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$1000 might sound like a lot to spend on a camera, but it's probably the least we'd recommend spending on a new camera if you want a device that will take better photos and deliver a more satisfying photographic experience than your smartphone. We've selected a series of cameras that succeed on both those fronts.
For this much money you can buy either an entry-level interchangeable lens camera or a compact camera with a built-in lens designed for enthusiasts. The compact camera will offer more control than a smartphone, as well as the main thing smartphones struggle with: zoom.
Meanwhile, an interchangeable lens camera won't be as easy to carry around but can make you feel even more involved in the photographic process and has the flexibility to let you swap lenses to learn and grow into different types of photography as you develop your passion.
It's worth noting, though, that camera makers sometimes assume that the beginner user will only ever want the basic 'kit' zoom that comes with the camera, so it's worth checking whether a good selection of lenses is available (at a price you're willing to spend) before deciding which brand's system to buy into.
Our recommendations:
- Best camera under $1000: Nikon Z fc
- The powerful bargain: Sony a6100
- Also consider: Canon EOS R10
- Best compact camera under $1000: Canon Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA
- The enthusiast choice: Canon G7 X III
- Best vlogging camera under $1000: Sony ZV-1 Mark II
Best camera under $1000: Nikon Z fc
20.9MP APS-C sensor | Oversampled 4K video | 11fps burst shooting
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| Photo: Richard Butler |
Buy now:
What we like:
- Excellent image quality
- Attractive, lightweight design
- Reliable autofocus performance
What we don't:
- No in-body stabilizer
- Autofocus interface can be a bit clunky
- No headphone jack
The Nikon Z fc is a compact, attractive 21MP APS-C mirrorless camera, designed for stills and video creators.
With the arrival of the Nikon 24mm F1.7 and three ∼$500 primes from Sigma, you can build an interesting little kit around the Z fc.
Fujifilm's X-T30 II is also worth a look: it's not a match for the Z fc's autofocus but there are many more lenses available and it looks the part, too.
See the Nikon Z fc studio scene
The powerful bargain: Sony a6100
24MP APS-C sensor | Hybrid AF with Real-time Tracking | 4K video capture
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The Sony a6100 offers a lot of power in a compact, well-priced body. The 16-50mm power zoom isn't the best, though. Photo: Richard Butler |
Buy now:
What we like:
- Excellent autofocus system
- 4K/30p video recording
- Tilting touchscreen LCD
What we don't:
- Less robust build quality
- Rolling shutter 'jello effect' present in 4K video
- Crop when recording 4K/30p video
The Sony a6100 is almost the antithesis of the Nikon: it's nothing like as stylish and doesn't encourage so much direct control, but it offers some of the best autofocus in its class and can be combined with a vast range of lenses.
See the Sony a6100 studio scene
Also consider: Canon EOS R10
24MP Dual Pixel APS-C CMOS sensor | 4K/30p video (60p with crop) | 15fps shooting (23fps with e-shutter)
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| Photo: Dale Baskin |
Buy now:
What we like:
- Capable stills and video camera
- Simple, effective AF in stills
- Relatively easy-to-use
What we don't:
- Video autofocus is less effective than stills
- Mediocre battery life
- Few sensible RF lens choices
The Canon EOS R10 would probably be our first choice if there were more well-priced lenses available for it, as it combines autofocus to rival the Sony with useability to match the Nikon. As things stand, though, it's best for users who plan to stick with the lens it comes bundled with.
See Canon EOS R10 studio scene
Which is the best Canon camera under $1000?
In this buying guide we've selected the EOS R10 as our prefered Canon mirrorless camera under $1000. Its twin-dial interface and its full mechanical shutter (better suited to shooting action) help make it our choice. The less expensive Canon EOS R50 is worth a look, though: there are fewer control points and it loses out on features such as 4K/60p video capture, but it's still pretty capable.
We're less excited by the EOS R100, though. This is the least-expensive model but it feels like it, and is based on a previous generation of technology, so it's slower and has less sophisticated autofocus. Our concerns about sensible lenses to pair apply to all three models.
Best compact camera under $1000: Sony Cyber-shot DSC RX100 Va
20MP 1" Stacked CMOS sensor | 24-70mm equiv. F1.8-2.8 lens | 4K video capture
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| The RX100 VA can deliver excellent image quality, backed up by good autofocus |
Buy now:
What we like:
- Excellent photo quality
- Very good AF for a compact
- 24 fps burst shooting with deep buffer
What we don't:
- Interface and controls can be overwhelming
- No touchscreen
- Limited battery life
Sony essentially created this class of cameras with the original RX100 model. A large sensor gives image quality that's still a match for a good smartphone but with the benefit of an actual zoom lens. The Stacked CMOS sensor and a built-in viewfinder add to the cost but also create a very powerful camera.
The Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100 VA is an updated RX100 V with the same 20MP Stacked CMOS sensor, fast 24-70mm equiv. lens, hybrid AF system, clever popular viewfinder and excellent 4K video quality. The 'VA' adds a larger buffer, new metering, white balance and AF modes, an improved EVF refresh rate and more.
The RX100 VII is also worth a look. It's more expensive and its lens is slower, taking away some of the low light performance but it offers a much longer zoom, giving still more benefit over a smartphone.
Read our Sony Cyber-shot RX100 V review
See the Sony Cyber-shot DSC RX100 V studio scene
The enthusiast choice: Canon PowerShot G7X III
20MP 1"-type stacked CMOS sensor | 24-100mm equiv. F1.8-2.8 lens | 4K/30p video capture
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Buy now:
What we like:
- Nice grip and well-placed controls
- 4K/30p recording with live streaming to YouTube
- Fast burst shooting
What we don't:
- Lens is soft at wide-angle
- Limited battery life
- Contrast-detect only autofocus
Canon's G7 X Mark III comes with an updated 20MP sensor and processor, 4K video recording, live video streaming and well thought-out controls, making it a versatile and well-rounded camera for both photographers and video shooters.
The Canon Powershot G7X III is pretty similar to Sony's RX100 VA on paper, but the clicking control wheel around the lens, dedicated exposure comp dial on the shoulder and slightly longer lens make it a more satisfying camera to shoot with, even if the autofocus isn't as quick or dependable. It also lacks the Sony's viewfinder.
Read our Canon G7 X Mark III review
See the Canon G7 X Mark III studio scene
Best vlogging camera under $1000: Sony ZV-1 Mark II
20MP Stacked CMOS sensor | 24fps burst shooting | 4K/30p, 1080/120p video
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| Photo: Shaminder Dulai |
Buy now:
What we like:
- Low rolling shutter
- 3-way mic array
- Touchscreen interface for vlogging
What we don't:
- Limited body buttons/dials
- No stabilization for stills
- 8-bit color not ideal for grading
The other type of camera that still perhaps makes sense at this price is the dedicated vlogging camera. The Sony ZV-1 Mark II brings a wider lens than the original model, meaning it's much better suited to self-shooting than the previous version.
The ZV-1 Mark II has dependable autofocus and maintains a usefully wide view on the world even if you crop in by applying digital stabilization. This wasn't true of the Mark 1, which is why we strongly prefer the newer camera.
Read our Sony ZV-1 Mark II initial review
See Sony ZV-1 Mark II studio scene
Why you should trust us
This buying guide is based on cameras used and tested by DPReview's editorial team. We don't select a camera until we've used it enough to be confident in recommending it, usually after our extensive review process. The selections are purely a reflection of which cameras we believe to be best: there are no financial incentives for us to select one model or brand over another.
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