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Affordable cameras really aren't that hard to come by; however, you need to assure they can do the job to your satisfaction.

Cameras under $100 aren't going to offer the same quality and controls that cameras over $300 offer. However, they can still be quite good for the average, casual user and can be very easy to use.

Two basic things to examine that reflect image quality are the camera's lens and the sensor type, size, and number. Most of the point and shoot cameras that are less expensive will have one sensor, a small one. Shoppers can compare of course. A 1/2.5" sensor is a good minimum. Consumers can also look at the megapixel rating. Generally a 5 megapixel camera is quite sufficient for sharing images online and for producing good prints that are 4x6, 5x7 or 9x10. Larger prints generally require 6 megapixels or more. It's important to know that more megapixels don't always mean better images. If the sensor is very small, then 16 megapixels likely won't produce a better photo than say an 8 or 10 megapixel camera if all else is equal.

Larger sensors and cameras with more than one sensor as well as higher quality lenses are also better but this comes with an increased price tag.

Memory or storage is important with a digital camera so that you don't have to stop shooting every few photos just to download your photos. Most cameras have at least 16MB of internal storage and then offer a card slot for additional memory.

SD and MMC card slots are common. Some offer up to 2 or 4 GB of memory.

You can learn more about how many pictures you can take with a given memory card by visiting Digital Camera Memory.

There are a number of features to consider if you want the best camera under $100 or for any price for that matter.

Image Stabilization:

Any form of stabilization can help reduce blurriness due to unintentional camera movement when the photographer isn't able to stabilize the camera. Optical (mechanical) stabilization is preferrable to digital (electronic) stabilization but again, it's more expensive.

Zoom:

Zoom allows you to take an up close shot despite being physically further away from a subject. Optical zoom is superior in quality, but digital zoom can be useful without degrading image quality in smaller print sizes (4x6).

Shooting and scene modes:

Many point and shoot cameras give automated controls to users that help adjust exposure, shutter speed, and/or white balance to capture better shots despite changes in lighting and more challenging situations. If you would rather that the camera do this for you, look to see if the camera you are considering offers a variety of scene modes to help you out. Certainly, for the easiest operation a Smart Auto or Intelligent Auto Mode is good as it allows the camera to choose the correct settings without the photographer having to figure it all out.

If you want to be able to get up close shots of insects, flowers, and so forth, then a macro mode is very useful. If you tend to shoot a lot of pictures indoors, in the evening, and in other low light situations, then a night mode can be important. Look for scene and shooting modes that will coincide with the types of shots you will be taking.

Self-timer:

Many casual photographers have situations in which they want to be in the shot. A self timer can allow you to do this.

Built in flash with red eye reduction:

One of the most common complaints when using a flash is that subjects end up with red eyes. This feature helps to reduce this effect.

Manual Controls:

For those who want to learn more or have more experience, manual controls are important. The ability to turn off the flash at a minimum is critical.

Built in Technologies
There are a number of common technologies the newer digital cameras offer which can improve the quality of your photos. Face detection allows the camera to identify faces and assure they get the right exposure and focus. Motion detection helps to keep things in focus despite small movements. There are various technologies like these that are particularly useful for those who like simplicity.

An affordable camera lacking in many of these features probably won't meet your needs.

The images stored on a digital camera are generally downloaded to a computer, printed, and/or shared online.

Shoppers need to be sure they understand how they will transfer their photos to a computer. A USB 2.0 or firewire connection is faster but both the camera and your computer must have the appropriate connections and the camera must be compatible with your operating system. Most budget cameras under $100 won't offer wireless transfer abilities.

Many modern computers offer memory card slots that allow for transferring photos directly from the card. Some printers have a memory card slot as well, but if you don't have this it is possible to obtain a memory card reader to transfer pictures.

To print photos at home, a compatible printer is needed but for those who prefer, various stores and kiosks can do this work as well. Learn more about Photo Printing here.

The key point is that buyers need to be sure they know what they want to do with their photos and assure they have the connections and compatible devices they need.

Photo Credits

Introduction: Egan Snow.