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

The best cameras are often hidden in your parents' junk drawers. But 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 offer the highest resolution or technical specifications, they're trendy, user-friendly, and perfect for fun, 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 has totally earned its GOAT status with decades of iconic film rolls under its belt. Now, they’re expanding into the digital ring with their PIXPRO line, starting at a wallet-friendly $99. These point-and-shoot babies come in a bunch of fun colors, each with a handy built-in flash, perfect for anyone who wants to snap pics at a party without adjusting manual settings. Even though PIXPRO is relatively new on the scene, it’s already proving itself to be crazy reliable and convenient. If you want to grab one, you can snag it from Amazon or B&H.

2. Leica D-Lux 2 Digital Camera

The Cheapest Leica You’ll Ever Find

Pricing: $200

Leica’s pretty much the gold standard for jaw-dropping camera quality, though their prices can make your wallet bleed. But if you’re after the prestige of the Leica name without dropping a fortune, the D-Lux 2 is the sweet spot. It’s automatic, user-friendly, and honestly a steal at just $200. You get those retro ’80s vibes right out of the box, so there's no need to tinker with online filters or hassle with 35mm film. For anyone craving that Leica mystique on a tighter budget, the D-Lux 2 is a prety solid go-to.

3. Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Digital Camera

The Classic

Pricing: $150-$300

Listen, if you’re weighing your options, this is the camera to snag. A bunch of us on the team have rocked this exact model (or one of its close cousins), and we can confirm that Canon PowerShots are the reigning champs of point-and-shoot cameras, no competition. You can score this trusty 20MP gem for about $200 on Amazon, eBay, Etsy, or wherever you thrift if you're lucky. Just pop in an SD card, and you’re set. it's my personal favorite for flashy shots, concert moments, or indie film fest highlights, and it totally nails that trendy, flashy vibe everyone’s after on Instagram.

4. Fujifilm FinePix AV100 12.2MP Digital Camera

The Slim, Straight-Forward

Pricing: $20-50

If you’re looking for the absolute cheapest option, this one takes the cake. Sure, it’s not the sharpest picture in the bunch, but it rocks that pixelated, Minecraft-style vibe. But sometimes, that low-res charm is exactly what you’re after. It definitely stands out with its unique look, and some photographers actually love that gritty, nostalgic MySpace-like feel.

5. Minolta MN4K30NV UHD 4K IR Night Vision Camcorder

The Dad-Cam

Pricing: $100 - $200

I truly believe every video creator needs to stuff a camcorder in their camera bag for no reason other than... why not? It's a nod to the '80s Stand By Me feel, catching that nostalgic itch while picking up pretty solid-looking footage for Youtube, short films, or everyday documentation. Even in dimly lit spots, its white LED and infrared LED lights come through for both video and stills (excellent if you're wanting to shoot a homemade scary movie).

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. So, if you're looking for a digicam that offers higher resolution and crispier shots, this one takes the cake. The long battery life lets you shoot from sunrise to the after-party without a mid-day charge break. Its wide f/2.8 lens soaks in more light, helping you grab brighter photos even when it’s getting dark. You're definitely still getting that point-and-shoot look but with no extra technical fluff.

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 popular choices, including this nifty FS3 camera. This one stands out not only for its reliable digital performance but also for its unique exterior vibe. The version listed here perfectly showcases Gen-Z style in a charming Mermaid Green color adorned with bedazzling jewels. The FS3 is particularly notable for its ability to capture video footage with a nostalgic feel. Even sporting these nicer features, it remains affordable at $150.