For those looking to elevate their photography beyond the limitations of a smartphone, spending around $1000 on a camera is a sensible starting point. This budget opens the door to entry-level interchangeable lens cameras and enthusiast-tier compact cameras, both offering more control and a richer photographic experience than a phone.
Compact cameras in this price range often feature larger sensors—roughly 60% bigger than those in smartphones—and greater zoom capabilities. While this doesn’t translate to a dramatic leap in image quality compared to the latest flagship phones, these cameras still provide better manual controls and a more traditional shooting experience.
On the other hand, interchangeable lens cameras bring the versatility of swappable lenses, enabling users to explore various photography styles as their skills and interests evolve. These cameras typically have much larger sensors than smartphones or compact cameras, which significantly improves image quality. However, they can be bulkier and require additional investment in lenses.
Before committing to a camera, it’s important to consider the availability and cost of compatible lenses within the system you choose. Many brands include a basic ‘kit’ zoom lens, but exploring other lens options down the road can greatly expand your creative possibilities.
Key Features:
- 24.2MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II
- 4K30 Video, 4K60 with Crop; HDR-PQ
- 23 fps E. Shutter, 15 fps Mech. Shutter
- 2.36m-Dot OLED EVF
- 1.04m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen LCD
- Multi-Function Shoe, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
The Canon EOS R10 is a 24MP APS-C mirrorless camera that shines as an excellent choice for both stills and video shooting under $1000. Its standout features and balanced performance make it a top contender for enthusiasts and beginners alike.
One of the R10’s key strengths is its usability. The dual top-plate dials for exposure control and a joystick for navigating its advanced autofocus system provide a seamless shooting experience. Canon has also ensured that the R10 benefits from a growing selection of lenses. While its RF lens lineup started limited, third-party manufacturers like Sigma have stepped in with prime and high-quality zoom options, allowing photographers to expand beyond the basic kit lens.
Autofocus performance is another highlight. The R10’s subject recognition and tracking capabilities excel at focusing on people, animals, and vehicles. It’s intuitive to use and impressively effective. With 15fps mechanical shutter shooting, the R10 is speedy, though its buffer might limit extended bursts.
For video, the R10 offers 4K at up to 60p (with a crop) or 30p using the full sensor width. While the video quality is decent, it lacks exceptional detail, and autofocus isn’t as reliable as in stills mode.
Canon has successfully carried over the usability and reliability of its Rebel series DSLRs into the RF mirrorless system with the R10. Despite its modest battery life and limited native lens options, its ease of use, capable autofocus, and versatile performance make it a fantastic choice for aspiring photographers.
Pros:
- Excellent stills and video capabilities
- Simple, effective autofocus for stills
- Compact, user-friendly design
Cons:
- Autofocus struggles in video mode
- Mediocre battery life
- Limited affordable RF lens choices
Canon EOS R10 body at B&H, Adorama.
Canon EOS R10 with 18-45mm Lens at B&H, Adorama.
Canon EOS R10 with 18-150mm Lens at B&H, Adorama.
Canon EOS R10 with 18-45mm Lens Content Creator Kit at B&H, Adorama.
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The other options
If you’re on a tighter budget but still want to stick with the Canon ecosystem, the Canon EOS R50 might be a good alternative to the EOS R10. While it offers fewer control options—most notably lacking the R10’s joystick—it still provides a solid performance. However, it lacks features like 4K/60p video recording and an articulating screen, which the R10 includes.
On the other hand, we don’t recommend the more affordable EOS R100. Built on older technology, it has slower performance and less advanced autofocus, making it a less appealing choice for those seeking more sophisticated features.
Key Features:
- 20.9MP DX-Format CMOS Sensor
- EXPEED 7 Image Processor
- UHD 4K60p/Full HD 120fps Video Recording
- Improved Autofocus, 9 Subject Detection
- Dedicated Picture Control Button
- Pre-Release Capture, 30 fps Shooting
- Bright OLED Electronic Viewfinder
- 3.2″ 180° Tilting Touchscreen
- SD Memory Card Slot
- Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
The Nikon Z50 II is an excellent entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera that stands out with its 21MP CMOS sensor and Nikon’s ‘3D tracking’ autofocus system, which can recognize up to nine subject types. This makes it an appealing option for beginners, offering an easy-to-use autofocus system with automatic subject detection for more reliable results.
