Best Cameras Under $200

The best cameras under $200: how to get a good camera at a reasonable price

We’ve picked the best cameras under $200 that offers decent quality and features at an affordable price.

If you’re looking for the best camera under $200, you’ve never had more options to choose from. Gone are the days when getting a camera for under $200 was a pipe dream, now you can find digital cameras, instant film cameras and even rugged and waterproof cameras available at this price point.

One of the reasons camera prices drop so low is that as new models are released, older ones get cheaper. Manufacturers often don’t discontinue a line right away, especially if it was very popular, which means there’s an opportunity to snag a bargain.

At a Glance

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Best cheap cameras for photos

We are looking at slightly more advanced instant film cameras that include different shooting modes and compact cameras that offer great image quality and some very useful features.

Most of the cameras below don’t have the most up-to-date technology and have smaller sensors, but that doesn’t mean they can’t still take great photos. On the plus side, they’re all fairly compact (except perhaps the Polaroid OneStep+, but it’s such a nice design, we can afford it).

In this list, we think we have the perfect cameras for anyone shopping on a budget under $200. There are models from all the major camera manufacturers, including Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm, and Sony. There’s also a Fujifilm 2-in-1 camera that doubles as a printer, so you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.

This list includes a mix of newer models available at a low price, as well as older cameras that have since been superseded by improved models and are therefore available for a bargain price. No matter what category a camera falls into, you can be sure it comes with our strong recommendation. There is nothing on this list that is not worth it for anyone.

Everything here should be available for under $200, though prices do fluctuate from time to time. So let’s take a look at our favorite cameras in this price range.

Our Recommendation For Best Cameras Under $200

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Best Cheap and Good Cameras in 2023

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1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360

Best Canon Camera

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SPECS

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 20.2MP
• Display: 3.0-inch 461k
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens Type: 12x zoom
• Max Burst Speed : 2.5fps
• Max Video Resolution: 1080p
• User Level : beginner

As is typical of ELPH cameras, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 has a very slim and pocketable design. What’s more unusual, it’s available in a particularly lurid shade of purple, as well as the more usual black and silver options.

For such a small camera, it packs quite a punch in terms of features. The 20.2MP ‘HS’ image sensor helps retain low-noise image quality at high ISO settings, there’s a powerful 12x optical zoom lens, a 3-inch LCD screen, plus Wi-Fi and NFC integrated.

Typical of Canon cameras large and small, the layout of buttons and menus is simple and intuitive. All in all, it’s a great little camera, the only frustration being that the 2.5fps max burst rate is a bit pedestrian.

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2. Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1

Best Camera Under $200

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SPECS

• Type: Instant
• Film Type: Fujifilm Instax square Image
• Size: 6.2cm x 6.2cm LCD: No
• Viewfinder: Optical
• Lens Type: 65.75mm f/12.6
• Max Burst Speed: N/a
• Max Video Resolution: none
• User level: beginner

Instant point-and-shoot fun, with better exposures than previous Instax cameras
Instant film cameras are always a hit at parties, and the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ1 is a good example available at a great price. With a click of the shutter button, you’ll create 6.2cm square prints that look fantastic, with bold colors and less of the tendency to overexpose that has plagued previous Instax cameras.

The thing to remember about instant film is that, of course, it’s an ongoing cost, so while you’re paying $120 or so for the camera, you’ll have to keep buying refills every time you run out.

Also, this is a very basic point-and-shoot model, which is possibly all you need in an instant camera, though some users may lament the lack of basic quality-of-life features like a self-timer. Still, for the price, this is a lot of fun and a wonderfully inexpensive way to make physical images that last.

3. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W800

Best Lightweight Camera

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SPECS

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 20.1MP
• Screen: 2.7-inch 230k dots
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens Type: 5x optical zoom, 10x digital zoom
• Max Video Resolution: 720p
• User Level: Beginner

If you find yourself under budget, you may even have funds left over to invest in a case for the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W800.

This lightweight, pocket-sized camera benefits from a 20.1MP sensor and features Sony’s SteadyShot image stabilization technology so you can achieve sharp photos and videos when shooting in active mode.

It features a Zeiss lens capable of 5x optical zoom or 10x digital zoom, which is equivalent to a 26-130mm full-frame lens. Sony’s Smile Shutter technology means you’ll capture a smile as it happens; just press the Smile Shutter button and let the camera do the work.

