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It is undeniable that smartphones and tablets can make good quality photos, but if you want to be creative, there is nothing better than a ‘camera.’ They are designed for the job. The more significant decision is what kind of camera you should choose. For simplicity and portability, there is much to be said for a small camera that you can take down in your daily bag or even an extra kit. Today, we are here with our list of the best cameras for beginners under $100 that you can buy right now.
Most models have a respectable zoom range and a built-in flash, while some add a viewfinder that helps to compose shots in bright sunlight. Whatever type of camera you choose, it does not have to be complicated. Let’s take a closer look at the best cameras for beginners under $100 options on the market.
The best cameras for beginners under $100 are not easy to find. A certainty is that an entry camera is easy to use, easy to carry, and use, must be intuitive, and at the same time must allow growth. All of this should go hand in hand to foster a passion for photography. But our list of best cameras for beginners under $100 will surely help you to find your ideal camera within your 100 USD budget.
List of the best cameras for beginners under $100
Nikon COOLPIX A10

- Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.3 x 1.1 in
- Batteries: 2 x AA
- Sensor: 1/2.3-in CCD
- Zoom: 5x optical
- Max video resolution: 720p, 30fps
- Megapixels: 16.1
- ISO range: 80 – 1,600
Many people maintain a presence on social media on different sites, with Instagram being the most prominent. If you need an affordable camera that produces usable video images for your vlogs and at the same time is great for taking selfies, then Nikon’s Coolpix A10 is the one you can get! It is a compact, lightweight point-and-shoot with six effect modes, good face recognition options, and the ability to make videos in HD at 30 fps.
The A10 is an ergonomic camera that feels good in the hand and feels firmer than other models at a price. Corners are cut in the outside design because the handle is not textured, but you will still find sufficient space for a comfortable grip and stable shots. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for beginners under 100 dollars.
Pros:
- Compact and portable
- Good value for the money
- Decent video performance
- Excellent for selfies
Cons:
- Getting to SD card requires removal of batteries
- The LCD screen has poor viewing angle and contrast
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Best Cameras For Beginners Under $500
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W800

- Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.2 x 0.8 in
- Type: Compact
- Batteries: Rechargeable Li-ion
- Sensor: 1/2.3-in Super HAD CCD
- Zoom: 5x optical, 10x digital
- Max video resolution: 720p, 30fps
- Megapixels: 20.1
- ISO range: 100 – 3,200
People who like to travel a lot while wearing as little as possible will love the least expensive Sony camera, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W800. It weighs almost nothing, fits in the pocket of a woman’s jeans, and can make good-quality photos or videos. This is the perfect camera to have on your side when you record a series of activities or stitch a photo story together to share with your followers. It does not have the bells and whistles of more sophisticated Sony cameras. Still, the surprising variety of features and the low price level of the W800 make it the undisputed winner in our list of best cameras for beginners under $100.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Built-in flash
- Excellent sensor
- Above-average video quality for the price
Cons:
- Prolonged continuous shot speed
- Thin plastic casing
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Canon PowerShot ELPH 180

- Dimensions: 3.7 x 2.1 x 0.9 in
- Type: Compact
- Batteries: Rechargeable NiMH
- Sensor: 1/2.3-in CCD
- Zoom: 8x optical
- Max video resolution: 720p, 25fps
- Megapixels: 20
- ISO range: 100 – 1,600
Continuing our trend of ultra-lightweight travel cameras is PowerShot ELPH180 from Canon. It’s so light that you hardly know that you are carrying it, even after an active day of shooting. The camera features a powerful optical zoom lens, user-friendly controls that allow everyone to brag quickly, and clear 720p video. Get the ELPH 180 if you want a reliable point-and-shoot that you can blow in seconds and record events as they unfold. The ELPH180 is a camera without fuss for beginners. The small frame makes it ideal for journaling holidays, parties, and other memorable events. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for beginners under 100 dollars.
Best DSLR Cameras For Beginners
Pros:
- Powerful optical zoom
- Small form factor
- Easy to use
- Stylish
Cons:
- No image stabilization
- No manual flash
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Sony Cybershot DSC-W830

- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
- Megapixels: 20.1MP
- Screen: 2.7-inch
- Viewfinder: None
- Lens type: 8x zoom
- Max video resolution: 720p
- User level: Beginner
This Cybershot hovers above and below the magic of $100 – with the standard black model that is often slightly cheaper than the silver, pink, and (crazy) purple models that are also available. It has the same 20.1MP sensor as its little brother the W810, but your extra $30 or so will be invested in the improved 8x zoom lens. Elsewhere, with retouching in the camera, image stabilization, and 720p video recording, it is a similar story to its peers.
And with face detection for up to eight faces, red-eye reduction, and blink detection, this should ensure good results in group shots. It is a lighter camera than a lot and is still a good choice for those who want one of the best cameras for beginners under $100.
Pros:
- Middling feature set
- 8x zoom
Cons:
- No Wi-Fi
- Only 720p video capture
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Canon Powershot ELPH 190

- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
- Megapixels: 20.5MP
- Screen: 2.7-inch 230k
- Viewfinder: None
- Lens type: 10x zoom
- Max burst speed: 0.8fps
- Max video resolution: 720p
- User level: Beginner
Powershot ELPH models from Canon (also known as IXUS outside the United States) remain a trendy budget and one of the best cameras for beginners under $100. The 190 combines a low price with a fairly generous feature set, is ultra-thin and light, and incredibly easy to carry as a spare or travel camera. You should be able to find the most recent model of 190 for a fraction of less than $150, and it is our choice for the cheaper 185. The latter has no Wi-Fi and NFC and only has one 8x zoom lens instead of 190s 10x.
Whether these functions are worth the extra $40 is the most important question when choosing between the two. With a 20.5MP sensor, sharp image quality, and secure handling, the 190 is a small and slim compact camera with a wide appeal that is available in a range of colors. The image quality is clear and sharp, and the Wi-Fi and NFC must be attractive to photographers who want to upload and keep their images quickly and easily.
Pros:
- Wi-Fi and NFC
- 10x zoom
Cons:
- Only 720pm video capture
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30

- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 16.1
- Minimum shooting distance: 40cm
- LCD screen: 2.7in 230k
- Lens: 25-100mm (equiv) f/3.9-5.7
- Waterproof: 8m/26ft
- Shockproof: 1.5m/5ft
- Freezeproof: -10ºC/14ºF
- Max video resolution: 720p
The only specialist waterproof camera on this list, Panasonic’s Lumix TS30 (known as the FT30 in Europe), usually floats just over $100. As such, it is a great entry-level model for anyone who needs a robust camera for travel experiences, even though they are now what is older in terms of specifications.
The robustness not only suits adrenalin addicts but is also a sensible choice for children who suffer from an accident Small and light enough to carry easily, we recommend you to buy a belt to ensure that the TS30 stays on hand when used in water. The video functionality will not win any prizes, with the only 720p max being recorded. However, for this price, the Lumix TS30 is still an excellent choice for photography of photos and is one of the best cameras for beginners under $100.
Pros:
- Smart, cool design
- Great price
Cons:
- Specs are aging now
- Video only 720p
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Kodak PIXPRO FZ53

- Type: Compact
- Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.9 in
- Batteries: Rechargeable NiMH
- Sensor: 1/2.3-in CCD
- Zoom: 5x optical, 6x digital
- Max video resolution: 720p, 30fps
- Megapixels: 16.1
- ISO range: 80 – 1,600
Kodak is another well-known camera manufacturer with an attractive budget choice, the PIXPRO Z53. This camera differs from others we have reviewed because of the many scene modes and the ability to control most recording aspects manually. It is also the lightest point-and-shoot in the guide. The video quality is reasonable but worse than our top choices.
This is the camera you can get if you are a novice photographer who needs a cheap but versatile camera, especially for photography purposes, but also wants to capture her experiences in vlog form. The FZ35 is a slim looking small camera with a metallic gloss available in black, blue, or red. It has a convex lens along with a strip for finger placement at the front. Overall, this is one of the best cameras for beginners under $100.
Pros:
- Lots of adjustable photo settings
- Smooth zoom
- Very light
- Intuitive menu system
Cons:
- No optical image stabilization
- Short battery life
- Audible focus
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