Capturing memories is a timeless tradition, and for that, you need a camera that doesn’t disappoint. Choosing the best camera under $1200 can be a daunting task, especially with the abundance of options available in the market. But don’t fret, we’ve got you covered with this comprehensive guide that will help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an amateur seeking to take your photography to the next level, this guide includes reviews and a buying guide to help you find the best camera under $1200 that meets your needs and budget.
Best Choices
Last update on 2023-07-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Everything you Need to Know About Camera Under $1200
If you’re a photography enthusiast on a budget, there are plenty of excellent camera options out there that cost less than $1200. These cameras provide great image quality, high-performance features, and improved usability, perfect for beginners or advanced users alike. The most popular camera brands to consider include Canon, Nikon, Sony, and Fujifilm, with each brand having its own unique features and specs.
There are many different types of cameras to choose from under $1200, including mirrorless cameras, DSLRs, and compact cameras. Mirrorless cameras are a popular option as they offer advanced features and high-quality results similar to a DSLR, but with a smaller, more compact design. DSLRs are also a great option for those who want more manual control over their photos and better image quality, while compact cameras provide portability and convenience, perfect for travelers or everyday use. With so many great options to choose from, it is important to consider your photography needs and do your research before making your final purchase.
Best Camera Under $1200 by Editors Choice
- SHOOT DECENT IMAGES WITH EASE - The digital camera captures high-clarity FHD 1080P videos and 44MP photos with the newest CMOS metering system, no need for...
- PORTABLE FOR TRAVEL & NICE BATTERY LIFE - The kids camera is a perfect everyday and take everywhere camera with it's petite body, durable, lightweight and small...
- VERY EASY TO USE - Conducted with ergonomic design, from easy to access buttons to simple functions menu, the led fill light (shoot clear pictures in the dark)...
- ENCOURAGE CREATIVE - If you are tired of its automatic results, the point and shoot camera allows you to customize pictures. 16X zoom is great for photographing...
- SUPERIOR SUPPORT FOR THIS GIFT - Backed by a one year hassle-free promise- refund and replacement. Digital camera, SD card, lanyard, storage bag, batteries,...
- Nest Cam has built-in intelligence and can tell the difference between a person, animal, and vehicle and send alerts directly through the Google Home app[1], no...
- Easily check in from anywhere 24/7 with 1080p HDR video[1] with night vision, and see what you missed with 3 hours of free event video history[2]; add a Nest...
- If your Wi-Fi goes down or there’s a power outage, Nest Cam will store up to an hour of recorded events so you can see what you missed[4]
- Put Nest Cam anywhere, outside or in; it’s battery powered, so you don’t need to set it up near an outlet, and the magnetic mount makes installation...
- For continuous power and 24/7 video recording with Nest Aware Plus, add a weatherproof power cable or indoor stand with power cable (both sold separately)
- Color night vision: An all-new Starlight Sensor records night time video in full, vivid color. The Starlight Sensor can see full color in environments up to 25x...
- Indoor/Outdoor: Wyze Cam v3 is a wired video camera with an IP65 rating so you can confidently install it outside in the rain or inside in the kids’ room....
- Motion & Sound detection: Wyze Cam records video when motion or sound is detected and sends an alert straight to your phone. Motion Detection Zones and custom...
- 24/7 Continuous Recording: Continuous video recording with a 32GB MicroSD card (sold separately). Just insert the MicroSD into the base of the Wyze Cam and...
- IFTTT certified connect all of your different apps and devices. When you sign up for a free account, you can enable your apps and devices to work together.
- 24.1 Megapixel CMOS (APS-C) sensor with is 100–6400 (H: 12800)
- Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC technology
- 9-Point AF system and AI Servo AF
- Optical Viewfinder with approx 95% viewing coverage
- Use the EOS Utility Webcam Beta Software (Mac and Windows) to turn your compatible Canon camera into a high-quality webcam. Compatible Lenses- Canon EF Lenses...
