Best Budget Cameras for Beginners (2025)

[@thefilmalliance]

Please Subscribe. This video took a long time to create. Thanks -Joe

[@lensofthenorth42]

If a phone is besting a modern APSC camera then that means the camera has a big issue, one that's sitting about 4 inches behind the viewfinder.. it's called the photographer.

[@thefilmalliance]

Well said

[@homecactus]

“Before you buy a camera in 2025” *me who just impulsively bought a camera in 2025*

[@thefilmalliance]

Haha oh no. Don’t worry- you’ll do great

[@homecactus]

@@thefilmalliancethanks for believing in me 😅. Too be fair I think it was still a good buy as my first camera (great condition ZV-E10 w kit lens for $580) and I also picked up a few cheaper prime lenses.

[@SammyBerggren]

My Canon EOS M6 MARK II does everything I need on the go. With 32mp 4k video inner changable lenses ef-m ef ef-s and thirth party like sigma who made 3 lenses for this little beast. Yeah it is discontinued but that does not mean it wont perform good any more. My m6 mk2 has a microphone port and all other ports more then the r50. Next to my pro dslrs this is a great cam for between my work shifts.

[@thefilmalliance]

Very good point, and happy you figured out what’s best for you

[@mortensvendsen5667]

The quality of this channel is beyond supreme! I bought my first camera, the z30 for 90% photography and 10% video. Now i want to upgrade and do more video because i like this hobby, but i am lost for too many choices.My budget is 2500$ i would like to have the build quality of nikon, the focusing of sony and the image stability of panasonic. Maybe that is to much to ask. Keep up the good work, this channel Deserves a million subscribers+👌🏼

[@thefilmalliance]

Hi Morten, thanks so much. I feel you. I'd say hold off to see what this year brings. A lot of good stuff coming from what I gather

[@lil_dishu]

why not zve10 m1 ? its still great in its segment

[@thefilmalliance]

That’s true but I wanted to suggest the latest sensors

[@angieprangie]

Oh sweet! Perfect timing I've been looking to get a new camera, mines super old and has too many issues to name. This list came at the right time!

[@thefilmalliance]

Glad I could help, thanks for the feedback

[@RyanJepang-b8e]

The quality of your videos never disappoints, the production is excellent, just like usual

[@thefilmalliance]

Thanks so much, I’m glad you enjoy them

[@bingbong4848]

My brother your vids are so good and detailed and your presentation is slick. Thanks for the effort. God bless 👍

[@thefilmalliance]

I appreciate that, thanks

[@Hobbyvlog01]

Thanks for very good knowledge share. Love from Indonesia

[@thefilmalliance]

Appreciate you, thank you.

[@Buddhilagaa]

man i am very grateful, your videos are the best. SAver for sony zv1

[@thefilmalliance]

You are welcome, thanks

[@Tofu_Town]

Second hand Fuji XT3+XF18-55mm is insanely good value under 1k. Another option maybe the Sony a6400+18-105mm. Both are still highly capable in shooting both photos and videos

[@thefilmalliance]

That is a really good option for the money thanks for the info

[@bingbong4848]

16:28 Man, that Mk1 MR2 ❤❤❤

[@roygalaxy5254]

Amazing video! Thanks for all your hard work!

[@thefilmalliance]

Thanks, I appreciate it!

[@saxophonicmusician]

I took the dive and got the OP3 and I am shocked on the quality and the footage I can get out of it! I've been using it more over my Samsung Phone. I also been learning how to use the Insta360 X3 which still creates a unique image out of that camera plus its waterproof where the OP3 isn't. I use the Sony ZVE10 (first gen) for photos with 3 lenses and has a great image quality. Thanks for the video as always!

[@thefilmalliance]

Sounds like you got a great setup going on. Great choice on ZV-E10 with 3 lenses for photos

[@saxophonicmusician]

@@thefilmalliance Thanks. I go between the Sigma 30 mm 1.4, TTartisan 56 1.8, kit lens 16-10. I also am experimenting with a lens called brightin star 10 mm 0.5 fisheye lens (manual) which is a fun lens to play around with.

