5 Great Cameras For Photo & Video Under $200!
Introduction
Think you can’t find a solid, interchangeable-lens camera for under $200? Think again. Although they’re older models, the five cameras below are still perfectly capable of capturing beautiful photos and decent video footage—often with room to grow as your skills improve. Even better, each camera comes from a different manufacturer and lens mount system, offering plenty of lens choices and potential upgrade paths.
Yes, you’ll be buying used in most cases, and no, these won’t match the performance of current high-end gear or even newer smartphones in certain video features. But if you want to get hands-on with manual controls, try out different lenses, and learn the fundamentals of photography, these cameras are unbeatable for the price.
1. Sony A5000 (Approx. $190)
Key Specs:
- Sensor: 20MP APS-C CMOS, 1.5x crop
- Video: 1080p at 24fps
- Lens Mount: Sony E-mount (extremely adaptable with countless lens options)
- Screen: 3" flip-up LCD (no touchscreen, no EVF)
Why It’s Great: The A5000 is incredibly compact and lightweight, perfect for traveling light or just tossing into a small bag. Sony’s E-mount is extremely versatile, letting you adapt virtually any manual lens, which is ideal if you plan to upgrade bodies in the Sony system down the road.
Trade-Offs: There’s no hot shoe, no viewfinder, and no mic input. Video autofocus can be finicky. While it’s fine for casual video clips, it’s not your best pick for vlogging or more serious filmmaking.
Who’s It For?
Those who prioritize portability and want a very small, entry-level camera to learn photography basics. If you’re a Sony fan or want easy lens adaptability, the A5000 is a stellar starting point.
2. Nikon D7000 (Approx. $200)
Key Specs:
- Sensor: 16MP APS-C CMOS, 1.5x crop
- Video: 1080p at 24fps (has mic input)
- Lens Mount: Nikon F-mount (huge selection of lenses)
- Features: Weather sealing, dual SD card slots, top LCD display
Why It’s Great: The D7000 is the most “pro-feeling” camera here. Weather sealing and a magnesium-alloy body give it a rugged edge, and the dual SD card slots are a pro-level perk rarely seen at this price. With a comfortable grip, extensive button layout, and Nikon’s vast lens ecosystem, it’s a powerhouse for still photography.
Trade-Offs: It’s heavier and bulkier than the others, and while it records 1080p video, the autofocus in video mode is weak. Still, you do get a mic input for better audio—a nice bonus for basic video interviews or B-roll if you’re willing to focus manually.
Who’s It For?
Photographers who care less about cutting-edge features and more about traditional DSLR handling. Ideal if you want a robust, all-round photo camera on a tight budget.
3. Pentax K-r (Approx. $150)
Key Specs:
- Sensor: 12MP APS-C CCD, 1.5x crop
- Video: 720p at 30fps (auto-exposure only)
- Lens Mount: Pentax K-mount (including a wealth of vintage lens options)
- In-Body Image Stabilization (IBIS): This is a rare feature at this price point, and it really helps with taking smooth photos at long focal lengths or slow shutter speeds.
Why It’s Great: With reliable in-body stabilization and compatibility with older Pentax lenses, the K-r is a budget photographer’s delight. Despite its age, it produces lovely colors and crisp images. It’s also straightforward to use, making it a great choice if you don’t want to dive into complicated menus.
Trade-Offs: Video is the weakest on the list—only 720p and fully automatic exposure. No mic input or advanced video controls. Also, at 12MP, it’s lower resolution than others, but still fine for most photography needs.
Who’s It For?
Those who mainly want a simple photo camera with in-body stabilization and a fantastic lens legacy. If you love experimenting with older glass and value straightforward shooting, the K-r is a solid pick.
4. Canon T4i (Approx. $160)
Key Specs:
- Sensor: 18MP APS-C CMOS, 1.6x crop
- Video: 1080p at 30fps (with mic input)
- Lens Mount: Canon EF/EF-S (basically infinite lens options)
- Screen: Fully articulating 3" touchscreen LCD
Why It’s Great: The T4i hits a sweet spot for beginner-friendly video and photo. The fully articulating touchscreen is fantastic—flip it around for vlogging or adjust angles for unique compositions. Autofocus in video is decent, and the mic input makes recording better audio much easier.
Trade-Offs: No pro-level build or fancy weather sealing, and no 4K options. But at this price, the T4i’s usability and versatility shine. It’s comfortable to hold, intuitive to navigate, and works seamlessly with Canon’s massive lens library.
Who’s It For?
New content creators or photography beginners who also want decent video features. Perfect for YouTube, family videos, or learning the ropes of DSLR filmmaking.
5. Olympus E-PL5 (Approx. $180)
Key Specs:
- Sensor: 16MP Micro Four Thirds, 2x crop
- Video: 1080p at 30fps
- Lens Mount: Micro 4/3 (tons of small, affordable lenses)
- Stabilization: In-body stabilization for smoother handheld shots
Why It’s Great: This tiny mirrorless camera excels at portability. Micro Four Thirds lenses are small and lightweight, making this kit highly travel-friendly. The tilting touchscreen helps with creative angles, and in-body stabilization is a bonus for both stills and basic video.
Trade-Offs: No built-in viewfinder, and the menu system feels a bit less intuitive. There’s a hot shoe (unlike the Sony A5000), but still no mic input. Autofocus is fine for photos but less reliable for video.
Who’s It For?
Travelers or shooters who want a tiny setup with a great selection of small lenses. Also appealing for manual-focus fans who want to adapt vintage lenses easily.
Which One Should You Pick?
- Pure Photography & Pro-Feel: The Nikon D7000 offers weather sealing, dual SD slots, and a robust build. Perfect if still images are your priority.
- Easiest All-Around Shooter: The Canon T4i blends good photo quality with a friendly interface, flip-out touchscreen, and mic input—ideal for casual video work.
- Tiny & Adaptable (Sony): The Sony A5000 is ultra-compact and great for those building into Sony’s ecosystem, especially if you enjoy adapting lenses.
- Low-Budget Gem (Pentax): The Pentax K-r is straightforward, good-looking, and stable—especially appealing to those who love classic Pentax glass.
- Travel-Friendly (Olympus): The E-PL5 and its Micro Four Thirds mount is perfect for a compact, go-anywhere kit with excellent lens variety.
Final Thoughts
None of these cameras will win a specs war against modern, pricier models—or even your latest smartphone for certain types of video. But if you’re eager to learn manual photography, experiment with lens options, and take full ownership of your creative process, each camera here can be a great stepping stone.