The Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f1.7 II lens on the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III.
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 new cameras within this budget do exist, and I’ve included some in this guide, but you’ll have a lot more options if you go second-hand.
That makes it fun, though, as we get to take a trip down memory lane and revisit some absolute classic cameras that wowed the team when we reviewed them years ago – and still make for great buys today. Professional DSLRs that would have commanded four-figure price tags on launch can now be found ultra-cheap, and we’ve done the scouring of used retailers to find them (meaning you don’t have to).
You can dive straight in or go to the bottom of this page and run through the basics of second-hand camera shopping, and see a list of recommended second-hand retailers – or for more choices, you can check out our comprehensive guide to the best second-hand cameras.
Best cameras under $300 / £300: the quick list
Here’s a quick list of our picks for the best second-hand cameras under $300/ £300, as well as links to the best current prices:
Best camera under $300 / £300 overall: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III – Buy now
Best camera under $300 / £300 for enthusiast photographers: Sony A5100 – Buy now
Best for camera under $300 / £300 for portrait photographers: Nikon D700 – Buy now
Best camera under $300 / £300 for street photographers: Fujifilm X-T10 – Buy now
Best camera under $300 / £300 for studio photographers on a budget: Canon EOS 6D – Buy now
Best camera under $300 / £300 for photographers on the go: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II – Buy now
Best camera under $300 / £300 for landscape photographers: Canon EOS 5D Mark II – Buy now
Best camera under $300 / £300 for beginners wanting to learn: Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7 – Buy now
Best camera under $300 / £300 for beginners wanting to capture wildlife or sports: Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82 / FZ80 – Buy now
Best beginner camera under $300 / £300: Canon PowerShot SX430 IS – Buy now
Looking for the best deal on cameras under $300 / £300? Not only will you find the best second-hand cameras, but you’ll also find some of the best second-hand camera deals, as our ‘Buy now’ buttons are set to automatically take you to the best prices, from trusted retailers, plus you’ll also find a list of other retailers below each camera, so you can find the right deal for you.
Our guide includes cameras that are available in the US and the UK, with $300 / £300 as our rough guide. Bear in mind that prices and exchange rates do fluctuate in both territories and while we keep this guide regularly up to date, sometimes a camera will nudge over the $300 / £300 mark in one territory or another. In general, it won’t be too significant.
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Best cameras under 0 / £300
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.
Best overall
Best camera under $300 / £300 overall: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III
The Panasonic Lumix G 20mm f1.7 II lens on the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III.
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Mark III offers a strong feature set in a compact, charismatic body at a very keen price point. It is a great choice for smartphone photographers or keen enthusiasts looking to upgrade.
Pros
Good 4K features
Capable autofocus
Lots of lenses
Cons
Mark II similar, and cheaper
Camera type
MFT mirrorless
Sensor
16MP Four Thirds sensor
Viewfinder
2.36-million-dot electronic viewfinder
Screen
3.0-inch tilting touch screen
Continuous shooting
8.6fps
ISO
200-6400 (100-25,600 extended)
Video
4K
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, with the camera offering great images as well as Olympus’ famous colour.
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. A range of filters helps create a unique look.
Best camera under $300 / £300 for enthusiast photographers: Sony A5100
Sony Alpha A5100 with pop-up flash. Image: AP
Amateur Photographer verdict
If you need quick AF and great video, the A5100 won’t disappoint. It offers some top tech at a highly competitive price.
Pros
Small form factor
APS-C quality
Fast AF and burst speeds
Cons
No viewfinder
Limited external controls
Camera type
Mirrorless
Sensor
24.3MP, Exmor APS HD CMOS sensor
Viewfinder
N/A
Screen
3.0-inch tilting LCD touchscreen (180˚)
Continuous shooting
6fps
ISO
100-25,600
Video
Full HD 50p
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. Your preference out of the A5100 and the A6000 is more a matter of handling than 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.
Best camera under $300 / £300 for portrait photographers: Nikon D700
Nikon D700, AP image
Amateur Photographer verdict
A sturdy full frame camera, with good image quality and long battery life.
Pros
Incredibly sturdy and robust
Great price for full frame
Solid image quality
Cons
No video at all
Only 5fps burst without grip
Camera type
DSLR
Sensor
12.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor
Viewfinder
Optical viewfinder
Screen
3.0-inch 922,000-dot fixed LCD screen
Continuous shooting
5fps
ISO
100-25,600 (extended)
Video
N/A
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.
Best camera under $300 / £300 for street photographers: Fujifilm X-T10
Fujifilm X-T10 with 18-55mm lens. Image: Fujifilm
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Fujifilm X-T10 remains a very capable and stylish camera provided you take into consideration its limitations.
Pros
Gorgeous retro-style design
Excellent JPEG quality
Well-engineered handling
Cons
Sluggish autofocus
Relatively few AF points
Camera type
Mirrorless
Sensor
16.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS II sensor
Viewfinder
0.39-inch 2.36m-dot OLED EVF
Screen
3.0-inch 920,000-dot tilting LCD
Continuous shooting
8fps
ISO
200-6400 (raw), 100-51,200 (JPEG)
Video
FullHD 60p
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 we 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.
Best camera under $300 / £300 for studio photography: Canon EOS 6D
Canon EOS 6D. Photo credit: Canon
Amateur Photographer verdict
Intuitive to handle, and with its compact size, and light and solid build, the EOS 6D is a pleasure to use. It delivers great image quality and performs impressively in low light conditions.
