Understanding digital camera prices makes finding the best camera much easier. Discovering the best digital camera buys is easier if we know what is available within various price ranges. With that in mind, let’s explore camera prices in more detail.

Digital cameras priced under $100

Several companies offer super cheap digital cameras that cost less than $50. Resolutions are usually 1.3 megapixels or less, so they are only suitable for small snapshots. But these cameras are a lot of fun at a very low cost, some for less than $20!

For $50 to $100, companies like Concord, Kodak, and Oregon Scientific offer great discount digital cameras in the 2 to 4 MP range. They have limited features, but many include optical zoom, video capture, and other cool stuff.

Cameras priced from $100 to $200

Most cameras in this price range include 3-5 megapixel resolution, some even higher. Entry-level models from respected camera manufacturers including Canon, Fujifilm, Konica Minolta, Nikon, Olympus, Sony, and others are included in this price range.

Most have optical zooms, multiple scene and exposure modes, and other useful features. These are usually compact digital cameras, with some small enough to fit in a pocket. For those who buy digital cameras, this group deserves a close look.

Digital cameras from $200 to $500

By far the largest and most popular camera selections are found in this price range. Virtually every manufacturer offers many models with a dizzying array of features and functions. Sensor resolutions range from 3.0 to 8.0 megapixels or more.

This group includes compact and ultra-compact digital cameras. Ultra-compact models can be as small as a credit card and less than an inch thick with high-resolution sensors and advanced features.

Basic Prosumer cameras (serious enthusiasts) are in this price category. Advanced controls including manual settings, multiple AF zones, and sophisticated scene modes are common features of these cameras.

Price range from $500 to $1,000

Most Prosumer-style SLRs and a growing number of digital SLRs are in this price bracket. Serious photographers looking for creative control and high-quality images are sure to find the perfect camera in this group.

All cameras in this price range come with a wide range of features including full manual control, aperture or shutter priority, in-camera editing and more. High-resolution sensors capable of 6 to 12 megapixels and precision lens optics are standard, many with high-power zooms.

Professional cameras priced over $1,000

Prices in this group can exceed $15,000, although most are under $5,000. Most are digital SLRs and offer almost unlimited photo manipulation for the professional photographer. This is where you’ll find the most technologically advanced image sensors, processors, and optics.

Unless you make a living with a camera, SLR and Prosumer models priced under $1,000 will probably provide you with everything you could ever want or need in a digital camera. Most of the refinements in the images taken by these high priced professional cameras are not noticeable even to experienced amateur photographers.