Best value brand-new cameras

If you're looking into buying a new camera, it's easy to get caught up with reading about all the latest high-tech kit, and become convinced that this is what you need to take decent photos. But while features such as cutting-edge image sensor technology, advanced eye-detection AF, and large high-resolution electronic viewfinders are all very desirable, they inevitably come at a significant premium. Realistically, most potential buyers are likely working to a restricted budget that precludes splashing out four-figure sums on a camera body alone.

Don't be discouraged, though, because it's still possible to get a new camera at an attractive price. The key is to buy an older model that's been on the market a few years, and whose price has dropped accordingly. There are plenty of fine cameras that were released five or six years ago, but are still perfectly capable of delivering fine images. They may not have all the latest and greatest features, but you'll be paying a fraction of the price compared to their latest equivalents. Naturally you'll get an even better deal if you're prepared to buy second-hand.

It’s not just about price

Given the wealth of resources available online, it's easy to find the cheapest models currently on sale. For example, the Camera Price Buster website (www.camerapricebuster.com) maintains a comprehensive list of products and prices from reputable retailers, updated daily. However simply finding the very cheapest option doesn't necessarily mean it'll be the best buy, as such models are often overly basic, under-spec'd or awkward to use. So our recommendations aren't based purely on price: instead we've chosen cameras that we think keen photographers should genuinely enjoy using as creative tools, and which will deliver high-quality pictures.

We've looked at three different kinds of camera: compacts with built-in lenses, entry-level DSLR and mirrorless models that offer the creativity of interchangeable lenses at a low price, and more-advanced options for enthusiasts who may have outgrown an old or basic camera. Along with a main recommendation in each class, we've also picked out some alternatives with different strengths and weaknesses for various types of photography.

Pocket zoom compacts

Also consider

Sony Cyber-shot RX100

● £349

If you're looking for a relatively inexpensive pocket compact that includes a 1in sensor for decent image quality, then Sony's original RX100 fits the bill. Launched way back in 2012, it's a