Whether you are a hobbyist or a professional, if you want a great photo and video experience without breaking the bank. We have you covered! To support your photography taste, here we landed with a unique list of best digital cameras under 300.
For this list we made sure to keep every camera as affordable as possible but also that it was a great for your money.
And if you are someone that was initially looking to pick up a high-end professional camera but you wanted to stay on a budget, these cameras area a great place to start.
You can easily find cameras with great features and functionality but heavier in amount. So, you should be wise enough which one to choose best from both perspectives.
Focusing on all these, in this article, we mentioned the ten best digital cameras under 300 dollars. All these mentioned products are budget-friendly and unique in their features and best for hiking, traveling or an adventure trip.
First, we are going to show you our five best picks the we will talk about what you should look for before buying a compact camera.
So, lets dive in and find you perfect camera.
Our Top Picks – Best Cameras Under $300
1- Sony DSCWX350 18 MP 1080p
2- Canon PowerShot ELPH 360
3- Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K
4- Canon PowerShot SX530 (50X Optical Zoom)
10 best digital cameras under 300 – Comparis Table
| Image | Product | Zoom | Resolution | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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Sony DSCWX350 | 20x optical zoom | 1080p | Check Price |
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Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 | 8x optical zoom | 720p | Check Price |
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Sony (DSCW800) | 5x optical zoom | 720p | Check Price |
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Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 | 12x optical zoom | 720p | Check Price |
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Kodak PIXPRO 16MP | 42x optical zoom | 720p | Check Price |
 |
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K | 60x optical zoom | 2160p | Check Price |
 |
Canon PowerShot SX530 | 50x optical zoom | 1080p | Check Price |
 |
Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 | 10x optical zoom | 720p | Check Price |
 |
Nikon Coolpix W150 | 3x optical zoom | 1080p | Check Price |
 |
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 | 35x optical zoom | 720p | Check Price |
Here are The Best Digital Cameras Under 300
1- Sony DSCWX350 18 MP Digital Camera
Main Features:
– 3 inches screen size
– Fixed LCD viewfinder
– 20x optical zoom
– 21.1 megapixels ocular sensor resolution
– 1080p video capture resolution
– 4.80 ounces weight
When someone needs a pocket-sized camera to capture incredible naturalistic images, he should not miss the ‘’Sony DSCWX350 18 MP Digital Camera.’’
The camera landed with 20x Optical Zoom and 3 inches screen size. It has realistic image adjustment if you want to enlarge your image quality.
This is probably been on of the best values that ever been on the camera market.
This camera gives you top of the line camera specs at a very affordabel proce and still cuts very few corners
With it, you can simply record more than 7,000 images at 18 MP. It will also support you for around 5 hours of 1080/60 video on a 32 GB card.
Moreover, it is also the best choice to utilize for travel purposes. The users can do everything accordingly while using its scene-setting and program function.
This function has all built-in options to choose from. You don’t have to do a manual setting. Highly recommended for new photographers or not a techy person.
Overall Opinion: Inclusively, Sony DSCWX350 18 MP Digital Camera is a unique stand in its competitors. Portable for travel purposes.
Even you can adjust it in your small bag pocket to seize the best moments of your tour.
2- Canon PowerShot ELPH 180
Main Features:
– 2.7 inches screen size
– 12 megapixels ocular sensor resolution
– 4.6x optical zoom
– 720p video capture resolution
– Fixed LCD Viewfinder
– 4.40 ounces weight
This best point and shoot cameras under 300 landed in 2016. It is the preferred choice of unplanned photographers and videographers.
You can expect rich saturated colours from it. It has an 8x optical zoom and excellent image maintenance.
The intelligent auto function will allow you to focus on the 32 diverse preprogrammed shooting situations directly. You just have to click on the shutter button.
This mini camera is perfect for any tour, trip or party event.
It can easily adjust in small pockets, and the long battery life is one of its most remarkable features.
Its USB port feature will allow you to connect it with external devices.
You will not face any trouble while recording your videos at the highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 25p fps.
