Aside from some small sacrifices, the best digital camera on a budget still offers features that make them worth owning for specific uses. For instance, it can be a great option for kids or even those who want to start learning about photography. Unlike some DSLRs and mirrorless cameras that are harder to use, the best digital camera for cheap camera lovers is typically pretty easy to master. It doesn’t have too many controls or a steep learning curve. And despite not as fancy as other expensive models, this kind of camera can still produce some amazing photos and videos. Enough with the introduction, and let’s move on to the next section!
How To Choose The Best Digital Camera on a Budget
Wondering which best digital camera on a budget you should add to your shopping cart? The following criteria can help you pick the right one, so make sure to give it a read!
Size
It’s very important to check the dimensions of the digital camera you’re going to buy. If your priority is having the best compact camera on a budget, then look for one that can easily fit in your jeans pocket or small bag. But if it isn’t your priority, go for a larger model as it usually means better ergonomics and battery life.
Battery life
Again, this may or may not be important to you. If you travel a lot and won’t have access to a charger, or won’t be able to carry spares, look for a digital camera that has long-lasting battery life. For most people though, we charge our devices every day, so this might not be an issue.
Price
The definition of cheap is different for everyone. That said, we’re here to tell you that digital cameras that cost less than 150USD aren’t going to provide the same quality images as those that cost even 50USD or 100USD more. However, for kids and those who just want a cheap camera to knock around, it might not be a problem. So, depending on your needs, you should wisely choose how much you want to spend.
Display
Many cheap cameras have rear displays, and oftentimes they’re not touchscreens. If that’s the case, you’ll have to use the camera’s physical buttons. It’s a minor inconvenience for those used to large smartphone touchscreens, but you should definitely take this into consideration.
How much is a good quality camera?
You can easily find many simple digital cameras that cost under 100USD. Considering their prices, the quality of the images produced can be pretty good. There are also basic point and shoot cameras that are very easy to use. Normally, they can cost between 300USD and 900USD, and they can produce good-quality photos and videos. But for better quality, there are mid-range digital cameras that range from 900USD to 3,500USD. Meanwhile, professional cameras can climb many times higher.
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6
13
On the hunt for a nice camera that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg? Maybe you’d want to take a look at the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6. As the best digital camera for cheap camera enthusiasts, this instant camera boasts a stylish 2-tone design and lets you shoot beautiful square photos. The pictures are then printed on a special film paper, with each shot taking as little as 90 seconds to develop completely.
This impressive camera features a retractable lens on the front, in addition to a selfie mirror and a built-in LED flash. You’ll also get 3 colored filters that can be attached to the flash, giving your photos a unique tinted appearance. Plus, there’s a motor-driven mechanism that allows for easy switching between different focus ranges, as needed for the camera’s shooting modes. Similar to some cameras, it’s powered by 2 lithium batteries that are good for developing up to 300 photos.
What We Love
Packing colored flash filters to multiple exposure capabilities in a cool-looking body, this camera makes instant photography a joy.
Pros:
- Numerous creative shooting modes
- Colored flash filters
- Hip-looking design
- Easy to use
- Very lightweight
Cons:
- Non-rechargeable batteries
Canon IXUS 185 / ELPH 180 Digital Camera
12
Canon has been producing its stylish IXUS (called ELPH in North America) range of compact cameras for over 2 decades now. While each version has become a little bit slimmer and more defined, they’ve essentially remained stylish point-and-shoot cameras that’ll steadily slip into your pocket and won’t break the bank. What we have here is the Canon IXUS 185 / ELPH 180 Digital Camera, which is pretty much a beginner’s model.
The zoom offers a respectable 8x optical range, starting from a usefully wide setting equivalent to 24mm. You can find some creative digital filter options if you dig deeper into the menus. To help beginners, this camera can automatically select the proper camera settings based on recognized shooting situations. No wonder many people see it as the best digital camera for cheap camera enthusiasts.
What We Love
This is a beginner-friendly camera that bags more style than its price suggests.
Pros:
- Great for beginners
- Compact body
- Many creative digital filter options
- Can automatically select the proper camera settings
- Comes with a memory card
Cons:
- Small, low-resolution LCD screen
Kodak Smile Instant Print Digital Camera
11
The Kodak Smile Instant Print Digital Camera isn’t only considered the best digital camera for cheap stuff enthusiasts, but also one of the better instant print cameras too. Simple but effective, the Kodak Smile Instant Print Digital Camera will print out your images on Zink paper. Although the quality isn’t as good as other cameras, it’s still pretty good considering it costs you less than 80USD.
On top of that, we also like this camera’s slide-to-open mechanism. However, it does take a few seconds longer than most other instant cameras to ready itself for the first hot. But what we like about it is that it lets you store images on a microSD card, and unlike other instant cameras, it doesn’t force you to print out every photo you take.
What We Love
It’s a basic but effective instant digital camera that’s extremely cheap.
