Investing in the best camera under $100 is a cost-effective way to learn the basics of photography. For a surprisingly small outlay, you can get everything you need to take great pictures, and it can also be a good choice for getting kids into photography without risking your more precious devices. After all, if a camera is going to get accidentally dropped or lost, you'd probably rather it wasn't an expensive one!
We've put together a guide of what we think are the best cameras available for $100 or less right now. The prices of cameras are always changing, so while we've done our best to ensure that we include cameras available for $100 or less, some of them may creep over the line from time to time. Keep checking back though, as our tool pulls in all the latest deals, so you can be sure you're always getting the best price on each model!
Our list includes a mix of different camera types, including digital compact cameras, action cameras, film cameras and more. Scroll to the bottom of this page for our 'How to choose' section if you need a primer on some of the terminology we're using. And for more budget-friendly choices, check out our guides to the best cameras under $200 and the best cameras under $500.
Hannah Rooke
Hannah specializes in portrait, fashion and lifestyle photography but has more recently branched out in the world of stylized product photography. She spent three years working at Wex Photo Video as a Senior Sales Assistant, using her experience and knowledge of cameras to help people buy the equipment that is right for them. This makes her ideally placed to hunt down the best bargains on cheap cameras.
Instax cameras are tremendous knockabout fun, and the cheap Mini 12 will provide hours of instant-print pleasure, as long as you keep it supplied with film (which will cost you).
With a 16MP sensor and 4x optical zoom, this pocketable digital compact has the basics of photography covered for an unbeatable price. Perfect for travel.
Want a GoPro-like experience without paying GoPro prices? The AKASO EK7000 Pro is a no-frills action camera that can capture 4K video and decent-looking stills — and it's waterproof.
Producing Polaroid-quality prints from a tiny body, the Polaroid Go is a charming instant camera that can be worn on a necklace if desired. Film is a little pricey, but it's a lot of fun.
If you want to get started shooting film, Ilford's Sprite camera is the perfect way to do it. With a built-in flash and viewfinder, it covers the basics, and weighs just 122g.
For a more eco-friendly alternative to a disposable film camera, consider the Kodak M35. It functions in basically the same way, with simple controls, but can be reloaded with new film.
A fun camera project that you assemble yourself, the Lomography Konstruktor F is an enjoyably hands-on way to introduce children to analog photography.
This digital compact is fully waterproofed, meaning it's perfect for beach and kayaking trips. The image quality isn't the most inspiring, but having a 4x optical zoom is certainly handy.
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The Instax Mini 12 looks like every version before it, but now has an improved auto-exsposure system. You can view how many shots you have left on the back of the camera and film cartridges are easy to replace; all you need to do is match up the yellow dots. When you first load a new film cartridge, you'll need to fire off one shot to get rid of the plastic film cover and then you're good to go. The film prints almost instantaneously and develops in just 90 seconds. I love the aesthetic of Fujifilm Instax; it's hard to recreate in an app, and for weddings and festivals they're perfect for creating tangible keepsakes.
This ultra-cheap compact camera has proved to be a big hit
Specifications
Type: Digital compact
Lens: 27-108mm equivalent zoom
Megapixels: 16
Screen: 2.7-inch LCD display
Reasons to buy
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Decent 4x optical zoom
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Slim and pocketable
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Uniquely affordable
Reasons to avoid
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Price fluctuates
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Very basic feature-set
For years we were all told that the cheap digital compact camera was dead, and the smartphone killed it. Then, in 2023, Kodak (well, JK Imaging licensing the Kodak name) produces a series of ultra-cheap compact cameras that end up selling like gangbusters. The Kodak PixPro FZ45 is the cheapest of the lot; its price fluctuates a little above and below the $100 mark, and you shouldn't have much trouble getting one for $99 or even less. For that, you get a 16MP sensor and a 4x optical zoom, which may not sound like much, but is good enough for simple snapping. The pocketable dimensions make it ideal for travel.
Planning an action and adventure holiday but don't have a big budget for an action camera? The AKASO EK7000 Pro would be a great choice, it offers plenty of fun features and is one of our favorite budget action cameras. You might be surprised to find out it's capable of shooting 4K video, it can take 16-megapixel photos and it has a two-inch touch screen. It has a fixed wide-angle lens which is perfect for getting a lot of background in, electronic image stabilization will help your video to look smooth and with its waterproof housing, it can go down to depths of 131 feet. If that hasn't you, it even as a time-lapse special effect so this is well worth considering.
