Claire Gillo and the AP team round up the best cameras under $300 / £300, both new, used and second-hand. Read on for the best budget buys, and follow our advice on how to get the best deal.
Finding one of the best cameras under $300 or £300 can be a little tricky. This is quite a specific mid-range price – it’s enough that you can definitely get a decent camera capable of producing high-quality results, but it’s restrictive to the point where you do have to be discerning.
What’s more, you will almost certainly need to be comfortable buying used, renewed, or second-hand. Decent cameras you can buy new within this budget do exist, and we’ve included some in this guide, but you’ll have a lot more options if you go second-hand.
That makes it fun for us though, as we get to take a trip down memory lane and revisit some absolute classic cameras that wowed us when we reviewed them years ago – and still make for great buys today.
Pro DSLRs that would have commanded four-figure price tags on launch can now be found ultra-cheap on the second-hand market, and we’ve done the scouring of used retailers to find them (meaning you don’t have to). Before we get to the list, however, we’ll quickly run through the basics of second-hand camera shopping – and for more choices, you can check out our comprehensive guide to the best second-hand cameras.
How to choose the best cameras under $300 / £300
Buying second-hand can be intimidating at first, but there are plenty of reputable used-camera dealers around, all of whom we have complete confidence in. They will check over all used gear before selling it on to be sure it works, and offer a guarantee that it’s in good working order.
While this often won’t be as comprehensive or as long as the warranty you get with new cameras (a period between 3, 6 and 12 months is common), it’ll help assure you that you’re not about to waste your money, and gives you someone to go back to if a problem does develop. With up to 12 months warranty available, this is as good as some new warranties offered.
Our list of recommended second hand dealers are as follows:
- Wex Photo Video – 12 month warranty*
- Park Cameras – 6 month warranty*
- Clifton Cameras – 6 month warranty*
- MPB – 6 month warranty*
- Ffordes Photographic – 6 month warranty*
- London Camera Exchange – 6 month warranty*
- CameraWorld – 6 month warranty*
- Worldwide Camera Exchange – 6 month warranty*
- Mifsuds Photographic – 3 month warranty*
- HarrisonCameras – 12 month warranty*
- Grays of Westminster (Nikon only) – 6 month warranty*
- B&H Photo Video (USA) – 90 day warranty*
- Adorama (USA) – 90 day warranty*
- KEH (USA) – 180 day warranty*
*Length of warranty correct at time of writing, but please check item and website to confirm, this does not cover items sold as faulty.
In terms of what camera you want to buy – really it depends on what you plan to shoot. It’s worth working out which specs you want to prioritise. If you want to print large-scale images in pin-sharp quality, it’s worth trying to get a camera with a high-resolution sensor shown as mega-pixels or MP, see our guide to sensor sizes for more on this, or have a look at how much resolution do I actually need?
Alternatively, if you’re interested in capturing fast-moving subjects like wildlife, fast burst rates and good autofocus speeds may be a higher priority. It’s worth checking out the video resolution too if you want to shoot both movies and stills, as some older cameras offer limited video functionality or even none at all.
Different types of cameras have different strengths; check out our guide to DSLRs vs mirrorless for more on this. We’ve included multiple different types of camera in this guide; take a look through the entries and read our reviews to get a feel for which might suit you best.
Got a little more to spend? Check out our guide to the best cameras under $500 / £500. And alternatively, if your budget is on the lower side, we also have a guide to the best cameras under $200 / £200.
Should I buy a used camera from eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or other online market? Buying second-hand from a private seller means you’ll have no come-back should there be any problems with the item, so for the purposes of this guide, we recommend buying from a reputable dealer so that you’re covered by the warranty.
Best cameras under $300 / £300
So, with all that in mind, here is our full list of the best cameras under £300/$300, including mirrorless models, DSLRs and fixed-lens compacts.
