You don’t need to spend thousands to get a great camera in 2024, and we’ve picked out the best cameras under $1000 to prove it. From vlogging tools to full-frame mirrorless models, the list below features cameras for every style of shooting – all available for less than $1000.
Each camera recommended here has been extensively tested by our expert team. Based on the results of these real-world reviews, we’ve chosen a sub-$1000 camera for a number of photography niches. Our personal favorite is the Fujifilm X-S10, a hybrid that combines great handling with stabilization and a proven sensor. But our guide goes deeper than that.
We know that different people value different things, which is why we’ve explored the specific benefits and drawbacks of each camera. While flagship performance will always cost more, there’s a lot of potential to be found below – particularly if you’re happy to consider cameras that are a couple of years old. If you’re on a tighter budget, read our round-up of the best cheap cameras.
Top 3 picks
Use the round-up below for an instant summary of the best cameras under $1000. When you find one that ticks the right boxes, you can use the links beneath each entry to jump down to our full write-up.
The best mirrorless camera under $1000
A mid-range mirrorless camera with great handling, a proven sensor and IBIS, the X-S10 is a top choice if you shoot a mix of stills and video.
The best full-frame camera under $1000
A compact, well-built camera with a full-frame sensor and excellent autofocus performance, the EOS RP represents great value for money.
The best video camera under $1000
Designed for vlogging and video content, the ZV-E10 II is a compact shooting tool that’s well-equipped to capture smooth 4K footage at 60fps.
Best by use-case
The best Micro Four Thirds under $1000
Compact yet powerful, the OM-5 is a brilliant travel camera, complete with excellent stabilization, clever computational modes and a great lens range.
The best retro camera under $1000
A beautiful blend of old-school design and modern shooting skills, the Nikon Z fc is a fantastic mirrorless fusion that’s lovely to shoot with.
The best compact under $1000
Squeezing an APS-C sensor into a tough, compact body, this fixed-focal length street shooter is fast to operate and delivers sharp, shake-free stills.
The best vlogging camera under $1000
A dedicated vlogging tool, the Pocket 3 deploys a 1-inch sensor to capture amazing video quality, with a 2-inch rotating screen for portrait framing.
The best DSLR under $1000
It’s not the newest, but Nikon’s enthusiast DSLR offers great value with a brilliant sensor, advanced autofocus and strong results at high ISOs.
Best film camera under $1000
Leading the film revival, this half-frame Pentax isn’t perfect, but its neat design and analog charms make it a really enjoyable camera to shoot with.
Tim is TechRadar's Cameras Editor. With more than 15 years’ experience in the photo video industry, he’s shot with a whole range of cameras – including many of the best shooting tools for less than $1000. Because of this, he’s developed a technical and practical understanding of what makes a good-value camera. He notes, “while it’s easy to spend a lot of money on camera equipment, all of the models featured here prove that you can get fantastic results without breaking the bank. To prove that point, we’ve included options for a range of shooting styles, as well as video.”
The best cameras under $1000 in 2024
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Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best cameras under $1000 in our list. We've tested each one extensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best mirrorless camera
If you’re looking for powerful hybrid features in a tidy body for less than $1000, we think the Fujifilm X-S10 is your best bet. It shoehorns key features from the excellent X-T4 into a smaller, cheaper body, including the proven 26.1MP APS-C sensor, X-Processor 4 and in-body image stabilization. And while the Fujifilm X-S20 is newer, it also costs north of $1000.
In testing, we were impressed by the quality of both stills and 4K video, while the presence of in-body image stabilization is a welcome one when shooting handheld. We were also fans of the functional control layout, generous group and retro good looks of the X-S10. Autofocus prove impressive in most scenarios too, although you’ll find more effective subject tracking on the Sony A6600. All the same, we think the X-S10 is a compelling sub-$1000 choice for hobbyists.
Read our in-depth Fujifilm X-S10 review
The best full-frame camera
It’s not the latest arrival in Canon’s mirrorless line-up, but if you want to go full-frame, we think the EOS RP offers excellent value. In fact, when it comes to the best Canon cameras, we think it’s the top affordable full-frame option. In our review, we found it nicely compact, easy to use and usefully versatile, making it a great choice for new photographers. Its small proportions do mean it can feel front-loaded with larger lenses, but it works fantastically with the smaller primes among the best Canon RF lenses.
Its video skills aren’t unfettered, with a 1.6x crop on 4K footage. Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus also isn’t available at resolutions above 1080p. Still, the EOS RP is capable of delivering sharp, vibrant stills, helped by a responsive touchscreen and excellent AF. We think that’s a lot of full-frame value for less than $1000.
