Best Digital Camera under $400: Top 10 Options Worth Considering

To be honest, cost is a major issue when it comes to purchasing stuff and we do not expect it to be any different with a digital camera.

Luckily, there are numerous cheap options to choose from in the market. For instance, you can get the best digital camera under 400 to deliver decent images and footage.

The only things you need to worry about when picking a camera from that price range include:

• Quality of focus
• Megapixels
• Number of frames per second

Stay put to find out more about how to pick the perfect camera.

Under 400 Bucks Digital Cameras: Comparison Table

Shopping for top-quality digital cameras but on a budget? Here’s a run-down of some of the relatively affordable ones you can find out there currently.

1. Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera

This Canon T6 camera is a DLS camera that has been made with beginners in mind because of its ease in usage.

The camera comes with an 18.0 Megapixel CMOS image sensor, which is an addition to its many beautiful features.

Key Features

The high-performance Optical Viewfinder assists in accurate focusing by firmly framing and capturing the required subject.

In addition, the Canon EOS Rebel T6 has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. These features provide easy sharing to other smart devices and social media sites.

Furthermore, you will find a 9-point AF system together with Al Servo AF, which together help in providing an impressive autofocus performance with accurate results.

A downside of the camera, though, is that it has no high frame-rate video at Full HD resolution.

Pros

• Fast startup
• Fast single-shot cycle times
• Value for your money

Cons

• Built-in flash is a bit weak

2. Nikon D3400 w/ AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

If you are looking for a good camera that can pair with up to five smart devices, then this is the right direction to look.

Furthermore, the camera is extremely lightweight, and this makes it one of the best cameras for traveling around with.

Even for first-timers, the camera will immediately give them that feeling of being at home since the camera’s controls are easy and comfortable.

However, the camera does not have an ultrasonic sensor cleaning, which is a big downside.

Key Features

The camera comes with a unique 24.2 Megapixels DX-format CMOS sensor that makes you capture quality pictures.

Additionally, it has a Bluetooth Specification Version 4.1 and Wi-Fi functionality, which helps you connect with the necessary social media and share your captured photos.

Pros

• Lightweight
• High ISO performance
• Great image quality
• User-friendly

Cons

• No ultrasonic sensor cleaning

3. GoPro Hero5 Black — Waterproof Digital Action Camera

The GoPro Hero 5 camera is made to be waterproof and is believed to have a good quality image.

Furthermore, this camera has been recognized among the best that you can use for fishing, mainly due to its waterproof feature.

On the flip side, the camera requires subscriptions, and in addition, it is only available in some select countries.

Key Features

The camera makes it easy to edit your pictures and videos because the process is quick.

With the GoPro Plus cloud account, one can easily upload the photos here after editing. The process is easy as you can complete it using your phone or computer.

Moreover, the camera comes with a remarkable 4K video, which is combined with a phenomenon touch display to give you high-quality videos.

Pros

• Easy to play backshots
• Waterproof and durable
• Advanced 4K video quality

Cons

• Found in some selected countries

4. Sony RX100 20.2 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera

The camera is the best, especially if you are a photographer with experience and who is looking for a compact buy.

Additionally, it might be a much expensive product, but it justifies the price by giving the user quality features. Many people cannot even notice that it is expensive as it goes for under 400 dollars.

However, the camera lacks an ND filter to limit the ability to use wide apertures, which can be disappointing sometimes.

Key Features

The image quality of this camera is full of depth.

Additionally, with the help of a Picture Effect feature that comes with this camera, you will be able to make just any other picture to be a professional portrait.

The effect is also vital as it easy for you to add effects like Posterization, High Contrast Monochrome, Soft Focus, etc.

Pros

• Full HD 1080/60p
• Auto HDR mode
• High-speed auto focus
• Built-in pop-up flash

Cons

• Lack of ND filter

5. Canon PowerShot SX530 Digital Camera

Any blogger or vlogger out there requiring a good camera under 400 dollars, this Canon PowerShot SX530might be a good deal for them.

This camera is small and lightweight. This makes it very portable because it can be carried wherever you go.

Also, the camera has a deep grip, and this is very helpful to you because it will not slip off your hands easily while you are carrying it.

On the downside, this camera, the camera has no viewfinder.

Key Features

The camera comes with 16 megapixels and CMOS ½.3 inch image sensors, which are known to make quality images.

In addition to that, the camera is known as one of the best for anyone on a budget and looking for a quality camera because it is relatively affordable.

Also, the camera has built-in NFC and Wi-Fi connectivity that allows you to send data remotely easily.

Pros

• Lightweight
• 16 megapixels
• Portable
• Deep grip

Cons

• No viewfinder

6. Canon EOS Rebel SL2 Digital SLR Camera

This model by Canon came along to replace their preceding 100D.

Moreover, when we compare this model with others, we can conclude that this is much lighter and allows for portability.

Also, the camera is much thinner while compared to other Canon cameras, because it is only 70mm thick.

However, the downside of this camera is that it comes without a waterproof feature.

Key Features

The Canon EOS Rebel SL2 has a much better resolution of 24.0 Megapixels and it also comes with an APS-C (22.3 x 14.9 mm) sized CMOS sensor.

Moreover, the camera comes with the support of the RAW file, which gives room for further processing for data because you can easily pick to save them in a RAW format.

