The best cameras under $200 / £200 are generally found on the second-hand market. While decent new cameras at this price point do exist, and we’ve seen a couple arrive recently, they are few and far between. So, if you are on a budget, and want a level of quality that’s an upgrade from your smartphone, or a camera that gives you more control, as well as lens options, second-hand is the way to go. We’ve put together this guide to help you find the sub $200 cameras that are right for you.
Look at any second-hand camera site and you’ll find a fair few cameras under $200, but not all of them will be worth buying. So, how do you decide which ones are worth buying? That’s where we come in – drawing on our experience of testing and reviewing all the major camera releases over the years, we’ve identified the ones that are still worth $200. By buying used, you can still get a great camera from a big brand, including Canon, Olympus, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic and others.
I’ve picked this amount because we think it’s the least you can spend on a camera that’s actually worth buying, but be aware, there are some compromises, for example you won’t find any of these models with 4K video, and will need to spend more. For those with higher budgets, we also have guides to the best cameras under $300 / £300 and the best cameras under $500 / £500.
For useful tips on where to buy and what to look out for when buying a used camera, go to the end of this article.
Best cameras under $200 / £200: the quick list
Best Olympus under $200: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II – Buy now
Best Canon DSLR under $200: Canon EOS 7D – Buy now
Best pocket zoom under $200: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II – Buy now
Best Panasonic under $200: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 – Buy now
Best beginners DSLR under $200: Canon EOS 1200D / Rebel T5 – Buy now
Best weather-sealed camera under $200: Olympus OM-D E-M5 – Buy now
Best new camera under $150: Kodak PixPro FZ45 – Buy now
Looking for the best deal on cameras under $200 / £200? 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 $200 / £200 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 $200 / £200 mark in one territory or another. In general, it won’t be too significant.
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So, here is a quick rundown of the cameras we’ve included, along with links to get the best prices:
Best cameras under $200 / £200
Best Olympus under $200: Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II (second hand body only)
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II.
Amateur Photographer verdict
A classic beginner’s mirrorless camera, the OM-D E-M10 Mark II offers a great deal of functionality for minimal outlay, with fast burst shooting and an attractive design.
Pros
Loads of MFT lenses
5-axis stabilisation
Fast burst shooting
Cons
Upper end of budget
No weather sealing
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Specifications
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II
Sensor
16.1MP Four Thirds sensor
ISO
ISO 100-25,600 (extended)
Viewfinder
2.36-million-dot EVF
Screen
3in, 1.04m-dot fully articulated touchscreen
Video
Full HD video
Price
approx. $199 / £199
The Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II is a great camera, and a firm favourite here. A second-hand model in good condition will cost just under $200/£200. If you want to purchase a second-hand one in excellent condition, it will cost around $20 more – slightly pipping you over budget, unless you’re good at haggling!
To begin with, this camera combines a 16.1MP Four Thirds sensor with a TruePic VII image processor. It supports an ISO range of 100-25,600 and burst shooting at up to 8.5fps. The camera body has a robust and attractive design. It includes 5-axis in-body image stabilisation and a huge selection of MFT lenses are compatible. On the downside, it isn’t weather-sealed and lacks 4K video, but for $199 you can’t have everything!
Best for: Being an all-rounder budget camera
Best Canon DSLR under $200: Canon EOS 7D (second hand body only)
Canon EOS 7D.
Amateur Photographer verdict
One of the best DSLRs you can get at this price, the EOS 7D benefits from a huge lens range and a weather-sealed body.
Pros
Classic, rugged DSLR handling
100% coverage viewfinder
Cons
Fixed rear screen
Single card slot
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Specifications
Canon EOS 7D
Sensor
18MP APS-C CMOS sensor
ISO
ISO 100-12,800 (extended)
Viewfinder
Optical
Screen
3in, 921k-dot fixed LCD screen
Video
FullHD video
Price
approx. $200 / £184
The Canon EOS 7D is an oldy but a goody, especially when you can get one second hand for $200 (the original RRP back in 2009 was £1,699)! The camera is now a little out-dated. It’s a bit noisy in low light compared with the newer models, but for under $200 you’re not going to get top of the range. You’ll still get plenty of camera for very little money. The Canon EOS 7D includes an 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor, ISO range up to 12800 and a durable weather-sealed body.
Back in 2020, we wrote a second-hand classic review of the Canon EOS 7D. Fast forward to today’s market, and we think this review holds just as much relevance.
Best pocket zoom under $200: Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II (second hand)
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II.
Amateur Photographer verdict
Looking for an all-in-one compact to take everywhere? The RX100 II is a terrific buy, with a flexible zoom range and premium image quality.
