Best Digital Cameras Under $200 – Cheap Point & Shoot DSLR

We’ve got the best low light compact cameras, budget and even travel cameras.

Finding a compact camera under $200 is a difficult choice, because there are so many cheap DSLR cameras on the market in 2017. We’ve narrowed down the list of the best digital cameras under $200 to 9 fantastic items, and you won’t be disappointed. If you want a wide angle lens, a waterproof model or even something more like a bridge camera we’ve got you covered.

Below Are The Best Digital Cameras Under $200

Picture	Model	Megapixels	Price	Our Rating
	Samsung WB350F	16.3	$$	5
	Canon PowerShot SX410 IS	20.0	$$	4.98
	Fujifilm Instax Mini 90	Film Camera	$$	4.97
	Nikon Coolpix S7000	16.0	$$	4.95
	Nikon COOLPIX S33	13.2	$$	4.92
	Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX220	18.2	$$	4.90
	Canon 0111C001 PowerShot SX610	20.2	$$	4.88
	Canon PowerShot ELPH 360	20.2	$$	4.85
	Polaroid Snap Touch	13.0	$$	4.80

1. Samsung WB350F – 16.3MP 21X Optical Zoom

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We kick off the list of the best digital cameras under $200 with the Samsung WB350F, a clean little machine with a pretty big range of capabilities. The capture resolution is 16.3 megapixels, and the 23 – 483 mm lens has a built-in 21 times optical zoom to take those distance shots. If that still isn’t enough, the WB350F also has a further 5 times digital zoom, so if you really need to focus in on a small subject you can always extend your frame a little more. The ISO range for changes in lighting is between 80 – 3200, so dark lighting conditions should be easy to take shots in too, but there is also a flash built in to the body of the camera if the ISO settings start to struggle. The connectivity of this camera is probably one of the more special things about the software, as it operates with both Wi-Fi and NFC, and has a convenient social media upload option to get those photos to your friends in no time at all. Some of the other connection options include email directly from the camera itself, direct link, mobile link, photo beam, a remote viewfinder, and a PC auto backup that you can turn on to make sure you never lose your photographs again. We almost forgot to mention that this model can take footage in high definition – that’s right, this tiny point and shoot camera can record in 1080p, and that’s remarkable. You will need to purchase a microSD card for memory storage, as this package does not include one. The last thing to mention is that there is a limited 1-year 2017 manufacturer’s warranty that covers you for any potential factory faults available from Amazon today.

Why we liked it – HD video recording in a camera this size is great, and the extra sharing features for email and social media truly make this a 21st century camera.

2. Canon PowerShot SX410 IS

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A little larger than a pocket camera, the Canon PowerShot SX410 IS is a 20.0-megapixel monster that runs on the Canon DIGIC 4+ Image Processor. This camera takes great pictures with super-fast processing, so you can get more frames per second. Speaking of FPS, the SX410 IS has an economy mode that allows the camera to conserve energy, thus giving you more time to set up a shot without worrying about the battery running out. The lens on this model is quite special as it is a 24 mm wide angle lens, with an impressive 40 times optical zoom up to 960 mm, with an extra 4 times digital zoom. And if you’re thinking that you couldn’t possibly get the focus right at this range, never fear: this camera has so many autofocus options, all of which operate around a 9-point system. Some examples of the Canon’s autofocus options include face recognition, continuous mode, live view, multi area and contrast detector. If you want to try out the focus yourself there is also a manual ring that you can use, but we’d leave that for the pros! In terms of the lighting management, the ISO range on this Canon is between 100 – 1600, which will be suitable for most conditions. One down side that we picked up was that product doesn’t record in 1080p HD, which was just a little bit of a let-down, but with all the other features we think it’s not a bad sacrifice to have 720p video recording and really stunning still photographs. The digital viewfinder is a Canon 3-inch LCD screen that has about 230,000 dots of resolution for crisp image viewing.

Why we liked it – this Canon camera has a very, very big optical zoom for a point and shoot – up to 40 times the original focal length! The 24mm wide angle lens makes this the perfect camera to take on a 2017 holiday to capture breath-taking vistas.

3. Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film

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This one might come across as a camera for hipsters, but don’t recoil from it just yet. The Fujifilm Instamax Mini 90 Neo Classic is an instant film camera that can make going out on the town an absolute blast. It also might just be the easiest point and shoot to use, because it automates not only the focus, but the flash, contrast and shutter speed to make sure that every photo is optimal. There are some novel features that come along with this model such as a double exposure mode that can take two photos to print on a single film sheet, simply by pressing the shutter down twice. Another fun mode is bulb mode, where you can create a prolonged exposure shot to capture passing traffic or a shooting star, and have light trails across your photo. This is done by keeping the shutter button down for 10 seconds, and it couldn’t be easier. If you like to get close up to your subjects there is an optional macro mode which works between 30 – 60 cm, and this is great for when you find those perfect flowers on the roadside or want to hone in on the drops of water sliding down your wine glass at sunset. Another useful mode for the more active photographer is “kids mode,” which has a fast shutter speed to frame a moving image quickly, before it starts to blur. This is perfect for taking shots of live sports, pets and other animals. The aesthetic of this camera also couldn’t be more retro, which we simply love. Your purchase comes with a 1-year coverage for parts and labour, in case anything might arrive in poor condition.

Why we liked it – this camera looks great and performs like a dream. The different mode settings are creative and allow for unique photographs, and this is what it’s all about.

4. Nikon Coolpix S7000 16 MP 20x Optical Zoom

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The next camera on our list is the Nikon Coolpix S7000, which is a 16-megapixel point and shoot with full HD video capability. The lens on this model is a 25mm, which can extend to 500mm due to a good 20 times optical zoom. If you need to reach a very far shot, this zoom can basically be doubled to 40 times with the dynamic fine zoom technology, and the focus performs all the way through both the Nikon’s optical and digital zoom because it has an intelligent autofocus with target finding. The scene mode selection in the Nikon includes 18 unique settings, including macro mode with an exceptionally short focus range at 1 cm, for those extreme close-ups. The battery life is quite decent, and it can last for about 180 photos if used economically. To share and move your photos around there is Wi-Fi and Near Field Communication that make file transfers to a smartphone as easy as ever, and will help you to free up space on your memory card. With the 2017 version of the Nikon, you can even share your photos with friends this way instead of forgetting to lend them your flash drive with your holiday photos on them. This package includes a rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, one USB cable for the USB 2.0 port, a strap to keep the camera safely on your body and an AC adaptor for the charger. You also get one-year warranty coverage for the parts and labour should anything arrive in bad condition.

Why we liked it – the dynamic fine zoom Nikon tech on this camera effectively doubles its possible focal range, which for a lens this size is very exciting. This camera also has a macro mode which has just a 1 centimetre focal length, which will encourage you to get very close to nature.

5. Nikon COOLPIX S33 Waterproof Digital Camera

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As the only waterproof item on our 2017 review list, the Nikon COOLPIX S33 is a good choice for those who like to visit the beach or go out for walks in the rain. The S33 is waterproof for up to 32 feet (9.75 metres) deep, shockproof up to 5 feet (1.5 metres) and it resists freezing at temperatures as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-10 degrees Celcius). The lens is a 3x wide angle Nikon NIKKOR zoom lens, with a further 4 times digital zoom. The CMOS sensor is 13.2 megapixels, with a 30 – 90 mm focal range – this might sound a little shy compared to the other items on our list, but you can be sure that this focal range is perfect for underwater photography (it actually clocks out at around 4000 pixels on the horizontal line, which is still perfectly good for holiday style photography in 2017). The usability of the interface is also geared for underwater use, having over sized buttons and very easy to read menus on the 2.7 inch display screen. The package includes a USB cable, an AC adapter, a rechargeable battery, a strap and a cleaning brush. You can use this cleaning brush to get all the sand or grime out of the seams on your camera once you’ve hit dry land again. If you know a friend who likes to go diving or snorkeling from time to time, this could be an amazing gift idea – or you could always treat yourself!

