Photographers, whether beginner or professional both look for the best budget compact camera because despite being cheap a compact camera can be an excellent second camera. In this article, we’ll review some of the most top-rated budget models that our experts have researched and ranked for you. We’ll also help you choose the right model for your needs by providing a buyer’s guide and by answering some of the most commonly asked questions.
In today’s market, you can find a range of budget-friendly compact cameras that cater to the needs of amateur photographers and hobbyists. These cameras are perfect for those who value portability and ease of use. They typically come in a compact and lightweight design, making them convenient for everyday photography. Most of these cameras feature relatively smaller sensors, usually around 1 inch or less, and come equipped with zoom lenses that cover a versatile focal range. They also offer user-friendly interfaces and various shooting modes to accommodate photographers of different skill levels. While they might not deliver the same level of image quality as pricier models, these budget cameras do a decent job for casual photography. As for pricing, you can expect to find options in the range of $100 to $400, with different manufacturers offering a variety of choices to match your preferences and budget.
Top 10 Best Budget Compact Cameras Of 2024
| 1 | Panasonic ZS8 |
| 2 | Nikon S5200 |
| 3 | Samsung WB150F |
| 4 | Nikon Coolpix A10 |
| 5 | Sony Cybershot DSC-W810 |
| 6 | Sony Cybershot DSC-W800 |
| 7 | Olympus SZ-15 |
| 8 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30 |
| 9 | Sony Cybershot DSC-H300/B |
| 10 | Panasonic TZ95 |
Best Budget Compact Camera – Reviews
1. Panasonic ZS8
Type: Compact
Resolution: 1280 x 720p HD
Sensor: 1/2.33-inches
Lens: 24-288mm, F/3. 1-6.3
Megapixels: 16 megapixels
Image stabilization: Yes
Display: 3-inches fixed screen LCD
Battery life: 200 shots
Panasonic’s SZ8 has a sleek and slim design with an amazing travel zoom line similar to the design of last year’s model. Still, the Panasonic SZ8 is launched with the improvements. The major feature of SZ8 is 12x optical zoom (24-288mm eq.) which is improved from the previous record of SZ3 which was 10x and it also includes the Intelligent Zoom function which enhances the digital zoom extension by approximately 24x. Optical Image Stabilization efficiently overpowers the typical handshake problems while shooting long-range zoom. SZ8 has a sensor size of 1/2.33 inches with type 16 MP; the enterprise says that the CCD sensor has a strong relation with Panasonic’s Venus, and the processing engine performs more in processing speed.
The other feature is that it delivers HD video at 720 pixels, but also has a burst shooting mode. The mode offers high-speed capturing that is approximately 3 frames in 3 seconds, but if you want to capture burst shooting with the full resolution, it is bound to 1.2 frames in a second.
Panasonic SZ8 includes ISO sensitivity that varies from the average setting of 100 to 1600, and in high sensitivity mode, the ISO is 6400. The lens of the Panasonic SZ8 has a flexible aperture range of f/3.1 through f/6.3 across the zoom range. There are 8 elements each of 8 groups furthermore it includes 4 aspherical lenses. It has a wide 3-inches LCD that has automatic power monitor resolution mode not just this but also has a higher resolution than its predecessor at 460K dots. It has built-in Wi-Fi for the rapid transfer of data from this compact camera to your smartphone or quick delivery on any other smart device. It can also be operated from smart devices. For beginners, there is a feature of intelligent auto that is used for a high-quality image.
Panasonic SZ8 offers you outstanding creative effects. It has a High Dynamic Range HDR setting, and the storage capacity includes 80 MB and SD/SDHC/SDXC cards for the storage of movies and pictures. The lithium-ion battery is used for charging the device with a working life of approximately 200 shots per charge. Other than Wi-Fi, it includes standard-def A/V out and USB port 2.0 for transferring data and charging. It is concluded that the Panasonic SZ8 is the best budget compact camera for photographers of any skill level.
2. Nikon S5200
Type: Compact
Resolution: 1080p full HD
Sensor: 1/2.3-inches
Lens: 35mm equivalent of 26-156mm, F/6.0
Megapixels: 16 megapixels
Image stabilization: No
Display: 3-inches LCD screen
Battery life: 160 shots
The NIKON COOLPIX S5200 promises to deliver outstanding functions and can shoot spectacular Full HD videos of 1080 pixels. Full HD means that the quality of the video is highly detailed. You can record any action u want to see then connect your compact camera to an HDTV and watch your videos on your HDTV. For recording purposes, it has a mic that records sounds in high quality.