[@kallepyoraniemi5552]

I would say not or but and. I take most of my videos with a phone, but I have a GoPro for those occasions when I’m not sure if it happens something. Real camera, like X M5, is must in low light situations.

[@thefilmalliance]

Very true, or the ZV-E10 II with tons of emount lens options

[@user-ht1pf1ey3i]

Fujfilm x-m5 is it safe as sony and canon level ?

[@thefilmalliance]

Please explain what you mean

[@michaelbell75]

Pretty good list but sad to see no Panasonic here, especially if you are shooting video. The G95 can frequently be had for $797 on sale WITH a pretty solid kit lens, the lenses are small and cheap, great quality video and most important and something none of these other mirrorless cameras have, it has IBIS. It also feels great in the hand unlike the Canon, Sony and Nikon. It feels like a real camera, not a toy for vloggers like the others. Ive had the Pocket 3, R50 and ZV-E10 and got rid of them all. My two cents

[@thefilmalliance]

That's a good point, I should have included it but I’ve never shot with one. Let me get my hands on one and check it out. Thank you

[@sumangoswami2620]

Hey man, that was such a detailed video. I want to give you a video idea: compare the Sony A6000 with the latest A6700 in both photos and videos and see how far the tech has come. I'm getting a Sony A6000 for 250 bucks. Should I get one for starting a KZbin channel? My budget is quite low. I really want to see a comparison. Thanks in advance.

[@thefilmalliance]

Thank you. Bro, you won’t even believe it. Right now I’m in the production of something very similar. (Although I like yours better). Thanks so much for the idea man

[@PluPerfective]

Damn, needed this video two weeks ago 😂

[@thefilmalliance]

My bad

[@DjFranz876]

As I've said on your OP3 video. This is the ultimate combo: X4 n Osmo pocket 3 with the RODE Interview Pro + the MIC 2s for news page on FB to my 800K+ audience. I use both. x4 for a wider n better 3rd person/Creative/ estabiling shots shots when walking n the OP3 for talking head shots or my travel/vlog videos. Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses is a plus for POV.

[@kallepyoraniemi5552]

Ultimate problem with RayBan Meta is vertical video. Sound is superb and even camera is ok, but it should be horizontal.

[@thefilmalliance]

Hey Franz, yes all great choices. You’ve got it figured out

[@thefilmalliance]

Great point

[@DjFranz876]

@@kallepyoraniemi5552 it's for POV added as picture in Picture over my content

[@Josh-f1s]

How would you compare those options with the vivo x100ultra and 200 pro?

[@thefilmalliance]

I can’t get my hands on a vIvo in the US. Do you know how?

[@LouisLuzuka]

Which one and done would you pick ❤

[@thefilmalliance]

Hmmm for me? ZV-E10 II with a Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 or Tamron 17-70 f/2.8

[@LouisLuzuka]

@@thefilmalliance wow I wasn't expecting that... thank you for the honesty, I agree 100% this is the direction I want to go and everything else is secondary or supplements it, thank YOU!

[@45eno]

Any recommendations on a indoor lighting stabilized video option for casual family/children/baby? Our iPhone 16 Pro/ GoPro 11 just are to grainy when viewed on our 4k TV’s. Outdoor recording looks great.

[@thefilmalliance]

Yes they are, I'd say you need to step up your sensors. How about the ZV-ZV-E10 Mark 1? With a good lens like the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8

[@45eno]

@ Any small gimbal setups you would recommend for a ZVe10? I actually did just buy an open box e10m1 for $507 as I have two Sigma prime 16mm/30mm for my daughters a6400. It’s still in the return window and wondering if I should keep it as I could keep the 16mm on it and 30mm on her a6400. Am wondering if a small gimbal is really what I’m after as I could avoid the crop of active mode and catalyst browse post steps. I bought the small rig and left hand side handle and really like how easy it is to hold now. I likely will try to utilize this e10 as a more video dedicated device and maybe live most of the time on a gimbal. Her a6400 could be left basic without all the clutter. Trying to balance simple, low light, sharp , low grain and less time invested. Our RX100M5 and RX10M3 look good but no /low stabilization. Thinking of selling the RX100M5 to justify the e10 as I could use the kit lens for smallish travel option.

