The big Black Friday sale may be over, but many retailers still have great deals all year round. So, if you're looking at updating your photography gear in time for Christmas there are still bargains and offers to be found. It's no secret that the best cameras often come with a seriously high price tag. That's why finding the best deals is essential. That's where our experts come in, even when Black Friday isn't running. So, whether you're trying to get into photography, upgrade your ageing DSLR or buy them as gifts, it's always possible to make some serious savings.
Have a specific or popular item on your shopping list? They can often sell out in advance or not make it onto a sales event. We're continually looking for the best deals and updating our list so you won't miss out.
Black Friday camera deals 2023: The best deals across the web
• Amazon: Deals on cameras and DSLRs
• Wex Photo Video: Black Friday camera deals still on
• John Lewis: Big savings on cameras and camcorders
• Currys: Enormous camera deals
• Very: Excellent camera savings
• Jessops: Camera deals from DSLRs to compact
Your choice of camera is going to come down to what kind of photographer you are. An experienced professional will probably look for high-spec DSLRs with a range of advanced features and lens options. A beginner who's aiming to break into the world of photography might look for a fairly capable compact camera with manual settings, or a simple and affordable DSLR. Fun and casual snappers have the most to choose from, with both pocket and instant cameras to choose from. We've included a brief buyer's guide to help you narrow things down.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or someone looking for an excellent deal on the best entry-level cameras, there are already lots of choices out there. Our run-down of excellent camera deals from the best brands is below, along with a short buyer's guide. So, prepare your viewfinders for some of the hottest deals on the best budget DSLR cameras and more, from the likes of Canon, Sony, Fuji and more.
The best Black Friday camera deals of 2023 at a glance:
• Best overall camera deal: Panasonic LUMIX DC-S5 S5 Full Frame Mirrorless - View at Amazon
• Best budget camera deal: Canon EOS 2000D - View at Amazon
• Best instant camera deal: Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera - View at Amazon
Please note: Prices are correct at the time of writing. Deals, prices and stock levels are subject to change at short notice.
Last chance: Best Black Friday camera deals of 2023
22% OFF SONY
Sony's RX100 V is a prime example of an automatic compact with features normally seen on larger DSLRs. Here you'll find a 1-inch sensor with a 20MP resolution and a 24-70mm Zeiss zoom lens. You can simply aim this at something and trust the automatic modes, backed up by an incredibly responsive and accurate autofocus system. Given that this can capture 4K footage too, it's a great adept all-rounder. Now with £200 off.
12% off
A compact camera with DSLR features as well as special additions for video bloggers (vloggers) like this are hard to find, and Sony has really demonstrated their know-how for both stills and video cameras here. The Alpha ZV-E10L is the sought-after kit for video makers and YouTubers. 4K video, mic with windshield, the works. And it is all yours with over £80 off.
£430 off Canon
This Canon EOS 90D is currently 26% off, which means you'll be getting a lot more camera for your money. Not only does the 90D have a stellar reputation for all sorts of outdoor photography, but it also comes with a super-flexible 18-135mm zoom lens with image stabilisation. This Canon is ready for anything.
MASSIVE £200 OFF
www.wexphotovideo.com
Perhaps one of the best deals in terms of extra lenses we've ever seen, this LUMIX DSLR from Panasonic is a full-frame camera with a wide zoom lens plus an 85mm lens for even more flexibility when shooting. other extras like a flip screen that makes shooting a breeze. It'll also do 4K 60p video, and shots will be nice and smooth thanks to 5-axis image stabilisation. A Panasonic DSLR with 45% off? You'd better believe it - but it won't be around forever.
SAVE £145
Canon is back on our list thanks to being another incredible deal for a DSLR with a 24.1MP APS-C sensor. Packing a EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens and a 3-inch 920k-dot rear LCD screen, you'll soon be confidently enjoying flexible shooting in all conditions. The 9-point phase detection autofocus system, 3fps continuous shooting speed and native ISO range of 100-6400 are very good at this price point too. Even better considering there's over £145 off this camera right now. With so many features at your fingertips, it's no wonder this made the top spot on our line-up of the best Canon DSLR cameras.
Great Deal on NIKON
www.wexphotovideo.com
Nikon is well known for its excellent cameras, and this Z6 II Compact System Camera is the best one available for a great deal. Quality cameras like this tend to be very expensive, so saving over £450 is certainly welcome. It sports two processors and dual memory slots, so it's a versatile piece of kit suitable for all your camera work. Plus, right now Wex is also offering a free tripod with this camera. Get this deal while you can.
19% off SONY
The Alpha 7 II is a firm favourite amongst serious photographers and videographers alike. And that success is due to the wide and practical zoom lens with 5-axis in-body stabilisation, plus of course that massive 24.3 MP resolution. If you want Sony full-frame photography in a sturdy yet portable package, this is it. Save over £170 right now, too.
