Ultimate Guide: Best Cameras Under $300

If you’re in a hurry and just want to find out what the best camera under $300 is, then I’d recommend the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 as the best one!

When you’re looking for a camera under the $300 price point there is a lot to choose from and a huge variety in the features that each camera offers.

One of the most important things to ask yourself when looking at this price point is do you need a camera?

The reason I bring this up is that most modern-day smartphones will give you better photo and video quality than these cameras. Modern-day smartphones have the same sensor size, have equal or better photo resolution, and usually give you more advanced video features.

With that said, there are advantages to getting a camera too. I go over this in detail below so if you do have a newer smartphone make sure to check it out before making a decision.

Why Trust Me?

image of guy and dog in the snow

As with all of the Ultimate Guides I create, I have poured countless hours of research into this article to make sure you have all the information you need to make the best decision.

In my opinion, to truly understand what makes a good camera, you need to have used them day in and day out in a variety of different situations.

I’ve been a professional filmmaker and photographer since 2018 and have been lucky enough to work on projects all over the world with brands such as Alaska Airlines, Kayak.com, Prague Tourism, Visa, Airbnb, and many more. If you’re curious to see the full list of companies we’ve worked with, just head over to our Work With Us page.

From these experiences, I think I’m in a good position to help you find the perfect camera in this price range.  

Most importantly, I’m just a message away. So, if you have any questions, just leave a comment below, email me at [email protected], or send me a DM on Instagram @tom.shu.

P.S. I answer every question that is sent 🙂

Reviews of the 10 Best Digital Cameras Under $300

illustration of cameras on a shelf with a sale tag

Here are my top 10 favorite cameras in the market today that are under $300. The overall price range of these cameras is from just over $100 to a few dollars under $300. For the most part, here are the distinguishing features that you will see in each price range.

  • $100 – $175: A maximum optical zoom of 10x with some cameras being able to shoot video in 1080p resolution. Poorer low light capability with the maximum ISO sensitivity at 1,600 with one exception.
  • $175 – $290: Wider optical zoom capability ranging from 20x to 60x with all cameras except for one being able to record video in 1080p resolution. Good low light capability with a maximum ISO sensitivity of 3,200 with one exception.
  • $290 – $300: There is only one camera in this price range in the article. It has 60x optical zoom and the ability to record in 4k and 1080p resolution. Good low light capability with a maximum ISO sensitivity of 3,200.

Now that you know what to expect at each price point, let’s get into the camera reviews! To make it easier for you, the reviews are listed from lowest to highest price.

1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 180

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is the cheapest camera in this article and the cheapest point and shoot that Canon makes. The camera is a little older as it came out in 2016, but it’s still a great entry-level camera for casual photographers and videographers.

It’s a no-frills type of camera which gives you all the features that you need to get started without bogging you down with anything extra. One of the best parts is that it is a Canon camera, so you get the rich saturated colors that Canon cameras are known for.

This camera features 8x optical zoom with image stabilization, giving you a decent amount of reach. There is also a Smart AUTO mode which enables the camera to automatically detect the 32 different preprogrammed shooting situations so all you have to do is hit the shutter button.

It’s one of the smallest cameras in this article with above-average battery life, making it very easy to stuff in your pocket wherever you go.

image of barn in the snow with fence in the foreground
Shot on Canon PowerShot ELPH 180

PROS

  • The cheapest camera in this article and the cheapest Canon camera available.
  • 20 Megapixel sensor so you will get nice sharp images in good light.
  • 8x optical zoom with built-in image stabilization gives you pretty good reach.
  • Produces rich saturated images that Canon cameras are known for.
  • Very small size with above-average battery life makes it very easy to carry around.

CONS

  • It does not perform the best in low light situations and has a maximum ISO of 1,600.
  • Does not have a manual mode so you can’t adjust the shutter speed and aperture independently.
  • The video quality is not the best so if you plan to take a lot of videos, another camera might be a better fit.
  • The screen is not the biggest and doesn’t have the best resolution.
  • Most modern-day smartphones will give you better video and photo quality, so if you already have a new smartphone and don’t care for the 8x zoom, you probably won’t see much benefit from this camera.

2. Fujifilm FinePix XP130

The Fujifilm FinePix XP130 is a rugged, waterproof, freezeproof, and shockproof camera that is made to get beat up wherever you go.

There are a lot of great features in this camera that you won’t find in other cameras in the under $150 price range. The big tradeoff is that this camera only has a 5x optical zoom which is the second-worst zoom range of all the cameras we will cover.

