Need a Solid Camera on a Budget? These 3 Brands Won't Disappoint

As new cameras are released and announced, now is the perfect time to save a buck on the previous generation. For our Deals of the Day, we give you options for the top three brands.

The new Canon R6 Mk. II was just announced, right next to the Fujifilm X-T5. Does that mean you should go out and buy the next best camera?

Heck no! Especially when the previous generation goes on sale. As stores try to clear old stock, now is the best time to get a budget camera that's only a generation or so behind. 

Canon EOS R5 & R6

Both of these Canon cameras feel like two sides of the same coin. Same foundation, but built for vastly different things.

The Canon R5 is a full-frame mirrorless camera that features a new (for its release) 45MP CMOS sensor and offers 8K RAW video recording, 12 fps continuous shooting with a mechanical shutter, and is the first EOS camera to feature 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization.

The Canon R6, however, is a bit cheaper and is built around a revised 20MP full-frame CMOS sensor. The R6 offers modest resolution to complement a more manageable workflow, especially for those working with the web and small print forms as their final output. This sensor is paired with a  DIGIC X image processor, which enables impressive stills and video capabilities, along with sensitivity from ISO 100-102400, which can be expanded up to ISO 204800. Video options include 4K60p and FHD 120p 10-Bit Internal video.

Which you should choose will depend on your workflow and project needs! There are some heat issues to consider, but if you work within the limits of the system, you shouldn't have too many problems.

Nikon Z5 & Z7 II

Nikon was once a titan of the camera industry, and it's slowly clawing back its dominance, even if it is happening a bit slowly. The Nikon Z5 is an FX-format (full-frame) mirrorless camera with a well-rounded feature set to suit both photo and video needs.

Its 24.3MP CMOS sensor and EXPEED 6 processor afford wide sensitivity to ISO 51200, quick shooting at 4.5 fps, and UHD 4K video at 30 fps. But, the Nikon Z7 II is built for more video-centric workflows. Sporting a high-resolution 45.7MP FX-format BSI CMOS sensor and dual EXPEED 6 image processors, the Z7 II is clearly aimed at the detail-obsessed image-maker, especially since it boasts UHD 4K60 Video and 10-Bit HDMI Out with N-Log.

FUJIFILM X-T4 (Our Pick)

In the humble opinion of this writer, Fujifilm has become the king of APS-C sensors. If you want to fight about it after school, we totally can. But the Fujifilm X-T5 just recently dropped, which makes it a great time to buy an X-T4 on a budget.

This versatile mirrorless camera blends advanced stills and video capabilities along with enhanced workflow and assistive functionality. The 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor is capable of high-resolution recording along with support for DCI/UHD 4K video at 60 fps, Full HD recording up to 240 fps, sensitivity from ISO 160-12800, and continuous shooting up to 15 fps with the mechanical shutter.

The BSI design of the sensor affords reduced noise and greater overall clarity and is paired with the X-Processor 4 to achieve fast performance and improved responsiveness. The sensor's design also enables a hybrid autofocus system that combines 425 phase-detection points with a contrast-detection system for quick and accurate AF performance. Additionally, complementing all aspects of image production, the X-T4 also incorporates a 6.5 stop-effective sensor-shift image stabilization system to reduce the appearance of camera shake with almost any mounted lens. 

Why is this our pick? Fuji has picked a lane and stuck to it. It has refined its APS-C cameras quite well, and even the prosumer X-T line can be a workhorse.

But we want to hear from you! Let us know your picks in the comments.