Best Cameras Under $250
- Why the Canon EOS Rebel T6 is a Great Beginner Camera
- Who Makes a Better Entry-Level DSLR: Canon or Nikon?
- These Inexpensive Nikon Cameras are Ideal for Beginner Photographers
- 6 Affordable Nikon Lenses Worth Having
Photo by freestocks.org on Unsplash
When you see the prices of something like a Nikon Z7 or a Sony a7R III, you might think that it would be impossible to find a camera for under $250, let alone a good one.
Now, obviously, none of the cameras listed below are going to compete with the likes of the Z7 or a7R III. However, that doesn't mean that there aren't some killer deals out there on really solid cameras from places like MPB.
With that in mind, here are my top three picks for the best cameras under $250.
Not familiar with MPB? Read my full MPB review.
Best Cameras Under $250: Canon EOS Rebel T6
The EOS Rebel T6 is an excellent entry-level camera that has enough features to grow with you as your skills expand.
Armed with an 18-megapixel CMOS APS-C sensor, this camera isn't going to win a shootout with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV, but it holds its own for beginner and intermediate work.
Paired with a DIGIC 4+ image processor, this camera enables you to take images that are crisp and clean, with reduced noise over its predecessor, the EOS Rebel T5.
Speaking of noise, this camera performs well for an entry-level rig in low-light situations.
That's thanks to having a native ISO sensitivity of 100-6400, which is expandable to 12800 if need be.
That increased ISO sensitivity allows you to create images in low-light situations that have reduced noise for a cleaner final result.
The T6 has a 9-point autofocus system that utilizes contrast-detection to help generate more precise autofocusing.
If action shooting is something you wish to try, the T6 can accommodate at 3 fps, which isn't all that fast, but will allow you to dabble in action shots nonetheless. You can see how to set up a Rebel T6 to maximize its ability to get quality photos and videos in the video above by Ryan Timms.
Since this camera was released in 2016, it comes with many modern features, including Wi-Fi and NFC.
Though the 3-inch LCD is not touch-enabled, its 920k-dot resolution gives you a clear, bright screen for reviewing the images you create.
Best of all, you can pick up a used EOS Rebel T6 in excellent condition for just $224.
At that price, you will have money to spare to buy a lens or two to go with your new-to-you camera. A Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 is a great lens to start with!
Learn More:
Best Cameras Under $250: Nikon D3400
Like Canon, Nikon has an excellent (and cheap) entry-level camera in the Nikon D3400 that's certainly worth a good, hard look if you're in need of an inexpensive DSLR.
Released in 2016, the D3400 is another modern camera with excellent features for beginners.
Its 24.2-megapixel CMOS APS-C sensor offers even more resolution and detail than the EOS Rebel T6.
Paired with an Expeed 4 image processor, this camera is capable of 5 fps continuous shooting for action photography.
It has an ISO range of 100-25600, so it's an excellent option for taking photos in challenging lighting conditions.
The 11-point autofocus system not only has two more AF points to choose from over the Rebel T6, but it also has Face Detection Autofocus to help you get sharper images when taking photos of your friends and family.
Also helping in the sharpness department is the lack of an anti-aliasing filter.
Like the Canon detailed above, the D3400 also has a fixed 3-inch LCD with 921k-dots of resolution.
The camera also has Bluetooth and can be remotely controlled via a smartphone app.
In other words, this little DSLR is loaded for bear and will provide you with all the features you need to get better at photography. Get a complete review of this camera in the video above by Damian Brown.
At the time of writing, you can purchase a used Nikon D3400 in excellent condition for $234.
Add in a Nikon AF-S 35mm f/1.8 DX lens, and you'll be all set to tackle everything from landscapes to portraits!
Learn More:
Need a new lens? Shop used lenses to get the glass you need without busting your budget!
Best Cameras Under $250: Olympus OM-D E-M10
Unlike the previous two cameras on this list, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 is a mirrorless camera.
That means it's smaller and lighter-weight than its Canon and Nikon counterparts, which is advantageous for shooters that travel or otherwise need a camera that isn't too bulky.
This model comes with a 16.1-megapixel CMOS APS-C sensor, which, despite being the least resolute of the three still produces wonderful image quality.
Like the Nikon, this little Olympus has an excellent ISO range of 100-25600. Even at higher ISOs, the images you create will have minimal digital noise.
Helping to achieve better images is in-camera three-axis image stabilization. Not only will this improve your ability to get sharper photos, but it also allows you to shoot more confidently in low-light situations.
The Olympus has, by far, the most autofocus points at 81. With more autofocus points, accuracy is improved so you're able to capture better shots of moving targets.
With 8 fps continuous shooting, you'll be much more equipped for action photography with this camera than with the Nikon or Canon described above.
Built-in subject tracking, Wi-Fi, and the most resolute LCD of the bunch (a 3-inch display with 1.037 million dots) round out its best features. Get an in-depth review of this camera in the video above by TheCameraStoreTV.
Perhaps the Olympus' best feature is its price: a used OM-D E-M10 runs less than $200 in excellent condition.
A good lens choice for this camera is the Olympus M-Zuiko ED 40-150mm f/4-5.6. With such a large focal range, you can photograph virtually any kind of subject matter with a single lens.