Best Camera Under Rs.30,000 (April 2019)
For a budget around Rs.30,000, you can expect to get an entry-level DSLR camera with interchangeable lens or a high-end point and shoot camera with top specifications.
In this short blog post, we bring you the best five cameras that you can buy in India, priced under Rs.30,000.
Best Camera Under Rs.30,000
| 1. Nikon D3500 | Overall Best Pick |
| 2. Canon EOS 1300D | Runner-Up Pick |
| 3. Sony Cybershot DSC-HX400V | Best Bridge Camera |
| 4. Nikon Coolpix P900 | Best for Long-Distance Photography |
| 5. Canon EOS 3000D | Best Budget Camera |
1. Nikon D3500
Overall Best Pick
- Suitable for beginners in photography
- Built-in vibration reduction kit lens
- PictBridge with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
Nikon D3500 is undoubtedly the best DSLR that you can purchase for a budget around Rs.30,000.
As this model sees frequent demand surges, the price fluctuates a lot and when writing this article, the asking price of this camera is about Rs.27,990.
Design and Build Quality
The body of this budget DSLR camera is built using a mix of high-quality fibre and ABS plastic. The construction screams quality and when taken in hand, this camera feels durable and solid.
The control buttons are strategically placed to ensure you a smooth workflow without having to take your eyes off the viewfinder.
The textures dials are smooth and easy to operate with a single finger. The satisfying click sound makes sure that you have indeed nailed the click.
The faux leather grip makes it easy to hold this camera even with sweaty palms. However, we recommend you to use a wrist strap to ensure the safety of the device.
The 3-inch TFT LCD display at the back is of good quality but unfortunately, it is not tiltable.
If you wish to do some serious low light photography, there is a dedicated external flash holder integrated with the chassis.
Sensor Features
The 24.2MP CMOS sensor in this DSLR camera has a size of 23.5 x 15.6mm, the best you can get in its price segment.
A larger sensor is always preferable than a higher megapixel count. The bigger the sensor, more the light it can capture and better will be the image quality.
This camera comes with an 18-55mm VR Nikkor lens which brings you the latest vibration reduction technology to the table for blur-free zoomed in shots.
VR lens negates the movement of your hands while capturing shots and delivers a crisp and clear shot, no matter how zoomed in you’re.
This lens features manual focus that lets you zero in on the desired subject in case the autofocus fails to do so.
With 11 focus points, this camera is undoubtedly the best DSLR camera that you can buy under Rs.30,000 for macro photography.
Image and Video Quality
The 24.2MP CMOS sensor can capture still images with a maximum resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels. There is RAW support built-in which will make professional photographers happy.
RAW format helps you to edit the captured images in an editing software without any colour degradation or loss in detail.
The images come out very good with an excellent level of detail and colour accuracy.
When it comes to videos, the Nikon D3500 can capture full HD videos with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels at 60fps.
Miscellaneous
This budget DSLR camera has a maximum ISO range of 26000 which makes low light and night photography a breeze.
However, invest in a good tripod if you plan to take some professional quality photos in these conditions.
Nikon’s standard PictBridge feature is present on this camera that lets you hook the device with other gadgets such as printer wirelessly.
The Nikon D3500 also has Bluetooth v4.1 low energy mode for energy efficient wireless connection.
Battery Life
The Nikon D3500 delivers about 150 minutes of continuous usage and will take an average of 900 photos on a single charge.
Verdict
If you are looking for a full-fledged DSLR camera at an affordable price, the Nikon D3500 checks all the right boxes.
This camera is best suited for serious content creators who want a budget camera that captures high-quality detailed images and cinematic videos.
Latest VR Nikkor lens
Specifications
| Sensor Size | 23.5 x 15.6mm |
| Lens | NIKKOR 18-55 VR lens |
| Megapixel Count | 24.2MP |
| Optical Zoom | – |
| Display Screen | 3-inch TFT LCD |
| Warranty | 2 years |
2. Canon EOS 1300D
Runner-Up Pick
- Dual lens kit
- Built-in speaker
- Excellent noise reduction capability
Canon EOS series has been a photographer’s holy grail since its inception. The EOS 1300D from Canon is a much more affordable successor to its expensive, high-priced siblings with a decent set of features agreeable for its price tag.
