Best Budget Digital Cameras Under $150

Canon's PowerShot A480 is an average looking digital camera with average features. When an average camera carries a below-average price tag of only $129, though, it represents an above-average value. The A480, which is available in silver, black, blue, and red camera bodies, carries 10 megapixels of resolution, a 3.3X optical zoom lens, and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. Some photographers will appreciate that the A480 runs from two AA batteries, rather than a rechargeable battery.

The A1100 IS from Canon provides quite a few above-average features for a camera in its price range. First, with 12.1 megapixels of resolution, beginner photographers will be able to make prints as large as they want. Canon includes a 4X optical zoom lens and optical image stabilization technology with the A1100 IS, both of which are nice features in a sub-$200 camera. It also runs from two AA batteries, making it handy to replace batteries while away from home. (If you want to save a little money with a similar Canon camera that's a slightly older model, read my PowerShot A1000 IS review.)

Fujifilm's FinePix Z20fd is one of the more interesting-looking inexpensive cameras you'll find. Its lens does not extend beyond the camera body and is located in the upper right corner of the camera. The Z20fd colors even sound stylish: Jet black, wasabi green, hot pink, and ice blue. Beyond its interesting look, the Z20fd offers a nice set of average features, including a 3X optical zoom lens, a 2.5-inch LCD, and 10 megapixels of resolution. (If you need to spend less money for a Fujifilm camera, learn more about the A220 in our look at the top cameras available for less than $100.)

Nikon's Coolpix L20 point and shoot digital camera is one of the least expensive you'll find that contains a 3.0-inch LCD. With 10.0 megapixels of resolution, the L20 should give beginner photographers the ability to create large prints. This model's image quality is very good for a camera in this price range, as my Coolpix L20 review shows. Finally, the L20 offers a 3.6X optical zoom lens, which creates sharp images. However, if you don't like dark red, you're out of luck with the L20, as it's only available in one camera body color. (Nikon's S550 is a good choice if your digital camera budget is a little larger, and you want to stick with a Nikon model.)

The SL420 budget digital camera from Samsung is a basic-looking camera, but don't let the look of this model fool you. It's one of the best values for beginning photographers, thanks to a mix of easy-to-use functions and strong all-around features. My Samsung SL420 review shows this model offers a mix of image quality and quick response times that's rarely found in a sub-$150 camera. With 10.2 megapixels of resolution while measuring only 0.93 inches in thickness, the SL420 should easily meet the needs of most beginning photographers. This Samsung model also offers a 2.7-inch LCD and a 5X optical zoom lens. (For a similar Samsung model that's a little older and a little less expensive, see my Samsung L210 camera review.)

The Cyber-shot DSC-W180 from Sony isn't going to provide any high-end features, but, for a sub-$150 camera, it's a solid contender worth consideration. The W180 has 10.1 megapixels of resolution, a 2.7-inch LCD, and measures only about 0.75 inches in thickness. It would be nice if the W180 offered a larger zoom lens than its 3X optical zoom lens, but the W180 makes up for some of its shortcomings with a stylish look and three body colors (black, red, and silver).