Pros

• Built-in flash
• Battery life of 650 shots
• Comes with a port for microphone

Cons

• Lacks waterproof feature

7. Sony a5100 Mirrorless Digital Camera

This Sony a5100 camera provides you with reliable work, even when the lighting conditions are not that favorable.

Many buyers have come out to express how convenient the help button feature has been to them because it comes with helpful tips about their shooting mode.

On the downside, this camera lacks an electronic viewfinder, which makes it even more challenging to focus.

Key Features

Sony a5100 comes with a 50-bit recording mode, full-frame, fast focusing, and uncompressed HDMI output.

Additionally, the camera is very light and comes in a small size, which allows a high level of customization.

This camera can be handy for amateur photographers with the need to develop their photographing skills.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Perfect for amateurs
• Help button feature

Cons

• No viewfinder

8. Nikon D3300 w/ AF-P DX 18-55mm VR Digital SLR

This Nikon D3300 camera comes with a unique sensor that is very useful, especially when shooting from a long-range.

Furthermore, the camera has a breakneck shutter speed, and this is what you need when you are taking action photos.

However, the camera is not compatible with tropical conditions, and when used in adverse conditions, it could easily get ruined.

Key Features

The camera has a 24.2 Megapixels CMOS DX-format sensor that leads to good pictures.

Additionally, it has the capability of 5 frames per second continuous shooting.

The camera’s autofocus feature has the capability of following moving targets.

For a portrait photographer, the camera is unique as it comes with an extensive color depth.

Pros

• LCD display
• Fast shutter speed
• Good color depth
• An excellent sensor

Cons

• Not ideal for tropical areas

9. Canon PowerShot SX730 Digital Camera

This is one of the latest innovations by Canon, and it has unique elements as a contrast to its predecessor.

In addition, the camera is affordable, and you can always count on it that it won’t cause a dent in your pocket.

Also, the camera comes with a new mode, which has been named the selfie mode, which is found on the mode dial.

This feature allows you to play with your selfie, and you can apply features like blurring the background.

On the flip side, the camera comes without a viewfinder feature, which makes it very hard while focusing.

Key Features

The Camera comes with a 20.3 Megapixel CMOS Sensor, which is quite precise for high-quality images.

Moreover, the camera comes with a powerful 40x optical zoom with a zoom framing assists.

The camera is lighter, sleek, and pocket-size, which makes it portable.

Pros

• Sturdy built quality
• Effective image stabilization
• Effective autofocus

Cons

• No viewfinder

10. GoPro HERO 7 Black Camera

This is another camera from GoPro that comes with an easy-to-use touch screen.Many customers like it due to its effective and smooth video stabilization.

In addition, this camera has been made waterproof, and you could carry it with you whenever on a kayaking expedition to capture some of the beautiful moments.

However, the downside of the camera is that many customers complain that when they record 4K videos, it tends to heat up very fast.

Key Features

With its video stabilizer, the GoPro Hero 7 camera predicts your movement and corrects for the camera when there is shaking, to deliver smooth footage.

Additionally, this camera assists in sharing videos on social media like Facebook because you record yourself live.

Also, the camera is known for its application of HDR, local tone mapping, or noise reduction to optimize your shots.

Pros

• Waterproof
• Can Livestream
• Great 4K video
• Easier-to-use touchscreen

Cons

• Heats up while recording 4K videos

Choosing a Digital Camera on a Budget

Getting a digital camera on a budget is not as easy as it may sound. This is because adverts are usually misleading and you may end up throwing your money down the drain.

Here is how to pick the right camera.

Consider Image Quality

No one wants poor quality images. Owing to the prevailing demand for high-quality content, cameras that are able to deliver 4K quality are rapidly gaining popularity.

Even with that, you can still get decent quality from a 1080p. If you are on a tight budget, a 720p should be your last choice.

ISO Capability

We understand that you want a camera on a budget, but you should be able to get one that will be able to capture decent images even in dim lighting.

For that, you want to get a camera with ISO capability. We recommend a standard ISO 100- 12,800 and that can be found under the 400 category.

Camera Casing

This depends on how you intend to use your camera but it is generally a good idea to buy a camera that is protected by an ergonomically designed, powerful, and waterproof case.

Camera Resolution

The resolution of digital cameras is measured in megapixels so the higher the number of pixels a camera has, the better the quality of images it captures right? Well, not necessarily.

This is a common misconception because a digital camera with fewer megapixels can also deliver. You want to determine the kind of resolution you need before settling on a megapixel figure.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Questions are one way of getting clarification and we always welcome them. Below, we have addressed a few that can help you get a better idea of what we are discussing.

What is the best digital camera under 400?

With so many decent options available, we find it hard to choose one in particular. However, you should pick a camera based on your personal preference and needs.

Which brand is the better brand when it comes to digital cameras, Nikon or Canon?

When it comes to general performance, both brands offer great cameras. Nevertheless, they do vary in terms of things like battery life, and resolution.

You may want to compare them individually to find out which one would suit you best.

Best Choice? Here’s Our Verdict

To this end, we’d like to point out the Canon EOS Rebel T6 Digital SLR Camera as a really good digital camera for the money. We particularly like the fact that it starts up really fast and offers excellent connectivity. That’s why we’d like to highly recommend it.

Final Thoughts

If you are serious about photography you want to invest in a good camera even if you are on a tight budget.

With proper research and the commitment to get your hands on a good affordable camera, you can take your hobby or career to greater heights.

This guide should just be a stepping stone.