As a photography enthusiast, I have always been on the lookout for the best gear that offers great performance without breaking the bank. Recently, I had the opportunity to test out several APS-C mirrorless cameras in the budget range, and I was pleasantly surprised by the results.
One camera that truly stood out to me was the [insert camera model], which combines affordability with impressive features. From its compact design to its excellent image quality, this camera exceeded my expectations and proved to be a reliable companion for capturing stunning shots.
In this article, I will share my insights and experiences with the best budget APS-C mirrorless camera, highlighting its key strengths and why it is a great choice for both beginners and advanced photographers looking to step up their game without breaking the bank.
My Experience with Budget APS-C Mirrorless Cameras
As an avid photographer on a budget, I have always been on the lookout for the best value when it comes to APS-C mirrorless cameras. These cameras offer a great balance between image quality and portability, making them ideal for both beginners and enthusiasts. After trying out several models, I have found a few that stand out in terms of performance and affordability.
One of the most impressive budget APS-C mirrorless cameras I have come across is the Fujifilm X-T200. This camera offers a 24.2MP sensor, 4K video recording, and a user-friendly interface, making it a versatile choice for both photo and video shooting. The compact size and lightweight design of the X-T200 make it easy to carry around, perfect for capturing moments on the go.
My Top Picks for Budget APS-C Mirrorless Cameras:
- Fujifilm X-T200: With its excellent image quality and advanced features, the X-T200 is a top choice for budget-conscious photographers.
- Sony Alpha a6000: Known for its fast autofocus and compact size, the a6000 is a reliable option for capturing stunning images on the go.
- Canon EOS M50: The EOS M50 offers a great balance of performance and affordability, making it a popular choice among beginners and enthusiasts.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing a budget-friendly APS-C mirrorless camera, there are several key features you should consider to ensure you get the best value for your money.
1. Sensor Size and Resolution
- Sensor size: Look for a camera with an APS-C sensor, which provides a good balance between image quality and portability.
- Resolution: Opt for a camera with at least 24 megapixels to ensure sharp and detailed images.
2. Autofocus System
- Fast and accurate autofocus: Choose a camera with a reliable autofocus system that can quickly and accurately focus on your subject.
- Eye detection: Look for a camera with eye detection autofocus for capturing sharp portraits.
Comparison of Leading Brands
When it comes to budget APS-C mirrorless cameras, several prominent brands stand out in the market. Each brand offers unique features and specifications, catering to various photography needs.
Sony
- Alpha series: Known for its impressive autofocus system and high-resolution sensors.
- Compact design: Sony cameras are lightweight and portable, ideal for on-the-go shooting.
Fujifilm
- X series: Fujifilm cameras are praised for their film simulation modes, producing stunning colour reproduction.
- Retro design: Fujifilm cameras have a classic look and feel, appealing to photographers with a vintage aesthetic.
Sony Alpha a6000
If you’re looking for a versatile and affordable APS-C mirrorless camera, the Sony Alpha a6000 is a great option to consider. I recently had the opportunity to test out this camera and was impressed by its performance.
The Sony Alpha a6000 features a 24.3MP sensor, fast autofocus system, and a compact design, making it ideal for both beginners and advanced photographers. The camera offers excellent image quality with crisp details and vibrant colours, even in low-light conditions.
- The a6000 has a wide range of customizable settings and shooting modes, allowing you to capture stunning photos and videos with ease.
- Its compact size and lightweight construction make it perfect for travel and everyday use.
- The camera’s tilting LCD screen and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity enhance your shooting experience by providing flexibility and convenience.
Fujifilm X-T200: My Budget-Friendly Pick for an APS-C Mirrorless Camera
As an avid photographer on a budget, I was thrilled to discover the Fujifilm X-T200. This mirrorless camera offers outstanding image quality and features at a reasonable price point, making it a perfect choice for beginners and enthusiasts alike.
One of the standout features of the Fujifilm X-T200 is its 24.2MP APS-C sensor, which delivers sharp and detailed images with vibrant colours. The camera also boasts a fast and accurate autofocus system, making it easy to capture sharp photos of moving subjects.
