These Cameras Are Great Bargains for 2021
- 24MP sensor
- Full HD video capabilities
- 3.0” LCD with 921k-dots
- Built-in Bluetooth
- EXPEED 4 processor
- 1,550-shot battery life
- 14.6 oz
- 24MP full frame sensor
- 5-axis sensor-based image stabilization
- 117-point AF system
- 3” tilting LCD with 1.23m-dots
- Full HD video capabilities
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- 5fps burst mode
- ISO range of 100-25,600
- 26MP sensor
- DIGIC 8 processor
- 3” vari-angle touchscreen with 1.04m-dots
- 5fps burst mode
- 4K video
- Built-in Wi-Fi
- Built-in Bluetooth
- 250-shot battery life
- 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor
- 3” fully articulating screen with 1.04m-dots
- 5-axis image stabilization
- ISO of 100-25,600
- 60fps burst mode
- 1.45 lbs
Photo by ???? ??? on Unsplash
If one word sums up 2021, it would have to be “bargain.” I’m definitely not making the same amount of money as I did last year, and chances are, you probably aren’t either.
Wherever possible, I’m always looking for a bargain. If that means searching, “cameras on sale,” at least once a day then so be it.
But, bargains are few and far between when it comes to bargain cameras. Photography equipment is, generally, very expensive. Or, conversely, you may end up getting ripped off when trying to purchase cheap cameras.
If you find yourself looking for a camera this year, then don’t get ripped off. This list includes a range of bargain cameras at different price points, but we made sure that each one of the cameras on this list are good cameras for 2021, i.e., they’re going to have all of the specs you’ll need this year.
Nikon D3500
The Nikon D3500 dropped in September of 2018 as a replacement for the Nikon D3400. Fans of this line weren’t entirely thrilled by the Nikon D3500 because Nikon didn’t update as many specs as some people expected them to. But, I think Nikon did a great job of updating the important specs while still keeping the camera at a good price point for amateur photographers.
For those unfamiliar with this line, the Nikon D3500 is an entry-level DSLR with an incredibly impressive battery life. But, videographers beware: it doesn’t feature 4K video.
Specs/Features
The Nikon D3500 is one of my favorite bargain cameras because its specs are solid across the board. For starters, it comes with a 24MP sensor and can shoot 11fps in burst mode.
But, it’s also light at just under 1 lb, and as I mentioned before, it has a tremendous battery life of 1,550 shots. With this type of a battery, you can go multiple days without needing to recharge, which is super beneficial for travel photographers.
Other Nikon D3500 specs include:
Pros/Cons
I’m going to get the biggest con of this camera out of the way. It doesn’t shoot 4K video. While an entry level camera at this price point shouldn’t be expected to shoot 4K, the lack of 4K in 2021 may still be a little off putting for people who have been in the industry for even a short while.
This camera also doesn’t have a tilting LCD or touchscreen, which is frustrating for street shooters.
But, I’d argue the pros of this camera far outweigh the cons. The biggest pro is the price, which I talk about more below. This camera features great image quality for the price. It also features a great ISO performance and is comfortable to hold.
I love bargain cameras that come with a wide variety of lenses, and this one does. The lens that comes packaged with the body, the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G is itself a great starter lens. It lessens vibrations via its vibration reduction feature.
But, this camera is compatible with dozens of lenses. I write more extensively about your lens options for the Nikon D3500 in the full review I did of this camera a few months ago. You can read that here.
Price
While the Nikon D3500 originally cost $500, you can now find a used one (body only) on MPB for $300.
Sony a7 II
The Sony a7 II is definitely a step up as compared to the Nikon D3500. The Sony a7 II isn’t an entry-level camera, like the Nikon D3500, and it also isn’t a DSLR. It’s a full-frame mirrorless.
Specs/Features
The Sony a7 II is best known for its image stabilization, which is incredibly good considering the camera came out over five years ago. But, it also features an impressive ISO range.
Other Sony a7 II specs include:
Pros/Cons
Again, since the Sony a7 II dropped so long ago, it doesn’t feature 4K video. Videographers looking for bargain cameras will need to read on.
The 5fps burst mode also seems wildly outdated.
But, for anyone looking to transition from a DSLR to a mirrorless, I highly recommend this camera. For starters, it feels much more like a DSLR than a mirrorless thanks to its chunky body. It also shoots great in low light scenarios.
Price
When the Sony a7 II first dropped, it cost nearly $1,500. Thankfully, the price has gone down over the years and you can now find a used Sony a7 II starting at $740 (body only).
Learn More:
Canon EOS RP
Next up on our bargain cameras list is the Canon EOS RP, which is a relatively new mirrorless camera that just so happens to be one of the most inexpensive cameras of its type to ever be released.
Specs/Features
The Canon EOS RP comes with a 26MP sensor, a native ISO range of 100-40,000, and, wait for it, 4K video!
That’s right, it’s the first camera on our bargain cameras list to feature it. It can shoot 4K video at up to 24fps.
Other Canon EOS RP specs include:
Pros/Cons
One major con of this camera is its battery life, which definitely means you will be requiring an extra battery, which means a higher startup cost and a heavier bag.
Its 4K video can be considered a pro or a con, depending upon how you look at it. While it’s a huge pro that it features 4K video, it also requires a crop in order to do so.
Price
You may be wondering why the Canon EOS RP is on this list since it is a bargain cameras list, but I found a Canon EOS RP in like new condition on MPB for just $930 (body only). If you compare this to its original $1,300 price tag, you’re saving nearly $400 and receiving the exact same quality of camera.
Panasonic G9
The Panasonic G9 will make it onto every bargain cameras list I ever create because I love it. It’s a mirrorless Micro Four Thirds camera that is phenomenal for still photographers, although I wouldn’t recommend it for its video capabilities.
Specs/Features
The Panasonic G9 features a 20MP Micro Four Thirds sensor, however it can create 80.6MP images by combining up to eight different shots for one incredibly detailed final product.
Its ISO is noble at 100-25,600, but is nothing compared to how great its 5-axis dual image stabilizer is.
Other Panasonic G9 specs include:
Pros/Cons
The entirety of the Panasonic G9 spec sheet is a huge pro for me. It’s viewfinder works excellently, it shoots just about the highest image quality possible, and it is one of many great bargain cameras.
Unfortunately, it is a little large for a mirrorless, which some people don’t like. But, overall I can’t find much wrong with this camera.
Price
The Panasonic G9 is another camera that is typically priced at well over $1,000. Its list price is actually $1,500, but MPB has multiple bargain cameras. You can find the Panasonic G9 there for as low as $960 (body only) in excellent condition.
