The best budget camera of 2019: from the “soap box” to the “DSLR”

For a professional who makes a living by taking pictures, a quality camera is all. Of course, he is ready to lay out for her not one hundred thousand rubles. However, for most people it makes no sense to spend such an impressive amount. Therefore, even manufacturers from the top have to compete in a very narrow niche of budget cameras. With the advent of smartphones, it has become even smaller, forcing them to go to tricks.

That is why today it is so easy to lure an inexperienced lover into traps set by market experts. After all, few of them understand that buying a camera is the tip of the iceberg. Often, a consumer lured by a low price buys only a “carcass” from a full-fledged camera. Only with time does it come to the realization that she still needs a full-fledged lens and flash. To prevent this from happening, it is advisable to study the rating of budget cameras.

Model Selection Criteria

It is obvious even to a person far from the world of cameras that the price of budget compacts, SLRs and mirrorless cameras will differ significantly. Therefore, investing the same value is meaningless. Therefore, firstly, the review should include several models of different types. And secondly, it’s important to understand that “budgetary” will mean the opportunity to purchase a good camera for a relatively small amount of money.

Also, when compiling the rating, it was not so much the release date of the camera that was taken into account, but its popularity with the consumer in 2019. Sometimes, due to lower prices due to the release of new models, their older brothers fall into the “budget” class perfectly. However, their characteristics can not yet be called obsolete. In addition, a budget camera is the best combination of price and quality. In new products, the cost is often undeservedly overstated.

Also, when selecting cameras, the fact that it was necessary to purchase interchangeable lenses, flashes and other accessories was taken into account was taken into account. Of course, this applies only to SLR and hybrid cameras. However, this can significantly increase the cost of the finished kit. Without this factor, it is difficult to compare models in this category.

And the last one. When choosing a camera, mass market leaders such as Canon, Nikon, Sony, Olympus, Panasonic and some others were still considered. Still, these companies are trying to occupy the maximum number of niches. In addition, brands known only to professionals rarely produce budget models. If there are any, they are usually outdated.

Budget compacts

Actually, when it comes to inexpensive options for cameras, the first “soap dishes” come to mind. And indeed, the price for them starts from 3-5 thousand rubles. In fact, thanks to them, the work of a professional photographer has depreciated. However, the appearance of decent built-in cameras in smartphones has pushed them from the market. Today, more and more often, instead of a "compact", an amateur can see a smartphone.

But if you increase the budget a little, you can find a decent camera for amateur shooting, which will adequately replace not only the camera in the smartphone. Among the models popular in 2019, the following can be noted:

• Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W800;
• Nikon Coolpix S7000;
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10.

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W800

Despite the use of CCD scanning technology, which is outdated today, this camera invariably gets into the ratings. The thing is that at a relatively low price (about $ 100), it is able to give good pictures on a sunny day and night with a built-in flash. This is achieved thanks to the 20.1-megapixel camera, optical stabilizer and built-in zoom.

In addition to these characteristics, it is distinguished by its compact size (fits even in the breast pocket of a shirt), a metal case and successful built-in modes (including panoramic shooting).Giant Sony has really managed to create a compact camera with good features at such a low price. Those who are unpretentious about the quality of photos will surely like the Sony Cyber-Shot.

Nikon Coolpix S7000

Another good camera that often gets into all sorts of ratings. And the matter is not only in the famous brand name. Nikon Coolpix S7000 is very impressive for its value. Among its characteristics can be noted:

• 16 MP CMOS matrix, which allows you to take pictures of decent quality;
• 20x optical zoom, equivalent to a focal length of 26-520 mm;
• 3-inch display, which is very convenient to view the footage.

In addition, Nikon Coolpix retains all the qualities inherent in compacts. It is easy to use, small in size and the possibility of long shooting without recharging. Of the additional qualities, one can also note the possibility of mounting a tripod, a fairly high shooting speed (almost 10 frames per second) and the ability to edit photos immediately after shooting.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10

The Panasonic Lumix line has long established itself as the best in the “low-cost digital camera” segment. This model was no exception. Among consumers, it enjoys well-deserved popularity. And this despite the outdated CCD-matrix. First of all, it is distinguished by a convenient case that fits perfectly in the palm of your hand. There is nothing superfluous. The ergonomics of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 cannot be denied.

Other characteristics include a 17 MP matrix, a 3-inch rotary screen for selfies, the ability to transfer images via Wi-Fi, optical zoom and a position sensor. However, they are popular, primarily due to their low cost. In this, Panasonic has succeeded significantly, crowding out many other competitors.

