Are you on the hunt for the best camera under $1000 (USD) but have no idea where to start your search?
Finding the perfect fit can be a challenge, especially if you are new to photography. That’s why we made this article!
After extensive research, I decided to create this comprehensive list of the 20 best cameras under $1000 (or close to the $1000 price tag!).
It’s a one-stop-shop for mirrorless, DSLR, and point-and-shoot options. So, regardless of what system you prefer shooting on, there’s a camera for everyone here!
Which is the Best Camera Under $1000?
Before we discuss each camera in detail, below are the 20 best cameras under $1000 (or very close!) on the market today. We have a post on the best mirrorless cameras under $1000 you can check out too!
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Our Top Choice
Fujifilm X-T30 II
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Best Full Frame
Canon EOS RP
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Best Micro Four Thirds
Panasonic Lumix G95 / G90
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Budget Pick
Fujifilm X-T200
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Best Sony Choice
Sony a6400
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Best for Pros
Canon EOS M6 Mark II
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Best Nikon Mirrorless
Nikon Z fc
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Best for Beginners
Sony a6100
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Best for Travel
Panasonic Lumix DC-GX9
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Highly Recommended
Canon EOS M50 Mark II
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Best for Video
Fujifilm X-S10
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Best Olympus Choice
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
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Best Nikon DSLR
Nikon D7500
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Best Canon DSLR
Canon EOS Rebel T8i / 850D
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Best Bridge Camera
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 II
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Great Value
Canon EOS 80D
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Best for Wildlife
Nikon Coolpix P950
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Best Compact Choice
Panasonic Lumix DMC ZS100
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Best for Kids
Sony a6000
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Best for Vlogging
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III
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Best Camera Under (or Around!) $1000 in 2023
Let’s jump in and discover the strengths and weaknesses of every budget camera on our list and see who benefits most from shooting with each one!
Camera Type |  Mirrorless |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 26 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  APS-C |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 30 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 425 |
- Affordable
- High-quality images
- Fast 30 fps with 1.25x crop
- Small and light
- Stylish retro, black-and-silver look
- No in-body stabilization
- Poor ergonomics with longer lenses
- Q button awkwardly positioned
- Rear screen is not fully articulated
The recently unveiled Fujifilm X-T30 II is the successor to the incredibly popular Fujifilm X–T30. It boasts a high-resolution, 26.1MP, APS-C CMOS sensor and an upgraded X-4 image processor. The pair works together seamlessly to deliver stunningly sharp images and videos that rival expensive professional cameras like the Fujifilm X-T3 and the Sony Alpha a7 III.
Taking a closer look at how it functions as a video camera, the first thing that stands out is the impeccable resolution of its 4K video. The quality is high because it first captures the footage using a 6K signal before oversampling it and outputting it in 4K.
A few other noteworthy features of this fantastic camera include lightning-fast autofocus, strong ergonomics, and beautiful out-of-the-box colors. While some cameras below beat the X-T30 in one way or another, no other digital camera under $1000 can match its full arsenal of advanced photo and video features!
Camera Type | Mirrorless |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 26 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Full Frame |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 24 x 35.9 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 5 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 4,779 |
- Affordable full frame mirrorless
- Lightweight and easy to handle
- Macro stacking and time-lapse
- Convenient Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Nice 4K video performance
- 5 fps max burst is slow compared to competitors
- Relatively poor 250-shot battery life
- Doesn't function while charging
- 4K video is cropped 1.6x
Following the releases of the Canon EOS R5 and EOS R6, the price of the Canon EOS RP dropped dramatically. As things currently stand, it’s the only full-frame mirrorless camera priced under $1000, making it one of the best deals in the camera world.
It features a 26.2MP, full-frame sensor and a DIGIC 8 image processor. The most significant advantage of having the larger sensor is shooting in low-light conditions, like sunrises and sunsets. And using the Canon EOS RP, you can expect to shoot noise-free images up to ISO 6400.
Another reason people love this camera, especially travel and adventure photographers, is its size. At 133x85x70mm and weighing only 485g, it’s one of the lightest and most compact full-frame cameras ever built.