Pros:
- Costs you less than 80USD
- Very easy to use and effective
- Slide-to-open mechanism
- Doesn’t force you to print out every photo you take
- Very compact
Cons:
- Slow startup
Canon PowerShot SD780IS
10
While there are many cheap travel cameras on the market, the Canon PowerShot SD780IS offers so many values that it can’t be left out. If you look at its sensor, you might think it’s not worth purchasing. But for a digital camera that costs you less than 100USD, packing a 12.1MP sensor is actually not bad at all. In fact, it can grant outstanding clarity to your images no matter how mundane they are. Paired with Canon’s very own image stabilizer, your simple photos will turn into pized keepsakes.
That’s not all, as this best digital camera for cheap stuff lovers also comes with 3x optical zoom to help you capture distant subjects. 3x might not be a significant number when it comes to lens power, but again, let’s be real. It’s a budget camera under 100USD we’re talking about here! Also, thanks to the numerous modes that it offers, your photography experience will actually be fun! Of course, you can use this camera to record 720p videos as well.
What We Love
It’s an insanely cheap and compact camera with a big impact for new photographers looking for the best compact camera on a budget.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Impressive image stabilizer
- Decent 3x optical zoom
- Can record 720p video
- Offers various modes and filters
Cons:
- The Auto Mode isn’t reliable
Nikon COOLPIX A10
9
Believe it or not, you can get the best compact camera on a budget for just around 100USD. Just ask Nikon, and it’ll show you the Nikon COOLPIX A10! Despite being cheap and beginner-friendly, this camera still packs interesting features and benefits within. For example, it has a dedicated 5x optical zoom system that lets you capture nature and whatever you want in incredible detail.
Aside from that, it also provides a CCD image sensor that allows you to discern between various weather modes and surroundings for wonderful images. On top of that, this best digital camera on a budget is also capable of recording 720p videos. We also like the 2.7-inch screen that’s super bright, so you don’t have to squint your eyes anymore!
What We Love
It’s a basic camera that’s very easy to use and can do everything you need it to.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly
- Lightweight and compact
- Dedicated 5x optical zoom system
- Super bright LCD screen
- Decent image stabilization
Cons:
- Its performance is a bit slow
Sony DSCW800 Digital Camera
8
Want the best digital camera on a budget that will never disappoint you? Guess what, we have just the right camera for that! Let us show you the Sony DSCW800 Digital Camera! What impresses us the most about this compact device is the fact that it has a detailed menu system. The system lets beginners surf through the menu without any difficulties. Even though it’s cheap, it still packs several picture modes that can spice up your photos and videos once you put them into effect!
We also have to admit that the videos recorded with this camera are pretty good for the price. It delivers 720p videos and you can record up to 29 minutes. That’s not all, as this device also features 5x optical zoom and a 20.1MP sensor to work with. Combined, this best digital camera for cheap stuff lovers will produce detailed images.
What We Love
Though super cheap, it can still provide impressive quality images and videos.
Pros:
- Detailed menu system
- Easy to use
- Comes with many picture modes
- 5x optical zoom
- Can produce detailed photos and videos
Cons:
- Slow shutter speed
Anteam Vlogging Camera
7
Want to have the best digital camera on a budget that costs you less than 50USD? You’re in luck, as we have the Anteam Vlogging Camera! This little device is designed with vlogging in mind and as such it offers a very impressive video quality. With 2.7K video resolution, this camera enables you to record good quality video without ending up with the massive video files that 4L generates!
If you think it’s all about video, you’re wrong! Its performance for photography is equally interesting, with a great 44MP sensor and 16x digital zoom. Furthermore, it can also be used as a webcam. This camera can be recharged by USB on your computer and you can even live-stream on social media! As if that’s not enough, it also comes with useful functionality like image stabilization, continuous shooting, and a slow-motion mode!
What We Love
This camera is a winner when it comes to portability and video quality.
Pros:
- Impressive image sensor
- Good video quality
- Various modes and functions
- Built-in image stabilization
- Versatile
Cons:
- The ISO is very limited, only 400 at max
Fujifilm FinePix XP140 Waterproof Digital Camera
6
Want to record your fun swimming session with your family? Or are you going for a hike and want to capture the mesmerizing views from up there? Whatever it is, the Fujifilm FinePix XP140 Waterproof Digital Camera is a great option for fearless adventurers. Dunk it 25m underwater or drop it on the rocks from 1.8m in the air, this camera can handle practically anything you care to throw at it! Speaking of which, the best waterproof cameras under 200USD might impress you too!
Even without factoring in its tough build, this is a very capable camera in its own right. As the best digital camera on a budget, it delivers high-quality images in a range of lighting conditions. It also manages to shoot UHD 4K videos! With helpful scene recognition modes to make the most of different situations, we have to say, this camera is pretty easy to use.
What We Love
It’s an easy-to-use and eye-catching digital camera that’s super tough.
