If you ever thought photography is an expensive hobby, you would be mistaken. Anyone can dip their toe into photography, no matter their budget.
They say that the best camera is the one you have on you at the time, even if it’s just a phone.
However, it is true that for quality photography, there is a certain level of investment.
The good news is that with the advancement in technology, quality cameras are more affordable than ever.
You don’t have to invest in the most advanced camera when starting out. Especially if you’re just doing it as a hobby.
Even if you are looking for a more technical camera, you are sure to find a camera within your budget.
You can still take awesome photos and create professional videos even if you’re on a low budget.
There are also great cameras on the market for under $300 that are more than equipped to meet your needs.
To get you started on your photography journey, we have put together a great guide of what to look for in a budget camera.
Plus, we have also reviewed five of the best cameras currently on the market than ring in at under $300.
I have tested many great cameras over the years and surprisingly, many of my favorites have a pleasing price tag.
So read on to find out which bargain camera you should be snapping away on.
Best Camera Under $300 – Reviews
We all want the best camera for the least amount of money.
Whilst there are some incredibly advanced cameras on the market, many come with a high ticket price.
On the other hand, cheaper cameras don’t always boast the features and quality of a more expensive camera.
When purchasing a camera for under $300, it is likely that you’ll need to compromise on some elements.
Thankfully, the five cameras we have reviewed below are the best on the market for $300.
If you are looking for the best value for money with the best features and quality, one of the following five cameras may be for you.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 – Best Camera Under $300 Overall
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is one of the best compact cameras on the market and comes in under $300.
Featuring built-in image stabilization and 8x optical zoom, this camera outshines others in its price range.
With a 20 Megapixel sensor, this camera produces some of the finest image quality in compact cameras.
In good lighting conditions, images are crisp and sharp, rivaling the results of more expensive cameras.
However, low light is where this camera gets knocked down.
With a maximum ISO range of 1600, low light performance is less than impressive.
Video quality is also poor. Whilst image stabilization works well for photos, it does not for video.
But if you are searching for a camera primarily for photography, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is an impressive option.
Zoom Range – 8x optical zoom. This is really impressive for a compact camera under $300.
Camera Resolution – Captures sharp and clear images with 20 Megapixels.
Video Capabilities – Records video at 720p which is standard for a compact camera at this price range.
Image Stabilization – Equipped with a built-in Optical Image Stabilizer. This works great for photos but not so much for videos.
Low Light Performance – The camera has a maximum ISO of 1600. Low light performance is poor on the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180.
Auto Focus – Features Contrast Based Autofocus and no manual focusing capabilities. The camera also features Face Detection which is great for shooting portraits.
Battery Life – Up to 220 shots in a single charge. This is a decent battery life for a compact camera within this price range. You will find the battery life comparable to the other five reviewed.
If you are looking for a great all-rounder under $300, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is the one for you.
Of the five cameras I tested, this was my favorite.
I found the image quality remarkable for the price tag.
For me, the lack of quality video capabilities was worth sacrificing for the great images the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 can capture.
Plus, it has the best zoom of all five cameras making it easy to snap distant subjects on my adventures.
The ultimate camera for under $300, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is insane value for money.
“I loved taking the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 traveling with me. Compact and lightweight, it was easy to carry in my pocket.”
Sony DSCH300 – Best Camera Under $300 for Affordability
With a DSLR-style body, the Sony DSCH300 is a quality camera.
Offering 35x optical zoom, this is one of the best cameras on the market for its zooming capabilities.
The camera is also the most affordable of the five cameras tested making it a great option for really tight budgets.
Low light performance is great on this camera allowing you to shoot quality images in difficult conditions.
Plus, the camera uses Sony’s Optical SteadyShot technology to eliminate camera shake and keep subjects in focus.
The camera also comes with manual settings including shutter speed and aperture.
Many cameras within this price range are more compact and therefore do not have the option for manual settings.
Zoom Range – Remarkable 35x optical zoom. One of the best cameras under $300 for zoom capabilities.
Camera Resolution – 20.1 Megapixel sensor. This is great for quality imagery.
Video Capabilities – Maximum video resolution of 720p.
