Top 10 Best Travel Cameras Under $100

Choosing the Best Travel Cameras Under $100 to go on a trip is as difficult as knowing what to pack. Most of us like to travel in the light. Ideally, you will want a camera that does not take up much space and that does not hurt your shoulder all day long. But when you choose a camera for traveling, you also do not want to compromise the quality of the image. Maybe you go to places that you may not be able to see, so you want to take a camera that does them justice – otherwise, you might as well look away with a smartphone.

You’ll also want a camera that can shoot a variety of subjects in a variety of conditions, from a sunny beach to a poorly lit market, from distant mountains to close-ups of exotic dishes. And if you can get that all under $100, then it would be a good deal for you. If you’re going on vacation for adventure rather than relaxation, you might want to take a tough camera instead of a delicate DSLR camera, but if you’re traveling on a limited budget, a good SLR camera market or a mirrorless device may be the ideal compromise.

Best Travel Cameras Under $100 Comparison Table

Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W800

• Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.2 x 0.8 in
• Type: Compact
• Batteries: Rechargeable Li-ion
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inSuper HAD CCD
• Zoom: 5x optical, 10x digital
• Max video resolution: 720p, 30fps
• Megapixels: 20.1
• ISO range: 100 – 3,200

People who like to travel a lot while wearing as little as possible will love the least expensive Sony camera, the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W800. It weighs almost nothing, fits in the pocket of a woman’s jeans and can make good-quality photos or videos. This is the perfect camera to have on your side when you record a series of activities or stitch a photo story together to share with your followers. It does not have the bells and whistles of more sophisticated Sony cameras, but the surprising variety of features and the low price level of the W800 make it the undisputed winner in our list of best travel cameras under $100.

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Pros:

• Lightweight
• Built-in flash
• Excellent sensor
• Above average video quality for the price

Cons:

• Very slow continuous shot speed
• Thin plastic casing

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Nikon COOLPIX A10

• Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.3 x 1.1 in
• Batteries: 2 x AA
• Sensor: 1/2.3-in CCD
• Zoom: 5x optical
• Max video resolution: 720p, 30fps
• Megapixels: 16.1
• ISO range: 80 – 1,600

Many people maintain a presence on social media on different sites, with Instagram being the most prominent. If you need an affordable camera that produces usable video images for your vlogs and at the same time is great for making selfies, then Nikon’s Coolpix A10 is the one you can get! It is a compact, lightweight point-and-shoot with six effect modes, good face recognition options and the ability to make videos in HD at 30 fps. The A10 is an ergonomic camera that feels good in the hand and feels firmer than other models at the price. Corners are cut in the outside design because the handle is not textured, but you will still find sufficient space for a comfortable grip and stable shots. Overall, this is one of the best travel cameras under 100 dollars.

Pros:

• Compact and portable
• Good value for the money
• Decent video performance
• Excellent for selfies

Cons:

• Getting to SD card requires removal of batteries
• The LCD screen has poor viewing angle and contrast

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Sony Cybershot DSC-W810

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 20.1MP
• Screen: 2.7-inch
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 6x zoom
• Max video resolution: 720p
• User level: Beginner

The Cybershot range from Sony offers a number of models of less than $100, with a large number of zoom options being the biggest difference. Our first choice, the DSC-W810, is a 6x zoom model with a 20.1 MP sensor and a few other features to make younger snappers happy, such as Sweep Panorama, Night Scene, Beach and Pet modes. One of the lightest models we could find, it is perfect to slip into your pocket. And although it will not set the world on fire (with only 720p video recording and no Wi-Fi), it is routinely available for a price that makes it one of the best travel cameras under 100 dollars.

Pros:

• Very light and compact
• Often available at a bargain price

Cons:

• Only 720p video capture
• No Wi-Fi

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Nikon Coolpix A300

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 20.1MP
• Screen: 2.7-inch 230k
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 8x zoom
• Max video resolution: 720p
• User level: Beginner

Not often discounted under $100, but at the time of writing, Nikon’s Coolpix A300 is currently available for just a slant on our budget – making it one of the best travel cameras under $100. With those well-known specifications of 20.1 megapixels, 8x zoom and 2.7-inch LCD screen, there are few notable features to recommend the A300 to his colleagues. Although the built-in Wi-Fi and SnapBridge make it a reasonable choice for those who want to sync and share their photos with ease. The LCD screen was not the best we have seen, but it is another super light and small compact that is perfect for travel and as a backup camera, and like many of the others in this list, available in a range of colors choose from (black, pink, red and silver).

Pros:

• Wi-Fi/SnapBridge
• 8x zoom

Cons:

• 720p video capture
• Not the best LCD screen

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Canon PowerShot ELPH 180

• Dimensions: 3.7 x 2.1 x 0.9 in
• Type: Compact
• Batteries: Rechargeable NiMH
• Sensor: 1/2.3-in CCD
• Zoom: 8x optical
• Max video resolution: 720p, 25fps
• Megapixels: 20
• ISO range: 100 – 1,600

Continuing our trend of ultra-lightweight travel cameras is PowerShot ELPH180 from Canon. It’s so light that you hardly know that you are carrying it, even after an active day of shooting. The camera features a powerful optical zoom lens, user-friendly controls that allow everyone to brag quickly, and clear 720p video. Get the ELPH 180 if you want a reliable point-and-shoot that you can blow in seconds and record events as they unfold. The ELPH180 is a camera without fuss for beginners. The small frame makes it ideal for journaling holidays, parties and other memorable events. Overall, this is one of the best travel cameras under 100 dollars.