[@X_XELA]

yess please s25 ultra would be nice

[@thefilmalliance]

Got it

[@BelfastBiker]

X-M5 - a Fuji without dedicated ISO and shutter speed dials is a step back.

[@hakansalihoglu]

I will create 6 future video shooting sets 1 kitchen 2 live broadcast sets 3 I will have a desk studio 4 There will be car videos and even actions such as bicycle, motorcycle, amusement park shooting etc. 5 Travel fair vlog I shot in the garden I shot at the neighbor's 6 podcast content I still haven't decided what to get in this direction. I am currently using a phone only because I started amateur with a phone. Now I am aiming to become professional and I am waiting for suggestions.

[@thefilmalliance]

Sony ZV-E10 II would be my suggestion for what your doing

[@hakansalihoglu]

@@thefilmalliance Do you recommend a single camera for all scenarios?

[@amansittingonathrone8686]

Hello. May i ask smthng? İ want to buy a vlog camera. Which one should i buy. Dji pocket3/ s25ultra/ ip16promax. Which one is better quality?

[@thefilmalliance]

Osmo Pocket 3 in my humble opinion

[@amansittingonathrone8686]

@thefilmalliance but in the other hand the other two is smartphones. İts going to be cheaper

[@amansittingonathrone8686]

@thefilmalliance thank you for your opinion.

[@thefilmalliance]

Osmo Pocket 3 is cheaper than smartphones

[@dlrownessohnarmi]

Cannon R50 and nikon z30 which one best for video,photo!

[@thefilmalliance]

What lenses?

[@dlrownessohnarmi]

@thefilmalliance kit lenses

[@rhymehasan]

is it reliable to buy used Sony Alpha 6700 from 'ebay' along with the lens (kit) under or around 700 US $ along with SD card.....? Please answer.... it...either here or make a detailed video on "buying used cams from ebay"

[@thefilmalliance]

Well, what condition is the Sony a6700 in?

[@Railfan_Austin]

Can you review the Z50ii?

[@thefilmalliance]

Will have to do that

[@sikder2690]

Hey, Can you make the video for us Using Dji pocket 3 on studio make overhead Shots Tech product reviews video? Thank you

[@thefilmalliance]

Yes, I test that out in every Osmo Pocket 3 video I creat when I verse it against other cameras. Have you seen those vids?

[@sikder2690]

@@thefilmalliance Yes, already I seen all the videos and got an idea? what do you think about Osmo pocket 3 is good for product unboxing, Showing, and reviewing videos?

[@johnyjoe2k]

Can we stop doing cameras and start doing gear and filming methods?

[@thefilmalliance]

I did that but you guys didn’t like it

[@LouisLuzuka]

I can’t pick 😂❤😢

[@thefilmalliance]

I feel you Louis, There's to many great options

[@DroiDolf0]

I'm looking to buy something that isn't on this list. The Sony a6700. I was going to purchase the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, but the a6700 is so much better and future proof.

[@thefilmalliance]

Good choice, but don’t forget to budget for some good glass

[@amateurgamer149]

You should have included nikon z50 ii instead of z30.

[@thefilmalliance]

I couldn't because I never used the Z50. Is it a good camera in your opinion?

[@briight7002]

Mine comes in tommrow. I'm hoping it's great haha

[@amateurgamer149]

Right now I'm so confused among Sony a6600, nikon z50 ii, and canon r10.

[@thefilmalliance]

It’s a tough one, which one is calling to you the most?

[@amateurgamer149]

@@thefilmalliance Everyone is calling, but my wallet isn't allowing it 😜.

