Digital Cameras are often seen as those incredible expensive electronic toys. If You are an aspiring photographer or simply want to take pictures during Your travel, You might have had a look at travel cameras and realized that the price may be over Your budget. Better than spending hundreds of Dollars on a camera, You might as well extend Your travel or spend it elsewhere.
Good Cameras don’t need to be expensive and as I have already stated in my extensive review of best point and shoot cameras for under $300, there are great camera choices out there even when You are tight on a budget.
These cameras allow You to capture relatively high-quality images that are way better than Your smartphone. They are compact and You will be able to carry them the whole day without them becoming a nuisance.
There are many reasons to go for a point and shoot camera for under $200 and following are my choices, that will deliver the best price-performance for You.
Whether You just want to casually take pictures of Your family, are traveling and want a small camera, or You are just looking for a street photography camera, the following point and shoot cameras will give You all You need.
The best Point and Shoot Cameras under $200 Picks
Canon PowerShot SX620 HS
Overview
The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS does have a 20 Megapixel sensor integrated. 20 Megapixels sounds insane for such a small camera and does surpass a lot of more expensive cameras in terms of pixel count.
However, pixel count alone doesn’t make the camera or pictures great. The 20 Megapixels are cramped into a small 1/2,3″ sensor and this particular combination doesn’t turn out super well. Packing such a high pixel count on a small sensor can attribute to a number of problems. First, the image quality isn’t that great, but still very usable for sharing images on social media.
If You are not afraid of the small sensor, then this camera has also a 25x optical zoom, Built-in WiFi and is able to record videos in Full-HD.
But how well do the features work?
Features
The 25x optical zoom is very impressive. In contrast to electronic zoom, the optical zoom ensures that the image quality will remain the same and doesn’t lose any megapixels on the way. Zooming all the way in with a 25x optical zoom means that You have to use a slower shutter speed to reduce the risk that the image is blurred due to the shake. To support using the 25x zoom, the PowerShot SX620 has an image stabilization, which is really needed and does work well. So You can use the 25x very well, even if You are not familiar with this kind of zoom.
Such a point and shoot camera is good for sharing images on social media. But how can You transfer the images to Facebook or Instagram?
The solution is the built-in WiFi. There are multiple ways on how You can use the images. You can either upload them to an online photo gallery, use the Canon Image Gateway, or connect directly to Your iOS or Android Phone. With the built-in WiFi, You are able to share high-quality images in real-time and don’t have to rely on poor smartphone quality.
In case You want to share Your images in real-time, You can also apply one of the 46 filters, that are saved on the PowerShot. The creative mode makes complicated post-processing unnecessary and helps You in creating better images on the spot.
Other great features include the 1080p video function with 30fps, a high-resolution LCD-screen and an auto zoom.
The PowerShot does have a lot of features that support You in getting the best image possible.
Sample Images of the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS
Reviews
The PowerShot SX620 has been out for some time and a lot of customers have shared their opinion on this camera.
For most people, it seems that the PowerShot has been an upgrade to a previous PowerShot model. With this idea in mind, the camera works out very well and the expectations have been more than fulfilled.
The image quality has been reported to be more than sufficient for their needs and even in low-light situations, the camera manages this difficult environment very well.
Using the 25x zoom lens does feel very good. Not only does the image stabilization helps in getting sharp pictures, but the speed of the zoom is very fast as well.
The battery life seems decent and has been improved compared to previous PowerShot installments.
For recording videos, the dedicated video button does make it very easy to create short clips here and there.
Recommendation
The PowerShot SX620 is a very versatile point and shoot camera that does work very well in a lot of situations.
With a 25x zoom, You can shoot even at a very far distance and get sharp images, thanks to the image stabilization the zoom does work very smoothly overall.
If You want a good alternative to Your smartphone to share images on Instagram or Facebook that are of higher quality, the PowerShot SX620 does excel at this function. The built-in WiFi allows You to connect directly to Your mobile phone and share the images.
The 20 MP can be a little bit excessive, but overall this compact camera does a good job in a lot of situations.
