Point and shoot cameras are very popular devices that do the job well. They aren’t as good as their superior brothers, the DSLR’s, but are very simple to use. They come with several new features these days, such as Image Stabilization and lenses capable of incredible optical zoom, making them quite competent in the market.
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These cameras are perfect for amateurs who want to take pictures on a holiday, without the hassle of unnecessary complexity that comes with a DSLR. So, what are some of the best point and shoot cameras under $200? Here is a comprehensive review covering a few of the top brands.
Top Rated Pocket Camera to Buy
Canon PowerShot A2500 Review
The Canon PowerShot A2500 employs a 16 Megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with a DIGIC 4 image processor that allows for sharp, well-illuminated photos to be captured. The 5x Optical Zoom with a 28mm Wide-Angle provides for decent range coverage, although it isn’t the best that is available. At 4.8 ounces, it is one of the lightest cameras on the market, making it very handy to use.
It sports a silver accent at the front which sets it apart from its predecessors. The body has a matte finish, giving it a premium touch. You will barely ever run out of juice because the camera is equipped with an ECO Mode, which minimizes power consumption. Recording video in 720p HD has never been easier with a dedicated button for the same.
It has a 3-inch LCD screen that is standard issue and records at 30 frames per second. Digital Image Stabilization ensures fast-moving objects are captured without motion blur. It doesn’t have an Optical Image Stabilization feature though. The Smart AUTO feature automatically selects the right camera settings based on 32 shooting situations, and the camera also comes with a help button, making the A2500 ideal for beginners.
Top Rated Superzoom Camera to Buy
Nikon COOLPIX L840 Digital Camera Review
The Nikon COOLPIX L840 Digital Camera has a 16 Megapixel CCD sensor that captures detailed images with vivid colors. It is a rather bulky device, weighing 15.04 ounces. It’s not convenient to carry it in your pocket. However, the chunky grip has a great feel and makes it hard to drop.
It doesn’t allow you to change settings like ISO and you will predominantly be shooting in Auto Mode, which automatically selects the proper settings out of 16 Scene Modes. This is made up for by the massive 38x Optical Zoom, resulting in an overall 76x Dynamic Fine Zoom.
Practically nothing is out of reach with this phenomenal lens. It records videos in 720p HD at 30 frames per second and has a 3-inch LCD screen. The camera comes with 4 alkaline batteries that power it. These are not rechargeable. It comes with a camera strap included.
Best Digital Camera for the Money
Fujifilm FinePix S8600 Review
The Fujifilm FinePix S8600 also has a 16 Megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor which is adept at taking crisp images in well-lit environments. The camera is the best in class when it comes to taking blur-free images because it is one of the few point and shoot cameras under $200 that has Optical Image Stabilization. Weighing 15.8 ounces, it is slightly on the heavier side.
The S8600 sports a FUJINON lens with an incredible 36x optical zoom that has a 20-900mm equivalent allowing for highly versatile pictures to be captured, from a wide-angle scene to a focused long-distance shot. The large lens fits neatly into the compact body due to a 3-step collapsible lens technology developed by Fujifilm. The camera has a standard 3-inch LCD screen and records videos at 720p HD, at 30 frames per second.
The Super Macro Mode allows a subject to be 1mm away from the lens, and still give a stunning shot, making it one of the best point and shoot cameras under $200. Moreover, it has Face Tracking Auto Focus which allows it to keep track and focus on up to 10 moving subjects at the same time. Built-in filters help modify the image, so it looks exactly like you want. It is powered by 3 alkaline AA batteries that are not rechargeable.
Best Bridge Camera to Buy
Sony Cybershot H200 Review
The Sony Cybershot H200 comes with a powerful 20.1 Megapixel sensor that takes amazing shots that are detailed and sharp. The camera records videos at 720p HD at 30 frames per second and sports a generic 3-inch LCD screen.
The lens is capable of a good 26x optical zoom that allows you to capture images at far off distances with ease. It the heaviest camera in the list, weighing 18.72 ounces. The H200 comes with Sony’s cutting-edge Optical SteadyShot image stabilization that minimizes motion blur. The camera also has a Sweep Panorama mode. It runs on 4 alkaline AA batteries.
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