It is the best inexpensive video camera. Not only the videos are of high quality, but the sound system is also up to the mark. It is easy to use and compose your photos, review your images and videos, and share them on your social media with friends and family. It has a widescreen of 3.0 inches and a 460,000-dot Liquid Crystal Display (LCD). As you know it is hard to capture kids and pets because they are always running so for this purpose NIKON COOLPIX S5200 embraces the feature of Subject Tracking that automatically locks the object that is moving. It focuses on the object until you take the image. Sometimes it is difficult for beginners to choose the scene mode; it is not a problem now with NIKON COOLPIX S5200. Just select the auto scene mode, and the camera will decide itself.
NIKON COOLPIX S5200 will decide according to the situation from night portraits to back-lightning. It can capture photos in any light and shoot remarkable photos and HD videos. A feature of 16 MP CMOS and a low light sensor can provide the best quality image. This best budget compact camera also has an inbuilt Wi-Fi compatible with Android systems and iPod, iPhone, and iPad. You need to install the Wireless Mobile Utility application to use the device with this camera.
3. Samsung WB150F
Type: Compact
Resolution: 4608 x 3456 pixels
Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
Lens: 24-432 mm, F/3. 2-5.8
Megapixels: 14.2 megapixel
Image stabilization: Yes
Display: 3-inches LCD screen
Battery life: 270 shots
Samsung WB150F is a travel zoom camera with outstanding features it offers. Samsung WB150F has an 18x Schneider-Kreuznach lens covering the major area of the front and has a metal lining at the base of the lens with a right-hand grip. The body of the camera and lens is made of plastic. This cheap compact camera has an ultra-zooming option similar to a DSLR. Compact travel Zoom is designed so that it can be easily carried in a small bag. Not only this, but it is also light in weight.
There is no electronic viewfinder in this device like most of you will find in large ultra-zoom compact cameras. For playback and image composition, the only LCD used has a size of 3.0 inches. The essential feature of Samsung WB15OF is its 14.2 MP CCD sensor with the usual 1/2.3-inch configuration. It has a feature of manual exposure modes, but it does not allow Raw photo recording. You can use SD, SDHC, and SDXC for media memory.
The rechargeable lithium-ion battery is used to charge the camera through the AC adapter included in the package. The outer look of the Samsung WB150 is compact and easy to carry. Timer flash and focus settings can be controlled through shortcuts. A traditional-style control pad is used. A video recording button is dedicated to starting the video using a flash. Controls are comfortable to use, and they are not fiddly. There is a neat division for the graphical interface in Samsung WB150. It has appealing features and is available at an affordable price with the great durability it offers.
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4. Nikon Coolpix A10
Type: Compact
Resolution: 720p HD
Sensor: 1/2.3-inches
Lens: 26-130 mm, F/3.2-6.5
Megapixels: 16 megapixels
Image stabilization: Yes
Display: 2.7 inches LCD screen
Battery life: 200 shots
It is not an easy job to capture beautiful and memorable moments of your family and friends. And NIKON COOLPIX A10 has one of the best features of easy auto mode that automatically chooses the best setting for shooting images. The feature of the smart portrait system is used to create a flattering look. And this best budget compact camera offers you a 5x optical zoom. For remarkable closeups and zoom out NIKON glass lens is used with 16.1 megapixels. It records the video in 720 HD high definition. If your pictures are a bit shaky no need to worry electronic VR can still the camera movements and keep the image sharp and clear. They used AA batteries in this camera so you would never get stuck with a low battery.
NIKON COOLPIX A10 provides convenience to its customers in every aspect. When capturing photos and realizing that things are not working well, you can instantly start the recording by simply clicking a dedicated movie button for a 720 HD video. It also has a built-in function of microphone for sound recognition. When you want to share your images and video, you can use an audio-video cable with a compatible TV. Through this feature, you can see the picture on a bigger screen. It has a 16.1 MP of NIKON glass lens. For capturing bright shiny, vibrant images, a CCD image sensor is used. The NIKON COOLPIX A10 captures and creates beautiful pictures of your loved ones and any beautiful landscape.
For features like skin softening or face priority AF and many more similar features, a smart portrait system is used for this purpose. There are 15 scene modes in the camera like night portrait, snow, rain, and many more. You can choose any of them and enjoy beautiful image shootings. There is also an option of auto scene selector in which the camera chooses the scene for you. The batteries are used to power the device, and it is readily available and easy to use. You can also use lithium, alkaline, and NIKON rechargeable batteries as optional.
