There are many reasons to buy a cheap digital camera. Even in this age of smartphones with amazing cameras. There are times you can’t or don’t want to use your expensive camera. That’s where a cheap digital camera comes in.
It’s quite a narrow field, as smartphones take over this end of the market. But we’ve picked a few winners for you.
Our top pick is the Canon EOS R100, a budget version of their more advanced mirrorless cameras. It’s affordable and perfect for beginners. Our list also included compact, bridge, and action cameras, so there’s something for any budget-conscious photographer.
The best cheap digital camera allows you to take wonderful photos without having to spend a lot of money.
New cameras can be eye-wateringly expensive. But there are some excellent cameras with more reasonable price tags. That’s what we’re looking at in this article.
Before we look at our recommendations in detail, here is a summary of the best cheap digital cameras and why we like them.
Starting with our top pick, let’s look at these cameras in a little detail.
| Brand |
Brand
Canon
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Interchangeable Lens Camera
|
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
APS-C
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
24 MP
|
| Video |
Video
4K
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Eye-detection AF, 6.5 fps burst, creative filters
|
| Best For |
Best For
Anyone wanting to learn photography
|
The Canon EOS R100 is Canon’s best-value camera. The low cost and ease of use make it perfect for beginners. But as it’s an interchangeable lens camera, there’s plenty of scope for development.
The build quality is a step down from that of Canon’s higher-end cameras. But the ergonomic design is good, with the camera fitting well into hands of all ages.
A 24 MP APS-C sensor gives you excellent image quality. You’ll see a big step up in quality from smartphone cameras. The photos are bright, detailed, and accurate, giving the user plenty of encouragement to keep shooting.
It also has 4K video recording for aspiring filmmakers. The video is cropped, but it’s still clear and smooth with a 30 fps frame rate. You also have a 60 fps option when shooting in full HD.
Canon’s Dual Pixel CMOS autofocus is fantastic for a camera in this price bracket. Not only does it give you wide frame coverage, but it also has subject tracking for action and eye detection for portrait photography.
A 6.5 fps burst is modest but fast enough for capturing amateur sports.
One downside is that the rear LCD screen doesn’t tilt or rotate. You do have a bright and accurate electronic viewfinder. The R100 also has a built-in flash for low-light photography.
| Brand |
Brand
Kodak
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Compact Camera
|
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
1 inch
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
16 MP
|
| Video |
Video
HD
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
5x optical zoom, smile detection AF
|
| Best For |
Best For
Slipping in your pocket and taking with you
|
This is a very cheap but lovely camera from Kodak. The Kodak PIXPRO FZ53 has an outstandingly low price. Despite a rather questionable build quality, this camera produces bright and sharp images.
Despite only having a 1-inch sensor, it produces image with a 16 MP resolution. That’s better than most smartphones, and you can tell.
It is among the lightest on the market weighing only 3.75 oz (106 g). You don’t need a fancy camera backpack for this one. It’ll fit right in your pocket.
Smile detection helps you capture the perfect moments with people. The autofocus, generally, is pretty reliable.
The 28mm wide angle lens, and 5x zoom are what make this stand out from the smartphone crowd. It’s also an optical zoom, so you don’t lose quality as you zoom in.
If you want the best value for your money, this is the way to go. The Kodak PIXPRO FZ53 is the definition of a cheap digital camera.
| Brand |
Brand
Panasonic
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Bridge Camera
|
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
1-inch
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
18 MP
|
| Video |
Video
4K
|
| Special Features |
Special Features
60x zoom, image stabilization, post focus feature, stills from video footage
|
| Best For |
Best For
Photographers who want great, easy-to-use features at a low price
|
The Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D is a brilliant camera for beginners and more experienced casual photographers. It’s a bit pricier than the cheapest cameras on our list, but the features make it worth the cost.
It’s a bridge camera, meaning it’s a cross between a point-and-shoot and a DSLR camera. It’s easy to use, so beginner and tech-shy users can take fantastic photos with it. But it also has more advanced features to help you develop your skills.
Despite its DSLR appearance, the FZ80D has a fixed lens. This means you don’t have to spend more money buying additional lenses.
It’s quite the lens, too, giving you an incredible 60x optical zoom. That brings distant subjects into sharp focus.
Camera shake can be a problem with a zoom this big. But this camera has that covered with built-in optical image stabilization (O.I.S), which reduces camera shake to ensure you get consistently sharp shots.
It delivers vibrant images with an 18.1 MP resolution. This is a big jump in quality from most smartphones. Low-light performance isn’t great, especially if you’re zooming in.
A fast 10 fps burst mode is excellent for action or sports photography. You can also pull 8 MP stills from video footage. That is a big drop in resolution from standard stills, but you can capture really fast action.
The video footage has 4K resolution, so you can produce high-quality videos with this affordable camera.
| Brand |
Brand
Kodak
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Compact Camera
|
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
1-inch
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
16 MP
|
| Video |
Video
Full HD
|
| Special Features |
Special Features
Waterproof to 50 feet (15m)
|
| Best For |
Best For
Taking a compact camera absolutely anywhere
|
It will be difficult to lose the Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 in its bright yellow livery. And that’s good. Because you’ll want to take this camera everywhere. You can take it where you wouldn’t want to take your phone or expensive DSLR. On the beach, in the sea—anywhere you want.
The Kodak is bigger than a traditional GoPro-style action camera. It offers a bigger screen and is easier to hold. It also has a more traditional field of view. So you get a 27-108mm optical zoom lens. There’s a 16 MP sensor and Full HD video as well.
