5 Digital Camera Deals: DSLRs, Mirrorless, and Point-and-Shoot from $50

The naysayers say (aside from "nay") that smartphones have rendered quality standalone cameras obsolete. For some, this may be true, but it's easier to get behind a dedicated device for your photography hobby when the deals are this good. We found a splendid array of complex and capable cameras, each at a substantial discount. But if you find yourself still looking for a specific model, check out our daily camera deals.

1. 
Samsung NX100 15-Megapixel Mirrorless SLR-Like Digital Camera Bundle

   Price: $309 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $50

   
Is It Worth It?: Ready to hone your photography skills but don't want to lug around a DSLR? This 0.62-lb. Samsung NX100 mirrorless SLR-Like digital camera is perfect for shooting out and around town. Plus it comes bundled with the Samsung i-Function 20-50mm Lens and a Samsung SEF15A A-TTL External Flash. Engadget praises this model for delivering "solid image quality" and for providing amateurs quite a few manual settings to tinker with.

   The Samsung NX100 uses Samsung's "i-Function" interchangeable mirrorless lenses. (It's not a true SLR.) It features a 3" AMOLED screen, HD video recording in 720p, recording of audio with pictures, 6,400 ISO, SDHC card slot, and more.

2. 
Refurbished Nikon Coolpix L120 14.1-Megapixel Digital Camera

   Vendor: Adorama
   Price: $124.95 with free shipping

   Lowest By: $32

   Is It Worth It?: Who says a cheap camera can't have the power of a stronger setup? This factory-refurbished Coolpix boasts a 21x optical zoom and is easy to handle, which makes switching between wide-angle to telephoto shots a breeze. This camera "set[s] the bar high for aspiring superzoom wannabes," says CNET (AU).

   Features include a 3" LCD, 21x optical zoom, 1280x720 (720p) video recording, 102MB built-in memory, SD/SDHC card slot, mini HDMI output, USB connectivity, and more. A 90-day Nikon warranty applies.

3. 
Sony Alpha 24MP DSLR Camera bundled with a Sony Alpha 16-50mm Lens
   Vendor: Sony Rewards
   Price: $1,499.99 with free shipping for Sony Rewards Members
   Lowest By: $498

   Is It Worth It?: What Digital Camera calls Sony Alpha SLT-A77 "a fantastic piece of kit that's dripping with a host of features to keep the serious photographer happy." And while the points component of this deal seems designed to confuse (it's listed as on sale for 149,999 points), the upshot is a spectacular high-end camera several hundred dollars cheaper than you can get anywhere else; that kind of thing earns the Editors' Choice recognition. Pick up the Sony Alpha SLT-A77 24.3-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera bundled with the Sony Alpha 16-50mm Lens for $1,499.99 and start snapping those pictures! Just make sure to sign up for a free Sony Rewards membership.

   This translucent mirror camera features a tilt/swivel 3" LCD, 1080p video capture, SteadyShot INSIDE Stabilization, 3D sweep panorama image capture, built-in GPS, face detection, HDMI output, USB connectivity, SD/SDHC/Memory Stick PRO Duo compatibility, and more.

4. 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V 18MP 30x Digital Camera

   Vendor: Abe's of Maine
   Price: $389.95 via coupon code "dealnews15" with free shipping

   Lowest By: $18

   
Is It Worth It?: DP Review says that the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX200V "does just about everything imaginable." (Will it do my taxes?) Pick up your own do-it-all camera from Abe's of Maine for just $389.95 after the dealnews exclusive coupon.

   It features a 3" LCD, 30x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, 1080p HD video, MS Duo and SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card slots, 3D still image and 3D panorama mode, face detection, USB 2.0 connectivity, and more.

5. 
Pentax Optio RS1500 14-Megapixel Digital Camera

   Vendor: Adorama
   Price: $49.95 with free shipping

   Lowest By: $15
   

   
Is It Worth It?: Are you an amateur shutterbug who knows that timing of a shot can make or break the photo? Then this camera is for you. Just whip out this pocket-sized digital camera, which weighs 4.5 oz but doesn't skip on screen size, video capabilities, or style, and make the photo!

   It features a wide-angle 4x optical zoom lens, 3" LCD, 720p video recording, SDHC card slot, removable faceplate with 10 included skins, USB 2.0 connectivity, and more.