Camera Type | Mirrorless |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Micro Four Thirds |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 17.3 x 13 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 9 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 49 |
- 5-axis sensor-sift image stabilization
- Fully articulating touchscreen LCD
- Sharp 4K video and photos
- Unlimited recording time
- Weather-sealed camera body
- Large for a Micro Four Thirds camera
- 4K recording applies a 1.25x crop
- No autofocus during high frame-rate video capture
- Occasional rolling shutter issues in 4K
- It doesn’t include a standalone charger
The Panasonic Lumix G95 (G90 in Europe) is an intermediate camera with a 20.3MP Micro Four Thirds, CMOS sensor, and a Venus Engine image processor. With excellent photo and video quality, it’s a do-it-all camera ideal for hybrid photo and video shooters.
It’s big for a Micro Four Thirds camera due to high-end features like built-in image stabilization, a fully weather-sealed body, and additional controls. But the trade-off is well worth it!
Camera Type | Mirrorless |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | APS-C |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 8 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 425 |
- Great image detail with little noise
- Good colors in JPEGs
- Helpful face and eye detection
- Large, bright touchscreen LCD
- Mic and headphone sockets
- High-quality, 4K Ultra HD video
- Only 8 fps continuous shooting
- Small continuous shooting buffer
- Limited custom options
- Short 270-shot battery life
- No subject tracking shooting video
- Full HD video lacks sharpness
The Fujifilm X-T200 packs tons of advanced controls into a small, lightweight body for an unbeatable low price. It has a high-resolution, 24.2MP, APS-C CMOS sensor that delivers stunning RAW photos with wide dynamic range levels.
The extra detail stored in the shadows and highlights will make your images pop in post-production. If you don’t plan to edit your photos, you will love the three built-in dynamic range modes available when shooting JPEGs.
Camera Type | Mirrorless |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | APS-C |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.5 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 11 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 425 |
- Superb image quality for APS-C
- Good low-light performance
- Compact camera body
- No time limit for recording video
- No in-camera RAW image editing
- No in-body image stabilization
- Screen tilts but no further articulation
- Complicated menu system
The Sony Alpha a6400 is the successor to the a6300, and it received some major upgrades. While the two cameras share the same 24.2MP, APS-C, CMOS sensor, the a6400 now has a faster Bionz X image processor—the same found in the Sony a9.
The new processor increases speeds across the board, in photo modes, video modes, and even starting up the camera. Additionally, with 11 fps (frames per second) burst shooting, it’s an excellent camera for action and sports photography.
Camera Type | Mirrorless |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 33 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | APS-C |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 14.9 x 22.3 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 14 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 143 |
- Powerful 32.5 MP APS-C sensor
- Rapid 30 fps burst mode
- Uncropped 4K video with full AF
- Compact and lightweight body
- Accurate AF with face and eye detection
- No in-body image stabilization
- Limited screen articulation
- No built-in viewfinder
- Limited native lens selection
While not officially labeled a professional camera, the Canon EOS M6 Mark II is more than capable of delivering professional work. Its signature feature is the super-high-resolution, 32.5MP, APS-C, CMOS sensor.
In terms of resolution alone, it blows all the other best cameras priced under $1000 out of the water. The high pixel count lets you easily blow up the images for prints and posters without any drop-off in image quality.
Camera Type | Mirrorless |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 21 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | APS-C |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.5 x 15.7 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 11 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 209 |
- Animal face- and eye-detection AF
- Lots of easy-access control dials
- Attractive and stylish design
- Weather-sealed body
- 4K video capabilities
- Slow performing kit lens
- No optical image stabilization
- It lacks a built-in flash
- No joystick
- Battery life isn't great
The Nikon Z fc is Nikon’s newest crop-sensor mirrorless camera. It’s the second to adopt the Nikon Z mount system (along with the Nikon Z50). At its core, a 20.9MP, APS-C, CMOS sensor, and a speedy Expeed 6 image processor are.
My favorite details about the Z fc are the three high-quality aluminum control dials on the top of the camera. They seriously increase the speed of your workflow during manual shooting and also look great. If you have Nikon F-mount lenses from a DSLR, you can still use them with an adapter.
