Smartphones are great and all for snapping photos on the go, but when you’re ready to go serious with your hobby, you’re going to need something more dedicated to the art of photography: a digital camera.
Thinking of moving up from smartphone photography to taking pictures using a digital camera, but worried that it would cost you an arm and a leg? Well, good news, we’ve found a list of cheap and budget-friendly digital camera you can get in Malaysia.
So, whether you prefer a pocket-friendly variety or an entry-level DSLR, here are 8 budget digital cameras under the RM 2,000 range.
8 Best Cheap Digital Cameras Under RM 2000 in Malaysia 2024
Table of Contents
Why It’s Our Top Pick?
“Small but mighty, the Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ95 boasts several highlights from an incredible 30x optical zoom to a 4K support, a 3-inch tiltable touchscreen and an integrated WiFi & Bluetooth combo.”
Overview
Don’t be fooled by its compact size as the Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ95 packs a punch with a large 20.3MP sensor, offering better visual detail and clarity. It comes equipped with a LEICA DC lens, where you can go wide-angle or a close-up shot using the 30x optical zoom.
There’s an electronic viewfinder with a higher resolution of 2330K dots and 0.53x magnification, allowing you to see clearly upon taking pictures even in bright sunlight. The camera also includes a 3-inch touchscreen which can be flipped open at 180 degrees for selfies. Among other notable features include the WiFi & Bluetooth 4.2 connectivity for wireless image transfers and remote camera operation and it supports 4K video.
Details
- Packs a large 20.3MP sensor in a pocket-sized body
- Features a 2330K-dot Live View Finder with a high magnification of 0.53x
- A 3-inch, 180-degree tiltable touchscreen for a perfect selfie
- Supports 4K photo & video capabilities
- Features a 5-axis hybrid optical image stabilisation system for stable Full HD shots
Who is this for?
The compact-sized Panasonic Lumix DC-TZ95 makes it easier to carry this around. It has a good build quality and shoots clear images, thanks to its large 20.3MP sensor and a powerful 30x optical zoom equivalent of a 35mm range. You can also easily share your photos wirelessly since it features both WiFi and Bluetooth connections.
Overview
Weighing just around 150g, the pocket-friendly Canon IXUS 285 HS features a 20.2MP CMOS sensor capable of shooting high-resolution photos. It has a 12x optical zoom, complete with an intelligent image stabilisation system to minimise camera shake when you are shooting handheld. The camera supports Full HD recording at 30fps. Conveniently, it also supports WiFi and NFC for easy wireless connectivity to iOS and Android devices.
Other key features include a Story Highlight, which is the brand’s proprietary algorithm designed for creating up to a 3-minute worth of movie using still images and movie snippets. The camera’s large 3-inch LCD screen at the back, in the meantime, comes with a brightness adjustment for clearer media playback even if you are viewing it under the bright light.
Details
- Extremely portable and easy to use with 32 auto-scene modes
- A powerful 20.2MP CMOS sensor that offers excellent image quality
- Features a 12x optical zoom, 24x digital zoom and intelligent image stabilisation
- Easy file sharing & remote shooting can be done using the built-in WiFi and NFC
- Supports 1080p Full HD recording at 30fps
Who is this for?
The Canon IXUS 285 HS is incredibly portable, making it perfect for travelling. It shoots crisp pictures and is packed with essential features like a 12x optical zoom, an image stabilisation system for steady shots, and integrated WiFi & NFC support.
More: 8 Digital Cameras for All Ages and Skill Levels
Overview
Colour your world with the palm-sized FOTO DC402, which has 5 different colour designs to choose from. The camera shoots clear 44MP Full HD photos and you can also capture 2.7K video footage. It comes with an anti-shake feature to minimise camera blur and a 16x digital zoom to get you a better close-up shot of your subject.
The FOTO DC402 also features other auto functions including Face Detection, Beauty Face and Smile Capture, allowing you to capture the best photos possible. There’s a large 2.88-inch IPS screen at the rear and various camera filters available to beautify your shots.
Details
- Portable, palm-sized camera at only 94mm in diameter
- Features a 2.88-inch IPS screen that offers a large and clear view
- Shoots crisp 44MP image quality and 2.7K video capture
- Can be magnified up to 16x with its digital zoom capability
Who is this for?
