Cheap cameras
When seeking a cheap camera for a child or a beginning photographer, you’re not going to receive the highest level of image quality or performance speeds. Still, these cameras have plenty of usefulness for fulfilling certain desired photographic results.
Some of the best inexpensive cameras are fun to use, offering instant prints or big telephoto lenses that give you the ability to do things that even some expensive cameras struggle to do.
What to know about cheap cameras
When preparing to purchase a cheap camera, it’s important to temper your expectations a bit. Cheap cameras struggle to produce high-quality images or to perform at fast speeds. If you’re hoping to make large prints or start a photography studio, these cameras will not work.
However, for those who want to share photos on social media or to make small instant prints, a cheap camera will do the job.
Some cheap cameras use traditional film or instant print technology, but the majority use digital technology to create photographs.
Camera terminology
Here are some terms to understand when shopping for a cheap camera.
Megapixels: Often shortened to MP, this is the graphic resolution, or the number of individual dots the camera stores in a photograph.
Optical zoom: The optical zoom measurement shows how much magnification the camera can create with its lens.
Fixed lens: The fixed lens design commonly appears on inexpensive cameras. These lenses are built into the camera body, and you cannot swap them out for different lenses.
DSLR: Short for digital single-lens reflex, DSLR cameras generate far greater image quality than the majority of cheap cameras. You can remove the lens from the DSLR and attach a new lens to get new features in your photos.
Best cheap cameras for under $75
Kodak FunSaver Single Use Film Camera: available at Amazon
With 27 film exposures per camera, the FunSaver is popular to use at a wedding, anniversary party or birthday party, so guests can shoot photos that give a unique perspective on the party. You will have to pay separately for film development, though.
Fujifilm QuickSnap Disposable Film Camera: available at Amazon
This easy-to-use single use film camera offers 27 exposures. After using it, take it to a film developer to have the prints made. You will have to pay extra for the film development.
Linnse 1080P Pocket Digital Camera: available at Amazon
Even though this camera doesn’t come from a well-known camera brand, it does fit a segment of the camera market that well-known camera makers primarily ignore — this is a thin, point-and-shoot camera that’s easy to carry anywhere.
Kodak Digital Instant Print Camera: available at Amazon
For those who want instant print capabilities from a digital camera, this model is the right choice. It makes tiny 2×3 inch prints that eject from the camera after the print is developed inside the camera. However, its image quality is not very good.
Magicfun Instant Print Camera: available at Amazon
This instant print camera’s bright colors make it fun for children, and it has a display screen on the back to let kids see the photos before they shoot them. You can save the photos as digital images or print them instantly.
Best cheap cameras for under $200
Kodak FZ53 Point and Shoot Digital Camera: available at Amazon
This Kodak model provides a tiny point-and-shoot camera option, meaning you can slide it into your pocket easily. This 5x optical zoom lens provides a decent option for shooting some far-off subjects, too.
Kodak PixPro Astro Zoom AZ252 Camera: available at Amazon
With a large, right-hand grip, it’s easy to hold the AZ252 steadily when shooting photos in low light to avoid blur from camera shake. Cheap cameras notoriously struggle with camera shake and unwanted blurry images.
Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro 2-in-1 Portable Wireless Instant Camera: available at Amazon
This instant print model has a stylish retro look that’s rarely found in a cheap camera. It also offers wireless capabilities, allowing you to share the digital photos with mobile devices.
Kodak PixPro Astro Zoom AZ401-BK Camera: available at Amazon
For a camera in this price range, finding a 40x telephoto zoom lens is an impressive feature. It has a large, right-hand grip, so you can hold it securely while using the large zoom lens.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 Digital Camera: available at Amazon
Canon doesn’t make new, thin, point-and-shoot cameras anymore, which makes this older ELPH model an intriguing option for beginning photographers who are looking to save some money. It also has a 10x optical zoom lens.
Best cheap cameras for under $500
Ricoh WG-70 Orange Waterproof Camera: available at Amazon
Even waterproof cameras can be found at a low price point. This Ricoh model can survive a drop up to five feet, or will work underwater in depths up to 40 feet for up to two hours without suffering damage.
Fujifilm FinePix XP140 Waterproof Digital Camera: available at Amazon
The XP140 is a strong waterproof camera, offering operation in water up to a depth of 82 feet — it can also survive a drop of up to six feet. Compared to other inexpensive cameras, it has better success than you may expect in low light conditions.
Canon PowerShot SX530 HS Camera: available at Amazon
Compared to other cameras in this price range, this Canon model has a large telephoto lens, delivering an impressive 50x zoom measurement. It ships with plenty of extra gear, making it a good value.
Nikon Coolpix B500 Camera: available at Amazon
This B500 camera has a large telephoto lens, offering a 40x zoom measurement. It includes a large right-hand grip, so you can hold the camera securely when shooting long distances.
Canon Rebel T100 DSLR Camera: available at Amazon
It’s rare to find a DSLR camera in a low price range like this, but the T100 fits the bill, while still offering multiple pieces of key add-on gear in the kit. Even a beginner-level DSLR like this offers far greater image quality and performance speeds versus other cheap cameras.
Kyle Schurman 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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