- Amazon Prime Video (Video on Demand)
- PJ McCabe, Brianne Moncrief, Sarah Baldwin (Actors)
- Victor Zarcoff (Director) - Victor Zarcoff (Writer) - Kevin McManus (Producer)
- English (Playback Language)
- English (Subtitle)
- Bundle Includes: 2 x Kodak Fun Saver Single Use Camera
- Ideal For: If you're looking for a fun, easy way to take great pictures, indoors or out, the Kodak Fun Saver Single-Use Camera is a great choice
- Brighter, Vibrant Colors: Loaded with Kodak 800 speed, 27 exposure film for pictures with bright, vibrant colors
- 23% Better Pictures: Compared to any 400-speed film camera
- Simple Manual Flash: With a 4 to 11.5-feet flash range. Must charge before every picture
- 【Full HD 1080P Spy Camera】 This small mini cam records video in exceptional 1920X1080P HD at 30 frames per second. Function with video, picture, loop...
- 【Advanced Motion Detection Alerts】 The wireless hidden camera will send push notification with images to your phone once motion is detected. You can log...
- 【Small size, big use】This mini camera is the world's smallest Wi-Fi security camera, easy to hide and not easy to be found and damaged by others. Realizing...
- 【Work as a Normal Camera without WiFi】 One camera can support multiple users and one app can support multiple cameras simultaneously. This spy camera...
- 【Humanize APP】A spy camera with video can be connected in simply 2 steps ①Download the app ②Bind the camera. You can complete the camera configuration...
- Person/Motion/Sound Detection in Real-Time. Day or Night: With cutting-edge AI algorithms, KC410S can detect people, motion and sound to notify on your smart...
- Secure Your Videos Locally or with AWS Cloud: As an indoor security camera, KC410S continuously records and stores footage or video clips on a local MicroSD...
- Enjoy a Smarter Home with Smart Actions: Set your lights to turn on when your camera detects motion with Kasa Smart Actions. Smart Actions allows you to create...
- Voice Control: For additional ease of use, pair the Kasa wireless camera with Alexa echo or Google assistant. Use a simple voice command to ask Alexa or Google...
- 【1080P & 44MP Digital Camera】This kids digital camera has FHD 1080P video resolution and 48MP picture pixels, will help you capture the most exciting and...
- 【20 Filters & Smile Capture】This portable digital camera has 20 filter effects,allowing children to observe the world under different colors through the...
- 【Multifunctional and Webcam】This digital camera for kids not only has single shooting, continuous shooting, 2s/5s/10s timing functions, but also built-in...
- 【Portable and Easy to Use】This compact digital camera specially designed for kids is very light in weight and can be easily put in your pocket. The kids...
- 【Perfect Gift and Warranty】Kids digital camera is equipped with two rechargeable lithium batteries, the camera can be set to automatically shut down in...
- Livestream with Color Night Vision - Monitor your home day or night with 1080P HD video & color night vision..Power Adaptor Input : Input - 110-240V(AC/DC),...
- Indoor/Outdoor - Wyze Cam OG is a wired security camera with an IP65 rating so you can confidently install it outside in the rain or inside in the kids’ room....
- Deter Intruders - A 40lm built in spotlight and mini-siren ward off would-be package thiefs. Weather Resistance: Indoor and Outdoor (IP65)
- Motion/Sound Notifications - Wyze Cam OG alerts you instantly when motion or sound is detected. Motion Detection Zones and custom settings allow you to adjust...
- Two Ways to Record Videos - Get secure cloud recording as well as person, package, pet, and vehicle detection with Cam Plus (subscription required) or insert a...
Last update on 2023-07-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Reasons for Buying Camera Under $1200
There are multiple reasons why one should consider buying a camera under $1200. Whether you are a beginner or an enthusiast photographer, this price range offers a wide range of options with some great features and capabilities. In this section, we will highlight a few key reasons why investing in a camera under $1200 could be a wise decision.
Budget constraint
Budget constraint is a significant factor that influences the decision of buying a camera. The price of cameras can vary widely, from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. However, not everybody has the same budget and can afford to buy an expensive camera. For those people, they have to look for a more affordable option.
