Choosing the best cheap camera in 2022 can be a difficult process, especially when you’re not looking to spend more than $200 on your purchase. We’ve compiled a list of the finest budget cameras on the market, and we provide detailed reviews to help you decide which camera is right for you and your budget. If you’re considering an upgrade to your current point-and-shoot camera or you’re just starting out with DSLR photography, check out our guide to the best cheap cameras of 2022!
Fujifilm X-A5
This is our pick for the best cheap camera in 2022. It’s a great all-rounder that’s especially good for vlogging and taking selfies, thanks to its flip-up screen. It’s also very compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around with you. Plus, it has 4K video recording capabilities, which is a nice bonus. The only downside is that the Fujifilm X-A5 doesn’t have an optical zoom lens, so if you want to get closer to your subject without using digital zoom then this isn’t the right camera for you. If you’re after something more powerful than a point-and-shoot but don’t want to spend too much money, the Fujifilm X-A5 is a solid choice.
Sony RX100 V
The Sony RX100 V is a great all-around camera that’s especially good for travel and street photography. It’s compact and lightweight, yet still packs a powerful punch with its 20.1 megapixel sensor and 4K video capabilities. Plus, its fast autofocus system makes it a great choice for capturing action shots. And at just under $1,000, it’s a relative bargain for what you get.
The Nikon D3300 may not be the most impressive DSLR on the market, but it gets the job done without emptying your wallet. If you’re looking for an easy to use camera to take some great pictures or record high-quality videos, this could be the one for you. At about $500-$600 dollars, the D3300 offers an unbeatable price/performance ratio when compared to other cameras in its class. It features a 24.2 MP APS-C CMOS sensor, Full HD 1080p video recording, ISO range of 100-25600 (expandable up to 51200), and 3 fps continuous shooting rate. Its 39 point AF system isn’t as advanced as more expensive DSLRs like the Canon EOS Rebel T6i (see below), but it does offer fast focus speeds. One thing to keep in mind: Unlike many competing models, the D3300 doesn’t have built-in Wi-Fi or NFC connectivity which means you’ll need to purchase an external memory card reader if you want to transfer photos wirelessly from your camera.
And while its viewfinder has been lauded by users for being bright and clear, it can’t match the sharpness and clarity of the pricier Canon EOS Rebel T6i’s electronic viewfinder. All things considered, however, we think this budget DSLR still offers plenty of bang for your buck–especially considering how cheap new digital SLRs are these days. As long as you’re willing to put in a little elbow grease when editing images post-shoot, the D3300 should serve you well. Olympus OM-D E-M10 II: Our favorite entry level mirrorless camera, the Olympus OM-D E-M10 II packs a lot of power into a small package. With 16MP Four Thirds Live MOS Sensor, 5 axes stabilization, OLED EVF with 2.36 million dots and weather sealed body; this mirrorless option is hard to beat at its price point.
Olympus TG-5
The Olympus TG-5 is the best cheap camera you can buy in 2022. It’s a tough little camera that’s waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof, making it ideal for adventurous types. It also has a fast f/2.0 lens, 4K video recording and a brilliant OLED screen. If you’re looking for a great all-rounder, the TG-5 is the best cheap camera you can buy.
And at around $200, it won’t break the bank either. Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100: Another excellent budget camera from Panasonic, the Lumix ZS100 has a lot to offer. It comes with 5-axis image stabilization and an impressive 24MP sensor which gives crisp detail even when zoomed in. In addition to this, it features built-in Wi-Fi connectivity so you can share your shots on social media quickly and easily.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2000
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2000 is one of the best cheap cameras you can buy right now. It’s a great all-rounder that should appeal to a wide range of photographers and videographers. It’s got a 20.1MP sensor, 4K video recording, and a versatile Leica zoom lens with a huge range of 25-400mm. Plus, it’s got loads of features that make it easy to use, such as an articulated LCD screen and built-in Wi-Fi.
If you’re looking for something to take on holidays or shoot some home movies on, this could be the camera for you. It’s also good if you want to produce professional quality stills and videos. There are lots of lenses available for the FZ2000 too, so you’ll always have the perfect shot at your fingertips. The downside? You need to buy a memory card separately. Still, if you’re not sure what camera to go for, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2000 has plenty of excellent features and is one of the best budget cameras around.
Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is one of the best cheap cameras you can buy in 2022. It’s a compact camera with a 40x optical zoom lens, which is great for shooting long-range photos and videos. Plus, it has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, so you can easily share your photos and videos with your friends and family.
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 is another excellent budget option. With a 24.2MP sensor, this camera takes high quality pictures that are clear enough to print out. One downside? It doesn’t have an external memory card slot, but there’s plenty of room on its 64GB internal storage. And while it lacks 4K video recording capabilities, 1080p HD videos look really good when shot at 60fps. Overall, if you’re looking for a beginner DSLR camera that offers solid performance without breaking the bank, this is a great option.
Nikon Coolpix W300
The Nikon Coolpix W300 is one of the best cheap cameras you can buy in 2022. It’s a tough and rugged point-and-shoot camera that’s waterproof, shockproof, and freezeproof, making it ideal for outdoor adventures. Plus, it has a 16 megapixel sensor and 5x optical zoom lens, making it capable of capturing great photos and videos. But as with most point-and-shoots, the battery life isn’t fantastic.
But considering its low price tag, that shouldn’t be much of an issue for most people who just want to capture memories without worrying about charging every few hours. So if you’re looking for a well-rounded budget camera to take on your next vacation or adventure without worrying about it getting wet or dirty, this might be worth looking into. For those more interested in taking great quality photographs than selfies, check out the Sony Cyber-shot DSC RX100 V . With a 24 megapixel image sensor and 4K video recording capabilities, this might be too much camera for some people but could make the perfect gift for someone who wants to start exploring photography seriously.
GoPro Hero6 Black
The GoPro Hero6 Black is one of the best cheap cameras you can buy right now. It’s a great action camera that’s rugged and waterproof, and it takes great 4K video. Plus, it has built-in stabilization and a fast burst mode for taking photos. All this comes at a decent price, too. There are some cheaper options out there, but they won’t give you as much bang for your buck. We recommend looking at DSLRs like the Canon Rebel T7i or Nikon D3500 if you’re looking to shoot with interchangeable lenses. For point-and-shoot cameras, we recommend going with something like the Panasonic Lumix ZS50 or Canon PowerShot SX720 HS. If you want something more affordable, go with the Sony Cyber-shot HX80V or Canon Powershot ELPH 190 IS.