Home » Computers & Electronics

Best Portable Camera For Under $180

Ranked #8,339 in Computers & Electronics, #167,692 overall

The Best Portable Camera 2010 - Powershot V Cybershot V Panasonic

If you're looking for a portable camera there are lots of options to choose from. In this article, I've narrowed it down to three cameras to compare. All three are lightweight, slim and sleek so rate top for portability.

This article compares digital portable cameras in the $180 range. It looks at the Canon Powershot SD1200 IS, Sony Cybershot DSC-W180 and the Panasonic lumix DMC-FS7.

At first glance all these portable cameras are similar. They all have 10 megapixel sensors. They are all sleek, portable and look good. They all can be picked up for around $200 but what sets them apart from all the rest. Read on to find out.

Canon Powershot SD1200 IS

The powershot is my top choice of portable camera. It's very lightweight at 0.25 pounds, looks stylish and slimline, has all the features you could want on portable camera.

Normally this would be my top choice. However at the moment Amazon have an offer on the powershot on the next step up. Read the next review for details.
Canon PowerShot SD1200IS 10 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD (Dark Gray)

Canon PowerShot SD1200IS 10 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD (Dark Gray)

Amazon Price: $319.00 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now
List Price: $179.00

Portabilility The Canon SD1200 IS weighs in at 0.25 pounds (light and great for portability). Nice sleek smooth shape with rounded corners.
LCD screen is 2.5"
10.0-megapixel resolution - Meaning that you can print good quality large pictures
Optical Image Stabilizer Technology So any small involuntary movements you make when taking a picture will be minimized - keeping photos blur free.
3 x optical zoom So you can get a close picture even when you can't step any nearer to what you photographing.
Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings Great for novice photographers.
Also features:
Intelligent Contrast Correction, Red Eye Correction and a Face Detection Timer

Canon PowerShot SD780IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera

Currently on offer at Amazon at $169.00 reduced from $240.99. This makes an excellent choice of camera at an excellent price. Excellent reviews too.
Canon PowerShot SD780IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD (Black)

Canon PowerShot SD780IS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5-inch LCD (Black)

Amazon Price: $449.00 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

Portabilility The Canon SD780 IS also weighs in at 0.25 pounds.
LCD screen is 2.5"
12.1-megapixel resolution - Meaning that you can print good quality large pictures
HD movie shooting capability
Optical Image Stabilizer Technology So any small involuntary movements you make when taking a picture will be minimized - keeping photos blur free.
3 x optical zoom So you can get a close picture even when you can't step any nearer to what you photographing.
Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings Great for novice photographers.
Also features:
Intelligent Contrast Correction, Red Eye Correction and a Face Detection Timer

Sony Cybershot DSC-W180

Compared to the Canon Powershot, reviews on Amazon are not quite so good for the Sony Cybershot and its not quite as lightweight.

However its cheaper and has a slightly bigger LCD screen.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W180 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3x SteadyShot Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Silver)

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W180 10.1MP Digital Camera with 3x SteadyShot Stabilized Zoom and 2.7-inch LCD (Silver)

Amazon Price: $92.99 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

Portability This weighs 1.2 pounds. Heavier than the powershot
10.1-megapixel resolution Again good for larger prints.
3x optical zoom
2.7-inch LCD screen
SteadyShot image stabilization helps reduce blur

Also features smile shutter and face detection technology.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 10MP Digital Camera with 4x MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Black)

This Panasonic camera gives you excellent value for money. Its cheaper than the powershot and cybershot but has some excellent features such as 4x optical image zoom. There's only 16 reviews but they are all very good.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 10MP Digital Camera with 4x MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Black)

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 10MP Digital Camera with 4x MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Black)

Amazon Price: $147.72 (as of 05/28/2012)Buy Now

Portability Weighs just 4 ounces, heavier than the powershot but lighter than the cybershot.
10.1-megapixel resolution Captures enough detail for poster-size prints
4x MEGA optical image-stabilized zoom
2.7-inch LCD screen
Other features include Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent Scene Selector and Face Detection.

Feedback on the Best Portable Camera 2010

Show All

by

Lou1842

Hi my name is Louise and most of my articles are about toys for babies and children.

I spend most of my time with my lovely boys. I have a 8 month... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags