, as DSLRs are rather heavy and bulky.

Weight. If you travel a lot or like to take various street photos, then choose among small-sized models produced with a fixed lens.

Video quality. If your goal is to record high-quality videos, for example, during your travels, then mirrorless cameras will be an ideal option. Such well-known world camera brands as Panasonic, Olympus, Sony and Canon have diverse models in the middle price category.

Additional functions. Remember that you should not chase the number of MP; here you should take into account the size and the type of sensor of your photography camera under 1000 dollars, as well as the processor that is installed by the manufacturer and connectivity options available.