Cameras are unfortunately getting increasingly expensive. It is becoming difficult to find the best camera under 200 dollars unlike a few years ago when you have a lot of choices in this category. But – you need not fret. Research a bit and you can still get a great camera for under $200.
Of course, it is a herculean task to find a new model with such a low price tag. Therefore, most of these cameras are not the latest models. They are the older models but are still in production. Manufacturers don’t discontinue some of their most popular models and keep producing them for a while. Therefore, you can still strike a bargain and buy a good camera without costing a fortune.
The purpose of this guide is to show you where to look for cheap cameras and how to choose one for you. You don’t have to do any research or waste time comparing different cameras because we already covered that part for you. All you have to do is to read our guide and pick the camera that best meets your requirements.
Unsurprisingly, most cheap cameras lack the advanced or fancy features of high-end cameras. People looking for inexpensive cameras don’t often want these features though. Similarly, they usually have smaller sensors but capable enough to take beautiful photographs. They offer a great balance of price and performance, which most people desire. On top of that, they are mostly compact and lightweight.
Our Top 3 Choices
Kodak PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ405 tops our list for its amazing features like 40x optical zoom, 20 megapixels sensor, 180° Panorama, face and smile detection, Full HD videos, and built-in image stabilization.
The runner-up is Polaroid Originals Now Instant camera. The dual lens autofocus system, improved flash, iconic design, full-size square prints, and simplicity make it a great camera.
The camera that bags the third position is Sony Cybershot DSC-W800. It is a digital camera with 20 megapixels sensor, 5x optical zoom, 360° Panorama mode, and excellent image quality.
Comparison Table
| Image | Model Name | Features | Check Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | KODAK PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ405 |
| Check Price |
 | Polaroid Originals Now Instant |
| Check Price |
 | Sony Cybershot DSC-W800 |
| Check Price |
 | Minolta MND20 2.7K |
| Check Price |
 | Kodak PIXPRO FZ53 |
| Check Price |
 | Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 |
| Check Price |
 | Sony Cybershot DSC-W830 |
| Check Price |
 | Samsung EC-WB350FBPBUS |
| Check Price |
 | Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 |
| Check Price |
 | YI 4K Action and Sports |
| Check Price |
Best Cameras under $200
The following are the best cheap cameras according to our experts. We have chosen these models after reviewing and comparing hundreds of models. These cameras outperform their competitors in terms of performance, low light capabilities, construction, continuous shooting speed, image, and video quality, etc.
So, let us start with the first camera on our list.
1. KODAK PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ405: Best Camera under 200 Dollars
Kodak PIXPRO Astro Zoom is a superb beginner camera. It has all the features and functions to take brilliant photos and videos without spending a lot of money.
Features
Available for $185, it features 20 megapixels sensors which are greater than both PIXPRO AZ421 ($219) and PIXPRO WP72 ($140). Therefore, it offers better pictures than both cameras.
The best quality of PIXPRO AZ405 is the whopping 40x optical zoom which is only 2x smaller than that of AZ42. Not many cameras in this price range have such a huge zoom. It allows you to get extremely close to your subjects and take breathtaking close up as well.
The camera also has some great features which you don’t expect in cheap entry-level cameras. Some of these features include auto detection for animals such as cats and dogs, blinks, smiles, and faces.
The 180° panoramic mode enables you to cover a lot of area in your images and videos. Similarly, it also records beautiful 1080P videos.
Drawbacks
The biggest drawback is the inability to shoot in RAW. Therefore, it is a bit difficult to process images. The images are not clear while zoomed in but having a massive zoom is a plus point. Another letdown is the lack of a viewfinder.
Our Verdict
Kodak PIXPRO AZ401 is a fantastic entry-level camera with a built-in flash and huge zoom. It is also lightweight and compact. Honestly, it is rare for a beginner camera to have all these features.
Most Recent User Reviews
Love this camera it’s a little bulky compared to what I’m used to but I’ve been having fun taking videos and photos on it.
