I think we all know that photography is an expensive hobby...

After all, if you're reading an article about the best cheap cameras of 2017, you must have had a bit of sticker shock at some point!

But just because you're on a budget doesn't mean that you can't still get a great camera with good features that will help you take improved photos.

Buying on a budget doesn't relegate you to low-end point-and-shoots or compact cameras, either.

In fact, you can get a DSLR or a mirrorless camera on a budget too.

Let's have a look at some of the very best inexpensive cameras you can pick up right now.

Nikon D5300

Essential Specs

• Type: DSLR
• Sensor: 24.2-megapixel
• Lens: Interchangeable Nikon DX Mount
• Screen: 3.2-inch articulating with 1.037-million dots
• Video: 1080p

If you want a solid DSLR with an excellent sensor, you might consider the Nikon D5300 as a good choice.

Though it's now been replaced a couple of times over by newer models, the D5300 still shares the very same 24.2-megapixel CMOS APS-C sensor of the newer models.

That means you get the same impeccable image quality, color rendition, and contrast of more expensive cameras in the Nikon line but without the heftier price tag.

The D5300 also sports an ISO range that extends to 25600, a 39-point autofocus system, and an EXPEED 4 image processor for fast operation.

There's no touchscreen, which is a shame, but with this sensor and autofocus system, there's plenty to be happy about.

Canon EOS Rebel T6

Essential Specs

• Type: DSLR
• Sensor: 18-megapixel
• Lens: Interchangeable EF-S Mount
• Screen: 3-inch with 920,000 dots
• Video: 1080p

If it's a DSLR you're after, it's hard to find a less expensive one than the EOS Rebel T6.

It's highly affordable because it lacks some of the features of newer models, but it still has the essentials to help you take improved photos.

The 18-megapixel sensor is a bit long in the tooth, but it still offers plenty of resolution for making prints of the photos you take.

Additionally, since it's an interchangeable system, you can outfit it with anything from a macro lens to a telephoto lens to suit your needs or tastes.

The camera is equipped with live view, which is handy for shooting video (which it does in 1080p), however, autofocusing in live view is pretty sluggish.

Nevertheless, this is a DSLR for a compact camera price, and that's tough to beat!

Sony Cybershot RX100

Essential Specs

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 20.2-megapixel
• Lens: Fixed 28-100mm f/1.8-4.9
• Screen: 3-inch with 1.229-million dots
• Video: 1080p

The RX100 might not be the newest camera on this list, but it's still a very capable camera.

The 20.2-megapixel one-inch sensor produces images that are exceptionally detailed. Add to that a zoom lens that has a 28-100mm focal range, and you have a camera that can handle anything from wide-angle shots of landscapes to telephoto shots of your kids playing soccer. See the RX100 in action in the video below by DigitalRev TV:

The aperture range of the lens is also quite good, with an f/1.8 opening on the wide end and a more than respectable f/4.9 opening on the long end.

And, since it's a compact, the RX100 is an ideal option for shooters that want something quick and easy to use. Those that travel often will especially appreciate this little rig.

The RX100 doesn't have a viewfinder and the LCD is fixed, neither of which is ideal. However, the screen offers beautiful clarity so you can easily see the shot, even in bright light.

This is certainly a more advanced camera than others on this list. If you've outgrown your current camera and have confidence in your photography know-how, this could be the one for you.

Sony Cyber-Shot WX220

Essential Specs

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 18.2-megapixel
• Lens: Fixed 25-250mm f/3.3-5.9
• Screen: 2.7-inch with 460,000 dots
• Video: 1080p

The Sony Cyber-Shot WX220 isn't going to blow you away with its specs, especially compared to other compact cameras on this list.

However, though it doesn't match the zooming capability of other cameras and has a smaller, less-defined LCD, it's 18.2-megapixel sensor is quite good.

The WX220 produces images that have good detail, bright highlights, and punchy colors. It's an ideal setup for taking casual photos of your friends and family and sharing them online or having small prints made.

The other nice thing about this camera is that it's so small. It's easy to carry (and discreetly so), so you can have something with more capabilities than your smartphone without feeling like you have a ton of stuff in your pockets.