1. Sony A5100
At a glance:
- 24.3MP, Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
- ISO 100-25,600
- 6fps continuous shooting
- Full HD video at 50p
- Price: from £259/$307 approx.
Sony’s APS-C cameras have always been speedy, and back in 2014, the Sony A5100 was impressing us with its 6fps burst speeds and 0.06sec AF acquisition times. It’s a capable, unfussy little camera that essentially provides a stripped-back version of the popular A6000 (which features in our guide to the best cameras under $500/£500). So while you don’t get a viewfinder or much in the way of external control dials, the core imaging experience still shines. Which one you prefer out of the A5100 and the A6000 is more a matter of handling than it is image quality.
This is still one of the smallest APS-C cameras you can buy, and is a great choice if you want to have a pocketable camera that doesn’t compromise too much on image quality. Sony’s E-mount lens range gives you plenty of choice when it comes to optics, and the easy-to-use flip-around touchscreen makes the A5100 a pleasure to operate.
Pros:
- Small form factor
- APS-C quality
- Fast AF and burst speeds
Cons:
- No viewfinder
- Limited external controls
Best camera under £300 / $300 for enthusiast photographers
Read our Sony Alpha 5100 review
2. Nikon D700
At a glance:
- 12.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 100-25,600 (extended)
- 1,000-shot battery life
- 95% viewfinder coverage
- No video capture
- Price: from £294/$264 approx.
In these halcyon days of big-resolution sensors, 12.1MP may sound absurdly quaint. But there’s a lot to recommend the Nikon D700 as a second-hand buy, and if you’re not planning to print large-format images, 12.1MP could very well turn out to be all you need. The Nikon D700 was a flagship pro DSLR in its day, and hails from the era before DSLR video – as such, it doesn’t shoot video at all, just stills. It’s a simple machine, designed to do one thing – take pictures. And it does it well.
This tank of a camera isn’t the sort of thing you’ll forget about if it’s hanging around your neck all day, but it really can take a pounding, and many professional photographers used it for years in all sorts of conditions and found it just kept on going. We nominated the Nikon D700 as a second-hand classic back in 2019, and since then its used price has continued to drop, making it only a more tempting prospect. Full frame for less than £300 or $300 really is nothing to shake your head at.
Pros:
- Incredibly sturdy and robust
- Great price for full frame
- Solid image quality
Cons:
- No video at all
- Only 5fps burst without grip
Best for camera under £300 / $300 for portrait photographers
Find out why we consider the Nikon D700 to be a second-hand classic.
3. Fujifilm X-T10
At a glance:
- 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor
- ISO 200-6400 (raw), 100-51,200 (JPEG)
- Single SD card slot
- 8fps continuous shooting
- 381g (with battery and card)
- Price: from £250/$290 approx.
The Fujifilm X-T10 was announced back in 2015 and has since been succeeded by the X-T20 and X-T30. It remains a very capable camera provided you’re aware of its limitations. Its autofocus is a bit sluggish compared to the latest X-series models and you get far fewer AF points across the frame.
On the plus side, we found it handled extremely well for a camera that’s small in build, and loved its rich and vibrant colours produced by its 16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor
The X-T10 has also been beautifully designed and the classic retro body build will turn any head. Finally, the X-T10 is supported by a wide range of excellent lenses.
Pros:
- Gorgeous retro-style design
- Excellent JPEG quality
- Well-engineered handling
Cons:
- Sluggish autofocus
- Relatively few AF points
Best camera under £300 / $300 for street photographers
Read our second hand review of the Fujifilm X-T10 to get our full detailed analysis.
4. Canon EOS 6D
At a glance:
- 20.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 50-102,400 (extended)
- 97% viewfinder coverage
- 3in, 1.04-million-dot fixed screen
- 755g (including battery and card)
- Price: from £200/$300 approx.