Check the current PriceCanon PowerShot SX720 HS
Overview
Under normal circumstances, the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS wouldn’t be part of this guide, because the price does exceed even the $300 threshold very easily. With different offers and price reductions though, the camera does come very close to $200 which is why I decided to include this camera in the review.
It can be seen as the more powerful alternative to the previously mentioned SX620 and is a very capable successor.
Where the SX620 does come with a 25x optical zoom, the SX720 does have a 40x optical zoom integrated. It does have a 20 MP sensor as well and can record in 1080p. The built-in WiFi lets You connect to Your smartphone as well.
In which areas does the SX720 perform better than the SX620 as well?
Features
The previous included Canon PowerShot SX620 did have a 20 MP sensor but has been lacking in translating this pixel count into image quality. Canon has worked on this problem and with the SX720 it does present an all-new image processor.
The DIGIC6 is two generations further and does handle the pixel count a lot better than previous iterations. Now, the 20 Megapixels can be used in an improved way and the image quality does benefit from it tremendously.
Canon does integrate great zoom ranges on their PowerShot models, but with the current 40x zoom on the SX720, they have set a new benchmark. The 40x zoom means that You are using the equivalent of a 24-960mm zoom tele-lens. To make the handling easier, the image stabilization has been worked on and even at the maximum zoom, the images still come out very well.
The video function has been improved and now You are able to record in 1080p at 60fps. To record sound, the SX720 has a small microphone included which does capture stereo sound.
Fully connectable to Your smartphone You are able to share short clips or the images directly on Social Media.
Sample Images of the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS
Reviews
Buyers are using the SX720 as a replacement for their bulky DSLR. They are often searching for a lightweight alternative and find it with the SX720.
With this lightweight camera, they are able to enjoy traveling much more and aren’t bothered anymore by a bulky camera that they have to carry around as well.
One of the biggest advantages of this point and shoot camera is the 40x zoom that allows them to carry just the one camera with them, but being still able to capture anything they want.
At night, the camera does perform well too and images come out crystal sharp.
As a replacement of a whole DSLR system, the SX720 does work wonderfully. That You are able to use this small camera in a fully manual way where You can set the ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture has been stated as a great selling point as well.
Recommendation
Replacing a DSLR with a point and shoot camera might not always be easy, but with the SX720 the swap does make a lot of sense. Are You growing tired of having to carry a bulky camera with You and multiple lenses as well?
Or do You need a flexible camera that is perfect for trips, family parties or even night photography in the city?
The PowerShot SX720 is a very capable camera that uses its 20 Megapixels very smartly. A new image processor brings a better overall performance and the image quality is a lot better than in previous models.
It is also a very good camera for a child to learn photography on and with an investment of just a little over $200 it shouldn’t be too expensive to explore the world of photography.
Check the current PriceCanon ELPH 360 HS
Overview
Apart from the PowerShot series, Canon does also have other alternatives in the $200 range for small point and shoot cameras. The Canon ELPH 360 HS is to a greater extent similar to the PowerShot SX620 and if You are not willing to price for the SX720, the ELPH 360 HS or the SX620 will be the other reasonable choices.
From the raw specs, the ELPH 360 is almost identically to the SX620. It does have a 20 Megapixels sensor, the same image processor and a lot of the same features.
When it comes to the zoom, the ELPH 360 does sport a 12x optical zoom, compared to the 25x of the SX620. In reality, this doesn’t make a huge difference and You are still able to capture most scenes without limitations.
Built-in WiFi does also work very stable and You are able to record video in 1080p. So what are some key differences compared to the SX620?
Features
The main advantage for the ELPH 360 is the ability to shoot in low light. Whereas the SX620 has a hard time getting good-looking images during the night, the ELPH 360 does perform better in the evening, or even at night.
The HS stands for High-Sensitivity and does mean, that the sensor is able to produce brighter images with the same amount of light. This effect is very beneficial when You want to shoot in lower light environments. The ELPH 360 does use ISO up until 3200 and the noise is very minimal.