Advantages
- 40x zoom
- 20 megapixels sensor
- 1080p video resolution
- Excellent image quality
- Built-in image stabilization
- Detection settings for face, smile, and blink
- Detection settings for cats and dogs
- 180° panorama mode
Disadvantages
- Can’t shoot in RAW
- No viewfinder
2. Polaroid Originals Now Instant Camera: Best Instant Camera under $200
If you are a big fan of instant cameras, you should consider Polaroid Originals Now. It is one of the best instant cameras in the world and it is a very crowded market.
Features
The camera comes with an improved built-in flash and dual-lens autofocus system. Therefore, it offers better performance than Polaroid OneStep 2 camera. Similarly, it is the simplest point-and-shoot camera I have ever tested. No other camera offers such simplicity and ease of use.
Another area where the camera is hard to beat is the full-size square prints. It is a relatively big camera but traditional instant filming is all about holding a big Polaroid.
The design of the camera is also iconic. It uses optimized battery-free color films including both Color 600 Film and Special Edition Film for taking photos in the sunshine.
Some of the other features of Polaroid Now include a digital photo counter, optical viewfinder, and self-timer.
Drawbacks
The outdoor performance of the camera is inconsistent. It does not have features like a remote trigger and Bluetooth connectivity which you find in cameras like Polaroid OneStep+. It is also a bit more expensive than comparable cameras such as Instax Mini 11.
Our Verdict
Polaroid Now is the instant camera for you if you can survive without the frill of Polaroid OneStep+. It is a simple camera that delivers exceptional performance for its price.
Most Recent User Reviews
Santa Claus brought this gift to my daughter’s home because it was on her Christmas list. Needless to say, Santa was a huge HERO!! My daughter LOVES the simplicity of the camera AND the “retro” look of the photos that she’s been taking.
Advantages
- Beautiful retro design
- Great images with a vintage look
- Full-size square prints
- Very simple camera
- Dual-lens autofocus
- Built-in flash
Disadvantages
- Inconsistent outdoor performance
- No remote trigger and Bluetooth
3. Sony Cybershot DSC-W800: Best Digital Camera under $200
Sony Cybershot DSC-W800 has the best specs and features any cheap camera can offer. Available for only $175, it is a great choice for beginners and experts alike.
Features
The compact camera has a 20 megapixels Super HAD CCD sensor which is quite big for its price. The sensor combines with SteadyShot image stabilization to produce excellent images both day and night.
The 5x optical zoom and 10x clear image digital zoom are nice features of the camera which are also hard to find in smartphones.
Another great thing about the camera is its different modes. For example, the Easy Mode simplifies the use of the Camera and the Sweep Panorama Mode (up to 360°) enables you to capture spectacular images beyond the range of a traditional wide-angle lens.
Similarly, it automatically detects and takes pictures of smiles. You can also emphasize certain aspects and attributes of ordinary photos and add expressions to them using the Picture Effect mode, converting those photos into a piece of art.
Drawbacks
Some users complain about extremely low battery time (20 minutes at most on average). Furthermore, it does not come with an SD card which you have to buy separately. It creates videos only in 720P but that is what you should expect from such a cheap camera.
Our Verdict
Sony Cybershot DSC-W800 offers great value for money. The image quality is impressive and the camera is simple to use. It is also a great option for travel vloggers for its compact size.
I’m very happy with my Sony Digital Camera.
Advantages
- 20 megapixels sensor
- SteadyShot image stabilization
- 5x optical zoom
- Various photo modes
- Simple to use
- Great image quality
Disadvantages
- Short battery life
- No SD card
4. Minolta MND20 2.7K Digital Camera: Best Camera under $100
The combination of low price and advanced features is rare but this is what Minolta MND20 offers you.
Features
Can you expect a $99 camera to have a 44 megapixels still sensor? You have to because Minolta MND20 has exactly that. It helps you take breathtaking images using its 44 megapixels sensor and 16x zoom.