Design and Build Quality
The design and form factor of most EOS devices from Canon looks similar but differs only in functionality. Even though made from tough ABS plastic material, the camera is lightweight. The cleverly designed contours of this camera make it easy to hold in hand without slipping down.
Along with the built-in flash, there is an external flash holder to integrate third-party lighting solutions to make your photos look more professional and stylish.
The 3-inch LCD display at the back is reasonably bright and displays the images and videos with decent details.
Sensor Details
The 18MP CMOS sensor in this DSLR camera has a size of 22.3 x 14.9mm which makes it suitable for doing some serious professional photography.
This APS – C sensor is very lightweight and has a narrow field of view which aids in better zooming capabilities.
The lens kit that comes with this camera is the popular 18-55mm Canon zoom lens which delivers excellent daylight landscape photography experience.
Along with this lens, a TAMRON 70-300mm lens is bundled with the package for professional grade macro photos and portrait shots.
This camera comes with a Digic 4+ sensor with 9 focus points and a single cross point focus, altogether 10 in total.
With the maximum ISO range of 12800, this camera works decently in low light conditions as well.
Image Quality
The Canon EOS 1300D can capture still photos with a maximum resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels both in .jpg and RAW formats.
The photos that come out of the sensor looks true to the actual subject with well-detailed curves and contrast levels.
The ‘lens shift-type image stabilizer’ works well to reduce the blur in the picture while capturing zoomed in shots with hand.
This camera is capable of recording full HD videos with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels in .mov format. The video seems a bit jittery and washed out compared to the Nikon cameras but OK for the asking price.
Miscellaneous
The Canon EOS 1300D has a whole suite of connectivity options to share and sync with other devices either by wired or wireless means.
This device has Wi-Fi connectivity on board and will let you pair the camera with compatible devices such as laptops and smartphones just with a tap to sync the content.
With the HDMI port on this camera, it can be hooked up to a large monitor to preview the photos and videos directly.
Battery Life
The Canon EOS 1300D uses the same LP-E10 battery pack that powers most of the budget EOS lineup.
This battery is rated for an average of 600 clicks per charge. However, using features like Wi-Fi may significantly affect battery life.
Verdict
The Canon EOS 1300D is one of the best entry-level DSLR cameras that lets you master the art of professional photography in the best possible way.
High-quality dual lens kit and sensor coupled with the powerful Digic 4+ image processor make this camera, one of the best in the business under Rs.30,000.
Type C port
Average video quality
Specifications
| Sensor Size | 23.2 x 15.4mm |
| Lens | 18-55 kit lens +Tamron AF 70-300 mm |
| Megapixel Count | 18MP |
| Optical Zoom | – |
| Display Screen | 3-inch LCD |
| Warranty | 2 year |
Also read:
3. Sony CyberShot DSC-HX400V
Best Bridge Camera
- Best for long distance photography
- Decent battery battery
- Optical steady shot
The Cyber-Shot DSC HX400V is an affordable and feature-rich bridge camera from Sony that packs in some impressive specs under the hood.
This point and shoot camera will help you elevate your photography skills into a whole new level and helps you capture beautiful subjects such as landscapes, people and everything else that might pique an interest in you.
Design and build quality
This point and shoot camera have a graceful design which resembles a full-fledged DSLR from a distance.
The build quality as expected from Sony is top notch and the fit and finish of this camera for its price is exemplary.
The dials and buttons are of high quality and offer great tactile feedback and assurance which is important to have when you are indulged in immersive photography sessions.
This camera has a clip at the side in which you can tag a wrist strap to improve safety while shooting.
The display at the back is a 3-inch Xtrafine TFT LCD which is a welcome addition to the H series cameras, which earlier had average quality pixelated displays.