Image Stabilization – Features Optical SteadyShot technology, built-in image stabilization ensuring images are sharp.
Low Light Performance – Maximum ISO of 3200. Allows you to capture great images in challenging lighting conditions.
Auto Focus – Great auto focus with object tracking. This allows the camera to follow moving subjects whilst keeping detail crisp.
Battery Life – Up to 350 shots on fresh batteries. This camera takes 4 x AA batteries. A downfall of this camera as it is not as convenient as a rechargeable battery.
The Sony DSCH300 really impressed me.
Its 35x optical zoom was really the highlight for me. It is hard to find a camera within this price range with such great zooming capabilities.
To top it off, the Sony DSCH300 is the most affordable of all five cameras that I tested. This camera has the lowest price tag without compromising on quality of features.
The only thing I didn’t like about the camera was the use of AA batteries. It is easier to swap out a rechargeable battery back than always having to make sure you have AA batteries on hand.
“If you are looking to get into photography with minimal funds, the Sony DSCH300 is your go-to camera.”
Canon PowerShot SX540 – Best Camera Under $300 for the Most Features
The Canon PowerShot SX540 is feature rich. This makes it a great option for those looking for the capabilities of a more expensive camera without the price tag.
Not only does the Canon PowerShot SX540 take quality images, it also captures great video.
In addition to the 20.3 Megapixel sensor, the camera also records in 1080p.
This camera also has a 50x optical zoom which is simply mind blowing.
It is difficult to find a camera under $300 with a great zoom range and this more than exceeds expectations.
The camera also handles like a DSLR making it comfortable to use.
For me, a let down of this camera was the lack of a viewfinder. You have to target from the screen itself and my personal preference is to use a viewfinder.
The lack of a viewfinder also drains the battery life as it means the screen is always in use.
However, some photographers exclusively use the screen to capture images and this may not be an issue for you.
Besides, the Canon PowerShot SX540 has so many great features that this is an aspect you can compromise on.
Zoom Range – Outstanding 50x optical zoom. The best camera under $300 for zooming capabilities.
Camera Resolution – 20.3 Megapixel sensor. This captures images that are nice and sharp.
Video Capabilities – Captures video in 1080p. It is impressive to capture Full HD on such an affordable camera.
Image Stabilization – Equipped with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization. This is a great built-in feature to reduce camera shake creating smooth video and crisp photos.
Low Light Performance – Great low light performance. The camera has a ‘low-light mode’ which is great for capturing great, detailed images in poor conditions.
Auto Focus – Great auto focus but tracking is poor. The auto focus works well for static subjects but not for anything in motion.
Battery Life – Up to 205 shots per charge.
If you shoot macro photography regularly, this camera is the one for you.
The 50x optical zoom blew me away. I couldn’t believe you can get such an impressive zoom range on such an affordable camera.
This camera is also great for videography by recording in Full HD.
I personally prefer a better battery life. The battery life on the Canon PowerShot SX540 is not good enough for long or continuous shooting.
However, if you want great video capabilities on a camera below $300, you may be willing to sacrifice a great battery life.
Just make sure you have plenty of spares on hand!
“If you are looking for a camera that is feature rich with an affordable price tag, I highly recommend the Canon PowerShot SX540.”
Canon PowerShot SX620 – Best Camera Under $300 for Versatility
The compact Canon PowerShot SX620 is a great option for shooting on the go.
Lightweight and portable, it is easy to carry whilst its size does not compromise on image quality.
The camera has a phenomenal 25x optical zoom which is incredible for a camera of this size.
Plus, the camera captures video in 1080p which is also impressive for its size and price point.
Although the camera is great for both photo and video, it struggles with low light performance.
Capturing in great lighting creates amazing results but low light creates grainy imagery with a maximum ISO of just 1600.
Regardless, this camera is great for travelers taking beautiful photos and videos in good lighting.
Zoom Range – 25x optical zoom. Impressive for such a compact camera.
Camera Resolution – 20.2 Megapixel sensor captures detailed images.
Video Capabilities – Records in 1080p. This is great for the size and price of this camera.