The optical zoom also helps you shoot from a distance or capture brilliant close-ups without any trouble.
Photos are also sharp and crisp thanks to advanced built-in image stabilization. You can also record beautiful time-lapse videos using this camera. As a result, you can capture long videos and play them in a short time with the utmost ease.
Perhaps the best feature of MND20 is the 2.7K video resolution. Most cheap cameras don’t have Full HD 1080P video resolution let alone 2.7K. The MND20 offers both of them. You can record remarkable videos in 2.7K or traditional Full HD depending on the situation.
Some of the other notable features include Panorama mode, Face and Smile Detection, Photo Burst, Scene modes, Color Filters, etc. Once again, not many cheap cameras have all these advanced features.
Drawbacks
Finding faults with a $99 camera is a bit unfair. Still, some users are not satisfied with its photo quality. Similarly, the construction could have been better in my opinion.
Our Verdict
Minolta MND20 does not empty your pocket while offering features like a 44MP sensor, 16x zoom, image stabilization, 2.7k video resolution, face and smile detection, and more. It is a gift for people on a tight budget.
Advantages
- 44 megapixels sensor
- 16x zoom
- Built-in image stabilization
- 2.7K and 1080P video resolution
- Various photo modes
- Face and smile detection
- Beautiful time lapse
Disadvantages
- Construction could be better
5. Kodak PIXPRO Friendly Zoom FZ53: Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera under $200
Kodak PIXPRO FZ53 is an excellent option if you want to upgrade from your smartphone. It is not only cheap but has some exciting features for beginners as well.
Features
First of all, it is a barebones camera with 16-megapixel sensors. It is in part with some more expensive cameras in terms of resolution. The images are not as crisp and bright as you would like but are perfect for social media.
The camera enables you to get closer or away from your subjects thanks to 6x digital and 5x optical zoom respectively. The optical zoom is equal to 28-140mm. Therefore, you can take a beautiful wide angle as well as telephoto shots.
The camera has some great modes such as the panning mode to capture sharp and clear images of the moving subject. Similarly, you can switch between the images and photos using only a button.
Despite being cheap, the camera does a great job of automatically detecting faces, blinks, and smiles.
It is a slim and lightweight camera but still has a big 2.7” screen to preview your images.
Drawbacks
The lack of a viewfinder limits its performance a bit. Similarly, the touchscreen is hard to see in bright sunlight.
Our Verdict
Kodak PIXPRO FZ53 is a great value for money. It is a small and simple camera that you can easily slide into your pocket for taking great pictures on the move as well.
Most Recent User Reviews
Have only used it a few times as yet. Everything seems to be as expected.
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Advantages
- Very cheap camera
- Good images for social media
- Very simple camera
- Lightweight and slim
- 2.7” touchscreen
- 28mm wide-angle lens
- 5x optical zoom
- Automatic detection features
Disadvantages
- No viewfinder
- Touchscreen is hard to see in sunlight
6. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11: Best Camera under 200 for Children
Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is the cheapest camera on our list but it is a great camera for children and teens.
Features
Unlike Polaroid Originals Now, it is a very small, slim, and lightweight camera. Therefore, you can easily carry it wherever you go. Secondly, it has a beautiful and distinct style, unlike anything else you see nowadays. Having this camera makes you look chick and stylish.
What makes this camera really popular is its simple point-and-shoot utility. Even a person that has never held a camera in his life can take beautiful pictures with this camera. That is why teens and young adults especially like Instax Mini 11.
The camera automatically adjusts the shutter speed and aperture according to the environment and background light. As a result, every picture is bright and impressive. On top of that, you can easily take sharp pictures during the night courtesy of built-in flash.
The built-in Selfie mode gets activated as soon as you pull the lens’s front end. The ergonomic grip means both children and teens can use it for hours without getting tired.
Drawbacks
The quality of images is inconsistent. Sometimes, you get a brilliant photo while the next photo will be an utter disaster.