32% off CANON
Now, it's important to note that this deal is for the Canon EOS 6D camera body only - but it's here for two reasons. Firstly, it has a huge 32% off right now, and secondly it's ideal for anyone who's looking to upgrade their camera kit but already has compatible Canon lenses. The 6D mark II is legendary among photographers and with this much cash to be saved, it's a steal.
£150 off PENTAX
www.wexphotovideo.com
Pentax is, of course, a much-loved and well-established brand for reliable camera gear, and this KF DSLR is a prime example. It comes with an 18-55mm lens - the go-to favourite all-rounder for most shooting situations. With a huge 24.4MP CMOS sensor and an exceptionally accurate optical viewfinder, you'll be shooting detailed images with confidence. It's also ideal for outdoor photography as the camera design is adapted for those conditions - with dust and cold proofing, and a weather-resistant body. Grab £150 off this Pentax right now.
HUGE £1000 DISCOUNT
www.jessops.com
The Canon EOS R6 comes with an STM lens with a nice wide 24-105mm zoom lens for all those panoramic masterpieces. The 20.1 MP full frame CMOS sensor delivers stunning image quality, and it's also capable of recording 4K video. Want £1000 off this Canon? It's all yours.
£100 off GoPro
www.very.co.uk
The legendary action cam is on sale. Yes, the GoPro Hero 11 Black. Strap this to your bike, helmet, car and more for the most enthralling action footage you'll ever capture. With both video and stills capabilities, the tiny body of the GoPro is capable of capturing 27MP photos and 5.3K video including slo-mo. And it's all smoothly stabilised. Save £100 on the perfect gift for sporty types and anyone who likes to go out and record their adventures.
£300 off SONY
www.jessops.com
As compact cameras go, Sony has pretty much cornered the market for balancing quality, usability and image quality inside a smaller body. This a6400 is a mirrorless version so you'll benefit from faster shooting rates and a lightning-fast autofocus system. Shots taken at 24.2MP are just amazing to see, and the 18-135mm lens is great for all subjects. Grab this with £200 off right now.
MASSIVE £300 SAVING
www.currys.co.uk
Perhaps one of the best cameras on the market, the CANON EOS R100 mirrorless camera is absolutely perfect for photographers and filmmakers alike.
Save £200 on this mighty camera, complete with a 55-200 mm f/4.5-6.3 telephoto lens, which is sublime for capturing the tiniest details imaginable.
22% OFF
As iconic camera designs go, this Polaroid Now+ is a blast from the past with some excellent modernisations like filters and connected app. It uses Polaroid i-Type and 600 film for the simplest and most fun way to snap away no matter where you go - everything will of course be instantly printed as handy 7.9cm square prints. Polaroid has definitely catered for nostalgia fans with this modern update to retro photography.
£170 off CANON
www.very.co.uk
Get this huge deal over at Very.co.uk - this Canon EOS R100 comes as a bundle with a 32GB SD card, Additional battery, neck strap and case. If you're looking for a mirrorless (which basically means a faster shooting speed and digital viewfinder) DSLR camera that's entry-level and ideal for families, this is it. It comes with a nice wide 18-55mm STM zoom lens - perfect for landscapes, holidays and family gatherings. 24.1MP images mean you'll have plenty of top-of-the-line detail, and it'll even connect to your smartphone for easy transferring of your shots. Brilliant, and even better thanks to all of those extras plus a huge £170 off.
Save £100 on Sony
www.very.co.uk
This Sony A7 Mk II is another compact mirrorless model from Sony which is known for its super-fast autofocus abilities. The 28-70mm zoom lens means you'll have plenty of photographic flexibility, plus 24.3-megapixel images and fast hybrid AF means you can keep the right thing focussed in-frame right when you need it. An amazing £100 to be saved today.
Best Black Friday 2023 camera deals: Buyer's guide
As always (and especially when there's a sale on) it's important not to get carried away as you read up on many impressive camera features. Depending on your style and type of photography, you may not need or ever use lots of them. Given that most digital cameras come packing very similar-sounding features, let's take a moment to consider your needs:
Choose the photography features you'll actually use
There's a huge range of creative and practical needs at play here. For some, all that's needed is a fully automatic compact camera that can slip into a back pocket. Others, such as those just setting out with more serious photography, might want to prioritise lenses and manual camera settings. Professional photographers or videographers might opt for mirrorless cameras with larger sensors and resolutions; plus video benefits like quick and silent autofocus. Here's some pointers:
Cameras for casual shooters
If you're not 'into' photography you're more than likely fine with an easy-to-use compact digital camera. They are the point-and-shoot camera variety and come with lots of automatic settings to look after the exposure, shutter speed and more. Some of the more advanced compact cameras can actually do an awful lot of things that a full DSLR can do, minus the larger sensors and swappable lenses.
