Digital Cameras Under $200

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All You Need to Find an Affordable Camera

Bookmark and Share Many of us want the convenience that a compact digital camera offers; a device small enough to fit in a pocket, simplicity that doesn't require a life study of photography to get the right exposure and focus, and the lens and sensor to get the clarity and color accuracy others will admire.

On the other hand, many of us are on a budget and wrongly assume we can't get a camera with the qualities we want. Learn about some great affordable camera options on this page that won't break your budget. find out what to look for and which digital cameras under $200 will best meet your needs.

What Features Do the Best Digital Cameras Under $200 Have? 

Whether you're shopping for a digital camera under $200 or a more expensive one, there are some critical features you should consider.

  • The number of megapixels you need depends on how you will use your digital camera. Five megapixels is plenty for making average sized prints and 8 is enough for even oversized prints like small posters.

  • A 1/2.5" CCD sensor or larger.

  • A good lens. A Leica, Carl Zeiss or other well regarded lens can help assure good photos.

  • Optical zoom. Zoom allows you to get up close even though you can't step in closer. Digital zoom can degrade the quality of an image if the print is larger than 4x6; thus optical zoom is preferred.

  • Optical image stabilization. A common problem for amateurs is keeping the camera steady for a blur free shot. Optical image stabilization can help to elminate the effects of these small unintended movements.

  • Automated features. If you want simplicity you want auto focus, face detection, and multiple shooting modes to help you get the right exposure and shutter speed for the conditions and all with the push of a single button. Having a night mode for low light shots and a macro mode for up close shots are recommended if you plan on using your camera in a variety of settings.

  • Manual controls. If you want the ability to set your own shutter speed, exposure and so forth as you gain experience, be sure your camera will be able to grow with you and allow you to make such manual adjustments. If your aren't interested it doing things manually, this isn't important.

  • Video Capabilities. The ability to capture video may be unimportant to some, but for others the ability of their camera to double as a camcorder can be very attractive. The quality of the recording is generally inferior to that of a stand alone camcorder, but in some instances can be rather good.


  • If you will use your camera for group shots and landscapes you may want it to have a wide angle lens so that you can get everything in the picture without difficulty. A camera that can accept add on lenses is a plus if you will be shooting in a variety of situations.

  • Canon PowerShot A590IS 

    My first pick for digital cameras under $200 would be the Canon PowerShot A590 IS. It's a feature packed option at an economy price. This camera offers an 8 megapixel, 1/2.5 inch sensor to capture the detail that you want. It also provides 4x optical zoom for getting up close and optical image stabilization to avoid blurriness due to camera shake. It's 2.5" LCD screen allows the user to easily frame and review pictures. Enhanced face detection assures realistic skin tones and it's motion detection technology also improves the clarity of images.

    This affordable camera also features red eye reduction, auto focus as well as the option to manually focus for those who want more control, and numerous shooting modes to assure just the right shutter speed and exposure. Movie, landscape, portrait, night, indoor, snow, beach, fireworks and other modes are among the options.

    The A590 IS offers 3264x2448 resolution and 640x480 video resolution with audio. It comes with 32 MB of internal memory and is compatible with almost any type of removable memory to assure you can keep on shooting without having to stop for downloading. The A590 IS offers easy printing and operates off of 2 AA batteries so that keeping it powered up is simple. For those who want to shoot in a variety of situations, this digital camera can even accept add on wide angle and telephoto lenses.

    Canon PowerShot A590IS Review 

    Canon PowerShot A590 IS Digital Camera

    Go to http://tiger.tv/more_info/?692 for your very own. The PowerShot A590 IS will astound you with its power-packed performance and impressive value. It's got 8.0-megapixels, a 4x optical zoom, an Optical Image Stabilizer and a large 2.5-inch LCD. A range of shooting modes - from manual to automatic including Canon's new Easy Mode - make picture-taking carefree. A DIGIC III Image Processor with Enhanced Canon Face Detection assures natural-looking results, while Motion Detection Technology reduces blur.

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    Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ4 

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ4K 8.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Black)

    Amazon Price: $189.95 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

    The Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ4 is another of the affordable digital cameras under $200 which offers a very strong performance. This digital camera is capable of creating prints as large as 16x22 with it's 8.1 megapixel sensor and 28mm wide angle Leica DC lens with 10x optical zoom.

    For those who don't wish to mess with controls, this camera offers some great features including, face detection to assure optimal focus, red eye correction, Intelligent Exposure for avoiding over or under exposure, Intellitent ISO which detects movement and compensates to produce a clear image, and Mega O.I.S to compensate for untintentional camera movement.