Pros
Small body
High-quality sensor/lens
f/1.8 aperture
Cons
Top end of budget
Might be too small for some
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Specifications
Sony Cyber-shot RX100 II
Sensor
20.2MP 1-inch CMOS sensor
Lens
28-100mm (equivalent) f/1.8-4.9 Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
Viewfinder
ISO 100-25,600 extended
Screen
3inch tilting screen
Video
Full HD 60p video
Price
approx. $200 / £180
Sony’s RX100 range of premium compacts has been hugely successful, with the most recently released model being the RX100 Mark VII. This Mark II version is the most up-to-date you can get for under $200, and for that money, it’s worth considering. Costing three times more on release, the RX100 II features a 20MP 1-inch sensor with a back-illuminated design paired with a 28-100mm equivalent Zeiss-made lens that boasts a generous f/1.8 aperture at the wide end. All this in a body that’s still smaller and lighter than most compacts on the market. Not bad!
We published our Sony RX100 II review all the way back in 2013, and we gave it the full five stars. While you could probably find the original RX100 even cheaper on the second-hand market, there are a lot of quality-of-life improvements that make this one worth buying. Built-in Wi-Fi is a big one, as well as NFC (which was quite a novelty at the time), giving you plenty of connectivity options. The screen also tilts, making it easier to shoot from high and low angles.
Best for: Street photography and travelling light
Best Panasonic under $200: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 (second hand body only)
Panasonic Lumix G6
Amateur Photographer verdict
A solid Micro Four Thirds camera, the Lumix G6 has since been eclipsed by successor models but still offers plenty for the money, as long as you don’t need 4K.
Pros
Lightweight and portable
Autofocus performs well
Wi-Fi with remote shooting
Cons
Basic video spec
Smaller sensor than APS-C
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Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6
Sensor
16MP Live MOS sensor
ISO
160-12,800 (expandable to ISO 25,600)
Viewfinder
1.44-million-dot OLED EVF
Screen
3in free-angle LCD touchscreen
Video
Full HD video recording
Price
approx. $199 / £154
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 is a great camera for under $200 / £200 that can be used to shoot a variety of genres from portraits to wildlife. Its body weighs a mere 340g, meaning it’s lightweight and won’t cause any back or neck aches after using it all day.
We found the Panasonic Lumix DMC-G6 to excel in its autofocus system compared with other Micro Four Thirds cameras launched around the same time in 2013. We were also impressed with its features, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and remote shooting – perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.
However, the Full HD video isn’t that exciting in terms of what is possible by today’s standards. But, for those wanting to create fun online content, Full HD is plenty big enough.
An eminently portable DSLR, the Canon EOS 1200D is attractive for the price, if a little basic-looking these days.
Pros
Price has come down nicely
Easy to use
Decent APS-C sensor
Cons
Worse battery life than 1100D
No built-in Wi-Fi
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Specifications
Canon EOS 1200D / Rebel T5
Sensor
18MP APS-C CMOS sensor
ISO
ISO 100-6400 (exp. ISO 12,800)
Viewfinder
Optical
Screen
3in LCD screen with 230,000 dots
Video
Full HD 1080p video
Price
approx. $170 / £144
The Canon EOS 1200D entered a crowded market of entry-level cameras on release in 2014. However, over time, its used price has come down to under $200 / £200, and it has started to look more enticing as an entry-level DSLR. It may not be flashy, but its Canon EF/EF-S mount opens you up to an incredibly well-stocked lens ecosystem, and the 18MP APS-C sensor delivers solid, reliable image quality.
For a DSLR, this is a pretty dinky camera, and is portable enough to carry around for day-to-day shooting. Its 9-point AF system is a little basic, and in our review, we were disappointed to see that the battery life had gone from 700-650 shots on the EOS 1100D to 500 shots. Though it’s important to remember this in context. It’s still better than a lot of mirrorless cameras, and these estimates do tend to be conservative.
Best for: Those who want an ultra-cheap DSLR
Best weather-sealed camera: Olympus OM-D E-M5 (second hand body only)
The original Olympus OM-D E-M5 with 12-50mm lens. Image AP
Amateur Photographer verdict
A great camera then, and a pretty darn good one now – the Olympus OM-D E-M5 gives you enthusiast-level functionality for a beginner’s price tag, along with weather-sealing.