For the ultimate in quick and easy fun photography consider an instant camera of the Polaroid or photo-printing variety. They're cheap and a great talking point at any party.
DSLR cameras for beginners
Depending on how experienced you are with manual camera settings (and principles like depth of field, ISO, aperture, and shutter speed) your choice is probably going to be led by your budget. Swappable lens options are important here, but not necessarily essential. If you're totally new to manual photography we recommend a simple camera - like the Olympus PEN E-PL10. It will give you enough control over the basics and let you practice key principles. But, anyone who is more adept but still a beginner could go for the Canon EOS 250D. It'll give you most of the settings you'll need, and a decent lens, but won't break the bank.
Experienced photographers: Mirrorless VS DSLR
One key choice for experienced snappers is mirrorless or DSLR. Knowing the difference can affect more than just your spend. Mirrorless means a lighter body and faster operation due to the removal of the reflex mirror (the 'R' in DSLR). That mirror would normally divert light from the lens to an offset viewfinder. So, unless you really want a bit more shooting speed and prefer a viewfinder over a screen for your framing, you may not need the benefits that mirrorless can bring.
Experienced photographers: Lens compatibility
Never assume that your existing lenses will fit because you're sticking to the same brand of camera body. If they don't fit, double-check to make sure that there are compatible adapters available. If not, but you're dead-set on the camera of your dreams, you'll need to budget for an extra lens or two.
Stick to your budget
It's easy to read up about bigger and better cameras. But, unless you know just what makes a mirrorless camera better for your style of photography, you could be wasting some of your money. Even if money is no object, you may simply not need 4K video shooting and image stabilisation and more. If you can get more features and don't mind splashing out, more is always more. But, for everyone else, setting a budget and then focussing on the features you'll need is the best way to start.
Leave room for accessories
Even after getting a great Black Friday camera deal, don't be tempted to cut out those essential accessories. If you're buying gear for a beginner photographer this is paramount. Any beginner is going to want as many lenses as they can get their hands on, but soon regret not getting a weatherproof camera bag or backpack.
And then there are camera body and lens essentials like a camera cleaning kit with new brushes, cloths, and supplies. One pro-tip for any camera of any size (providing it has the attachment threads on the lens) is a UV filter to improve clarity and - crucially - protect the lens itself.
Best Black Friday 2023 camera deals: FAQs
When is the Black Friday Sale?
The Black Friday sale officially began on Friday 24th November and is now over. But it'll be back in November 2024 -so check What's The Best closer to the time for the expert low-down on the best deals.
Who has the best Black Friday camera deals?
Deals naturally vary from store to store, but we always prefer the ease and simplicity of online shopping. Despite first introducing the concept of Black Friday to the UK back in 2010, Amazon's own Black Friday event isn't the only one. Many online retailers offer special deals on the same day. That said, quite often the product choice and massive discounts passed on to Amazon Prime Members can be almost unbeatable.
Which camera is best value for money?
While you'll probably always be able to spend more on a top-of-the-range Nikon camera than with some other brands, it really comes down to the discount that's applied to the right camera for you. There's not much point in getting a brilliant Black Friday deal on a camera that actually doesn't meet your needs. That said, in the world of DSLRs, Canon cameras are often our favourite choice for solid kit with lens options and manual features - they often make a great professional choice too, offering excellent affordable cameras ideal for portrait photography and the like.
Is now a good time to buy a camera?
Black Friday can be an excellent time to buy a camera in the UK, as many retailers offer significant discounts and deals on electronics. This, of course, includes cameras, lenses and accessories. During this period, you can often find discounts on entry-level and high-end cameras, making it a good opportunity to upgrade your photography gear or invest in a new camera.
Which is the number one camera company?
As of 2023, determining the number one camera company is subjective and can depend on individual preferences and needs. However, some leading camera manufacturers include Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Panasonic.
Each company has its strengths, with Canon and Nikon traditionally being strong contenders for decades, while Sony has gained prominence with the dawn of the mirrorless camera. Researching the latest camera models and reviews can help you find the best fit for your specific requirements during Black Friday sales.
Chris Duffill is a Tech Product Writer for What's The Best and Yours. He’s an experienced bargain-hunter on Black Friday and Prime Day - finding genuine deals on electronic and audiovisual tech from the best brands. As one of our resident experts in computing, he also specialises in PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches, games consoles and peripherals. His background in video production and digital media also means that speakers, amplifiers, turntables, TVs and streaming entertainment of all kinds are at the centre of his tech expertise. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.
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