A lot of point and shoot cameras also have to battle with something that is called “shutter lag”. When pressing the button, the picture is not immediately taken. The ELPH 360, on the other hand, is very responsive. There is barely any shutter lag noticeable and it gives You a good feeling when using this camera. If You miss a picture, it is not because of some technical misfunction, but because You were too slow.
On the more casual side, the camera does feature some creative modes and filters. When You are taking images or videos, the camera does create an automatic story of this day for You with underlying music. This is a great way to remember the day.
Sample Images of the Canon ELPH 360 HS
Reviews
Consumers are very favorable to this camera. One strong point is, that the camera is so small that You can just carry it in Your pockets. No other bag or backpack is needed and the camera fits in even very tight spots.
As a camera for hiking, the ELPH 360 does work very well because it is light and doesn’t take up much space. After a day of walking, You won’t notice the extra weight and the camera is no inconvenience at all.
For people that just want to a shot every now and then, the camera does load very fast and is usable very quickly. After pressing the power button, no long initial loading time is present.
It is also very easy to use and that the camera has different auto-modes to determine the camera settings is great when You just want some well-exposed images quickly.
Recommendation
The Canon ELPH 360 is more than just a smaller alternative to the SX620. It is even better to use when You are traveling or hiking and just need a small camera, that You take some snapshots with.
It is a super fun and easy to control casual camera that is good for anybody who values nice looking pictures but doesn’t want to spend much time about the theory.
The ELPH 360 is a great gift as the person can use the camera right away and doesn’t need to study a complicated manual.
Take the camera with You and snap some pictures that look well without having to invest much time in learning how this camera works.
Check the current PriceNikon CoolPix A10
Overview
On this list of point and shoot camera for less than $200, the Nikon Coolpix A10 wouldn’t only fit once, but even twice. The price for this camera is constantly below $100 and this means that it is one of the most inexpensive point and shoot cameras that You can get. But what can You expect from such a price?
The CoolPix A10 does come with a 16 Megapixel sensor and a 5x optical zoom. That are pretty solid specifications for a camera of that kind.
It does run on AA batteries, which can be an advantage because You don’t have to recharge other batteries, but at the same time, You should make sure to have some batteries at hand.
Images are saved on an SD-Card which You can plug into Your computer and review the images. If You like, You can also connect the camera via USB, but You need a different cable for that.
What else can a camera for less than $100 be used for?
Features
With a camera that does cost less than $100, we shouldn’t expect wonders in terms of image quality and features.
The sensor is pretty decent and 16 Megapixels is the same resolution as the current RicohGR II, or other entry-level DSLRs have. The 16 Megapixels are employed on a 1/2,3″ sensor which works well, but again, You shouldn’t expect to print very large images and them having a gallery quality.
On the Coolpix A10, the 5x optical zoom does translate to a 35 eq. lens of 26-130mm. So You have covered most of the focal range that is used in photography. The focal length works well either for portraits, traveling or photographing at a further distance.
What is great is, that this little camera even has a video function. You are able to record in 720p and at the same time, the camera does record sound too. A virtual stabilization will keep the shots clean and help You in managing the zoom distance.
Sample Images of the Nikon CoolPix A10
Reviews
The reviews are very decent and most people are getting what they expected the camera to do. They are aware, that it is no high-end camera, but that it still is decent at getting some good shots for very little money.
That is also the strongest point of this camera. When it comes to the price-performance, the Coolpix A10 does really stand out.
For some people, the focusing wasn’t really intuitive, but this is more a problem of the user than the camera. The camera does use the same half-way shutter button pressing focusing mechanic, that is used in basically every camera. But if You are gifting this camera to someone that hasn’t used a camera before, make sure to explain them this basic function.
Other than that small hiccup, most people are regarding this camera very highly. The battery life is very long, the image quality is still decent considering the low price and the optical zoom lets You keep the same resolution.
Recommendation
The CoolPix A10 is a great small little camera to get a few decent shots. It is not so much for learning photography from the ground up, but if Your goal is just to get some easy and good-looking images, this camera has an outstanding price-performance.
