Top 8 Cheap, Trendy Digital Cameras for 90s-Looking Photos & Video

The best cameras are often hidden in your parents' junk drawers. However, if your parents didn't use a cool, nostalgic camera during your childhood, you can turn to Goodwill or online stores.

Recently, there's been a surge of interest in vintage digital cameras on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Reddit. These old cameras, reminiscent of the quirky 90s style, can be purchased for as little as $25 and offer unique, charming footage. They're fun to use and add a distinct flair to your videos. Check out Mia's tribute to her mom's old Canon PowerShot on our YouTube channel for a taste of this trend.

If you're struggling to find a good digital camera at your local camera shop or thrift store, don't worry – the internet has plenty of options. As someone passionate about old camera models and their distinctive footage, the Moment team and I have researched extensively to create a list of affordable digital cameras, priced between $50 and $300. While these cameras may not boast the highest resolution or technical specifications, they're trendy, user-friendly, and perfect for quick captures. Think of them as the digital equivalent of disposable film cameras, minus the film cost. Below, we've listed our top 8 favorites.

1. Kodak PIXPRO FZ55 Digital Camera

The Small Party-Goer

Pricing: $99

Kodak is a well-known and beloved brand recognized for its high-quality film rolls and decades of prominence in the camera market. They have recently introduced their PIXPRO camera line, featuring digital cameras starting at just $99. These cameras are ideal for those interested in point-and-shoot photography. Available in various colors, they come equipped with a flash and offer impressive specifications for their affordable price. Being a recent addition to the market, these cameras are highly reliable and a convenient choice for anyone looking to purchase with a debit card. You can find them on Amazon or B&H.

2. Leica D-Lux 2 Digital Camera

The Cheapest Leica You’ll Ever Find

Pricing: $200

Leica is renowned for producing high-quality cameras, albeit often at steep prices that seem unattainable and, to some, even laughable. However, the cost of their cameras is often justified by their exceptional quality. The D-Lux 2 is an excellent choice for amateur photographers who desire the prestigious Leica brand at a more affordable price. Priced at only $200, this reliable camera offers a nostalgic, almost 80s-style aesthetic. With 8.4MP photos and 848 x 480 video resolution, it provides a simpler, more classic look.

3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Digital Camera

The Classic

Pricing: $150-$300

This is the camera to consider! Several of us on the team have experienced the excellence of this model or one similar because Canon PowerShots are the undisputed champions of point-and-shoot digital cameras across all decades. You can acquire this reliable 20MP camera for a reasonable $200 from various online platforms, including Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and other seller websites. Simply insert an SD card, and you're set to go! It's perfect for capturing the essence of local house parties, concerts, or film festivals. With this camera, you can easily create that trendy, flash-party aesthetic for all your photos and videos on social media.

4. Fujifilm FinePix AV100 12.2MP Digital Camera

The Slim, Straight-Forward

Pricing: $20-50

This model from another camera giant is an extremely affordable option available online. It's notably lower in quality than others on this list, making it ideal for those who prefer a more pixelated, Minecraft-esque aesthetic. Some photographers and videographers appreciate this style for its unique charm.

5. Minolta MN4K30NV UHD 4K IR Night Vision Camcorder

The Dad-Cam

Pricing: $100 - $200

This camcorder is a must-have on our list. It is designed for capturing video footage that resembles the 1990s style. It's particularly suitable for use in low-light conditions, thanks to its white LED and infrared LED light, which are effective for both video and still photography. This model is perfect for various scenarios, including haunted house tours, offering Ultra High Definition (UHD) and High Definition (HD) video recording capabilities.

6. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360

The More Clean, Higher-Powered Look

Pricing: $250-$400

This model is a more advanced version of the ELPH 180 PowerShot mentioned earlier. Staying true to the Canon PowerShot's reputation for quality, this camera features a higher resolution of 20.2 Megapixels and the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor, ensuring superb image quality even in low light. It can capture 1080 HD video and has a large 3.0-inch LCD screen that provides wide-angle viewing. This model is particularly popular for vlogging due to its enhanced features and user-friendly design.

7. Sony CyberShot DSC-HX5 Digital Camera

The Secondary Favorite

Pricing: $250-$300

Okay, okay. Canon PowerShots are fantastic, but Sony Cyber-shots also stand out (and the similarity in their names hints at their rivalry). Choosing this Sony model is equally a great decision, as it offers specifications nearly identical to our beloved Canon favorites but under the renowned Sony brand. While I lean towards Sony for video footage and Canon for photography, the choice ultimately depends on your preference and the specific visual appeal you're looking for.

8. Panasonic Lumix FS3 Digital Camera

The Perfectly Trendy

Pricing: $150-$200

Panasonic, another titan in the camera industry, offers a range of excellent choices, including the FS3 camera. This model stands out not only for its impressive performance but also for its unique aesthetic appeal. The version listed here perfectly showcases Gen-Z style in a charming Mermaid Green color adorned with bedazzled jewels. The FS3 is particularly notable for its ability to capture video footage with a nostalgic feel. Despite these appealing features, it remains affordable at around $150 in various online stores.