GoPros, iPhones, DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, and loads of other expensive equipment. These fancy schmancy super high definition cameras are easy to come by these days. However, they can be difficult to use and often boast a ridiculous price tag. Thankfully, when it comes to everyday photography, there’s a more affordable alternative out there. To aid budget-conscious users, we’ve decided to look for the best point and shoot camera under 200 dollars.
This type of cameras emphasize usability and simplicity. Compact and lightweight, they sport many features that make taking quality photos easy, with minimal input from the user. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about buying exotic accessories like travel bags or tripods. Instead, these cameras come with everything you need right off the bat. That’s probably why they tend to sell so well, especially when compared to clunkier HD-enabled DSLRs or mirrorless cameras.
While some might argue that smartphone cameras can work just as well, point and shoot cameras offer better image quality. They usually work in all kinds of lighting conditions, come with better zoom lenses, and are user-friendly while also giving you more control over the final results. More importantly, there is plenty of choice on the market, so you can find options that won’t break the bank. In short – they can be a fun gadget to have around while traveling or at family events.
Is a point and shoot camera right for you?
If you don’t feel like dealing with settings, then yes. Professional photographers love their DSLRs, but they don’t always work for the average user. They require a lot of practice when you’re trying to get the gist of how they work and they’re also quite heavy to carry around, which can be a drag when traveling. True, the end result is spectacular when you get the settings right, but a point and shoot camera offers quality images with considerably less fuss. On the other hand, if you enjoy complete control over image quality, DSLRs or mirrorless cameras might work better for you.
Top 9 best point and shoot cameras under $200
With that out of the way, let’s get on with finding the best point and shoot camera under 200 dollars. We scoured the internet for days looking for options we were eager to test and review – and once they arrived at the door, some of them truly blew us away. Besides the price, we also considered versatility and features, to make sure our recommendations are as comprehensive as possible.
Product | Image | Details | Our Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CANON POWERSHOT ELPH 190 |  | Compact Digital Camera | ||
NIKON COOLPIX L340 (Refurbished) |  | DSLR-Capable Camera | ||
SONY DSCW830 |  | Compact and Affordable Camera | ||
CANON POWERSHOT ELPH 180 |  | 20MP Powershot Camera | ||
SONY W800/S |  | Entry-Level Camera | ||
ABERG BEST ABCAM 218 |  | Powerful and Cheap Camera | ||
LINNNZI WATERPROOF DIGITAL CAMERA |  | Underwater HD Camera for Kids | ||
KODAK PIXPRO FZ53 |  | 16MP Digital Camera | ||
FUJIFILM FinePix XP130 |  | Entry-Level Waterproof Camera |
How we settled on our ratings
When it comes to finding a reliable camera, we know that trust is paramount. That’s exactly why we wanted to take into account opinions from a wide range of users during the review process. As a result, we designed a rating system that combines our experience with general customer reviews to paint a more objective picture.
Personally, we spent countless hours playing with these cameras to see what they can do and how well they perform under all sorts of circumstances. Couple that with other expert reviews from across the Internet and we can guarantee that our ratings are honest as they come.
Your trust means everything to us, so don’t be shy to reach out in the comments and let us know about your personal experience with these products. Until then, let’s take a quick look at popular gadgets in order to find the best point and shoot camera under 200 dollars for you.
THE BEST POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA UNDER 200 DOLLARS: QUICK REVIEWS
CANON POWERSHOT ELPH 190
A small upgrade from its predecessor, the ELPH 180, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 is one of the finest super compact digital cameras around. It’s very stylish – it comes in a sweet shade of cobalt blue that we feel in love with immediately. Looks aside, this model boasts several vital upgrades from the previous version, including high definition video capability, a bigger LCD screen, and a superior optical zoom function.
Pros
Cons
Best of all, the ELPH 190 has a built-in Wi-Fi sensor. This means that you can share your videos and photos online with ease, directly from the camera. No more need to download the images to your computer or phone. Thanks to its great features, this is the best point and shoot camera under 200 dollars for users who want the great perks that come with a PowerShot bundle. You get accessories like a starter cleaning kit, protective case, spare battery, and more.
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
Excellent | Expensive |
NIKON COOLPIX L340 (REFURBISHED)
If you're lucky, you might be able to find a certified refurbished Nikon Coolpix L340 at your local camera store or Walmart Photo Centre. The brand-new version of this camera comes in at just above the cut-off price mark, but the certified refurbished ones are still as good as new.
As you might know, the L340 is one of Nikon’s flagship compact cameras. It has the look and feel of a regular DSLR, but without the need to tweak the settings every time you want to take a pic. From the minute we held it in our hands and turned it on we knew we stumbled upon something special. Its 20.2 MP count, incredible frame coverage, and 28x optical zoom left us baffled as to how so much quality could be packed into such a compact and sleek frame.
Pros
Cons
The L340 is worth checking out if you can find it on sale or if it's factory refurbished. From all the reviews we’ve read about this model, it's the ultimate choice in higher-end fuss-free cameras. We wouldn’t recommend it for a first-time buyer, but you should totally go for it if you already have some experience with photography.
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
High | Within Range |
SONY DSCW830
The DSCW830 is one of Sony’s many super compact cameras. It can even fit in most people’s pocket with minimal bulge. Weighing in at only 4.2 ounces and standing only 3.7 inches tall, this thing is extremely portable and very advanced for its size. Out of all the cameras we put to the test, this model was by far the most inconspicuous in terms of overall feel and handling.