I would value this camera as a great gift that You can give Your little child to have some fun and play around with. The camera is quite sturdy and if it breaks, not much of value is lost.
So if You are searching for a very inexpensive, yet capable first camera that Your child can play around with, the Nikon CoolPix A10 is a very good choice.
Check the current PriceNikon CoolPix L340
Table could not be displayed.Overview
Normally, a point and shoot camera is a very compact and specific camera. It doesn’t allow You to change the lens and mostly fits in Your pocket.
The Nikon CoolPix L340 though, is a bit of a different camera type, that I wanted to include in this guide nonetheless. It does look more like a typical DSLR, but for a camera that costs around $200, the specifications are very interesting and should You be interested in an affordable camera that is more designed like a DSLR, the CoolPix L340 might be for You.
For a good image quality, the CoolPix L340 does have more than 20 Megapixels which does allow for images, that can be printed a relatively large size.
It doesn’t have any WiFi or other connectable features and does focus more on the photography than the multimedia part.
With an optical zoom of 28x the focus is clearly on the camera lens.
How well does this camera compare to typical point and shoot cameras?
Features
The highlight of the CoolPix L340 is the 28x optical zoom which turns the lens to an equivalent of 23 to 630 mm. For a zoom of that level, the aperture range of f/3,1 to f/5,9 is very outstanding. At the lower end, the aperture allows You to create a narrow depth of field and is able to blur out the background very well. This does create the impression of more professional images and is great for portrait photography.
To compensate this kind of zoom, the CoolPix L340 has an optical image stabilization. This helps You to achieve sharp images, that aren’t blurry when shooting at the max range of the 28x optical zoom.
You are also able to record videos with a resolution of 720p. You are able to record sound and a video time of up to two hours can be recorded.
The auto-focus does work very smoothly. Even in low-light, the auto-focus does perform very well and is accurate. Where other point and shoot cameras often face problems, that the auto-focus doesn’t find the right spot, the CoolPix L340 is spot on most of the time.
That the auto-focus works well in low-light situations is an important part of this camera because it is very well suited for low-light in general. The ISO-performance is great and the noise doesn’t become very noticeable in low-light situations.
Sample Images of the Nikon CoolPix L340
Reviews
The CoolPix L340 is seen as a great improvement compared to previous CoolPix models.
When speaking about the image quality, the new camera model did a leap forward and does deliver a better image quality.
Of course, when using the L340 one main point is the performance of the optical zoom. While the zoom is not the best and there are other cameras out there that offer a higher range, the L340 has the best value for the zoom, considering that other cameras are way more expensive.
Another main point is the long durability of the AA batteries. You can take hundreds of images with one set of batteries and don’t have to worry too much about energy consumption.
This makes this camera very pleasant to use.
Recommendation
Are You looking for a DSLR type camera that has a great zoom and excellent image quality?
Then for a little over $200, You can get the CoolPix L340. It isn’t designed for heavy multimedia use and is a bit bulkier, but it does focus more on the image quality.
So if You don’t need those features, instead of investing in a point and shoot camera that offers features that You wouldn’t use anyway, with a purchase of this camera, You are investing in image quality directly.
Besides that, the feel of holding this camera can be more enjoyable than having a tiny point and shoot camera.
Check the current PriceSony DSCWX220
Overview
Small digital cameras have a difficult time to compete with smartphones. You have a small camera already integrated into Your mobile phone, so why should You go for an extra device at all?
The Sony DSCWX220 finds an impressive answer to this questions and does have a lot of strengths, where smartphone cameras are clearly lacking.
One strong note is the 18-megapixel sensor that especially in low-light performs very well. The ISO can be set up to a value of 12.800 and due to a special technology, the noise doesn’t become overwhelming.
In addition to the capabilities at night, the 10x optical zoom is a strong point that smartphones can’t compete with as well.
What does the Sony DSCWX220 more to offer?
Features
Sony is known for their incredibly advanced sensors. Not only are they able to integrate full-frame sensors in relatively small bodies like the Sony A7RIII, but they also take good care of their point and shoot camera category.