One of the standout features of the Z50 II is its ergonomic design, with a solid grip, twin top-plate control dials, and a range of customizable buttons. These features, including a color mode button, enhance usability, while focusing can be done via the touchscreen or the four-way controller, providing flexibility for different shooting styles.
The Z50 II offers impressive video capabilities, shooting full-width UHD 4K at 30fps and offering a 1.5x crop to achieve 60fps. Video-focused features such as a tally light, waveform monitoring, N-Log, and headphone and microphone jacks make it a good option for videographers as well.
However, the lack of in-body sensor stabilization can be a downside for video work, potentially leading to shaky footage. The camera also has limited lens options, particularly with fewer bright zoom lenses available from third-party manufacturers, which could restrict future upgrades. Additionally, the battery life is relatively weak, which may be a concern for longer shoots.
Pros:
- Twin top-plate dials for easy control
- Simple and effective autofocus with subject recognition
- Strong video features
Cons:
- No in-body stabilization
- Short battery life
- Limited zoom lens selection
Nikon Z50 II body at B&H, Adorama.
Nikon Z50 II with 16-50mm Lens at B&H, Adorama.
Nikon Z50 II with 16-50mm & 50-250mm Lenses at B&H, Adorama.
An Affordable Entry-Level APS-C Mirrorless Camera
Key Features:
- 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor
- UHD 4K30p and Full HD 120p Video
- SVGA Tru-Finder 1.44m-Dot OLED EVF
- 3.0″ 921.6k-Dot 180° Tilting Touchscreen
- Up to 11-fps Shooting, ISO 100-32000
- 4D FOCUS with 425 Phase-Detect Points
- Real-Time Eye AF and Subject Tracking
- Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Unlimited Video Recording Limit
The Sony a6100 is an entry-level APS-C mirrorless camera that stands out for its compact design and 24MP sensor. Launched several years ago, it offered an excellent combination of affordability, performance, and a robust autofocus system, making it a great option for beginners. While newer competitors have caught up in autofocus performance, the a6100 remains a solid choice if you’re looking for a camera body and a decent lens under $1,000.
As the most basic model in Sony’s a6000-series, the a6100 has a lighter, less robust build compared to its more premium counterparts. It features a lower-resolution electronic viewfinder and twin thumb-operated control dials. Its 180-degree tilting touchscreen is perfect for selfies and vlogging, adding to its versatility.
One of the standout features of the a6100 is its autofocus system, which excels in tracking people and pets with impressive accuracy. Combined with a touchscreen for placing focus points, it ensures that beginners can easily capture sharp, well-focused shots regardless of the subject. However, the camera’s menu system, though functional, can feel cumbersome and is not the most user-friendly.
For video, the a6100 offers 4K recording at 30fps and slow-motion 1080p video. While it includes an external mic input, it lacks a headphone jack for audio monitoring. The 4K footage does suffer from rolling shutter issues, particularly noticeable in 24p mode, which can result in the ‘jello effect.’
Overall, the a6100 is a highly capable entry-level camera, especially for users who prioritize autofocus performance. While its build quality and video performance have some drawbacks, it remains a great choice for beginners seeking ease of use and solid results.
Pros:
- Excellent autofocus system
- 4K/30p video recording
- Tilting touchscreen LCD
Cons:
- Less robust build quality
- Rolling shutter distortion in 4K video
- Crop when recording 4K/30p video
Sony a6100 body at B&H, Adorama.
Sony a6100 with 16-50mm Lens at B&H, Adorama.
Sony a6100 with 16-50mm and 55-210mm Lenses at B&H, Adorama.
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Best compact camera under $1000
Key Features:
- 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS Sensor
- BIONZ X Image Processor & Front-End LSI
- Internal UHD 4K Video & S-Log2 Gamma
- Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* f/1.8-2.8 Lens
- 24-70mm (35mm Equivalent)
- Fast Hybrid AF System with 315 Points
- HFR Mode for Full HD Video up to 960 fps
- 0.39″ 2.36m-Dot OLED Pop-Up EVF
- 3.0″ 1.23m-Dot 180° Tilting LCD
- ISO 12800 and 24-fps Continuous Shooting
The Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 VA is an updated version of the RX100 V, retaining its impressive 20MP Stacked CMOS sensor, fast 24-70mm equivalent lens, and hybrid autofocus system. The ‘VA’ model introduces several enhancements, including a larger buffer, new metering, improved white balance and autofocus modes, and a faster EVF refresh rate. These upgrades make the RX100 VA a formidable choice for those seeking a compact camera with both excellent photo and video capabilities.