A budget constraint usually arises when people are not ready to spend a lot of money on a camera, but they still want to capture high-quality images. For example, amateur photographers, students, or people who want to use a camera for personal use may not have the funds to invest in an expensive camera. In such cases, buying a camera under $1200 may be the ideal choice. It offers a perfect balance between price and features- as it’s not too cheap that its features and quality suffer, but still not too expensive to be out of reach for many people.
No need for advanced features
When it comes to buying a camera, advanced features can be enticing but they also come at a high cost. For those who don’t need these features or want to spend more money on other photography accessories, a camera under $1200 can be a great option.
Basic cameras can still provide great image quality and functionality for everyday use. These cameras may lack some of the advanced features such as high-speed shooting, high ISO capabilities, or 4K video recording, but they still offer enough features to capture great photos and memories. Plus, a basic camera can be a great option for beginners or those who don’t want to spend too much time learning how to use complex camera functions. Overall, a camera under $1200 can be a reasonable investment for those who value simplicity and affordability.
Occasional photography needs
Occasional photography needs refer to situations where we do not require a camera regularly, but we do need one for special events or occasions. For instance, when we go on a vacation or a holiday, we tend to capture those moments in pictures. Similarly, we may want to take photographs of a family event, a wedding, or a birthday party.
In such scenarios, buying an expensive camera may not be appropriate, especially if we do not use it very often. A camera under $1200 is good enough to capture high-quality images, and it will not put a big hole in our budget. Plus, it is easy to use, lightweight, and compact, making it convenient for us to carry it around. Thus, purchasing a camera under $1200 is a practical and affordable solution for our occasional photography needs.
Buying Guide – How to Choose the Best Camera Under $1200?
Determining the ideal camera under $1200 can be an overwhelming task, especially with so many options available. To make an informed decision, there are a few key factors to consider before making a purchase.
Sensor size
When considering buying a camera under $1200, one important factor to consider is the sensor size. A larger sensor tends to produce higher quality images with better low light performance and depth of field. This means that larger sensors are better suited for professional photography, such as portraits, landscape and street photography, as they can capture more detail and create more dynamic images.
On the other hand, smaller sensors are often found in point-and-shoot cameras, which are suitable for casual photography and everyday use. They are generally more compact and easier to carry around, making them ideal for travel, social events and quick snapshots. However, they may not produce the same level of quality as larger sensors and can struggle in low light situations. Therefore, it is important to consider the intended use of the camera and determine which sensor size is most appropriate for your needs.
ISO performance
ISO performance is an important consideration when choosing a camera under $1200 because it affects the quality of photos taken in low light conditions. A camera with good ISO performance will allow for higher quality images to be produced in low light without the need for a flash or additional lighting. This is particularly important for photographers who work in settings with limited natural light or who want to capture images at night.
In addition, a camera with good ISO performance will also provide more flexibility in choosing the appropriate aperture and shutter speed settings to achieve the desired photographic effect. This can be especially important for photographers who need to adjust their settings quickly in rapidly changing lighting conditions. Therefore, considering ISO performance when buying a camera under $1200 is important as it can significantly impact the quality and versatility of images produced.
Autofocus system
Autofocus system is one of the most crucial features that one should consider while buying a camera under $1200. With autofocus, the camera can automatically adjust the focus of the lens according to the subject, which makes shooting much more convenient and efficient. A good autofocus system can lock onto the subject accurately and quickly, allowing the photographer to capture the moment without worrying about manual focus. This is especially important when shooting fast-moving objects or in low light conditions. A camera with a good autofocus system can also impact the quality of the image, as it ensures that the intended subject is in focus, resulting in sharper and clearer images.
Moreover, an advanced autofocus system can also improve the video recording capabilities of the camera. It allows the camera to maintain focus on the subject, even when the subject moves around or the camera changes position. This is particularly useful for vloggers or filmmakers who want to create high-quality videos without the hassle of manual focusing. Hence, considering the autofocus system before buying a camera under $1200 can make a significant difference in the quality and efficiency of the photography and videography experience.
Maximum shutter speed
Maximum shutter speed is an important consideration when purchasing a camera under $1200 because it determines the ability of the camera to capture fast-moving objects or action shots. A high shutter speed allows the camera to freeze motion and capture sharp, clear images even in low light conditions. For example, a camera with a maximum shutter speed of 1/8000th of a second would be ideal for capturing fast-moving sports events or wildlife photography.