Our Verdict
You cannot get much for $76. Still, this camera offers a fun and chunky design and extremely low cost per picture. The images are a hit and miss but you cannot expect such an inexpensive camera to produce professional-grade photos.
Most Recent User Reviews
Easy enough for a 4 and 7 year old to use! They love taking pictures and getting instant copies! The film is pricey and that’s my only complaint.
Advantages
- Best for teens and children
- Easy to use
- Chunky and fun design
- Very cheap camera
- Low cost per image
Disadvantage
- Inconsistent image quality
7. Sony Cybershot DSC-W830: Best Cybershot Camera under $200
Sony Cybershot DSC-W830 offers minor upgrades to DSC-W800. It is one of the best cameras under 200 at the moment and can help beginners take their photography skills to the next level.
Features
Both DSC-W800 and DSC-830 have 20 megapixels sensors. However, DSC-830 has an 8x optical zoom compared to the 5X optical zoom of the W800. Therefore, it enables you to get even closer to your subjects. The 20 megapixels sensor also allows you to take beautiful and crisp photos easily.
The 2-way SteadyShot image stabilization further improves the images. Just like W800, you can add captivating impressions to ordinary photos using the Picture Effect mode. However, it also has a Beauty mode to remove shines, smooth skin, edit skin tones, etc.
The intelligent mode automatically detects faces, lighting conditions, and scenes, and adjusts settings for you, resulting in amazing images.
You would also be impressed by features like face detection, smile shutter technology, and Sweep Panorama (full 360°) modes.
Drawbacks
It can only record videos in 720P which is considered low by today’s standards. However, this is what a cheap camera can give you. Similarly, it is a bit slower than comparable cameras and the number of manual controls is also limited.
Our Verdict
Sony Cybershot DSC-W830 is a great little camera. It takes stunning pictures while offering some great photography modes for only $181.
Most Recent User Reviews
This is a great camera and well worth the investment. These cameras are hard to find. We love the pictures it takes.
Advantages
- Great real zoom
- Affordable camera
- SteadyShot image stabilization
- Impressive photo modes
- Good image quality
Disadvantages
- A bit slow
- Limited manual controls
8. Samsung Digital Camera: Best Digital Camera under 200
Samsung EC-WB350FBPBUS is the best digital camera on our list for many reasons. It does not only have a powerful sensor for its price but also offers a myriad of great features for photography.
Features
The compact camera has a 16 megapixels sensor. It produces great images, especially for amateurs, beginners, and casual users.
The main highlight of the camera is the 21x optical zoom. It is still no match for the 40x zoom of Kodak PIXPRO Astro Zoom AZ405. Still, the zoom is massive and can help you take some great telephoto shots without getting close to your subjects.
The compact and lightweight camera also has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC for sharing your photos on social media. It is another rare thing in cheap compact cameras. The connectivity options include NFC and USB.
The camera can record great videos in Full HD 1080P. Most comparable cameras in this price range only record in 720P.
Drawbacks
Some people have problems sharing this camera using Wi-Fi. Similarly, images have some noise, especially those taken during the night.
Our Verdict
Samsung EC-WB350FBPBUS offers some features which are unavailable in many comparable cameras. The picture quality is not the best but acceptable for a beginner or amateur photographer.
Most Recent User Reviews
It’s a smart camera. Instant sharing between camera and phone if you have NFC. The picture quality is also nice. It got a lot of features you will never get in other cameras.
Advantages
- Smart features
- Nice handling
- Small and lightweight
- 21x optical zoom
- Wi-Fi and NFC
- Full HD 1080P videos
Disadvantages
- Images have some noise
9. Fujifilm Instax Mini 90: Best Polaroid Camera under $200
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 is a far cry from the chunky and fun Instax Mini 11. It is a proper instant camera that can easily excite any photographer who loves the term “Neo Classic.”
Features
Instax Mini 90 helps you take Neo Classic style images thanks to its features like a bulb and double exposures. These were the two most important functions of all the traditional analog cameras. They enable the camera to capture more light and therefore, offer extremely sharp and detailed images.
