Are you ready to learn which is the best camera under $300?
A camera is indeed available for less than $300. Regardless of whether you’re a novice or simply looking for a cheap way to take pictures.
In this buyer’s guide, we’ve combed through the listings to find the best cameras under $300 and something for every type of photographer, regardless of skill.
Table of Contents
Best Camera Under $300: Top Pick
- 1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 190: Our Pick
- 2. Kodak PIXPRO FZ43: Budget Pick
- 3. Fujifilm FinePix XP140: Best for photography adventures
- 4. Sony DSC-W800: Best for easy photography
- 5. Sony DSC-W830: Best for auto controls
- 6. Kodak PIXPRO AZ421: Best for portraits and animals
- 7. Panasonic Lumix FZ80: Best for taking the next step
- 8. Ricoh WG-60: Best for cold climates
- 9. Minolta MN35Z: Best for slow-motion video
- 10. Kodak PIXPRO AZ252: Best for automatic use
- 11. Canon EOS 6D: Best for impressive specs
Best Camera Under $300 In 2022
1. Canon Powershot Elph 190: Our Pick
You don’t need to be an expert photographer to create high-resolution images with the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190.
Pros
- 20 MP sensor
- Automatic intelligent shooting mode
- Image stabilization
Cons
- Some may find the controls limiting
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 is one of the top point-and-shoot cameras available for under $300. The straightforward design, excellent sensor, and user-friendliness of this older camera make it a fantastic choice even today.
It has a 20 MP CCD sensor, one of the best point-and-shoot cameras can offer, which produces excellent image quality and great detail.
With a 10x optical zoom, the ELPH 190’s lens has an effective focal length of 24-240mm. Consequently, you are able to take any type of photo, from telephoto detail shots to wide-angle panoramic shots. Additionally, this camera can capture 720p video.
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 even has an intelligent auto mode for those who are just starting out in photography. The best camera settings are instantly selected after the current scene has been evaluated. As a result, you can take high-quality pictures without having a thorough understanding of concepts like exposure and aperture.
2. Kodak Pixpro FZ43: Budget Pick
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ43 is a fantastic little camera that makes it simple to produce high-resolution images and record HD video.
Pros
- 16 MP image sensor for high-resolution photos
- A good focal length range of 27-108mm
- Simple controls and LCD screen
Cons
- Requires AA batteries
A budget-friendly option on this list is the Kodak PIXPRO FZ43. If you want to spend very little but still want to be able to create high-quality photos, it’s a great choice
The 16 MP sensor on the PIXPRO FZ43 is respectable and superior to some DSLRs! It benefits from the excellent 27-108mm equivalent lens’s maximum aperture range of f/3.0-6.6. You can take a variety of pictures, including telephoto and some wide-angle landscapes, thanks to the impressive focal length range.
Additionally, the Kodak PIXPRO FZ43 can record 720p video. Because of this, it’s excellent for travel and vlogging videos. It fits comfortably in the palm of your hand and has a straightforward rear control panel with a good LCD screen (though it doesn’t have touch functionality).
It may or may not be a problem that the FZ43 requires two AA batteries. The battery life is adequate, but you should bring extra batteries with you just in case.).
3. Fujifilm Finepix Xp140: Best For Photography Adventures
The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 is tough, waterproof, and excellent for active use (including recording video).
Pros
- Waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof
- Can record 4K/15p video
- Has Bluetooth connectivity
Cons
- Doesn’t have the best image resolution
The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 could be among the top point-and-shoot cameras under $500, but since it is just barely above $300, it is included on this list instead. It’s a great waterproof camera with a durable construction that is intended for use in demanding situations.
The fashionable body is dustproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and waterproof (to 82 ft/25 m). This means that you can use it with ease when going on outdoor adventures and in inclement weather.
It also has some fantastic photo and video features. It can capture video in 4K at 15 frames per second and in 1080p at 30 frames per second, for instance. It also functions well in dim lighting thanks to its ISO range of 100–12,800.
Even though the resolution isn’t the best, you can easily take high-quality pictures and record videos of your adventures.
4. Sony DSC-W800: Best For Easy Photography
The Sony DSC-W800 has a number of features, such as IS and menus that are made simple, that makes it the ideal point-and-shoot camera for beginners.
Pros
- High-resolution 20.1 MP sensor
- Easy mode for first-time users
- 5x optical zoom and 10x digital zoom
Cons
- It may not have the fastest or most accurate focusing
Fantastic, convenient, and simple to use describe the Sony DSC-W800 compact camera. It can fit in the palm of your hand and only weighs 0.28 lb (127 g).
You can take high-quality pictures with excellent contrast and clarity thanks to the sensor’s relatively impressive 20.1 MP. Additionally, it has a Carl Zeiss lens with a 10x digital and 5x optical zoom.
The Sony DSC-W800 also includes a SteadyShot feature to make handheld photography simpler. This kind of image stabilization works to lessen the camera shake so that your pictures and videos are clear.
