All the Fun Cameras Under $100
- Nathaniel Stephan
- July 14, 2024
Table of Contents
Every year is gets harder and harder to find cheap cameras that aren’t trash.
Even then, I don’t mind bad cameras, as long as they aren’t purchased new. There’s enough eWaste out there.
Below are models or camera lines that easy to find used.
The best deals are available locally. Check garage sales, thrift stores, flea markets, pawn stores, Craigslist, Facebook marketplace, and other places.
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APS-C DSLRs
I’m not sure how much longer DSLRs are going to be found with a lens, battery, and memory card for less than $100.
What’s available is some of the oldest cameras that used CCD sensors. They are still fun for photography, but they aren’t great for video.
The most common issue with them is that they are larger and heavier than you’re expecting. Most people find themselves unwilling to carry them around.
They have autofocus, but it isn’t fast. Low light performance will be bad compared to a phone.
Make sure the basics are included, or you’ll have to buy the missing accessory:
- Battery
- Charger
- Memory card
- Lens
Memory cards are more expensive than they used to be. A basic SD card may be around $20 now.
CompactFlash cards can cost even more. A 32GB CF card may be around $25. A 16GB CF card may be around $15.
If you already have a compatible memory card, that will help.
| Brand | Models to Look For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canon | EOS Digital Rebel XT / EOS 350D | 2005, 8.0MP. Easy place to start. |
| Canon | EOS Digital Rebel XTi / EOS 400D | 2006, 10.1MP. |
| Canon | EOS Rebel T1i / EOS 500D | Records 1080p, but only at 20 fps. Video will look stuttery. |
| Nikon | D40 | Basic older DSLR. Good for photos. |
| Nikon | D100 | Older option. Check accessories and condition. |
| Nikon | D90 | Solid photo camera. More useful than the oldest models. |
| Nikon | D3000 | Possible under $100 if you get lucky. |
| Pentax | K100D | 6.1MP CCD sensor. Fun budget choice. |
| Pentax | K10D | Often overlooked, which can help pricing. |
| Pentax | K20D | Another solid older Pentax option. |
| Pentax | *ist D | Older, niche pick. |
| Sony | A100 | Sony DSLR, not an SLT. |
| Olympus | E-410 | Four Thirds DSLR. Lenses can be harder to find. |
| Olympus | E-420 | Four Thirds DSLR. |
Short note: Four Thirds and Micro Four Thirds are not the same mount. Four Thirds cameras like the Olympus E-410 and E-420 are DSLRs. Micro Four Thirds cameras like the Olympus E-PL1 and Panasonic GF1 are mirrorless. Micro Four Thirds has much better lens support today.
Bridge Cameras
Bridge cameras are the best choice for birds. They are the only cameras that will have enough reach.
The lens is not removable and the sensors are similar in size to what’s found in a phone. That makes them a poor choice for indoor use.
I like that there are models that use AA batteries. They are more convenient that having to track down a third party replacement lithium ion battery.
Models to look for
| Brand | Series / Model | Battery Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canon | PowerShot SX10 IS | AA | Cheap, long zoom, easy batteries. |
| Canon | PowerShot SX20 IS | AA | Similar idea. Good budget bridge option. |
| Canon | PowerShot SX30 IS | AA | More zoom, still affordable. |
| Fujifilm | FinePix S9000 | AA | Lots of chunk and physical controls. |
| Fujifilm | FinePix S4000 | AA | Big zoom, low cost. |
| Nikon | Coolpix P100 | Li-ion | Uses a rechargeable battery pack. Check for charger. |
| Nikon | Coolpix P500 | Li-ion | Big zoom. Charger matters. |
| Panasonic | Lumix FZ35 | Li-ion | Strong bridge camera pick. |
| Panasonic | Lumix FZ40 | Li-ion | Good cheap option if complete. |
| Panasonic | Lumix FZ47 | Li-ion | Worth checking if the price is right. |
Digital Point & Shoots
For general use, look for cameras with wide zoom ranges. Extra telephoto reach isn’t as useful. I would rather have a 24-80mm than a 35-200mm lens.
When searching for them, use a price filter to narrow down the results.