Camera Type | Mirrorless |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | APS-C |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.5 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 11 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 425 |
- Great price
- Human- and animal-eye autofocus
- Compact size
- 4K video option
- Flip-out touchscreen is helpful for selfies and vlogging
- No in-body stabilization
- Low 1/4000 s max shutter speed
- No GPS
- Not weather-sealed
- No headphone jack
The Sony Alpha a6100 is an entry-level mirrorless camera ideal for budding photographers. It pairs a 24.2MP, APS-C, CMOS sensor with an upgraded Bionz X image processor and works dramatically faster than its predecessor, the a6000.
On top of its faster speeds, it also boasts 4K video capabilities and Sony’s most advanced autofocus system to date. Throw in easy-to-use stills modes like Auto, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Speed Priority, and you have the perfect digital camera for learners.
Camera Type | Mirrorless |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | Micro Four Thirds |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 17.3 x 13 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 9 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 49 |
- Great value for price point
- Two convenient control dials
- Best-in-class Dual Pixel autofocus
- Unique Film Simulation mode
- Beautiful natural-looking image colors
- Lightweight, compact body with stylish retro design
- Awkward placement of quick-menu (Q) button
- Not weather sealed
- Limited 260-shot battery life
- 4K video is cropped and rolling shutter is noticeable
The Panasonic Lumix GX9 is a sleek and compact mirrorless camera featuring a 20.9MP Four Thirds sensor and a potent Venus Engine image processor. The two work hand in hand to create stills with fantastic edge-to-edge sharpness and silky smooth video.
The colors in both JPEGS and RAW images look bright and bold straight out of the camera. And the built-in Wi-Fi means sharing pictures to your phone has never been easier.
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Camera Type | Mirrorless |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | APS-C |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 14.9 x 22.3 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 143 |
- Strong sensor resolution
- 4K and Full HD video options
- Time-lapse recording
- External mic port
- Webcam functionality
- 4K video is cropped
- No environmental sealing
- No sensor-shift image stabilization
- Disappointing battery life
Thanks to its robust lineup of video features, the Canon EOS M50 Mark II is one of the most sought-after cameras by YouTubers and vloggers. While the 1.5x crop factor applied to 4K footage is not ideal, many YouTubers prefer shooting 1080p Full-HD video because of how smaller the files are.
Other video features worth highlighting include the option to record vertical video, a responsive fully-articulated touchscreen LCD, and live streaming directly to YouTube.
Camera Type | Mirrorless |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 26 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | APS-C |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 20 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 425 |
- Stunning image quality
- Good ergonomics
- 5-axis in-body stabilization
- 30 fps with crop or 20 fps without
- 4K Ultra HD with good dynamic range
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Subject tracking is not good enough for sports or action shots
- Few custom buttons
- Small viewfinder
- Only one UHS-I memory card slot
- Poor 325-shot battery using the LCD
Released at the end of 2020, the Fujifilm X-S10 is a powerful but often overlooked camera in Fuji’s lineup of crop-sensor mirrorless cameras. Along with a 26.1MP, APS-C, CMOS sensor, it boasts in-body optical image stabilization that adds up to six extra stops of exposure.
The stabilization technology significantly enhances the low-light and video performance of the X-S10. Add in its ability to shoot uncropped 4K/30p video, and you get one of the top-performing, cheap video cameras on the planet!
Camera Type | Mirrorless |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | Micro Four Thirds |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13 x 17.4 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 15 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 121 |
- Affordable
- Very beginner-friendly
- Excellent image quality
- Built-in image stabilization for video and low light
- Endless list of compatible lenses
- Excellent 4K video features
- Small sensor
- AF has slow continuous shooting
- Contrast-detection AF system is slower than phase-detection systems
- No microphone and headphone jacks
- Plastic body and isn't weather sealed
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV recently replaced the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III as Olympus’s signature SLR-style mirrorless camera. It has a 20.3MP, Four Thirds sensor, and a TruePic VIII image processor, the fastest used in any Olympus camera.