18 Megapixels aren’t anything outstanding anymore, but it is not only the quantity that is important but also the quality of the resolution. Here does Sony a very well job and the BIONZ X Engine does polish up the image quality a fair bit.
You are able to record in Full-HD with 60 frames per second, making the Sony DSCWX220 one of the best point and shoot cameras for video recording.
In addition, the camera does perform excellently in low-light. The noise reduction of the BIONZ X Engine works efficiently, without reducing the details of the picture too much. Whether You want to record a video or capture a still image at a bonfire, with the DSCWX220 You are able to keep those sweet moments in an excellent image.
The optical zoom ranges from 25 to 250mm compared to a full-frame camera and does cover all regular focal lengths.
To round it up, the DSCWX200 is able to connect via WiFi, does have a 360° panorama mode and different picture effects. The picture effects help You, to make the best out of certain pictures, whether You want to highlight specific colors in landscape or want to improve a simple portrait. The picture effects enhance every basic picture and make it easier to share a high-quality image without the need to use Photoshop.
Sample Images of the Sony DSCWX220
Reviews
A huge emphasize seems to lay on the low-light abilities of this compact Sony camera. Buyers have an eye on this camera for this specific reason. They compare the camera to alternatives from Canon like the ELPH 360 that has been shown before in this guide about point and shoot cameras for less than $200.
In this comparison, the Sony DSCWX220 does come out ahead. With little to no noise in low-light situations, it does do a lot better than the Canon rivals, which may perform well, but still produce a noticeable amount of noise.
The Sony camera does not only come out ahead in the picture department but also when it comes to the video function. Providing 60 frames per second with a resolution of 1080p is nothing a Canon point and shoot camera can deliver.
For casual photographers, the Sony DSCWX220 does work very well and seems to make most buyers happy, which results in a great review score overall.
Recommendation
Sony does produce excellent cameras and not only when it comes to high-end cameras with full-frame sensors, does Sony provide excellent quality, but also at the lower end of the budget do they know, what makes the photographer happy.
If You are looking for an all-around well-manufactured point and shoot camera that does excel at night, the DSCWX220 is an excellent pick.
It is perfect for traveling and enjoying the time at day, as well as during the night and You don’t need perfect light conditions or a travel tripod to create excellent images during the night.
Check the current PriceSony DSCWX350
Overview
The previously mentioned DSCWX220 does already a good job and is a great recommendation for a point and shoot camera that is available for under $200. But Sony does have a huge selection of cameras and therefore I also want to mention the Sony DSCWX350, which is a great camera as well and does top the 220 model in many ways.
However, the DSCWX350 is a little bit over the limit of $200, but I still think it is worth it to include.
The sensor is the same and does provide a resolution of 18 Megapixels. The low-light abilities are great as well and the main differences lie in the 20x optical zoom that is available now and the tracing focus.
Features
Mainly, the camera is a good improvement to the DSCWX220 and focused on specific areas to provide a better quality.
The lens has been remodeled and now does allow a 20x optical zoom. Using the optical zoom does allow You to get a lot closer to objects that are further away. For example, with a 20x optical zoom, You can do wildlife photography of birds or critters that are far away, without disturbing them. The focal length is the equivalent of 25 to 500mm and that means You can get a lot closer than with the DSCWX220. All the while, the aperture is still in good condition ranging from f/3,5 at the lower range to f/6,5 at the long end.
With a zoom that strong, You need some support to not shake the image and make it blurry. This is what the Optical SteadyShot Image stabilization is for. The image processor and the sensor work together, to achieve a sharp image with next to no noise and blur, even when fully zoomed in at 20x.
Like the DSCWX220, You can use the WiFi to connect the camera with Your Smartphone. You are able to transfer images very easily and the process is very smooth. In addition, You can also use Your Smartphone as a remote control for the Sony DSCWX350. There You can not only snap the pictures, but also set options for the aperture or shutter speed.
