9 Best Digital Cameras under $200 in 2023

By Tati Taylor 10 days ago, Cameras & Lenses

Pick up the best digital camera under $200 to shoot without braking the bank.

top digital cameras under 200

First of all, the best camera under $200 can be a great backup for your mirrorless or DSLR expensive one. You never know when your main camera might break or malfunction, and having a backup can save you from missing a crucial shot.

Secondly, cameras for $200 and less can be a great tool for experimentation. When you're not worried about the cost of each shot, you can take risks and try out new techniques without fear of wasting money. This can lead to some surprising and creative results.

And finally, cheap cameras in this price tag can be a great way to challenge yourself creatively. When you don't have all the bells and whistles of a high-end camera, you have to rely on your own skills and creativity to get the shot.

Top 9 Digital Cameras under $200 to Buy

  1. Canon ELPH 360 HS - Great for shooting outdoors
  2. Kodak FZ53 - Mirrorless
  3. Kodak PIXPRO Astro - Compact
  4. Polaroid Snap Touch - Best for teenagers
  5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 - Available for traveling
  6. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 - Extremely intuitive settings
  7. Paper Shoot Camera - Ideal for kids
  8. AKASO V50 Elite - Water-resistant cheap cam
  9. Polaroid Now - Universal options

A camera should be easy to use, especially if you're just starting out. Battery life is also an important factor to consider. You don't want to be caught without power when you're out shooting. Some cameras come with rechargeable batteries, while others use disposable ones.

However, if you're looking to save money in the long run, you may want to consider purchasing third party camera batteries. They are often cheaper than the manufacturer's batteries, but still provide the same power and quality.

1. Canon ELPH 360 HS – Our Choice

Great for shooting outdoors
canon elph 360 hs digital camera under 200
  • ✚ Average image quality
  • ✚ Compact size
  • ✚ A lot of modes
  • ✚ Cool LCD screen
  • Low quality in insufficient light
Rating

This is one of the best Canon cameras under 200 dollars for portraits. Of course, the quality of the image and the technical characteristics cannot be compared to professional models, but this is a rather good basic digital camera, which has everything you need to take beautiful photos.

The advantage of this model is the 20.2-megapixel resolution, making it a great option for capturing stunning portraits.

canon elph 360 hs digital camera under 200 lifestyle

If you take photos on the street with enough light, you will get nice pictures (what not to say when shooting indoors). Another pleasant bonus is its good autofocus, making it easier to capture sharp portraits. Moreover, the ELPH 360 has a stylish and compact design.

2. Kodak FZ53

Mirrorless cam under $200
kodak fz53 digital camera under 200
  • ✚ Affordable price
  • ✚ Small size
  • ✚ Rather good battery
  • ✚ 5x optical zoom
  • Slow autofocus
  • Video quality is not perfect
Rating

The main advantage of this gadget is its very low price, making it an affordable option for those with a lower level of experience in photography. This model may not have the best dynamic range camera capabilities, but it certainly deserves your attention. This is a great option for kids and teens who are just starting to explore their interest in photography.

kodak fz53 digital camera under 200 lifestyle

Taken by Kodak FZ53

The camera has a very simple interface and a lot of functions that a beginner can easily cope with. Also, you can record video using this camera. Videos are stored in QuickTime format with a quality of 720p for 30 frames.

You can use the continuous shooting mode, but the image quality will automatically decrease, limiting your ability to capture a wide range of details in your shots.

3. Kodak PIXPRO Astro

Compact
kodak pixpro astro digital camera under 200
  • ✚ Great zoom
  • ✚ High image quality in good lighting
  • ✚ AA batteries
  • ✚ Can focus on your pets' faces
  • AF lags when zooming
  • Big shutter delay
Rating

The Kodak PIXPRO Astro is the best compact camera under 200 dollars according to many users’ feedback on Amazon. The most important feature of this device is a huge zoom, which allows you to see even very small distant objects.

You can choose among several color variations (white, red, and black).

kodak pixpro astro digital camera under 200 lifestyle

The PIXPRO Astro has several interesting features, for instance, detection of dogs’ and cats’ faces. Fans of social networks will appreciate the large number of filters that can instantly hide flaws and make the necessary accents.

4. Polaroid Snap Touch

Best for teenagers
polaroid snap touch digital camera under 200
  • ✚ Built-in printer
  • ✚ Wide range of capture modes
  • ✚ High resolution sensor
  • ✚ Bluetooth connectivity to smartphones for more features
  • Trouble taking shots in low light
  • Color accuracy and focus not as accurate as with a smartphone
Rating

Polaroid Snap Touch is a super easy camera under $200 to capture instant memories without spending a lot of money on equipment. It comes with a built-in printer and can connect to your smartphone via Bluetooth for more features.

The camera takes good pictures in good lighting and prints bright, vibrant images on Zink paper.

polaroid snap touch digital camera under 200 lifestyle

It offers a wide range of features and comes with a touchscreen for easy framing and control. The camera also has a micro SD card slot and a variety of capture modes to suit any occasion.

It's a simple and easy-to-use camera, and its compact size makes it perfect camera for teenagers to use and learn how to shoot with it.

5. Fujifilm Instax Mini 11

Available for traveling
fujifilm instax mini 11 digital camera under 200
  • ✚ Automatic exposure
  • ✚ Built-in flash
  • ✚ Good color depiction
  • ✚ Handy 'viewfinder' with a viewfinder on top
  • Lacks many of more advanced features
  • Lacks a self-timer and a tripod mount
Rating

If you are looking for the best digital camera under $200 that is easy to use and produces cute prints, then the Fujifilm Instax Mini 11 is a great option for you. It has a 16-megapixel sensor that produces high-quality images and is available in several colors.

fujifilm instax mini 11 digital camera under 200 lifestyle

One of the advantages of this selfie camera is that it includes a lens attachment for close-up shots. It also has automatic exposure and a built-in flash that adjusts to low light, making it great for selfies.