Sensor features
This budget digital camera from Sony features a 20.4MP Exmor R CMOS sensor with a size of 7.76 x 5.7mm for better low light and detailed image capture.
Having a maximum ISO value of 3200 as opposed to 1600 of many other cameras in its segment, this camera can perform better at low light and night conditions, allowing more light to strike the sensor.
This camera comes with a Sony lens with pre-applied ND filter that reduced the chance of clicking an overexposed image accidentally.
The Sony DSC HX400V features an astounding 50x optical zoom that works well in conjunction with the optical steady shot feature that stabilizes the camera and reduces blur and shakes.
Image and Video Quality
The 20.4MP still photos from this digital camera has 5184 x 2920 pixels and looks vivid and vibrant. The details in the photos are distinct when taken in well-lit environments.
Low light photography is significantly better with this camera than many other competitor bridge cameras, largely due to the larger sensor and a higher ISO range.
This camera can shoot full HD videos with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels at 50fps which is quite good for youtube and other social media uploads.
Battery Life
This camera is powered by AA sized rechargeable batteries that offer excellent battery life. The battery on this device lasts around 3 hours of usage and in terms of photos, it can capture 300 photos per full charge.
Verdict
The Sony DSC HX400V is a very capable bridge camera that features an excellent sensor from Sony. Coupled with the 50x optical zoom feature, this camera is meant to be a serious long-distance photography enthusiasts dream come true.
The brand value and reliability of Sony product are well known and with this device, you get a solid point and shoot camera that is right on target worth every buck you spend.
Specifications
| Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch |
| Lens | Vario Sonnar 15 element lens |
| Megapixel Count | 20.4MP |
| Optical Zoom | 50x |
| Display Screen | 3-inch Xtra Fine TFT LCD |
| Warranty | 2 Years |
4. Nikon Coolpix P900
Best for Long-Distance Photography
- Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
- Strong chassis with rubber inserts
- Rotating LCD display
If you’re not living under a rock, you must have heard at least once about the Nikon Coolpix P900 and its staggering 83x zoom.
This point and shoot camera come with almost all the features that are exclusively found on higher-end DSLR cameras with an attractive price tag.
Design and build quality
Made of polycarbonate and aluminium, this camera definitely resembles a DSLR with interchangeable lens, except the fact that it isn’t one nor it has an interchangeable lens.
The build quality as expected from an established player in the market like Nikon is outstanding and the overall fit and finish of the camera feels very solid and durable.
The buttons and dials on this camera are of high quality and offer excellent feedback for keypresses.
This camera also features a rotating display which is a very convenient feature for shooting photos at weird angles.
Sensor features
The 16MP CMOS sensor inside this digital camera has a size of 6.17 x 4.55mm. This sensor has a maximum ISO range of 6400 which is quite appreciable for its price.
The focus system of this camera is excellent and works well to switch focus instantly when you change the position of the camera.
The 16-element Nikkor lens is touted as one of the best in the business and provides a focal length equivalent to 357 mm which is very suitable for long distance photography.
The lens shift vibration reduction works reasonably well to eliminate shakes during capture but is not up to the mark of Sony’s Optical SteadyShot.
Image and video quality
The 16MP sensor on this camera can shoot still images with a maximum resolution of 4608 x 3456 pixels.
The pictures come out very detailed and colour accurate.
The 83x optical zoom works as advertised and is probably the best in terms of clarity of distant shots in all of the cameras available in the country.
You can zoom in on high flying planes and even moon and other distant planets and click pictures like that from a telescope.
But beware that the hand movements will get amplified with the level of zoom and it is definitely advised to have a tripod for steady and blue free images.
The Nikon Coolpix P900 can shoot full HD videos at 60 fps and doubles up as a budget vlogging camera.
Miscellaneous
The Nikon Coolpix P900 features PictBridge technology that allows this camera to be connected with devices such as printers to take printouts.
Also, with the HDMI port on the camera, the images and videos can be viewed on large monitors with a supported HDMI cable.