- Canon PowerShot
- Nikon Coolpix
- Sony Cybershot
- Casio Exilm
- Fujifilm FinePix
- Panasonic Lumix
- Kodak EasyShare
- Sanyo Digital
- Samsung
- Olympus Stylus
Camcorders
Camcorders
Camcorders are another category that phones basically replaced.
The older models are usually standard definition. They use CCD sensors that will give a retro look.
HD models will use CMOS sensors, which will have rolling shutter.
Camcorders still have some advantages:
- Good ergonmics
- Long record times
- Can have good optical image stabilization
- Built-in front light
Avoid tape or DVD-R camcorders unless you specifically want that workflow.
Built-in hard drives have either already failed or will with any sustained use. They weren’t designed to last 15+ years.
Models to look for
| Brand | Models / Series | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canon | Vixia HF R100, R200, R10, R20 | HD models. Good cheap options if complete. |
| Canon | FS10, FS20, FS100 | Standard definition. Good for the retro look. |
| Sony | Handycam HDR-CX series | Look for models like the HDR-CX190, CX230, and CX240. Usually 1080i60. |
| Panasonic | SDR-S26, SDR-S50 | Standard definition SDR models. Cheap and simple. |
| Panasonic | HDC-TM10, TM40, TM80 | HD models. Usually 1080i60. |
| Samsung | HMX-F900 | Cheap flash camcorder option. |
| JVC | Everio GZ-MS series | Standard definition. Avoid HDD models. |
| JVC | Everio GZ-HM series | HD models. Check storage type before buying. |
Action Cameras
Action cameras are useful because they are small and light.
They are easy to mount almost anywhere. Bikes, helmets, cars, tripods, bags, and weird DIY setups are all fair game.
The wide-angle lenses also help with stabilization. There is a lot of extra image around the edges, so the camera can crop in and smooth out the motion digitally.
The GoPro Hero 5 Black can record 4K30 and was the first GoPro waterproof without a case. It also has a touchscreen and decent electronic stabilization.
The GoPro Hero 4 Session is tiny and can record 1440p30, 1080p60, and 720p100. The downside is the internal battery and no stabilization.
The Sony HDR-AS50 and HDRAS100V have a different shape. Waterproof housings are available, and they use the same battery as some other Sony cameras.
Toy Cameras
The most common digital toy cameras in the US will be Vivitar Vivicams. Many of the models have fixed focus lenses and use AA or AAA batteries.
Sakar is the next most common. Many of their cameras had branding from popular children’s toys and media.
The two other brands I would search for are VistaQuest and Digital Concepts.
The Camp Snap and Paper Shoot bother don’t have screens. That can be a requirement for summer camps and other kids activities.
Rugged All-Weather Cameras
I would rather be careful with my cameras.
But if you like throwing caution and cameras into the wind, rugged all-weather cameras can be fun.
They are built for rougher use, water, dirt, and drops. Just do not assume every used one is still waterproof.
Check the seals carefully. Watch for sand in the doors and buttons. Also look for blue or green corrosion, which can mean saltwater damage.
Do not expect a big zoom range. These cameras usually trade zoom for durability.
The Olympus TG Tough series is the obvious one to look for. It was popular then, and it still exists today under OM System.
The Fujifilm FinePix XP series is another fun option. Look for models like the XP50, XP65, XP70, or XP120. They came in different colors and stayed small and simple. The series ended with the XP140.
Pentax also had a few rugged options. Look for the Optio WG-1, Optio WG-2, and Optio WG-3.
35mm Film Cameras
Avoid Advanced Photo System (APS) film. It’s long discontinued, making it hard to find and expensive.
Stick with 35mm if possible. It is much easier to find, shoot, and develop.
Watch out for batteries. Some older point and shoots use expensive non-rechargeable lithium batteries.
Single-use cameras are still an option. Kodak FunSaver and Fujifilm QuickSnap cameras are often reused when possible.
These are best as vacation or event cameras. If you are shooting indoors, you will probably need the flash.
For simple new options, look at the Kodak Ektar H35N. It is a half-frame camera, so you get more shots per roll.
The Kodak Cameo is another small, pocketable option.
Toy film cameras can also be fun if you want rough, imperfect images.
For used point and shoots, there are hundreds of models from Kodak, Olympus, Canon, Nikon, Pentax, Minolta, Fujifilm, Konica, Ricoh, Yashica, and Samsung. Stick with known brands and make sure the battery door, flash, and film advance work.