Top Cheap Cameras

Canon PowerShot A1200

This camera packs a lot of punch for a low price, and it’s a higher-end alternative to Canon’s entry level A-series PowerShot line. Loaded with features, including a full range of built in filters and Live View Control, this camera takes crisp, clear photographs and also allows you to capture HD video at 720p resolutions. It also features an optical viewfinder, something you won’t find in many other cameras in its size and price range.

The canon PowerShot A1200 is powered by AA batteries instead of a lithium-ion battery, which will save you some money in the long run. However, its zoom lens range is a little lacking, particularly at telephoto distances. On the whole, though, this camera offers a lot of advanced features that you won’t find in comparable models.

Specifications:

• Megapixels: 12
• Zoom: 4x
• LCD screen: 2.7 inches
• Dimensions: 9.75 x 6.25 x 3.07 cm
• Weight: 185 grams
• Macro: 3 cm
• Video: HD
• Memory cards: SD, SDHC, SDXC

Samsung SH100

On paper, the Samsung SH100 offers some of the most impressive specifications for a camera its size and in its price range. It has a generous lens range, excellent zoom capabilities, an LCD touch screen and an auto shooting mode. You also have the built-in ability to email and edit photos, capture video and alter settings via an edit menu.

However, this camera isn’t as user-friendly as it could be, which can be problematic for beginners, and its SD memory card is troublesome to replace. Its advanced settings are also a little difficult to access, but on the whole, this is a sleek and dynamic camera that’s great for both looks and functionality.

Specifications:

• Megapixels: 16.1
• Zoom: 5x
• LCD screen: 3 inches
• Dimensions: 10.2  x 5.65 x 1.93 cm
• Weight: 126.5 grams
• Lens range: 26 to 135 mm
• Video: HD
• Memory cards: SD, SDHC

Panasonic Lumix DMC FH25

This camera benefits from a sleek and compact design, and offers a complete range of easy to use features. It is very user friendly and intuitive, and makes an excellent choice for beginners and casual photographers. While it does capture 720p HD video, its resolution isn’t as good as some other comparable models, but it does offer an 8x zoom lens, one of the best in its class. On the whole, this camera provides very good value for the money.

Specifications:

• Megapixels: 16.1 (CCD sensor)
• Zoom: 8x
• LCD screen: 2.7 inches
• Dimensions: 9.92  x 5.65 x 2.78 cm
• Weight: 126.5 grams
• Lens range: up to 504 mm
• Video: 720p MPEG-4
• Memory cards: SD

Fujifilm FinePix JZ300

This camera offers plenty to the casual user, with easy to use features, controlled shooting modes and excellent image quality. It also allows you to capture HD video and has a very generous 10x zoom lens. On the down side, though, it has a relatively meager number of effective pixels (12.1 megapixels), and you can find better resolutions in the price range.

Specifications:

• Megapixels: 12.1
• Zoom: 10x
• LCD screen: 2.7 inches
• Dimensions: 9.7  x 5.7 x 2.85 cm
• Weight: 148 grams
• Lens range: 28 to 280 mm
• Video: 720p HD
• Memory cards: SD, SDHC

Sony Cybershot DSC W570

This is a solid all-around camera that holds strong appeal for photographers on a budget. It is very small and portable, being barely larger than a smartphone but taking much better pictures. However, you shouldn’t expect much in the way of advanced features, as this is Sony’s entry level digital camera. Given its small size, it also doesn’t give you much grip to work with.

Specifications:

• Megapixels: 16
• Zoom: 5x
• LCD screen: 2.7 inches
• Dimensions: 9.22  x 5.2 x 1.99 cm
• Lens range: 25 to 125 mm
• Video: 720p HD
• Memory cards: SD, SDHC