Recommendations for a budget mirrorless camera priced under $800?

Question

My sisters wedding is in two weeks and my old Nikon just crapped out. I need a mirrorless replacement under $800 ASAP.

I looked at the Sony a6100 and Canon R50 but some reviews say the Sony menus are a nightmare for beginners while the Canon has pricey lenses... which one actually works better for quick event shots?

qeindjtize · Accepted Answer

I've been using the Canon EOS R50 Mirrorless Camera with 18-45mm Lens for a while and I am honestly very satisfied with how it performs. It is a safe bet when you need something reliable that wont fail you during a big event like a wedding. The Sony menus really are a mess and you dont want to be fumbling with settings while your sister is walking down the aisle. A few reasons why this works well for your budget:

The autofocus is fast and very consistent.

Battery life is decent if you keep the screen brightness down.

Its way under your $800 cap, leaving money for extra batteries. I think you will be happy with the Canon. Stick with the Canon RF-S 18-45mm f4.5-6.3 IS STM lens for now to save cash. It gets the job done without any complaints.

Alaric Benjamin Parker · Answer

Just catching up on this thread. In my experience, switching systems two weeks before a wedding is a risky move if you dont have a reliable interface. Before I get into the weeds with specs, I have to ask: are you planning to adapt your old Nikon lenses, or are you looking for a completely new kit? That answer really dictates how far your $800 will go. Over the years, Ive found that reliability usually trumps raw specs for event work. The Fujifilm X-T30 II Mirrorless Camera with XC 15-45mm Lens is a very strong contender right at your $800 limit. It feels much more professional than the Canon R50 because of the dedicated physical dials. When the light changes during a ceremony, you can just twist a dial instead of hunting through a touch screen. Another sturdy option is the Panasonic LUMIX G95 Mirrorless Camera with 12-60mm Lens. It might be a slightly older sensor design, but the weather sealing and ergonomics are phenomenal for the price. I've used Lumix gear in some pretty rough conditions and it rarely fails. It is a conservative choice, but if you want a tool that feels like a tank and handles predictably, it is worth a look. Youll need that stability if you are shooting handheld during the reception.

Theodore Max Hall · Answer

Can vouch for this