If you are looking for the best DSLR under $1000, the most important factors to consider are the video and image quality, focus, and lens compatibility. Below, I’ve handpicked my favorite products based on these features. Continue reading to learn more about them!
When I think about photography and videography, I always remember that they are not exactly cheap. Most professionals use gear that is worth thousands of dollars to achieve great results.
Fortunately, you don’t have to own expensive cameras to get high-quality outcomes. As an avid photographer and filmmaker, I believe that skill and passion for the craft are enough. With these two essential things, you can capture stunning pictures and videos.
Today, there are also countless budget models that make it easier to find the best camera for your needs.
Whether you’re into landscape photography or vlogging, we scoured the web for the best DSLR under a grand. We also checked several customer reviews to determine each camera’s pros and cons.
Most cameras on this list cost under $1,000 with included lens kit to ensure everything you need is within budget.
Let’s get on with the article!
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites
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Editor's Choice  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Runner-up  |
| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
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| View On Amazon →Read Our Review |
Canon EOS M50 – Best Overall
The Canon EOS M50 is a 24-megapixel mirrorless camera geared towards photographers and vloggers.
It features a CMOS sensor with DIGIC DV 8 processor that delivers excellent images and bright colors. The camera also shoots in RAW, which provides a great dynamic range. It captures beautifully detailed photos, even on a sunny day or low-light conditions.
Speaking of RAW, the M50 is the first Canon camera to offer a compressed RAW option. This feature allows you to save highly detailed photos at a smaller file size.
The M50 also includes Canon’s Dual Pixel AF system. It can quickly detect and track subjects, making it ideal for capturing fast-moving actions. The camera even allows continuous shooting speed up to 7.4 fps.
Moreover, the Canon EOS M50 has decent video capabilities. It can shoot 4K video, although it has a large crop factor that makes it challenging to take wide-angle shots. 4K resolution also doesn’t allow Dual Pixel AF. We recommend shooting in 1080 Full HD resolution instead to benefit from the live view autofocus and better-looking footage.
As for its ergonomics, this Canon DSLR has a compact body that offers a comfortable grip. It also includes a vari-angle touchscreen and single control dial for easy access to camera settings.
Sharing photos with the M50 is also quicker, thanks to the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
At only $649.99 with a kit lens, the Canon EOS M50 is our overall best pick for DSLRs under $1000.
Product Specs
- Sensor Type: CMOS
- Sensor Format: APS-C
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
- Viewfinder: EVF/LCD
- Autofocus: Hybrid PDAF/CDAF, Dual Pixel CMOS AF, Face+Tracking AF, Zone AF, 1-point AF
- Lens Mount: Canon EF
- Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), CR3 14-bit RAW, C-RAW, RAW+JPEG
- Video Format: MP4
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I support)
- Connectivity: Micro USB, Micro HDMI, microphone jack, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth
- Weight: 17.1 ounces (484 grams)
Fujifilm X-T30 – Best for Photography
The Fujifilm X-T30 is another camera that offers bang for your buck.
It features a 26-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor paired with Fujifilm’s exclusive X-Trans color filter. This camera captures high-quality photos in rich detail.
The X-T30 also includes a hybrid AF system. It has a responsive subject tracking, although its face detection has average performance. Continuous autofocus is great, allowing you to capture burst images up to 20 fps.
But perhaps the strongest asset of the X-T30 is its image quality. JPEG files look stunning right out of the camera. RAW files are also great, with a wide dynamic range for minimal grain on your photos. Whether you’re shooting landscapes or portraits, this camera delivers exceptionally well.
Besides photography, the X-T30 also has robust video capabilities. It can capture 4K resolution video without a crop.
The camera also allows you to save 10-bit Log footage to an external recorder. This Log profile is handy for serious videographers who want to do extensive color correcting in editing.
However, there are several cons to this camera.
It only allows 4K recording up to 10 minutes. Subject tracking in video also lags.
Moreover, ergonomics aren’t the best. Users might find the placement of the Q.Menu button and joystick not ideal. While the electronic viewfinder is high-resolution, it can be small for some people.
Despite these flaws, the Fujifilm X-T30 is still worth the cost for its great build and superb image quality. It’s one of the best DSLRs under $1000.
Product Specs
- Sensor Type: CMOS
- Sensor Format: APS-C
- ISO: Auto, 100-12800
- Viewfinder: EVF/LCD
- Autofocus: Hybrid Phase/Contrast Detect AF, Single-point AF, Zone AF, Wide/Tracking AF
- Lens Mount: Fujifilm X
- Image File Format: JPEG (Exif Ver 2.3), RAF 14-bit RAW, uncompressed or lossless compression; RAW + JPEG
- Video Format: MOV
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I support)
- Connectivity: USB Type-C, Micro HDMI, microphone jack, headphone support via USB-C, built-in Wi-Fi with Bluetooth
- Weight: 13.5 ounces (383 grams)
Sony A6100 – Best for Vlogging
The Sony a6100 is a great entry-level mirrorless camera.
