Top 10 Budget-Friendly Cameras Under $250: Best Picks for 2023

In the world of photography, finding the perfect balance between cost and quality can be a challenge. This guide to 2023's top 10 budget-friendly cameras under $250 showcases a variety of Canon models that deliver impressive features without breaking the bank, ensuring you capture life's moments without compromising on image quality.

Compact design with impressive image quality

The Canon PowerShot G9 X, priced at an accessible $189, packs a punch for photography enthusiasts on a budget. This sleek, pocket-sized camera boasts a 1-inch 20.1MP sensor, delivering crisp images with remarkable clarity. Its intuitive touchscreen and user-friendly controls make snapping high-quality photos a breeze, while built-in Wi-Fi adds a dash of convenience for on-the-go sharing. Perfect for capturing life's moments without breaking the bank.

Great entry-level mirrorless camera

Snagging the Canon EOS M100 feels like a steal at the $135 price point. This compact mirrorless gem delivers quality imagery without breaking the bank. Sporting a 24.2MP sensor, it's a go-to for crisp photos and video. Its user-friendly interface and flip-up touchscreen make it a hit for budding photographers and selfie enthusiasts alike.

Powerful zoom in a compact body

Snapping up the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS feels like a steal at the sweet price point of $126. This compact travel zoom packs a punch with its 40x optical zoom, ensuring you capture every detail from afar. It's user-friendly, making it a hit for casual photographers craving quality without complexity. With built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, sharing your shots is a breeze. It's the savvy choice for budget-conscious shutterbugs on the go.

Excellent for enthusiasts upgrading from entry-level

The Canon EOS 80D, with its attractive $122 price point, is a solid mid-range DSLR that appeals to both photo enthusiasts and semi-pros. It boasts a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, swift autofocus, and a versatile tilt-flip screen, making it a reliable choice for capturing high-quality images and video.

Large sensor and viewfinder in a compact body

The Canon PowerShot G5 X packs a punch for its $168 price tag, offering enthusiasts a taste of premium photography without breaking the bank. With a sleek design, this compact camera boasts a 1-inch sensor and a sharp, versatile lens, perfect for capturing life's moments with clarity and ease. Its intuitive controls and impressive image quality make it a standout choice for both novices and seasoned shooters looking for a portable option.

Versatile mirrorless with good image quality

The Canon EOS M3 strikes a balance between affordability and performance, hitting a sweet spot with a price point of $138. This compact mirrorless camera packs a punch with its 24.2-megapixel APS-C sensor, delivering crisp images. Its intuitive touchscreen interface and sleek design make it a hit for budding photographers craving quality without breaking the bank.

Top-tier mirrorless with strong performance

Snagging the Canon EOS M5 is like hitting the camera jackpot, especially at the $250 sweet spot. This compact mirrorless gem packs a punch with a 24.2MP APS-C sensor, delivering crisp images. Its sleek design and intuitive controls are a vlogger's dream, while the built-in EVF makes for easy framing. Perfect for both photo enthusiasts and budding videographers, the EOS M5 is a steal that doesn't skimp on quality.

Feature-rich with great image quality

The Canon EOS 77D packs a punch for its $189 price tag, offering enthusiasts a blend of performance and value. With a 24.2MP sensor, responsive touchscreen, and nimble autofocus, it's a solid contender in the mid-range DSLR market. Its user-friendly interface makes it accessible, while providing enough advanced features to satisfy the creatively ambitious.

Compact mirrorless with DSLR-like performance

The Canon EOS M6, priced at $169, offers a compact mirrorless design without skimping on performance. Ideal for photography enthusiasts, it delivers sharp images with its 24.2MP sensor. Its intuitive interface and flip-up touchscreen make it user-friendly, while Wi-Fi connectivity allows for easy sharing. A solid choice for those seeking DSLR quality in a smaller package.

Small

The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS, priced at $186, offers solid value for casual photographers. This compact camera boasts a 20.2-megapixel sensor and a powerful 25x optical zoom, capturing high-resolution images with ease. Its sleek design fits comfortably in your pocket, making it perfect for travel and everyday snaps. With built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, sharing your shots on social media is a breeze. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned shutterbug, the SX620 HS is a budget-friendly pick for quality photography.