Budget cameras under $1000 for new photographers studying in 2020
As a photography school, we get asked the same question by brand new photographers about to start Introduction to Photography, “What camera should I buy?”
Generally that question is followed up by “Oh my gosh I’m so confused!” or “What brand do I pick?”. We hear you! We talk about cameras every day and even to us, this can be a nightmare.
So over the next couple of weeks, we are publishing our 2020 buying guide, based on what we know from working with these cameras in the classroom, starting with our best budget picks for 2020. By budget, we are talking about cameras that cost you less than $1000 for a kit lens and camera body at our local Adelaide camera stores.
A note on camera stores and buying your first camera:
We want to say for your first camera, while it can be super tempting to buy online to save money; it is a big bonus to buy your first camera in-store. These cameras are very technical, and the in-person service tends to pay for itself, especially with after-sales support. Gee Greenslade, one of our lecturers, recalls having camera issues during week one of owning her first camera:
“I wasn’t sure if it was me or the camera’s problem, so I went back to the store and was able to ask in person. The Camera House guys looked after me and were able to fix the issues right there and then. It was a huge comfort knowing I had that support”
Which stores are the best:
Our picks are any of the Camera House stores and Diamonds Cameras in the city. They have been helping our students for years and they don’t rip people off by asking people to buy more camera than they need – they want people to get the right camera the first time so that you come back time and time again.
What brand is the best?
The truth is at the budget end of cameras you can’t go wrong with Nikon or Canon’s line-up. But we have a few outsiders we love as well. While we love Sony, at this price point we advise against their offerings as the budget Sony cameras don’t have a hot shoe for studio usage. If you have a bit more to spend though, see our next guide coming out that includes some of Sony’s line-up.
Our first under $1000 choices right this second:
Arguably the cheapest option out there right now, but the most feature-rich and high quality. Olympus has been known to produce great “first-timer” cameras in their EM10 range for years. This range is a recent discovery to us and the more we get to know it (and the more we see students with them) the more excited we feel about it. They have smaller sensors, but all the bells and whistles (plus more) of a pro-high-end camera, plus their build quality can really take a bump. Olympus just released the new E-M10 Mark III, so the EM-10 Mark II has come down in price meaning it’s a bargain for newcomers – you will need to get in quick before they all run out.
The E-M10 Mark II:
This little guy is arguably one of our favourites, especially for those who want a high-quality travel camera to chuck in their hand luggage. It also has some of the best image stabilisation out there, so if you have shaky hands we really recommend it.
VET in SACE parents, look no further, you are going to absolutely LOVE using this camera! Buy this one as a great family camera so your kids can use it for VET, you can photograph the family, then thank us later. We will say that anyone who wants to photograph fast-moving subjects might want to avoid this one and take a look at the other DSLR’s that are in this article, as sometimes the autofocus on this bad boy might not be able to handle the heat.
Currently a bargain for $599 at Diamonds – say hi to Ian or Lindsay if you see them!
https://www.diamondscamera.com.au/olympus-om-d-e-m10-mark-ii-14-42mm-iii-ez-lens-silver.html
Olympus EM10 MKIII
If you have a bit more to splash out on go for the latest E-M10, this kit is a great kit to travel with or if you want a family camera. It’s just a fun camera to use, and if you choose to go full-frame in the future, you will probably still find yourself choosing to take this camera on holidays due to its lightweight ease of use. Even if you are thinking of “going pro” later on – this camera is a traveller’s dreamboat and it has many features that you just won’t see at this price point in other brands. Like the MKII though, this one probably isn’t the greatest for fast-moving subjects. So have a look at the other cameras in this article.
Currently $999 at Diamonds in a twin lens kit
However, if you have big plans have a think about Canon and Nikon:
There are some perks to sticking to Canon and Nikon when purchasing at this price point, mostly in regard to the availability of second-hand gear. No doubt if you are thinking of moving to a full-frame camera later (portrait photographers we are looking at you! Check out our upcoming article on this soon) but just want to see what photography all is about before diving in, consider the Canon or Nikon ranges.