Pros
Micro Four Thirds lens range
Stylish retro design
Weather-resistant body
In-body image stabilisation
Cons
Screen tilting, not articulated
Fairly modest burst rates
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Specifications
Olympus OM-D E-M5
Sensor
16.1MP Four Thirds sensor
ISO
ISO200 – 25600 (extended)
Viewfinder
1.44-million-dot EVF
Screen
3in, 610,000-dot, tiltable LCD touchscreen
Video
Full HD video
Price
approx. $190 / £139
Over ten years later, the Olympus OM-D E-M5 is still a fantastic camera under $200 / £200, with 16.1MP Four Thirds image sensor that produces excellent images. It comes in a stylish-looking, weather-resistant, magnesium-alloy body. When the Olympus E-M5 was launched in 2012, the critics (us included) loved its retro compact design – it still has a lot of appeal. It’s also worth noting it was the first camera to be launched in the popular and well-regarded OM-D line.
Later models like the EM-5 II and EM-5 III do boast higher specs. However, if this aspect isn’t important to you, it’s a great camera for under $200 / £200.
Best for: Those who want a small interchangeable-lens camera
Best Nikon under $200: Nikon D5200 (second hand body only)
Nikon D5200
Amateur Photographer verdict
Offering a decent amount of resolution and reliable imaging performance, the Nikon D5200 is a solid workhorse DSLR, that’s both capable and easy to use.
Pros
AF system does well
Capable metering system
Solid overall performance
Cons
Upper end of budget
Decent lens will cost more
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Specifications
Nikon D5200
Sensor
24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor
ISO
ISO 100-6400 (extended to ISO 25,600)
Viewfinder
Optical
Screen
Articulated 3in, 921,000-dot LCD screen
Video
Full HD video
Price
approx. $180 / £199
When this camera launched in 2013, it retailed at nearly $1000. Today, a second-hand model in good condition can be picked up for just under $200 – that’s a great deal! Spec-wise, this camera can hold its head up high. The 24.1MP image sensor, 39-point AF system and ISO sensitivity range are all still impressive for a camera of this age.
In our 2013 review of the Nikon D5200, we gave it a good 4 stars. We found it performed solidly across all of our tests and criteria. In addition to delivering good images, the menu system and controls are all setup to be easy to use. So, if you’re a beginner to photography and want to make a step up without splashing out on a new model, this one is well worth considering.
Best for: Beginners who want to learn fast
Best Sony under $200: Sony A5000
Sony Alpha 5000
Amateur Photographer verdict
The Sony A5000 is still a perfectly decent APS-C mirrorless camera, and one of the smallest Sonys.
Pros
Built-in Wi-Fi
Decent overall feature-set
Fast burst modes
Cons
Rudimentary video
No touchscreen
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Specifications
Sony A5000
Sensor
20.1MP APS-C sensor
ISO
ISO 100-16,000
Viewfinder
None
Screen
Articulated 3in LCD with 460,800 dots
Video
Full HD video
Price
approx. $249 / £159
The Sony Alpha 5000 is a reminder than mirrorless cameras can be extremely small, affordable, and still give great images. If you’re looking for a small mirrorless camera, with big potential, the Sony A5000 is one to remember. And, whilst these days pro-spec full-frame Sony cameras run up prices in the thousands, this humble APS-C shooter can be picked up for around $200 / £200 or less on the used market.
So, what do you get for this minimal outlay? While the Sony A5000 isn’t going to measure up to top-line mirrorless models of today, it has a decent spec that will get the job done in most shooting situations. The 20.1MP APS-C sensor is a good resolution for most purposes (20MP cameras are still sold today), and the burst options are quite impressive. Also, Sony’s E-mount lens range has come a long way since the release of the A5000, and these days there are tons of fantastic lenses to choose from, including plenty from third-party manufacturers like Sigma, Tamron and Samyang, giving even more budget options.
Best for: Enthusiasts and those looking for a small camera
Best cheap Pentax DSLR: Pentax K-50 (second hand body only)
Pentax K-50
Amateur Photographer verdict
Pentax DSLRs have a lot to recommend them, such as class-leading weather sealing and excellent viewfinders. The K-50 is a solid APS-C option at a brilliant price.
Pros
Very good weather-sealing
Generous ISO range
Lovely optical viewfinder
Cons
Fewer lenses than Canon/Nikon
Small drive-mode shot buffer
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Specifications
Pentax K-50
Sensor
16.2-million-pixel, APS-C-sized sensor
ISO
ISO 100-51,200
Viewfinder
100% optical viewfinder
Screen
3in, 921,000-dot LCD screen
Video
1080p 30fps
Price
approx. $195 / £169
Body
81 weather seals
We all know Pentax has not made as much impression in the DSLR market as Canon or Nikon. However, that’s not to say it hasn’t made some fantastic cameras and the K-50 deserves to make this best budget cameras list.
When we reviewed it back in 2013, we gave it a massive 5 stars. The image quality was top notch and easily matched its rivals at the time. The body was also well built and fully weather-sealed, providing peace of mind to those out in the field. So, if you’re after a decent DSLR that will help you expand your photography, a second-hand Pentax K-50 is a great option.