Image Stabilization – Built-in optical image stabilization creating smooth and focus images.
Low Light Performance – Poor low light performance with a maximum ISO of 1600. This creates noisy and unfocused images in difficult lighting conditions.
Auto Focus – Great auto focus. The camera’s autofocus works almost instantly with no lag to capture a detailed image.
Battery Life – Up to 295 shots per single charge.
I do a lot traveling, capturing the majority of my photos and videos on the go.
I therefore need something small and lightweight whilst also offering great quality.
This camera ticks all the boxes for me.
Compact in design, the Canon PowerShot SX620 is small enough to fit in my camera.
Even though the camera is small, it records in 1080p and captures stunning stills.
“The Canon PowerShot SX620 has been one of my favorite cameras to travel with.”
Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 – Best Camera Under $300 for Battery Life
Adventurers, look no further. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 is the best camera under $300 for traveling with.
If you require a light and portable camera, this is the one for you.
Fitting easily into a pocket and weighing in at just 138 grams, this camera is your ideal travel companion.
Whilst the camera may be small and lightweight, Canon has not sacrificed quality or features.
The PowerShot ELPH 190 boasts a 20 Megapixel sensor to capture stunning still images.
With its 10x optical zoom, even distant objects can be captured clearly.
And with built-in image stabilization, images are crisp and clear, even when zooming.
Plus, the camera has an incredible battery life for a compact camera. Lasting up to 600 shots, there is no need to carry around additional batteries when traveling.
Zoom Range – 10x optical zoom for clear images at a distance.
Camera Resolution – 20 Megapixel sensor. Captures beautifully crisp still images.
Video Capabilities – 720p video capturing capabilities.
Image Stabilization – Great built-in image stabilization.
Low Light Performance – Maximum ISO of 1600 results in poor low light performance.
Auto Focus – Focuses in approximately 1.4 seconds which is great for a compact point and shoot camera within this price range.
Battery Life – Up to 600 shots on a single charge. This is an incredible battery life for a compact camera.
The Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 is the best camera under $300 in terms of battery life.
Lasting up to 600 shots per charge, I found this camera great for traveling as there was no need to take spare batteries.
The lightweight and portable design also made this camera great for shooting on the go and putting in my pocket.
This camera is perfect for long days of adventures.
No unnecessary weight to carry around. No extra batteries to take with you. Just grab your camera and go.
“For me, the poor low light performance of the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 was a let down. It meant that I relied upon decent lighting which is not always reliable.”
How to Buy the Best Camera for Under $300
It can be challenging to buy a great camera for under $300.
It is easy to be influenced by the advanced technology and novelty features of a more expensive camera.
But cameras under $300 still offer great image quality.
In many cases, cameras under $300 can also offer great features and decent video capabilities.
However, for a camera with a low price tag, it is likely you will need to compromise on something.
It is important to prioritize what you want or need in a camera against what you are willing to sacrifice.
Read on to find out the features to consider when buying a camera for under $300.
Zoom Range
Most cameras under $300 fall into the compact category.
Compact cameras tend to lack the capability for interchangeable lenses.
If your camera does not have the option to swap out lenses, it is important to have a great zoom range.
A camera with a higher zoom range will give you greater flexibility in your work.
The ability to zoom in allows you to capture subjects at a distance.
The greater the zoom range, the more distant your subject can be whilst still retaining detail and quality.
A camera such as the Canon PowerShot SX540 is a great example of a camera under $300 with an impressive zoom range. This is a great camera for macro photography.
Digital Zoom vs Optical Zoom
An optical zoom lens is something how much the physical lens can zoom.
Don’t fall in for digital zoom as it will enlarge the pixels in the image with a decrease in image quality.
Camera Resolution
The resolution, measured in megapixels, determines the overall quality of your images.
The more megapixels your camera has, the brighter and better the quality of your still shots will be.
When looking at cameras under $300, you will typically find an average of 20 megapixels.
For example, all five cameras reviewed have a similar amount of megapixels ranging between 20 to 20.3 megapixels.
Video Capabilities
If you are planning to use your camera for both photography and videography, the video capabilities of your camera are important.