It can also be the best macro camera for under $200. It reduces the distance between the photographer and the subject to only 30 to 60 centimeters. Therefore, you can get extremely close to your subject and take some classically stunning close-ups as well.
The image quality itself is great and the photos are crisp and beautiful.
Drawbacks
The built quality is quite poor, unfortunately. The camera can break easily and that is what happened to me twice a year.
Our Verdict
Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 is the camera for you if you are looking for a good modern-day Polaroid camera. It is comparatively more expensive than other Polaroid cameras but offers exceptional Neo Classic style photos.
Most Recent User Reviews
The Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic is a beautiful camera. The one I have is in red. It’s easy to use and produced nice photos. Just note that the mini film is very small.
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Advantages
- Beautiful camera
- Small and lightweight
- Great classical images
- Fairly cheap instant film
- Plenty of settings
Disadvantages
- Poor built quality
10. YI 4K Action and Sports Camera: Best 4K camera under $200
YI 4K is a true action and sports camera with superb features like live streaming and voice control. On top of that, it is available for less than $200.
Features
The greatest feature of the camera is of course 4K video resolution. Now, you can record breathtaking 4K videos during your adventures and live stream them to your followers without breaking the bank. More importantly, the lithium battery has a long life and allows you to record videos in 4K for 2 hours straight.
The battery can also last for 8 hours in case you are only taking images. The 12megapixels sensor is not that powerful but the camera has a selection of video and photo modes to considerably improve your videos and images.
The 2.2” retina touchscreen captures images and videos within a 160° angle. Another nice feature is the electronic image stabilization with a 3-axis accelerometer and 3-axis gyroscope that compensate for changes in motion and positions to record stable images and videos.
You can instantly share your data with other devices using high speed Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. The YI app enables you to edit and post your photos on the go as well.
Drawbacks
The app is difficult to use and has not been updated for a while. Similarly, the built quality is a bit poor as well.
Our Verdict
You must choose YI 4K Action and Sports Camera if you want to record 4K videos during your vacations and adventures. Even better, it allows you to live stream for a negligible amount of money.
Most Recent User Reviews
I use the camera for diving. The pictures are good and it is easy to use underwater. I had trouble finding a red filter to fit it. The LED screen is a big plus. I do think the GoPros produced a little better underwater pictures.
Advantages
- Livestreaming
- Voice control
- 2 hours of 4K video at a single charge
- Battery lasts for 8 hours
- 4K video resolution
- High-speed Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Instant photo editing and sharing
- Good underwater photos
Disadvantages
- The app is difficult to use
- Only 12 megapixels sensor
- Poor built quality
How to Use the Best Camera under 200 Dollars?
You need to consider a few things in mind while buying a cheap camera and that too under $200. Keep in mind that you cannot expect these cameras to have advanced features. Similarly, you will not find any reasonable DSLR or mirrorless camera in this price range. Therefore, you have to set your expectations accordingly.
Use
The first thing you should consider is how you are going to use your camera. If you are into action, adventure, or live streaming, you must choose an action camera such as YI Action and Sports Camera. Fujifilm Instax 90 is your best bet for polaroids, and Samsung EC-WB350FBPBUS is a great digital camera overall. It all depends on your needs and what type of camera you want.
Megapixels
Cameras in this price range have a maximum of 20 megapixels sensors. Although not powerful enough for professionals, it is good enough for beginners and amateur photographers.
Miscellaneous Features
As mentioned above, most cameras in our list are barebones cameras with basic features. However, even a cheap camera should have features like Wi-Fi connectivity, long battery life, at least Full HD 1080P video resolution, image stabilization, and different photo modes.
Final Thoughts
Concluding our guide to the best camera under 200, I must say that choices are a bit limited when finding a good camera at this price. However, we have done the hard work of finding the best cameras that you can buy for almost peanuts. Rest assured, these cameras offer excellent performance, durability, and a host of other features for beginners and professionals alike.