Buyer's Guide to Inexpensive Digital Cameras

Although expensive digital cameras usually provide more features and better resolution, not everyone can afford to purchase them, and they are not even preferable in some situations.

While you aren't likely to get their photos published on the cover of a magazine, many inexpensive digital cameras can produce photos of sufficient quality for eBay auctions, internet classified ads, and personal use. They are more likely to be compatible with older computers and tend to require fewer batteries. They are also preferable for use by children or in situations where there is some risk of damage.

Internet auctions and shopping websites are often the best places to find low-cost digital cameras. You should be sure to try a number of different searches. 0.3 megapixel cameras may be referred to as "300K", "640x480", or "VGA" cameras by different sellers. Lower-resolution 0.08 megapixel models are also be referred to as having "320x240" resolution.

Even the least expensive digital cameras aren't always entirely featureless. Features which can be found on some under-$25 digital cameras include a tripod socket (Polaroid PhotoMax 320), built-in flash (Vivitar Vivicam 25), or self-timer (Gemini J44416). Some also have the capability to record short digital videos or act as a webcam. However, few digital cameras in this category have an external flash port or previewing screen. The amount of photos the camera can hold in memory should also be considered, along with the number of batteries it requires.