A lot of cameras under $300 have poor video capabilities and record at a maximum of 720p.
However, it is possible to find cameras offering higher quality and capturing in Full HD 1080p.
Cameras that record in 1080p shoot great quality video that is great for a camera of the price point.
It is extremely rare to find a camera under $300 with 4K recording capabilities.
Therefore, if you find a camera that records 1080p under $300 such as the Canon PowerShot SX620, you have found a winner.
If you are looking to shoot videos when you are on a hiking trip with your buddies or create vlog content for your YouTube channel. Getting a camera that can record in 4K is an excellent choice.
Image Stabilization
Image stabilization ensures that camera shake is eliminated.
This ensures that your images are crisp and clear even when there is some motion.
Most cameras these days feature image stabilization but it is something you definitely want to ensure your camera has.
Low Light Performance
Low light performance is particularly important if you shoot in a wide range of locations.
Great low light performance ensures that your images are still sharp and detailed even when captured in difficult lighting conditions.
A high ISO range ensures the camera has a greater low light performance. The ISO range determines how sensitive a camera is to light.
A camera with a decent ISO range offers flexibility to capture stunning images in poor lighting.
It can be challenging to find a camera under $300 with great low light performance. This is because many cameras under $300 have a maximum ISO of 1600.
However, a camera like the Sony DSCH300 has a maximum ISO of 3200. This is a great ISO range for a camera under $300.
Auto Focus
Auto focus is a crucial feature of any camera for ensuring your images are crisp and detailed.
Many cameras under $300 lack manual focus capabilities and therefore auto focus comes as standard.
It is important to confirm however, that the auto focus on your camera works well.
Plus, any camera with an auto focus that has tracking abilities is a great bonus.
Battery Life
It goes without saying that a great battery life is important for photography.
It is highly inconvenient when your battery dies in the middle of shooting and you need to swap batteries.
Cameras under $300 do have some limitations when it comes to battery life so it is important to research this element.
Of the five cameras I tested, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 had the best battery life.
If battery life is important to you, this camera should be top of your list.
Weather Protection
If you are adventurous like me and spend a lot of time outdoors, weather protection is important for your camera.
This protects it from dust, low temperatures and difficult weather conditions.
Sadly, few cameras under $300 offer weather protection. Whilst rare, they do exist, you just need to do your research.
Size and Weight
Size and weight is important for any photography but definitely for those traveling.
Something lightweight is crucial whilst the ability to fit in a pocket is an added bonus.
Most cameras under $300 are compact and are therefore small, lightweight and portable. This makes them perfect for traveling and shooting on the go.
Camera Resolution and Screen Size
You notice big differences in display size and resolution. The larger the camera body is, the larger the display and screen resolution would be. This feature is necessary for wide-angle shooting, something like when you shoot a big landscape.
A large screen with high resolution is useful in bright conditions. One downside is, that it is more expensive.
Electronic Viewfinder
It provides more flexibility when composing your shots. If you mostly shoot in daylight conditions. An EVF is very useful because you need not worry about the LCD getting washed out.
Best Camera Under $300 – My Verdict
In all honesty, I loved all five of the cameras under $300 that I tested.
Several were perfect for me whilst traveling due to their lightweight design.
I also enjoyed the bulkier cameras offering the comfort of a DSLR and the flexibility of manual settings.
However, the standout for me was the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180.
This camera was the most impressive overall and would be my go-to choice for the best camera under $300.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 – Best Camera Under $300 Overall
Whilst I would consider this to be a great camera for most, cameras are not one size fits all.
If you are wanting a camera with more features, the Canon PowerShot SX540 is incredible.
Alternatively, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 is a great alternative for long days of shooting.
With a phenomenal battery life taking up to 600 shots per charge, this camera is great for days on the go.
Whilst all five cameras offer great value for money at a price tag under $300, the most affordable is the Sony DSCH300.
This is a great choice for those just getting started in photography.
An excellent camera with great image quality and decent features that fits even low budgets.
I have no doubt that there is a camera in this list that suits your wants, needs and budget.
Make sure you use our guide above on How to Buy the Best Camera Under $300 to find the camera that is perfect for you.
