Editor’s Key Takeaways: Best Budget Point-and-Shoot Cameras Under $300
In this blog post, we explore the best point and shoot cameras available for under $300, providing budget-friendly options that don’t compromise on quality.
- Canon PowerShot ELPH 190: Features a 20 MP CCD sensor and 10x optical zoom for excellent image quality and versatile shooting, including intelligent auto mode for beginners.
- Kodak PIXPRO FZ43: Economical choice with a 16 MP sensor and a 27-108mm equivalent lens, ideal for a range of photos from landscapes to telephoto shots.
- Panasonic Lumix FZ80: Known for its 60x optical zoom and 18.1 MP sensor, making it suitable for capturing distant subjects with high detail.
- Sony DSC-W800: Offers a 20.1 MP sensor and 5x optical zoom in a compact design, perfect for everyday use.
- Sony DSC-W830: Similar to the W800 but includes a 25mm wide-angle lens and Optical SteadyShot for better image stability.
- Kodak PIXPRO AZ421: Features a 16 MP sensor and 42x optical zoom, providing great detail and versatility in shooting.
- Minolta MN35Z: Known for its 35x optical zoom and 20 MP sensor, great for capturing detailed images.
- Fujifilm FinePix XP140: Rugged and waterproof with a 16.4 MP sensor, suitable for adventurous photography.
- Ricoh WG-60: Another durable option, featuring a 16 MP sensor and waterproof design.
- Kodak PIXPRO AZ252: Balances affordability and functionality with a 16 MP sensor and 25x optical zoom, ideal for various photography needs.
Each of these cameras presents a reliable and budget-friendly option for anyone looking to step into photography without breaking the bank.
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Introduction
Many people want a simple camera they can use immediately without any hassle, such as a lightweight, compact point and shoot snapper.
While some models are on the expensive side, this guide specifically shares the best point and shoot cameras under $300 – so you can get started taking beautiful photos on a budget.
Best Compact Cameras under $300:
1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 190
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 allows you to create high-resolution photos with minimal photography knowledge.
One of the best point and shoot cameras under $300 is the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190. Although this is an older camera, it is still a great option due to its simple design, high-quality sensor, and ease of use.
It has one of the best sensors offered by point and shoot cameras, a 20 MP CCD model that delivers excellent image quality with great detail.
The lens of the ELPH 190 features a 10x optical zoom for an effective focal length of 24-240mm. This means that you can take any kind of photo, from wide-angle images to telephoto detail shots. This camera can also record 720p footage.
If you are new to photography, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 even has an intelligent auto mode. This evaluates the current scene and instantly chooses the best camera settings. As a result, you can take quality photos without needing an in-depth understanding of things like aperture and exposure.
2. Kodak PIXPRO FZ43
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ43 is a brilliant little camera that allows you to easily create high-resolution images and record HD video.
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ43 is one of the cheapest options on this list. If you want to spend very little but still want to be able to create high-quality photos, it’s a great choice.
The PIXPRO FZ43 has a decent 16 MP sensor that is better than some DSLRs! It’s aided by the high-quality 27-108mm equivalent lens that has a maximum aperture range of f/3.0-6.6. The impressive focal length range means you can shoot various types of photos, including wide-angle landscapes and some telephoto compositions.
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ43 can also record 720p video. This makes it great for vlogging and travel videos. It fits in the palm of your hand and has a simple rear control panel with a high-quality LCD screen (though it lacks touch functionality).
The FZ43 takes two AA batteries, which may or may not be a problem. The battery life is okay, but it is advisable to take spare batteries with you (just in case!).
3. Panasonic Lumix FZ80
The Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is a great transitional camera that allows beginners to start leaning more advanced photography techniques and controls.
If you want something more akin to a DSLR camera, the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is one of the best point and shoot models under $300. This Lumix camera looks and handles like a DSLR but has a fixed lens and much simpler controls.
It is essentially a bridge camera that could be great for those wanting to develop their photography skills but who aren’t quite ready to take the plunge and buy a DSLR or MILC.
The Lumix FZ80 has an 18.1 MP sensor. This is complemented by the incredible focal length of the lens, which has an effective focal length range of 20-1200mm. Combine this with image stabilization and you have a camera that can even be used for low-light bird and wildlife photography.
This point and shoot camera also records 4K/30p video, which is far better than most compact cameras. The FZ80 also has an LCD touchscreen and an electronic viewfinder. And for those hoping to gain more control over their photos, it has a program dial with a fully manual shooting mode.
4. Sony DSC-W800
The Sony DSC-W800 has numerous features that make it the ideal point and shoot camera for beginners, including IS and simplified menus.
The Sony DSC-W800 is a fantastic compact camera that is easy to use and easy to carry. It weighs just 0.28 lb/127 g and will fit in the palm of your hand.
It has a relatively impressive 20.1 MP sensor that allows you to take high-quality images with excellent contrast and clarity. It also features a Carl Zeiss lens with a 5x optical zoom and a 10x digital zoom.
To make taking photos handheld easier, the Sony DSC-W800 also has a SteadyShot feature. This is a form of image stabilization and helps reduce camera shake to ensure that you get sharp photos and video.
The menu system and settings are also incredibly easy to use, which is great for beginners. The camera has an “easy” mode that simplifies the menus further and allows you to make quick changes to the settings. We also like that the W800 can be charged via USB and does not require disposable batteries.
5. Sony DSC-W830
The Sony DSC-W830 features an impressive optical zoom and an intelligent mode that automatically selects the best image settings.
The Sony DSC-W830 offers a slight improvement over the W800. This compact camera looks great and it is available in either a black or silver casing.
The lens features an improved 8x optical zoom; this gives you a slightly better reach compared to the W800. It does have the same 20.1 MP sensor, however.