If you want to get a little creative with your images and videos, there are different modes to choose from, such as selective color, black and white, and panorama.

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4. Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT30

Best Panasonic Camera

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SPECS

• Type: Compact (rugged)
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 16.1MP
• Screen: 2.7-inch 230k
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 4x zoom
• Max burst speed: 1.3fps
• Max video resolution: 720p
• User level: Beginner

Whether you’re on the beach, in the mountains or in the desert, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT30 should be ideal. It is waterproof to a depth of 8m, freezeproof to -10°C, and dustproof and shockproof to withstand drops from heights of up to 1.5m. In short, it’s as tough as a brick, but sadly it also looks a bit like one, with a very boxy design.

Unlike some “rugged” cameras, this one has a zoom lens, which is a nice bonus. The video resolution is a bit disappointing, but the image quality is good and it’s an easy camera to use.

5. Fujifilm Instax Hybrid Mini LiPlay Instant Camera

Best Mini Budget Camera

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SPECS

• Type: Instant
• Film Type: Fujifilm instax mini Image
• Size: 5.4cm × 8.6cm LCD: Yes Viewfinder: Optical
• Lens Type: 28mm
• Max Burst Speed: N/a
• Max Video Resolution: None
• Level user: beginner

Instant point-and-shoot fun, with better exposures than previous Instax cameras
Not only can you take photos with the Instax Hybrid Mini LiPlay, but you can also print photos from your phone. Small enough to fit in your pocket, its compact design makes it perfect to carry with you at all times.

With an LCD screen and a selfie mirror on the front, so you can make sure you look your best, Fujifilm really has thought of everything. Connect it to the LiPlay app on your phone so you can edit your photos and add things like colored frames or apply a filter for some fun.

Although the photos are printed on Instax Mini film, you can also choose to keep the images stored on a micro SD card. Choose from Blush Gold, Elegant Black, or Stone White to suit your style and it’s time to get going.

It has a rechargeable battery, a built-in flash, and three shortcut buttons so you can save your favorite settings. We haven’t had a chance to try one out yet, but with all its nifty features we’re sure you’ll find your way around our best instant film camera guide.

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6. Nikon Coolpix W150

Best Nikon Camera

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SPECS

• Type: Compact (rugged)
• Sensor: 1/3.1-inch
• Megapixels: 13.2 MP
• Screen: 2.7-inch 230k
• Viewfinder: None Lens type: 3x zoom
• Max burst speed: 4.7fps
• Max video resolution: 1080p
• User level: beginner

A waterproof option for those who like a little adventure with their photography, the Nikon Coolpix W150 isn’t the fanciest camera you’ll ever see, but it does its job well enough and is a good choice for vacations.

Relatives where you might have little ones who won’t treat a camera with the care you’d like. The W150 is tough enough to take a few hits, and while it does have a zoom lens, you won’t write anyone about the pretty mid-range of 3x. Decent for the price, and the choice of colors is a nice bonus.

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7. Polaroid OneStep+

Best Polaroid Camera under $200

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SPECS

• Type: Instant Camera
• Film Type: Polaroid 600 and Polaroid i-Type
• Image Size: 108×88mm
• Lens: 103mm / 89mm
• Minimum Shooting Distance: 60cm.
• Focus modes: macro, normal, landscape
• Flash: built-in Self
• timer: yes
• Viewfinder: optical
• User level: beginner

The classic Polaroid instant camera design is back and better than ever!
It was a sad day when Polaroid announced it was closing its last factory, but luckily The Impossible Project stepped in to save the day.

Rebranding as Polaroid Originals, it launched a series of modern Polaroid cameras, the second of which was the OneStep+ (the first was the OneStep 2 – confusing we know). Instead of reinventing the wheel, Polaroid has simply brought the much-loved camera to the 21st.

It now features an 89mm portrait lens and has Bluetooth connectivity so you can control the shutter with your phone.

There are also several shooting modes you can play with, such as double exposure, light painting, and even a noise-activated shutter that lets you control the remote shutter with a slap.

This is without a doubt one of the most advanced instant film cameras you can buy and will make a great addition to any film enthusiast’s camera collection. Not to mention it looks great too.