Pros
Full-frame sensor
Excellent control system
Very good battery life
Cons
Pushes upper end of budget
Basic autofocus
Camera type
DSLR
Sensor
20.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor
Viewfinder
Optical viewfinder, 0.71 magnification
Screen
3.0-in, 1.04M-dot fixed screen
Continuous shooting
4.5 fps
ISO
50-102,400 (extended)
Video
Full HD 30p
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 thirteen 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.
The price will be determined by the condition you pick one up in. A well-used Canon EOS 6D can be picked up for 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 responds impressively to noise, comes with intuitive controls and has an excellent battery life. The basic autofocus system, single SD card slot and lack of vari-angle LCD screen are all a bit disappointing.
Best camera under $300 / £300 for studio photographers on a budget
Best camera under $300 / £300 for photographers on the go: Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II
The Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark II in hand. Photo credit: Andy Westlake
Amateur Photographer verdict
Hugely impressive feature set in a very portable package. It is a compelling option for SLR owners looking to take the weight off their shoulders without sacrificing much capability.
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.
Best camera under $300 / £300 for landscape photographers: Canon EOS 5D Mark II
Canon EOS 5D Mark II with 50mm f1.8 lens (AP)
Amateur Photographer verdict
Overall, the Canon E05D Mark II is an extremely capable camera with high pixel count and excellent image quality. Its integrated sensor-cleaning system is a great addition at this price range, too.
Pros
Superb video options
Great price for full-frame
Broad EF lens range
Cons
ISO range somewhat pedestrian
Top end of budget
Camera type
DSLR
Sensor
21.1MP full-frame CMOS sensor
Viewfinder
Optical viewfinder, 0.71x magnification
Screen
3in, 920,000-dot LCD screen
Continuous shooting
3.9fps
ISO
ISO 100-6400 (expandable to 25,600)
Video
Full HD 30p
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 we 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.
Best camera under $300 / £300 for beginners wanting to learn: Canon EOS 2000D / Rebel T7
Canon EOS 2000D with 18-55mm lens. Image: Audley Jarvis / AP
Amateur Photographer verdict
If you are in favour of Canon and working with a tight budget, the 2000D is a solid budget choice even if its stablemates outperform it.
Pros
Very user-friendly
APS-C sensor
Fast NFC connectivity
Cons
A lot of competition
Generally solid but unexciting
Camera type
DSLR
Sensor
24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor
Viewfinder
Optical viewfinder 0.8x magnification
Screen
3in, 920,000-dot LCD screen
Continuous shooting
3fps
ISO
ISO 100-12,800
Video
Full HD 30p
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.
Best camera under $300 / £300 for beginners wanting to capture wildlife or sports: Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82 / FZ80
The Panasonic FZ80D/FZ82D. Image: Amy Davies
Amateur Photographer verdict
This handy little bridge camera from Panasonic, with its impressive 20-1200mm zoom range, definitely earned the title of all-rounder.
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
Camera type
Bridge camera with 60x optical zoom
Sensor
18.1MP sensor 1/2.3” inch
Viewfinder
0.2-inch 1,170K-dot EVF
Screen
3.0-inch 1.84M-dot LCD touch screen
Continuous shooting
10fps
ISO
80-6400 (extended)
Video
4K30p
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.
Best beginner camera under $300 / £300: Canon PowerShot SX430 IS
Canon Powershot SX430
Amateur Photographer verdict
A mini bridge camera with 45x super zoom and HD video, it is simple and fun to use and especially ideal for beginners.
Pros
Generous optical and digital zoom
Easy to use
Intelligent stabilisation
Cons
Smaller sensor
No mode dial
Camera type
Bridge camera with 45x optical zoom
Sensor
20MP 1/2.3 type CCD sensor
Viewfinder
N/A
Screen
3.0-inch 230,000-dots fixed LCD screen
Continuous shooting
2.2fps (limited to 5MP)
ISO
100-1600
Video
Video (HD) 1280 x 720, 25 fps
The Canon PowerShot SX430 IS is another bridge camera that makes it onto our list. Retailing new with a RRP of £199.99, this camera comes in under budget.
As with the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82 listed above, this camera has been designed with the amateur in mind. However, it doesn’t include a mode dial on top, making it very much a point and shoot aimed at beginners.
It does 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.
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 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.
*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, 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, try getting 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.
Should I buy a used camera from eBay, Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, or another 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.
How we test cameras
While testing each camera, we take hundreds of photos in a wide variety of conditions to assess their control layout, ergonomics and handling, as well as screen and viewfinder size, response time and brightness.
Each genre demands a unique set of features and performance standards for a camera to excel within it. So we look at autofocus performance, continuous subject tracking, and burst shooting as well as image quality, low-light performance, and take into consideration portability too.
We also assess the image stabilisation system and test how well it supports hand-held and low-light shooting. Last but by no means least, we critically evaluate image quality, in both JPEG and raw, including resolution, high-ISO noise, and dynamic range.
Finally, we take all these factors into account along with lens compatibility and overall handling when giving our final conclusion and scores. You’ll find a full breakdown of how each camera performs in our full reviews.
Recent updates
February 2026: We added a How we test section to give you a better idea what criteria we take into consideration when reviewing these cameras. Furthermore all cameras have been updated with specification tables, as well as checking their current availablility and prices.
Looking for more budget round-ups and guides? Check out these other articles:
Claire Gillo is a creative brand, commercial product and event photographer based in South Devon. She shoots all types of genres from portraits, music, interior, product to food & drink. Claire has much experience in the publishing industry too, and has worked across many of the big photography magazine publication titles from Amateur Photographer to Digital Camera. Find out more about her at www.clairegillo.com and follow her on Instagram @clairegillophotography.