If you don’t mind the shorter zoom range, then you’ll get a camera which can record video in 1080p resolution, has a built-in timelapse mode, and one with an ISO sensitivity of up to 3,200 which will give you more flexibility in low light situations.

Of course, the big selling point of this camera is its ruggedness. The camera is:

  • Waterproof up to 65 feet.
  • Freezeproof down to 14°F.
  • Shockproof of a fall from 5.8 feet

So again, if you’re looking for a camera with a longer zoom range, the FujiFilm FinePix XP130 is probably not the best fit.

However, if you don’t mind the shorter zoom range, then you get one of the best sets of features in cameras under $150. Plus, it’s so rugged so you will never have to worry about breaking it.

image of shinkansen at a train station in japan
Shot on Fujifilm Finepix XP130

PROS

  • An extremely rugged camera that is waterproof up to 65 feet, freezeproof down to 14°F, and shockproof of a fall from 5.8 feet.
  • Built-in WiFi/NFC which will allow you to transfer photos and videos to your smartphone through the Camera Connect app.
  • Can record video in 1080p resolution which you won’t find in other cameras in the under $150 price range.
  • ISO sensitivity up to 3,200 which will give you better low light performance than any other camera in the under $150 price range.
  • 16.4 Megapixel sensor so you will get nice sharp images in good light.
  • Built-in timelapse mode, which makes it very easy to create a timelapse video.
  • The display resolution is above average and one of the best in this article.

CONS

  • 5x optical zoom is the second-worst zoom range of the cameras in this article.
  • It does not have a manual mode so you can’t adjust the shutter speed and aperture independently.
  • Most modern-day smartphones will give you better video and photo quality so if you already have a new smartphone and don’t care for the ruggedness features, you probably won’t see much benefit from this camera.

3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 190

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 is the newer model of the ELPH. It’s pretty much the same camera as the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 with some slight improvements, so I won’t go over the same details again.

The two improvements and the main differences between the ELPH 190 and the ELPH 180 are the following:

  • An improved zoom range of 10x zoom on the ELPH 190 versus the 8x zoom on the PowerShot ELPH 180.
  • Addition of WiFi/NFC which will allow you to transfer photos and videos to your smartphone through the camera app.

The Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 is slightly more expensive than the ELPH 180. So, if you’re looking for the cheapest high-quality camera available, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is probably the best fit.

However, if you think you will benefit from the extended zoom range or the WiFi/NFC capability that will allow you to transfer photos and videos to your smartphone, then the Canon ELPH 190 is worth the upgrade.

image of a street leading to a brick building with garden on left
Shot on Canon Powershot ELPH 190

PROS

  • 20 Megapixel sensor so you will get nice sharp images in good light.
  • 10x optical zoom with built-in image stabilization gives you even better reach than the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180.
  • Built-in WiFi/NFC which will allow you to transfer photos and videos to your smartphone through the Camera Connect app.
  • Produces rich saturated images that Canon cameras are known for.

CONS

  • It does not perform the best in low light situations and has a maximum ISO of 1,600.
  • It does not have a manual mode so you can’t adjust the shutter speed and aperture independently.
  • The video quality is not the best so if you plan to take a lot of videos, another camera might be a better fit.
  • The screen is not the biggest and doesn’t have the best resolution.
  • Slightly more expensive than the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 with only slight improvements.
  • Most modern-day smartphones will give you better video and photo quality so if you already have a new smartphone and don’t care for the 10x zoom, you probably won’t see much benefit from this camera.

4. Nikon COOLPIX W150

The Nikon COOLPIX W150 is another rugged, waterproof, freezeproof, and shockproof camera that is perfect for your whole family to use.

What distinguishes this camera the most from the Fujifilm FinePix XP130 (the other rugged camera in this article), is the Nikon’s much more intuitive menu system. They have definitely designed it so that each person in your family can pick it up and shoot no matter their experience with a camera.

On the back of the camera, you will find 4 large buttons on the left side and the directional pad on the right side. When you compare that to the typical menu set up on compact cameras with most buttons on one side, it makes it much easier to use.

The biggest downside for the Nikon camera is that it’s priced at a higher price point than the Fujifilm FinePix XP130 but does not have better features. For example, the Nikon only has 3x zoom vs the 5x zoom on the Fujifilm. It is also waterproof up to 30 feet vs the 60 feet on the Fujifilm.

Unless you are set on getting a Nikon camera or you and your family would benefit from a simpler menu system, the Fujifilm FinePix XP130 is a better value for a rugged compact camera.