5. Sony DSC-W830: Best For Auto Controls
The Sony DSC-W830 has an impressive optical zoom and an intelligent mode that chooses the ideal image settings on its own.
Pros
- 8x optical zoom
- Top-quality lens
- Has face detection technology to create high-quality portraits
Cons
- Some may feel the price isn’t warranted
A slight upgrade over the W800 is provided by the Sony DSC-W830. This cute camera comes with a stylish black or silver casing.
The lens has an enhanced 8x optical zoom, giving you a slightly greater reach than the W800. It does, however, have the same 20.1 MP sensor.
Additionally, this camera has a variety of shooting modes, including an intelligent auto mode. The best camera settings are chosen for you by the intelligent auto mode after it analyzes the current scene. Additionally, there are artistic shooting settings for various genres of photography, including portrait and landscape photography.
The camera has straightforward controls and a rear LCD screen. It is equally as incredibly thin and small as the W800. Sony DSC-W830 is a great option if you want a little more control and a better zoom.
6. Kodak Pixpro AZ421: Best For Portraits And Animals
When using the Kodak PIXPRO AZ421, you can capture clear images of people and animals thanks to its super-telephoto capabilities and a number of detection modes.
Pros
- Great focal length range of 24-1008mm
- Face, cat, and dog detection for improved portrait photos
- Also has image stabilization to improve focusing
Cons
- Only has a 16 MP sensor
One of the best point-and-shoot cameras under $300 is the Kodak PIXPRO AZ421, which is among the wide selection of inexpensive models offered by Kodak. With its large grip and conventional DSLR shape, this compact camera is easy to hold.
The lens, which has an amazing 42x optical zoom and is excellent for taking pictures of distant subjects, is one of its most impressive features. A focal length range of 24–1008mm can be obtained using the 42x zoom. The wide-angle and super-telephoto focal lengths are thus 24mm and 1008mm, respectively.
The AZ421 can record HD video and has a 16.1 MP sensor. Additionally, it has some intriguing focusing features like face, cat, and dog detection as well as blink and smile detection. These are useful when photographing both people and animals.
Moreover, we appreciate the variety of automatic features and shooting options. The AZ421, for instance, has a mode for producing seamless panoramas. Additionally, there is a mode for removing facial flaws from portraits.
7. Panasonic Lumix FZ80: Best For Taking The Next Step
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a fantastic transitional camera that enables new photographers to start learning more complex controls and techniques.
Pros
- Can record 4K/30p video
- High-quality 20-1200mm lens
- Includes image stabilization
Cons
- Much larger and bulkier than most point-and-shoot cameras
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is one of the best point-and-shoot cameras available for less than $300 if you’re looking for something more akin to a DSLR. Although it has a fixed lens and much less complicated controls, this Lumix camera has the appearance and handling characteristics of a DSLR.
It is essentially a bridge camera that could be excellent for those looking to advance their photography skills but who aren’t quite ready to make the investment and buy a DSLR or MILC.
A 18.1 MP sensor is present in the Lumix FZ80. The incredible focal length of the lens, which has an effective focal length range of 20–1200mm, complements this in a powerful way. When you pair this with image stabilization, you have a camera that can be used to capture low-light images of wildlife and birds.
In addition to taking still photos, this point-and-shoot camera is also capable of recording videos in 4K/30p, which is much better than the majority of compact cameras. A LCD touchscreen and an electronic viewfinder are also features of the FZ80. Additionally, it has a program dial with a fully manual shooting mode for those looking to have more control over their photographs.
8. Ricoh WG-60: Best For Cold Climates
The Ricoh WG-60 has a robust body that is freeze and shock-resistant. To enhance the quality of underwater images, it also has a special underwater mode.
Pros
- Robust design
- Has a 16 MP sensor with a high dynamic range
- Includes 25 shooting modes for simple use
Cons
- May not have the best focusing system
The Ricoh WG-60 is designed for active use, just like the FinePix. It is a very durable camera that is waterproof up to 14 meters/45 feet. Additionally, the casing is very strong and can take some knocks and bumps.
A high dynamic range is present in the 16 MP sensor of the Ricoh WG-60. This implies that even in poor lighting conditions, you can take photos with high resolution and excellent detail.
Also featuring an underwater mode is the Ricoh WG-60. The use of an optimized white balance makes the colors appear more vibrant and natural. For beginners to photography, it also has 25 different shooting modes.
The WG-60 is freezeproof to -10 degrees Celsius and crushproof up to 220.5 lb/100 kg. As a result, if you frequently travel to cold climate areas or you like extreme sports, this is a great point-and-shoot camera.
9. Minolta MN35Z: Best For Slow-motion Video
High-resolution 20 MP sensor and 1080p 60 FPS video recording capabilities are both features of the Minolta MN35Z.
Pros
- Has built-in optical image stabilization
- Stylish design with three different color choices
- 35x optical zoom
Cons
- Does not have a touchscreen
Due to its superior sensor and video recording capabilities, the Minolta MN35Z is one of the best point-and-shoot cameras available for a reasonable price.
