7 days ago
Ditch Your Phone And Try These Affordable Cameras For Your Next Trip
While it's tempting to rely on your smartphone for every vacation photo, there's a case for leaving it in your bag and enjoying the beach unplugged.
Beyond the obvious distraction, using your phone for pictures keeps you tethered to notifications and drains your battery fast. Affordable digital cameras offer a refreshing alternative, letting you capture memories without all of the distractions that come with using your phone.
Whether you want instant prints, a spontaneous option for adventures, or a kid-friendly device, there are plenty of budget-friendly cameras at Target that don't compromise on fun. Here are some of the best affordable cameras to pack on your next trip that'll spark even more creativity.
An under-$100 4K digital camera
With a 16x digital zoom and a 48-megapixel sensor, this digital camera offers everything you need to take casual snapshots – in a pleasantly affordable package. One reviewer who called it a 'great starter cam' claimed it was 'WAY above average for the price.' There's an easy-to-control selfie mode, and the camera comes with one 32-gig microSD it from Target for $89.99 (originally $139.99).
Instax Mini Evo instant film camera (that also stores digital copies of your photos)
This stylish hybrid instant camera feels like a vintage treasure, with tactile dials for choosing from 10 filters and 10 lens effects — creating 100 unique looks without needing an app or menu system. A handy 3-inch screen lets you preview shots before printing, saving you from wasted film and sparking even more creativity. It also stores digital copies of prints internally or on a microSD. The coolest part? It lets you print from your phone over Bluetooth, which makes it so easy to use from literally anywhere in the it from Target for $216.99.
A slightly more splurgeworthy Kodak
Described by the brand as a 'bridge' camera – a compromise between a pricey, multi-lens prosumer option and an ultra-simple point-and-shoot like some of the other cameras in this roundup – this 'astro' zoom Kodak Pixpro has a 25x megapixel zoom, a more generous lens angle and a 3-inch LCD display screen in the it from Target for $169.99.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 camera
The Instax Mini 12 brings instant-print joy with no fuss — just twist the Fujinon lens to power on and engage 'close‑up' mode. Featuring automatic exposure and flash control, it delivers bright, well-balanced shots that print in seconds. You can sip a cocktail on the beach and print out your photo without even getting up. A built-in selfie mirror comes in handy. There's five beautiful pastel colors to choose from which lean into the playful aspect for the camera. Plus, its AA battery power means easy swapping anywhere you travel – no chargers it from Target for $86.99 (available in six colors).
A 2-pack of kid-friendly cameras
If you're traveling with kids, this is a wonderful way to spark a love for seeing the world through a different lens (literally). This adorable set of digital cameras – complete with bright silicone dinosaur and unicorn skins – is built for little explorers aged 3-8, letting them snap photos, record 1080-pixel HD video, and even play simple puzzle games. Whichever option fits your travel style, you'll come home with meaningful memories and, yes, plenty of great photos. So put the phone away, take one of these cameras along for the trip, and see how much more in the moment your vacation can them from Target for $51.99 (originally $99.99).