Polaroid's smallest camera yet is hard not to love. It's designed that you can even wear it around your neck should you want to add a funky accessory to your outfit. The square, polaroid prints are smaller than those you would get out of the Polaroid OneStep 2 but that only adds to its cuteness factor. In bright sunlight it does have the tendency to overexpose and considering how expensive a pack of 8 film is, you don't want to be wasting shots. One of the features we loved was its ability to create double exposure images - something the Instax range of cameras can't do. It's a fun, quirky little camera that is fun to use for both young and old making it one of the best cameras for kids
Best 35mm film camera
(Image credit: Ilford)
5. ILFORD Sprite 35-II Film Camera
An affordable 35mm camera perfect for anyone getting into film photography
Specifications
Type: 35mm film
Sensor Size: Full-frame
Viewfinder: Yes
Lens: 31mm fixed
Flash: Built-in
Zoom: No
User level: Beginner
Reasons to buy
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Affordable film camera
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Easy to use
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Takes 3x AAA batteries
Reasons to avoid
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Ongoing film costs
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Cheap, plastic case
This quirky little camera from Ilford is perfect for anyone who is just thinking about getting into film photography. It's reimagined version of a popular camera from the 90s - the Sprite 35 - which was the go-to model at the time. This 35mm camera is the only full-frame camera on the list, it features a 31mm f/9 fixed lens, has a built-in flash and a viewfinder. It's certainly a step up from a disposable camera plus it's better for the planet as you don't need a new one every time. If you're someone who likes to shoot film but doesn't want to commit to anything more advanced, this is ideal for beginners. It looks great, is small enough to keep in your pocket and super lightweight at just 122g.
The Kodak M35 is a fun alternative to a normal disposable. Not only does it look a lot funkier than other cheap film cameras, but it might also save you money in the long run. While the cost of the best 35mm film does seem to be rising, at least with a reusable camera you're creating less waste for the planet. It has a built-in flash so you can snap away even in the dark and a manual wind/rewind feature. Use either black and white or colored film and capture your favorite memories.
A left-field choice for those wanting a camera for under $100 is to go 35mm - as there are a number of film cameras available at budget prices - and in fact, many of the best Lomography cameras can be bought for under $100. But they don't get much more left-field than the Konstructor... which you build yourself out of the plastic bits contained in this kit. It is a great project for those who want to live the analog life - and a great present for a patient teenager, or someone who used to like making Airfix kits. Remember though, the film costs extra.
It's not the best quality camera but it can still take a decent photo
Specifications
Type: Underwater
Lens: 50mm f/10
Megapixels: 18
Screen: LCD display
Reasons to buy
+
Fun to use
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Can record HD video at 30fps
Reasons to avoid
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Not the best quality photos
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App is hard to use
While the Polaroid Wave might not be able to capture the coral reef in all its glory it is perfect for using among friends whether you're at the beach or on a kayaking trip. It has an 18MP sensor, 4x optical zoom and a LCD screen so you can preview the photos you've taken. It required a micro SD card and it can be charged via USB. It would also be a great camera for kids as it floats in water and isn't too expensive.
How to choose the best camera under $100
Whether you're looking for a digital, instant film or even an underwater camera, major manufacturers have done a good job of making sure there are powerful cameras available for two-figure prices.
It's important to be realistic with your expectations. A camera for less than $100 isn't going to have cutting-edge features or massive megapixel counts. However, all of the cameras on our list are reliable, capable, and will do the basics that you need of them.
The main thing to figure out is which type of camera is right for you. Here is a quick rundown of the broad categories of camera we've included on this list:
Digital compacts: Cheap and simple, digital compact cameras have a fixed lens and will capture decent-quality photographs. It was thought until recently that this type of camera had been effectively destroyed by the smartphone; however, Kodak (or at least its licensee) has seen startling success with its new range of ultra-cheap PixPro cameras, one of which features in our guide. Bear in mind that you'll need a memory card to store your photos, and most cheap compacts will not come with one.
Film cameras: Dominated by Polaroid and Fujifilm Instax, the instant film camera market is booming, and many of these cameras can be picked up very cheap. There are also plenty of 35mm film point-and-shoots available for sub-$100 prices. However, in either case, there's a catch — refilling the camera with film will represent an ongoing cost.
Waterproof and action cameras: If you're looking for a vacation camera, or one suitable for kids, a waterproof compact or an action camera is the perfect choice as it will be able to stand up to a bit of rough treatment. While GoPro is the market leader in action cameras, many smaller manufacturers like Akaso (featured above) have stepped in to offer cheaper alternatives.
How we test cameras
We test cameras both in real-world shooting scenarios and in carefully controlled lab conditions. Our lab tests measure resolution, dynamic range and signal to noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range. We use both real-world testing and lab results to inform our comments in buying guides.
Having studied Journalism and Public Relations at the University of the West of England Hannah developed a love for photography through a module on photojournalism. She specializes in Portrait, Fashion and lifestyle photography but has more recently branched out in the world of stylized product photography. Hannah spent three years working at Wex Photo Video as a Senior Sales Assistant, using her experience and knowledge of cameras to help people buy the equipment that is right for them. With eight years experience working with studio lighting, Hannah has run many successful workshops teaching people how to use different lighting setups.