The FOTO DC402 is such a beginner-friendly digital camera that even a kid can use it with minimum fuss. The rear large IPS screen makes it easier to see what’s in the shot and not to forget, the 16x digital zoom can get you up close while its anti-shake feature reduces the possibility of blurry image results.
Overview
The Canon PowerShot V10 is primarily designed for vlogging, as it a compact camera that fits comfortably in your hand. The camera weighs only 211g and you can even slip it easily in your pocket. The ergonomic design makes vlogging easier even if you are holding the camera with one hand.
Highlights include a 4K UHD resolution at 30fps using the 1.0-inch CMOS sensor. It even has an image stabilisation system to keep your shot steady. The camera is also equipped with an integrated stand and microphone and even a 180-degree flip-screen, where the latter comes in handy for shooting higher or lower angles.
Details
- A small form factor at only 211g that can easily fit in your bag or pocket
- Record in 4K UHD resolution at 30fps for clearer footage
- Equipped with a 1.0-inch CMOS sensor that record videos with amazing details
- Features an Auto Movie Mode that automatically adjusts the colour and brightness
- Comes with a built-in retractable stand, flip-screen and a microphone
Who is this for?
Vloggers who want an easy point-and-shoot digital camera can consider the Canon PowerShot V10. The Auto Movie Mode makes vlogging more convenient while the lightweight design, coupled with the built-in stand and flip-screen allows you to set up your shot creatively without carrying an extra camera gear.
Overview
The Ricoh WG-80 is built tough for all-weather conditions with an IPX8 waterproof rating at 14 metres that can sustain for up to 2 hours. The camera is also shock-proof and capable of handling drops of 1.6 metres while the rugged design can withstand crushing impact at 100 kg (kilogram-force).
Tough body aside, the Ricoh WG-80 offers a 16MP sensor with a 5x optical zoom which can shoot wide-angle at 28mm. It has an integrated ring light on the front, allowing you to adjust up to five brightness levels upon capturing macro shots. The camera can record Full HD video at 30fps and it comes with High Speed and Underwater Movie modes for shooting slow-motion and underwater. Both of them come with a Movie SR to minimise camera shake during the video recording.
Details
- Handles even the harshest conditions with a rugged chassis
- Waterproof (14m), shockproof (1.6m), freezeproof (-10°C) & crushproof (100 kgf)
- Capture sharp images using a 16MP sensor with a 5x optical zoom
- Comes with an adjustable Ring Light with six LED lights for macro shooting
- Record Full HD video at 16:9 aspect ratio at 30fps with High Speed & Underwater Movie modes available
Who is this for?
The Ricoh WG-80 is worth considering if you regularly shoot underwater. Not to mention the camera’s sturdy body design makes it tough enough to survive accidental shocks and drops. Those who love macro photography can take advantage of the adjustable Ring Light to shoot clearer images.
Overview
The word “simplicity” is best described for Kodak PIXPRO FZ45-BK, boasting the size of a compact camera that is also easy to use. It has a large 2.7-inch LCD screen that allows you to see your subject clearly before taking a shot while the 16MP CMOS sensor offers good image clarity. It also has a 27mm wide-angle lens for shooting wide and a 1080p Full HD video capability.
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ45-BK is compatible with an SD card if you need extra storage and some of the key features available include HDR support, a 180-degree panorama shot function and various detection features. The camera even has a 4x digital zoom and a digital image stabilisation system to reduce camera shake upon shooting handheld.
Details
- Capable of shooting wide with a 27mm wide-angle lens
- Offers a 16MP CMOS sensor with a 4x optical zoom
- Features a large and bright 2.7-inch LCD screen for a clearer view before taking a picture
- Can record 1080p Full HD video
Who is this for?
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ45-BK’s streamlined function makes it easier even for those who hardly use a camera. It lives up to its point-and-shoot capability and the 2.7-inch LCD screen is large enough to point, frame and shoot your subject.