PROS

  • Very intuitive and easy to use menu for any age group.
  • An extremely rugged camera that is waterproof up to 30 feet, freezeproof down to 14°F, and shockproof of a fall from 5.9 feet.
  • Built-in WiFi/NFC which will allow you to transfer photos and videos to your smartphone through the Camera Connect app.
  • Built-in 2 stop ND filter which will help capture photos in bright conditions when using a wider aperture.
  • Can record video in 1080p resolution.
  • Ability to charge the camera through micro USB which makes it easier to charge on the go.

CONS

  • If you’re looking for a rugged compact camera, the Fujifilm FinePix XP130 is a better value as it’s at a lower price point with more features.
  • It does not have a manual mode so you can’t adjust the shutter speed and aperture independently.
  • 3x zoom is the worst zoom range in this article.
  • It does not perform the best in low light situations and has a maximum ISO of 1,600.
  • Most modern-day smartphones will give you better video and photo quality so if you already have a new smartphone and don’t care for the ruggedness features, you probably won’t see much benefit from this camera.

5. Sony DSC-H300

The Sony DSC-H300 is the first superzoom camera in this article. It’s a great superzoom camera to get if your primary focus is on photography and you want a camera that is built with a DSLR type form factor. If you plan to shoot video, this camera is not the best choice as the maximum video resolution you can record in is 720p.

Like any camera, there is a tradeoff between functionality and price. The good news is that since the DSC-H300 does not feature better video recording capabilities, it’s priced at a very reasonable price point especially for the 35x zoom you get with the camera.

The camera has built-in image stabilization which will help when you’re zoomed in to the longer focal lengths and it has a 20.1 Megapixel sensor which will give you nice sharp images in good light situations.

Other than the 35x zoom, there is nothing else out of the ordinary with this camera. The display resolution and size is average and the low light performance is average for its price range.

I would say the biggest downside with this camera is that it takes 4 AA batteries to operate. This means that you will probably need to buy rechargeable AA batteries, which isn’t as convenient as rechargeable camera batteries.

Shot on Sony DSC-H300

PROS

  • 35x zoom with built-in image stabilization.
  • Ability to adjust shutter speed and aperture manually.
  • Good price point for the zoom capabilities it has.
  • 20.1 Megapixel sensor so you will get nice sharp images in good light.
  • ISO sensitivity up to 3,200 which will give you good low light performance and is what should be expected in this price range.

CONS

  • Not the best for video recording as the maximum video resolution is 720p.
  • It is powered by 4 AA batteries which are not as convenient as rechargeable camera batteries.
  • Most modern-day smartphones will give you better video and photo quality so if you already have a new smartphone and don’t care for the extra superzoom, you probably won’t see much benefit from this camera.

6. Canon PowerShot SX620

image of black camera on white background

The Canon Powershot SX620 is a great compact superzoom camera for those of you who want a very minimal form factor with the power of a superzoom lens.

One of the biggest advantages of a compact superzoom camera like this one is that the lens fully retracts into the body, so once you power off the camera you can easily fit this camera in your pocket.

This camera features a 25x zoom with pretty good image stabilization so you’ll be able to zoom in on most subjects you’re shooting.

At just a slightly higher price point than the Sony DSC-H300, you also get the ability to record video at 1080p resolution, which is nice to have especially if you’re into recording video. Add in the fact that the screen has close to double the resolution as the Sony and you have a strong argument for making the upgrade.

image of house in the mountains with path in the middle
Shot on Canon SX620

PROS

  • Very compact size with a 25x zoom makes this one of the best cameras to travel with.
  • Intuitive and easy to use menu for any age group.
  • 20.2 Megapixel sensor so you will get nice sharp images in good light.
  • Built-in WiFi/NFC which will allow you to transfer photos and videos to your smartphone through the Canon app.
  • Can record video in 1080p resolution.
  • Produces rich saturated images that Canon cameras are known for.
  • The display resolution is above average and one of the best in this article.

CONS

  • It does not have a manual mode so you can’t adjust the shutter speed and aperture independently.
  • It does not perform the best in low light situations and has a maximum ISO of 1,600.
  • Most modern-day smartphones will give you better video and photo quality so if you already have a new smartphone and don’t care for the extra superzoom, you probably won’t see much benefit from this camera.

7. Canon PowerShot SX540

If you’re looking for a camera with even greater zoom capability, then the Canon PowerShot SX540 just might fit the bill.

