Cheap digital cameras
Whether you're looking to snap photos of family, capture some moments while you travel or use a camera professionally, there are plenty of great digital cameras on the market that are budget-friendly while still providing great quality and features.
Digital cameras can range in size, storage capacity and battery life. While new models are released constantly, many cameras made throughout the 2010s still hold their ground in terms of quality and user-friendly features. Similarly, many newer models are priced at relatively low prices, so there's plenty to choose from.
What to consider before buying a cheap digital camera
Before you start window-shopping you should first get a sense of what type of camera you’re looking for and what you’re hoping to get out of it.
Size and use
Knowing how you’ll use the camera will determine what size you should opt for. For example, if you’re looking for a cheap digital camera to take on your next vacation you might look for something on the smaller side so it’s easier to carry around on your adventures. However, if you’re looking to capture insects or nature then you probably want something a bit bigger with more technical settings so you can easily capture close-up details as well as far-away shots.
Understanding how you’ll use the camera and how often will help you decide on size, style and features.
Quality
Cheap digital cameras are not necessarily lower-quality. You can find a high-quality digital camera for an affordable price that’s either an older model or a newer version with fewer features. However, you want to be sure you aren’t sacrificing photo quality by spending less money. Always look at the megapixels when reviewing cameras. 12 megapixels is ideal for basic, high-resolution photos. However, look at cameras with more than 20 megapixels if you’re searching for exceptional quality. Keep in mind that the higher the megapixel, the higher the price tag.
Battery life
Most digital cameras include a rechargeable battery that you will need to charge between uses. How long the battery lasts depends on the camera. Typically, cameras should last a few hours with a full charge.
Cheap digital camera bonus features
Zoom
If you don’t choose a camera with interchangeable lenses then make sure you get a camera that can zoom in and out. Anything with 15X zoom or above is best.
Shockproof
Cameras that are drop-resistant may be useful for those using the camera outdoors or in other precarious settings.
Waterproof
Whether you want to take pictures while in the water or feel you may accidentally drop your camera off of a boat or paddleboard, this is a feature that could be quite handy.
Wi-Fi
Newer models are sometimes able to connect to Wi-Fi, which can help with online photo storage and connecting to other nearby devices. Having this feature will make sharing and receiving photos a whole lot easier.
Settings
Cameras with various settings, shutter speeds, timers and video options are great for those hoping to enjoy taking photos in different environments, such as indoor, outdoor, landscape, portrait-style, family photos or nighttime shots. Having various settings is also fun if you’re looking to expand your photography skills and learn a bit more.
SD card
Some cameras may include an SD card. If not, you’ll need to purchase one. SD cards come in a range of storage capacities, with 8 gigabytes being fairly small (but can still store a few hundred photos) and 64GB being quite large, allowing for thousands of photos and videos to be stored.
Best cheap digital cameras
Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS Digital Camera with 32GB SD Card: available at Amazon
Canon is a well-known brand in the camera world and for good reason; this camera is small and compact while offering 720p HD video, 10x zoom and 20-megapixel photo quality. It includes a 32GB SD card, meaning you can store thousands of photos and videos.
Waterproof Digital Camera Underwater Camera: available at Amazon
This camera is great for on-land and water photos; it can be submerged up to 10 feet, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. It also includes 16x zoom capabilities, 48-megapixel quality, dual screens and a flashlight. It does not include an SD card but is priced very reasonably.
Canon PowerShot SX540 Digital Camera: available at Amazon
Another great option from Canon, this camera is fairly advanced for the price. It offers several shoot modes and settings as well as excellent video quality, 50x zoom, impressive sound quality and 20 megapixels. It also has great features such as automatic story highlight reels and WiFi connectivity. While still compact, this is a larger camera which requires more space for carrying.
IEBRT Digital Camera, 1080P: available at Amazon
While this camera is recommended for children and teens, it is priced very reasonably and would be ideal for adults as a starter camera. Despite its low price, its photo quality is great at 36 megapixels. It has very basic, easy-to-use settings and can be plugged into a computer to double as a webcam.
Fujifilm FinePix XP130 Waterproof Digital Camera: available at Amazon
This camera is a bit pricier than other water-friendly options but offers great features in one compact device. It has 16 megapixels, is freeze-proof, waterproof and shockproof, includes 16GB of memory card storage and is Wi-Fi and Bluetooth compatible.
Courtney Love is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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