Even though cell phone cameras have developed a lot in recent years, there is still no better feeling than taking a photograph on an actual camera.
But, there’s no denying that cameras are expensive. So there’s no surprise that you might be on the hunt for a camera that costs less than $100.
You might expect a camera within this budget to be poor-quality, or rubbish, but you will be surprised at how good some of these cameras actually are.
After all, some of the biggest names in the camera industry recognize that some of their customers will be on a tight budget, so they have produced great quality cameras at low prices.
In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at the best cameras under $100 currently on the market. We’ll also take a look at what you should look for when buying a camera. So, let’s get started.
Best Camera Under $100 – Comparison Table
Best Camera Under $100 – Reviews
Our favorite camera under the price mark of $100 is the KODAK PixPro FZ53-BK Digital Camera. As you will see when you go through this list, KODAK produces a number of cameras all within this price range, and they are all amazing.
The KODAK FZ53-BK is great for lots of different reasons. One of which being the fact that it comes with various different picture modes, including panorama. So if you are witnessing a spectacular view, this is the perfect camera for you.
Once you have captured your image, you can then view it on the camera’s clear LCD screen, which measures 2.7-inches. So, it is perfect for trips away and days out with family.
Finally, this camera has outstanding zoom ability, allowing you to capture an image, even if what you are photographing is quite far away. This is why it is our top pick for this price category.
- Great Zoom Features – this camera comes with 5 different zoom angles to ensure that you can get that picture no matter how far away you are.
- Clear LCD Screen – 2.7-inch screen with crystal clear picture, allowing you to check all the images that you take on the screen.
- Panorama Feature – additional panorama feature included so that you can easily take wide shots without having to cut off the view.
- Only works with Traditional SD cards – this camera is incompatible with the newer SDHC cards, so you will only be able to use it with traditional SD cards.
We mentioned that KODAK makes lots of wonderful cameras that cost less than $100, and this is another one.
The KODAK 16 FZ152-BK wide-angle camera is a brilliant option if you have a restricted budget because it is not only a digital camera, but it is actually a video camera too. So, you can flip between photos and videos whenever you want to.
Additionally, this camera is HD-ready, ensuring that every single image you take on this camera is perfect.
If that wasn’t enough, this camera is also compatible with both SD and SDHC cards, so whether you have a modern or traditional SD card, you will be able to use it with this camera. All of this combined is why we love this camera so much.
- HD picture – ultra-clear imagery as this camera comes with HD ability, so all of your photographs will be taken in high definition.
- Image and Video – this camera not only allows you to take photographs, but you can take videos too, so you never have to miss a moment again.
- Compatible with SD and SDHC – you do not have to worry about which SD card to use with this camera because it is compatible with SD and SDHC cards.
- Not Compatible with Micro SD – unfortunately, this camera does not support micro SD cards, so you will need to buy a micro SD to SD adaptor.
If you aren’t bothered by the brand of the camera, and simply want one that will get the job done, this is the perfect choice. The Vmotal rechargeable digital camera is a brilliant choice because it has a long battery life.
In fact, this camera has the longest battery life of all the cameras we have looked at in this guide, with more than 80 minutes battery life on a single charge.
Additionally, this camera comes with additional functions such as image stabilization technology, self-timer, panorama mode, face-detection and smile capture to ensure that you will always get the ideal photograph.
If that wasn’t enough, it is also incredibly affordable, so you should definitely consider this camera.
- Image Stabilization Technology – never worry about a photograph blurring again as this camera comes with image stabilization technology to prevent this.
- Long Battery Life – this camera has the longest battery life of the options that we have looked at, with a solid 80 minutes run time off a single charge.
- Additional Functions – includes panorama, self-timer, face-detection and smile capture. It can also be used as a webcam.
Alternatively, another great camera by a lesser known brand is the Abergbest rechargeable HD camera.
This camera is a digital camera and also a video camera, so it is perfect for family trips where you don’t want to miss a moment.
It also comes with a crystal clear 2.7-inch screen that can be used to display photographs once they have been, and also allows you to assess the field of vision before you shoot.
With all this, plus the fact that this camera comes with additional free software that allows you to edit images that you take, there is no denying this is one of the best options available.
- 2.7-inch Screen – view any images that you take on this camera’s 2.7-inch screen, so that you can ensure you have captured the image you desire.
- Video and Photo – can be used to take photographs and record video as and when you please.
- Additional Software – comes with free software for image-editing, printing, and photo-sharing.
- Unclear Instructions – the instructions for using this camera are unclear, so it will take a little getting used to.Â
Finally, we would recommend the KODAK Printomatic instant print camera if you are looking for a camera that costs less than $100.
This camera is not a digital camera, instead it is an instant print camera, so if you are looking for a digital camera, this isn’t the one for you. Polaroid cameras are something that have become very popular again in recent years, but Polaroid cameras are expensive.
This camera does the exact same thing at a very small fraction of the cost, so it is perfect if you are on a tight budget. If you want a camera that is very user-friendly and very fun to use, this is the perfect option.
The KODAK Printomatic gives you instant memories literally at your fingertips. So, if you are looking for an instant print camera that costs less than $100, we would definitely recommend this option.
- Top Quality Images – this camera is designed to produce and print top quality images so that you can capture memories.