    It's continuous AF also reduces the time it takes the camera to focus once the shutter button is depressed to assure you get the shot you want. A variety of shooting modes also assures the right exposure and shutter speed for the best results.

    The TZ4 also records some pretty nice looking video with 1920x1080 high definition recording.

    This camera also features a 2.5" LCD and records images to SD/MMC cards.

    Panasonic Lumix DMC TZ4 Review 

    Panasonic DMC-TZ4 Lumix 8 Megapixel Digital Camera

    LEICA 28mm Wide-Angle Lens with 10x Optical Zoom Big, Bright 2.5" LCD with Intelligent LCD Function. Now you can fit sweeping landscapes into a single frame with the 28mm wide-angle setting. Pull in subjects from far away to capture even subtle facial expressions with the dynamic 280mm telephoto setting.

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    You can also check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ8 which we highlighted at Digital Cameras Under $100. It's price on sale is under $100 but otherwise around $120. It's a great little camera!

    Canon PowerShot SD1100IS 

    Next on my list of digital cameras under $200 is the Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS. It's an eye catching device too! It comes in 5 colors: blue, pink, silver, brown, or gold. With it's 8 megapixel 1/2.5" sensor, it captures images with great detail. It also offers 3x optical (and 4x digital) zoom for getting up close as well as various flash modes such as daylight, cloudy, fluorescent, and others to assure lighting is just right.

    The SD1100 IS also features red eye reduction and shooting modes such as movie, sunset, portrait, night, underwater, snow, beach, fireworks, digital macro and more for those who take shots in a variety of situations.

    With it's USB 2.0 interface transferring images is fast and easy. This digital camera also offers a bright 2.5" LCD and 32MB of internal memory. Storage is easily expandable however using nearly any type of removable media. This camera comes with a long lasting lithium ion battery.

    Canon PowerShot SD1100IS Review 

    Canon SD1100 IS

    Digitalcamerainfo.com previews the Canon SD1100 IS, launched at PMA 2008.

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    Panasonic Lumix DMC FS20 

    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20S 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle MEGA Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (Silver)

    Amazon Price: (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

    The Panasonic Lumix DMC FS20 is a solid performer. This affordable camera offers crisp detailed images even near poster size with it's 10 megapixel sensor. It also provides a very respectable 4x optical zoom and a very good 30mm wide angle Leica DC lens.

    It features a large 3" LCD screen, face detection, and Panasonic's Intelligent ISO/Scene Selector which detects movement within a scene and automatically adjusts the ISO and shutter speed to assure optimal clarity. Red eye reduction and built-in flash are of course included as well.

    This is also a pretty quick little camera with "quick auto focus" and minimal shutter lag. It allows the photographer to take shots in more rapid succession.

    This FS20 also allows basic video recording with 640x480 resolution at 30 fps. With 50 MB built-in memory and the ability to accept SD/MMC memory cards, users can spend far more time shooting pictures than downloading them.

    Panasonic Lumix DMC FS20 Review 

    Panasonic DMC-FS20 10MP Digital Camera

    Simply set the 10.1 megapixel DMC-FS20 to iA mode and let the four Intelligent Auto functions team up to help prevent shooting errors. Intelligent Scene Selector chooses the mode that best fits the situation; MEGA Optical Image Stabilization (O.I.S.) helps prevent blurring from hand-shake; Intelligent ISO Control helps prevent motion blur; and Face Detection helps produce clear portraits by optimizing the focus and exposure settings.

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    Canon Powershot A2000 IS 

    Canon Powershot A2000IS 10MP Digital Camera with 6x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Amazon Price: $161.95 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

    The Powershot A2000 IS gives users a simple tool for creating clear, sharp images every time. It offers a 10 megapixel sensor that lets you create quality images even in extra large prints. It features a 6x optical image stabilized zoom (and 4x digital zoom) to counteract the effects of inadvertent hand shake and to assure you can get up close shots even when you can't step nearer.

    This is a very simple to use digital camera under $200 that lets you print and share photos at the push of a button. It features a 3" inch LCD, motion detection and face detection technologies to assist in getting the focus you need, red eye correction and ISO 1600 and high ISO setting for clarity and good low light performance.

    Of course this camera will also capture 640x480 video clips at 30fps with great audio included. It features numerous scene modes to make the process of getting the perfect shot much more easy. On the other hand it also has a manual mode for those who want more control. It has a macro mode for those close-ups and continuous shot mode for when you want a rapid sequence of pictures.