Although it’s not as compact as the Canon Powershot SX620, it’s still one of the smaller superzoom cameras available with a 50x zoom ratio. Its body shape mirrors that of a mini DSLR type form with a secure, textured grip that gives it a higher quality feel as well.

It also offers the ability to shoot in manual mode, giving you more control of how you take your photos. And although more expensive than the Sony DSC-H300, this camera is a better choice if you plan to shoot video as it can record video at a resolution of 1080p at up to 60 frames per second (FPS), which will allow you to slow your footage down.

Like with any budget camera, there will also be some compromises when it comes to functionality and price.

With such a powerful optical zoom range of 50x, you lose some on aperture width with the maximum aperture being f/3.4 given its price point. And while you have the option for manual control, you aren’t able to change the autofocus point or shoot in RAW format.

Other than the 50x zoom though, there isn’t really anything revolutionary about this camera. The display resolution and size are average and the low light performance is average for its price range.

image of path running through a field
Shot on Canon SX540

PROS

  • A powerful optical zoom of 50x.
  • Ability to adjust shutter speed and aperture manually.
  • 20.3 Megapixel sensor so you will get nice sharp images in good light.
  • Built-in WiFi/NFC which will allow you to transfer photos and videos to your smartphone through the Canon app.
  • Can record video in 1080p resolution at 30 FPS and 60 FPS which is nice flexibility to have.
  • Produces rich saturated images that Canon cameras are known for.

CONS

  • It can be slow to focus when zoomed in all the way
  • No Electronic View Finder which you will find on the Panasonic Lumix FZ80
  • Most modern-day smartphones will give you better video and photo quality so if you already have a new smartphone and don’t care for the extra superzoom, you probably won’t see much benefit from this camera.

8. Nikon COOLPIX B500

The Nikon COOLPIX B500 is one of the best Nikon cameras under $300 and is a great choice of a camera for those of you who want a massive zoom range and plan to primarily shoot in automatic modes.

If you’re a more advanced photographer or are an aspiring photographer who would like to be able to manually control the camera’s shutter speed and aperture settings, you will not be able to do that with this camera.

Like most of the cheaper point and shoot cameras that we have gone over with the exception of the Sony DSC-H300, the Nikon COOLPIX B500 relies on a variety of different automatic settings.

This is super convenient if you like to use automatic modes. However, I think many of you who are looking at cameras over the $250 price point is looking for a camera they can grow and learn with, which would be hard to do with only automatic modes.

With that said, if you do only shoot mostly in automatic mode, this camera has some great features for its price point. It has a 40x optical zoom with vibration reduction to help stabilize your camera. You also get a tiltable high-resolution screen, which is surprisingly not available on the newer Nikon COOLPIX B600.

I think it comes down to this. Unless you are set on a Nikon camera, the Canon PowerShot SX540 is a better value. It’s at a slightly lower price point, you get 10x more zoom, double the ISO range, and you get the ability to change your shutter speed and aperture manually in case you need to.

image of boats on land
Shot on Nikon COOLPIX B500

PROS

  • Powerful 40x zoom which is one of the best in this article.
  • 16 Megapixel sensor so you will get nice sharp images in good light.
  • Built-in WiFi/NFC which will allow you to transfer photos and videos to your smartphone.
  • Easy to use automatic modes for a variety of different situations.
  • Can record video in 1080p resolution in a variety of frame rates including 60 FPS which is nice flexibility to have.

CONS

  • No Electronic View Finder which you will find on the Panasonic Lumix FZ80.
  • Don’t have the ability to change the aperture and shutter speed settings manually
  • The Canon PowerShot SX540 is a better value at this price range.
  • Most modern-day smartphones will give you better video and photo quality so if you already have a new smartphone and don’t care for the extra superzoom, you probably won’t see much benefit from this camera.

9. Sony DSC-WX350

The Sony DSC-WX350 is a powerful compact superzoom camera that has a similar form factor to the Canon PowerShot SX620. It’s an especially great choice of a camera for those of you who want a very minimal form factor with the power of a superzoom lens.

Like the Canon PowerShot SX620, the biggest advantage of this camera is that the lens fully retracts into the body, so once you power off the camera you can easily fit this camera in your pocket.

This camera features a 20x zoom with pretty good image stabilization so you’ll be able to zoom in on most subjects you’re shooting.

What sets this camera apart from the others, is its low light capabilities. It uses the Sony BIONZ X sensor which is known for its performance in low light with an ISO range of 80 – 12,800 that is way better than all the other cameras.

