Snappy Savings: The best budget DSLR cameras of 2024

Canon's mid-range DSLR boasts a brand new 32.5MP APS-C sensor that offers a 1.6x crop factor over full-frame. This represents one of the biggest resolutions offered by Canon and easily the biggest to make its way into an APS-C – alongside its sister, the M6 MkII. At over £1,000, it might not sound cheap, but it’s on the low end for this amount of pixels and presents a good value option if you want to buy the latest generation of tech.

You also get a decent ISO range of 100-25,600, a rapid 10fps continuous shooting speed and vibrant, crisp images. You can also buy from the pool of Canon's wide range of lenses for all budgets. Finally, the brilliant Dual-Pixel AF system gives you a traditional focus system using the viewfinder or a mirrorless experience through the LCD. You can't go wrong with a camera as well-specced as this one.

The Panasonic Lumix G9, a unique offering in the world of photography, packs a punch in a just over-£1k package. While it may not be a traditional high-resolution camera with its 2X crop of the Micro Four Thirds sensor offering 20.3MP, it compensates with its rapid 20fps continuous shooting speed using the electronic shutter or 6K Photo, a feature that sets it apart from the rest.

There's also a High-Resolution Shot mode that takes multiple images and stitches them together to create a mammoth 80MP equivalent image that increases the detail massively… As long as everything stays perfectly still! The M43 sensor means every lens gives you double its stated focal length (50mm is a 100mm equivalent if it were on full-frame), and the lenses are great value for money. Also, thanks to a recent firmware update, you can film 4K video at 60fps and 1080p at a super-slow mo 180fps. You'll get dual SD card slots and 6K Photo, a mode that allows you to export 18MP stills from a 4K video – ideal for action. It's also weather-sealed.

For many, Canon is the go-to brand for DSLR cameras. As we discovered when we reviewed the Canon EOS M50 MkII, you can certainly find some capable kits in the sub-£1000 bracket. For a start, Canon lenses have open-standard mounts, so you'll have more choices than you can imagine for future upgrades. This one comes with a more than adequate EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 III lens, which means plenty of scope for shot variation.

For the price, this really is one of the most accessible and practical on-ramps to much better DSLRs down the line. The important thing here is that you'll have access to all of the tactile controls and features that you need — a manual focus ring, f-stop and ISO control, plus a great deal of in-camera adjustments. Thanks to Canon, quality 24.1MP stills and 4K video are now within your reach — and all for well under £1000. 

Read our full Canon EOS M50 MkII review

If you want a big resolution but are put off by a heavy and bulky camera, consider the Sony Alpha 7 III. Despite its diminutive casing, it features a 24MP full-frame sensor. The sensor has a 5-axis image stabilisation system, which detects movement during the exposure and shifts to compensate. This can allow you to shoot up to 4.5 stops slower than would ordinarily be possible without encountering the blur of camera shake.

While there are comparatively few lenses available for Sony full-frame CSCs, it is possible to use Canon or Nikon lenses with the aid of a converter. The BIONZ X image processor supports the imaging chip, giving the Alpha 7 III a native ISO range of 100-25,600. It also uses a Hybrid AF system to set the focus, and it features an enormous 399 AF points, which cover 45% of the frame area. This makes it easy to lock onto and track moving subjects. NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity mean you can use your smartphone or tablet as a viewfinder and remote shutter release.

The Canon EOS R7 is a brilliant budget camera. Its compact and lightweight design makes it a dream to carry around, especially if you’re upgrading from a previous model from the Canon R range. Its 32.5MP sensor and oversampled 4K video make it equally reliable and versatile for stills and video. Likewise, the AF performance makes it an excellent purchase for sports and wildlife photography enthusiasts.

The R7 offers excellent in-body IBIS for easy handheld shooting, which, coupled with the flip-out touchscreen and face/eye detection, create a fantastic camera for home video and vlogging. It’s also a great entry-level camera for those taking their first steps into mirrorless technology.

The X-S20 is an excellent budget camera with superb image quality and FUJIFILM's renowned lightweight, sleek, yet subdued design build. Its impressive video recording offers an improved 4K 60P 4:2:2 10-bit internal with an even crisper open-gate 6.2K option. Likewise, its improved IBIS stabilisation, AI-based AF eye/face detection and repositioned and enlarged buttons make for easier and more efficient photo and video capturing.

Additionally, the X-S20, true to its brand, offers FUJIFILM's signature film simulations, recreating their analogue films' tones, colours and contrast. These provide an affordable way to experiment, sparing you the need to buy pricey film stocks. So, despite its higher price, the X-S20 is an intelligent investment that will save you heaps in the long run.

There's a good reason why Canon feature so heavily in our selection here – they're consistently well-regarded by users and top the league table for the most cameras over 20MP. This 2000D boasts a 24.1MP APS-C sensor, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS II lens and a 3-inch 920k-dot rear LCD screen. However, beyond this and a few cosmetic upgrades, it's a very similar story. You still get the 9-point phase detection autofocus system, 3fps continuous shooting speed and native ISO range of 100-6400. 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.

As you'd expect, the Canon has an in-built flash, which keeps it in line with the rest of the competition and helps when shooting in low light. Overall, there's little to separate this from the 4000D, except build quality and megapixels. If you have the budget, this is an excellent choice, but if you're looking to spend less, it's the Canon 4000D.

The R10 is an excellent entry-level camera for those wanting a compact and lightweight DSLR to take on their travels, all the while not breaking the bank. The camera has a refined 24MP APS-C sensor and Dual Pixel CMOS AF with up to 23/30fps burst shooting. It can shoot 4K/30p, making it ideal for vlogging, and 4K/60p with crop for those wanting to adjust their footage for the 9:12 of most social media platforms.

The R10's UHS-II storage support also makes it a brilliant addition for those who know they'll be shooting for extended periods or on day trips. However, there are some downsides, with the camera having limited lens options and no built-in IBIS stabilisation. Yet, several free and paid applications from Google and Apple can address these shortcomings once you've downloaded your footage. More effective features are also available in software like Photoshop and DaVinci Resolve, but they may well set you back.

The Sony AZ-E10 packs an impressive punch for such a compact camera. Its 24MP APS-C sensor and real-time eye autofocus make it a versatile and user-friendly option for easily capturing fast-moving subjects. Likewise, the flip-out touchscreen and dedicated video record button offer seamless and hassle-free navigation, whether recording family or vlogging yourself.

With an in-built directional microphone and included windshield, the AZ-E10 captures high-quality audio. Moreover, the hot shoe mount allows for external microphone attachment, making this camera a solid choice for content creators and vloggers.

This is an excellent, user-friendly all-rounder.

If you want to step up from the quality of your smartphone camera, the Canon R50 offers a great entry point into the world of DSLR. Its advanced AF system allows the camera to differentiate between people, animals and vehicles, among others, to capture your intended subject better. Its 15fps burst shooting supports capturing faster-moving subjects, whether birds, planes, or cars. However, for most experienced DSLR shooters, it's worth noting there is a limited buffer for RAW imaging.

The R50 offers 4K Ultra HD at 30fps video capabilities. However, it's recommended that you consider getting a tripod or stabiliser, as some users may experience rolling shutter distortion when panning the camera. Its small body and compact grip make it an ideal choice for those with smaller hands.