Read our in-depth Canon EOS RP review
The best video camera
At the top end of the $1000 price bracket, the ZV-E10 II is a video-focused hybrid for vloggers and creators. Physically almost identical to the original ZV-E10, it’s a tidy, well-built camera with an articulating touchscreen that’s useful for framing. What sets it apart is the 26MP sensor inside, shared with the A6700 and FX30. This makes the ZV-E10 capable of capturing crisp 4K/60p footage, while the introduction of 10-bit video is a win for keen editors.
Our review also found its upgraded autofocus capabilities to be class-leading, with the 759-point PDAF system tracking fast and accurate. Usability is better, too: settings and subject selection now support direct touch control. We also commented favorably on the ability to stream via a wireless network connection, and the presence of a built-in three-way capsule mic, which works well for isolating vlogging vocals.
Read our in-depth Sony ZV-E10 II review
The best Micro Four Thirds camera
The OM System OM-5 is one of our favorite travel cameras for under $1000. What you lose in low-light performance with its Micro Four Thirds sensor, you gain in almost every other way: its compact, weatherproof body is fantastically portable, while its in-body image stabilization and computational modes make it easy to shoot sharp on the move. It’s also compatible with a wide range of little lenses, giving you welcome flexibility.
In our review, we were pleased with the quality of stills and video, and found that the stabilization system usefully increased the hit-rate. Software features, including a 50MP High Res Shot mode and in-camera focus stacking, also proved genuinely useful for creative output. 4K frame rates higher than 30fps would be welcome, as would a sharper EVF. But when you factor in the portability of the OM-5, there’s a lot going for it.
Read our in-depth OM System OM-5 review
The best retro camera
Essentially a Nikon Z50 in retro packaging, the Nikon Z fc is a stunning fusion of old and new. It’s also one that’s pitched at an honest price, representing excellent mirrorless value for less than $1000. Designed as an homage to the classic Nikon FM2, its classic analog looks are mirrored by physical control dials. Inside, it’s a different story: with a 20.9MP APS-C sensor and hybrid autofocus system, it’s a very modern camera.
In our review, we found stills out of the camera to be detailed and subtly saturated by default, with continuous subject tracking AF doing a reasonably fast and accurate job. 4K/30p video is solid, too. When it comes to lenses, the slim grip is better suited to smaller glass, while Fujifilm’s X-series mount offers greater variety. But for the price, the handling and – let’s be honest – the retro looks alone, the Nikon Z fc is a real vintage winner.
Read our in-depth Nikon Z fc review
The best compact
If you’re in the market for a premium compact for travel and street photography, we think the Ricoh GR III is the best you can get for less than $1000. Combining an APS-C sensor and a fixed prime lens (equivalent to 28mm) with a compact, rugged body, it’s a unique proposition that’s great fun to shoot with. In testing, we found it a quick, responsive camera – one capable of producing very detailed images, helped by effective Shake Reduction.
We were less impressed by the battery life, and felt autofocus performance could be better. A fixed rear display will also be a limiting factor for some, as will the absence of 4K video. All the same, if you want a solid camera that’s genuinely pocketable yet able to deliver high-quality stills, the GR III is definitely worth considering. If you’re willing to spend slightly more for a wider 40mm focal length, take a look at the newer GR IIIx.
Read our in-depth Ricoh GR III review
The best vlogging camera
Coming in at well under $1000, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is fantastic tool for vloggers. Truly pocket-friendly, its upgraded 1-inch sensor and three-axis stabilizing gimbal work together to capture super smooth 4K video at up to 120fps. In testing, we found that automatic subject tracking does an amazing job of keeping you framed when shooting solo. That larger sensor also improves the Pocket 3’s low-light performance.
A larger 2-inch rear display is easier to use than the screen on the DJI Pocket 2. In our review, we did find that it’s still on the small side, making the app an easier option for changing settings. The slick new trick is the ability to rotate the screen, locking magnetically in place as the camera switches to portrait for full-res vertical video. Add live-streaming support and the Osmo Pocket 3 shapes up as a versatile choice for content creators, and one that’s much more convenient than a mirrorless camera.
Read our in-depth DJI Osmo Pocket 3 review
The best DSLR
If you prefer the ergonomic handling of a DSLR, we think the Nikon D7500 is the best option you can find in 2024 for under $1000. Equipped with the same 20.9MP sensor as the D500, it also benefits from 4K recording, a 3.2-inch tilting screen and a solid, weather-sealed body. In testing, we also battery life to be decent. The result is a good-value DSLR that hits all the classic benchmarks of the format.
Its 51-point AF system isn’t as advanced as most of the mirrorless options in this list, but we still found it reliable enough in our review. Image quality also impressed, with good dynamic range and excellent performance at higher ISOs. Certain features do reveal its age: Live View focusing is slow, the rear screen resolution is low and you only get a single card slot. All the same, you won’t find a better DSLR for the money.
