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The Best Cameras Under $1,000 of 2023

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Editor's Choice Product image of Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7
Best Overall

Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7

The Panasonic Lumix G7 offers just enough cutting-edge features to compete with today's top-of-the-line DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. Read More

Pros

  • Great electronic viewfinder
  • 4k video capability

Cons

  • None that we could find
Product image of FujiFilm X-T10

FujiFilm X-T10

Borrowing most of its internal tech from the high-end Fujifilm X-T1, the X-T10 delivers excellent all-around image quality for the price. Read More

Pros

  • Great image quality
  • Great price point

Cons

  • Not great for video
Editor's Choice Product image of Sony Alpha A5100

Sony Alpha A5100

The A5100 is a slightly slower A6000 minus a few creature comforts. Read More

Pros

  • Great grip feel
  • Compact

Cons

  • Slow burst action
  • Bulky lens
Product image of Canon EOS Rebel SL1

Canon EOS Rebel SL1

The Rebel SL1 is the most compact DSLR Canon has to offer, going toe to toe with mirrorless cameras in terms of size. Read More

Pros

  • Great starter camera
  • Interchangeable lenses

Cons

  • None that we could find
Editor's Choice Product image of Nikon D3300

Nikon D3300

If you've been waiting for an entry-level DSLR that checks all the boxes, it's tough to argue with what this camera has to offer. Read More

Pros

  • Lightweight chassis
  • No anti-aliasing filter
  • Great value

Cons

  • None that we could find

Instead of relying on your smartphone or a basic point-and-shoot to capture life's most important moments, you might want to consider stepping up your game and investing in something with a little more oomph. These days, you don't need to drop thousands on a professional camera to get top-notch results; you can pick up a DSLR with plenty of photographic horsepower for well under $1,000. Here are some of the best cameras you can get online for under $1,000.

Editor's Note:
The recommendations in this guide are based on thorough product and market research by our team of expert product reviewers. The picks are based on examining user reviews, product specifications, and, in some limited cases, our experience with the specific products named.
Product image of Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7
Best Overall
Best Overall
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G7

Essentially a scaled-down GH4, the Panasonic Lumix G7 offers just enough cutting-edge features to compete with today's top-of-the-line DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, while still hitting shelves at an extremely affordable price point. Everything is here, from a great electronic viewfinder to 4K video. If you're looking for a camera that beats the pants off most entry-level options but won't break the bank, look no further.

Pros

  • Great electronic viewfinder

  • 4k video capability

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of FujiFilm X-T10
FujiFilm X-T10

Borrowing most of its internal tech from the high-end Fujifilm X-T1, the X-T10 delivers excellent all-around image quality for the price. Though it's getting a bit long in the tooth and isn't a good choice for people who prize video quality, if you're just looking for an affordable way to step up your photography game, the X-T10 is worth checking out.

Pros

  • Great image quality

  • Great price point

Cons

  • Not great for video

Product image of Sony Alpha A5100
Sony Alpha A5100

Sony's camera team has been on a tear in the past year and a half, quietly assembling one of the more enviable top-to-bottom lineups on the market. The full-frame mirrorless A7 series won the company a number of awards, but stellar values like the compact A6000 and traditional DSLRs like the A77 II are also strong bets. These are all on top of Sony's best-in-class point-and-shoots, including the RX10 and RX100 III.

Read our full review for more information on this great camera.

Pros

  • Great grip feel

  • Compact

Cons

  • Slow burst action

  • Bulky lens

Product image of Canon EOS Rebel SL1
Canon EOS Rebel SL1

Canon's Rebel DSLRs have rightfully earned a reputation as easy-to-use, beginner-friendly cameras. Perhaps none deserves that accolade more than the Rebel SL1. It's also the most compact DSLR Canon has to offer, going toe to toe with mirrorless cameras in terms of size. For those looking to wade into the world of interchangeable lens cameras for the first time, the SL1 is a good starting point, even if there's better performance to be had elsewhere.

Pros

  • Great starter camera

  • Interchangeable lenses

Cons

  • None that we could find

Product image of Nikon D3300
Nikon D3300

Nikon's most affordable DSLR holds its own in a sea of high-performance shooters, picking up where the well-received D3200 left off. With the D3300, you’re getting a lighter chassis, a 24.2-megapixel sensor with no anti-aliasing filter, and the new EXPEED 4 processor. If you've been waiting for an entry-level DSLR that checks all the boxes, it's tough to argue with what this camera has to offer.

Pros

  • Lightweight chassis

  • No anti-aliasing filter

  • Great value

Cons

  • None that we could find

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