Virtually all smartphones come with built-in cameras, and while these simple units are getting better and better when it comes to image quality, they still don’t compete with a quality point-and-shoot camera or more advanced DSLR models. A good digital camera gives you a lot more control over your photography and delivers better, more accurate photographs and videos. If you’re looking for a new camera to flex your photography skills this spring but don’t want to spend a small fortune (or if you’re just not sure which one is best for you), don’t sweat it. We’ve hunted down eight great digital camera deals that offer something for everybody, from outdoor adventurers to aspiring professionals.
Kodak Pixpro FZ43
Even an inexpensive point-and-shoot digital camera can give you more picture options and considerably better results than your smartphone cam. Kodak makes many highly affordable digital cameras, and the pocket-friendly Pixpro is a great choice for average users. This little unit boasts an impressive 16-megapixel sensor and 27mm wide-angle zoom lens. The Pixpro also features a 2.7-inch LCD screen and can record HD video in 720p.
Normally priced at $80, an $18 discount brings the Kodak Pixpro FZ43 down to just $62 on Amazon.
Kodak Pixpro FZ43
Yi Discovery 4K action cam
GoPros are great, but they’re also expensive. There are plenty of solid budget action cams available, including the new and highly affordable Yi Discovery. This little wearable camera can shoot video in Ultra HD at 20 frames per second and in 1080p at 60fps, putting it on par with all but the most powerful 4K action cams. The Discovery uses built-in Wi-Fi connectivity to sync to your compatible device and upload, edit, store, and share your footage. A 16MP sensor and 150-degree ultrawide lens easily handle both still and time-lapse photography.
A 25 percent discount lets you score the Yi Discovery 4K action camera for just $60 from Amazon.
Yi Discovery 4K action cam
Amcrest ProHD wireless IP camera
As a wireless internet protocol (IP) camera, the Amcrest ProHD is a bit different than the other devices on our list but still deserves a place due to its versatility: A good IP cam can fill several roles, from a baby monitor to an indoor or outdoor home security camera. The ProHD records high-definition footage in 1080p with a 90-degree wide-angle lens, and even features night vision capability of up to 32 feet. Video and audio are streamed to your connected smart device over Wi-Fi, so you can see everything on your phone or tablet in real time. Footage can be recorded to a MicroSD card or saved using the optional Amcrest Cloud service.
A 53 percent discount brings the Amcrest ProHD wireless IP camera down to $70 on Amazon, saving you $80.
Samsung Gear 360
A 360-degree camera like the Samsung Gear 360 is a great tool for recording your own virtual reality videos for use with a good VR headset. The unique circular lens on this camera lets you shoot video in 360 degrees, and you can point the camera forward for wide-angle 180-degree still photography as well. The housing is dust- and water-resistant, and the cam comes with a detachable grip that can also deploy as a handy tripod.
Samsung recently released a new Gear 360 camera to the tune of $300, so now’s a great chance to score the first-generation model at a deep discount. The Samsung Gear 360 is available for a low $66 on Amazon, down $284 from its former retail price.
Samsung Gear 360
Polaroid Cube
The super-compact Polaroid Cube lineup of wearable cameras is a popular and affordable alternative to traditional action cam designs. The Cube has a splash-proof and impact-resistant rubberized housing with internal magnets for quick mounting to metal surfaces, and it shoots video in crisp 1080p. This palm-sized Polaroid also boasts Wi-Fi connectivity for easy use with the companion app in uploading, storing, editing, and sharing your videos and pictures.
A $50 discount means you can grab the tiny Polaroid Cube action cam for $69 from B&H.
Sony HDR-AS50 action camcorder
If you need an action camcorder that can record your adventures and is still easy on the wallet, look no further than the Sony HDR-AS50. Along with the ability to shoot in sharp 1080p at 60 frames per second or in 720p at 120fps, this action camera features a waterproof housing that’s safe at depths of up to 60 meters. Bluetooth connectivity also makes it easy to upload and manage your photos and videos, and lets your smartphone double as a heads-up display and remote control.
A $30 discount knocks the Sony HDR-AS50 action camcorder down to $168 from B&H.
Yi M1 mirrorless camera
Another model from Yi, the M1 digital camera offers modern technology in a cool, retro-inspired package. The M1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that offers a simpler, lighter, more compact, and more affordable alternative to expensive DSLR models. It comes standard with a 12-40mm F3.5-5.6 zoom lens and features a Sony IMX269 20-megapixel image sensor. Don’t let the old-school aesthetics fool you: The M1 boasts modern features like 4K video-recording capability, a 3-inch LCD touchscreen, and built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity for remotely controlling the camera and managing your data.
The Yi M1 digital camera is on sale on Amazon for $350 after a solid $150 discount.
Yi M1 mirrorless camera
Nikon D3400 DSLR camera bundle
Moving into more advanced photography brings us to digital single-lens reflex cameras, and the Nikon D3400 is one of the all-time champs when it comes to budget-friendly DSLR units. A clear upgrade over Nikon’s previous-generation D3300, the D3400 features a 24.2MP DX-Format CMOS sensor, an Expeed 4 image processor, and a native ISO range of 100 to 25,600 for excellent sharpness and color accuracy. Bluetooth connectivity lets you upload and manage photos using the Nikon SnapBridge app.
This package gives you the Nikon D3400 DSLR camera, as well as both 18-55mm and 70-300mm AF-P Nikkor lenses, for just $597 from B&H, saving you a whopping $250.
Canon EOS Rebel T6
A less expensive alternative to the Nikon D3400 is the EOS Rebel T6, Canon’s answer to consumer demand for budget-friendly DSLRs. This excellent device is one of the best values when it comes to digital single-lens reflex cameras, and utilizes an 18-megapixel sensor with a DIGIC 4+ image processor for crisp, high-quality still photographs. The T6 also comes with Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm IS II zoom lens (a $199 value) and can record HD video in 1080p.
The Canon EOS Rebel T6 retails for $549, but a savings of $100 from Amazon means you can enter the world of DSLR cameras for just $449.
Canon EOS Rebel T6
Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II mirrorless camera
If a complicated DSLR is overkill for your needs but you still want high-end performance, the OM-D E-M10 Mark II from Olympus is another great mirrorless digital camera that boasts more advanced functions than the Yi M1. The Olympus camera offers excellent image quality with its 16MP sensor and 14 to 42mm zoom lens, and you can also record video in 1080p Full HD at 60fps. A swing-out 3-inch LCD touchscreen viewfinder and built-in Wi-Fi connectivity also give you the modern conveniences you want in a digital camera. The simple design and intelligent rapid autofocus technology make this lightweight camera a breeze to carry and use.
A savings of $200 brings the Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark II mirrorless digital camera to $499 on B&H for a limited time.
Looking for more great camera deals and discounts on other electronics? Our curated deals page has everything you need.
Update: Added the Yi Discovery 4K action cam, Sony action camcorder, and Olympus mirrorless digital camera deals. Removed expired offers and updated prices.