    Canon Powershot A2000IS Review 

    Canon PowerShot A2000 IS Digital Camera

    Canon PowerShot A2000 IS Digital Camera is the latest triumph of the A Series. Inside its sleek, pared down design, this top-of-the-line PowerShot A2000 IS is packed with easy-to-use features. You've got a 10.0-megapixel resolution and a 6x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer for big, beautiful prints and superb stability. To keep subjects looking their best, the DIGIC III Image Processor with Canon Face Detection handles the technical details - automatically. An Easy Mode allows you to concentrate on your scene, while Easy Playback lets you screen your images on a super-sized 3.0-inch LCD.

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    Canon Powershot A570IS 

    Canon PowerShot A570IS 7.1MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom

    Amazon Price: $299.99 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

    The Canon PowerShot A570 IS offers ease for those who want simplicity but gives those who are more adventuresome the option of manually making adjustments. For the more experienced or creative photographers, manually adjusting shutter speed, aperture, ISO, and more, can make for a more perfect photo.

    This digital camera offers a 7.1 megapixel CCD sensor that can produce clear images up to 15x20". It offers ISO 1600 and High ISO Auto for reduced blurring and better low light shots. It's optical image stabilization significantly reduces any blurring due to camera shake and face detection and auto focus helps in getting the perfect shot. Red eye correction and a whole host of shooting modes make great pictures a simple as the press of a button.

    Shooting modes include portrait, landscape, night, indoor, kids & pets, movie mode, underwater, snow, beach, fireworks and more. Also for those seeking simplicity this camera offers an easy print/share button and operates off of AA batteries which can be picked up anytime at the local store.

    The A570 IS also produces some respectable video. Video can be recorded as VGA 640x480 or QVGA 320x240 at up to 30fps. Very impressive when you're looking at digital cameras under $200!

    Canon Powershot A570IS Review 

    Canon PowerShot A570 IS Digital Camera

    The A570 IS Digital Camera lets you capture life's special moments, even when the kids won't sit still or the light is less than ideal! 7.1 megapixels will give you plenty of data for capturing the nuances of every scene as well as cropping or enlarging prints! Technology like the on-board Optical Image Stabilizer keeps images crisp—even when using extreme zoom functions, and the powerful 4x optical zoom lens lets you zoom in hard and fast. No matter what kind of action, you'll be up close—and have the breathtaking pics to prove it! Interested in this product? click on link below to be directly connected to our product page. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-Details.asp?EdpNo=2952484&sku=C930-1304

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    Canon Powershot E1 

    Canon Powershot E1 10MP Digital Camera with 4x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom (White)

    Amazon Price: $173.00 (as of 07/06/2009)Buy Now

    The E1 is another option for those casual users who love simplicity. With 1 button printing, 17 shooting modes and 8 special scene modes, this camera is capable of making all of the adjustments needed to get the highest quality images regardless of the situation.

    Another digital camera under $200 it's also affordable. It features a 10 megapixel sensor for producing great looking images and prints of nearly any size. The 4x image stabilized zoom allows you to get those close up shots and avoid the blurriness that can occur due to those little unintended movements of your hand. It also features red eye correction, Face Detection technology, and a nice 2.5" LCD screen.

    Canon Powershot E1 Review 

    Canon PowerShot E1 Digital Camera

    First glance says it all: The PowerShot E1 and you are going to get along just great. After all, you love color that dares to surprise. And nothing delights you more than style that makes you smile. The PowerShot E1 goes everyplace you go...to parties, to the beach, far away and to fabulous times right around the corner. Every moment matters when you've got a camera that couldn't be more clever. Or cooler.

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    Best Digital Cameras Under $200: Did you find what you wanted? 

    Did you find the perfect digital camera under $200? If not, be sure to visit our home electronics store.

    CherylK wrote...

    As usual, you have done an exceptional job on a lens!

    I really, really, really wish you would do a series of lenses on the jargon in the camera manuals. I've tried to sit down with my camera and manual and figure it out but it's really like Greek to me. Bet I'm not the only one who'd love you for it!

    ReplyPosted May 07, 2009

    Rob_C wrote...

    Well done Mulberry. This is one of the best Squidoo lenses I have ever seen and I'd like to profile it on my Smojoe blog, which shares tips and tricks and insights into such things... I love your model. At Smojoe I tell audiences to 'build a bus and drive it' and that's certainly what you're doing here. I saw your link on Lensroll, the top of your funnel cloud, and now I'm going to buy a camera from you - it works!

    ReplyPosted May 07, 2009

    RichLeigh wrote...

    Nice lens you've got there! It can be difficult finding a suitable digital camera for under $200 but your lens certainly makes the matter far more simple! :)

    ReplyPosted October 08, 2008

    chefkeem wrote...

    I just love your detailed reviews. Great tips! 5*s and a hearty SquidAngel Blessing for your helpfulness!

    ReplyPosted October 07, 2008

     

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