Pros
Cons
We would recommend this model to anyone who needs a slim and portable camera that will last longer than bargain bin alternatives. However, we found a few negative reviews online, criticizing its lackluster optical zoom. If that feature isn’t high on your priority list though, we guarantee you’ll enjoy using this one. It’s the best point and shoot camera under 200 dollars for everyday use.
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
Good | Within Range |
CANON POWERSHOT ELPH 180
The Canon ELPH 180 is one of many models in the PowerShot line-up. It is a super reliable gadget, and this is made evident by the fact that the PowerShot line has been enjoying a lot of success for decades now. With a 20.0 Megapixel (MP) sensor and a patented DIGIC 4+ Image Processor, you can rest assured that the photos will come out crisp time after time.
Pros
Cons
What we love most about this camera is that, depending on where you purchase it from, it comes with just about every accessory you might need to get the most out of your purchase. For example, it includes a traveling case, a substantial 32GB SanDisk SD card for excellent storage capacity, a cleaning kit, and charger dock. This is the ultimate budget camera if you need something basic and user-friendly.
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
Good | Average |
SONY W800/S
This small camera is one of Sony’s lower-end devices, which made the fact that it works flawlessly that much more surprising. The Sony W800/S is a practical entry-level camera that satisfies most casual users’ needs. While the specs can’t compete with some of the higher end Nikons or Canon on the market, the Sony W800/S is perfect for those who use their cameras only every now and then.
Pros
Cons
Despite its low price and limited specs, this Sony model has a lot of capabilities that even higher priced cameras lack. For example, it can record 720p HD video, has built-in Sony SteadyShot image stabilization sensor, and the interface is super easy to use. For this reason, we recommend the W800/S to those who want to save a few bucks. Not the best point and shoot camera under 200 dollars, but still solid.
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
Average | Affordable |
ABERG BEST ABCAM 218
- 【Take Record of Each Moment】With the help of AbergBest digital camera you can record every monumental moment in your...
- 【HD Digital Camera】The mini digital camera for kids are designed with 21 mega pixels and HD 720P resolution for...
- 【With LCD Screen】AbergBest kids digital cameras are designed with 2.7 inch TFT LCD screen, with which you can...
From AbergBest, the ABcam 218 is a surprisingly powerful compact device considering its ridiculously low price. For a phenomenal rate, you sure do get a lot, including a whopping 21MP lens sensor, a reliable lithium-ion battery, an anti-shake stabilizer, and a built-in face detector. If you ask us, that’s a lot of bang for your buck.
Pros
Cons
We strongly believe that this model from AbergBest is hands-down the best point and shoot camera under 200 dollars in terms of absolute dollar-to-quality value. You might want to invest in a higher-end model if you’re looking for extra features, but this camera is unbeatable at its price point. Entry-level users shouldn’t hesitate to give it a go.
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
Above Average | Affordable |
LINNNZI WATERPROOF DIGITAL CAMERA
The Linnnzi Waterproof Digital Camera is a budget model designed for kids. From the minute you pick it up in your hands, you know that this thing is as indestructible as it looks thanks to its rubber coating. The coating ensures it can survive a hit on the pavement and the waterproof feature makes it perfect to use around the pool.
Pros
Cons
The Linnnzi Waterproof Digital Camera may not be the best point and shoot camera under 200 dollars, but it’s a fantastic choice for kids who want to use it at the pool or at the beach to take dazzling underwater pictures. Or for families who travel a lot. It also makes for a great gift, so keep that in mind when the next holiday comes around.
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
Average | Just Right |
KODAK PIXPRO FZ53
The Kodak PIXPRO FZ53 is a great middle of the road option for casual users. We found it to be a bit too bulky to justify its price and the screen is too small for our liking. It also has a low megapixel count at only 16MP and only a 5x optical zoom, which puts it lower on our list of favorites.
Pros
Cons
We looked up other online reviews for the PIXPRO FZ53 and noticed that some users were complaining about the built-in software which causes crashes from time to time. Additionally, this model isn’t very durable so it breaks more easily than the other cameras on our list. However, the photos are crisp and bright, which makes it relatively satisfying.
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
Low | Too High for the Specs |
FUJIFILM FINEPIX XP130
The best thing about this Fujifilm model is its durability. Besides being waterproof, the camera is also freeze proof and shock proof, which makes it a great choice to use when travelling or in bad weather conditions. It’s obviously not a professional camera with its 16.4 MP BSI CMOS Sensor and 5x wide-angle optical zoom, but it’s a great gadget for no-fuss, everyday use.
Pros
Cons
Robust and great for underwater photos, the Fujifilm FinePix XP130 makes a fine choice for kids as well. It’s also excellent for beginners thanks to its “Burst Mode Button,” meant to ensure responsive, hassle-free shooting. All in all, the best point and shoot camera under 200 for adventure seekers – it can survive rafting trips, hikes, and snorkeling, making it a reliable travel companion.
Quality | Price | Our Rating |
|---|---|---|
Average | Just Right |
Buyer's Guide for the Best point and shoot camera under 200 dollars
There you have it – some of the most feature-packed (and praised) models currently available. Since this list can be a lot to take in, we decided to put together some quick tips to keep in mind when shopping for the best point and shoot camera under 200 dollars::
- If you’re going with this type of camera, compactness is key (<2 lbs. ideally)
- Megapixel (MP) count is less important than sensor size or lens quality
- For portraits and general photography, optical zoom is not a priority selling point
- Canon, Nikon, and Sony are the most reputable brands in the business
- Cameras with 720p HD video capability have been made redundant by most smartphones
Here's A Relevant Video From YouTube:
Last update on 2023-03-21 at 10:22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
