Smartphone shooters have improved by leaps and bounds, but sometimes you just can’t beat a proper camera. Handheld units haven’t changed as much as smartphones, but they’ve added new features like Wi-Fi and Full HD displays. Unfortunately, some of those new technologies mean higher price tags. We’ve gone ahead and put together a list of some of the best cheap camera deals available right now.
See also: The best cameras for beginners
As the post title suggests, you won’t find any high-end DSLRs that don’t run you thousands of dollars. This list is more for those of you looking for a first camera or an affordable upgrade. We’ve broken the deals down into each type of camera to make it easier for you to decide just what you need.
You’ll notice that a lot of the deals below are from B&H and Focus. This is no coincidence since photography it’s what those guys specialize in. We’ve picked out a selection of their best deals, but there are dozens more to check out, with massive savings to be had. You can peruse both selections on the B&H or Focus websites.
Featured Deal: Save $2,400 on the Canon EOS 5DS R DSLR
If you want to add a high-quality DSLR to your camera setup, look no further than the Canon EOS 5DS R DSLR. Although it’s slightly on the pricier side, the EOS 5DS R DSLR is significantly cheaper than its original price at just $1,499 ($2,400 off).
The camera hosts plenty of features to justify the price point. It boasts a 50.6MP sensor that is sure to give you great, sharp, and high-resolution photos. When paired with the fast processing power of the dual DIGIC 6 image processors, you get ultra-defined photos at fast speeds to support all of your photo needs.
See also: The best DSLR apps for Android
In addition, the 5DS R has some great video capabilities to complement its photo quality. It shoots 1080p HD videos at 30fps and also includes unique features such as a time-lapse movie function that takes photos and combines them into a high-quality video.
The only downside is that the 5DS R will take six to eight weeks to become available as it’s currently out of stock. However, if you’re not in immediate need of one, it’s definitely a worthwhile investment to buy one now to take advantage of a great deal.
Hit the widget below to check out the deal for yourself, or scroll on for more offers.
Best cheap camera deals:
All of these deals were live at the time of writing, but sites like Amazon change their offers often. We’ll do our best to update the deals as we find new savings and others expire.
See also: The best cameras for beginners
Compact camera deals
The best cheap camera deals are compact or point-and-shoot cameras, which are small and easy to operate. The lens is built into the camera, so you can essentially just point and capture images with the push of a button. Compact cameras are smaller than DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, and you might find that your image quality is limited depending on your setup.
- Panasonic Lumix FZ80 for $297.99 ($100 off)
- Fujifilm Instax SQ1 for $119.95 ($30 off)
- Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70K for $347.99 ($50 off)
- Panasonic Lumix ZS100 for $397.99 ($300 off)
- Canon PowerShot G5 X for $699 ($100 off)
- Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80 for $297.99 ($101 off)
- Sony ZV-1 with accessory kit for $848 ($50 off)
See also: What is HDR in photography? Let us show you how it’s done
Cheap DSLR deals
DSLRs are what many people think of when they think of professional cameras. They feature interchangeable lenses and large sensors for better image quality than compact cameras. DSLRs also use a rotating mirror to preview and capture your image to the sensor.
- Canon EOS Rebel T7 and 18-55mm lens for $499 ($270 off)
- Pentax K-70 DSLR Body with Accessory Kit for $546.95 ($100 off)
- Canon EOS 80D DSLR with 18-55mm Lens for $899 ($350 off)
- Canon EOS 80D DSLR with 18-135mm lens for $1,149 ($550 off)
See also: The best DSLRs you can buy right now
Mirrorless camera deals
Mirrorless cameras are similar to DSLRs in that they rely on interchangeable lenses for image quality. As the name suggests, they lack a mirror, so images are captured directly on the sensor. Mirrorless cameras are often smaller and lighter as well, which makes them easier to carry and use.
- Sony Alpha a6100 APS-C bundle for $998 ($260 off)
- Panasonic Lumix DC-G95 bundle for $799.99 ($880 off)
- Sony Alpha a7R II Mirrorless Digital Camera for $1,198 ($600 off)
- FUJIFILM X-T3 Mirrorless Digital Camera for $1,195.95 ($300 off)
- Nikon Z 50 DX-Format with 16-50mm and 50-250mm lenses for $1,199.95 ($147 off)
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7 with 14-42mm lens for $630.37 ($200 off)
See also: The best mirrorless cameras you can buy