Your specific needs and requirements will greatly influence how the best cameras under 300$ will perform. Before you choose one, consider the camera specifications and your shooting convenience and preference.
Some of the most important specifications to have in mind include the camera’s resolution in Megapixels, video shooting capability, burst rate, type of camera either DSLR, Mirrorless, or Compact, budget, and overall AF or autofocus.
8 Best Cameras for a 300$ Budget
- Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300: best overall
- Nikon D3500 W/AF: best DSLR camera
- Fujifilm X-T200: best mirrorless cameras under $500
- Sony Cyber-Shot DSC RX100: Best Point and Shoot Camera under 300$
- Canon EOS M100: affordable camera with flip screen
- Canon EOS Rebel T6: best camera under 500$
- Canon EOS M200: Best camera under 400 dollars
- Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K: Best Budget Camera under 300$
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300: Best Overall
- Form Factor: SLR-Like Compact
- Monitor Size: 3 inches, Fully Articulated Touchscreen
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3
- Effective Pixels: 12MP
- Focal length: 25–600mm
- Sensor type: CMOS
- Max Aperture: F2.8
- Max Resolution: 4000 by 3000 pixels
Panasonic Lumix is the best camera under $400 we have tested because it bridges the gap between DSLRs and compact zoom cameras.
Once you unbox this Panasonic Lumix FZ300, the first thing that captures your attention is its body design. This FZ300 has a DSLR-like body, but it has a tilting LCD and an EVF.
While portability might be one of your top things to consider, the Lumix FZ300 is slightly heavy. One thing we truly love about this camera is its weatherproof body, which makes it ideal for outdoor photography.
Another plus for the Panasonic Lumix FZ300 is built-in image stabilization and a depth-to-focus AF with a burst rate of 12 fps. With its Leica Lens, this camera can cover almost every shooting scene, even in low-light situations.
Other notable features are its f/2.8 aperture and a range of 25–600 mm, which offer 4K videos up to 30 fps, so it can be used as a home vlogging camera too. The only problem we’ve experienced with this Panasonic Lumix FZ300 camera is that it does not support WiFi.
Pros
- Raw image capture
- Weather resistant
- Captures 4K videos
Cons
- Lacks a headphone jack
Nikon D3500 W/AF-P: Best DSLR Camera under $400
- An easy-to-use DSLR camera
- Easily portable because of the compact body
- Large image sensor
- Easy photo sharing thanks to compatibility with Nikon’s Snap Bridge application
- Full HD 1080p video resolution recording
Capture priceless moments with the Nikon D3500 camera in any light setup. This camera does a great job taking lucid photos, and what’s even more exciting is its affordable price.
The Nikon D3500 has a 24.2 MP DX sensor coupled with an EXCEED 4 processor. The camera does an outstanding job of taking explicit photos.
If you’re just getting into the photography industry, this Nikon D3500 might be ideal. The camera has a 0.85 optical viewfinder and a 3-inch LCD screen with 921k dots. With the Nikon D3500, you can record full-HD videos of up to 60 fps.
Although this camera carries all the goodness you need in a DSLR camera, it has shortcomings too, like no touch support and a lack of mic input.
Pros
- Superb image quality
- Excellent ISO performance for APS-C
- Compact design
- Good battery life
- User-friendly menu
Cons
- No tilting display or touchscreen
Fujifilm X-T200: best mirrorless camera
- Screen size: 3.5-inch
- Resolution: 24.2 MP
- Touchscreen Sensitivity
- Sensor size: APS-C CMOS
- Video Recording: 4K
- Max Shoot Rate: 8 fps
The Fujifilm X-T200 is the best mirrorless camera you can buy for under $300. This camera’s affordable price and sleek specifications make it a perfect pick for beginners.
For easy navigation, it comes with a 3.5-inch rear screen with full touch sensitivity. A large APS-C CMOS and 24.2 MP resolution allow shooting high-resolution pics both in high and low light conditions.
For videographers, this camera will shoot high-detail 4k videos at 8 frames per second Maximum Shooting Rate. Although it is not as powerful as the more expensive Fujifilm X-T30, this camera makes up for this with a simple-to-use interface and low price range.