Sony essentially pioneered the premium compact camera market with the original RX100, and this model continues to impress with its image quality. The large sensor provides stunning results, rivaling many smartphones, but with the added benefit of a real zoom lens. The hybrid autofocus system is quick and accurate, while the built-in viewfinder allows for better usability in a variety of lighting conditions.
Despite its compact size, handling the RX100 VA can feel cramped, especially for those used to more robust controls. It’s best used as a point-and-shoot in auto modes for a seamless experience. However, the combination of great photo and video quality, speed, and portability makes it a standout in the compact camera category.
While the RX100 VII is another option worth considering, it’s more expensive and offers a slower lens, which impacts low-light performance, though it does provide a longer zoom.
Pros:
- Excellent photo quality
- Very good autofocus for a compact
- 24 fps burst shooting with deep buffer
Cons:
- Interface and controls can be overwhelming
- No touchscreen
- Limited battery life
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA at B&H, Adorama.
Best Camera for Content Creation
Key Features:
- 26.1MP APS-C X-Trans 4 CMOS Sensor
- X-Processor 5 Image Processor
- 6.2K/29.97 fps Video, 10-Bit Internal
- 425-Point AF, AI-Based Subject Detection
- Up to 30 fps JPEG Shooting w/ 1.25x Crop
- 20 Film Simulation Recipes
- Creator-Friendly Video Modes
- 3.0″ 1.04m-Dot Tilting Touchscreen LCD
- SD/SDHC/SDXC Card Slot
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Wireless Connections
The Fujifilm X-M5 is a compact and capable APS-C mirrorless camera designed for content creators. It features a 26MP X-Trans sensor and AI-powered subject detection autofocus, making it an excellent choice for both stills and video. The camera’s suite of vlogging tools is particularly noteworthy, including a dial for easy switching between Fujifilm’s beloved Film Simulations, which deliver vibrant JPEG colors ideal for content creation.
With features borrowed from Fujifilm’s higher-end models, the X-M5 offers a full range of stills capabilities, though it lacks a viewfinder. Its X-mount lens system provides access to a wide variety of APS-C lenses, ensuring versatility as your photography and content creation skills develop.
For video, the X-M5 stands out with the ability to shoot up to 6.2K open-gate footage, offering flexibility in cropping for different platforms. Its 4K 60p and electronic stabilization modes are handy, though these come with a crop, and its non-stabilized sensor may limit smoothness in certain video scenarios.
The autofocus system is competent but falls short of its rivals in terms of speed and subject tracking reliability. The camera includes two top-plate control dials and a focus control joystick, which enhances user control, but lacks a four-way controller.
Overall, the Fujifilm X-M5 is a solid option for creators, especially those focused on stills and vlogs, but its autofocus performance and unstabilized sensor may pose challenges in certain situations.
Pros:
- Excellent JPEG colors with Film Simulation dial
- Strong vlogging features and user interface
- Good direct control options
Cons:
- No viewfinder
- Autofocus tracking performance lags behind competitors
- No sensor stabilization
Fujifilm X-M5 body at B&H, Adorama.
Fujifilm X-M5 with XC 15-45mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens at B&H, Adorama.
More Options:
If video is your primary focus, the Sony ZV-E10 II may be a better choice for you. While it lacks a mechanical shutter, making it less suitable for photography, its autofocus tracking performance in video is a notable advantage over the X-M5. Additionally, it includes video-specific features such as a front tally light, a wind sock, and the ability to shoot 4K at 60fps without excessive cropping, which is ideal for content creators.
Sony also offers a more compact vlogging option with the ZV-1 II. While it sacrifices many features compared to the ZV-E10 II—such as a smaller Type-1 sensor, no 10-bit video, no 4K 60fps, and a fixed lens—it does offer built-in ND filters to help manage bright conditions, making it a solid option for those shooting in direct sunlight. For under $1,000, you get a complete, all-in-one package. However, given the competition from cameras like the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 and the increasing vlogging capabilities of many smartphones, the ZV-1 II is harder to recommend unless portability and simplicity are your top priorities.
- Sony ZV-1 II Compact Vlog Camera at B&H, Adorama.
- Sony ZV-1 II with Vlogger Accessory Kit at B&H.
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