Best Digital Camera for Beginners Under $100
- Best Canon Digital Camera for Beginners Under $100
- Best Nikon Digital Camera for Beginners Under $100
- Best Sony Digital Camera for Beginners Under $100
- Best Olympus Digital Camera for Beginners Under $100
- Bonus Best Digital Cameras for Beginners Under $100
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Megapixels: 12.2MP
- Sensor Type: APS-C
- Lens Mount: Canon EF / EF-S
- ISO: 100 - 6400
- Speed: 3 fps
- AF Points: 9
- Video: 720p/30p
- Camera Type: DSLR
- Megapixels: 10.2MP
- Sensor Type: APS-C
- Lens Mount: Nikon F
- ISO: 100 - 3200
- Speed: 3 fps
- AF Points: 3
- Video: None
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 16MP
- Sensor Type: APS-C
- Lens Mount: Sony E
- ISO: 200 - 16000
- Speed: 4 fps
- AF Points: 25
- Video: 1080p/30p
- Camera Type: Mirrorless
- Megapixels: 12.3 MP
- Sensor Type: Micro Four Thirds
- Lens Mount: Micro Four Thirds
- ISO: 100 - 6400
- Speed: 3 fps
- AF Points: 11
- Video: 720p/30p
photo by wundervisuals via iStock
Interested in improving your photography skills and want to invest in a “real camera” but have no idea where to start? You’ve come to the right place!
This article elaborates on four of the best digital cameras for beginners under $100. They are all terrific cameras to learn on without spending a fortune. Additionally, I provide a list of bonus cameras to consider at the end of the article.
As wonderful as all these cameras are, please keep in mind that the cameras I recommend below are all older, used cameras. None of them feature the newest camera technology, but when you are a beginner, you don’t need the biggest, baddest camera to learn how to take amazing photos.
One resource I like to recommend for camera gear is MPB. They are an online camera platform with tons of camera options and unbeatable prices. Furthermore, they have superb deals on used lenses to pair with your camera.
With that said, let’s look at the best digital cameras for beginners under $100!
Table of Contents
Best Canon Digital Camera for Beginners Under $100
The Canon EOS Rebel T3 is a fantastic DSLR first released in 2011. It’s one of many cameras in Canon’s ever-popular entry-level “Rebel” lineup, the newest being the Canon EOS Rebel T8i.
Featuring a 12.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, this camera still has a place in the world of photography and provides incredible value to beginner photographers. It shoots RAW and JPEG stills and has five distinct file sizes (large, medium, small 1, small 2, and small 3). Alternatively, you can select to shoot both RAW and JPEG copies with one click of a button!
An important thing to note is that, like all Canon APS-C cameras, it applies a crop factor of 1.6x. For example, using a Canon 50 mm lens, you will instead have the equivalent focal length of 80 mm on the Rebel T3.
Speaking of lenses, they are arguably the strongest selling point of this best digital camera for beginners under $100. The Rebel T3 uses the Canon EF lens mount, which is absolutely loaded with great lenses. Finding cheap used Canon lenses to pair with this camera is a walk in the park at online platforms like MPB.
A few more things to keep in mind are that it has video capabilities, good but not great autofocus, and easy-to-use straightforward controls. Check out the list below of the key features and specs of the Canon EOS Rebel T3.
Best Nikon Digital Camera for Beginners Under $100
Another one of the best digital cameras for beginners under $100 is the Nikon D40X. It first hit the shelves in 2007 but remains a capable DSLR camera perfect for learning the basics.
It has a 10.2MP maximum resolution and three image size options (small, medium, and large). Also, just like the Canon EOS Rebel T3, you can choose to capture your stills in RAW, JPEG, or both.
Thanks to a compact, lightweight body, the D40X is ideal for kids or people with small hands. Moreover, the button layout and menu system create an extremely user-friendly interface. All of the current settings are clearly displayed on the rear LCD screen and can be quickly changed using the buttons or the dial on the top of the camera.
The biggest drawback of this best digital camera for beginners under $100 is the lack of a video mode. If you are interested in upping your filmmaker skills, you are better off going with one of the other cameras in this article. However, if you are ok strictly taking photos, the D40X is a crazy bargain.
A couple of other things to consider are that the autofocus is average at best, and it has a burst mode of 3 frames per second. Check out the list below of the key features and specs of the Nikon D40X.
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Best Sony Digital Camera for Beginners Under $100
Debuting in 2013, the Sony NEX-3N is undoubtedly one of the best digital cameras for beginners under $100. It’s a pocket-sized entry-level mirrorless camera boasting a 16MP APS-C CMOS sensor and a ridiculously compact body.
While many people overlook the NEX-3N in favor of the slightly more expensive Sony Alpha A6000, its features and specs are not that far behind it. Along with the powerful sensor, this Sony mirrorless camera also uses a BIONZ image processor. The pair work together seamlessly to generate sharp images with outstanding image quality.
Another area it excels is video shooting. It’s the only camera highlighted in this article capable of recording 1080p Full HD video. If you are a hybrid shooter looking to get your feet wet in both photo and video, this is hands-down the best digital camera for beginners under $100 on this list.
On top of all that, its autofocus is highly effective, it has a flip-up screen, and it uses the Sony E mount lens system. In particular, the flip-up screen is a valuable feature and makes it a go-to choice for Vloggers and YouTubers.
Check out the list below of the key features and specs of the Sony NEX-3N.
Best Olympus Digital Camera for Beginners Under $100
The Olympus Pen E-P1 is an interchangeable lens mirrorless camera that hit the market in 2009. It was their first-ever Micro Four Thirds camera and remains a popular choice for beginners today.
Essentially, it’s a replica of two legendary Olympus cameras (the E-620 and E-30) but with two significant upgrades: A 12.3MP Micro Four Thirds sensor and an electronic viewfinder. The sensor increases resolution and improves sharpness, while the EVF is fast and delivers a crystal clear live view.
Another key feature of the Pen E-P1 that no other camera on this list has is in-body stabilization. The “Supersonic Wave Drive” stabilization, as they call it, produces four stops of additional EV compensation. That is a huge advantage for new photographers and helps deliver better results in low-light situations, video recording, and more!
Furthermore, it records HD movies, has two control dials for making adjustments, and has face-detection technology. With all those advanced features, it’s unquestionably one of the best digital cameras for beginners under $100.
Check out the list below of the key features and specs of the Olympus Pen E-P1.
Bonus Best Digital Cameras for Beginners Under $100
photo by svetikd via iStock
While the cameras listed above are my favorite cheap digital cameras, they are far from the only ones available. Below are some more of the best digital cameras for beginners under $100:
These cameras are available on MPB, just like those I listed earlier. When purchasing gear from MPB, you get the peace of mind of having a six-month warranty, a seven-day return window, and a detailed grading scale that lets you know the precise condition of the gear you’re interested in buying. What more could you ask for when buying camera gear?!