Modern technology is fun to own and use, but it can also be expensive. That’s especially true of new cameras, which come loaded with a range of impressive specs and features. However, just because there are extremely expensive options on the market, you can still find great cameras at a low price.
This guide will break down some of the most affordable point and shoot cameras around and explain why, despite their incredibly low price, they rise above the pack. Every model may be cheap, but their quality and features are anything but.
Contents
Quick Summary
- Outfitted with 5x optical zoom, a slim design, and one-touch HD video, the Kodak Pixpro is an affordable camera that takes premium quality pictures.
- The Fujifilm Instax Square is for users who want high-quality in a unique package. This camera comes in many colors, utilizes a square design, and has a range of fun, useful modes.
- If features are your thing, the Sony DSCW800 is the best budget point and shoot camera you can buy. This model has a wide range of different modes, excellent stabilization, and many photo capture options.
Who Should Get This?
As these cameras are so affordable, they are perfect for anyone who wants to take pictures without shelling out a lot of money. That can be people who need an extra device for vacations, parents who want to buy something for their kids, hobbyists getting into photography for the first time, or more casual users looking for an easy way to capture their life. If you want quality on a budget, these are for you.
Best Point and Shoot Camera Under $100: What to Consider?
Durability
When getting a lower-priced camera, you need to pay attention to the build. Many companies will skimp on their materials when manufacturing more affordable devices. To avoid that, always look for cameras from more trusted or well-known brands. It’s important to pay attention to models that come with crushproof, shockproof, or waterproof designs.
Stabilization/Blur
A camera, no matter how good it is, can’t do much if every picture comes out blurry. Rather than fighting with moving objects or outside lighting, do your best to find a model with good stabilization and blur reduction. Even if you aren’t someone who captures a lot of moving objects, you never know when something might interrupt your shot. A camera that has solid tracking will avoid such issues.
Modes
Taking good pictures is not easy. To help with that, many cameras come with built-in photo modes that bring your images to life. Though you may not need the extra options, there’s nothing wrong with having some extra choices. Think about the type of pictures you like to take, and then see if your camera has any modes (Portrait, easy, blink, etc.) that further your style.
Best Point and Shoot Camera Under $100: Our Picks
1. Kodak Pixpro
The Kodak Pixpro is an affordable camera perfect for users who want a bit more beyond the basics. It has something for everyone, which means it scales quite well. Not only does it come with a great 5x optical zoom that allows you to get the exact pictures you want no matter where you are, it also has one-touch HD Video. That feature allows you to quickly and easily switch between photos and HD video with just one button.
This model is also good for people who prefer something that’s easy to handle. The camera’s slim design and lightweight make it quite easy to take with you. That makes it especially useful for those who want to take pictures on vacation or who need to record different events. The 28mm wide-angle lens works like a dream and ensures you’ll always get the images you want.
What We Like:
- 5x optical zoom
- 28mm wide angle
- Slim and sleek
- Easy to use
- Auto-detect settings
- One-touch video
- HD video
- Three color options
What We Don’t Like:
- Could have crisper picture quality
- Not for more advanced users
2. Fujifilm Instax Square
The Fujifilm Instax Square is an offbeat device that packs quite a punch. You’ll first notice its striking, square design. Though operating it can take some getting used to, the camera is incredibly easy to use in a range of different situations. Not only is it compact, but it comes with 3 different color filters (orange, purple, and green) as well as an auto exposure to help your shots always adjust to the light.
The other reason so many users like this item is for the many modes packed into the sleek design. The selfie mode and selfie mirror enable you to get the best first-person photos you possibly can, while the double exposure mode provides you with two images in one print. The landscape and macro modes also help you to capture subjects both near and far away.
What We Like:
- Unique square design
- Strong battery
- Auto exposure control
- Built-in flash
- Selfie mode
- Landscape mode
- Advanced exposure control
- Three different color filters
- A wide range of bright colors
What We Don’t Like:
- Viewfinder not always accurate
- Shape can take some getting used to
3. Sony DSCW800
Few budget cameras have more functionality and options than the Sony DSCW800. While many affordable point and shoot models skimp on accessories, the DSCW800 is outfitted with everything you could ever want. This handy device has 5x optical zoom so you can perfectly adjust your shots, and the USB connection enables you to easily charge up whenever you’re by the proper plug.
This also comes with smile shutter technology, picture effect, and a sweep panorama mode. Those respectively enable you to get the right images each and every time. If that all sounds like a bit much, don’t worry. This also comes with Easy Mode, which cuts down on the menu clutter. It’s a perfect option for those who want to streamline their shooting experience and not worry about the different extras.
What We Like:
- Clear image quality
- Smile shutter technology
- Simple USB charging
- In-camera guide
- Blink detection
- SteadyShot image stabilization
- 720p HD movie mode
- Easy mode makes shooting simple
- 360 optical panorama
What We Don’t Like:
- Not the best blur protection
- Poor autofocus
Useful Tips and Information
All cameras, even cheap ones, have quite a bit of a learning curve. While anyone can simply point a camera at an object and click, there’s a lot more to photography than that. If you want to advance your skills, this article is a good place to start.
Another way to make your photography experience better is through the use of accessories. As with cameras, there are many different options to pick from on the crowded market. This video covers some of the best around.
Final Words
In today’s world, you don’t need to pay a lot for high-quality products. It’s easy to shell out a lot of money on a point and shoot camera but, as this guide shows, there are a lot of great models at a low price. If you do your research, know what you want from your camera, and understand the different features, you’ll be taking affordable, high-quality images in no time.
Do you have an affordable point and shoot camera? What do you primarily use it for? Let us know in the comments below!