Read our in-depth Nikon D7500 review
The best film camera
Riding the Gen Z analog revival, the Pentax 17 is the company’s first new film camera in decades. In our review, we weren’t initially convinced: we felt its retro looks and weighty price tag didn’t quite align with the mixed textures and plastic feel of the body. But after a little time with it, its vintage charms worked their magic. We fell in love with its optical viewfinder, through which you can see the active zone-focusing mode, as well as its addictive film crank.
Its point-and-shoot proportions will appeal to smartphone photographers who want a convenient way to try film photography, while the sharpness of its lens easily eclipses alternatives like the Kodak Ektar H35. Because it captures half-frame stills, you can also maximise the returns from a single roll of 35mm film. More than anything else, this is a really enjoyable camera to shoot with.
Read our in-depth Pentax 17 review
How to choose the best camera under $1000
How to choose the best camera under $1000
When it comes to choosing a camera for less than $1000, value is your primary consideration: you’re looking for the best features and performance you can get for your money.
The question then is which features and performance metrics matter to you. Even the best cameras under $1000 can’t compete with flagship all-rounders that cost a lot more. Instead, you want to focus in on the elements that are important to you, and find a camera that can deliver those for less than $1000.
The easiest way to approach this is by thinking about what and how you like to shoot. If you tend to shoot on the move, for example, size will be a key factor. Something like the Ricoh GR III is a great choice: it’s a premium compact with a fixed focal length, APS-C sensor and effective Shake Reduction system. Or if you want the flexibility to swap lenses, the OM System OM-5 is one of the best travel cameras.
Alternatively, if high-quality stills might matter more, a full-frame camera like the Canon EOS RP could be worth looking at. It’s still relatively compact for a full-frame model, yet its big pixels deliver excellent results, even in low light.
You might be someone who values the physical shooting experience highly. If so, consider a camera with lots of tactile, direct access controls. The Nikon Z fc is a great mirrorless example. If you’re happy to consider a DSLR, the Nikon D7500 also benefits from fantastic handling. The Pentax 17, a modern film camera, is similarly a joy to shoot with.
If video is your focus, you should look for a sub-$1000 camera that’s designed specifically for recording footage. 4K is the benchmark in 2024, but you’ll also want features such as microphone and headphone ports. The Sony ZV-E10 II has all of those, making it great choice for videographers. Or if you want an even more compact vlogging tool, take a look at the DJI Osmo Pocket 3.
Other factors to keep in mind are autofocus and burst shooting speeds. If action is on your agenda, you’ll want fast autofocus and continuous frame rates. And if you’re not really sure what you’ll shoot – or you like to capture a mix of stills and video – we recommend looking at an all-rounder that will serve you will in a range of situations. The Fujifilm X-S10 is our top choice for under $1000.
It’s worth noting that you can also find fantastic value by considering second-hand cameras. A number of the best mirrorless cameras can be found in good used condition online, at around the $1000 mark, offering great savings.
How we test cameras under $1000
☑️ 100s of cameras reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
Buying a camera these days is a big investment, so every camera in this sub-$1,000 guide has been tested extensively by us. These days, real-world tests are the most revealing way to understand a camera's performance and character, so we focus heavily on those, along with standardized tests for factors like ISO performance.
To start with, we look at the camera's design, handling and controls to get a sense of what kind of photographer it's aimed at and who would most enjoy shooting with it. When we take it out on a shoot, we'll use it both handheld and on a tripod to get a sense of where its strengths lie, and test its startup speed.
When it comes to performance, we use a formatted SD card and shoot in both raw and JPEG (if available). For burst shooting tests, we dial in our regular test settings (1/250 sec, ISO 200, continuous AF) and shoot a series of frames in front of a stopwatch to see if it lives up to its claimed speeds. We'll also look at how quickly the buffers clears and repeat the test for both raw and JPEG files.
In various lighting conditions, we also test the camera's different autofocus modes (including Face and Eye AF) in single point, area and continuous modes. We also shoot a range of photos of different styles (portrait, landscape, low light, macro/close-up) in raw and JPEG to get a sense of metering and its sensor's ability to handle noise and resolve fine detail.
If the camera's raw files are supported by Adobe Camera Raw, we'll also process some test images to see how we can push areas like shadow recovery. And we'll also test its ISO performance across the whole range to get a sense of the levels we'd be happy to push the camera to.
Battery life is tested in a real-world fashion, as we use the camera over the course of the day with the screen set to the default settings. Once the battery has reached zero, we'll then count the number of shots to see how it compares to the camera's CIPA rating. Finally, we test the camera's video skills by shooting some test footage at different frame-rates and resolutions, along with its companion app.
We then take everything we've learned about the camera and factor in its price to get a sense of the value-for-money it offers, before reaching our final verdict.