Good SLRs

In relation to SLR cameras, it’s rather difficult to talk about budget technology. First of all, by the fact that it consists of a “carcass” (body), a lens and a flash. Sometimes, in order to reduce its cost, the manufacturer includes the cheapest options. After all, it is assumed that the photographer himself will pick up interchangeable optics and an external flash for his needs. True, an amateur is often not ready for such a turn of events.

Therefore, do not strive to buy the cheapest SLR camera. For this class of cameras, as for no other, the combination of price and quality is important. And this applies to the kit as a whole. In order not to become a victim of tricky marketing tricks, you should pay attention to the "SLR" of well-known manufacturers. In 2019, the following can be noted among them:

• Nikon D3300;
• Sony Alpha SLT-A58;
• Canon EOS 750D.

Nikon D3300

The Nikon D3300 is one of the most sought-after cameras in its segment worldwide. She regularly becomes a member of various tops and ratings. Such a situation is rather a regularity than an accident. At a relatively low cost (less than 30 thousand rubles), it is equipped with quite impressive characteristics. Perhaps this is the best SLR camera that you can buy for this price.

So, among the main qualities we can note:

• 24.2 megapixel sensor
• optical viewfinder;
• 11-point focusing system;
• shooting speed - 5 frames per second;
• the ability to shoot video in Full HD;
• low power consumption.

True, she does not have the intricate functions inherent in older brothers. However, often an amateur doesn’t need Wi-Fi and GPS. Otherwise, the Nikon D3300 is in no way inferior to its competitors in this segment.

Sony Alpha SLT-A58

Meticulous users will reasonably notice that the Sony Alpha SLT-A58 is not a classic SLR. It uses a translucent mirror to transmit images to the matrix. However, due to this quality, the camera is distinguished by its high rate of fire (up to 8 frames per second) and silent operation, uncharacteristic of “DSLRs”.

But it got into the rating thanks to an impressive set of characteristics for its value (about 20 thousand rubles). So, according to the description from the manufacturer, it has:

• 20.1 megapixel sensor
• the ability to record Full HD video;
• 15-point autofocus;
• image stabilization sensor.

Among the shortcomings can be noted the presence of a digital, not an optical viewfinder, a small screen size (2.7 inches) and poor light transmission through a translucent mirror. However, most fans will not even notice these shortcomings. Perhaps, for this price this is a really high-quality camera from Sony.

Canon EOS 750D

This camera has become a real novelty of 2015. Therefore, it is not surprising that with the advent of 2019, the Canon EOS 750D does not give up its positions in the amateur class. Canon managed to maintain a fairly affordable price for the “carcass plus lens” kit. So what is so remarkable about the Canon EOS 750D?

• new 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor (it is assumed that it will become the ancestor of the new series);
• the familiar DIGIC 6 processor was first installed on an amateur DSLR;
• Hybrid-friendly autofocus system. In addition, 19 points are used for focusing instead of the usual 9 for this class;
• the presence of two displays: the main rotary and a small monochrome at the top of the camera;
• the ability to transfer images and control the camera via Wi-Fi.

Interesting hybrids

Any review would be incomplete without the mention of hybrid cameras. Mirrorless cameras have already firmly occupied their niche. True, in the budget segment you can find not many models. But experts say that this is a matter of time. Producers who want to maximize profits will have to reduce the cost of hybrids.

Today, among such models, one can note:

• Olympus OM-D E-M10;
• Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7.

Olympus OM-D E-M10

Introduced to the consumer as a novelty back in 2014, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 has not lost its relevance so far. At the time of her release, many experts predicted her a great future and high sales in her class. And all thanks to a successful combination of price and quality.

A closer look at the Olympus OM-D E-M10 reveals the following important features:

• a matrix of 16.1 MP size 4/3;
• high speed shooting (up to 8.5 frames per second);
• good performance;
• acceptable shooting quality for a beginner.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7

As well as the direct competitor of the Olympus OM-D E-M10, this camera has a 16-megapixel sensor, high-speed shooting and an electronic viewfinder. However, the similarities end there. Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 has an impressive size, can shoot 4K-video and has a rotary display. As most experts note, for the price of an amateur camera, a consumer receives functionality worthy of a professional.

In custody

It is difficult to cover the entire market of the modern photo industry. Even professionals tirelessly argue about the quality of the proposed technology. However, there is no more objective assessment than the volume of sales and the rating of queries on the Internet. It is focusing on them that you can choose the best camera 2019.