5. Sony Cybershot DSC-W810
Type: Compact
Resolution: 720p
Sensor: 1/2.3-inches
Lens: 27-162 mm, F/3.5-6.5
Megapixels: 20 megapixels
Image stabilization: Yes
Display: 2.7-inches LCD screen
Battery life: 200 shots
Sony DSC-W810 was launched in January 2014, it’s one of the best Sony compact cameras. It is a 20-megapixel ultracompact camera that includes 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm) and a CCD sensor. It also has a 27-162 mm F3.5-6.5 lens and impressive built-in image stabilization. Through this camera, you can capture a maximum resolution of 5152 x 3864 pixels with different ratios of 16:9 and 4:3. The ISO ranges from 80-3200, but it does not support the function of Raw images. If you want to buy a camera supporting the Raw file system you can purchase NIKON COOLPIX P7100 with a similar tag price.
This best budget compact camera has a zoom lens of 27-162 mm F3.5-6.5 with perfect extensive-angle points are 27mm and 162mm, satisfying you with amazing results. The maximum aperture for this camera is f/3.50 at 27mm. On the other hand, this camera lens is fast on the wider end, and it is slow at the end maximum aperture of f6.50. It also has Optical stabilization that is very useful for lower shutter speeds.
Its LCD screen is 2.7 inches, with a resolution of 230 thousand dots. The screen is a bit small, and the dots are also lower than other models within the same class. The battery is used to charge this device with a working life of 200 shots per charge. The highest resolution in Sony W810 for shooting videos is 1280 x 720 at a frame rate of 30fps frames per second. The file is saved in H.264 formats. It also has a contrast detection AUST focusing system; it can automatically detect the face and focus the object with precision. This best affordable point-and-shoot camera is lighter on your wallet and has a great deal to offer.
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6. Sony Cybershot DSC-W800
Type: Compact
Resolution: 720 HD
Sensor: 1/2.3-inches
Lens: 26mm, F/4.6-23mm
Megapixels: 20 megapixels
Image stabilization: Yes
Display: 2.7-inches LCD screen
Battery life: 200 shots
Sony Cybershot DSC-W800 is a super HAD CCD sensor that provides you with beautiful highly detailed pictures. It has a blink detection function and a Sony lens with w/ 5x optical zoom and 360 sweep panoramas. This Sony point-and-shoot camera reduces blurring in your images with SteadyShot image stabilization. It captures JPEG format images. It can capture 720p videos in HD movie mode. You can use the camera menu in easy mode.
Sony Cybershot DSC-W800 can take still images with a resolution of 20 megapixels. The lens has a focal length of f/4.6-23mm with an F3.2 W- 6.4 T maximum aperture. It has a good optical zooming power of 5x. You also get a battery and an adapter in the package with an amazing wrist strap for mounting the camera and a multi-USB cable. Sony Cybershot cam offers you high-end features and has a great deal to offer within a reasonable price range. That’s why when looking for the best budget compact camera, this best budget Sony camera can’t be overlooked.
7. Olympus SZ-15
Type: Compact
Resolution: 720p
Sensor: 1/2.3-inches
Lens: 23-483 mm, F/2.8-5.9
Megapixels: 16 megapixels
Image stabilization: Yes
Display: 3-inches LCD screen
Battery life: 230 shots
Olympus SZ-15 is a 16.0-megapixel compact camera with a CCD image sensor with a 1.34µm pixel pitch, and it is around 1/2.3 inches in size. These are the major differences from the previous SZ-16 which uses the CMOS sensor with the same pixel resolution and size.
It has a 24x optical zoom that covers all things that are ranging from 25mm to 600 mm-equivalents. The lens of this camera is designed so that it has 11 elements in total and 10 groups. The 3 elements are double-sided aspheric and the other 3 are extra-low dispersion elements. The lens focuses approximately 10cm in a wide range angle, and it focuses 3cm in the macro-mode when it is locked to 79mm.
The impressive feature of face detection is part of the Olympus SZ-15. The sensor is fitted on the movable object so that it can provide mechanical stabilization. It has an LCD monitor with 3 3-inch screen and approximately 460,000 dots in resolution. It lacks the feature of priority capture, however. Intelligent Auto mode is used for exposure. The shutter speed available in this camera ranges from 1/4 to 1/2,000 seconds, and it can be higher in night mode. It includes a flash that can work at 6.9 meters for wide-angle and for telephoto it has a capacity of 3.0 meters.
This best budget compact camera can shoot movies with a high definition of 720p (1,280 x 720 pixels) and capture 30 frames in a second. The resolution is a bit lower than the CMOS version which was 1080 pixels. The data in Olympus SZ-15 is stored in the form of Motion JPEG-compressed. Overall Olympus compact camera is a nice compact camera to try at an affordable price.
8. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30
Type: Compact
Resolution: 720 HD
Sensor: 1/2.33-inches
Lens: 25-100 mm, F/3. 9-5.7
Megapixels: 16 megapixels
Image stabilization: Yes
Display: 2.7-inches LCD screen
Battery life: 250 shots
The Lumix DMC-TS30 compact camera is rough and tough. Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS30 is Easy to carry anywhere you want whether you are going hiking or diving. This best cheap compact camera is developed to capture your daily lifestyle. Lumix DMC-TS30 will make your memories look memorable in every phase of your life.
It had a special mode for underwater images when you took photos underwater you usually lost natural colors. For shooting underwater images, no need to worry. The red color is minimized through the advanced underwater mode, and you can easily manage the red tones underwater. You can turn the ordinary situation into extremely expressive images by using creative retouch mode for playback and for recording you can use creative control mode. There are different effects available in this camera: Miniature Effect, Sepia Dynamic, Expressive, Impressive Art, Retro, Monochrome, One Point Colour, and many more.
This camera’s specialty is that it is shockproof, freezeproof, and waterproof. Through this you can capture photos anywhere you want indoors or outdoors; the choice is yours. Shockproof capability is 1.5m/5 ft. and waterproof capability is 8m/26ft. It is also dustproof and has a freeze-proof resistance of -10 Celsius /14 Fahrenheit. Lumix DMC-TS30 offers you amazing features at a reasonable price. So this best budget compact camera is highly recommendable, and you must give it a try.
9. Sony Cybershot DSC-H300/B
Type: Compact
Resolution: 720p
Sensor: 1/2.3-inches
Lens: 4.5-157.5mm, F/3.0-5.9
Megapixels: 20.1 megapixel
Image stabilization: Yes
Display: 3-inches LCD screen
Battery life: 350 shots
Sony DSC-H300/B is the best budget compact camera with a powerful optical zoom range of 35x bringing you beautiful images with nice details. Its amazing sensor offers a still resolution of 20.1 megapixels and HD high-definition videos with creative features to capture pictures and videos with fine details. It has a small and compact body easy to handle in shooting or recording.
This camera helps you get a nice close-up, and its 35x optical zoom lets you shoot with precision without any blurring and with great zoom range. It has a super HAD CCD sensor that delivers high-resolution image capturing. You can capture vibrant and clear pictures with great details. It also records smooth 720p high detailing videos as soon as you press the recording. It can record in MP4 at the frame rate of 30 frames per second which is perfect for fast editing.
Sony DSC-H300/B has a comfortable grip and easy controls for an amazing steady shot. It offers you panoramic pictures with just a one-touch. With just a simple click of the 360-degree sweep panorama button, it moves and captures the series of frames for a panoramic shot. It has a 3-inch LCD with 921k dots a clear display, sharp features, and natural color that delivers composed shots, allowing you to read clear menus and view images even in bright sunlight.
It offers optical SteadyShot image stabilization with an active mode that ensures smooth videos and images. Advanced technology delivers images with sharp quality with low noise reduction and minimum blurring even when you are walking while shooting and zooming with the camera. Sony DSC-H300/B has picture effects that give amazing expressions to photos and make ordinary landscapes and pictures lively with outstanding effects and filters. Sony DSC-H300/B is the best affordable camera and has a lot more to offer.
10. Panasonic TZ95
Type: Compact
Resolution: 4K
Sensor: 1/ 2.3-inches
Lens: 24-720mm F/3.3-6.4
Megapixels: 20.3 megapixel
Image stabilization: Yes
Display: 3-inches LCD touchscreen
Battery life: 380 shots
Panasonic TZ95 is the best compact camera with a viewfinder and sensor size of 1/ 2.3 inches with high sensitivity. It has an effective lens of 20.3 million pixels lens of LEICA DC VARIO ELMAR with a focal length of 4.3-129mm. It offers an optical zoom magnification of 30x and a focusing range of 50 cm/ 2.0 m-AF macro. It has a lens of 24-720mm, f/3.3-6.4, and allows 4K high-resolution video recording. It offers continuous shooting at a frame rate of 10 frames per second which is quite useful for shooting fast action. If you’re looking for cheap video cameras, it is one of the best budget compact cameras.
The battery has a working life of approximately 380 images with LCD and 250 images with an EVF electronic viewfinder. It has an LCD screen of 3 inches in size with 1040k dots. The electronic viewfinder EVF is 0.21 inches with 2330k dots.
This budget video camera is also great for users who are beginners or intermediate in photography skills. Even for the skilled ones, this best budget compact camera brings impressive features that can convince them to keep it as their alternate camera.