The full frame Canon EOS 6D is an excellent camera that comes with some impressive specs, including its full frame 20.2MP CMOS image sensor. When it was launched ten years ago it was met with great enthusiasm and was the first affordable full frame DSLR camera. Hobbyists who previously couldn’t upgrade to full frame camera bodies could now take advantage.
Depending on what condition you pick one up in will determine the price. A well-used Canon EOS 6D can be picked up under the £300 / $300 budget. But if you want a model in good condition with a lower shutter count, you’ll have to push the budget up by another £100 – taking you over the £300 / $300 mark.
In our review of the Canon EOS 6D we found it to respond impressively to noise, come with intuitive controls and have an excellent battery life. The basic autofocus system, single SD card slot and lack of vari-angle LCD screen are all a bit disappointing.
Pros:
- Full-frame sensor
- Excellent control system
- Very good battery life
Cons:
- Pushes upper end of budget
- Basic autofocus
Best camera under £300 / $300 for studio photographers on a budget
5. Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
At a glance:
- 16MP, Four Thirds image sensor
- 40MP high-resolution multi-shot mode
- ISO 100-25600 (extended)
- 3in, 1.04M-dot LCD
- 2.36M dot EVF, 0.74x equiv magnification
- Price: from £290/$300 approx.
The Olympus OM-D EM-5 Mark II succeeded the OM-D E-M5 back in 2015 and came with some excellent upgrades such as the faster burst mode rate, 40MP high-resolution multi-shot mode and more efficient AF system. The EM-5 Mark II has now been succeeded by the OM-D E-M5 Mark III meaning there are plenty of second-hand models available on the market. These vary in price depending on quality.
When we reviewed the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II back in 2015 we gave it five stars. We found the 16 megapixel Four Thirds image sensor produced excellent JPEGs straight out of camera and that it was fast and responsive to operate. The robust and weather-resistant body was also well made and the excellent custom controls were another big tick on our list.
For those looking for a bargain, Micro Four Thirds cameras are a great choice, as there are a vast range of great Micro Four Thirds lenses available, both new and used.
Pros:
- Fast, high-quality shooting
- Weather-resistant body
- Huge MFT lens range
Cons:
- Menus can be tricky to navigate
Best camera under £300 / $300 for photographers on the go
Read the five-star review of the Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
6. Canon EOS 5D Mark II
At a glance:
- 21.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 25,600)
- 3in, 920,000-dot LCD screen
- Full HD (1080p) video recording
- Price: from £300/$299 approx.
The Canon EOS 5D MK II comes from the legendary Canon 5D line and the model still has a great reputation even in today’s market.
The 21.1 full frame image sensor and full HD video are impressive specs for a camera that’s now 13 years old. This camera was over £2000 when it was launched and now a second hand model can be picked up for around £300 (sometimes over, sometimes under) depending on the condition and shutter count.
When we reviewed the Canon EOS 5D Mk II we found it performed solidly across all our areas of testing and gave it a solid four stars. The ISO range is a little low compared with cameras of today’s standards, however, for landscapes or studio photography this shouldn’t bother you.
Pros:
- Superb video options
- Great price for full-frame
- Broad EF lens range
Cons:
- ISO range somewhat pedestrian
- Top end of budget
Best camera under £300 / $300 for landscape photographers
Reviewed: the Canon EOS 5D Mark II
7. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
At a glance:
- 16MP Four Thirds sensor
- 2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder
- Continuous shooting: 8.6 fps
- Stabilisation: 5-axis in-body stabilisation
- Up to 4K video resolution
- Price: from £254/$305 approx.
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III is a mirrorless camera with an interchangeable lens, based on the Micro Four Thirds design. When we reviewed it a few years ago we stated that it was made for budding photographers who want to take a step up from their smartphone camera. This is still true today.
The OM-D E-M10 Mark III, is the upgrade from the MK II, and when it launched in 2017 it gained an updated 121-point autofocus system and 4K video recording thanks to Olympus’s TruePic VIII processor. Apart from those changes, the MK III and II are pretty much identical.