If You are photographing or recording in fast environments, for example at sports games, You will run into problems with the focus on a lot of cameras. To combat this problem, the DSCWX350 has a lock-on auto-focus function. The focus stays on the subject even though it is moving. Now You are able to trace the subject and have it in focus even though it does move a lot.
Sample Images of the Sony DSCWX350
Reviews
The Sony DSCWX350 is the successor of the DSCWX300 and therefore a lot of customers that had the previous camera were eyeing on the new point and shoot camera.
The DSCWX300 was received with mixed reviews. It was probably too ambitious for its time and had features, that were early in its development phase. The images were over-processed and didn’t look natural anymore.
After years of development and improvement, the DSCWX350 can be seen as the perfect advancement and does vanish all the failures that did make the DSCWX300 rather underwhelming.
Now, the camera is able to use its full potential and even when shooting at the 20x zoom range, the images come out very naturally and contain all the details that You are looking for.
The Auto-Focus does a very good job and even compared to entry-level DSLRs, the auto-focus is on-point for at least 90% of the pictures, which is a very impressive result in fast moving sports.
Recommendation
Sony does a decent job with their cameras and the DSCW350 is the successor of a camera that a very high potential, but didn’t succeed because its first iteration didn’t really seem finished.
After taking all the criticism, Sony did a very good job in turning this potential into an actual high-quality camera, which is the DSCW350 by far.
A very easy to use 20x zoom, great low-light performance and outstanding focus for fast-paced subjects makes this camera a great choice in a lot of situations.
So if You are looking for a generally great camera for a little over $200, the DSCWX350 is a good pick. If You are planning to shoot sports, or other fast-paced subjects, there is almost no alternative to this camera.
Check the current PriceSony DSCW830
Overview
Along the line of the previously mentioned Sony point and shoot cameras, the DSCW830 is probably the most popular one. On Amazon, the camera has more than 1.000 reviews that are very favorable and state, that the DSCW830 is a good pick. But why does this camera have such an outstanding reputation?
The first striking point in favor of this camera is the low price, which is far below $200. Nonetheless, Sony still decided to use a 20 Megapixels sensor and integrate a lens by Zeiss.
An 8x optical zoom, the SteadyShot image stabilizer and a video recording function with a resolution of 720p are still good enough characteristics for a camera that costs less than $200.
What does the DSCW830 have to offer furthermore?
Features
Like most Sony cameras, the DSCW830 does have a very powerful sensor. With a 20 megapixel sensor, You are able to capture images at a very high resolution. This allows You to make reasonable large prints with this camera.
If You aren’t confident in Your abilities as a photographer yet, You are able to crop a lot and try to eliminate unwanted details by choosing a more narrow frame.
For the DSCW830, Sony decided to employ a Zeiss lens. Zeiss is a long-term partner of Sony and known for a very high-quality assessment of lenses and optics in general. The 8x optical zoom may not be very impressive when compared to a 20x optical zoom, but it is still enough to get close to most subjects without having to worry, that You are missing them.
This small camera does also use the Optical SteadyShot Image Stabilization which helps You to keep the camera steady even using the 8x optical zoom to its fullest.
For recording videos, You can use a resolution of 720p at a frame rate of 30 frames per second. To upload the video, simply connect the camera to Your computer and share it directly to Youtube or any other video platform that You like to.
To illuminate the night, the DSCW830 does have a built-in flash. Sony claims that this flash is more efficient than most other flashes and You does reach a lot farther.
In addition, it does have a 360° panorama function, an intelligent auto mode, which sets the correct camera settings for You and even a rarity like a smile shutter technology. The smile shutter technology should recognize a smile and snap the picture on its own. This way, You are never missing a smile during a photo shoot.
Sample Images of the Sony DSCW830
Reviews
As already mentioned, there are a lot of reviews on Amazon about this camera and a lot of opinions that have been shared.
In general, the camera has been received very well. One thing that critics are mentioning though is, that the camera body is now made out of plastic and not metal anymore. This may lead to more fatal damage in case the camera is dropped.
