Can you buy a great digital camera for under £600?

We've noticed that digital camera manufacturers are making fewer modestly priced cameras. After all, why produce models at the lower end of the market when smartphones have made it easier than ever to take pics? But if you're serious about your photography, you still need a proper camera - our tough lab tests have identified the very best lower-priced models.

For decades, cheap digital cameras have stopped photography from becoming a prohibitively expensive hobby, giving novice photographers a chance to buy their first digital camera without breaking the bank.

But manufacturers have been feeling the squeeze. Now that people have cameras in their pockets most of the time, it's harder to sell standalone cameras, and harder yet to make a budget-friendly argument for why someone should buy a camera at the lower end of the market. We're seeing a lot of expensive cameras come into our test lab that appeal to experienced photographers, but far fewer modestly priced cameras.

There are still good reasons for buying a standalone camera, and there are still models that you can pick up for a relatively low price. We've looked at what sort of high-end camera you can get on a budget of £600 or less, and we've picked out a few examples to get you started.

Need more info about cameras? Find out more about which type of digital camera you should choose.

Can I get a good DSLR or mirrorless camera for under £600?

Our tests have discovered that you can buy a good-quality DSLR or mirrorless camera for less than £600, but you have to be realistic and willing to accept that the choice is rather narrow.

On Which.co.uk at the moment we have full lab-test reviews of seven cameras that are currently under £600.

• Five of the DSLR and mirrorless cameras under £600 that we've tested have scored above 70%, which makes them high-quality cameras capable across several key tests
• Two cameras scored between 66% and 69%. These are modest scores, but they aren't bad at all, and you can count on these cameras to take a good-quality image in this bracket
• Only one camera scored less than 65%. Below this score, we'd hesitate to recommend a model, because there are better choices available.

Of course, this doesn't include the possibility of snagging a more expensive camera on sale, or in buying second-hand. What is important is that you're spending your money on a decent camera - so make sure you read our reviews before you buy.

See our independent, expert DSLR and mirrorless camera reviews.

DSLR and mirrorless cameras under £600

We've picked out a couple of examples that are currently in stock. Budget DSLRs are especially popular, primarily because they have optical viewfinders, but stock levels are good at the moment.

Make sure that any model you're interested in is right for you and scores highly in our lab tests - use the links below to read our full expert reviews.

We last checked these prices in April 2023.

Canon EOS 2000D

Despite its price, this DSLR still has an APS-C sensor. The APS-C sensor is only one step down in size from a premium full-frame sensor, and most DSLR and mirrorless cameras use it. APS-C sensors provide high quality in low-light environments and good image quality and dynamic range, which are vital for photography.

The EOS 2000D is a little rudimentary in many areas, capable of a disappointing 3fps in burst mode and lacking Bluetooth or touchscreen control. But you can use any compatible lens with it to customise shooting - including macro and telephoto lenses for specialist shots.

Read our expert Canon EOS 2000D review to see if this DSLR from 2018 punches above its price.

Sony ZV-E10

The Sony ZV-E10 comes bundled with a 16-50mm lens and an APS-C sensor. Marketed at video bloggers, it features a number of settings designed to incorporate professional effects with ease. Things like the 'bokeh switch' create a unique blur on the out-of-focus parts of an image,   

It doesn't have a viewfinder, so you'll need to use the monitor to frame your shot. The whole thing weighs under half a kilo (including the lens, battery, and strap), so its easy to take on your travels to capture your next adventure. 

Read our independent Sony ZV-E10 review to see if this brand managed to make a better budget camera than Canon.

Consider a bridge camera

Whilst the rest of this article has focused on mirrorless and DSLR cameras, bridge cameras are another option. 

Bridge cameras don't have interchangeable lenses like DSLR and mirrorless cameras do. They usually have a fixed lens with an impressive zoom range, so they're a good way to graduate from smartphones without paying DSLR or mirrorless prices.

Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ82

This bridge camera is pretty basic, but it has a zoom magnification of 60x, which means you can get up close and personal with your subject from afar. This is particularly useful if you're trying to capture details from a distance, or if your subject is skittish, such as a small mammal or bird.

It's a prime example of an entry-level camera that bridges the gap between phones and DSLR and mirrorless cameras, especially with its optical zoom.

Read our Lumix DCFZ82 review to find out how this bridge camera performed in our test lab. 

Tips for buying cheap or second-hand cameras

• Be willing to get an unfashionable camera. You might not find a mirrorless camera with a hybrid autofocus system, 4K video and a full-frame sensor. But actually, the older DSLR that shoots at 1080p and sports an APS-C sensor is good enough for most beginner - and even intermediate - photography requirements.
• Like most tech products, camera prices decline slowly but consistently after launch, until the product finally get phased out, usually for a newer model of the same series. Try to net an earlier-series model and you'll grab a bargain. We often see cameras that are the fourth, fifth or even sixth iteration of the same series.
• Shopping second-hand can net you a good camera at a hefty price reduction, provided you check our camera reviews to make sure it's a decent model. Even slightly older cameras will exceed what a phone is capable of - just don't go so retro that you're buying a collector's item. We've found that cameras are pretty reliable products that ought to last at least seven years, so if you buy a camera in good condition then you should expect your money's worth.

Find out more tips on shopping second-hand, like how to check the shutter count and other aspects to consider, in our guide on how to buy a second-hand or refurbished camera.