My Top Picks for Budget Beginner Cameras in 2025

So, you're thinking about diving into the world of photography and videography, but you don't want to spend a fortune? I totally get it. I’ve been there myself. That's why I'm excited to share my personal experiences with some of the best budget beginner cameras out there. Trust me, you don't need to break the bank to capture amazing photos and videos.

Don't forget to check out the FREE PROJECT FILE PACK I created so you can see the footage from both cameras and decide for yourself. And if you're still on the fence after reading this blog, you can take my free "Which Camera Should I Buy?" quiz!

I also made a YOUTUBE VIDEO on this comparison so you can watch it after you read this blog post.

Before You Buy: What to Consider 

Before we get to the cameras I've personally tested and loved, let's talk about a few things you should keep in mind when making your decision:

•  Your Budget: Be honest with yourself about how much you can comfortably spend. We'll be looking at cameras under $1000, but it's important to set a realistic limit.
•  Photo vs. Video: Are you more into taking still photos, or are you drawn to the world of video? Some cameras are better suited for one over the other, while others offer a great balance.
•  Interchangeable Lenses vs. Fixed Lens: Interchangeable lens cameras give you more flexibility to experiment with different types of photography, but fixed lens cameras are often more compact and budget-friendly.
•  Ease of Use: As a beginner, you'll want a camera that's intuitive and easy to learn. Look for user-friendly menus and controls that won't leave you feeling overwhelmed.
•  Image Quality: Sensor size, megapixels, and video resolution all play a role in image quality. Find a camera that strikes a good balance between these factors and your budget.

My Camera Recommendations 

Alright, let's get to the good stuff! Here are the cameras I've personally used and can confidently recommend to beginners. I'll give you the honest truth about what I liked and didn't like about each one.

1. DJI Osmo Pocket 3

• Purchase Here (affiliate)↑
• Price: $519 (body only)
• Released: October 2023

I've spent a lot of time with the Osmo Pocket 3, comparing it to several other cameras like the Insta360 X4, Osmo Pocket 2, ZV-E10 I & II, iPhones 15 & 16 Pro, and the Fuji X-M5. I even created a comprehensive course on maximizing its potential, covering everything from cinematic shooting setups to diverse lighting scenarios. Its popularity is undeniable, evidenced by its impressive number of Amazon reviews. For creators seeking an all-in-one solution without underwater capabilities, this camera is a strong contender.

This little powerhouse is built around a gimbal, delivering incredibly smooth footage without the hassle of balancing a separate unit. Its 10-bit capability and 4K video at up to 120fps put it ahead of many pricier 8-bit cameras, especially in challenging lighting. The versatility is remarkable; I can seamlessly transition from vlogging to cinematic shots, product demos, and even stills with its 9MP sensor. The 20mm lens is ready to go out of the box, and features like face tracking and ActiveTrack make solo content creation a breeze. Fast charging, easy file transfer, and user-friendliness make it ideal for beginners.

What I Loved: The gimbal stabilization is buttery smooth.

•  The image quality is top-notch.
•  It's super compact and easy to take anywhere.
•  It charges incredibly fast.
•  It's very user-friendly, even for beginners.

What Could Be Better: 

•  Editing 4K footage from this camera requires a pretty powerful computer.
•  It's a bit delicate and not weather-sealed, so you have to be careful with it.
•  There aren't many customizable buttons on the camera itself.
•  The gimbal doesn't smooth out up-and-down movement, so you have to be mindful of that when walking.

2. Sony ZV-E10 II

• Purchase Here (affiliate)↑
• Price: $799 (body only)
• Released: June 2024

My experience with the ZV-E10 II is extensive, having used it alongside the ZV-E10 I, Sony a6700, iPhones 15 & 16 Pro, Osmo Pocket 3, and Fuji X-M5. I've also poured my knowledge into a 10-hour course dedicated to this camera. I believe it has the potential to become a classic for video-first creators. As an interchangeable lens camera, it offers incredible versatility, allowing me to adapt to various shooting situations with different lenses.

Having used the original ZV-E10 for years, the Mark II felt familiar yet improved. I pushed it to its limits, using it for everything from product shots and vlogging to cinematic sequences, anamorphic work, street photography, and even wildlife. I explored different frame rates, resolutions, and picture profiles, including the S-Cinetone, which delivers a beautiful filmic look. The image quality, especially in low light, is superb thanks to its APS-C sensor, and the autofocus is fast and reliable. The stabilization is also a significant upgrade.

