![14 Pro Cameras Under $1,000 [April, 2024]](https://www.outsidetheshot.com/under/cameras-under-1000.webp)
14 Pro Cameras Under $1,000 [April, 2024]
- Nathaniel Stephan
- Cameras under
- April 25, 2024
Table of Contents
There are camera bodies that are perfect for professional work and other’s that would be an enthusiasts dream.
Most of these cameras need SD cards with high sustained write speeds for best performance. A V30 or V60 card might be needed.
- Most Expensive: Nikon D4S ($6,499)
- Cheapest: Olympus PEN-F Digital ($1,199)
- Oldest: Nikon Df (2013)
- Newest: Canon R8 (2023)
| Model | Year | MSRP | MP | Weight | Sensor | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pentax K-1 | 2016 | $1,799 | 36.4 | 1010g | FF | 1080p30 |
| Olympus PEN-F Digital | 2016 | $1,199 | 20.3 | 427g | MFT | 1080p60 |
| Panasonic S1 | 2019 | $2,499 | 24.2 | 899g | FF | 4k60 |
| Canon 5D Mark IV | 2016 | $3,499 | 30.1 | 800g | FF | 4k30 |
| Canon 5DS / Canon 5DS R | 2015 | $3,699 / $3,899 | 50.3 | 845g | FF | 1080p30 |
| Nikon Df | 2013 | $2,749 | 16.2 | 760g | FF | None |
| Nikon D4S | 2014 | $6,499 | 16.2 | 1180g | FF | 1080p60 |
| Blackmagic Design Pocket 4K | 2018 | $1,295 | Cinema! | 720g | MFT or EF | 4k60 |
| Sony A7III | 2018 | $1,999 | 24.2 | 650g | FF | 4k30 |
| Sony A6600 | 2019 | $1,399 | 24.2 | 503g | APS-C | 4k30 |
| Panasonic G5H II | 2021 | $1,699 | 20.3 | 727g | MFT | 4k60 |
| Canon R8 | 2023 | $1,499 | 24.2 | 461g | FF | 4k60 |
| Leica T (typ 701) | 2014 | $1,849 | 16.0 | 384g | APS-C | 1080p30 |
| Leica TL | 2016 | $1,695 | 16.0 | 384g | APS-C | 1080p30 |
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Photography & Hybrid
Some more expensive Leica cameras don’t have video.
Pentax K-1
This is Pentax’s first full frame DSLR. That fact alone will keep the price elevated compared to Canon and Nikon.
As all previous models used APS-C sensors, modern lens selection is not good. That’s not a problem, as the camera is compatible with AF lenses that were designed for 35mm film cameras.
Make sure to know what lenses you’ll be interested in, how much they will cost, and if they are available.
- Pentax DSLR Manual Downloads (Ricoh owns the Pentax camera brand.)
Panasonic S1
This is the least expensive Panasonic full frame camera. It uses the L-mount, which also includes Leica, Sigma, Samyang, and Astrodesign. That’s beneficial to the lens ecosystem.
Canon 5DS / Canon 5DS R
The R variant doesn’t have a low pass filter.
These are the only high-resolution models at this price range. I’d recommend using L lenses to make the most of the sensor.
Options for higher resolution involve multi-shot on a mirrorless or moving up to medium format.
Canon 5D Mark IV
Last in the 5D line. Unfortunately Magic Lantern is not compatible with the camera.
With so many, it will remain a popular camera for many years to come. They are going to be extremely popular models for people that want to continue to shoot with a DSLR.
Nikon 4DS
The only sports, action, and wildlife camera. A Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 VR ED can be found for less than $800.
- Nikon 4DS Product Page
- Nikon 4DS Download Center - Manual, Firmware, Software
Leica T (typ 701)
Make sure to check lens prices.
Leica TL
Make sure to check lens prices.
Videography and Cinematography
| Model | Year | MSRP | MP | Weight | Sensor | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panasonic G5H II | 2021 | $1,699 | 20.3 | 727g | MFT | 4k60 |
| Blackmagic Design Pocket 4K | 2018 | $1,295 | Cinema! | 720g | MFT or EF | 4k60 |
Panasonic G5H II
Pay special attention to the memory cards used. The high bitrate video the camera can capture requires cards with a high sustained write speed.
Blackmagic Design Pocket 4k
It’s a cinema camera. It’s small and comes in Canon EF or MFT mounts.
Enthusiast / Collectible
| Model | Year | MSRP | MP | Weight | Sensor | Video |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Olympus PEN-F Digital | 2016 | $1,199 | 20.3 | 427g | MFT | 1080p60 |
| Nikon Df | 2013 | $2,749 | 16.2 | 760g | FF | None |
Olympus PEN-F Digital
A system highlight for fans of Olympus. This is a take on the analog PEN-F, with controls that mimic the film shooting experience.
These carry a large premium and can be difficult to find.
Nikon Df
It has vintage styling and can use as well as meter correctly with non-Ai lenses. These are the oldest F-mount lenses that use prongs to relay the lens aperture to the camera.
If you don’t understand the appeal behind that, this is likely not the camera for you. Better price to performance can be had from a hybrid camera.
