Are you looking to find a cheap Canon cameras? Canon has long been the biggest camera manufacturer. They offer a vast range of products. But many of their cameras are on the expensive side. So we’ve gone through all available options to find the best cheap Canon cameras
The Canon EOS R100 is the best cheap Canon camera right now. Rather than being an old camera that’s lost value, it was released as a good-value camera. The excellent features also mean it’s a great camera for beginners, allowing you to learn and build your skills.
What is the Best Cheap Canon Camera?
Canon is the biggest camera brand in photography. But that doesn’t mean you have to fork out big bundles of cash to get your hands on one. Canon has cameras for all skill levels and budgets.
And buying a cheap Canon camera doesn’t mean you have to compromise on performance. Of course, the more expensive cameras have more advanced specs and features. But as you’ll see from this article, cameras at the other end still deliver excellent results.
You can still expect excellent image quality from a cheap Canon camera. And most of the cameras featured here have 4K video recording. That means you can use them for photography, videography, and vlogging.
Here’s a quick rundown of the best cheap Canon cameras. We look at each Canon camera in more detail below, so keep scrolling to find out more.
- Excellent image quality from the 24.1 MP sensor
- Canon's reliable Dual Pixel CMOS AF system
- AF also has auto subject, face, and eye detection
- 4K video recording and Full HD at 60 fps
- High-precision 2.36 million-dot electronic viewfinder
- Amazing value with a 24.1-MP sensor
- Vari-angle screen helps you shoot images and video in challenging locations
- Small body for a DSLR
- Great battery life
- Excellent 4K video recording
- Lightweight mirrorless body with a 24.2 MP sensor
- 100% coverage with Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system
- 15 fps burst mode with electronic shutter
- Fully rotating touchscreen for webcam and vlogging
- 4K uncropped video at 30 fps
- Camera controls are easy to use
- Both auto and manual controls
- Great in-body image stabilization
- Up to 40x digital zoom
- Vari-angle screen
- Great image quality
- Camera features a guide in its software
- Small and ergonomic body
- Can be set up as a webcam easily
- Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- Affordable full frame mirrorless option
- Built-in macro stacking and time-lapse
- Lightweight body
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity
- Excellent 4K video abilities
6 Best Cheap Canon Cameras
Now we’ll look at each Canon camera in more detail. It a concise list, but you’ll still find different types of cameras. We have mirrorless, DSLR, and compact cameras. We also have APS-C and full frame models. So your tight budget doesn’t restrict your camera options.
1. Canon EOS R100
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 APS-C |
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
 Mirrorless |
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
3,975 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
6.5 fps |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
 4K |
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
 3" |
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
|
| Best |
Best
Mirrorless camera for beginners
|
The Canon EOS R100 is the best value Canon camera right now. It’s one of Canon’s latest releases, but it’s also their cheapest mirrorless camera. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of pricier models, but it’s a fantastic camera if you want to learn the basics.
It’s lightweight and compact, as an APS-C mirrorless camera should be. And the CMOS sensor gives you a 24.1 MP resolution. That’s excellent image quality for a camera in this price bracket.
A 100 – 12,800 ISO range can be expanded to 25,600, which is great for low-light photography. It also has a 6.5 fps burst speed. That’s modest for a mirrorless, but still allows you to capture fast action with accuracy.
Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus system is one of the best out there. That means you get fast and accurate subject detection, including eye-detection capabilities. It also has subject tracking to keep moving subjects sharp.
Budding filmmakers with be pleased with the 4K video recording. You are limited to a 24 fps frame rate 4K and the footage is cropped, but the resolution is bright and clear. The camera body also has ports for external audio devices like microphones.
You do have a 120 fps video frame rate when recording in Full HD. And you can use the R100 as a high-resolution webcam for conference calls or live streaming.
As you might expect from a camera at this price, there are some downsides. The LCD screen is fixed, so you can’t adjust the angle or rotate it. There’s no image stabilization. And a lack of weather sealing makes it vulnerable when shooting outdoors.
The Canon EOS R100 is the ultimate cheap Canon camera. It isn’t perfect, but you still get fantastic value for money. You’re not buying an outdated model at a reduced price. This is a new camera with up-to-date features, only at a more-than-reasonable price.