Other than that, most reviews are mentioning big improvements that have been made. You can now charge the battery while the camera is plugged into Your computer and don’t have to use an external charger.
The quality of photos and even more specific areas like macro photography are very nice.
For traveling and if You want to have a powerful backup camera that takes a lot better images than Your Smartphone, the DSCW830 works very well for these customers.
Recommendation
The Sony DSCW830 is a very decent camera for a very low budget. Nonetheless, it is very capable of shooting great images and even nice videos in 720p.
If You are looking for an easy to use a camera that has an intelligent auto-mode and will let You take good quality images without having to “master” photography, then this camera is a suitable pick for You.
Priced at a little above $100, this point and shoot camera would be a great gift for anyone who just wants to get good images for a travel or at family gatherings.
Check the current PriceFujifilm FinePix XP120
Overview
Who is to say that point and shoot cameras only can be used over the water? When You are hiking or traveling, there are more than enough opportunities to capture the world below the water surface. Normally, cameras are not made for use under the water.
However, the Fujifilm FinePix XP120 is an exception and this camera has been manufactured specifically for use under the water. You can submerge this camera fully under water and it still does capture images fine. If You are snorkeling, or even diving, this camera can deliver pictures that are showing what is lying beneath the water surface.
A 16 Megapixel sensor does capture the images, a 5x optical zoom lets You get closer to fish that You may not want to get too close to and it is even shockproof above the sea level.
How do the pictures look like when taking pictures underwater?
Features
The Fujifilm FinePix XP120 has been built with the intention of taking pictures underwater. The camera can submerge to a depth of 20 meters without a problem. If You are diving, this is a very impressive depth and You won’t need another underwater camera as the FinePix XP120 is Your perfect device for photographs while diving.
Not only for diving can this camera be used, but it is a sturdy camera all around. It is shockproof from a height of around 1,75 meters which means that if You drop this camera while taking pictures, the camera should remain fine.
In addition, it is also dust-proof. So if You plan to travel and the weather is very rough to You, You shouldn’t risk one of Your expensive cameras, but rather equip a more inexpensive camera, where the damage is more easily replaceable.
The image quality is fine and the camera is even able to record videos at a resolution of 1080p with 60 frames per second.
To review the images, You can use the built-in WiFi and send the images directly to Your mobile phone, or computer.
Sample Images of the Fujifilm FinePix XP120
Reviews
The FinePix XP120 is best to use when taking images underwater. This is the main reason to buy the camera and it is interesting to see, that most customers regard the image very highly.
They mention that the camera is very well designed and will take pictures fine without taking any damage. To avoid any damage, the battery and memory card slot sit very tight and the camera reminds You to close the slots before submerging.
When taking pictures underwater, You don’t have the option to change batteries. Therefore it is important that the battery life is very sustainable. In the reviews, the buyers state that the battery life is more than enough for a snorkeling, or even diving trip and they were very satisfied with the camera.
On the critical side, You should make sure that the battery sits in the camera the right way. Most cameras are designed, that the battery does only fit in the correct orientation, but the FinePix XP120 doesn’t use a similar design and it can happen that You fit the battery the wrong direction and the camera won’t power on. Before submerging, make sure that the camera works.
Recommendation
Are You searching for a durable and sturdy camera that can take videos at 1080p and provides a decent image quality as well?
The FinePix XP120 is more than just a small camera that You can take on a hike. It is a very well designed camera for use in rough conditions. Whether You are conquering the desert or want to dive, this camera will provide the pictures of Your adventure.
Employing 16 Megapixels and a rather long-lasting battery, You are able to present interesting perspectives. Instead of risking Your valuable high-end equipment, why not take a simple backup camera that sure will withstand rough conditions?
Check the current PriceKodak PixPro FZ53
Overview
I want to finalize this roundup of point and shoot cameras for under $200 with a camera, that could have easily fit in a guide about cameras for under $100. If You think that cameras that are this inexpensive are just a toy for little kids, that can’t produce at least decent images, then You might think about this again after having a look at the Kodak PixPro FZ53.