[@bingbong4848]

Let the lenses be your guiding light. See which system has lenses that you can afford and suits your needs. In relationship terms, cameras are like a fling. Lenses are a loving lifetime commitment 😊

[@aayushsengupta]

Try the Vivo X200 Pro if you can. It obliterates the iPhones and Pixels in Photography and the video capabilities is on par with the iPhone 16 Pro Max

[@aayushsengupta]

or the Xiaomi 14 Ultra, which is very similar to the Vivo X200 Pro, but has a variable aperture

[@lukabosnjak3829]

Sorry to disappoint but its noticeably worse than the iPhone in video

[@aayushsengupta]

@@lukabosnjak3829 based on the reviews I've seen, it's almost as good as the iPhone

[@thefilmalliance]

Yes, I’ve heard but I can’t get my hands on one. They don’t sell them in the US.

[@Ankit._Sharma]

sony a6700 was missed in this one

[@thefilmalliance]

Hey Ankit, I was trying to keep the options under $1K. I guess I could have recommended a used Sony a6700

[@Ankit._Sharma]

@ Thanks! After watching all of your videos I finally decide to get a A6700 as my first filming camera and then you suddenly drop this video which made me question my choice 😅

[@tomoprime217]

Need some 6k open gate😢

[@thefilmalliance]

In the project files

[@lukabosnjak3829]

iPhone looks wayy better than the Pixel, worlds apart here... I would put it closer to the Sony and Nikon than the Pixel actually, surprised to say that

[@thefilmalliance]

Hey Luka, thanks for that. I’m shooting more with 8K lately and there is a pretty noticeable difference in low light. I’ll have to do a “iPhone 16 Pro vs Google Pixel 9 Pro low light” video to show you what I mean

[@alvador289]

Google Pixel 9 Pro vs Samsung S25 ultra

[@thefilmalliance]

Nice, will try to do it

[@kallepyoraniemi5552]

@@thefilmalliance work flow? I am an Apple user because of easy work flow: iPhone (or X Pro2 or GoPro) -> iPad -> Mac Mini. I must say that all the changes, which Apple has done in recent years, are not so great. I don’t like the cloud as part of work flow. It’s not reliable nor enough fast. It’s ok for backup.

[@CR007-q8e]

U know Samsung has failed as a camera when an professional photographers doesn’t wanna involve it in their videos 😂😂 all they can do is buy reviews to fool their customers

[@thefilmalliance]

I’ve never shot with a Samsung but I’ve heard they are pretty good

[@CR007-q8e]

@ I’m sorry if that comment was hard I didn’t mean to intimidate anyone if don’t like it I will delete it but actually I wanted to confess one thing and this is a request actually 🥲✌️ I have been recently watching your channel and thanks to your survey it really helped me get a camera for my perfect budget I have recently borrowed an iPhone 16 pro and lately I have been doing research that the ProRAW is not actually a authentic RAW but in order achieve it we have to be dependent on third patty applications like Hallid Mark II which is best I assume but doesn’t have any trial mode for it so just wanted to know can you make an comparison video between the ProRAW and actually RAW coming from an iPhone camera and also how authentic n how much RAW and details does provide to work with it 🙂✌️ this would be really helpful for me an couple of my friends who are closely following you one of my neighbour he recently brought and Canon R50 just by your survey 🙂 so really thank you this is the best channel I recommend ppl to get the best idea of cameras if it’s possible can this video be available to us on how to edit the RAW’s n how to bring the most RAW from an iPhone thank you that’s all looking forward ✌️🙃

[@chrisj940]

First. Please pin 😊

[@thefilmalliance]

I appreciate that, thank you Chris

[@cricketarena4926]

Why you include pixel 9 , pixel 9 has worst video quality in the planat earth

[@thefilmalliance]

As I said, it’s a great beginner camera

[@cricketarena4926]

@thefilmalliance s24 ultra is now under 900 its way better than pixel 9

[@cricketarena4926]

@thefilmalliance s24 ultra is now under 900 its way better than pixel 9