3 of the best cheap APS-C photography cameras that won't break the bank ↺
1. The Fujifilm XS10 is a budget camera with premium features
Fujifilm's X-S10 is billed as an entry-level hybrid camera, but it has many of the features that you might expect from a premium stills camera. That said, it's also not that cheap, at US$1,000 for the body alone. Powering the X-S10 is a 26.1-MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor — the same one used in the flagship X-T4 — with five-axis in-body image stabilisation.
The phase-detection AF system on the X-S10 is also noteworthy, with Fujifilm claiming it's capable of finding focus within 0.2 seconds, while face and eye-autofocus make things much more convenient for photographers. The 20 frames per second burst shooting on the X-S10 also makes for a versatile all-round stills camera, while Fujifilm's film simulations are perfect for those not looking to fiddle with editing.
Buy the Fujifilm X-S10 mirrorless camera with XF18-55 mm Lens Kit on Amazon.
2. The Nikon Z fc (and Nikon Z 30) is a retro-styled mid-range snapper
Nikon's Z 30 and Z fc are two very similar cameras, with the key differences between the two coming down to the styling and the EVF found on the Z fc. The Z30 is pitched as a compact vlogging camera, while the Z fc is Nikon's retro APS-C hybrid camera. Another key difference is that the Z fc features a 20.9-MP, back-side-illuminated (BSI), CMOS sensor, while the Z 30 misses out on the image quality and sensitivity benefits of a BSI sensor.
The Z fc also features a number of tactile dials and buttons throughout its body that make using the camera quite satisfying. Like other Nikon mirrorless cameras, the Z fc and Z 30 both use Nikon's Z-mount lenses, which means there's plenty of quality glass to be had, allowing you to grow into your lens collection, even if you outgrow the camera body.
Buy the mirrorless Nikon Z fc with NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR Lens and accessories on Amazon.
3. The Canon EOS R50 brings Canon's colour science to the sub-US$700 price point
The Canon EOS R50 serves as a spiritual replacement to the Canon EOS M50 that became quite popular for those in search of a quality hybrid body. The biggest change with the R50, though, is that it now works with the same RF-mount lenses that the flagship EOS R lineup uses. This might not seem like a big deal, but it means you're going to have access to high-quality lenses and upgrades from the EOS R50 when you feel like you've outgrown it, without having to set fire to a pile of money to buy new lenses.
The EOS R50 has a quality EVF, a comfortable grip, a 24.2-MP APS-C sensor, and a capable, fast dual-pixel AF system, making it a great option for a variety of photos. Combine the great hardware with Canon's excellent colours and 11 fps burst shooting, and you have a very versatile body for photography.
Canon's EOS R50 camera is available on sites like Amazon and B&H Photo for around US$650, with US$800 getting you into a kit with a lens.