This camera answers one of the two main reasons for buying a cheap digital camera. It thrives where normal cameras and phones would fail or break. And that means you make memories anywhere you want.
| Brand |
Brand
Akaso
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Action Camera
|
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
1-inch
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
16 MP
|
| Video |
Video
4K
|
| Other Key Features |
Other Key Features
Waterproof, super-wide-angle lens
|
| Best For |
Best For
Action photography in harsh conditions
|
It’s not a point-and-shoot camera. But this inexpensive AKASO EK7000 action camera is more than up to the job. It’s small in size, but relatively heavy.
It features a fairly bright 2-inch IPS touchscreen for controls and playback. You can connect your smartphone via Wi-Fi to access the images and control the camera remotely.
It’s waterproof down to 130 feet (40 m), so you can go diving with it. But remember, it’s only waterproof when you use the protective case.
The EK7000 shoots fantastic 4K videos, allowing you to capture incredible action footage. It also shoots bright and clear 16 MP still images.
This camera is only meant for you if you often record videos or need excessive water resistance. But there are better choices for everyday photography.
This action camera won’t be for everyone. But it’s made our list due to its outstanding capabilities and surprisingly reasonable price. You don’t need to fork out 4x as much for the latest GoPro.
| Brand |
Brand
Panasonic
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Mirrorless Camera
|
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
Micro Four Thirds
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
20 MP
|
| Video |
Video
4K
|
| Special Features |
Special Features
Webcam functionality, microphone ports, image stabilization
|
| Best For |
Best For
Taking instant keepsakes at special occasions and having a digital record
|
The Panasonic LUMIX G100 is a fantastic little camera, especially if you’re into vlogging, live streaming, or filmmaking. It takes great photos, too, making in an all-in-one multimedia machine.
Its Micro Four Thirds sensor is smaller than APS-C or full frame sensors. But it still has a healthy 20 MP resolution, producing stunning still images.
However, most people choose this camera for its video features. It’s about the size of a compact camera, but it produces glorious 4K footage. It has a smooth 30 fps frame rate at full res, but you can also switch to Full HD for a 120 fps frame rate for slow-motion footage.
The G100 also has built-in 5-axis image stabilization. It allows you to shoot with slower shutter speeds with less blur when shooting stills. It also reduces camera shake when shooting video, allowing you to work without a camera gimbal.
As well as standard video recording, the G100 also doubles as a high-resolution webcam. You can use it for video calls or live streaming on YouTube or Twitch.
| Brand |
Brand
Olympus
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Compact Camera
|
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
1-inch
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
12 MP
|
| Video |
Video
4K
|
| Special Features |
Special Features
Waterproof to 50 feet (15m), underwater shooting modes, macro shooting modes
|
| Best For |
Best For
People looking for a rugged outdoor camera
|
The OM System Tough TG-7 is the ultimate outdoor camera. Tough isn’t just a clever name. This compact camera really is as tough as they come. It also produces brilliant video and photo media.
It’s completely waterproof down to 50 ft / 15 M. And not just waterproof. You can actually use the camera underwater at that depth. It has several special underwater modes, for capturing the action below the waves.
The camera is also dust-proof for dry conditions, as well as freeze-proof down to temperatures as low as -10ºC. It’s also shock-proof and crush-proof, so it can really take some damage.
A 12 MP resolution isn’t great compared to other compact cameras of today. But the images still beat most smartphone cameras. It also has a 4x optical zoom lens and specialist macro photography modes.
Bright and clear 4K video recording makes it a durable action camera. You can strap it to your helmet or handlebars to capture high-octane POV footage of mountain biking, kayaking, or skiing.
Here’s some additional information on cheap digital camera to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
These compact cameras are perfect for pointing and shooting. They all feature great automatic options. You only have to think about the scene.
If you are an aspiring beginner, you may not want to invest much in photography. Cheap cameras are an easy and safe option. They are light and inexpensive gear. This way you can learn the basics and find out if photography really is for you.
Even as a professional, you might want a lightweight option along with your main cameras. You can take a cheap digital camera everywhere with you. It fits in your back pocket and you don’t have to worry about it.
In this price range, no product does it all. You have to figure out what you need and what you can go without.
Many of these cheap cameras feature a 2.7″ LCD screen, which is standard. Their resolution is also mostly 16 to 20 megapixels. That is large enough to allow detailed, sharp images, or plenty of extra digital zoom. Sensor resolution in our experience is not as important, though.
Control surfaces are an important aspect to consider. If you want to practice manual or semi-manual settings on these, you won’t find it very easy. Still, there are differences. A touchscreen allows for more control than one with only the basic buttons.
If you want to use your camera in wet conditions, water resistance helps. It usually protects at shallow water depths only. But there is one cheap digital camera on the list that goes as deep as 100ft.
Shock protection also helps if you’re planning to use it in adventure or sports photography.
Once you’ve found what fits your needs, the best buying choices are quite amazing for the money. If you’re considering other types of cheap cameras, check out our review of the best budget cameras.
The competition faced by cheap digital cameras comes from smartphones. Many people leave their cameras behind. Usually because they have a very competent camera with them already.
Many of these cheap digital cameras survive by offering things that phones can’t. It might be proper waterproofing or instant printing. Perhaps it’s a proper optical zoom. Whatever it is, they all manage to remain relevant as standalone cameras.
Our favorite cheap digital camera is the Canon EOS R100 as it’s the perfect beginner camera. The Kodak PIXPRO FZ53 is a true budget camera that’s small, reliable, and affordable. We also have action cameras like the Akaso EK7000 or vlogging cameras like the Panasonic Lumix G100.