One of the most valuable additions to the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV is you can now charge it remotely using a USB. Furthermore, it has outstanding image quality and is easy to use, making it an excellent option for beginner and intermediate photographers alike.
Camera Type |  DSLR |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20.9 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | APS-C |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.7 x 23.5 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 8 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 51 |
- Great value for money
- Smaller, compact DSLR body
- Easy to handle and hold
- Long battery life
- Images not as sharp as other cameras
- Limited to crop sensor (DX) lenses
- No USB charging
- Just one memory card slot
For traditionalists who like the look and feel of DSLRs, the Nikon D7500 is the best camera under $1000. It’s the successor to the D7200, and even though the megapixel count of the 20.9MP APS-C CMOS sensor dropped, upgrades in other areas make it stand head and shoulders above its predecessor.
A handful of those upgrades include faster continuous shooting speeds, better high-ISO performance, and 4K Ultra HD video.
Camera Type | DSLR |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | APS-C |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 14.9 x 22.3 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 7.5 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 45 |
- Excellent image quality
- Eye detection AF
- Great ISO range and low-light performance
- 4K/25p and Full HD/120p video
- Fiddly control dials
- Less reliable AF in video mode
- Small optical viewfinder display
- Cropped 4K video
Turning to another famous DSLR camera, let’s look at the Canon EOS Rebel T8i (EOS 850D in Europe). It’s the highest-end camera in Canon’s Rebel lineup of entry-level DSLR cameras and narrowly beats out the Rebel T7. We have a great T7 vs T7i comparison post if you’re interested in comparing specs.
It pairs a 24.1MP sensor with a Digic 8 image processor to deliver high-quality stills and movies with the classic bright and bold Canon colors. Moreover, with a battery rated at 800 shots, it’s in a league of its own for battery life.
Camera Type |  Bridge |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  1" |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13.2 x 8.8 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 12 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 49 |
- Excellent quality Leica lens
- 5-axis in-body image stabilization
- Great 4K video recording
- Good low-light performance
- 50 fps in continuos shooting mode
- Relatively short 400 mm max zoom
- Slow face- and eye-detection AF
- No simultaneous zoom and autofocus
- Cropped 4K videos
- Not weather sealed
The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II is a popular bridge camera that first hit stores in 2019. You will find a 20.1MP, one-inch BSI-CMOS sensor and a Venus Engine image processor at its heart.
Without a doubt, its standout feature is the exquisite Leica zoom lens. The lens boasts an equivalent focal range of 25-400mm and a maximum aperture of f/2.8-4. The 16x zoom range is incredibly versatile and works well for landscapes, portraits, and everything in between.
Camera Type | DSLR |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.2 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | APS-C |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15 x 22.5 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 7 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 45 |
- Strong build quality and body design
- Great value for money
- Autofocus operates well in low-light conditions
- Easy-to-navigate menu
- Autofocus tracking can loose your subject easily
- Not the best ISO performance in the top range
- No 4K video
The Canon EOS 80D is an enthusiast DSLR that performs much better as a stills camera than a video camera. The high-resolution, 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor yields fantastic stills with solid corner-to-corner sharpness.
But there are no 4K video capabilities due to the older image processor. On top of that, as an older camera, first released in 2016, the autofocus system technology is a bit dated. It only has 45 phase-detection focus points.
You can check out the full Canon 80D vs 90D specs comparison here.
Camera Type | Bridge |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 16 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  1/2.3” |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 6.17 x 4.55 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 7 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 1 |
- Takes high-quality RAW images
- 5.5 stops of image stabilization
- 1 cm minimum focusing distance
- 83x digital zoom range
- 4K video capabilities
- Low-light performance isn't great
- Loses sharpness at longer focal lengths
- Slow buffer with continuous shooting
- No touchscreen
- Large camera body
The Nikon Coolpix P950 possesses a 16.0MP, 1/2.3-inch CMOS sensor. And it has an out-of-this-world, equivalent focal range of 24-2000mm. That’s good for an 83x optical zoom, which allows you to fill the frame even with extremely distant subjects.
