Dptips :. Digital Photography Tips, Tricks, and Techniques

Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned amateur, sometimes you just want a cheap camera that can do the job. We round up a few of the best buys available without putting too much strain on your back pocket.

Just because you've only got half the money to spend doesn't mean you only get half the camera. (Credit: Nikon)

Normally we would advise you to proceed with caution when buying the cheapest or most basic camera. Fortunately, the cameras we've collected here are decent alternatives to the expensive, top-of-the-line compacts, at a wallet-friendly price. They can take a decent picture, too. All the cameras we've listed here come in at under AU$400.

Our favourites for budget-conscious shoppers include the Canon PowerShot A480, which has a 3x optical zoom and can take some very nice images. This camera retails for AU$199 which is pretty cheap indeed, but there is a downside and that's the relatively low-quality LCD screen.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 is our pick of the bunch for a wallet that's a little more padded (AU$389), and is almost perfect for its price, with stylish looks and quality optics.

Do be aware that some of the basic models (like the Canon PowerShot A480) will use AA batteries rather than the more standard Lithium-ion rechargeable type.

• Canon PowerShot SX20 IS
• Canon PowerShot G11
• Canon PowerShot A470
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