That digital cameras can now be sold for less than $100 shows how advanced the technology already is. Even the most simple analog cameras would only come close to this price range.
The PixPro FZ53 has a 16 Megapixel sensor and a 5x optical zoom. In addition to taking more than decent images, this camera also allows You to record videos with a resolution of 720p.
Which other features do come with a camera, that is this inexpensive?
Features
The camera is very small and designed in a way that it does fit in every pocket. You don’t need to have an extra bag where You have to put the camera away, but You can simply put it in Your pockets. This makes this point and shoot camera great when You are traveling and just want to have a small device to take pictures in the city.
A 5x optical zoom is great and lets You use the full resolution during the zoom range. The lens is a basic 28mm wide-angle lens, which is a great choice and very versatile.
To record videos, the Kodak PixPro FZ53 has a dedicated video button. Simply press the button and You are recording video. No more fumbling in difficult settings to find the right menu to start Your video recording.
As an additional assistance, the camera is intelligent enough to find the optimal settings for the exposure. Furthermore, it comes with a face and blink detection. Never miss a perfect moment anymore because Your friend was blinking, trust the camera and You will get positive results.
Sample Images of the Kodak PixPro FZ53
Reviews
The camera has generally favorable reviews, although there are also a few critical points.
At first, You should be aware that a camera for less than $100 won’t deliver You images that come close to a professional gear. Some buyers are complaining that the images aren’t sharp enough and that the light has an enormous influence.
This should be obvious and if You want to use this camera in difficult light situations, it won’t work very well and there are other alternatives that are way better. Good lighting is a requirement for the PixPro FZ53 to work well.
Other buyers that are having realistic expectations are stating that the camera does what they ask for. It is very easy to use and a very inexpensive way to get some digital images, that are better than on most mobile phones.
Recommendation
Are You looking for a very inexpensive camera that You want to gift to Your little child or a friend for Christmas?
To be realistic, the image quality is not outstanding and the camera does need very good lighting to produce decent images, but for a price of less than $100, You get a digital camera that delivers 16 Megapixels and is able to record videos at 720p just fine.
The face detection makes it easier to find the perfect spot to take a portrait and therefore can be used while traveling and taking selfies as well.
This Kodak digital camera is definitely one of the most inexpensive ways to get Your hands on a decent point and shoot camera.
Check the current PriceLimitations of a Point and Shoot Camera for under $200
I am a huge fan of simple and inexpensive cameras. The technology is very far advanced already and the smallest cameras are able to produce a decent image. But to be fair, there are limitations when You are buying a camera at such a low price.
The camera won’t be the newest. I am fine with not buying the newest generation of technology. From a price-performance perspective, buying gear of the last generation is way better and once a new generation is introduced, the price falls very heavily.
However, the point and shoot cameras can easily be 5 years old and while still having decent technology, they might not be compatible with some of the modern standards.
When it comes to photography, almost all of the cameras need very optimal light conditions to produce good pictures. Inside buildings or at night, most cameras will have a difficult time producing decent images. The ISO cannot be amped up very much and the noise is in general very distracting.
If You are planning to use the cameras in these tough conditions often, then have a very close look if Your desired camera is able to produce good images in low light, or if You should invest a little more.
What to expect from a point and shoot camera for less than $200
I am very much convinced that these small cameras can produce very good images. At the same time, You should keep Your expectations realistically. As mentioned before, the cameras are good when shooting under very good light conditions. Anything else and the cameras will be able to produce rather average pictures.
On the other hand, the images will still be better than smartphone images at any time. Therefore, these cameras are ideal, if You want to have a very compact camera that is able to produce pictures from Your recent trip or that You want to gift to someone.
These cameras are also great to give to Your small child to let them gather first experiences in photography, without ruining potentially a very expensive camera.
Not all of the images will look great, but at any time, You will be able to save the moment and relive the emotions another day.
These are the memories that You will keep forever, even with a camera for less than $200.
With these realistic expectations, I wish You to have a great time and capture beautiful moments, that You are able to show to Your friends and family.
