Best Cheap Digital Cameras
We have actually only included nine cameras in the list for best cheapest digital cameras available as we did not feel there were ten in total worth mentioning.
9. Canon PowerShot A1200
The Canon PowerShot S100 is a compact pocket camera with the look and feel of a point-and-shoot and the manual capabilities of a DLSR. It nicely bridges the gap between the two to provide a great alternative for those who want more than automated photo shooting without the expense and size of DLSR. It ranks near the top of our list for high-end point-and-shoot options.
8. Nikon COOLPIX S570
Nikon's COOLPIX S570 was part of and S series upgrade offered during the summer of 2009. Nikon's original intent was to make their S series compacts more user-friendly with an LCD touch screen and a more intuitive menu system. Unfortunately, they didn't make the effort to really improve image quality.
7. Canon PowerShot A2400 IS
If you know anything about Canon digital cameras you know they're primarily built for speed and affordability. In these two regards Canon has done it again with the PowerShot A2400 IS. With an optically stabilized lens, sharp picture quality under normal lighting conditions, and very attractive price this camera competes as a mid-range compact point-and-shoot.
6. Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7
Even though the Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7 has been out since early this year, the jury still hasn't rendered a firm decision on whether it's a good buy or not. On the one hand, Panasonic seems to have come up with a fast and fairly reliable compact that offers decent performance. On the other hand, the picture quality doesn't come close to anything in the Canon PowerShot line, which is unfortunate given the fact that Canon dominates the sector. There also aren't enough features to set the Lumix DMC-SZ7 apart from the competition.
5. Canon PowerShot Elph 100 HS
When the Canon PowerShot Elph 100 HS was first released last year it probably wasn't worth the price at more than $200 MSRP. Despite the fact it was the first of Canon's compacts to use a CMOS sensor instead of a CCD, it didn't offer enough to justify its higher price. But with prices closer to the $150 range these days the Elph 100 HS is now a fairly good option.
4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 300
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS is an ultra-compact that can be used in full auto mode or adjusted manually for total control over shot quality. In Europe the same camera is known as the IXUS 220 HS. Both were released in early 2011 to fill the void in the Canon line between point-and-shoot pocket cameras and entry-level DSLRs. Canon seems to be in the forefront of realizing phone cams are making the point-and-shoot sector obsolete very quickly. The ELPH 300 was meant to be at the forefront of a new paradigm.
3. Canon PowerShot A2200
In Canon's A series of PowerShots, the A2200 is the middle-of-the-road entry with not as much horsepower as the 3300 but a little bit more beef than the 1200. Many of the designs and features are identical to the 1200, though the A2200 has a higher resolution and a lithium-ion battery pack.
2. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25 is a compact point-and-shoot nearly identical to the FH27. As a matter fact, the only difference between the two is the LCD display. While the FH25 has a 2.7” TFT LCD the FH27 sports a 3" LCD with touchscreen capability. Other than that two cameras are nearly identical.
1. Canon PowerShot A3300 IS
The Canon PowerShot A3300 IS is one of four economy cameras that are part of Canon's power shot A series. The entire series is meant to provide economical compacts for the casual photographer as well as the advanced shooter who doesn't want to take his DSLR where he's going.