Additionally, a camera with a higher maximum shutter speed often indicates a higher-end camera with better quality components and features. While there are other factors to consider when buying a camera, such as image resolution, lens options, and autofocus capabilities, a higher maximum shutter speed is an important consideration for anyone looking to capture fast-moving subjects and create high-quality photographs.
Video recording capabilities
Video recording capabilities are an important factor to consider when buying a camera under $1200 because video content has become increasingly important in today’s digital world. Whether you are a professional videographer or simply someone who enjoys creating content for social media, having a camera with good video recording capabilities will allow you to capture high-quality videos with ease.
Furthermore, a camera’s video recording capabilities are an essential consideration for anyone who may need to shoot videos in different lighting conditions or environments. Modern cameras come equipped with a variety of features such as image stabilization, autofocus, and low-light performance. These features allow you to get the best possible video footage regardless of the situation, making it crucial to consider video recording capabilities before purchasing a camera under $1200.
Lens compatibility
When buying a camera under $1200, it is important to consider lens compatibility. Different camera brands have their own lens mount systems, which means that not all lenses are compatible with all cameras. Buying a camera with an incompatible lens mount system can limit your options when it comes to buying lenses, as well as potentially cost you more money in the long run if you need to replace or upgrade lenses.
By ensuring that your camera and lenses are compatible, you are able to take full advantage of all the available lens options on the market. This will allow you to capture better quality photos with varying focal lengths, and possibly even save money on lenses by purchasing used or third-party lenses. In addition, investing in compatible lenses may also increase the resale value of your camera and lenses should you decide to upgrade in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some good options for cameras under $1200?
If you are looking for a good camera under $1200, there are several options that are worth considering. One of the best options is the Sony Alpha a6400 mirrorless camera, which is great for both photography and videography. It has a high-quality APS-C sensor, 4K video recording capabilities, and an impressive autofocus system.
Another option is the Canon EOS Rebel T8i DSLR, which is a great beginner-friendly camera with easy-to-use controls. It has a 24.2-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording capabilities, and a fast autofocus system. Additionally, the Nikon D7500 DSLR is a solid choice for those who want a camera with excellent image quality and advanced features. It has a 20.9-megapixel sensor, 4K video recording capabilities, and a weather-sealed body for durability.
What features should I look for in a camera under $1200?
When looking for a camera under $1200, there are several features that you should consider. Firstly, the camera should have a good image sensor with a high megapixel count for sharp and clear images. Additionally, a good autofocus system is important to make sure that your images are not blurry.
Secondly, the camera should have a variety of shooting modes and controls, such as manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority mode. It should also include features like image stabilization and a fast burst mode for action shots.
Furthermore, a camera with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity will allow you to transfer images easily to your phone or computer. Finally, it is important to consider the size and weight of the camera, as well as the availability of accessories and lenses. By considering these features, you can find a camera under $1200 that will meet your needs and produce stunning images.
Can I get a high-quality camera for professional use under $1200?
Yes, it is possible to get a high-quality camera for professional use under $1200. There are many options available in the market, and some affordable cameras feature advanced technology that can create images and videos that rival those captured by much more expensive cameras. For example, the Sony Alpha a6400, Canon EOS Rebel SL3, and Fujifilm X-T30 are excellent cameras for photography and videography and are under $1200.
However, keep in mind that the lens is also an essential part of the camera system and can significantly impact the final result. It is recommended to invest in a high-quality lens that suits your type of photography or videography needs. In addition, learning how to use the camera and its features is crucial for creating professional-grade content.
Key Takeaways
Investing in the best camera under $1200 will get you the perfect blend of features, performance, and value for your money. The above-listed models are some of the top picks you can go for, ensuring you capture those special moments beautifully and effortlessly. From the Nikon D5600 to the Sony A6300, each camera boasts its own unique features and technology, making it difficult to choose just one. Ultimately, whichever camera you choose from this list will give you the desired result and guarantee a great photography experience.