Overview
Nikon’s entry-level COOLPIX B600 features a 16MP low-light sensor that takes incredible photos and video even in low-light conditions. The camera boasts up to 60x optical zoom, allowing you to shoot your subject up close from far while the Lens Shift Vibration Reduction mode ensures your shot stays sharp and in focus.
You can frame your shot better with a large 3.0-inch LCD screen, but if you simply want to point and shoot, you can make use of the 19 scene modes that automatically optimise the settings accordingly. It also comes with 36 creative effects, where you can play around with different filters to help enhance your photo. For shooting videos, the Nikon COOLPIX B600 supports Full HD resolution with a built-in stereo sound and a 4-axis Hybrid VR to stabilise your shot with minimum camera shake.
Details
- Powered by Nikon’s advanced EXPEED image-processing engine and high-performance NIKKOR lens with a 16MP low-light sensor that shoots great photos & videos
- Features a Lens Shift VR mode to help you take sharp images regardless of any zoom range
- Offers up to 60x optical zoom
- Has 19 scene modes & 36 creative effects
- Record 1080p Full HD videos and has a 4-Axis Hybrid VR to keep your shots steady
- Comes with a built-in WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy for wireless connection
Who is this for?
Perfect for beginners and intermediate users, the reasonably-priced Nikon COOLPIX B600 is also good for those who want to make a transition from a compact variety to a DSLR digital camera. It’s easy to use with plenty of auto functions to play around while its 60x optical zoom means you can make use of the zoom function to shoot up close or wide angle efficiently.
Overview
Boasting a slim and compact body at just 299g, the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS features a 40x optical zoom that allows you to shoot wide at 24mm and even telephoto at 960mm. The camera, which is powered by a DIGIC 8 image processor, can shoot 4K footage at 30fps. It has a Video Snapshot function for combining every shot and letting the user edit them into a short movie clip.
The camera has an LCD screen that can be flipped open and tilted at 180° upward, making it ideal for self-portrait photography. It also comes with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to share your images wirelessly using your phone or shoot your camera remotely with the help of the Canon Camera Connect app.
Details
- Features a 40x optical zoom that covers a wide range of zoom view
- Supports 4K video capture at 30fps with a Video Snapshot & Hybrid Auto functions
- Tiltable LCD screen that can be flipped at 180° upward
- Integrated WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity
Who is this for?
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS shoots excellent 4K video footage while its 40x optical zoom allows you to get up close or wider, depending on your shooting style. The LCD screen comes in handy and can be tiltable for shooting in a self-portrait mode.
FAQ:
- Types of cheap digital cameras available
So, you’ve finally decided to buy a digital camera, but you’re a bit too spoiled for choice. Here are the three general types of digital cameras you can find online:
Compact Digital Cameras
As the name suggests, compact digital cameras are small and portable in size, making them easier to slip into your pocket or bag. They are affordably priced and easy to use by simply pointing your camera to a subject and shooting the subject easily, thanks to the auto mode.
Advanced Point-and-Shoot Cameras
These point-and-shoot cameras come with advanced features, namely better sensor performance in terms of image quality and clarity. They come with manual controls (e.g., white balance), allowing you to adjust the settings according to your shooting conditions and preferences. Some digital cameras such as the Ricoh WG-80 feature a rugged body design that can withstand shocks and drops.
Digital SLR Cameras (DSLRs)
The abbreviation “SLR” stands for “single lens reflex”, which refers to the use of a reflex mirror that allows users to view through the lens before taking a picture of the subject regardless of live or digital optical viewing. Entry-level DSLRs such as the Nikon COOLPIX B600 are among the cameras that you can buy on a budget, offering features like a 16MP CMOS sensor, 60x optical zoom and a 3.0-inch LCD screen.
- What should I consider regarding image quality?
When buying a digital camera, you want the photos to be sharp and clear. To determine you get the best out of the camera, look for a larger sensor since it captures more light, which can yield better image clarity. Not to mention such a sensor can minimise noise, especially if you are shooting in low-light conditions.
The inclusion of optical and digital image stabilisations also matters to keep your shot sharp and steady since these systems help to reduce motion blur caused even by small hand movements. The responsiveness of an autofocus function is also important to lock in your subject in focus upon taking pictures.