- Vibrant Colors – this camera prints in excellent quality with excellent ink, so your images will look just like they did in real life.
- Fun and User-Friendly – this isn’t a serious camera by any means, but it is a lot of fun, simple to use, and perfect for family trips.
- Delay in Prints – there is a slight delay between the ‘ping’ of taking a photograph, and the actual printing, so be patient if you don’t want to waste prints.
Best Camera Under $100 – Buyers Guide
If you are looking for a camera with a budget of just $100, then the options that we have looked at above are the best. But, before you buy, you might want to find out more about what to look for in a camera. If that is the case, check out this quick buyer’s guide below to find out more about what to buy.
Value for Money
The first thing that you want to bear in mind when buying a camera is whether, or not, you are getting value for your money. If you have a limited budget of just $100 when buying a camera, it can be tempting to immediately choose the cheapest option available. But, you might want to stop and ask yourself if this is the best choice.
Out of the options that we have looked at above, there is quite a lot of variation in the prices, with one option costing twice the amount of one of the cheaper alternatives. You might jump on the cheaper option simply because it is cheap, but this might not be the best choice in the long run.
When you are investing your money, no matter how much money it is, you want to ensure that you are getting value from your investment. It can be tempting to buy the cheapest option as it will ‘save’ you money.
But, if that camera is bad, you might find yourself needing to buy another one, which will end up costing you more money.
Now, a cheaper option isn’t necessarily going to be bad. But, before you buy, you should take a good look at the camera and all the reviews of it to ensure that you will get good value for your money.
Image Quality
Something else that you really need to consider is the image quality that the camera is going to offer. If you are looking to buy a camera on a budget of just $100, then you shouldn’t expect miracles in terms of quality, but you still want the image quality to be decent.
When it comes to budget cameras, we always think that the best way to assess image quality is to weigh it up against the image quality of your cell phone.
Some cell phones have excellent cameras now, but if you are looking to buy an additional camera, it is probably because you are looking for a camera with better image quality than your phone.
A camera that costs less than $100 will never be completely perfect in terms of image quality. But, the image quality should be better than the image quality of your phone, especially if your cell phone isn’t the best.
So, take a look at the image specifications for your phone, then take a look at the image specifications for the camera. As long as the camera specifications are better, then we would say that you are getting decent image quality for your money.
Size and Shape
Additionally, you need to consider the size and shape of the camera. This is something that is important no matter what budget you are working with.
If you are purchasing a camera that you are planning to use regularly, then one of the most important things to consider is comfort. Size and shape are incredibly important in making a camera comfortable to use.
First things first, let’s talk about size. Most of the cameras that we have looked at in this guide are fairly small, but there are some larger cameras available.
What will be comfortable to you depends heavily on your hand size, so bear this in mind when buying. If you have smaller hands, a small camera might be better and vice versa.
The shape of the camera is also incredibly important. Some cameras can be bulky and awkward, and this can make them uncomfortable to use.
For the best chances of being comfortable, you should buy a camera with an ergonomic design. An ergonomic design will ensure that the camera sits comfortably in your hand while you use it.
So, before you buy, think about the size and shape of the camera you are buying. This is something that a lot of people forget about, but it is incredibly important if you want to be comfortable using your camera.
Brands
When it comes to cameras, something else you should consider is brands. There are lots of great brands that produce cameras, and you might find yourself wanting to buy a camera produced by one of these brands. But, if you have a budget of just $100, then you might find this difficult.
Most of the well-known camera brands are well-known because they produce top of the range cameras. Most top of the range cameras do not fall below $100 in terms of price. Due to this, it will be tricky to find a well-known camera brand with a camera that costs less than $100 when new.
Out of the options that we looked at above, the only ‘well-known’ brand that we could find which produced cameras within this price range was Kodak. So, if you have your heart set on buying a camera from one of these brands, this is probably the best choice.
But remember, there are lots of great, lesser known brands that produce wonderful cameras. So, if you are on a budget, don’t be afraid of choosing one of these brands instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest camera?
Out of the options that we have looked at above, the Vmotal LCD Rechargeable Mini Digital Camera is the cheapest on the market.
This camera is significantly under the budget of $100, and it is a great option if you have limited funds but want a digital camera. It is a digital camera, and it is suitable for people of all ages.
So, if you want a beginners digital camera for an elderly relative or one of your children, it is a great choice. Likewise, it is a brilliant option if you only have a small amount of money but need a camera that will get the job done.
Do they make disposable digital cameras?
Yes, disposable digital cameras are a thing. In fact, lots of different manufacturers produce this style of camera. So, if you want a digital camera on a small budget, a disposable option could be the best choice.
If you have a very limited budget for a camera, this could be because you are looking for a camera to take on a trip with you.
Instead of buying a subpar digital camera within your budget, why not consider a disposable digital camera that you can use to your heart’s content on your trip, then simply throw it away once you get back.
How much does a digital camera usually cost?
Even though the cameras that we have looked at in this guide all cost below $100, there are very few digital cameras that actually fall in this price range.
Most digital cameras will cost between $300-600, with these often being considered the ‘budget’ options. If you want a top of the range digital camera, you could find yourself spending in excess of $1,000.
As you can see, there are some digital cameras that cost below $100, but there are very few cameras that actually fall in this price bracket. So, it is important that you bear this in mind when looking for a camera.