Best for: Hobby photographers
Best new camera under $150: Kodak PixPro FZ45
Kodak PixPro FZ45 in red. Photo JW/AP
Amateur Photographer verdict
If you’d rather buy new than second-hand, the Kodak PixPro FZ45 is a very new camera indeed, and available for half our maximum budget. Just be aware that it is relatively basic.
Pros
Easy to use
Compact and cheap
Takes common AA batteries
Cons
Average image quality
Small screen
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Specifications
Kodak PixPro FZ45
Sensor
16MP 1/2.3inch CMOS sensor
Lens
4x optical zoom, f/3.0-6.6, 27-108mm equivalent
Power
2x AA batteries
Screen
2.7inch screen
Video
Full HD 30p video recording
Price
$99 / £95, available in white, black, red
It was a bit of a surprise when Kodak (or to be more accurate, Kodak licensee JK Imaging) released a clutch of new compact and bridge cameras in 2023. Surely nobody was making cheap point-and-shoots anymore? Indeed, they were. But while the PixPro FZ45 is not going to blow anyone away with its image quality, it’s a perfectly decent compact that’s available for a very cheap price and makes it onto our list of best cameras under £200.
Firstly, running on common AA batteries, the PixPro FZ45 is easy to set up. It also benefits from a 4x zoom lens, giving you a reasonable amount of versatility when shooting, and its light weight of 117g means you can carry it everywhere with you. As we found in our review, the image quality it produces is fine, if nothing to write home about, and there is even a Manual mode for taking control of exposure settings.
Best for: Those who want a new camera, rather than second-hand
Where can I find the best cameras under $200 / £200?
Remember, when it comes to buying second hand, you should only do so from a trusted dealer, so we’ve put together this list of recommended retailers who offer a warranty with used cameras – check the details on the retailer’s website and see how long the warranty is – some offer 12 months, some 6 months, and sometimes less.
Recommended second-hand dealers to buy from include:
If you shop around online, you’ll often notice there are a few far cheaper models sold from a company you’ve probably never heard of. Usually, these are grey products – they’re probably legitimate cameras, but they could cause you potential issues. You’re unlikely to purchase under warranty, and you may end up paying for import duty or VAT on arrival. So, that ‘cheap camera’ may end up being more expensive than you initially calculated. And if it’s a brand new model, then it’s unlikely to be a genuine retailer, especially as there is unlikely to be a brand new branded camera for under $200, except perhaps for Kodak PixPro models.
Is it safe to buy cheap cameras from Facebook marketplace or eBay?
Facebook marketplace (and eBay) are both places where people sell second-hand cameras. Sometimes these are legitimate, and you can get a bargain on a camera, but as they are often private sellers, there will be no warranty. You’ll also find a lot of cameras listed that are listed at such a low price, it’s clearly a scam, so buyer beware.
How to choose the best camera under $200/£200
When purchasing a second-hand camera, first check the exterior condition – if the retailer provides these images – be wary of anyone who doesn’t provide photos of the actual camera. Look for marks and scratches but remember, cosmetic damage is often nothing to worry about. A solid image sensor and working mechanics are more important. Most cameras from a trusted dealer will come with a 6-month warranty, which will give you greater peace of mind – this is probably something you won’t get on eBay.
Secondly, check the shutter count if you’re purchasing a second-hand DSLR or mirrorless camera. An entry-level DSLR or mirrorless will comfortably shoot around 100,000, mid-range 150,000, and with a professional camera 300,000+. They’ll often last beyond these figures, but it’s a good idea to get a rough idea about their longevity.
Just remember: if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
How we test budget cameras under $200
When we originally reviewed these cameras we put them through the full test process, taking photos in a number of different environments, pushing the cameras to the limit to see how the image quality stacks up. When we look at image quality we not only look at how the overall image looks, but we also check to see if colour reproduction looks good, and this matters for capturing life-like images.
When originally released some of these cameras were premium models, with high price tags to go with them, now they are under $200 they offer incredible value, and therefore some compromises will need to be made, for example, you will struggle to find a camera in this price range that records 4K video, with almost every model offering “just” Full HD video. FullHD video is good enough for most people, so don’t let that put you off.
Recent updates:
March 2026: Specifications tables updated, frequently asked questions updated, and how we test section added. Prices checked and any errors corrected.
January 2026:Canon EOS M100 removed as there is limited availability, as well as a limited range of lenses available compared to other systems on this list. Article updated for clarity, specifications checked and updated, and prices checked for all cameras.
Text by Claire Gillo, with contributions from Jon Stapley.
Are you looking to expand on your photography kit without breaking the bank? Here are some other articles for you:
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.