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Buyers Guide: Things to consider before buying the best budget compact camera in 2024
The best budget compact cameras offer a level of versatility, image quality, and features that can enhance your photography experience without breaking the bank. So, before you make your decision, let’s dive into the key factors you should consider to find the perfect budget compact camera that suits your needs.
Lens and Zoom Range
The lens is the window to the world in photography, so it’s essential to choose a budget camera with a versatile lens and a decent zoom range. A lens with a wide aperture (lower F-number) will enable better low-light performance and depth of field control. Additionally, consider the zoom range, indicated by the millimeter (mm) values. A wider range, such as 24-200mm, allows you to capture both wide-angle landscapes and distant subjects with ease. Get the best low-light compact camera for better performance.
Video Recording
If you plan to shoot videos, check the camera’s video recording capabilities. Look for the best budget compact video camera that can shoot at least 1080p Full HD videos for crisp and smooth footage.
Stabilization
Shaky hands can ruin a perfectly composed shot, but fear not! Image stabilization is here to save the day. Optical image stabilization (OIS) compensates for camera shake, resulting in sharper images, especially when shooting handheld or in low light. Look for the best budget compact camera that offers built-in OIS for better image stability.
Battery Life and Storage
Never miss a shot due to a dead battery or limited storage. Check the camera’s battery life specifications to ensure it can withstand your shooting needs. A battery life of at least 200 shots per charge is a good starting point. Additionally, consider the type of memory card the camera uses and whether it supports expandable storage options like SDHC or SDXC cards.
Additional Features
Take note of any additional features that might enhance your photography experience such as a compact camera with wifi. This could include built-in Wi-Fi for easy sharing and remote control, manual controls for more creative freedom, and special shooting modes or filters.
User-Friendly Interface
Consider how user-friendly the camera’s interface is. The best budget compact camera with intuitive controls and a straightforward menu system will make your shooting experience much more enjoyable.
People Also Ask
What makes a budget compact camera a good choice for photographers?
A good budget compact camera is a great second camera option for photographers due to its affordability and portability. It allows photographers to easily carry it in their pockets and capture high-quality images.
Why should I choose a budget compact camera over a smartphone camera?
Despite advancements in smartphone cameras, compact cameras still have the edge when it comes to certain features like RAW shooting, long zoom range, quick performance, and outstanding low-light capabilities. The best budget compact cameras offer more manual control options and higher image quality, making them a preferred choice for photography enthusiasts.
Can I shoot videos with these best budget compact cameras?
Absolutely! Most of these cheap cameras can shoot videos in HD quality, with resolutions ranging from 720p to 1080p. They offer the flexibility to capture both stunning photos and high-quality videos.
Which are the top budget compact cameras in 2024?
The best budget compact cameras in 2024 include the Panasonic ZS8, Nikon S5200, Samsung WB150F, Nikon Coolpix A10, Sony Cybershot DSC-W810, and Sony Cybershot DSC-W800. Each of these cameras offers different features and benefits, catering to various photography needs.
Do these best budget compact cameras have image stabilization?
Yes, all the cameras mentioned in our list have image stabilization functions. This feature helps to reduce camera shake and ensures sharper and clearer images, especially when shooting at longer focal lengths or in low-light conditions.
How we tested and ranked the best budget compact cameras
When testing and ranking the best budget compact cameras, we considered several factors. First, we looked at the image quality of the camera, including its resolution, color accuracy, and ability to perform well in low-light settings. We also evaluated the camera’s ease of use, including its menu system, button layout, and overall design. Additionally, we considered the camera’s features and functionality, such as its zoom capabilities, autofocus, and video recording capabilities. However, given the focus on budget-friendly options, we also paid close attention to the price point of each camera and assessed each model based on its value for money. Finally, we looked at user reviews and feedback to gauge overall customer satisfaction and identify any potential issues or shortcomings. By taking all of these factors into account, we were able to identify the best budget compact cameras that offer good performance and features at an affordable price point.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, after thorough research and testing, we have identified the best budget compact camera options in 2024. From the Panasonic ZS8 with its impressive telephoto lens and built-in Wi-Fi to the Nikon S5200, offering 1080p full HD video recording and 3D shooting ability, and the Samsung WB150F with manual exposure and image stabilization, these cameras offer excellent features at affordable prices. The Nikon Coolpix A10 provides an easy auto mode and electronic VR for image stabilization, while the Sony Cybershot DSC-W810 and DSC-W800 deliver high-resolution images and face detection focusing. Whether you’re a beginner or a photography enthusiast, these cameras offer great value and portability for capturing high-quality images.
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