If you are planning to buy a camera under ₹1 lakh, you have several excellent options to choose from. Whether you are a beginner, a content creator, or a photography enthusiast looking to upgrade, this budget range offers some of the best mirrorless and DSLR cameras with advanced features.
In this guide, we will help you understand what to look for in a camera and give you the best recommendations based on your needs.
How to Choose the Right Camera Under ₹1 Lakh
Before you decide which camera to buy, it is important to understand a few basic things. These points will help you choose the right camera based on what you need. Cameras today are not just for taking photos — many people also use them for videos, content creation, and vlogging. So, it is better to know what matters before spending your money.
1. Mirrorless vs DSLR
Mirrorless cameras are smaller and lighter. They come with better video features and faster autofocus. That is why they are perfect for travel, vlogging, and everyday use. These cameras also have flip screens and real-time tracking, which help a lot if you shoot videos or record yourself.
DSLRs are bigger and stronger. They have better battery life and a solid grip. Many photographers still prefer them because of the optical viewfinder, which shows exactly what the lens sees. DSLRs also support a wide range of lenses, especially older, high-quality ones, which can be found at lower prices in the market.
2. Lens Compatibility
Different camera brands use different lens mounts. So, before you buy a camera, always check what lenses are available and how much they cost.
Sony uses the E-mount, which has plenty of options from Sony and other brands like Sigma and Tamron. Canon uses RF-S and RF mounts in their mirrorless cameras. These mounts are new, but Canon is adding more lenses regularly. Nikon’s mirrorless cameras use the Z-mount. It is also new, but lens support is growing.
If you go for a DSLR, Canon uses EF and EF-S lenses and Nikon uses the F-mount. These lens systems have been around for years and have a huge collection of affordable lenses, both new and used.
3. Video or Photography?
Think about how you will use the camera. If you shoot more videos, you should look for features like 4K video recording, a flip screen, good autofocus, and a mic input. These features make it easier to record high-quality videos and vlogs. Cameras like the Sony ZV-E10 II and Canon EOS R50 are built for content creators.
If photography is your main focus, go for a camera that has good image quality, fast burst shooting, and strong low-light performance. A camera with a larger sensor, like APS-C or full-fram,e will give you sharper photos with better detail and background blur.
4. Upgradability
A camera is not just a one-time purchase, it is part of a bigger system. So, it is smart to choose a camera that gives you room to grow. Mirrorless systems are better in this case. If you start with an APS-C mirrorless camera, you can upgrade to a full-frame body later and still use your existing lenses.
Brands like Sony, Canon, and Nikon are focusing more on mirrorless cameras now. These cameras get regular software updates and new lenses, which makes them more future-ready. DSLRs are still reliable, but they may not get new features or lenses as quickly.
So before you choose a specific model, keep these things in mind. Knowing the basics will help you pick a camera that fits your needs, whether it is for photography, video, or both, and also supports you as your skills grow.
Top 5 Cameras Under ₹1 Lakh in India
Here are our top picks, based on performance, versatility, and value for money.
1. Sony Alpha ILCE-6400 (with 16-50mm lens)
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C
The Sony Alpha ILCE-6400 is a powerful mirrorless camera packed in a compact body. It has a 24.2MP APS-C sensor that delivers sharp and vibrant photos. Its biggest strength is autofocus. It has one of the fastest autofocus systems in the world, with 425 points and Real-time Eye AF. This means it can track eyes, faces, and fast-moving subjects with great accuracy.
The camera also shoots high-quality 4K videos with good detail and color. The screen flips 180 degrees, which is great for selfies and vlogs. You can also shoot fast action with up to 11 frames per second.
It is a reliable camera that performs well for almost all types of photography — portraits, travel, street, and even casual video shooting.
Why it’s great:
The Sony A6400 is one of the most reliable cameras in this range. It features the world’s fastest autofocus (0.02 seconds), real-time eye tracking, and excellent 4K video quality. The screen flips 180 degrees, making it ideal for vlogging.
Best for:
Portraits
Fast action shots
Vlogging and YouTube videos
Price: ₹74,490
Buy Here: Amazon
2. Canon EOS R50 (with 18-45mm kit lens)
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C
The Canon EOS R50 is a beginner-friendly mirrorless camera that is perfect for both photos and videos. It features a 24.2MP sensor and Canon’s latest Dual Pixel AF II system, which makes focusing fast and accurate. It can detect people, animals, and vehicles automatically.