Pros:
- Good 4K features
- Capable autofocus
- Lots of lenses
Cons:
- Mark II similar, and cheaper
Best for camera under £300 / $300 for beginner photographers
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III review
8. Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7
At a glance:
- 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100-12,800
- 3in, 920,000-dot LCD screen
- Full HD (1080p) video recording
- Price: from £240/$279 approx.
Canon has released quite a few entry-level DSLRs, and the EOS 2000D is neither the cheapest nor the most expensive. It offers a good balance of features, performance and price, especially if you don’t mind picking one up second-hand, which you can comfortably do for less than £300 or $300. With an APS-C sensor, it’ll produce images of markedly superior quality to a smartphone, and having the EF-S lens mount at your disposal means access to loads of lenses, Canon-made and otherwise.
It’s a pretty basic camera, as we said in our full review, but our main sticking point with the EOS 2000D originally was its price, and on the second-hand market that becomes a good deal more reasonable. You don’t get 4K video, so those interested in video would probably be better off with a sub-£300 camera from Olympus or Panasonic. However, for beginner photographers, the EOS 2000D is extremely user-friendly, and provides a superb platform on which to learn the ropes.
Pros:
- Very user-friendly
- APS-C sensor
- Fast NFC connectivity
Cons:
- A lot of competition
- Generally solid but unexciting
Best camera under £300 / $300 for beginners wanting to learn
Read our full Canon EOS 2000D review
9. Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82 / FZ80
At a glance:
- 18.1MP sensor 1/2.3” inch
- 60x optical zoom
- Burst mode 10fps
- 3” LCD touch screen
- Weight: approx. 616g with battery and SD memory card
- Price: from £299/$299 approx.
The first camera to make it onto our list that isn’t second hand is the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82. This camera can go ultra-wide to ultra-zoom. It’s a great point-and-shoot for those who have no camera skills and are looking for an easy to operate system.
The mode dial on top of the camera allows you to take full creative control by shooting in Program, Aperture priority, Shutter priority or Manual if you wish. There are also lots of scene modes to choose from. This camera could be a great starting point for a beginner who has no photographic expertise, and is unsure how far they want to take their hobby. For those who have grander aspirations, we’d recommend purchasing something more advanced.
Pros:
- All-in-one shooter
- Can be bought new for less than £300
- Useful scene modes for beginners
Cons:
- Smaller sensor
- Limit to how advanced you can get
Best camera under £300 / $300 for beginners wanting to capture wildlife or sports
10. Canon PowerShot SX430 IS
At a glance:
- 20MP 1/2.3 type CCD sensor
- 24mm wide
- 45x optical zoom
- Intelligent IS
- Maximum f stop – f/3.5 – f/6.8
- Video (HD) 1280 x 720, 25 fps
- Price: from £300/$300 approx.
The Canon PowerShot SX430 IS is another bridge camera that makes it onto our list. Retailing new with a RRP of £299.99 this camera just comes in under budget.
As with the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82 listed above, this camera has been designed with the amateur in mind. This camera however doesn’t include a mode dial on top, making it very much a point and shoot aimed at beginners.
It does, however, sport some nice features such as the 45x optical zoom that goes from a 24mm view to 1080mm, plus intelligent IS meaning you can shoot steady shots even in lower light or when you’re zoomed right in to your subject. Finally, the PowerShot SX430 IS also includes Wi-Fi with NFC, meaning you can instantly share images.
Pros:
- Generous optical and digital zoom
- Easy to use
- Intelligent stabilisation
Cons:
- Smaller sensor
- No mode dial
Best beginner camera under £300 / $300
Looking for more budget round-ups and guides? Check out these other articles:
- How to check a second-hand lens for faults
- Best cameras under $200 / £200
- Best second-hand camera systems for under $1000 / £1000
- Best classic compact cameras
If you have more money to spend, then why not have a look at the best cameras available for under £1000/$1000?