Pros
- Affordable Price
- 3.5-inch touchscreen display
- Easy to use
- 4k video shooting at 8 frames per second
Cons
- Poor subject tracking
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC RX100: A Compact Camera Under $300
- Form Factor: Compact
- Screen Size: 3 Inches
- Sensor Size: 1 Inch CMOS
- Focal Length: 28-100mm
- Effective Still Resolution: 20.2 MP
If you’re on a budget and looking for a portable camera that you can easily carry around, you should check out this Sony Cyber-Shot DSC RX100.
As usual, Sony did an outstanding job with this camera. Being a household brand known for top-notch quality, you wouldn’t expect anything mediocre from the company.
This DSC RX100 has a small body and a 20MP 1-inch sensor. Although the sensor is smaller than the APS-C sensor, the camera still captures high-quality photos.
One thing that stood out for us is that the camera has an easy-to-use interface that is ideal for beginners too.
The Sony DSC RX100 also features a Zeiss 28-100mm lens (non-interchangeable) with image stabilization.
Besides photography, this camera can also record videos in 1080p at 60 fps. The only issue with the camera is that it doesn’t feature a tilting touchscreen. It also doesn’t support WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Pros
- Great image quality
- Noise performance
- Has full manual controls
- Ultra-sharp LCD
- Small controls and a compact body
Cons
- Lacks a grip
Canon EOS M100 – Affordable Camera With Flip Screen
- Form Factor: Mirrorless
- Effective Still Resolution: 24.2 MP
- Optical Zoom: 3×
- Sensor Size: 22.3×14.9mm CMOS
- Screen Size: 3 inches Tilting Articulated LCD
- Focal Length: 1.6×
- Maximum Resolution: 6000×4000
The Canon EOS M100 had been around for quite some time, and it was one of the first mirrorless cameras to enter the market.
Although many other cameras have come after the M100, it remains the best. We know there are many others, but we’re still stuck with the M100.
This camera features excellent autofocus, a flip screen, and an APS-C sensor. We have categorized the Canon EOS M100 as the best camera for blogging because it has dual-pixel autofocus, making it super accurate.
The fact that we could record videos even in low-light conditions without losing image quality made us love the M100 even more.
With the interchangeable lens feature, you can mount the same number of lenses as you’d do with the Canon EOS M50. The low-life battery didn’t go well with us, but the camera performs well overall.
Pros
- Great camera for beginners and intermediates
- Great image quality
- Small body
- Fast and highly responsive autofocus
Cons
- Doesn’t have an electronic viewfinder
Canon EOS M200: Best camera under 400 dollars
- Type: Mirrorless Camera
- Sensor Size: 22.3×14.9mm
- Sensor type: CMOS
- Monitor: 3-inch articulated LCD tilting
- Focal Length: 1.6×
- Effective Pixels: 24MP
- Maximum Resolution: 6000 × 4000 Pixels
The Canon EOS M200 is the best mirrorless camera you can get on a low budget, and what’s best is that it has a wide range of matching lenses, so you can easily use the compact system.
This camera looks so much like a compact mirrorless camera, but it does hide huge features, making it ideal for all types of photography. If you’ve been using your smartphone and want to upgrade to a camera, this might be for you.
The Canon EOS M200 is super light, making it easy to carry it around. Even after mounting a 15-45 mm kit lens, its weight is still light, making it feel like a point-and-shoot camera.
The Canon EOS features a 3-inch tilt touchscreen that can be flipped forward for selfies. When it comes to resolution, this camera truly surprised us because it offers 4K and upholds a good amount of detail.
Pros
- 24MP APS-C sensor
- Great autofocus
- Tilting touchscreen
- Easy to use
- It has a compact design
Cons
- No viewfinder
Canon EOS Rebel T6: best camera under 500$
- Form Factor: DSLR
- Effective Still Resolution: 18 MP
- Optical Zoom: 1.5×
- Screen size: 3 inches
- Sensor Size: 22.3×14.9
While you might feel cheap cameras have nothing to offer regarding image quality, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 is here to dispute these beliefs. That’s what we thought at first, but we were amazed by how this camera records high-quality videos and images. The Rebel T6 is a DSLR camera with an 8 MP CMOS sensor coupled with a DIGIC image processor.