Why we liked it – being able to take a good quality camera with you when you’re exploring subterranean worlds is something that no other piece on this list can do. We love the fact that it is waterproof, as well as shock and temperature resistant. This is one tough little contraption.

6. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX220

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We simply couldn’t leave Sony off of our list, so in sixth place we find the Cyber-shot DSC-WX220. This camera has a decent 18.2 megapixel Exmor R CMOS sensor, with a BIONZ processing engine that reduces the noise of your photographs and enhances the amount of detail that comes through. The sensor and processor together provide high resolution images, and the sensor in particular is great at managing low light conditions. The lens has a 10 times optical zoom as well as a 20 times clear image digital zoom, which gives the focal length a range of 25-250mm. The video recording on this device is fantastically smooth, because it retains a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, and 60 frames per second. When it comes time to take your photos off the device you can either use the included USB 2.0 port, or transfer wirelessly to smartphones or PCs using the Wi-Fi and NFC 3 capture option. The entire size of the camera measures 8.6 x 7.1 x 5.1 inches – small enough to fit into any pocket or purse you might need it to.

Why we liked it – the BIONZ processing engine makes this camera shoot quickly and effectively, and we like the fact that it reduces the noise on the image quite significantly. You’ll get nice quality photos at a high resolution for a great price too!

7. Canon 0111C001 PowerShot SX610

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We return to Canon once again with another PowerShot, this time the SX610, which has a large 20.2 megapixel CMOS sensor that is tuned for high sensitivity. Together with the DIGIC 4+ internal processing unit this camera will leave you with crystal clear HD photos and movies. The zoom option on the SX610 is quite notable, at 18 times optical and a further 4 times digital (25–450mm). The LCD viewing screen is another special part of this camera, as it has a resolution of 922,000 dots to give you the best live view of your frame before you hit the shutter button. If you’re intending to take a lot of video this would be the perfect camera because not only does it record in 1920 x 1080 high definition, it also has a dedicated movie button that makes filming as easy as pie. The sharing and storage capabilities are up to the standard of the other items on our list too, having integrated Wi-Fi and NFC to allow the camera to connect to cell phones and other wireless devices to offload content. The ISO range of the sensor is between 80 and 3200 to cover just about most natural lighting, and if that doesn’t suit your purposes there is a flash that has various modes such as automatic, red-eye reduction and slow synchronization. The whole package includes a battery and charger, as well as a wrist strap. A limited warranty of 1 year is also provided to keep your mind at ease.

Why we liked it – a large megapixel CMOS sensor gives you better images, so the PowerShot SX610 stands out as a contender for the best possible image quality. The HD video capabilities and the dedicated movie button are also a nice touch for the more cinematically inclined customers.

8. Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS 12x Optical Zoom

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Another good find in the PowerShot range is the ELPH 360 HS, which is a 20.2 megapixel compact with very fast processing speed and top image quality thanks to its DIGIC 4+ image processor. This camera is great for beginners because it has everything you want and need – high resolution photos and HD 1920 x 1080 video recording, autofcocus and an optical zoom of up to 12 times. The zoom is also optically stabilised, which means that even at 100% you will not get a blurred picture. That takes the pressure off the photographer somewhat, and allows you to enjoy learning how to use the camera without too much frustration. If you’re looking for a camera that is at the higher range of performance for budget cameras you will not be disappointed by a PowerShot! It has an ISO range of 100 – 1600 which is a little low in comparison to the other items on our list, but it will work very well for daytime photography with no problems at all. There is a one year manufacturing warranty on the ELPH 360 from 2017 going forward.

Why we liked it – from our review, this would be the best starter camera in our opinion – it has a large sensor and good processing tech, and it also has some good user interface features that make it a pleasure to use.

