20 Pro Cameras Under $750 [April, 2024]

Photo, video, or hybrid use, there are a variety of cameras to choose from under $750. That’s for the body only. This makes it possible to compare kits between systems.

The Lenses Under $Y will have options broken down by price and focal length.

• Most Expensive: Nikon D3X ($7,999)
• Cheapest: Canon 90D, Olympus OM-D E-M5 Mark III ($1,199)
• Oldest: Nikon D3X, Sony A900 (2008)
• Newest: Olympus OM-D E-M1 Mark III (2020)

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Photography / Hybrid

These are going to be primarily photography first cameras. Video features and quality will vary greatly.

I find the sizes of these cameras to be optimal for ergonomics and use. If specialized features aren’t needed, these are less expensive, lighter, and still exceptionally good cameras.

Panasonic G9

I am a fan of Panasonic cameras, especially compared to the competition. It’s a modern weather sealed mirrorless camera, it’s hard to go wrong.

Micro Four Thirds lenses are less expensive than their full frame equivalents. It’s not easy to get a thin depth of field, but also avoids the higher cost.

• Panasonic G9 Product Guide and Support

Sony A900

It’s a collector camera because it is 1 of 4 full frame Sony A-mount cameras. (The Sony A99 II is under $1,500. The A99 is further down.)

The A850 is similar, but has a 98% coverage viewfinder vs 100%. This lowered the cost. It is a suitable substitute at just above $500. The only problem might be finding one.

A 50mm f1.8 and other basic lenses from 35mm SLRs are inexpensive and easy to find. Professional lenses are going to be difficult to find and expensive.

• Sony DSLR-A900 Support Page

Cinematography / Video

These cameras were designed around video use. There will be plenty of used rigging gear available as people have already upgraded.

Lower megapixel counts allows for faster sensor readout. This reduces the effects of rolling shutter.

Sony A7SII

Blackmagic Pocket HD

It’s a pure cinema camera that is going to work perfectly in DaVinci Resolve. Can use CinemaDNG or ProRes 422.

I wasn’t able to easily find support pages for the camera.

• Archived BMPCC Product Page

Panasonic GH5

Panasonic GH5S

The S denotes the light sensitivity of the 10.2MP sensor. The focus is on getting the best image quality out of the camera.

• Panasonic GH5S Product Page

High Resolution

These were designed with portraits, products, landscapes, and other slow shooting in mind. What they lack for continuous FPS and autofocus, they make up for in resolution.

Nikon D810

One of the best choices to use with Nikon F-mount portrait lenses. It has an integrated focus motor, which means autofocus will work on AF and series D lenses.

• Nikon D810 Product Page
• Nikon D810 Download Center

Sony A7R II

The battery life is so BAD I learned how to capacity test camera batteries. Multiple batteries will be required. That hidden cost makes it more expensive, larger, and heavier.

There are more complaints about the menu system in the first two generations of A7 bodies than any other system. Page after page of scrolling is required.

Both battery life and menu system were improved, starting with the A7III series of cameras.

• Sony A7RII Support Page

Sports, Action, and Wildlife

These had some of the best autofocus, continuous burst rates and buffers when released. I believe they are all weather sealed, with some having built-in battery grips.

Condition is important because dirt and dust are what kills shutters. Patience will help you get a camera that’s spent all but a handful of days in a drawer.

Olympus OM-D E-M1X

A highlight of the incredible tech Olympus was able to create. I think it would have a better reputation if it wasn’t for the 2011 accounting fraud scandal. The fallout is what caused Olympus to sell the camera division, which is now OM System.

Sony A99

It’s the penultimate Minolta/Sony A-mount DSLR. Bodies and lenses are always going to be relatively more expensive.

• Sony SLT-A99V Support Page

Nikon D3X

The price tag on the camera just seems insane to me. It’s so impressive that it is comparable to much newer cameras.

• Nikon D3X Product Page
• Nikon Download Center D3X Manual, Firmware, Software

Nikon D500

Nikon sold truckloads of these with the Nikkor 200-500mm f5.6. That’s still going to be a fantastic combo.

• Nikon D500 Product Page
• Nikon Download Center D500 Manual, Firmware, Software