We’ve used this camera in all light conditions, and it captures FHD videos at 30 fps. Switching between the camera and camcorder mode is so easy with this Rebel T6 camera, and we love that it has a decent battery life.
Pros
- Good image quality
- Long battery life
- Easy to use
- WIFI and NFC connectivity
Cons
- It doesn’t support Bluetooth connectivity.
Panasonic LUMIX FZ80 4K Camera: best budget
- Form Factor: Compact
- Effective Still Resolution: 18.1MP
- Sensor Size: 1/2.3-inch
- Viewfinder: EVF/LCD
- Maximum Aperture: 2.8
If you are looking for a camera to record videos exclusively, this LUMIX FZ80 camera is the best for you. This camera is best suited for tutorial videos, vlogging, and any other type of video content, all thanks to its superb autofocus.
The LUMIX FZ80 camera features long zoom power at 60×, which is super affordable. While we have just mentioned less demanding tasks like vlogging, this camera does well in wildlife and sports photography.
With its 4K still photo capture feature, you can pull still photos from the recorded short 4K clips so you don’t miss any moment of action. The FZ80’s long focal length allows you to zoom in on objects from a distant place, and its optical stabilization smoothens everything. The only problem we have with this camera is even though it has an electronic viewfinder, it has low resolution.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Fast maximum shooting range,
- Long zoom range.
Cons
- Low-quality image in low-light conditions
What to Consider When Buying a Camera Under $300
When choosing the best budget cameras, you will have to forgo some specifications on your camera. Although they are not particularly premium devices, a clear understanding and consideration of the specs can help you land a perfect camera for your needs.
Cheap mirrorless cameras will shoot relatively slower than more expensive options. Additionally, they will come without a decent viewfinder on purchase.
On the other hand, if you go for a cheap DSLR, you will forgo 4K video recording. Bottom line it is safe to say that the kind of shoot you want to perform will determine your choice of camera.
For example, if you need a camera for photography, 4K video recording is of less significance to you. For still photos, choose a camera with a large sensor and high resolution. A large sensor and around 20 MP resolution is perfect. Other important considerations include the below.
Image Quality and Autofocus
Choose cameras with large high-quality sensors and lenses. Although more megapixels do not necessarily mean better quality, consider a camera with a high megapixel count. To avoid shaky footage, consider specific features like auto image stabilization and RAW file support.
Low-Light Performance
Better light performance is always a plus for cameras. It allows you to shoot even in low-light conditions. Good low-light performance is usually evidenced by a large sensor or image stabilization. Additionally, high ISO range cameras have better noise reduction capabilities.
Video shooting Capabilities
The quality of the video recorded depends on the camera quality. For the best experience, we recommend cameras with 1080p resolution and high frame rate. 4K video, slow-motion, and Wi-Fi connectivity are an added advantage.
Camera Buying Advice
Most cameras are not cheap. To get the best Value for Your Money we recommend you compare different brands and camera types. Older refurbished versions are cheaper but still pack reliable specifications and power.
Top Camera Picks Under $300 Comparison
Below is a list of our top picks classified into the 3 main types of cameras that are Point and Shoot, DSLR, and Mirrorless Cameras.
| Point-and-shoot Cameras | DSLR Cameras | Mirrorless Cameras |
| Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 | Canon EOS Rebel T6 | Fujifilm X-T200 |
| Sony Cyber-Shot DSC RX100 | Nikon D3500 W/AF | Canon EOS M100 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Get a Good Camera for Under $300?
Yes, there are great options under $300, especially for beginners or casual photographers. These cameras may lack advanced features but still deliver quality photos and videos.
What Types of Cameras Are Available in the 300$ Price Range?
You can find compact Point-and-Shoot cameras, budget DSLRs, and Mirrorless camera models.
What Features Should I Look For Consider in a Budget Camera?
Look for good image quality from 12-20 Megapixels, optical zoom availability, 1080p or 4K video recording capability, and built-in image stabilization.
Are Cheap Refurbished Cameras a Good Option?
Yes, refurbished cameras can offer more features for cheaper prices, however, make sure to choose only reputable sellers when buying second cameras.