Are you looking to find a budget digital camera that is under 400 dollars? You’re in the right place: in this comprehensive comparison review we have covered all the best camera options for those on a specific budget of $400. We have taken into account the main camera brands as well as new cameras onto the market.
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Considerations Choosing $400 Cameras
There are a lot of factors to consider when buying a camera under 400 dollars. It might seem like a tall order to the untrained eye, but if you know the secrets and tells of photography equipment, you would be on the lookout for some important factors and features. If you do not know what these are, we have listed a few of them below. These would hold your hand as you browse the aisle or shop online for the best camera for you.
Size
It goes without saying that this is one thing you need to keep at the back of your mind. Photography enthusiasts usually have their cameras on hand for extended periods. For this reason, it is important that you consider the weight of the camera. You do not want something too heavy if you would always be operating the camera. If you are making the purchase strictly for self-entertainment and to capture memories with family and friends, you might consider picking up the best budget compact camera on the list. This would be one of the point and shoot cameras as they are relatively smaller in size, easy to use and deliver premium image quality.
Brand
The biggest brands ensure that they have a product for every user and every need. This assures you of a certain quality from the best cameras under 400 dollars. If you need a budget DSLR camera, point and shoot camera, or if you were considering picking up mirrorless cameras at an affordable price, look to the industry’s biggest as they have made provisions to satisfy that need. Their years of experience making awesome cameras has seen them perfect different formulas for every kind of camera you could ever need. These cameras come with amazing modes to allow you to enjoy your love for photography.
Features
Cameras that are under the $400 mark are expected to perform fairly well in the following areas.
Image Stabilization
The effect of this feature in cameras can not be overlooked. It gives a professional look or feels to photos taken as it limits the amount of blur in the photos during shooting. Cameras with this feature help the photographer adjust for the small movements made during shoots with counter adjustments.
With DSLR cameras, sometimes the Image Stabilization (or Vibration Reduction) technology is found on the specific lens mount. Stabilized lens mount – as you can expect – are more expensive than their non-VR counterpart.
A camera with optical image stabilization (OIS) and/or a stabilized lens mount helps to shoot brighter images even in low-light conditions.
Aperture
The aperture of the camera helps with focusing the light rays. It helps to regulate how much light can pass through the diaphragm at a time. If your camera comes fitted with its lens wide open, this means a lot of unfocused light rays would be allowed in.
Megapixel
This is the unit of graphic resolution. One megapixel is equal to one million pixels and is used to reference a camera’s ability to capture more detail without losing quality when zooming in without the use of an optical zoom lens. The larger the number of pixels, the more space taken by the image, so when buying higher-end cameras with more megapixels, it is best to have enough storage space.
Viewfinder / LCD screen
The viewfinder or the LCD screen are alternate options that allow the photographer to inspect his world. It allows him to look at the shots and tweak the different settings to add different effects. Higher-end cameras have the option of both, but if you are choosing a camera with only one, make sure it has a good display, so you won’t miss anything when editing.
Regarding the viewfinder, it is worth mentioning that DSLR cameras are always equipped with an optical viewfinder (OVF), while mirrorless cameras are most likely to be equipped with an electronic viewfinder (EVF). While there are subtle differences between the two, the kind of viewfinder is mostly a consequence of the technology used by the camera and shouldn’t be a decision factor.
Zoom
Everyone knows what zoom does. It allows the photographer to get closer shots without physically moving. But there is more to it, as there are two variants.
Digital Zoom: Digital zoom lens is the less preferred option because of these lens zooms in on a specific part of the image. It simply means that a small part of the image is cut out and rendered to size. This reduces the quality of the image, and if you zoom beyond the sensor size, your image could go out of focus.
Optical Zoom: Optical zoom lens, on the other hand, brings the object closer before capturing. It does not resize the image, so it allows you to retain better image quality.
Portability
If this is important to you, you should look to choose from the available point and shoot cameras. These cameras are compact and would easily fit into your palm or your pockets or travel bag. Portable cameras make the best vlog cameras, especially when you are the move. The portability makes it easy o handle and would not cause any discomfort.