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Pros:

• Powerful optical zoom
• Small form factor
• Easy to use
• Stylish

Cons:

• No image stabilization
• No manual flash

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Sony Cybershot DSC-W830

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 20.1MP
• Screen: 2.7-inch
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 8x zoom
• Max video resolution: 720p
• User level: Beginner

This Cybershot hovers above and below the magic of $100 – with the standard black model that is often slightly cheaper than the silver, pink and (crazy) purple models that are also available. It has the same 20.1MP sensor as its little brother the W810, but your extra $30 or so will be invested in the improved 8x zoom lens. Elsewhere, with retouching in the camera, image stabilization, and 720p video recording, it is a similar story to its peers. And with face detection for up to eight faces, red-eye reduction, and blink detection, this should ensure good results in group shots. It is a lighter camera than a lot and is still a good choice for those who want one of the best travel cameras under $100.

Pros:

• Middling feature set
• 8x zoom

Cons:

• No Wi-Fi
• Only 720p video capture

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YI Lite Action Camera

• Dimensions: 2.6 x 1.2 x 1.7 in
• Type: Compact
• Batteries: Rechargeable Li-ion
• Sensor: 1-Chip CMOS
• Max video resolution: 720p, 30fps
• Megapixels: 16
• ISO range: 100 – 1,600

Do you provide content full of action, but do not have the budget for a GoPro? Xiaomi’s Yi Lite Action Camera can do almost anything on older HERO can at only a fraction of the price! It can record 4K video, has a responsive touchscreen and can be operated via a well-designed smartphone app. This is the perfect choice for the adventurer who wants to capture every exciting experience from the point of view of a first person and immediately share it with her fans. The Yi Lite is a square action camera with a single on/off button on top. It comes with a transparent casing that is up to 33 feet waterproof, together with a tripod mounting set. Such things make it one of the best travel cameras under 100 dollars.

Pros:

• Excellent image quality
• Versatile companion app
• Various recording modes and resolutions to choose from
• Intuitive touchscreen

Cons:

• Poor audio quality
• Fragile without the waterproof housing

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Canon Powershot ELPH 190

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 20.5MP
• Screen: 2.7-inch 230k
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 10x zoom
• Max burst speed: 0.8fps
• Max video resolution: 720p
• User level: Beginner

Powershot ELPH models from Canon (also known as IXUS outside the United States) remain a very popular budget and one of the best travel cameras under $100. The 190 combines a low price with a fairly generous feature set, is ultra-thin and light and incredibly easy to carry as a spare or travel camera. You should be able to find the most recent model of 190 for a fraction of less than $150, and it is our choice for the cheaper 185. The latter has no Wi-Fi and NFC and only has one 8x zoom lens instead of 190s 10x.

Whether these functions are worth the extra $40 is the most important question when choosing between the two. With a 20.5MP sensor, sharp image quality and easy handling, the 190 is a small and slim compact camera with a wide appeal that is available in a range of colors. The image quality is clear and sharp, and the Wi-Fi and NFC must be attractive to photographers who want to upload and keep their images quickly and easily.

Pros:

• Wi-Fi and NFC
• 10x zoom

Cons:

• Only 720pm video capture

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Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3in
• Megapixels: 16.1
• Minimum shooting distance: 40cm
• LCD screen: 2.7in 230k
• Lens: 25-100mm (equiv) f/3.9-5.7
• Waterproof: 8m/26ft
• Shockproof: 1.5m/5ft
• Freezeproof: -10ºC/14ºF
• Max video resolution: 720p

The only specialist waterproof camera on this list, Panasonic’s Lumix TS30 (known as the FT30 in Europe), usually floats just over $100. As such, it is a great entry-level model for anyone who needs a robust camera for travel experiences, despite the fact that they are now what is older in terms of specifications. The robustness not only suits adrenalin addicts but is also a sensible choice for children who suffer from an accident Small and light enough to carry easily, we recommend you to buy a belt to ensure that the TS30 stays on hand when used in water. The video functionality will not win any prizes, with the only 720p max being recorded, but for this price, the Lumix TS30 is still an excellent choice for photography of photos and is one of the best travel cameras under $100.

Pros:

• Smart, cool design
• Great price

Cons:

• Specs are aging now
• Video only 720p

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Kodak PIXPRO FZ53

• Type: Compact
• Dimensions: 3.6 x 2.2 x 0.9 in
• Batteries: Rechargeable NiMH
• Sensor: 1/2.3-in CCD
• Zoom: 5x optical, 6x digital
• Max video resolution: 720p, 30fps
• Megapixels: 16.1
• ISO range: 80 – 1,600

Kodak is another well-known camera manufacturer with an intriguing budget choice, the PIXPRO Z53. This camera differs from others we have reviewed because of the many scene modes and the ability to control most recording aspects manually. It is also the lightest point-and-shoot in the guide. The video quality is reasonable but worse than our top choices. This is the camera you can get if you are a novice photographer who needs a cheap but versatile camera especially for photography purposes but also wants to capture her experiences in vlog form. The FZ35 is a slim looking small camera with a metallic gloss available in black, blue or red. It has a prominent lens along with a strip for finger placement at the front. Overall, this is one of the best travel cameras under $100.

Pros:

• Lots of adjustable photo settings
• Smooth zoom
• Very light
• Intuitive menu system

Cons:

• No optical image stabilization
• Short battery life
• Audible focus

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Final Words

The Best Travel Cameras Under $100 you choose depends on the type of journey that you plan to do. You can choose a universal model that covers the basics, or a niche camera designed for exactly the activity you do. Maybe you need a camera that can keep up with a fast adventure and a rugged lifestyle. Or maybe you would rather take your time to capture the perfect sunset. Anyway, there is an ideal camera to take with you on your next vacation – and you can probably find one from our list and it will not break the bank balance.

Top 10 Best Travel Cameras