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.
What Is the Best Cheap Digital Camera?
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.
The Best Cheap Digital Cameras
Starting with our top pick, let’s look at these cameras in a little detail.
1. Canon EOS R100
| 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.
It’s not the pick if you want a single camera you’ll never spend more on. As an interchangeable lens system, you’ll likely want to add lenses over time to get the most from it, so a fixed-lens compact may suit you better if you never plan to upgrade.
2. Kodak PIXPRO FZ53
| Brand |
Brand
Kodak
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Compact Camera
|
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
1/2.3-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 small 1/2.3-inch sensor, it produces images 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.
It’s not for you if you want video features or a longer zoom range. The 5x lens and basic movie mode are the trade-off for the low price.
3. Panasonic LUMIX FZ80D
| Brand |
Brand
Panasonic
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Bridge Camera
|
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
1/2.3-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.
It’s not the right pick if you want something pocketable. The bridge-camera body and long lens make it noticeably bulkier than the other compacts on this list.
4. Kodak Pixpro WPZ2
| Brand |
Brand
Kodak
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Compact Camera
|
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
1/2.3-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.
It’s not for you if image quality is the priority. The small sensor and modest zoom mean it trails the other picks on this list once you’re back on dry land.
5. AKASO EK7000
| Brand |
Brand
Akaso
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Action Camera
|
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
1/1.7-inch
|
| Image Resolution |
Image Resolution
20 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 20 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.
6. Panasonic LUMIX G100D
| 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
OLED electronic viewfinder, USB-C charging, 5-axis image stabilization
|
| Best For |
Best For
Vlogging, live streaming, and learning video basics
|
The Panasonic LUMIX G100D is Panasonic’s vlogging-focused Micro Four Thirds camera, and it’s the model Panasonic itself now points buyers to: the original G100’s listing on Panasonic’s own store says the camera “has been refreshed, please see LUMIX G100D.” It’s a fantastic little camera if you’re into vlogging, live streaming, or filmmaking, and it takes solid photos too, making it 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 20.3 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 at 30 fps, and you can switch to Full HD for a 120 fps frame rate for slow-motion footage. The G100D also has built-in 5-axis image stabilization, so you can shoot with slower shutter speeds with less blur in stills, and less camera shake in video without needing a gimbal. Over the original G100, Panasonic swapped in an OLED electronic viewfinder (up from a basic LCD one) and switched charging from Micro-USB to USB-C, so you can top it up from the same power bank as your phone.
The catch is that the upgrade over the original G100 is genuinely modest: reviewers have called it not worth buying if you already own a G100, since the sensor, video specs, and stabilization are all unchanged. It also sits close in price to larger-sensor beginner cameras, so it’s only the right pick here if video and vlogging features matter more to you than sensor size.
7. OM System Tough TG-7
| Brand |
Brand
Olympus
|
| Camera Type |
Camera Type
Compact Camera
|
| Sensor Size |
Sensor Size
1/2.3-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.
It’s not for you if you want the sharpest everyday photos. The 12 MP resolution is the lowest on this list, the trade-off for a body that can survive being dropped, frozen, or dunked.
Buyer’s Guide for the Best Cheap Digital Camera
Here’s some additional information on cheap digital camera to help you find exactly what you’re looking for.
Why Choose a Compact and Inexpensive Digital Camera?
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.
Things to Consider When Buying a Cheap Digital Camera
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 130ft.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best cheap digital camera overall?
The Canon EOS R100 is our top pick, because it’s an interchangeable lens camera at a beginner-friendly price. That means you get room to grow into better lenses later, rather than being stuck with a fixed lens like most of the other cameras on this list.
Are cheap digital cameras still worth buying now that smartphones have such good cameras?
Yes, for the things a phone can’t do. A dedicated cheap camera can offer a real optical zoom, proper waterproofing or ruggedness, or a bigger sensor and grip than a phone can pack in. If none of those matter to you, a smartphone alone may be enough.
What is the most affordable camera on this list?
The AKASO EK7000 action camera is the cheapest pick here. It won’t replace an everyday point-and-shoot, but if you mainly want cheap, rugged 4K video for sports or diving, it’s hard to beat for the price.
Is a waterproof cheap camera a good choice?
If you’re often near water, yes. The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 and the OM System Tough TG-7 are both built to survive a dunking, with the TG-7 also adding freeze-proofing and crush-proofing for general outdoor abuse, not just water.
Conclusion
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 G100D.