Battery life
Professionals or entry-level photography lovers always hammer away at the importance of having a camera with good battery life. Some even go as far as saying that the best camera is any with the best battery. And you can understand why statements like this are being made, because what does it matter when your camera has the coolest effects when it is never on long enough for them to be used. This is why you must look at the battery capacity and how many hours you can get out of it at full charge.
Just like modern smartphones, battery life is also affected by the camera’s image processor technology: newer models are becoming more powerful but also less power hungry. This is why it is quite common for the newer cameras to get better battery life from the same battery capacity as an older model.
Best Camera Under 400 dollars in 2021
This is a detailed list of the best digital cameras on sale below $400. They give a lot of value for their price as they blend aesthetics with exceptional functionalities. Enjoy!
1. Panasonic Lumix ZS80D
The PANASONIC LUMIX 4K point and shoot camera is recognized as the best camera under $400 for its outstanding image quality and imagine stabilization features. Its amazing 20.3 Megapixel sensor helps boost image quality and image stabilization, delivering the kind of high-resolution photos more expensive shooters have.
The silver/black-colored camera has a 30x LEICA DC Vario-Elmar Lens for optical zoom performance, making it suitable for capturing all types of pictures and 4k video.
With the eye-level electronic viewfinder and touch-enabled LCD, capturing distance images is not a problem. It also allows for a broader viewing experience.
The Panasonic Lumix is one of those cameras with video taking capacities. Its 4k video capture resolution enables it to provide an Ultra HD video recording experience.
2. Canon EOS T100
This DSLR camera under 400 by canon is one great camera as it offers a lot of value for its price. In the bundle you would find the best camera in the world, with a 32GB Transcend Memory card, lens cleaning cloth, a tripod, neck strap, lens and body cap, battery, uv filter and charger. The digital camera has 18 megapixels, zoom lens, APS-C format mount lens. It also allows you use the Canon camera connect app to shoot with your phone using wi fi connectivity remotely.
3. Canon PowerShot SX420
Our first pick up is this PowerShot from Canon. It has a very reasonable price tag, but it’s packed full of great features such as the 20MP sensor that gives top-quality images, and the 42x optical zoom for getting up close to distant subjects, the screen is a 3-inch LCD screen. The Canon Powershot has a smart auto mode, which automatically selects the best settings to use to get a perfect shot. finally it can take 720p HD videos. So, it’s great for those new to photography as they don’t have to get to grips with controlling the different settings to get good results.
4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360
Whether for the entry-level photographer or the seasoned players, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS digital camera is one of the best point and shoot cameras under $400.
Offering a versatility, compatibility and usability that is rare in cameras of similar prices, it is a beautiful all-rounder capturing spectacular 1080p full HD video. It has a 20.2-megapixel high sensitivity CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 4+ image processor, both combining fantastically to give impressive image quality even in low light.
With dimensions 4.4 x 3.1 x 2.6 inches and a total weight of 11.2 ounces, this great camera is lightweight with a compact body that still manages to perform spectacularly because of its 12x optical zoom lens that offers both flexibility and ease. With built-in wi fi and NLC that allows for sharing ad transfer of images and content and a long-lasting lithium-ion battery, this is one of the best travel camera under 400$.
5. Panasonic Lumix FZ80
This Panasonic is one of the best point and shoot cams around. It has a powerful 18.1 megapixel sensor and 60x lens to capture the crispest images. It also features power image stabilizers to aid in capturing farther objects. The Lumix has a touch lcd display and a dot viewfinder. It offers 4K video recording and offers the photographer excellent low light performance. The Panasonic Lumix has wifi connectivity to ease the transfer of data between your cam and smartphone.
6. Fujifilm Finepix XP140
Sturdy, rugged and well-protected, waterproof shooters offer a whole new level of photography, offering you a world of adventures you wouldn’t venture with regular shooters. The Fujifilm Finepix XP140 waterproof camera is the latest and greatest member of this family, coming with a high-resolution 16-megapixel BSI-CMOS sensor that uses minimal lightning to create stunning images and supporting 4K video resolution which is a nice upgrade over the previous XP120 version that was limited to Full HD.
