Which Camera to Buy in 2025? (Under $2000)

Written By Mario So

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If you’ve been wondering which camera to buy but feel overwhelmed by all the options out there, you’re not alone. The truth is, camera technology has improved so much over the past few years that it’s never been easier to get a solid camera. But even with so many great options, making an informed choice can save you headaches down the line.

Here’s a breakdown of cameras around the $2,000 mark (and under) that I personally consider worth looking at, along with some pros and cons for each. Prices are current at the time of writing, though you might find sales or used options to save some money.

Cameras Under $1,000

  • Canon R50 (2023) – Around $679

    • Pros: Compact, good autofocus, 4K up to 30fps, vertical mode, HDR PQ 10-bit

    • Cons: Limited lens options, no headphone port, no 4K at 60fps, no built-in stabilization, 8-bit video only

  • Nikon Z30 (2022) – Around $700

    • Pros: 20MP APS-C sensor, 4K 30fps, tally lamp, weather sealed

    • Cons: Limited lenses, no viewfinder, no built-in stabilization, no headphone port, 8-bit video only

  • Fujifilm XM5 (2024) – Around $800

    • Pros: 26MP, 6.2K open gate, 4K 60fps crop, film simulations, mic/headphone ports, F-Log2 10-bit

    • Cons: Autofocus not as strong, no built-in stabilization, digital stabilization has crop

  • Canon R10 (2022) – Around $900

    • Pros: Compact, 4K 60fps crop, good autofocus, HDR 10-bit

    • Cons: Limited lenses, no headphone port, no built-in stabilization, 8-bit video only

  • Sony ZVE10 II (2024) – Around $900

    • Pros: 26MP, 4K 60fps crop, S-Log3, 10-bit color, dual native ISO, lots of lenses

    • Cons: No viewfinder, no in-body stabilization, no mechanical shutter

From this group, the Sony ZVE10 II and Fujifilm XM5 stand out. If you already own Sony lenses, the Sony is a natural pick, but the Fujifilm is a fantastic budget-friendly alternative.

Cameras Under $2,000

  • Fujifilm XS20 (2023) – Around $1,300

    • Pros: 26MP, 6.2K open gate, 4K 60fps no crop, built-in stabilization, F-Log2 10-bit

    • Cons: Autofocus weaker than competition, not weather sealed

  • Sony A6700 (2023) – Around $1,400

    • Pros: 26MP, 4K 120fps no crop, S-Log3 10-bit, built-in stabilization, weather sealed, dual native ISO

    • Cons: Hard to find any major drawbacks at this price

  • Canon R8 (2023) – Around $1,500

    • Pros: Full-frame 24MP, 4K 60fps no crop, weather sealed, great autofocus, useful color tools

    • Cons: Battery life, no built-in stabilization, limited lens options

  • Fujifilm XT5 (2022) – Around $1,700

    • Pros: 40MP APS-C, 6.2K 30fps crop, 4K 60fps, built-in stabilization, weather sealed, dual card slots

    • Cons: Tilting screen only, autofocus not top-tier, rolling shutter

  • Fujifilm XH2 (2022) – Around $2,000

    • Pros: 40MP, 8K 30fps, 4K 60fps, built-in stabilization, weather sealed, dual card slots

    • Cons: Autofocus behind competitors, rolling shutter

  • Panasonic Lumix S5 Mark I / X (2023) – Around $1,700–$2,200

    • Pros: Full-frame, 6.2K open gate 30fps, 4K 60fps, 10-bit, in-body stabilization, dual card slots

    • Cons: Autofocus improved but not top-tier, battery life, limited lenses

From this tier, Canon R8 and Panasonic S5 are solid full-frame choices, while Sony A6700 is the all-around APS-C option with tons of features.

Slightly Over $2,000 Worth Mentioning

  • Sony A7C II (2023) – Around $2,200

    • Pros: Full-frame 33MP, 4K up to 60fps, in-body stabilization, S-Log3, weather sealed

    • Cons: One card slot, no full-size HDMI, rolling shutter

  • Sony ZV E1 – Around $2,200

    • Pros: Full-frame 12MP, 4K 60fps, in-body stabilization, S-Log3, compact, lots of lenses

    • Cons: One card slot, no full-size HDMI, no viewfinder, no mechanical shutter

Other options slightly above $2,000 include Sony A74, Nikon Z6 IV, Fujifilm XH2S, and Canon R6 Mark II.

My Current Pick

Right now, I’m still using the Sony A74, and it’s been fantastic for three years. It has a few minor issues like crop at 4K 60 and rolling shutter, but overall, it’s reliable and versatile. If a new model comes out this year, like the rumored Sony A75, that might trigger an upgrade, but otherwise, I’m happy sticking with it.

Gear Mentioned:

  • Canon R50: https://geni.us/xKfAT

  • Nikon Z30: https://geni.us/69n4W

  • Fujifilm X-M5: https://geni.us/6aK2ja2

  • Canon R10: https://geni.us/3EWIV

  • Sony ZV E-10 II: https://geni.us/6hmZLK

  • Fujifilm X-S20: https://geni.us/WYc1CFK

  • Sony a6700: https://geni.us/GFTpj

  • Canon R8: https://geni.us/0aWVWeN

  • Fujifilm X-T5: https://geni.us/5OqWg

  • Fujifilm X-H2: https://geni.us/oTBDGw

  • Lumix S5II: https://geni.us/BLam

  • Lumix S5II X: https://geni.us/mHAE

  • Sony a7c II: https://geni.us/3dDWt

  • Sony ZV-E1: https://geni.us/ulGZ98

  • Sony a7iv: https://geni.us/sLkT

  • Nikon Z6III: https://geni.us/ElTU25

  • Fujifilm X-H2S: https://geni.us/vDPg1F

  • Canon R6II: https://geni.us/i29l4X

Mario So
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