For people who love photography but as a hobby rather than a career, there is a common quandary in 2022. In order to get the most out of your hobby, you need a dedicated camera. One that you don’t use for anything else. However, since smartphone cameras are so good today, getting an affordable camera that is actually better than your phone is tricky.
The alternative is splashing out on a professional camera, but those cost thousands of dollars. That is before you even factor monthly costs like insurance into account. How much does it cost to insure a camera? Well, if it is a professional piece of equipment, you may be paying hundreds of dollars a year. This is in comparison to a budget camera which would be covered by your contents coverage in your renters insurance policy.
The good news is that as camera tech improves, previous generations of excellent cameras become more affordable. So, although smartphone cameras are pretty great nowadays, there are budget cameras that easily beat their performance.
To help you find one to support your hobby, these are the top 5 budget cameras in 2022.
1. Panasonic Lumix GX85
The Panasonic Lumix GX85 is an incredible little mirrorless twin-lens budget camera. It has 4K video recording and an electronic viewfinder that gives you a huge advantage when trying to capture an image especially in harsh sunlight. It also has a tilting screen that allows you to get the best angle possible without having to contort yourself.
Interestingly, the GX85 only shoots in 16 megapixels. This is in comparison to certain camera phones which can capture 48MP. But megapixels do not tell the whole story, as fans of Apple and Samsung 12MP camera phones will tell you. As with everything, it is how the camera uses those megapixels that matters, and you will get better photos with the GX85 than you would with those 48MP phones.
The GX85 will only cost you around $800, which is a great price for specialist twin-lens equipment like this.
2. Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV
The E-M10 IV is an excellent entry-level camera at a great price. It is an update on the already excellent Mark III version, pushing 16MP up to 20MP and taking the Continuous Autofocus feature to another level. Like the GX85, it is mirrorless and has a tilting screen. It also looks great and will only cost you around $600.
3. Sony A6000
The Sony A6000 camera is an excellent budget option, although its price is creeping upwards. It has been one of the top budget cameras for a while now, even as new generations have brought improvements over the years. It has some excellent high-end features, although you cannot film in 4K. It does boast 24.3MP, and is a great option for a budding enthusiast. At $800, however, it has become more expensive than some of its closest competitors.
4. Panasonic Lumix G9
If you’re comparing the G9 to the G85, the G9 will win hands down. In addition to the great features of the G85, the G9 boasts 20.3MP and 4K/6K photo modes. Furthermore, it is no longer as expensive as it once was. However, with a price around $1,000, its status as a budget camera may be questioned. For many hobbyists, the extra couple hundred dollars is worth it for a camera that far exceeds the cheaper alternatives.
5. Canon EOS M50/Mark II
Finally, the Canon EOS M50/ Mark II is another excellent option that borders on the expensive side. With a vari-angle touchscreen and excellent electronic viewfinder, it is a tempting purchase. There are some drawbacks, including some limitations when it comes to the 4K videography it supports. The M50 is definitely an option worth considering, although at close to $900, it may not do enough to justify its price.
You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars to get a camera that outperforms your phone – at least for now. The above 5 cameras prove that you can expect excellent on a budget.