Overall Opinion: It will allow you to shoot at a maximum resolution of 5152 x 3864 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3.
Its 28-224 mm F3.2-6.9 8x zoom lens has broad-angle ability opening at 28mm and 224mm. Hence, Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 exactly performs according to your needs.
3- Sony (DSCW800) 20.1 MP
Main Feature:
– 2.7 inches screen size
– 720p video capture resolution
– 4.41 ounces weight
– 20.1 megapixels optical sensor resolution
– 5x optical zoom
It is true that Sony DSCW800 is still unmatchable and remains a great value digital camera under $300.
This compact camera check all the boxes in terms of performance, zoom range and decent image quality.
Paired with a 20.1 MP 1/2.3″ Super HAD CCD Sensor, it has a compact structure.
And the optical image stabilization delivers bright images with great colours and good detail.
One of its remarkable features is a 2.7″ Clear Photo LCD 230k-Dot Monitor. Moreover, it comes with 5x optical and 10x digital zoom.
This lightweight, compact digital camera with a viewfinder is available at an unbeatable price.
The bright 2.7″ Clear image LCD 230k-dot display will allow the users to see their images and full HD videos.
The best performer that takes plenty of boxes with million of users world wide and comes in a very affordable price. I would say the Sony DSCW80 is well worth buying at the current prices.
Overall Opinion: Using Sony (DSCW800), you can catch a high-resolution snapshot of the entire landscape.
To shoot at a broader angle, it offers you 360˚ Sweep Panorama. It will not let you down while choosing it from comprehensive models to make your trip memorable.
4- Canon PowerShot ELPH 360-Best Digital Cameras Under 300
Main Feature:
– 3 inches screen size
– 20.2 megapixels optical sensor resolution
– 12x optical zoom
– 720p video capture resolution
– Fixed LCD viewfinder
– 0.70 lbs weight
When someone wants a party companion to take beautiful images, he can meet with Canon PowerShot ELPH 360.
The camera landed with PowerShot ELPH 360 HS’s high-quality lens.
The wide sensors make it unique for both trip and party events. Canon PowerShot is also known as one of the fastest cameras to take an image.
It’s 12x optical zooming will support you to get in close when required. This lightweight camera is also easily portable.
The casual photographer and videographer always prefer this model of Cannon. It can record video at 1080p HD.
You will enjoy its neat control panel that uses a 3-inch LCD screen. The interface is user friendly. It is a beginner, friendly camera.
Its macro modes will permit the users to rapidly capture images without adjusting the camera focus.
Its direct shooting functionality will automatically take an image. In this mode, it will focus by default and take a snapshot.
Overall Opinion: This fast image and video capturing camera are enough to boost your party enjoyment.
Its 3″ colour LCD screen allows you to view your image before sending it to your friends.
5- Kodak PIXPRO 16MP Digital Camera
Main Feature:
– 3 inches screen size
– 16.1 megapixels optical sensor resolution
– 42x optical zoom
– 720p video capture resolution
– fixed LCD viewfinder
– 0.98 lbs weight
The biggest advantage of using the Kodat PixPro FZ53 is that you get a lot of functionality and excellent image quality in a compact, easy to use the device.
The camera weighs less than five ounces and measures a very comfortable 1.1 x 3.7 x 2.4 inches, making it convenient to use with just one hand.
And the 3 inches LCD helps you to view your photos r during the shoot.
Additionally, it features a 16 megapixels CCD sensor, giving you substantial clarity for your still images and also offers one-touch recording of 720p HD video.
This quick and simple recording function keeps you from missing even the most fleeting moments and captures them in motion.
The FZ53 uses a fast-charging Li-ion battery that turns the camera into a powerful tool to keep you on the go!
Its long battery life is what makes it a favourite among photographers.
It also includes several powerful and innovative detection features to remove any chances of error from your shots.
Its face detection can also focus on faces, blink detection notifies you, and someone blinks in the frame, and smile detection snaps a photo automatically when a smile is detected.
All these incredible features are making it one of the best digital cameras under 300.