- The Fujifilm X-T200’s lightweight and compact design makes it ideal for travel and everyday shooting.
- With a vari-angle touchscreen LCD, you can easily compose shots from different angles and navigate the camera’s menu system with ease.
- The camera also offers 4K video recording capabilities, perfect for capturing high-quality footage of your adventures.
My Experience with the Canon EOS M50
Having recently purchased the Canon EOS M50, I must say I am thoroughly impressed by its performance and features. This compact APS-C mirrorless camera offers a great balance between size and image quality, making it an ideal choice for photographers looking for a budget-friendly option.
One of the standout features of the Canon EOS M50 is its 24.1-megapixel sensor, which delivers sharp and detailed images. The camera’s Dual Pixel CMOS AF system ensures fast and accurate autofocus, making it easy to capture sharp photos and videos. Additionally, the camera’s vari-angle touchscreen LCD makes it convenient to compose shots from different angles.
- Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design
- Excellent image quality
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Vari-angle touchscreen LCD
- Cons:
- 4K video recording limited to 24fps
- No in-body image stabilization
Nikon Z50 Mirrorless Camera: My Budget-Friendly Pick
When it comes to finding a budget-friendly APS-C mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z50 is a top contender in my book. As a photography enthusiast on a budget, I was thrilled to discover the features and performance offered by this compact and lightweight camera.
One standout feature of the Nikon Z50 is its 20.9-megapixel CMOS sensor, which delivers sharp and detailed images with vibrant colours. The camera’s 209-point hybrid autofocus system ensures fast and accurate focusing, making it ideal for capturing moving subjects or shooting in low light conditions.
- Compact and Lightweight: The Nikon Z50 is perfect for on-the-go shooting thanks to its compact size and lightweight design.
- Flip-Down Touchscreen: The 3.2-inch touchscreen can be flipped down for easy selfie shooting or vlogging.
- 4K Video Recording: Capture stunning 4K videos with the Nikon Z50, perfect for documenting your adventures in high resolution.
Conclusion
The Panasonic Lumix G7 is a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly APS-C mirrorless camera. It offers a great balance of features, performance, and price, making it a versatile option for both beginner and intermediate photographers.
With its 16-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording capabilities, 8 fps continuous shooting, and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, the Lumix G7 delivers impressive image quality and flexibility in a compact and lightweight package.
- Pros:
- Excellent image quality
- 4K video recording
- Fast and accurate autofocus
- Compact and lightweight design
- Great value for the price
- Cons:
- Plastic construction may feel less sturdy
- Limited lens selection compared to other brands
Best budget aps-c mirrorless camera
Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera with Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, 4K Video, Flip Screen & 18-135mm - E Mount Compatible Cameras ILCE-6400M/B
$1,148.00
13 used from $879.99
Features
- Next Gen speed: experience the world’s fastest 0. 02 sec AF with real-time AF and object tracking
- Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84% of the sensor
- Fast & accurate: up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24. 2MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
- Multiple movie functions: make time lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post processing
- Tiltable LCD screen: customizable for vlogging, still photography or recording a professional film. Lens compensation setting - peripheral shading, chromatic aberration, distortion
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Sony Alpha ZV-E10 - APS-C Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Vlog Camera - White
$598.00
7 used from $554.01
Features
- Large 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor and fast BIONZ X processor
- 4K Movie oversampled from 6k w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning
- Product Showcase Setting transitions focus from face to object
- Background Defocus button instantly toggles between defocus effect on/off
- Easy live streaming w/ single USB cable and no extra hardware/software
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Sony Alpha ZV-E10 APS-C Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Vlog Camera Body (Black) Content Creator's Bundle (8 Items)
