These are the best cheap camera deals for June 2020

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As nice as modern smartphone cameras are nowadays, nothing beats a proper digital camera when it comes to serious high-definition photography. Professional and hobbyist photographers alike still rely on traditional handheld cameras for taking the highest quality photos and video, but while the overall design of these cameras hasn't changed much, modern technology has made them better and more feature-rich than ever with thinks like Full HD (and even 4K) recording capabilities and wireless connectivity becoming increasingly standard.

However, it's no secret that the best digital cameras from top brands including Canon, Nikon, and Sony can cost you a pretty penny, and these run the gamut in price from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Even the cheapest DSLR and mirrorless cameras aren't small purchases, so a good bargain is always welcome — and that's exactly what we're here to help you find. Below, we've put together a list of the best cheap camera deals on mirrorless, DSLR, and point-and-shoot models, along with a short digital camera buying guide to help you make an educated buying decision. We've also thrown in a few accessory deals and bundles to make it even easier to get started on your photography journey right away.

Today's best cheap camera deals

Panasonic Lumix FZ80 Digital Bridge Camera — $300, was $400

Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera — $400, was $450

Nikon D3500 DSLR Camera — $400, was $450

Nikon D3400 DSLR Camera — $500, was $850

Panasonic Lumix G7 DSLR Camera — $500, was $1000

Canon EOS Rebel SL3 DSLR Camera — $600, was $750

DSLR cameras

Modern DSLR cameras cover perhaps the widest range of features, capabilities, and — naturally — price points. Entry-level models can be had for around $300 or even less if you buy refurbished, while high-end professional-grade units run well north of $2,000 (and much more on top of that once you consider the different zoom lenses that are available, something that is easily a complete topic all its own). Serious hobbyists and professionals have long favored these cameras, which feature a reflexing mirror ("DSLR" stands for "digital single-lens reflex") that reflects the image of what you're pointing at directly into the optical viewfinder.

This mirror then simply flips out of the way to reveal the imaging sensor when you shoot, giving you an accurate and immediate photograph of your subject without the lag that mirrorless and point-and-shoot camera sensors experience. The digital single-lens reflex imaging system also requires very little power, meaning your camera's battery can last a long time before needing to be recharged or swapped out (which is a boon if you're carrying it around all day).

DSLRs are not as dominant as they once were due to the growing popularity of mirrorless cameras, but this is still generally the first place aspiring photographers should start looking when they're in the market for their first "real" camera — and with great entry-level options and ongoing camera deals, there's never been a better time than now to shop for one.

Mirrorless cameras

At first glance, mirrorless cameras look much like their DSLR counterparts, and they are used for much the same purpose — that is, taking clear, super-detailed, professional-quality photographs. What sets them apart is their imaging system (among other details). Simply put, mirrorless cameras lack the reflexing mirror found inside DSLRs, hence their name, although they still boast many of the same features and functions, such as the ability to use interchangeable zoom lenses.

Mirrorless cameras are newer than DSLRs and have greatly increased in popularity in recent years. Instead of using a reflex mirror that covers the image sensor until the picture is taken, a mirrorless camera has its sensor exposed to light (and thus it "sees" your subject) at all times. This lack of an internal reflex apparatus means that mirrorless camera bodies are often more compact, and as the technology has matured and caught up to DSLR designs, many serious hobbyists and professionals now prefer these.

Point-and-shoot cameras

A point-and-shoot camera is probably what most people think of when they hear "digital camera." These units are typically more compact and pocket-friendly than larger DSLR and mirrorless cameras. They're ideal for times when your smartphone camera won't cut it but you don't want to be lugging a bulky DSLR around (and that's not even mentioning extras like lens attachments which only add to your load), making them great for vacations, family get-togethers, and other occasions where you'll be taking a bunch of pictures but photography itself isn't your primary aim.

Point-and-shoot cameras are also typically cheaper than professional-grade models (although the best ones with more advanced features can definitely be pricey), so they are a good option for people who want better photos but aren't interested in pursuing photography as a serious hobby or career.

We strive to help our readers find the best deals on quality products and services, and we choose what we cover carefully and independently. The prices, details, and availability of the products and deals in this post may be subject to change at anytime. Be sure to check that they are still in effect before making a purchase.

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