2. Canon EOS Rebel SL3
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
 DSLR |
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
9 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
25,600 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
5 fps |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3" |
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
|
| Best |
Best
Affordable DSLR
|
The EOS Rebel SL3 (250D) is the smallest DSLR on Canon’s palette. But that doesn’t mean it compromises on quality or functions. It is built from high-grade plastic. And despite its size, the ergonomic grip is comfortable and steady.
You can expect fabulous images thanks to the 24 MP sensor. Together with the DIGIC 8 processor, it offers clean and colorful images. And photos have low noise levels until you get to the very top of the ISO range.
The real wonder of autofocus (AF) comes when you switch on Live View or video mode. This camera includes Canon’s fantastic Dual Pixel system. It combines contrast detection and phase-detection focus points, using 3975 of them for accurate focusing. They cover virtually the whole frame. And you can focus on and track subjects seamlessly and quickly.
The controls are excellent. You get extensive button coverage on top of the flip-out touchscreen. The menus are intuitive and logical. Of course, the 250D also offers a Wi-Fi connection for remote control and data transfer.
DSLR cameras might not be en vogue right now, but the Canon EOS Rebel SL3 is still a great camera. It’s an absolute bargain for anyone interesting in photography.
3. Canon EOS R50
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless |
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
651 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
32,000 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
12 fps |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3" |
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
|
| Best |
Best
All-round mirrorless camera
|
The Canon EOS R50 is another affordable mirrorless camera. It is a little pricier than the R100, but a few extra internal and external features help it earn the higher price tag.
The CMOS sensor is similar to that of the R100, giving you a 24.1 MP resolution. However, you get a wider expandable ISO range that maxes out at 51,200. That gives you even better low-light performance.
With nearly twice as many focus points, the AF system is also faster and more reliable. The eye-detection and subject-tracking features are excellent. The eye-detection also works with animals, which is great news for pet photographers.
The 4K video recording is excellent. It’s uncropped and has a smooth 30 fps frame rate. You also have a 120 fps rate in Full HD. This camera also doubles as a webcam, making it an affordable camera for streaming.
An articulating touchscreen helps with composition and framing. And additional features like time-lapse mode, focus stacking, and panorama shooting give you more creative options. You can even use the camera remotely with your smartphone.
The Canon EOS R50 is a brilliant mirrorless camera. It isn’t the cheapest Canon camera on our list, but it still offers fantastic value for money. When you consider the creative features, it’s an absolute bargain.
4. Canon Powershot SX740
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 1/2.3” |
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
 Compact |
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
21 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
9 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
3,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
10 fps |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3" |
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
|
| Best |
Best
Point-and-Shoot camera
|
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS isn’t much heavier than a smartphone at 299 grams. Canon designed it to fit your everyday needs and features a few great extras. It has a 40x digital zoom and 4K video abilities. So it goes above and beyond for a point-and-shoot that fits inside your pocket.
That’s also an optical zoom, so you don’t lose any image quality when you zoom in. And there’s an optical image stabilizer to help you achieve sharp results when zoomed in.
Despite only having a 1/2.3″ sensor, it still gives you a 21 MP resolution. The dynamic range and low-light performance are not as good as the DSLR or mirrorless cameras, but you still get bright, vibrant images.
Speed and super sharp image quality are what you sacrifice for such a small camera. But the results are still amazing for a camera that is so compact and affordable. Surprisingly, Canon has even fit a tiltable screen into this compact camera.
A 10 fps burst mode also allows you to capture fast-paced action. And the built-in flash gives you illumination when shooting in dark situations.
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a pocket-sized camera that’s full of surprises. It’s a cheap Canon camera you can take anywhere with you.
5. Canon EOS Rebel T7
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
APS-C |
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
DSLR |
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24.1 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
9 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
6,400 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
3 fps |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
 Full HD |
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3" |
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
|
| Best |
Best
Reliable DSLR with excellent kit lens
|
The Canon EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) is another affordable DSLR camera. It’s one of Canon’s older models, but it still delivers excellent results. You can also still buy it brand new at a reasonable price.