9. Polaroid Snap Touch Instant Print

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Finally we have the polaroid Snap Touch Instant Print, which has a slim body for all the features it’s packed with. This camera is a good choice for the fun loving photographer, and teens would certainly get a massive kick out of playing around with this one. The technical side to the camera is deceptively simple: it has a 13-megapixel sensor, but it has the features of footage recording in full 1080p HD, almost as good as the Sony. Not only that, but you can edit your photos once you’ve taken them – that’s right, you can actually add filters, borders, text, emojis and other effects to your photos right before you print them. On the interface side of things, the LCD viewing screen is larger than most at a size of 3.5 inches, and you have the option to link up to your smart phone or iPhone via Bluetooth to an app. The printing technology is no less surprising, because it integrates Polariod Zink Zero which doesn’t use ink or toner! All you need is some adhesive backed paper and you can print vibrant custom images. This camera comes in a variety of fun colours too, such as blue, pink, purple, red and black. Available on Amazon, this purchase includes a microUSB cable for charging, a wrist strap to keep the camera safe while you’re on the move, and a 10-pack of adhesive paper for printing. Bear in mind that you will likely need to purchase more paper rather soon after getting the camera if you want to print several copies of a single photograph.

Why we liked it – the ability to edit on the fly, add in your own text and emojis has got to make this the best camera for millennials, well, ever. You can create your own memes at the touch of the shutter, and just add the text afterwards!

Guide to buying the best camera under $200

With so many mind-blowing options these days, it can be difficult to buy the right camera for your needs. Below we’ve outlined the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about point and shoot cameras, just for your convenience!

What is a point and shoot camera?

In essence a point and shoot camera is a smaller, non-professional camera that you would use for quick, memorable shots. They are also known as compact cameras or pocket cameras because of their size. Point and shoot cameras are great for taking on holiday or road trips because they weigh next to nothing and they can still give you a very nice album of memories once your holiday is over. The one down side to using a point and shoot is that there are usually not many settings that you can alter – you may be able to change the scene and switch between various pre-set modes, but other than that the focus, exposure and contrast are all automatically performed by the camera’s software itself. This is actually a plus for most of us, because having to learn professional photography just to take some simple travel photos would likely be a tall order.

Another main type of camera that people use is the bridge camera: – these are the cameras that “bridge” the divide – hence their name – between plain compact digital cameras and SLR/DSLR cameras. They are almost exclusively digital cameras, but they are designed with a single large lens and look quite like their “older siblings,” the SLR variants. The major benefits of the bridge camera are that it is likely to have a very large zoom, and a large CMOS sensor to take high resolution photos. Bridge cameras also usually have a live view of the final photograph, which the more advanced cameras do not. That allows you to see exactly what your photo will look like in real time, and adjust your settings accordingly.

 

Why do some cameras have WiFi?

Some cameras will have a Wi-Fi connection so that you can port your photos over to social media or external storage without having to get home and plug the camera in to a computer. This saves a ton of time and it also allows you to share moments as they happen – in real time. Some cameras can also be operated by smartphone apps, in which case they need to be connected to the phone by either Bluetooth or Wi-Fi with Near Field Communication (NFC). This camera feature is rather new, but is becoming increasingly popular in the best budget compact cameras.

Can great photos be taken with a cheap camera?

The short answer is yes, of course they can. While you may not have the same image size or massive zoom of a DSLR with an expensive lens, you can still make up for this in creativity and patience. Taking photos is not only about having good equipment, it’s about having a good eye for framing and capturing moments as they unfold. Personal preference also plays a huge role in whether others enjoy your photography, because some may like still life photos (think apples, vases, doorways) where others will prefer dynamic environments like busy city streets, or natural environments with wildlife. What you need to focus on is your personal interest – whatever makes you want to push that shutter and capture that moment is all that matters.

 

If you want to be doing stock photography, however, the story is quite different. Stock photographers usually try to make money from their content, so they have to make sure that they obey a client’s wishes and have top quality photos. They will spend hours setting up backdrops, lighting, makeup and wardrobe for models, and all of the nitty-gritty details that go along with production work. Unless you’re aiming to make money from your photography, you can be as creative and adventurous as you like with your photos.

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