This camera also features several different shooting modes and an intelligent auto mode. The intelligent auto mode analyzes the current scene and picks the best camera settings for you. And there are creative shooting modes for different types of photography such as portraits and landscapes.
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The camera has a rear LCD screen and simple controls. Like the W800, it is also incredibly lightweight and compact. If you want a little more control and a better zoom, the Sony DSC-W830 is an excellent choice.
6. Kodak PIXPRO AZ421
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ421 has super-telephoto capabilities and various detection modes that let you take sharp photos of people and animals.
Kodak has a great range of budget point and shoot cameras, and one of the best options under $300 is the Kodak PIXPRO AZ421. This compact camera has a traditional DSLR shape and features a large grip so that you can hold it comfortably.
One of its most impressive features is the lens, which boasts an amazing 42x optical zoom and is great for photographing distant subjects. The 42x zoom equates to a focal length range of 24-1008mm. This means that you have wide-angle capabilities at 24mm and super-telephoto capabilities at 1008mm.
The AZ421 has a 16.1 MP sensor and can record HD video. It also has some interesting focusing features including face, cat, and dog detection as well as blink and smile detection. These help when taking photos of people and animals.
We also like the range of automatic features and shooting modes. For example, the AZ421 has a mode designed to create seamless panoramas. There is also a mode that reduces facial imperfections in portraits.
7. Minolta MN35Z
The Minolta MN35Z has a high-quality 20 MP sensor and can also record 1080p video at 60 FPS.
The Minolta MN35Z is one of the best budget point and shoot cameras thanks to its excellent sensor and video-recording capabilities.
This camera has a retro design and looks like older DSLR. There’s a large grip, a protruding lens barrel, and a pop-up flash. The MN35Z also has a 3-inch LCD screen and a simple set of controls. You can use a range of automatic modes, and the top dial allows you to shoot in Manual mode, Aperture Priority mode, and Shutter Priority mode.
The MN35Z has a 20 MP image sensor. It also has built-in optical image stabilization, which helps keep images sharp when using slow shutter speeds. We like that it can record 1080p video at 60 FPS; this gives you greater flexibility when recording and means you can record slow-motion footage, too.
The camera also has a built-in Wi-Fi connection, and you can download photos directly to your smartphone using the free Minolta ProShot app. The Minolta MN35Z is even available in three colors: black, purple, and red.
8. Fujifilm FinePix XP140
The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 is durable, waterproof, and great for active use (including video recording).
The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 could be on the list of the best point and shoot cameras under $500, but it is just barely above $300 and therefore makes this list. It’s an excellent waterproof camera that has a robust design and is meant for active use.
The stylish body is waterproof (to 82 ft/25 m), shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof. This means you can easily use it in adverse weather conditions and when going on outdoor adventures.
It also has some great photography and video features. For example, it can record 4K footage at 15 FPS and 1080p footage at 30 FPS. It also has an ISO range of 100-12,800, which means it performs well in low-light situations.
The resolution may not be the best, but you can still take quality photos with ease and record footage of your adventures.
9. Ricoh WG-60
The Ricoh WG-60 has a durable body that is shockproof and freeze proof. It also has a special underwater mode to help improve underwater image quality.
At the time of publishing, this camera was available under $300.
Like the FinePix, the Ricoh WG-60 is meant for active use. It is an incredibly robust camera and is waterproof up to 14 m/45 ft. The casing is also extremely durable and can withstand some bumps and knocks.
The Ricoh WG-60 has a 16 MP sensor with a high dynamic range. This means you can take high-resolution photos with excellent detail even in difficult lighting situations.
The Ricoh WG-60 also boasts an underwater mode. This uses an optimized white balance so that the colors look more natural and vibrant. It also has 25 different shooting modes to make photography easy for beginners.
The WG-60 is crushproof up to 220.5 lb/100 kg and freezeproof to temperatures of -10 degrees Celsius. Therefore, it’s a great point and shoot camera if you regularly travel to cold climate regions or you enjoy extreme sports.
10. Kodak PIXPRO AZ252
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ252 is a versatile point and shoot camera that has a decent 16 MP sensor and a 25x zoom lens.
If you don’t need such a long lens, the Kodak PIXPRO AZ252 is a great alternative to the AZ421. While the AZ421 has a 42x optical zoom, the Kodak PIXPRO AZ252 has a reduced 25x optical zoom. This equates to a focal length of 24-600mm.
The focal length is still respectable and allows you to capture many different types of photos. The image sensor is 16 MP, and as a result, you can expect beautifully sharp images. This camera is also capable of recording 720p video at 24FPS, and we appreciate the simple, one-touch recording button.
The Kodak PIXPRO AZ252 also makes photography easier: It has built-in image stabilization to reduce camera shake, and it has a range of automatic program modes.
In terms of power and storage, this camera requires two AA batteries and has a standard SDHC card slot with a maximum capacity of 32 GB.
Pick a Budget Point and Shoot Camera!
We hope you found this guide to the best point and shoot cameras under $300 useful. As you can see, there are some fantastic budget cameras available in 2024.
All of our picks are easy to operate and do not require mastery over lenses and settings. But which camera is the best option for you?
If you want a traditional point and shoot camera with a simple rectangular design, options like the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190, the Kodak PIXPRO FZ43, and the Sony DSC-W830 are great options.
Alternatively, if you want a camera that looks and feels more like a traditional DSLR but without the complexity, check out cameras like the Panasonic Lumix FZ80, the Kodak PIXPRO AZ421, and the Minolta MN35Z.
Finally, if you want a robust point and shoot camera that can be used in various extreme conditions, you’ll love the Fujifilm FinePix XP140 and the Ricoh WG-60; they’re both durable, waterproof options.
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