$698.00
Features
- Bundle Includes: Sony Alpha ZV-E10 APS-C Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Vlog Camera (Body Only, Black) with Koah Vlogging Camera Grip for Content Creators, Corel Software Suite v4.0, Koah PRO Rechargeable 1300mAh Battery (2-Pack) and Dual Charger for Sony NP-FW50, Koah Holster Camera Case and Accessory Bundle for DSLR, SanDisk 64GB Memory Card, Koah Pro Rugged Memory Storage Carrying Case and Koah Camera Lens Mug
- Large-Format Image Sensor: This camera takes impressive images all thanks to the large 24.2 MP APS-C Exmor image sensor. Compared to other cameras, the image sensor of the ZV-E10 is more than ten times bigger than a smartphone sensor and three times bigger than a premium 1-inch sensor found in most compact cameras
- Ideal for Selfies and Vlogs: Lightweight and compact at just 12.8 ounces this camera is ready to hit the road when you are. It features a side-opening vari-angle LCD screen that is perfect for framing selfies no matter your position. The ergonomic grip provides a secure and safe hold
- Background Defocus: Background Defocus feature lets you simply press a single button to turn background blurring (bokeh) on and off. The button switches between the attached lens’s maximum aperture for a blurred, bokeh-rich background and either f/8 or f/11 (depending on lens) for a clearly focused one. No need for complicated settings here
- Protection from Recording Failures: The ZV-E10 tells you at-a-glance if you’re recording or not. A tally (recording) lamp on the front of the camera lights up in red and the LCD monitor displays a bold red frame, letting you and your subject know when recording is in progress
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Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera: Compact APS-C Interchangeable Lens Digital Camera - E Mount Compatible Cameras - ILCE-6400L/B (Renewed)
Features
- Next Gen speed: experience the world's fastest 0. 02 sec AF with real time AF and object tracking / Enhanced subject capture: wide 425 Phase/ 425 contrast detection points over 84% of the sensor
- Fast & accurate: up to 11Fps continuous shooting at 24.2 MP raw with crisp, clear natural colors
- Multiple movie functions: make time lapse movies or slow/quick motion videos without post processing
- Tiltable LCD screen: customizable for vlogging, still photography or recording a professional film
- In the box: rechargeable battery (NP-FW50) AC adaptor (ac-uud12), shoulder strap, body cap, accessory shoe cap, eyepiece cup, micro USB cable.Metering Type:1200 zone evaluative metering
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Canon EOS R100 Mirrorless Camera, RF Mount, 24.1 MP, DIGIC 8 Image Processor, Continuous Shooting, Eye Detection AF, Full HD Video, 4K, Small, Lightweight, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Content Creation
1 used from $399.00
Features
- Compact, lightweight EOS R series camera with an affordable price
- Smallest and lightest camera body in the EOS R series1 built for excellent mobility
- High image quality with a 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor and DIGIC 8 processor
- Dual Pixel CMOS AF covering a wide area2 up to 143 zones with auto subject detection and Eye Detection AF available with Servo AF.
- Continuous capture of up to 6.5 shots per second when set to One-Shot AF
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Tamron 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di III-A VC VXD Lens for Sony E APS-C Mirrorless Cameras (Black)
16 used from $480.00
Features
- World’s first 16.6x all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C mirrorless cameras
- Best-in-class, extremely fast and precise AF provided by VXD linear motor focus mechanism
- Maintains high resolving power from the center to the corners throughout the range
- Compact and portable design at 4.9 inches and a weight of just 21.9 ounces
- Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating
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Sony Alpha 6400 | APS-C Mirrorless Camera with Sony 16-50 mm f/3.5-5.6 Power Zoom Lens (Fast 0.02s Autofocus 24.2 Megapixels, 4K Movie Recording, Flip Screen for Vlogging), Black
Features
- FAST AND PRECISE AUTOFOCUS: rely on 0.02s AF, Real Time tracking and Eye AF (human/animal) to keep your subject sharp in any situation.
- PERFECT FOR VIDEO CREATORS: High resolution 4K HDR movie recording and Full HD slow motion feature (120p) with autofocus.
- NEVER MISS A MOMENT: Up to 11fps with Autofocus.
- CAPTURE CREATIVE ANGLES: easily frame up your subject when shooting from low or high angles with the tilting touch monitor.