On the video side, you are able to record video at 1080p resolution with the option of shooting at 60 frames per second (FPS), which is nice to have if you’re planning on shooting a lot of videos.

I think the biggest downside of this camera is its higher price point. For just slightly more, you can get the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 which is better in all aspects except for its low light performance. With that said, if you’re looking for a compact superzoom camera, this is one of the best point and shoot cameras under $300.

image of a city in europe from a balcony
Shot on Sony DSC-WX350

PROS

  • Very compact size with a 20x zoom makes this one of the best cameras to travel with.
  • Incredible low light performance with an ISO range of 80 – 12,800 is far better than all the other cameras in this article.
  • Ability to adjust shutter speed and aperture manually.
  • 18 Megapixel sensor so you will get nice sharp images in good light.
  • Built-in WiFi/NFC which will allow you to transfer photos and videos to your smartphone.
  • Can record video in 1080p resolution at 30 FPS and 60 FPS which is nice flexibility to have.

CONS

  • If you don’t care for the compact size, the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is the better value.
  • Most modern-day smartphones will give you better video and photo quality so if you already have a new smartphone and don’t care for the extra superzoom, you probably won’t see much benefit from this camera.

10. Panasonic Lumix FZ80

If your budget allows you to get as close to $300 as possible and you don’t need a compact camera form factor then the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is by far the best choice. It’s actually pretty crazy how many features Panasonic was able to fit into this camera AND keep it at this price point.

The camera features a 60x stabilized optical zoom, which is the longest zoom range out of all the cameras in this article. Additionally, you have the choice to compose your image through the high-resolution viewfinder (1.17 million dot resolution) or LCD screen (1.04 million dots resolution).

The lens itself is also one of the best in this article as it has an aperture range of f/2.8 – f/5.9, making it the fastest lenses at the wide and long end of its focal ranges.

On top of that, this is also the only camera that supports RAW photos, which will give you much more flexibility if you want to edit your photos later on.

What really makes this camera stand out, is its video capability as it’s the only camera that can record in 4k resolution. On the 1080p side, it’s pretty good too. When shooting in 1080p, you get the choice to record at 30 FPS or 60 FPS, which will give you 2x slow motion and is nice to have.

image of a bird with blurry tree backgroun
Shot on Panasonic Lumix FZ80

PROS

  • The most advanced features out of all the cameras in this article.
  • 18.1 Megapixel sensor so you will get nice sharp images in good light.
  • Powerful 60x zoom which is the best in this article.
  • Built-in WiFi/NFC which will allow you to transfer photos and videos to your smartphone.
  • It has a built-in viewfinder which will make it much easier to compose your image when shooting in bright daylight.
  • Highest resolution screen with a 1.17 million dot resolution viewfinder and a 1.04 million dot resolution LCD screen.
  • Aperture range of f/2.8 – 5.9 making it the camera with the fastest lens in this article.
  • Can record video at 4k resolution, which is the only camera able to do so.
  • Only camera with the flexibility to shoot photos in RAW format, which will give you much more flexibility when editing.

CONS

  • It is the most expensive camera in this article.
  • Most modern-day smartphones will give you better video and photo quality so if you already have a new smartphone and don’t care for the extra superzoom, you probably won’t see much benefit from this camera.

Is Your Smartphone All You Need?

image of girl browsing her phone

I’m all about saving you money, which is why I wrote this article in the first place. So before you start looking for a new camera to spend your hard-earned money on, there is one thing I want to bring your attention to.

The camera on your smartphone might be all you need. If you have the newest iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, Google Pixel, or any other one of the major smartphone brands, you might want to think twice before picking up one of these cameras.

The reason for this is that with the advancement in technology, the camera’s in most smartphones nowadays can actually give you just as good, or even better results than many of the cameras in the under $300 price point. For the most part, these smartphone cameras have the same sensor size, can shoot in the same resolution, and have more advanced video recording functionality than the cameras you will find here.

Just look at all the recent ads from Apple, Samsung, or Google. They are all talking about how good the camera technology is on their phones. It’s one of the primary selling points of the newest smartphones, which goes to show the importance that has been placed on R&D for smartphone cameras.

image of using a cellphone to take photos

There are still some benefits of a camera versus a smartphone, so if you’re looking for these features, then a camera will be a great fit and a better choice:

  • Super Zoom: The cameras that we will cover all have pretty incredible optical super zoom ability, with some like the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 able to zoom 60x optically. On smartphones, the highest zoom you will find is around 10x.
  • Replaceable Memory: All the cameras store the photos and videos you take on an SD card which makes it very easy to manage storage. You might not have the biggest storage on your smartphone and transferring photos/videos and deleting them on a smartphone is not as easy.
  • Shutter Speed Control: It’s much easier to control the shutter speed on a camera depending on the situation you’re in.
  • Cheaper: All the cameras we cover are cheaper than a new smartphone, so if you break the camera accidentally it won’t be as sad as if you break your smartphone.