Pros:
- Waterproof and anti-shock
- Smile shutter
- Can shoot UHD 4K videos
- Scene recognition modes
- Eye-catching color
Cons:
- No manual or RAW shooting
Kodak PixPro FZ53-BL Point and Shoot Digital Camera
5
If you’re wondering, the FZ stands for Friendly Zoom, which is actually a good name for Kodak’s well-priced simple camera. The Kodak PixPro FZ53-BL Point and Shoot Digital Camera is a small device that has a great selection of features for the price, including a 5x zoom lens, 16MP sensor, and 720p video.
This best digital camera on a budget’s 2.7-inch LCD screen isn’t overly bright, but it’s still good enough to use at the beach with a shading hand. On top of that, this camera offers a good range of shooting modes, including several scene modes, a burst mode, and a time-lapse mode that automatically takes photos at 30-second or 10-minute intervals.
What We Love
It’s a solid shooter that takes good macro photos.
Pros:
- Wide range of shooting modes
- Good macro photos
- Manual mode
- Compact and lightweight
- Costs less than 100USD
Cons:
- Slow previews
Kodak PIXPRO FZ43
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Despite how simple it looks, the Kodak PIXPRO FZ43 actually packs a punch when it comes to quality, as expected from the best digital camera on a budget. For example, you’ll get to enjoy 4x optical zoom with this device. This means capturing subjects that are far away is a breeze. Besides that, there’s also a digital zoom as well. We also like the widescreen and 27mm lens that are particularly useful when you’re trying to photograph a group of people.
Unlike some cheap cameras that have very low sensors, this one has a decent 16MP sensor which is enough for some if they want to play around with their photos. Thanks to the depth in images, this camera lets colors shine brightly and vividly. Apart from that, we also appreciate that there’s no jamming whatsoever when you’re pushing the buttons to access the menus!
What We Love
A simple digital camera that packs a punch when it comes to quality and performance.
Pros:
- 4x optical zoom
- Decent 16MP sensor
- Produces images that are rich in color
- Easy-to-use
- Tons of photo modes
Cons:
- The image stabilization isn’t the best
Canon IVY CLIQ Instant Camera
3
Canon’s digital cameras are preferred by many professionals around the world, but the Canon IVY CLIQ Instant Camera is geared more towards budding young photographers. Available in 3 bright colors, it features a 5MP sensor along with a selfie mirror and an automatic LED flash. But among all of its features, the best thing about this camera is its built-in printer that prints out amazing photos in a matter of seconds!
Having a size of 2×3 inches, the pictures are printed using ZINK technology, on a special sticky-back paper that allows them to be stuck anywhere you want. You even get a dedicated reprint button for printing copies with zero effort. Thanks to the optical viewfinder that makes uncomplicated framing of shots, this best digital camera on a budget is ridiculously easy to use.
What We Love
This is arguably Canon’s best instant camera that’s very easy to use.
Pros:
- Available in 3 bright colors
- Automatic LED flash
- Selfie mirror
- ZINK technology
- Optical viewfinder
Cons:
- The 5MP sensor is nothing special
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W800 Digital Camera
2
Offering good image quality in a compact package, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W800 Digital Camera can be easily considered the best digital camera on a budget. When you turn this small beast on, the lens telescopes out of the front, offering a 5x zoom that’s good enough to capture photos of your friend from a distance. It shoots 20.1MP images that will later be saved to an SD card that fits alongside the slim battery.
As the best digital camera for cheap camera lovers, the images captured by this gadget have strong color and detail when you’re shooting in bright light. But unlike binoculars for night vision, it doesn’t perform that well in low-light conditions. Still, since it only costs you around 100USD, this shouldn’t be a problem.
What We Love
A very portable camera that can shoot attractive images with great details.
Pros:
- 20.1MP sensor
- Produces strong color and detail
- Perform really good in bright light
- 5x optical zoom
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- Doesn’t come with an SD card
Kodak PixPro Astro Zoom AZ421-BK Digital Camera
1
If you want to get really, really close to a subject for less, then the Kodak PixPro Astro Zoom AZ421-BK Digital Camera could be the best digital camera on a budget you’ve been looking for. Costing you just around 150USD, this cheap camera has an impressive 42x zoom lens, the equivalent of a 24-1008mm lens for a 35mm camera. That means you should be able to see the moon in all its glory!
Furthermore, this impressive camera has a 3.0-inch 460k-dot rear LCD display that’s crystal-clear. We also like the amazing optical image stabilization, which is a very handy feature when you don’t have your travel tripod. However, you should note that it can record video at a max of 720p. But with all of its other great features and tempting price tag, we really have nothing to complain about.
What We Love
It’s the best digital camera on a budget that has an impressive 42x zoom lens.
Pros:
- Very powerful zoom
- Crystal-clear LCD display
- Amazing optical image stabilization
- Face Beautifier mode
- Compact and lightweight
Cons:
- Can’t shoot 1080p nor 4K video