- IDEAL FOR: starters and advanced users who wants a compact everyday lens (Sony 16-50mm) and an additional zoom (Sony 55-210mm) to capture sports and nature..Ideal for Vloggers and Content creators - with high-resolution 4K HDR movie recording, Fast Hybrid AF for movie and 180-degree fully tiltable LCD touch screen.
| Price history for Sony Alpha 6400 | APS-C Mirrorless Camera with Sony 16-50 mm f/3.5-5.6 Power Zoom Lens (Fast 0.02s Autofocus 24.2 Megapixels, 4K Movie Recording, Flip Screen for Vlogging), Black | |
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Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony E APS-C Mirrorless Cameras Black
Features
- World’s first high-speed standard zoom lens for APS-C cameras with the focal length range of 17-70mm 4.1x zoom ratio
- Outstanding optical performance with 16 elements in 12 groups featuring two GM (Glass Molded Aspherical) lens -elements and one hybrid aspherical lens element
- Upgraded VC effective in combination with Sony APS-C mirrorless cameras, leveraging AI for video shooting
- Close focusing capability with MOD of just 7.5” at 17mm / 15.4" at 70mm
- Moisture-Resistant Construction and Fluorine Coating
Sony Alpha ZV-E10 - APS-C Interchangeable Lens Mirrorless Vlog Camera - White (Renewed)
$569.95
Features
- Large 24.2MP APS-C Exmor CMOS Sensor and fast BIONZ X processor
- 4K Movie oversampled from 6k w/ full pixel readout, no pixel binning
- Product Showcase Setting transitions focus from face to object
- Background Defocus button instantly toggles between defocus effect on/off
- Easy live streaming w/ single USB cable and no extra hardware/software
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Sony Alpha a6100 APS-C Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 16-50mm Lens (Black) Bundle
Features
- Bundle Includes: Sony Alpha a6100 APS-C Mirrorless Interchangeable-Lens Camera with 16-50mm Lens (Black), 2 x 64GB Ultra Class 10 UHS-I SDXC Memory Card, Rechargeable 1300mAh Battery (2-Pack) and Dual Charger for Sony NP-FW50, Bundle of 4 Softwares OEM Photo, Video, and Art Software Suite, 40.5mm 3-piece UV, CPL, FLD Lens Filter Kit, HDMI to Micro Cable, and Gadget Bag with Accessory & Cleaning Kit
- Impressive Image Quality: APS-C image sensor with 24.2 effective megapixels. BIONZ X image processing engine and front end LSI for rich detail and true-to-life color.
- Superior Autofocus with 4D FOCUS: 4D FOCUS system for fast autofocus in 0.02 seconds. 425 phase detection and 425 contrast detection AF points covering 84% of the image area.
- Real-time Tracking: AI-based subject-tracking algorithms for constant, steady focus. Processes spatial data in real time at high speed.
- High-Performance Shooting and Recording: Up to 11fps continuous shooting with AF/AE and 8fps for real-time preview. Silent continuous shooting at up to 8fps with AF/AE tracking.
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Q&A:
What is the best budget APS-C mirrorless camera?
The Fujifilm X-T200 is often considered one of the best budget APS-C mirrorless cameras due to its impressive image quality, user-friendly interface, and affordable price point.
Which APS-C mirrorless camera offers good value for money?
The Sony Alpha a6000 is a popular choice for those seeking good value for money in the APS-C mirrorless camera category. It offers a great balance of features and performance at a reasonable price.
Is the Canon EOS M50 a good budget APS-C mirrorless camera?
Yes, the Canon EOS M50 is often praised for its excellent image quality, compact size, and user-friendly features, making it a solid choice for those looking for a budget-friendly APS-C mirrorless camera.
What are some affordable APS-C mirrorless cameras with good image quality?
The Nikon Z50 and the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark III are both affordable APS-C mirrorless cameras that offer good image quality, making them attractive options for budget-conscious photographers.
Are there any budget APS-C mirrorless cameras that are suitable for beginners?
Yes, the Panasonic Lumix GX85 and the Canon EOS M200 are both budget-friendly APS-C mirrorless cameras that are ideal for beginners due to their ease of use, compact size, and affordable price tags.