Panasonic Lumix ZS50

Essential Specs

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 12.1-megapixel
• Lens: Fixed 24-720mm f/3.3-6.4
• Screen: 3-inch with 1.04-million dots
• Video: 1080p

Panasonic has typically produced excellent compact cameras, and the Lumix ZS50 is no exception.

Though it doesn't have as good a sensor as the Sony RX100 reviewed above, it's still capable of producing sharp, clear images.

What's more, its fixed lens has a whopping 30x zoom that extends from 24mm to 720mm. That gives you tons of flexibility in terms of the subject matter you photograph, all with a camera that can fit in your pocket. See an in-depth review of the ZS50 in the video below by Bob Kovacs:

Unlike the RX100, the ZS50 has an electronic viewfinder for situations in which the lighting makes it hard to use the LCD, which is a nice touch.

You can also get out of auto mode and control the exposure settings yourself and shoot in RAW.

That means this is a great camera for beginners that will grow with you over time.

Canon PowerShot SX720HS

Essential Specs

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 20.3-megapixel
• Lens: Fixed 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9
• Screen: 3-inch with 922,000 dots
• Video: 1080p

Another compact camera to consider is the Canon PowerShot SX720HS, which, with an incredible 40x zoom, makes it among the most versatile cameras on this list.

It has a 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor that garners pleasing results both in terms of detail and dynamic range.

The DIGIC 6 processor is fast, too, something you'll appreciate if you're shooting stills or full HD videos.

The screen is fixed and lacks the resolution of other cameras on this list, but it's by no means a terrible LCD with which to work.

Add in NFC and Wi-Fi, and you have a camera that allows you to share pictures quickly and easily after you take them.

Sony Alpha a6000

Essential Specs

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: 24-megapixel
• Lens: Interchangeable Sony E-Mount
• Screen: 3-inch tilting with 921,600 dots
• Video: 1080p

Like other cameras on our list, the Sony Alpha a6000 isn't exactly new, but that doesn't mean that it's still not an excellent camera.

The a6000's biggest claim to fame is its 179-point autofocus system with 11fps continuous shooting capabilities.

That means that if you shoot action scenes, this is the camera for you. See what the a6000 has to offer in the review below by John Sison:

It also has an excellent ISO range that extends from 100-25600 for low-light shooting.

If you enjoy shooting video, the a6000 does so in full HD at 30 or 60fps. The OLED viewfinder is a joy to use for video and for stills too.

Add in NFC and Wi-Fi for easy sharing of your photos via your phone, and you've got one capable camera!

Sony Alpha a5000

Essential Specs

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: 20.1-megapixel
• Lens: Interchangeable Sony E-Mount
• Screen: 3-inch tilting with 460,000 dots
• Video: 1080p

If you like the Sony a6000 but want something smaller, more compact, and easier to use, the Sony Alpha a5000 might be a good decision.

As a mirrorless camera, it packs the punch of a DSLR with its 20.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, but its petite size means you can more easily carry it around.

Even with the kit lens (a 16-50mm) attached, the a5000 is still surprisingly small.

Other features include built-in Wi-Fi and a tilting screen, though the screen resolution is definitely one of this little guy's biggest drawbacks.

Nonetheless, it's a mirrorless camera that comes with a lens for less than $500. That's a deal that's hard to beat!

Panasonic Lumix GX850

Essential Specs

• Type: Mirrorless
• Sensor: 16-megapixel
• Lens: Interchangeable Micro Four-Thirds
• Screen: 3-inch touchscreen, tilting with 1.04-million dots
• Video: 4k

The Panasonic Lumix GX850 has something over the other cameras on this list that make it attractive for some photographers: 4K video.

Not only that, the GX850 has 4k photo software, post-focusing capabilities, and you can focus stack in-camera.

Add to that a highly accurate (and fast) focusing system with one-touch capabilities, and you have the makings of an advanced camera with all sorts of functionalities for taking stills and videos.

Aiding in that is a beautiful 3-inch LCD that is both touch-enable and flips up to 180-degrees.

With an interchangeable micro four-thirds lens mount, you also have plenty of options for adding different lenses to the camera.

In a word, this camera is fantastic!