It offers you a great starting point for your way into the world of DSLRs. You get plenty of resolution on the 24 MP sensor. The processor is a little dated. But it still delivers beautiful photos with an acceptable noise floor.
Autofocus is somewhat lacking. It only has nine points and only contrast detection in Live View. But its performance is decent. Ergonomics-wise, you get the solid feel of a DSLR. And there are enough buttons to control the device quickly.
This camera lets you shoot 1080p video for 30 minutes. In our opinion, this is a camera worth investing in. It’s a good fit if your budget is limited, but you want the flexibility of EF-mount lenses.
You can buy the Canon EOS Rebel T7 with a quality kit lens. That’s ideal for getting started. But it’s also compatible with other Canon EF lenses if you want to upgrade.
6. Canon EOS RP
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 Full Frame |
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless |
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
26 MP |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
4,779 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
40,000 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
5 fps |
| Max Video Resolution |
Max Video Resolution
4K |
| Screen Size |
Screen Size
3" |
| Weather Sealing |
Weather Sealing
|
| Best |
Best
Full frame mirrorless camera
|
The Canon EOS RP is the cheapest full frame mirrorless camera from Canon. It may be more expensive than the other cameras on this list. But it is one of the cheapest full frame cameras on the market. The best part is that it is one of the lightest and most compact mirrorless cameras.
It may not have the highest resolution, with 26.2 MP. But this is still enough for sharp image quality. Pair this camera with the super sharp RF lenses available. And the Canon RP gives stunning results suitable for professionals.
The larger sensor size also gives you improved dynamic range and low-light performance. You’ll experience less digital noise at ISO settings, and there’s more detail in light and dark areas.
You also find a range of extra features, like 4K video and the ability to shoot 4 fps with continuous autofocus. The autofocus also lets you focus on the eye for better focusing accuracy. This ensures sharp focus on any portrait you take.
The Canon EOS RP was revolutionary at the time of release, and it remains a fabulous camera. It’s also a cheap Canon camera if you’re looking for a full frame model. You can see our detailed review of the Canon RP right here.
Different Types of Cheap Canon Cameras
If you’re unsure what camera is best for you, we have split up each group into these smaller sections. Read below to find out what camera type would match your style.
A Beginner DSLR
If you’re willing to pay and learn a little more, you might find yourself looking for DSLRs. These cameras both feature an APS-C-sized sensor and Canon’s EF mount.
You can buy them with or without kit lenses. This system provides excellent backward compatibility. And it undoubtedly has good future lens options as well. In this case, we recommend the EOS Rebel T7.
Inexpensive Mirrorless Cameras
As technology evolves, there is less and less need for a mirror in cameras. What do you get with advanced mirrorless cameras? Better sensors, longer-lasting batteries, nicer screens, electronic viewfinders, and hybrid AF systems, to name a few.
Canon offers some reasonably priced and desirable mirrorless cameras. As we’ve seen, both the Canon EOS R100 and R50 are exceptional mirrorless cameras with affordable price tags. But you also have the Canon EOS RP, which is affordable for a full frame camera.
Entry-Level to Professional Cameras
Having enthusiasm for photography and a limited budget can leave you thinking that your gear compromises you. The next two cameras are both legendary EOS models. They are old but not outdated. And they may still be the perfect choice for you for specific purposes.
The entry-level EOS R100 or EOS Rebel T7 (2000D) are the best for absolute beginners. The Canon EOS R50 is more intermediate while still being beginner-friendly. Then the Canon EOS RP, with it’s full frame sensor, is more towards the professional level.
Compact Cameras
Do you use your smartphone extensively for photography and struggle to get the results that you want? Compact mid- to top-level cameras give you optical zoom, great low-light performance, and better controls than your smartphone.
And these cheap canon cameras still fit in your back pocket! We recommend the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS.
Conclusion
We can see some great options available for a reasonable price. We are lucky to live in a time when digital camera technology has progressed. And we can get fantastic results from a compact-size camera!
Make sure you understand each camera’s pros and cons before buying one. Think about how you will use the camera and what you want. If you’re a beginner looking to take photography seriously, we recommend the Canon EOS R100. It’s our top choice because of big-value features like 4K video and accurate AF.
