Digital cameras: Choosing and buying the best digital camera The best cheap digital cameras

Buying a camera

You can pick up a digital camera for around £100, but even if you're on a budget, your money can go a long way. Even very cheap digital cameras now have the technology that once commanded high price tags.

Check the expert Which? reviews of the best cheap digital cameras to make sure you pick a model that won’t let you down.

It's possible to find a budget digital camera with all the features you need

Features and controls

It’s possible to buy a cheap digital camera without having to sacrifice features that can make photography straightforward and fun. Often, features that add to the price tags of more expensive cameras are unnecessary for casual photographers.

See our guide to digital camera features if you are unsure what you need from your digital camera.

How many megapixels do I need?

While cheaper digital cameras may have smaller resolutions of around 10Mp or less, those with resolutions of 12, 14, or even 16Mp don’t guarantee better picture quality.

High resolutions are only really useful if you're enlarging printed photos. For a standard 6x4-inch print, 2.2Mp is all you’ll need, so don’t be put off if a cheap digital camera has a smaller resolution.

Face detection, scene modes and manual controls

Most digital cameras now tend to feature face detection to help you focus on individuals in your shots. Cheap digital cameras also have scene modes to help you quickly select the ideal settings for certain photography conditions. However, the cheapest digital cameras rarely offer much manual control.

The best cheap digital camera ranges

Major camera manufacturers often produce several ranges of digital cameras, including budget digital camera lines.

Panasonic

If you're after a cheapo model, Panasonic has the FS series of slim digital cameras – including the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS35 which is a good budget option. Alternatively, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-S1 can be found for under £100.

Canon

Canon regularly does well in our expert digital camera testing, though even its smaller cameras tend to come with a slightly more premium price than you'll find with other manufacturers. Nonetheless, there are still bargains to be found - the Canon PowerShot A1200 features an optical viewfinder and can be found for under £80.

Nikon

The L series of digital cameras is a decent budget range from Nikon, though features tend to be rather limited. If you're not looking to spend much, the Nikon Coolpix L24 can be found at a bargain price. While a number of Nikon's S-range of Coolpix cameras can cost over £100, the Nikon Coolpix S4150 is a model that won't break the bank.

Olympus

The cheapest Olympus digital cameras tend to be from its FE range of slim compact cameras, including models such as the Olympus FE-4050. However, you can also sometimes find a cheap model among Olympus’s stylish mju range of ultra-slim digital cameras, though the selection isn't as wide these days.

Samsung

Samsung releases a large number of slim cameras every year - the effect tend to be that prices sink on older models as new ones come out, so bargains are easy to find. If you're looking for a cheap Samsung camera, then there are plenty to consider from the ES- and PL-ranges. The Samsung PL20 can be found for under £80.

Best digital camera brands

If you're after a camera from a specific manufacturer such as Canon or Nikon, check our guide to the best digital camera brands.

For more on using a compact digital camera, as well as editing and sharing your photos, see our book Digital Photography Made Easy.

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