Overall Opinion: Kodak PIXPRO 16MP Digital Camera has amazing features which you can’t find in this budget.
If you are an infrequent photographer and professional does matter, this is a very suitable camera for you.
It is a lightweight and very compact camera can be easily fit in cargo pant pockets.
6- Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K
Main Features:
– 3 inches screen size
– 18.9 megapixels optical sensor resolution
– 60x optical zoom
– 2160p video capture resolution
– Electronic viewfinder
– 1.36 lbs weight
Panasonic digital cameras have always been a favourite among photographers, and the LUMIX FZ80 is one of its top-end do-it-all compacts.
It comes with built-in electronic view finder on the rear LCD screen, which helps you to see the picture directly.
The FZ80 is a 60x optical zoom lens that encompassed wide-angle 20-millimetre equivalent for group shots or can zoom right into 20-1200mm equivalent to make for away subjects appear large in the frame.
The camera’s 4K centre capability permits the users to adjust the centre emphases required to capture an image.
However, its image quality will not be distorted even in the dim light situation.
It is the preferred choice of travellers and photographers. Its USB and WIFI functionality will support it to connect with external devices to share images and videos.
You will enjoy fast 4k HD videos and printable images. Moreover, Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is one of the best HD cameras and a great value for money.
Its 60x focal optical zoom is the longest on this list. You can also comprise your pictures with the high-resolution viewfinder and LCD screen. Certanly, one of the best point and shoot camera under 300.
Overall Opinion: Its lens has an f/2.8 – f/5.9 range and makes it a quick lens camera; you don’t have to wait for the following picture.
It comes with all the other attachments and a lens cover. A perfect camera for vlogging and built-in Wi-fi makes it easier to share your photos with a PC and mobile phone.
7- Canon PowerShot SX530 (50X Optical Zoom)
Main Features:
– 3 inches screen size
– 16 megapixels optical sensor resolution
– 50 optical zoom
– 1080p video capture resolution
– Fixed LCD viewfinder
– 0.97 lbs weight
SX530 HS, a significant chain of power shots, landed in 2015. But it is still at its peak with its favouritism.
Its16.0 megapixels is up to standard resolution for high-quality images.
You can use its LCD screen to direct the wide menu setup of the camera. Hence, you will find it intuitive and straightforward to understand.
Moreover, the LCD screen of the camera is cheerful and displays all colours from their actual perspective. You will get 100% coverage of what is taken by the sensor.
The autofocus system of this camera has nine autofocus points as divided on the screen.
It gives you a 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 4+ photo mainframe. You will see its ISO ability of 100-6400 with more than 3-fps shooting.
You can also directly select the suitable model for your photography-based on the surrounding light situation.
It is also known as “Scene Intelligent Auto Mode.”There are 9-point AF along with the main cross-type point.
It will give good video quality at 1080/30p in full HD mode. The default Wi-Fi and NFC functionality allow you to share the images and videos.
You have to connect the camera to your external device and enjoy data transmission.
Overall Opinion: Canon SX530 also has both Contrast Detection and Phase Detection autofocus functionality. These features support you to give fast and exact results based on the situation.
Trust me; you won’t get any better result at this price. That is why it is the personal favourite of many professional photographers.
8- Canon PowerShot ELPH 190
Main Features:
– 2.7 inches screen size
– 12 megapixels optical sensor resolution
– 10x optical zoom
– 720p video capture resolution
– 4.90 ounces weight
Another great addition to this list is the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190. The Camera has WiFi & Bluetooth.
So, whatever photos & videos you take, you can send it directly to your phone through the Canon camera application.
Another great feature is that you set your phone on a tripod, and you can control the Camera from this application.
This means you can take pictures and videos, zoom in and out on this Camera from the application, which is very cool.
What a lot of people don’t realize is you can send pictures from your camera to a printer, and you can also send images to other Canon cameras.
Furthermore, this camera shoot 720p, and it has a 20 Megapixel sensor that will help you get high-quality pictures in a good light situation.