What I Loved: 

•  Having the option to change lenses is a huge plus for versatility.
•  It performs incredibly well in low light.
•  It's compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
•  The autofocus is fast and accurate.
•  The S-Cinetone picture profile is a great feature.

What Could Be Better: 

•  When you shoot in 4K 60fps, there's a noticeable crop.
•  The 1080p 120fps slow-motion footage isn't as sharp as I'd hoped.
•  It lacks a quarter-inch thread, which makes vertical shooting a bit awkward.
•  It can overheat if you record for long periods in the highest quality settings.

3. Google Pixel 9 Pro

•  Purchase Here (affiliate)↑
• Price: Starts at $849 (128GB)
• Released: September 2024

The Pixel 9 Pro has become my go-to camera in many situations, often surprising me with its performance against dedicated cameras like the Fuji X-M5 and Sony a6700. I've compared it to the iPhone 15 & 16 Pro, Osmo Pocket 3, and others, and it holds its own remarkably well. As a smartphone, it offers the added convenience of calling and texting, making it the ultimate everyday carry

I've been impressed by how well the Pixel 9 Pro performs, sometimes even outshining APS-C cameras in bright light thanks to its computational photography. It's a fantastic learning tool, offering manual controls like shutter speed and white balance. The 48MP ultrawide, 50MP wide, 48MP 5x telephoto, and 42MP front cameras are all impressive. It nails exposure, handles bright light well, and produces natural colors. The autofocus is quick and reliable, and the video stabilization is surprisingly good in good lighting.

What I Loved: 

•  It's incredibly convenient to always have a camera with me.
•  The image quality is fantastic in bright light.
•  The autofocus is super fast.
•  The video stabilization is really good (as long as there's enough light).
•  It's much more affordable than a dedicated camera system.

What Could Be Better: 

•  The dynamic range can look a bit artificial at times, and some shots have a "plastic" look to them.
•  It has a fixed aperture, so you can't get much background blur.
•  The video stabilization struggles in low light.
•  The colors can be inconsistent when you zoom in.
•  I noticed some weird artifacts and sharpness jumps in videos sometimes.

4. Insta360 X4

• Purchase Here (affiliate)↑
• Price: $499
• Released: April 2024

My exploration of the Insta360 X4 has been extensive, including comparisons with the Osmo Pocket 3 and GoPro Hero 12 (a comparison video I plan to finish soon). I've also created a course specifically for this camera. 360 cameras have revolutionized content creation, and the X4 is a prime example. Its ability to capture everything and allow for reframing in post-production is a game-changer.

The Insta360 X4 offers a unique approach to capturing content. Its 72MP sensor and 8K 360° video, along with single-lens mode, provide incredible flexibility. While it's an 8-bit camera, the image quality is surprisingly good, especially in well-lit environments. The stabilization is exceptional, making it perfect for action sports and dynamic shots. The wide field of view and post-production reframing capabilities open up creative possibilities that traditional cameras can't match.

What I Loved: 

•  The 360° capture opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities.
•  The stabilization is out of this world.
•  It has a really wide field of view.
•  You can swap out the battery, which is great for longer shoots.
•  It's waterproof, so you can take it on all sorts of adventures.

What Could Be Better: 

•  It's an 8-bit camera, so the low-light performance isn't as good as some of the 10-bit cameras on this list.
•  You have to reframe your shots in post-production if you use the 360° mode.
•  It can get pretty hot when you're shooting in 8K 360° mode.

5. Fuji X-M5

• Purchase Here (affiliate)↑
• Price: $799 (body only)
• Released: November 2024

The Fuji X-M5 has become a personal favorite. I've compared it to the ZV-E10 II, Osmo Pocket 3, iPhones 15 & 16 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro, and its color science truly stands out. It's compact, delivers beautiful film-like images, and provides a unique shooting experience. The affordable price makes it an excellent entry point into Fuji's X-mount system and film simulations.

Fuji's heritage in film shines through in the X-M5's color science. The colors are rich and film-like, with beautiful skin tones and a natural, pleasing look. The film simulations offer incredible creative control, allowing me to achieve various moods and aesthetics. The articulating touchscreen is bright and responsive, and the autofocus joystick provides precise control. The image quality is excellent, even in low light, and the 6.2K open gate video capability is a bonus.

What I Loved: 

•  The colors are absolutely stunning.
•  The film simulations give you so much creative control.
•  It's super small and lightweight.
•  The image quality is excellent.
•  It's a great way to get into Fuji's X-mount lens system without spending a fortune.