It comes equipped with waterproof, freeze-proof, shockproof and dust-proof guarantees, a compact LCD monitor for incredible visibility, optical image stabilization to reduce blur, Wi-Fi connectivity and compatibility with mobile devices. It is packaged with a floating wrist strap, 16GB memory card, card reader, cleaning kit and a replacement battery. This is a beautiful beast, sufficiently equipped to withstand the most onerous conditions and still being able to offer a wonderful photography experience.
You can read our full Finepix XP140 Review here.
7. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
Whether you’re a keen novice, an adept professional, or just looking to capture beautiful family moments, there is a range of canon cameras under 400 to choose from.
The Canon PowerShot SX740 digital camera is a wonderful camera that offers you a plethora of options and functions, delivering unbelievable value for its price. It is the successor to the popular SX730. It comes with a powerful 40x optical zoom that allows for a wide range of coverage, a 20.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor for stunning imaging performance and an upgraded DIGIC8 image processor that improves image quality and boosts shooting time with up to 10fps.
With dimensions 1.6×4.3×2.5 inches and weighing 10.55 oz / 299g, this is a sleek and compact beauty designed to take 4k videos and with a self-portrait mode, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionality and compatibility with most Android and iOS versions, this is a great multi-purpose camera to own.
8. Canon PowerShot SX 730 HS + Accessories
If you’re shopping for a small cheap digital camera that captures quality images and also has movie options for full HD video recording with stereo sound, the Power shot SX730 is a device you should check out. However, canon shooters under 400 dollars might sound low quality.
This particular device defies the odds. The PowerShot 730 comes with a spectacular 20.3 Megapixel sensor with a DIGIC 6 Image Processor that helps deliver stunning image quality even in low light. Special image effects like Toy Camera, Fisheye, Soft focus options allow you to be creative with your images.
The device comes with a powerful 40x optical zoom lens perfect for macro shots and a wide-angle 3.0 inch LCD that allows you to view your images at a wide-angle. You won’t have to worry much about the stability while shooting since the device is light and comfortable to hold with an Intelligent IS that helps optimize image stabilization for virtually shake-free images.
There is also an attached movie mode button on the dial that records adept Full HD video at 1080p/ 60p with stereo sound and optional special effects like the monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster, fireworks, or miniature effect to choose from. It allows you to share or transfer these beautiful videos and images with a built-in NFC, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity that can connect to other devices as well as your smartphone.
9. Canon EOS M100
If you are seeking the best digital camera around 400 dollars, look no further than the Canon EOS M100 mirrorless camera. The range of digital cameras has a wide range of built-in wireless connectivity options – wi-fi, Bluetooth, and NFC. The image quality is excellent for a camera in the $400 price range.
Its 15 to 45mm lens and 24.2 Megapixel large CMOS sensor, also known as APS-C boosts its image quality. Its autofocus technology, the dual pixel CMOS AF with phase detection, helps capture more explicit images and little details such as the face. The mirrorless camera has an intuitive touchscreen for easy navigation and a 3.0-inch tilt-type LCD.
10. Nikon coolpix b500
The Nikon B500 Coolpix is among the mirrorless bridge cameras – offering more control over the settings than a point and shoot, but without the need for interchangeable lenses as you would find on a DSLR.
The camera is equipped with a 16 megapixel CMOS sensor. There is also a 40x optical zoom lens, which is the equivalent of 22.5-900mm. The maximum aperture on the lens is f/3-6.5. ISO ranges from 125-6400 and continuous shooting is possible at a rate of 9 frames per second, but only for 7 shots at a time. To conclude, you’ll find conncetion through Bluetooth and WiFi as well as NFC.
What is the best vlogging camera under 400?
PowerShot SX420. The 20MP sensor gives top-quality images, and it can also take 720p HD videos. It has a 42x optical zoom for getting up close to distant subjects, and a 3-inch LCD screen. The Canon Powershot has a smart auto mode, which automatically selects the best settings for a perfect shot. So, it’s great for those new to photography as they don’t have to get to grips with controlling the different settings to get good results.
Which is the best camera under 400 dollars?
The Canon SX740 HS. This multi-purpose camera is the winner of the bunch; it is best known for its great zoom and plethora of functionalities. It has fixed most of the shortcomings of the previous SX730 introducing a faster processor, better battery life, Wi-Fi functionality and ability to record videos at 4k. This is the camera you want to brave the journey with you.
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