The rear LCD is 2.7-inch easy to use functions, and the image quality is outstanding from ISO 100, 200 and 400.
It takes perfect images that really is surprising how good this Camera performs with image quality.
The Camera has 138g in weight and is easily portable. However, it also has an attractive structure and sleek design.
You will also get amusing saturated images in all selected modes.
Overall Opinion: Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 will give you sharp images and videos. The 20.0-megapixel sensor and wide ISO and opening range simply adjust to your shooting situation.
It has a 24mm wide-angle lens, face detection, and the audio of this camera is excellent. Moreover, this camera can be easily connected with the tripod.
9- Nikon Coolpix W150
Main Features:
– 2.7 inches screen size
– 13.2 megapixels optical sensor resolution
– 3x optical zoom
– 1080p video capture resolution
– Electronic viewfinder
– 0.39 ounces weight
The Nikon COOLPIX W150 is another rugged, impermeable fridge-proof, and shockproof camera perfect for your entire family to use.
One of the things that set this camera apart from other digital cameras is Nikon’s more spontaneous menu system.
The manufacturer designed it so that everyone in your family could pick it up.
This camera does not require your expertise to shoot for the first time. In terms of using the menu, it’s very simple, very easy to use its not complicated anyone can use it.
You will find four large buttons on the left and directional pads on the right at the back of the camera.
When you compare it to a regular menu on compact cameras with the most buttons on one side, it’s easier to use.
And in terms of video, it’s not bad, but do bear in mind that it is a point and shoot, using a much smaller sensor.
If you are coming from a DSLR or mirrorless or anything with a bigger sensor, you will see a slight drop in quality.
But don’t let that put you off because it is the best point and shoot camera under 300.
Overall Opinion: This waterproof camera is highly supportive for hiking or backpacking trips.
It takes similar photos to our smartphones; however, you cannot put your smartphone in the river or water for rough use.
Perfect for youngsters to take some fantastic images and the video quality is not so bad, these are shockproof, waterproof.
10- Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300 20.1 MP Digital Camera
Main Features:
– 3 inches screen size
– 20.1 megapixels optical sensor resolution
– 35x optical zoom
– 720p video capture resolution
– Electronic viewfinder
When it comes to cameras, Sony always seems to take the cake while keeping affordable, and that is exactly what they did with Sony Cyber-shot H300.
This 2.1-megapixel point-to-shoot camera has a nice DSLR body which allows you to handle it comfortably when recording or shooting.
Alos, camera offers users to take images at the highest resolution of 5152 x 3864 pixels.
Using it, you can enjoy recording your videos at a more excellent resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30p fps.
The camera also has a rotating flip switch that allows you to switch through different camera modes.
Such as movie mode, panorama, manual exposure shooting, program auto, intelligent auto, and a manual zoom selection which allows you to have a lot to choose from.
Moreover, you can also save your recorded videos in MPEG-4 and H.264 formats.
It’s by default a Mono microphone and a Mono speaker that will give additional enjoyment.
The Contrast Detection autofocusing system will support the exact focus. The 3″ LCD is really beyond its price.
lastly, even the new users who are going to take their first shoot will find it quite simple.
Overall Opinion: This camera comes with an 18.2-megapixel sensor. It has an incredible 30x zoom to give you direct attention on the focused shoot.
Its great flash modes and solid low light act will offer you precise results according to your needs.
And all the great specs packs in this and at a great price, it is worth buying.
Things You Must Know Before Buying the Best Digital Cameras
We want you to be independent in searching for the best compact camera. That’s why you should know how to decide which is best in both functionality and price.
So, before investing, you should adequately check its specifications, features, and reviews. However, at $300, you may also have to bear some opposing sides.
But you should not compromise on specific zoom range, viewfinder, megapixel resolution, performance under low light, HD video recording, and built-in flash.
If you check all these, surely you will get the best one under 300.
Zoom Range:
The first thing that you should check before purchasing a camera is the zooming range.
Point and shoot cameras use optical zoom that is when the lens can zoom without the image quality.
