Savings in a Flash: 5 Digital Camera Deals That'll Make You Smile

Earlier this month, we focused our deal-hunting lens on camera bargains. Now we're at it again, because as smart as that smartphone of yours might look, we all know it's not as good as a camera built solely for working in all sorts of tricky situations.

So step into the frame, give us your best bargain-snagging smile, and check out these camera deals we've lined up for you. Because if you think about it, getting a fabulous price on camera equipment should be as simple as point and shoot.

1. Canon EOS Rebel T3 12MP Digital SLR with Lens
   Price: $494 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $44

   Is It Worth It?: In the camera world, certain brands rule as royalty: Nikon, Pentax, and Canon. The Rebel brand has delighted consumers for years and years, and this camera (from Click Go and Buy via Buy.com) comes bundled with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Type II Lens. That should be plenty to instantly vault you into far-beyond-amateur status, but if you want more, you can also get this exquisite Tamron 70-300mm lens ($339.95 via coupon code "BUYDIGCLUB15" and $50 mail-in rebate plus free shipping, a low by $59) which will turn your Rebel into a juggernaut of photographic power.

2. Sony CyberShot HX9V 16MP 16x Digital Camera
   Price: $279 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $42

   Is It Worth It?: Sony has its strongest reputation in audio and stereo electronics, but the company makes mighty fine camera equipment as well. The CyberShot is ideal for taking well-defined pictures (16.2 megapixels, wow!) but is compact enough to fit in your pocket. This camera comes loaded with nice extras such as 3D still image and 3D sweep panorama mode. It also has "smile detection," which we think kicks into action once you land the camera at this low price. Note you have to log into BuyDig's website to see this price.

3. Panasonic Lumix 14MP 8x Digital Camera
   Price: $99.99 with free shipping
   Lowest By: $29

   Is It Worth It?: Panasonic is also a very trusted brands of electronics, and the price offered by Staples is $100 below list. This digital camera has 1280x720 HD movie recording capabilities at 30 fps. The 4x digital zoom may feel a bit limiting compared to other point-and-shoot models, and some users complain of short battery life. But that's common to many digital cameras, and the Lumix averages four out of five stars in reviews from Staples customers.

4. DataMINE 8GB SDHC Class 10 Memory Card with Tripod
   Price: $7.99 with $3.99 s&h
   Lowest By: $4
   

   Is It Worth It?: In need of some extra storage? Then make sure you click the shutter button fast to nab this deal! At this price, you're getting a nice addition to your digital memory resources for $1.50/GB. It features a Class 10 write speed, the fastest rating as defined by the SD Association. Plus, the bundled tripod is a nice accessory for a point-and-shoot camera. Low-priced shipping from Amazon seller Accessory Genie makes this combo picture perfect.

5. Refurbished Canon EOS DSLR Cameras
   Price: From $400 with $16 s&h
   Lowest By: Varies

   Is It Worth It?: These refurbished cameras come to you direct from Canon, with a 90-day manufacturer warranty. Pictured here is the Canon EOS Rebel XS 10MP Digital SLR with EF-S 18-55 IS Lens, which at the $399.99 price point is a great beginner's DSLR for those who want to get serious about photography. The compact design and 2.5" LCD monitor make it less bulky than comparable cameras, but without big compromises on quality. Canon's much-praised customer service team stands behind the refurbished models on sale.

Front page photo credit: D'Arcy Norman via Flickr

Lou Carlozo is dealnews' Green Dad columnist. He was most recently the managing editor of WalletPop.com, and before that a veteran columnist at the Chicago Tribune. Follow him on Twitter — @LouCarlozo63. You can also sign up for an email alert for all dealnews features.