It features a 24-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor that delivers excellent photos and videos. This camera also comes with Sony’s latest JPEG color response. It results in a more accurate color profile.
The Sony a6100 also captures RAW photos exceptionally well. However, the camera doesn’t allow you to re-process RAW images in-camera.
Moreover, the a6100 includes Sony’s excellent autofocus. It quickly tracks any subject to ensure photos are sharp and in focus.
If you want to change the focus point, simply touch the screen, and the AF will follow that object. This feature also comes in handy for shooting videos.
And speaking of video, the a6100 can record highly detailed 4K footage. It also allows you to capture slow-motion footage.
Plus, the a6100 has a mic socket for recording high-quality audio. You can even connect an external monitor, thanks to its HDMI output.
On top of these features, the camera includes a flip screen. It is ideal for vlogging and selfie mode.
The only thing we didn’t like about the a6100 is its lack of in-camera stabilization. You need to be steady if you’re shooting videos handheld. The interface isn’t also that user-friendly, which hinders you from getting excellent shots quickly.
With that said, the Sony a6100 delivers powerful features and a fast autofocus system. At a starting price of less than $750, it’s one of the best cameras under 1000 bucks.
Product Specs
- Sensor Type: CMOS
- Sensor Format: APS-C
- ISO: Auto, 100-32000 (expands to 51200)
- Viewfinder: EVF/LCD
- Autofocus: Hybrid Contrast/Phase Detection, Zone/Center/Flexible Spot Tracking, Real-time Eye AF, Real-time Eye AF for animal
- Lens Mount: Sony E
- Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.31), RAW (14-bit compressed ARW 2.3), RAW+JPEG
- Video Format: XAVC S/AVCHD
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I support)
- Connectivity: Multi Micro USB, Micro HDMI, microphone jack, Multi-Interface Shoe, built-in Wi-Fi with Bluetooth
- Weight: 18.1 ounces (512 grams)
Nikon D5600 – Best Compact
The Nikon D5600 is a mid-range DSLR that packs robust features at a small body.
This 24-megapixel camera features an APS-C CMOS sensor with Nikon’s latest EXPEED 4 processor. This combination gives you beautifully detailed images and pleasing colors in JPEGs.
The camera’s sensor also offers an ISO range of 100-25600. It delivers high quality images with less noise, even when using high ISO speeds and shooting in low light conditions.
Additionally, this Nikon compact camera has a 39-point autofocus system. It’s responsive and can track moving objects with relative ease. The camera even allows 5 fps continuous shooting.
Furthermore, the D5600 can shoot Full HD video at 60fps. Its video capability is nothing special, though. AF doesn’t work as well, and there are limited recording tools. This feature is just a bonus for those who want to shoot videos.
Instead, the D5600’s strongest feature is its size. It’s one of the smallest DSLRs you can buy on the market. Despite that, it still offers a comfortable grip that fits well in hand.
There’s also a 3.2-inch fully-articulating screen. This display makes it easy to shoot from different angles.
Overall, the Nikon D5600 is a top choice for those who want a compact camera. It costs around $700 for the body, making it among the best DSLRs under a grand. We highly recommend getting this Nikon lightweight body for your next trip.
Product Specs
- Sensor Type: CMOS
- Sensor Format: APS-C
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600
- Viewfinder: EVF/LCD
- Autofocus: 39-point (9 cross-type) TTL phase detection with 3D tracking, Contrast-detect with Face-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- Image File Format: JPEG (EXIF 2.3), RAW (12 or 14-bit .NEF), RAW+JPEG
- Video Format: MOV
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I support)
- Connectivity: Type C mini-HDMI, microphone jack, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth
- Weight: 23.6 ounces (670 grams)
Canon EOS Rebel T7i – Best for Beginners
The Canon EOS Rebel T7i, also known as 800D, is an entry-level DSLR aimed towards beginners.
This Canon DSLR camera boasts a user-friendly design. It comes with a fully-articulating LCD touchscreen, ideal for selfie mode or low-angle shooting.
The control dial and buttons are also easy to find and use. Plus, the camera offers a guide mode. It helps new users capture stunning pictures, even without knowing the ins and outs of the settings.
There is also no need to worry about limited lens options. This Canon camera is even compatible with hundreds of lenses, including EF and EF-S lenses. Feel free to choose the lens that will meet your specific shooting needs.
Additionally, the Rebel T7i comes with a 25-megapixel CMOS sensor and a Digic DV 7 processor. It delivers high-quality photos and great color reproduction.