There is no interchangeable lens in these cameras. That’s why optical zoom is a must to cover extensive focus length ranges.
You should also keep in mind that big cameras come with higher zooming points.
At the highest zoom range, you will see the dishonoured quality of the image in specific models.
A camera with an initial point at 28mm and 10x zoom will get nearer than the initial point of 24mm zooming.
Viewfinder:
The mirrors in SLR cameras catch the actual image, which will be printed onto the sensors through a porthole type on the camera.
It is called a viewfinder. The good models give a comfortable viewpoint. However, within the range of $300, DSLRs offer a medium and somewhat good viewfinder.
In comparison, Canon 7D and Nikon D700 are better. If there is no viewfinder, then you should make sure there is a good LCD.
It will help for both frame and image evaluation. LCD resolution will be measured in dots as 230,000, 460,000. But 920,000 is the average resolution.
Megapixel Resolution:
Megapixels is not a technical issue with this modern technology. Today’s smartphones contain more than enough resolution to make large designs.
A megapixel consists of 1 million pixels. It is about how big you can make your picture without having to increase it numerically.
The 3-megapixel image is more than compressed enough at 300 PPI, a 6-inch by 4-inch size.
Even though 9 megapixels at the same density bring you closer to a regular sheet of paper, you can compromise on a 200-megapixel resolution at affordable prices.
Moreover, while adjusting the pixel density a bit, like down to 200ppi, will give you mass prints from a decent old 12-megapixel shooter.
Performance under Low Light:
It is one of the preferred choices of every phone and camera maker to control the focusing speed issue.
However, the real solution is to focus more on your camera joint with the high-speed focusing motor for the lens.
Autofocus consistency and speed, especially in low light, are how standard cameras still keep the head and shoulders above the rest.
For 300$, you can get decent models with enormous 61 AF points. In which 41 will be of more accurate cross-type variability.
In this way, you can hold the sharp focus lens on your camera and speak farewell to the shutter interval.
HD Video Recording:
A few years ago, I was really surprised if a camera may record video in full HD quality. But nowadays, it is common and most probably features.
However, you have to pay attention because some models will lock the focus and zoom when it starts to record video.
Large sensor cameras record videos in a bit tougher procedure to modest point-and-shoots.
It is because of their high compassion, larger frames, and classically powered zoom and focuses functions.
They may irritate you when a combined microphone creates lens operation noise.
On the other hand, they also give a wide range of cinematic effects that smaller cameras can’t.
That is why above, we have listed different Canon models for an effective movie masterpiece.
Built-in Flash:
Light is the only information your camera accumulates. It should come as no wonder that good scenes usually look brighter and brighter than just a single street light.
The excellent light settings give you more evidence to work. During the dark surround shooting, the camera should also work firmer or longer to precisely capture the image in Infront of it.
This is where the flash comes in; a stroboscope of white light coincides with the opening of the cover-up.
It comes with its trade, though: the flash power can wash out great detail in close-up items or cause the red eye’s will effects.
Before your final decision to buy a camera, you should capture 2-3 images in the dark surrounding to check its built-in flash.
FAQs – Best Digital Cameras Under 300
1- Canon or Nikon-which one is better?
Both Canon and Nikon released dominant cameras for a photographic expert.
Canon once had a new pin (EOS 6D Mark II), with full-frame DSLRs at the entry-level. But that all has changed with the Nikon D780.
2- What are the point and shoot camera?
The compact camera is also known as a point and shoot camera. It is especially used for automatic focusing and automatic external choices.
3- Which is the best point and shoot camera under 300?
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K is the best point and shoot under 300 that gives full HD quality images.
4- What cameras do YouTubers use cheap?
Budget vlogging cameras, I want to pick three cameras that are easy to take around hassle free to work with. And most importantly required almost no work to make you look good on camera.
1- Canon PowerShot Digital Camera [G7 X Mark III] with Wi-Fi & NFC
2- Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Vlogging Camera
3- Sony Alpha a6400 Mirrorless Camera
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