You can record 4K videos in sharp detail, and it also supports slow motion with Full HD 120fps. The vari-angle screen makes it easy to shoot from different angles or take videos of yourself. It is lightweight and has a clean, modern design.
This camera is ideal for YouTubers, Instagram creators, and anyone who wants a simple, high-quality camera for everyday use.
Why it’s great:
The Canon R50 is a compact and powerful camera, especially for content creators. It offers sharp 4K video, 10-bit HDR recording, and superb subject detection using AI.
Best for:
Travel and daily photography
Reels and YouTube content
Beginner-friendly shooting
Price: ₹66,990
Buy Here: Flipkart
3. Nikon Z5 (with 24-50mm lens)Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: 24MP Full Frame
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: 24MP Full Frame
The Nikon Z5 is a great entry into the world of full-frame cameras. It has a 24MP full-frame sensor that delivers rich colors, better low-light performance, and beautiful background blur. If image quality is your top priority, this camera is worth considering.
It comes with in-body image stabilization (IBIS), which helps reduce blur when shooting handheld. It also has a solid autofocus system with Eye-Detection AF, which makes it easier to capture sharp portraits.
The build quality is solid, and it is weather-sealed for outdoor use. You can shoot 4K videos too, though with a slight crop. It is an excellent option for serious photography like portraits, landscapes, and travel.
Why it’s great: The Nikon Z5 brings full-frame performance at an affordable price. It has excellent image quality, a weather-sealed body, and built-in 5-axis stabilization.
Best for:
Landscape and portrait photography
Low-light shooting
Serious hobbyists stepping into full-frame
Price: ₹98,990
Buy Here: Amazon
4. Sony ZV-E10 II (with 16-50mm lens)
Type: Mirrorless | Sensor: 26MP APS-C
The Sony ZV-E10 II is designed mainly for video content creators. It comes with a 26MP sensor and advanced video features like 4K 60fps, 10-bit color, and profiles like S-Log3 and S-Cinetone for professional-looking results.
Its autofocus system is quick and reliable, with real-time tracking and Eye AF. It also has a special mode called “Product Showcase” that quickly shifts focus between your face and objects you hold up to the camera.
The built-in directional microphone captures clear sound, and the compact design makes it easy to carry and shoot on the go. The fully articulating screen is perfect for recording yourself.
Why it’s great:
This is Sony’s latest camera designed especially for vloggers. It shoots 4K at 60 fps, offers excellent built-in audio, and has features like Product Showcase Mode for creators.
Best for:
Vlogging
YouTube and short video creation
Talking-head content
Price: ₹58,489
Buy Here: Amazon
5. Nikon D7500 (with 18-140mm lens)
Type: DSLR | Sensor: 20.9MP APS-C
The Nikon D7500 is a strong DSLR choice for those who prefer the feel and performance of traditional cameras. It has a 20.9MP APS-C sensor that produces excellent image quality, even in low light. It uses the same sensor as Nikon’s higher-end D500.
With a 51-point autofocus system and fast 8 fps shooting, it is suitable for sports, wildlife, and action photography. The body is tough and weather-sealed, making it reliable in outdoor conditions.
It also shoots 4K videos and has a tilting touchscreen. While it may not match mirrorless cameras for video features, it is a dependable and solid performer for photography.
Why it’s great:
If you still love DSLRs, the D7500 is one of the best in this range. It uses the same sensor as Nikon’s higher-end D500 and is great for fast action, wildlife, and sports.
Best for:
Wildlife and sports photography
General photography with DSLR handling
Optical viewfinder lovers
Price: ₹74,999
Buy Here: Flipkart
Our Top Recommendations
Best All-Rounder: Sony Alpha A6400
Best for Vloggers: Sony ZV-E10 II or Canon EOS R50
Best Full-Frame Experience: Nikon Z5
Best DSLR Experience: Nikon D7500
Conclusion
The ₹1 lakh price segment is packed with feature-rich cameras that offer excellent value. Whether you want a mirrorless camera for video content or a DSLR for traditional photography, there is something for everyone.
Choose a camera based on your needs – photo or video, mirrorless or DSLR, lightweight or rugged – and you will not go wrong with any of the models listed above.
Let your creativity shine through the lens you pick!