Moreover, this camera device has a fast Dual Pixel autofocus for live view shooting. It is capable of tracking a moving subject in just 0.03 seconds, which ensures your photos are sharp and clear.
But focusing on small objects can be a struggle. This is because of the limited number of 45 AF points.
This Canon camera also weighs a bulky 1.87 lbs, which is on the heavier side. It’s not a great choice for those who shoot for long periods.
Nevertheless, the Canon Rebel T7i is still one of the best DSLRs under $1000. It costs $899.99, which offers value for your money. Consider this camera if you’re just starting with photography.
Product Specs
- Sensor Type: CMOS
- Sensor Format: APS-C
- ISO: Auto, 100-25600 (expands to 51200)
- Viewfinder: Optical/LCD
- Autofocus: AF-dedicated CMOS sensor, Dual-Pixel CMOS AF
- Lens Mount: Canon EF/EF-S
- Image File Format: JPEG, CR2 RAW (14-bit), RAW+JPEG
- Video Format: MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
- Storage: SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I support)
- Connectivity: Mini (Type-C) HDMI-CEC, microphone jack, built-in Wi-Fi with NFC and Bluetooth
- Weight: 26.3 ounces (747 grams)
Things to Look for in the Best Cameras Under $1000
There are countless budget camera options on the market. But how do you choose the right DSLR for your needs?
You should determine your needs. Ask yourself if autofocus capabilities, image stabilization, or 4K video is important to you. Although these features are nice to have, you might not necessarily need them.
To guide you, we listed the things you must look for when buying DSLR cameras under $1000.
Video and Image Quality
One of the first things to consider is the image or video quality. This quality depends on several factors.
Look for cameras with larger sensors such as an APS-C or full-frame. This sensor size effectively separates the subject from the background, resulting in beautiful bokeh.
A larger sensor also allows more light into the camera. This feature makes it ideal for low-light conditions.
Besides the sensor size, you should also get a camera with a broad range of ISO speeds. It lets you shoot at faster shutter speeds with less grain.
Focus
If your goal is to capture sharp photos and videos, you should buy a camera with a fast autofocus system.
You must also consider the number of focus points in a camera. A higher number of AF points allow you to fixate on small objects with ease, ideal for macro photography.
Most cameras on this list have great AF performance. But we highly recommend the Sony A6100 for impressive autofocus on a budget camera. It offers 425 AF points that cover nearly the entire area of the sensor.
Lens Compatibility
Another essential factor to consider in a budget DSLR is its lens compatibility.
Most models on this list come with kit lens. But beyond that, you’ll probably need to invest in other lenses in the future as you get better at the craft.
So it’s important to determine the type of lenses compatible with a camera. Research the number of native and third-party lenses available for a particular model. It will save you from buying another camera later on.
Weight
If you travel a lot or like to take photos for long periods, then you must also consider the weight of the camera. It will make a big difference, especially if you’re shooting with heavier lenses.
It’s best to choose a smaller camera like the Nikon D5600. It’s one of the smallest and lightest models from the brand, but it still packs powerful features.
Continuous Autofocus
DSLR cameras usually have an advanced burst auto mode that enables continuous shooting. However, if you want to take advantage of this feature, consider cameras with continuous autofocus systems. It effectively tracks the subject across the frame, ideal for fast-moving and dynamic scenes.
Additional Features
Lastly, you should determine if you need other features. These include image stabilization, microphone input, or even an HDMI input.
Ask yourself if you’re willing to pay for these extra capabilities. If not, then maybe it’s better to get a simpler model.
You can always spend the extra money for upgrades, such as better lenses or a tripod, in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best DSLR camera under $1000?
There is no one best camera for capturing photos. What might be a great DSLR camera for others is not the right fit for you, and vice versa. That is why it is essential to determine your needs and personal preferences when shopping for the best cameras under 1,000 bucks.
With that said, we tried to include some of the top DSLR cameras on the market today. Feel free to browse the features of each one and compare them side-by-side.
What is the best mirrorless camera under $1000?
The best mirrorless camera under $1000 will depend on what type of photos you intend to capture, skill level, and personal preferences. As previously mentioned, there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to cameras. You have to consider every aspect of the device to get the right one for your needs.
But in general, Sony, Fujifilm, and Panasonic are the best mirrorless brands on the market right now. It is best to research their selection of cameras.
Conclusion
We hope this article helped you decide which DSLR under $1000 to buy.
Our best overall choice is the Canon EOS M50. It uses a CMOS sensor with a DIGIC DV 8 processor to capture highly-detailed photos. It also includes a Dual Pixel AF system for responsive subject tracking. On top of these features, the camera can shoot up to 4K resolution video.
Visit this link to buy the Canon EOS M50 today.