10 Best Budget Digital Cameras 2025 in the United States

The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a compact budget-friendly digital camera that offers a versatile 40x optical zoom, making it great if you want to capture distant subjects without carrying heavy lenses. Its 20.3-megapixel CMOS sensor delivers decent image quality for casual photography, though the sensor size is typical for compact cameras and won’t match larger-sensor cameras in low light. Optical image stabilization helps reduce blur, especially when zoomed in or shooting handheld. You can shoot sharp 4K videos and even create time-lapse movies, which is a nice bonus at this price. The camera’s 3-inch tilting screen makes framing shots easier from creative angles.

Battery life is average for a compact camera, so carrying a spare battery might be handy on longer outings. Connectivity options like built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth allow easy sharing and remote control with a smartphone. However, it lacks weather sealing, so it’s best used in fair weather. While it offers fast continuous shooting and a good range of automatic modes suitable for beginners, it may feel limited for more advanced users who want manual controls or more robust build quality.

The SX740 HS serves well for travelers or casual photographers seeking a lightweight camera with strong zoom and 4K video, but it is less suited for professional use or challenging lighting conditions.

The Canon Cameras US Point and Shoot Digital Camera in silver is an appealing choice for those seeking a budget-friendly option with impressive features. It boasts a 20.3 megapixel CMOS sensor, which should provide good image quality for most casual photography needs. The 40x optical zoom is a standout feature, allowing you to capture subjects from a distance with clarity, and the optical image stabilization helps in reducing blur, especially at higher zoom levels.

The camera supports 4K video and 4K time-lapse movies, making it suitable for simple videography projects as well. A 3.0-inch tilt-type LCD screen that flips 180° up is handy for taking selfies and vlogging. On the connectivity front, built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth make sharing photos and remote control via smartphone convenient. However, some drawbacks include the lack of an optical viewfinder, which can be a dealbreaker for users used to traditional viewfinders. The maximum aperture of f/6.9 indicates it may struggle in low-light conditions.

The DIGIC 8 Image Processor ensures swift performance and aids in features like high-speed continuous shooting at up to 7.4 fps, or 10 fps with AF Lock, excellent for capturing fast-moving subjects. This camera is best suited for casual photographers and vloggers who need a versatile, easy-to-use camera without breaking the bank.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 is a budget-friendly digital camera that offers a solid set of features for casual photography. Its 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ Image Processor work together to deliver good image quality, even in low-light conditions. The 12x optical zoom, combined with optical image stabilization, allows for versatile and steady shots, making it ideal for different scenarios, from close-ups to distant subjects.

The 3.0-inch LCD screen provides a clear view for framing your shots and reviewing images. Additionally, its 1080p HD video capabilities are a nice bonus for capturing high-resolution videos. Connectivity is well-covered with built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, enabling easy sharing and transfer of photos and videos to other devices or social media.

However, the camera has some limitations. The continuous shooting speed is relatively slow at 7.2 frames per second, which might not be sufficient for fast-action photography. The battery life could be a concern for extended use, as it is relatively short. Also, the camera lacks advanced manual controls, making it less suitable for more experienced photographers looking for greater creative control. The fixed LCD screen may also be a drawback for some users who prefer a tilting or rotating display for easier shooting from different angles. Despite these limitations, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 remains a strong contender in the budget digital camera category, particularly for those looking for an affordable, easy-to-use option with good image quality and useful connectivity features.