Key Features to Look for in a Camera Under $300

Value for the Money

illustration of a piggy bank

When you’re trying to stick under the $300 price point, the overall value of the camera is one of the most important items to look for.

Questions you should ask yourself might include:

  • How many extra features does it have?
  • What’s the zoom range?
  • Is this in my price range?
  • How about video? What resolution can it record in for video?

But first, it’s important for you to understand what you’ll be taking photos and videos of, and how you will be taking them.

For example, if you know you want to record with a 4k video resolution or want the option to take photos in RAW format, then you will have to pay a premium for these features and your budget will be closer to the $300 side.

However, if you just want a reliable point and shoot camera that you can carry around with you to take photos with every now and then, a good value camera for you will probably be in the middle price range between $100 – $200.

Each person will be looking for different features, so in order to get the most value for your money, make sure to understand what you need first.

Zoom Range of the Lens

illustration of the optical zoom of the lens on the camera

Since the lens is not interchangeable on these compact cameras, it’s important for you to understand what zoom range you will need depending on the types of photos or videos that you take.

A bigger zoom range will give you more flexibility, but it is also usually more expensive. Additionally, when you do zoom into these longer focal lengths, you might need a tripod to minimize the camera shake when you take photos or videos.

So, if you usually only take photos or videos close to your subject or from a mid-range then you might want to opt for a camera with a smaller zoom range and save some money.

However, if for example you take photos/videos of wildlife or sports and you know you could benefit from the extra reach, then a camera with a bigger zoom range might be a better option.

Optical vs Digital Zoom

When you are looking at the different camera specs, you will see that many list a digital zoom in addition to optical zoom. The optical zoom is how much the physical lens can actually zoom in and is what you should be looking for and using.

Don’t fall for the digital zoom marketing gimmick or put too much weight on how much a camera can zoom in digitally.

When you use the digital zoom, the camera is essentially cropping in on the image in the camera. The big downside of using digital zoom is that it will enlarge the pixels in the image and decrease resolution and image quality.

Display Size and Resolution

illustration of different screen resolutions of camera

There are big differences in display size and resolution between the different cameras in this price point that we will be going over. For these cameras, you’ll typically find that the larger the camera body, the larger the display and screen resolution.

A larger screen with better resolution will be easier to use in bright conditions. The downside is that the bigger and higher resolution screens are usually more expensive.

For cameras, you will usually find the screen display communicated in the number of dots.

Here are the different screen resolutions you may see in terms of the number of dots.

Electronic Viewfinder

illustration of thumbs up pointing to electronic viewfinder

One of the cameras we go over, the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 has an electronic viewfinder in addition to its LCD screen which gives you more flexibility when composing your shot. If you shoot in bright conditions a lot, an EVF is very nice to have as you never have to worry about the LCD screen getting washed out.

Video Capabilities

All of the cameras we will cover have some sort of video shooting capability. However, only the Panasonic Lumix FZ80 is able to shoot in 4k resolution.

If you think you will be using this camera to record a lot of videos, it’s definitely worth considering paying the extra money for the 4k resolution.

Low Light Performance

illustration of a person taking photos of a night cityscape with cute monsters

Even though all the cameras we cover have the same sensor size, some cameras perform better in low light situations than others. If you take a lot of photos or videos in low light conditions, you will benefit more from a camera with a high ISO range and a faster lens with a wider maximum aperture.

Additional Features

Many of the cameras come with additional features that round out its feature set and make it that much better of a value. Some of the better “extra” features you should look for include:

  • WiFi and NFC for Pairing: This will allow you to transfer photos and videos directly to your phone for sharing.
  • RAW File Format: For photography, shooting in RAW format will give you more flexibility when editing your photos.
  • Dedicated Macro Mode: Gives you the ability to get closer to your subject for macro photography.
  • Higher Max Shutter Speed (ex. higher than 1/2000): A few of the cameras like the Nikon COOLPIX B500 have a max shutter speed of 1/4000, which is helpful when you’re capturing action.
  • Extended Battery Life: Some cameras will have better battery life than others.

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