5 Best Cheap Digital Cameras

Here you will find our list of the top 5 best cheap digital cameras. Below those cheap digital camera reviews we also provide a comparison chart so you can easily compare one camera versus another.

If you are shopping for a new digital camera and price is of the utmost concern then this list is for you. The cameras on this list all cost around or less than $100.

Although shoppers should be aware that smart phones have decimated the offerings of low priced cameras since most smart phones take photos of better or equal quality than the digital cameras in this price range. For as little as $50-$100 more you can get a better compact, waterproof, or high-zoom camera.

These cheaper models will not perform as well as more expensive models, but for the most part the image quality is surprisingly good considering the price of each unit. Where the image quality tends to suffer is in low light situations or at longer distances. They also are all very small and compact and can easily fit in a pocket. Also buyers need to be aware that none of these options include a memory card for storage, some may or may not include an USB cable, and some are powered by either AA or AAA batteries.


7.1
#1)

Canon PowerShot ELPH 180

Price: $109 | Megapixels: 20 | Optical Zoom: 8x
Sensor: 1/2.3 inch | Dimensions: 3.7 x 2.1 x 0.9 inches

We selected the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 as the best cheap digital camera. Selling for just over $100, this thing takes decent pictures for the price with the help of Canon’s DIGIC 4+ Image Processor.

The ELPH 180 is also very small and lightweight which makes it easy to carry with you. The 8x zoom lens is better than the other cheap cameras on this list which makes it stand out from the competition.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180’s biggest weaknesses are grainy photos in low light and 720p video quality that is just average.


6.9
#2)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800

Price: $88 | Megapixels: 20.1 | Optical Zoom: 5x
Sensor: 1/2.3 inch | Dimensions: 3.81 x 2.19 x 0.82 inches

The best camera under $100 is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 which sells for about $90. This small, compact model combines a 5x optical zoom with a 20 MP 1/2.3″ sensor which struggles in low light conditions, but will do just fine for casual shooting outside.

The DSC-W800 is capable of 720p HD video which is of average quality. Some users have complained that the image stabilization is not as good as more expensive units and thus get more blurry photos.

Overall the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 is a good choice for those buyers who want a digital camera that costs under $100; just be aware you are buying a budget camera, so don’t expect it to excel at taking photos.


6.8
#3)

Nikon Coolpix A10

Price: $86.95 | Megapixels: 16 | Optical Zoom: 5x
Sensor: 1/2.3 inch | Dimensions: 3.78 x 2.32 x 1.14 inches

We rate the Nikon Coolpix A10 just a bit below their top rivals. It has less megapixels, 16, versus 20 for our top 2 rated cameras. The picture quality, however, in ideal conditions is just as good.

The downside of the A10 is that more than a few images tend to be out of focus, especially at low light. It also takes two AA batteries, which makes the body a bit thicker on this model.


6.7
#4)

Kodak PIXPRO Friendly Zoom FZ53

Price: $72.95 | Megapixels: 16 | Optical Zoom: 5x
Sensor: 1/2.3 inch | Dimensions: 3.60 x 2.23 x 0.90 inches

At $73 the Kodak PIXPRO Friendly Zoom FZ53 is another affordable digital camera. The FZ53 takes pictures of mediocre quality which often turn out grainy looking when zoomed in or enlarged. In good lighting and with little zoom photos do turn out better, however.

The advantages of the Kodak FZ53 are that it is small and compact, it is very simple to use, has a 28mm wide angle, and has a battery pack that can be recharged with a mini USB. It can also take 720p HD video.

Overall the Kodak PIXPRO Friendly Zoom FZ53 is a decent budget option, but we feel it is just a slight notch below the other cameras on this list.


5.7
#5)

Abergbest Abcam 218

Price: $40.99 | Megapixels: 21 | Optical Zoom: 1x
Sensor: 1/2.3 inch | Dimensions: 3.74 x 2.4 x 0.94 inches

At time of publication the $41 Abergbest Abcam 218 was the best-selling digital camera on Amazon. It is the cheapest camera on our list, which is a plus, but otherwise it is a pretty poor camera that is cheaply made.

We wouldn’t recommend it for any pictures you want to keep. Its only real use would be for a younger child’s first camera to play with more as a toy then an actual camera.


Best Cheap Digital Camera Comparison Chart

Rank Camera Rating Best Price MegaPixels Optical
Zoom
Sensor Max Aperture Shutter Speed Max ISO Video Resolution Wi-Fi Weight (oz) Dimensions (in)
W” x H” x D”
1 Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 7.1 $109.00 20 8 1/2.3 inch f 3.2 15 – 1/2000 1600 HD 1280 x 720 (25p) No 4.4 3.7 x 2.1 x 0.9
2 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 6.9 $88.00 20.1 5 1/2.3 inch f 3.2-6.4 2 – 1/1500 3200 HD 1280 x 720 (30p) No 4.4 3.81 x 2.19 x 0.82
3 Nikon Coolpix A10 6.8 $86.95 16 5 1/2.3 inch f 3.2–6.5 4 – 1/2000 1600 HD 1280 x 720 (30p) No 5.64 3.78 x 2.32 x 1.14
4 Kodak PIXPRO Friendly Zoom FZ53 6.7 $72.95 16 5 1/2.3 inch f 3.9-6.3 4 – 1/2000 1600 HD 1280 x 720 (30p, 15p) No 3.7 3.60 x 2.23 x 0.90
5 Abergbest Abcam 218 5.7 $40.99 21 1 1/2.3 inch f 3.0 ? ? HD 1280 x 720 (?p) No 10.6 3.74 x 2.4 x 0.94

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