This camera comes with Wi-Fi an NFC connectivity and can communicate with other compatible devices such as your smartphone or laptop wirelessly.
Battery life
The Nikon Coolpix P900 is powered by a Lithium-ion battery pack that will last for about 360 clicks or about 1.20 hours of video recording.
This battery takes about 4 hours to charge completely from an empty state.
Verdict
Nikon Coolpix P900 is a very capable point and shoot camera with the USP being its 83x optical zoom.
If you’re into astrophotography, this camera will prove to be a delight for watching distant planets and the night sky.
Attractive colour options
83x optical zoom
PictBridge feature
Narrow dynamic range
Specifications
| Sensor Size | 1/2.3-inch |
| Lens | NIKKOR EDlass Lens |
| Megapixel Count | 16 MP |
| Optical Zoom | 83x |
| Display Screen | 3-inch TFT LCD |
| Warranty | 2 years |
Also read:
5. Canon EOS 3000D
Best Budget Camera
- RAW image support
- Wi-Fi connectivity
- Superior build quality
The EOS 3000D from Canon is a much more affordable, trimmed down version of the popular EOS 1500D model we mentioned above in this article.
The only difference between the two models apart from the price is a slightly lower 18.1MP megapixel count and a smaller 2.7-inch LCD screen on this camera.
Design and Build Quality
The design and form factor of most EOS devices from Canon looks similar but differs only in functionality.
Made from tough ABS plastic material that gives strength to the chassis at the same time makes the camera lightweight. The cleverly designed contours of this camera make it easy to hold in hand without slipping down.
Along with the built-in flash, there is an external flash holder to integrate third-party lighting solutions to make your photos look more professional and stylish.
The 2.7-inch LCD display at the back is reasonably bright and displays the images and videos with decent details.
Sensor Details
The 18.1MP CMOS sensor in this DSLR camera has a size of 22.3 x 14.9mm which makes it suitable for doing some serious professional photography.
This APS – C sensor is very lightweight and has a narrow field of view which aids in better zooming capabilities.
The lens kit that comes with this camera is the popular 18-55mm Canon zoom lens which deliver excellent daylight landscape photography experience.
Built-in with 3x optical zoom, this lens can be used to capture occasional close-up shots as well.
This camera comes with a Digic 4+ sensor with 9 focus points and a single cross point focus, altogether 10 in total. With the maximum ISO range of 12800, this camera works decently in low light conditions as well.
Image and Picture Quality
The Canon EOS 3000D can capture still photos with a maximum resolution of 6000 x 4000 pixels both in .jpg and RAW formats.
The photos that come out of the sensor looks true to the actual subject with well-detailed curves and contrast levels.
The lens shift-type image stabilizer works well to reduce the blur in the picture while capturing zoomed in shots with hand.
This camera is capable of recording full HD videos with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels in .mov format.
The video seems a bit jittery and washed out compared to the Nikon cameras but OK for the asking price.
Miscellaneous
The Canon EOS 3000D has a whole suite of connectivity options to share and sync with other devices either by wired or wireless means.
This device has Wi-Fi that will let you connect compatible devices such as laptops and smartphones over the air.
There is no NFC feature on this camera as opposed to the higher priced EOS 1500D model.
With the HDMI port on this camera, it can be hooked up to a large monitor to preview the photos and videos directly.
Battery Life
The Canon EOS 3000D uses the same LP-E10 battery pack that powers most of the budget EOS lineup.
This battery is rated for an average of 600 clicks per charge. However, using features like Wi-Fi may significantly affect battery life.
Verdict
The Canon EOS 3000D is a budget entry-level DSLR that will let you take exceptional quality photos without blowing a hole in your pocket.
High-quality lens and sensor coupled with the powerful Digic 4+ image processor make this camera, one of the best in the business under Rs.30,000.
Specifications
| Sensor Size | 6.17 x 4.55 mm |
| Lens | Canon Zoom lens |
| Megapixel Count | 20.2MP |
| Optical Zoom | 12x |
| Display screen | 3-inch lCD |
| Warranty | 2 years |
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