Key takeaways
- Cheapest pick worth buying: Sony ZV-E10 II ($900 – $1,100).
- Kit lenses are enough to start.
- Autofocus with subject tracking keeps people and pets sharp.
In this article
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Cheap mirrorless cameras can be a smart buy or a false economy. We picked the lowest-priced models in the US that still earn a buy or consider verdict from us.
Prices are typical ranges, not live prices. The button on each pick opens the current price.
Budget picks at a glance
| Product | Verdict | Score | Typical price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sony ZV-E10 II | Buy | 8.3/10 | $900 – $1,100 |
| Fujifilm X-T5 | Buy | 8.8/10 | $1,500 – $1,700 |
| Canon EOS R6 Mark II | Buy | 8.9/10 | $2,000 – $2,500 |
| Panasonic Lumix S5IIX | Buy | 8.6/10 | $2,000 – $2,300 |
| Sony Alpha 7 IV | Buy | 9.0/10 | $2,200 – $2,500 |
Budget picks in detail
Sony ZV-E10 II
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.3/10 · Typical price: $900 – $1,100
Sony ZV-E10 II is one of the mirrorless cameras we would buy in the US. It scores 8.3/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $900 – $1,100.
Fujifilm X-T5
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.8/10 · Typical price: $1,500 – $1,700
Fujifilm X-T5 is one of the mirrorless cameras we would buy in the US. It scores 8.8/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $1,500 – $1,700.
Canon EOS R6 Mark II
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.9/10 · Typical price: $2,000 – $2,500
A safe choice: Canon EOS R6 Mark II earns a buy verdict with a score of 8.9/10, at a typical price of $2,000 – $2,500.
Panasonic Lumix S5IIX
Verdict: Buy · Score: 8.6/10 · Typical price: $2,000 – $2,300
A safe choice: Panasonic Lumix S5IIX earns a buy verdict with a score of 8.6/10, at a typical price of $2,000 – $2,300.
Sony Alpha 7 IV
Verdict: Buy · Score: 9.0/10 · Typical price: $2,200 – $2,500
Sony Alpha 7 IV is one of the mirrorless cameras we would buy in the US. It scores 9.0/10 in our ratings and usually sells for $2,200 – $2,500.
How to save money
Kit lenses are enough to start.
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.
Where not to cut corners
Autofocus with subject tracking keeps people and pets sharp.
Common mistake: Buying a body without budgeting for lenses.
Compare more options
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Related reading
Frequently asked questions
What are the best cheap mirrorless cameras in the US?
The cheapest model we would still buy is Sony ZV-E10 II, typically $900 – $1,100.
Are cheap mirrorless cameras worth it?
Kit lenses are enough to start. Do not compromise on the basics, though. Autofocus with subject tracking keeps people and pets sharp.
When are mirrorless cameras cheapest in the US?
The deepest discounts usually arrive during the big summer sales in July, the October sales events and Black Friday through Cyber Monday in late November.