Plus, it features a quick shutter release, enabling you to snap a shot in a split second.

6. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1

Extremely intuitive settings
fujifilm instax square sq1 digital camera under 200
  • ✚ Easy to use with automatic exposure system
  • ✚ Selfie mode
  • ✚ Colored borders and black-and-white square film available
  • ✚ Great color reproduction
  • Flash is always on, may not be preferred by some photographers
  • Limited shooting functions
Rating

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 is a great camera for beginners and those looking for cameras for 200 dollars. It is incredibly easy to use, thanks to its automatic exposure system, which means you don't need to be an experienced photographer to take good photos.

Additionally, it produces high-quality square-format prints that are vivid and vibrant, with great color reproduction.

fujifilm instax square sq1 digital camera under 200 lifestyle

Another advantage is its compact and lightweight design, making it easy to carry around with you. It's perfect for capturing memories on the spot and printing them out straight away. Plus, it has a mirror on the front for selfies, which is always a plus.

However, note that the camera doesn't have a zoom feature, so you'll need to physically move closer or further away from your subject to get the shot you want.

7. Paper Shoot Camera

Ideal for kids
paper shoot camera digital camera under 200
  • ✚ Reusable and eco-friendly
  • ✚ Offers a variety of shooting modes
  • ✚ Lightweight and compact
  • ✚ Expandable with additional lenses
  • No built-in flash
  • Short battery life on a full charge
Rating

Paper Shoot Camera is a great camera for people who are just getting started in photography which makes it an excellent camera for kids. The camera comes with a 10-megapixel sensor that creates digital images with decent detail.

Plus, it offers instant prints and a range of fun designs, which is perfect for those who love to have physical copies of their photos.

paper shoot camera digital camera under 200 lifestyle

This digital camera for under $200 is eco-friendly, as it doesn't produce plastic waste, using 2 x 3 inch Zink paper instead.

You can also add additional lenses to your camera, which is a great way to expand your range and get some extra perspectives on your photos. They attach magnetically, but you can easily remove them if you're not using them or if the lens is in the way when you're shooting.

8. AKASO V50 Elite

Water-resistant cheap cam
akaso v50 elite digital camera under 200
  • ✚ Has HDMI output port
  • ✚ Time-lapse and slow motion
  • ✚ Adjustable wide-angle lens
  • ✚ Compatible with mounts and accessories
  • Internal microphone lacks depth and range
  • External microphone compatibility is rare in this price range
Rating

AKASO V50 Elite is a great budget action camera for 200 dollars that is packed with features perfect for capturing the best of your adventures. It captures 4K video at 60 fps and 20MP photos with a wide 170-degree field of view.

It's an excellent underwater camera for snorkeling with a waterproof design that allows you to record your underwater adventures without worrying about damaging the camera.

akaso v50 elite digital camera under 200 lifestyle

Taken by AKASO V50 Elite

The camera also comes with a protective case that can keep it safe from rain and snow, making it a great option for outdoor sports. With its variety of shooting modes and 8x zoom, the AKASO V50 Elite offers plenty of flexibility for capturing the moments that matter most to you.

Plus, with two batteries included, you'll have decent recording time to ensure that you don't miss a thing.

9. Polaroid Now

Universal options
polaroid now digital camera under 200
  • ✚ Includes a double exposure mode
  • ✚ Large glass lens
  • ✚ Works with different color filters
  • ✚ LED shot counter and dynamic flash
  • Narrow color range and lack of details in shots
  • Expensive film
Rating

Polaroid Now is a great option for those who want to take instant photos with a camera for photography in an inexpensive way. It's easy to operate and features a dual lens system that helps you capture the perfect shot every time.

polaroid now digital camera under 200 lifestyle

Taken by Polaroid Now

One of the best things about the Polaroid Now is its classic design and range of lens filters, which make it a versatile choice for photographers who want a bit more flexibility than a simple point-and-shoot camera.

It features three camera modes and a self-timer, making it perfect for capturing a variety of portraits. The camera's large glass lens helps reduce shadows and improve the quality of your pictures.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
canon elph 360 hs digital camera under 200
Canon ELPH 360 HS
OUR CHOICE
  • 20.2MP
  • 1080p
CHECK PRICE
kodak fz53 digital camera under 200
Kodak FZ53
MIRRORLESS
  • 16MP
  • HD 720p
CHECK PRICE
kodak pixpro astro digital camera under 200
Kodak PIXPRO Astro
COMPACT
  • 20MP
  • 1080p
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Best Digital Camera under $200?

Now I want to share some tips on how to choose the best model as a beginner.

Size and weight. If you're on a budget and looking for a budget video camera, it's important to consider the size and weight of the camera. You don't want something too bulky or heavy, as it could make it difficult to carry around with you. Look for a compact and lightweight model that's easy to handle.

digital camera under 200 size

Image quality. It is crucial when it comes to photography, and if you're looking for the cheapest 4K camera, then you need to check for the resolution, lens type, and battery life of the camera you're interested in. A good image should be clear, bright, and have sharp colors with good contrast.

digital camera under 200 image sensor size

Image sensor size. The larger the sensor, the more detail it can capture, even if it has a lower megapixel count. The sensor size also affects the amount of blur in photos, especially in low-light situations.

Video quality. Even if you're not planning on shooting videos, having a camera with good video quality can come in handy, and if you're looking for the best digital camera under $200, look for a model that can shoot at least 1080p resolution videos.

Camera's zoom lens. A larger optical zoom lens will allow you to get closer to your subject without losing image quality. This can be especially useful in situations where you can't physically get closer to your subject.

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