For the Super Budget Conscious:
While we always recommend buying the best gear you can with the money you have, sometimes money simply isn’t going to stretch - especially when you are studying! Remember it’s not the camera that takes the photo - it’s you so have no shame in purchasing cheaper offerings. The following cameras are a BARGAIN and will absolutely get you through your studies.
Nikon D3500
This really is the ultimate no-frills camera to get you started on your photography journey. Excellent for the super budget-conscious or parents looking for something for their kids who are doing VET in SACE, we are actually pretty impressed with it considering that this bad boy can whoop the backside of DSLR cameras we had “Back in our day” costing over $3000. With manual controls, a detachable lens and room to grow a bit, Nikon have been experts making entry-level cameras for years and it shows. We really like this little guy.
Currently, the best deal is at Camera House for $599
https://www.camerahouse.com.au/nikon-d3500-digital-slr-camera-w-af-p-dx-18-55mm-vr-lens
Canon 1500d
For exactly the same reasons as above, we also recommend the Canon 1500d with kit lens. It’s a smidge heavier than the Nikon and has a few less features. But really you might not notice if this is your first steps into the DSLR world. Its great value!
Currently, the best deal is at Diamonds for $599
https://www.diamondscamera.com.au/canon-eos-1500d-18-55mm.html
How to choose between the Canon 1500D and the Nikon 3500:
Both cameras are much of a muchness - meaning we don’t favour either-or. The best way to choose is go into the store, pick up the cameras and see how they feel in your hand. Pick the one that you like the best, it’s really that simple. Remember that this is YOUR camera and it needs to feel right to you.
Have a bit more to spend?
Go Mirrorless with the super sleek, modern Canon EOS M5
If you have a bit more wiggle room to spend your cash on, the new EOS M5 Mirrorless may be your new bestie. Mirrorless cameras are all the rage right now, and for good reason. They are often lighter and have some excellent features compared to their mirrored counterparts. They also have silent shooting modes, wifi, all the things that we love to see in modern cameras. If we had to pick one camera overall that would suit most people, this camera might be it (might! Read below!)
Currently, the best deal is at Diamonds for $849
https://www.diamondscamera.com.au/canon-eos-m50-15-45mm-adapter-kit.html
Nikon D5600 - the tried and true workhorse
D5600 has been a tried and true workhorse around here. If we were to name one camera that entry-level photographers use the most in class it would be the powerful Nikon d5600. It’s got some bells and whistles, excellent image quality, great dynamic range and we won’t lie - we like that it has wifi and timelapse.
Currently, the best deal is at Diamonds for $899
https://www.diamondscamera.com.au/nikon-d5600-dslr-with-18-55mm-af-p-lens-kit.html
Second to the Nikon in the DSLR Range - Canon 200D
Whilst we would choose the Nikon over this one (timelapse is mega fun!), we still rate the Canon 200d if you are thinking you might grow into a canon full frame later down the track.
Currently, the best deal is at Camera House for $899
If we were to pick one overall what would it be?
The answer isn’t as simple as it seems… so here are some questions to ask yourself
Do your friends use a specific brand? Arguably the most important question of all! If your friends are budding photographers, go with the same brand as your friends so you can trade lenses, ask each other questions and generally share the knowledge. It can be a real help over your time of study.
Are you a pixel peeper/raging nerd or just want something modern and sleek with lots of bells and whistles to keep you shooting? Purely for the specs, lightweight body, faster shooting and a plethora of other features, we would choose the Canon EOS M50.
Do you want a classic workhorse you know will work every time that CCP staff know reasonably well? The Nikon D5600 without fail every time. It’s been around a while, it’s a workhorse and will see you through your course at the CCP.
Are you travelling or intend to travel a lot? Many of our students come to the CCP because of the flexible study that allows them to travel. Our lecturers all have travelled with their cameras a bunch and we all agree, lighter is better – because you really do want to be able to keep your camera in your hand luggage! If travel is your main jam, we would take the Olympus option.
What do you think? Leave your recommendations or questions in the comments, we would love to hear from you. For those with more to spend or who are looking to upgrade their current camera bodies - lookout for our next post cameras under $2000.