$1000 might sound like a lot of money for a camera, but it’s probably the least we’d recommend spending if you want to go beyond phone photography, especially as photography equipment is steadily getting more expensive. The picks on this list will give you more control than a phone and offer a more satisfying photographic experience.

At this price point, your options for a new camera will be entry-level interchangeable lens cameras or larger-sensor compact cameras with built-in lenses. Compacts offer more control than a phone and a greater zoom range, but likely won’t offer a huge jump in image quality compared to the latest flagship phones (despite their typically larger sensors).

Meanwhile, an interchangeable lens camera won’t be as easy to carry around and comes with the added expense of lenses. However, they can make you feel even more involved in the photographic process, and the flexibility of swappable lenses will let you learn and grow into different types of photography as you develop your passion. They also feature much larger sensors than phones and the majority of compacts.

It’s worth noting that camera makers sometimes assume that beginners will stick with 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 Z50II
• The best value for money: OM System PEN
• Best compact camera under $1000: Canon G7X III
  
• Best camera for content creators under $1000: Fujifilm X-M5
  

Best camera under $1000: Nikon Z50II

It earns its place at the top of this list by offering most of what you’ll need for stills and videography, and having a relatively easy-to-use and reliable AF system with automatic subject detection. Nikon has made a few fast APS-C zooms for Z-mount, and allowed a select few third-party options, so you won’t be stuck with a mediocre kit zoom, though other systems do offer a bit more choice.

The other options

Canon’s EOS R10 is a close competitor to the Z50II, offering much the same functionality. We also appreciate its inclusion of an AF joystick, but its biggest advantage over the Nikon is the wider selection of compelling APS-C zooms available for RF mount (even if they come from Sigma and Tamron, rather than Canon itself). However, its AF is ever so slightly less reliable than the Z50II’s, and it costs $100 more, so we feel the Nikon still deserves the top spot.

If you genuinely only have $1000 to spend on a camera and lens, and aren’t willing to buy used, your best bet is the Sony a6100. It’s quite elderly at this point (though it was relatively advanced when it released, compared to its peers), and the kit zoom that comes with it is quite poor. But if every last penny counts, it’s one of the few option that gets you a camera you can actually shoot with for under $1000.

The best value for money: OM System PEN

Richard Butler

It offers a list of features that you won’t find on the other cameras in this buying guide: in-body image stabilization, multi-shot computational modes and rated weather sealing (even if its IPX1 rating is relatively modest), all wrapped in an attractive rangefinder-styled body. You’d have to pay substantially more to get these features in a camera with a larger sensor, but the PEN offers it at a reasonable price point, and in a system with plenty of good lenses to choose from. Its autofocus isn’t as easy to use as our top pick, and it’s substantially less capable at video, but it’s unmatched when it comes to features (and maybe even fun) per dollar.

Best compact camera under $1000: Canon G7X III

The Canon PowerShot G7X III is the last in what used to be a popular style: the pocketable enthusiast photographers’ compact, with a relatively large Type 1 20MP sensor and bright zoom lens. Canon has added features to make it more vlogging-friendly, but the clicking control wheel gives a satisfying, hands-on shooting experience.

A note on availability: the PowerShot G7X III has been difficult to get for a while, despite Canon’s continued promises about ramping up production. Getting your hands on one for anything near its original MSRP may require some patience.

Best camera for content creation: Fujifilm X-M5

It’s aimed at creators taking pictures and video for the web, with a suite of vlogging features that let you shoot video that’s ready to upload as soon as you transfer it to your phone. It also has a dial for easily switching between ‘Film Simulations,’ Fujifilm’s much-loved color modes, and the full suite of stills features from larger, more expensive models – minus a viewfinder. Its support for X-mount lenses also gives you access to the most complete range of APS-C lenses, no matter what journey you’re on.

What if I only vlog?

If you plan to shoot more videos than photos, it’s worth considering the Canon PowerShot V1. It’s a compact camera built for vlogging with its integrated 16-50mm equiv. F2.8-4.5 lens, large (for a compact) Type 1.4 (18.4 x 12.3mm) sensor, complete with optical image stabilization and an ND filter. While we don’t think it offers an especially enjoyable photography experience

, features like a built-in fan for cooling, headphone and microphone ports, very usable stabilization and the ability to shoot 4K60p with a 1.4x crop make it a quite powerful video camera for its size.

If you only
care about vlogging, and want an even more pocketable option, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 comes in under $1000 and can’t be beat when it comes to stabilization thanks to its built-in gimbal. That, and the ability to sync with DJI’s wireless microphones, earn it the top spot in our dedicated vlogging buying guide.

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.