The best camera under $100 in 2023: low cost cameras that still take decent shots

best camera under $100: Polaroid Go
(Image credit: James Artaius)

The best camera under $100 is unlikely to set the world alight but these pocket-sized shooters will be better than you think! 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.

Investing in the best camera under $100 is a cost-effective way to learn the basics of photography, and can also be a good choice for getting kids into snapping pictures. 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. They aren't going to have cutting-edge features or massive megapixel counts, but all of the cameras on our list are reliable, capable, and will do the basics that you need of them. You'll find cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm and more on this list of our top ten picks, so you can be confident you'll be getting a name you trust.

Bear in mind that if you pick an instant film camera, refilling it will represent an ongoing cost, and not all digital cameras come with memory cards, so double-check that as well.

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!

Instax Mini 11

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)
Comes in either a cute pastel shade or a more traditional black

Specifications

Type: Instant film
Film type: Instax mini
Image Size: 54×86mm
Viewfinder: Yes
Lens: 60mm
Flash: Yes
Exposure modes: No
Self timer: No
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Inexpensive
+
Film costs less than Polaroid
+
Fun to use

Reasons to avoid

-
A little bulky
-
Images can be hit and miss

The Instax Mini 11 looks like every version before it only Fujifilm has decided to remove the exposure dial in place of automatic exposure. 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.

Read more: Instax Mini 11 review

(Image credit: Jon Stapley)

2. AKASO EK7000 Pro

This budget action cam shoots 4K at 25fps and can be controlled remotely - impressive!

Specifications

Weight: 61g
Waterproof: Yes, to 40 metres
4K video: At 25fps
1080p video: At 60fps
Stills resolution: 16 megapixels
Battery life: Up to 90 minute per charge

Reasons to buy

+
Fully waterproof
+
4K video capture, 
+
Remote operation 

Reasons to avoid

-
No zoom

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 Go

(Image credit: Alis Volat)
A tiny instant camera you can even wear as a necklace

Specifications

Type: Instant
Film type: Color go film
Image size: 2.122-inch
Minimum shooting distance: 35cm
Viewfinder: Optical
Lens: 34mm full-frame equivalent
Flash: Built in, automatic
Exposure modes: Auto, Bulb
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Small and compact
+
Double exposure mode

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive film
-
Struggles in bright sunlight

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 camera under £100: ILFORD Sprite 35-II Film Camera

(Image credit: Ilford)

4. 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

+
Affordable film camera
+
Easy to use
+
Takes 3x AAA batteries

Reasons to avoid

-
Ongoing film costs
-
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.

Fujifilm Instax Wide 300 review

(Image credit: Gavin Stoker/Digital Camera World)

5. Fujifilm Instax WIDE 300

It's a chunky camera but the larger prints make it worth it

Specifications

Type: Instant
Film type: Fujifilm Instax Wide film
Image size: 6.2cm x 9.9cm
Minimum shooting distance: 40cm
Viewfinder: Optical
Lens: 95mm f/14
Flash: Built in
Exposure modes: Dark, Normal, Light
Self-timer: No
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Big prints
+
User-friendly

Reasons to avoid

-
It'll be too chunky for some
-
Small viewfinder

The biggest of Fujifilm's Instax range, as the name suggest, the Wide 300 delivers larger prints (via instax WIDE film packs).

Depending on your taste, its size is either a blessing - it feels substantial and well-built - or a curse (it's not a great choice for selfies, small hands may struggle, and it isn't as friendly to carry around).

Control is limited to adjusting brightness, and that huge built-in flash, while the 95mm lens is extended via a level next to the shutter release. 

It's all a bit on the chunky side, apart from - strangely - the slightly ungenerous viewfinder. Still, if you're after larger prints from an instant camera, and still want change from $100, then the Wide 300 may be for you. Just make sure you handle it and check you're comfortable with the size before buying. 

best cameras under £100: Kodak M35

(Image credit: Kodak)

6. Kodak M35

A disposable camera alternative that comes in 8 bright colors

Specifications

Type: 35mm film
Sensor: 35mm
Screen: None
Viewfinder: Yes
Lens type: 31mm f/10
User level: Beginner

Reasons to buy

+
Fun colors
+
East to use
+
Less wasteful than disposables

Reasons to avoid

-
Can't zoom

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.

(Image credit: Lomography)
If you're into making things, this kit camera will give you an extra challenge

Specifications

Type: 35mm film camera
Film format: 35mm
Lens: 50mm f/10
Viewfinder: Waist level screen
User modes: Manual
User level: Enthusiast

Reasons to buy

+
A camera that you build yourself
+
Relive the analog dream by shooting film

Reasons to avoid

-
Film and processing costs extra
-
You have to build it yourself!

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. Remember though, the film costs extra. 

best cameras under $100: Polaroid Wave

(Image credit: Polaroid)

8. Polaroid Wave Underwater Camera

It's not the best quality camera but it can still take a decent photo

Specifications

Type: Underwater
Lens: 50mm f/10
Megapixels: 18
Viewfinder: LCD display
:

Reasons to buy

+
Fun to use
+
Can record HD video at 30fps

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the best quality photos
-
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 we test cameras

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

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.

Read more:
The best cameras under $200
The best camera under $500
The best camera for kids
The best beginner cameras 
The best point-and-shoot cameras
The best waterproof cameras
The best compact cameras
Best budget action cameras under $100

Hannah Rooke
Staff Writer

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. For the last 3 years Hannah has worked 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 5 years experience working with studio lighting, Hannah has run many successful workshops teaching people how to use different lighting setups.