The P950 is a popular camera choice for hikers and backpackers, especially those on a budget. The zoom is handy for wildlife and bird photographers who need to maintain their distance to prevent scaring off their targets. On top of that, the one-centimeter minimum focusing distance is excellent for macro photography.
Camera Type |  Compact |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | 1" |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13.2 x 8.8 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 10 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 49 |
- Excellent photo quality
- 5-axis optical image stabilization
- Nifty “Post Focus” mode can help increase depth of field
- High-resolution 4K video and photos
- Incredibly lightweight
- Yellows and skin tones occasionally look greenish
- Loses lots of detail at high ISO levels
- Small electronic viewfinder
- Touchscreen LCD doesn't tilt or move
- Not weather sealed
If size and portability are your top priorities, the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 is the best camera under $1000. It’s a tiny point-and-shoot camera measuring 111x65x44mm and weighing only 312g.
But thanks to its 20.1MP, one-inch, BSI-CMOS sensor, it packs a powerful punch. To be honest, I don’t know how Panasonic managed to fit 4K video capabilities, optical image stabilization, and more into this pocket-sized gem.
Camera Type | Mirrorless |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 24.3 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | APS-C |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 15.6 x 23.5 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 11 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 179 |
- Unbeatable price
- Superb JPEG image quality straight out of the camera
- Small and lightweight design
- USB charging
- Built-in Wi-Fi to transfer files
- Lags on startup
- No 4K video
- No touchscreen
- No silent shutter
- No in-body stabilization to counter camera shake
The Sony Alpha a6000 is a legendary camera still going strong today despite being first introduced in 2014. It’s the most sold mirrorless camera of all time and is an excellent option for beginners and children.
With its 24.3MP sensor, image quality is superb, particularly in JPEGs. Furthermore, while there is no 4K video, the quality of its 1080p HD footage is surprisingly sharp. Finally, this Sony camera’s most attractive feature is its crazy low price.
Camera Type | Compact |
|---|---|
Megapixels The higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 20 MP |
Sensor Format Refers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. | 1" |
Sensor Size The sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 13.2 x 8.8 mm |
Frame Rate The number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 30 fps |
Autofocus Points Autofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 31 |
- A high dynamic range
- Fast continuous shooting speeds
- Stylish design
- Pocket-sized body
- Flip-up rear LCD touchscreen
- Live-streaming compatible
- Soft focus at wider focal lengths
- No subject tracking in continuous shooting mode
- No electronic viewfinder
- Weak battery life for a compact
- 10 minute 4K recording limit
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III is another excellent point-and-shoot camera. From the outside, it closely resembles its predecessor, the Mark II, but the tech inside is a different story.
The Mark III features a new stacked, one-inch BSI-CMOS sensor and an upgraded Digic 8 image processor. The pair diligently works to improve camera speeds, image quality, and video performance. Speaking of video, thanks to 4K and a pop-up screen, this camera is an in-demand choice for vloggers who want to use fixed-lens compact cameras.
Our Verdict
While you can excel as a photographer and videographer with every camera above, some cameras shine exceptionally bright in one area or another. Let’s do a quick recap of the different cameras we covered.
What is the best mirrorless camera under $1000?
The Fujifilm X-T30 II is the most advanced all-around camera and the overall best camera under $1000.
What is the best DSLR camera under $1000?
While the Canon EOS Rebel T8i and Canon EOS 80D DSLR cameras aren’t far behind, the best DSLR under $1000 is the Nikon D7500.
What is the best compact camera under $1000?
It’s neck and neck between the Panasonic Lumix ZS100 and the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III. But we give a slight nod to the Panasonic Lumix ZS100. However, if you are a vlogger, go with the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II.
What is the best bridge camera under $1000?
Thanks to its high-quality Leica zoom lens, the Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II is the best bridge camera under $1000.
What is the best video camera under $1000?
It depends on the type of video work you do. For YouTubers, the best choice is the Canon EOS M50 Mark II. But filmmakers will be better off shooting with the Fujifilm X-S10.
Whether you’re looking for your first mirrorless camera, interchangeable lens cameras, or just a plain old affordable camera—we hope you find the best camera under $1000 that fits you!
You can filter the cameras in our database by price (and other specs) for more options next!
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