What Could Be Better: 

•  It doesn't have an electronic viewfinder (EVF).
•  The in-body stabilization isn't the best.

6. Canon R50

• Purchase Here (affiliate)↑
• Price: $579 (body only)
• Released: April 2023

The Canon R50 has truly impressed me. I've compared it to the ZV-E10 I, and its 10-bit HDR video capability gives it a significant edge. It's incredibly user-friendly, produces vibrant Canon colors, and offers excellent image quality. For beginners looking to step into the world of interchangeable lens cameras, the R50 is a fantastic option.

The R50 feels great in hand, with a comfortable grip. The 24MP sensor and 4K video at up to 30fps deliver excellent results. The 10-bit HDR video is a standout feature, providing incredible depth and detail. The user-friendly menu system makes it easy to navigate and customize settings. While it lacks a headphone jack, it does offer microphone input and HDMI output.

What I Loved: 

•  The menu system is super easy to navigate.
•  It has a comfortable grip, which makes it easy to hold for long periods.
•  The colors are vibrant and punchy.
•  The 10-bit HDR video looks amazing.
•  It has both an EVF and a fully articulating display.

What Could Be Better: 

•  There's no headphone jack, which might be a dealbreaker for some.
•  It has a 1.6x crop factor, which means lenses will have a narrower field of view.
•  Canon's selection of APS-C lenses isn't as extensive as Sony's.

7. Nikon Z30

• Purchase Here (affiliate)↑
• Price: $606 (body only)
• Released: August 2022

The Nikon Z30 is a camera that continues to impress me even years after its release. I've compared it to the ZV-E10 I, and it surpasses the Sony in photography and image quality. Its realistic color science, particularly for skin tones, is a major plus. For beginners seeking a well-rounded camera, the Z30 is a great choice.

The Z30's image quality is exceptional, with sharp details and rich, accurate colors. The user-friendly design and customizable buttons and dials make it easy to personalize. The articulating screen and tally light are great for vloggers. While it lacks a headphone jack and EVF, it offers excellent value. The autofocus can be a bit slow, but the eye and animal autofocus are helpful.

What I Loved: 

•  The image quality is top-notch.
•  The colors are accurate and lifelike.
•  It has a user-friendly design with lots of customizable controls.
•  The articulating screen is great for vlogging.
•  It's a great value for the price.

What Could Be Better: 

•  The autofocus can be a bit slow.
•  It doesn't have an EVF.

8. Apple iPhone 16 Pro

• Purchase Here (affiliate)↑
• Price: Starts at $999 (128GB)
• Released: September 2024

 The iPhone 16 Pro has become an essential tool for me. I've compared it to several other cameras, including the ZV-E10 II, Osmo Pocket 3, Fuji X-M5, and iPhone 15 Pro, allowing me to understand its strengths and weaknesses. The improvements over the iPhone 15 Pro, while subtle, are significant enough to warrant its inclusion here.

The iPhone 16 Pro offers richer, more saturated colors, especially in reds and yellows. The larger display is great for viewing, and the upgraded camera system includes a 48MP ultra-wide camera, 5x optical zoom, and 4K video at 120fps. The enhanced audio capabilities and sound isolation are perfect for headshots and video work. The stabilization is excellent, and the option to shoot in Apple Log is a game-changer for serious video creators.

What I Loved: 

•  The convenience of having a great camera in my pocket.
•  The image quality is fantastic.
•  The stabilization is top-notch.
•  It can shoot 4K video at 120fps.
•  The audio recording capabilities are excellent.

What Could Be Better: 

•  It's obviously not as versatile as a dedicated camera.
•  It's expensive for a smartphone.

Final Thoughts 

Choosing your first camera can feel like a big decision, and it's easy to get caught up in specs and features. But ultimately, the best camera is the one that inspires you to create.

Don't be afraid to experiment and try different things. Photography and videography are all about capturing moments, expressing yourself, and having fun. Whether you're drawn to the cinematic smoothness of the Osmo Pocket 3, the versatility of the Sony ZV-E10 II, the always-in-your-pocket convenience of the Pixel 9 Pro, or the unique perspective of the Insta360 X4, there's a camera out there that's perfect for you.

And remember, it's not just about the camera itself. It's about the experiences you have, the stories you tell, and the memories you preserve. So grab your camera, get out there, and start capturing the world around you. You might just surprise yourself with what you create.

If you found this post helpful, be sure to share it with your friends who are also starting their photography and videography journey.