Retro in style, this camera resembles an earlier DSLR. Large grip, lens barrel that sticks out, and pop-up flash are all present. The MN35Z also has a 3-inch LCD screen and basic controls. With the top dial, you can shoot in Manual, Aperture Priority, and Shutter Priority modes in addition to a number of automatic modes.
A 20 MP image sensor is found in the MN35Z. Additionally, it has an optical image stabilization feature that helps maintain image sharpness even when using slow shutter speeds. We like that it can capture 1080p video at 60 frames per second because it gives you more flexibility when recording and enables you to capture slow-motion video.
With the free Minolta ProShot app, you can directly download photos to your smartphone from the camera’s built-in Wi-Fi connection. Even better, the Minolta MN35Z comes in three colors: red, purple, and black.
10. Kodak Pixpro AZ252: Best For Automatic Use
Featuring a useful 25x zoom lens and a respectable 16 MP sensor, the Kodak PIXPRO AZ252 is a point-and-shoot camera.
Pros
- 25x optical zoom (24-600mm)
- Built-in image stabilization
- Can record 720p video at 24 FPS
Cons
- Only takes cards up to 32 GB
- Uses AA batteries
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ252 is a fantastic substitute for the AZ421 if you don’t require such a long lens. The Kodak PIXPRO AZ252 has a 25x optical zoom, compared to the AZ421’s 42x optical zoom. As a result, the focal length is equivalent to 24-600mm.
Even so, the focal length is respectable and enables you to take a wide variety of pictures. You can anticipate stunningly sharp images due to the 16 MP image sensor. We like how the camera has a straightforward, one-touch recording button and can record 720p video at 24 frames per second.
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ252 also makes photography simpler because it has an array of automatic program modes and built-in image stabilization to lessen camera shake.
This camera uses two AA batteries for power and storage, and it has a standard SDHC card slot with a 32 GB maximum capacity.
11. Canon EOS 6D: Best For Impressive Specs
The full-frame Canon EOS 6D is a fantastic camera with some impressive features, including a full-frame 20.2MP CMOS image sensor.
Pros
- 20.2MP full-frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 50-102,400 (extended)
- 97% viewfinder coverage
- 3in, 1.04-million-dot fixed screen
- 755g (including battery and card)
Cons
- The basic autofocus system
- Single SD card slot
- Lack of vari-angle LCD screen
The cost will vary depending on what condition you purchase one in. Within the £300 / $300 price range, a well-used Canon EOS 6D is available. However, you will need to increase your budget by an additional £100 to reach the £300/$300 threshold if you prefer a model in good condition with a lower shutter count.
Our Verdict
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 190, the Kodak PIXPRO FZ43, and the Sony DSC-W830 are all excellent choices if you want a conventional point-and-shoot camera with a straightforward rectangular design.
In contrast, cameras like the Panasonic Lumix FZ80, the Kodak PIXPRO AZ421, and the Minolta MN35Z are good options if you want a camera that resembles a traditional DSLR more than anything else but lacks the complexity.
The Ricoh WG-60 and Fujifilm FinePix XP140 are both reliable, waterproof options if you’re looking for a powerful point-and-shoot camera that can be used in a variety of harsh environments.
Factors To Look For When Buying The Best Camera Under $300
First of all, let me tell you a few simple things to keep in mind when buying a camera on a budget.
Portability: For me, the best equipment is always compact and light. Try to purchase an item you can always carry with you so you won’t lose motivation when you feel lazy and don’t want to go outside to take pictures.
A tiny camera will make it appear as though you are only carrying your smartphone. Do not forget that the best camera is the one you always have with you. You can buy cameras with 16 megapixels or more for under $300 on the market today!
Camera Sensor: A widespread misconception is that image quality increases with sensor size. But when it comes to sensor size in compact digital cameras you shouldn’t be caught in this “trap”. Today’s technology makes it possible to take stunning photos with even small sensors.
Resolution: The issue with megapixels has passed. With today’s advancement in technology, even small point-and-shoot cameras have enough megapixels to print 200x200cm (6.5×6.5 ft)! Once upon a time, the number of megapixels in a camera was the most crucial factor to consider. Even smartphones have more than enough resolution to produce large prints.
Zoom: It’s one of the most crucial features you should consider. Point-and-shoot cameras use optical zoom which is when the lens is able to zoom without degrading the quality of the image. Because the lenses on these cameras are fixed, you’ll need an optical zoom that can cover a wide range of focal lengths. But keep in mind that bigger zooms require bigger cameras, and at maximum zoom, some models start to exhibit deteriorated image quality.
Image Stabilization: It has the ability to lessen blur brought on by camera movement. If you purchase a camera with a greater zoom and choose to take pictures in low light, this is undoubtedly a feature to look for.
4K Video: Producing video in 4K quality is undoubtedly a huge plus as video becomes more and more important.
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