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Point-And-Shoot Camera Under $200: Product Roundup & Buyer’s Guide

By Emily - Image Restoration Center
  • Last Updated: Apr 30, 2023
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Whether you’re a newbie who wants to start dabbling in photography or a seasoned pro looking for extra gear for travel and simpler shoots, a point-and-shoot camera is a great addition to any photographer’s kit. Point-and-shoot cameras are much easier to work with for beginners as well as lighter and easier to carry around than DSLRs. Even point-and-shoot cameras can get quite expensive, but if you’re on a budget, there are still several good options out there for you. While these point-and-shoot cameras might not necessarily have the best specs, they can still get the job done without breaking the bank. Read on for the best point-and-shoot cameras under 200 dollars!

The Best Point-And-Shoot Camera (2022) Under 200 Dollars

With technology constantly being developed, the best point-and-shoot camera in 2022 under $200 is vastly different from those in previous years. Features that used to be incredibly expensive are now more affordable, so you can expect good image quality without paying top dollar.
Here are our picks for the best point-and-shoot camera under $200:

Canon_PowerShot_ELPH_160
Canon PowerShot ELPH 160
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Nikon_Coolpix_S7000
Nikon Coolpix S7000
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Panasonic_LUMIX_DMC-TS30A_Tough_Waterproof_Digital_Camera
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS30A Tough Waterproof Digital Camera
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Fujifilm_Finepix_XP70_Digital_Camera
Fujifilm Finepix XP70 Digital Camera
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Sony_DSCW800_Compact_Camera
Sony DSCW800 Compact Camera
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Polaroid_iS048_Digital_Camera
Polaroid iS048 Digital Camera
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Fujifilm_Instax_Mini_LiPlay_Digital_Hybrid_Camera
Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Digital Hybrid Camera
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Canon_PowerShot_ELPH_160
Image Courtesy Of Amazon

Canon PowerShot ELPH 160

4
5/5
Canon cameras are among the most well-known camera brands out there, having been around since the 1930s.
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Canon cameras are among the most well-known camera brands out there, having been around since the 1930s. It has constantly churned out high-quality cameras and become the top choice for many photographers. Canon’s first digital camera launched the Canon PowerShot line. Since then, the brand has consistently released new and improved models, including the Canon PowerShot ELPH 160. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 is made to be light and portable, with a slim body that’s easy to carry around and whip out to capture moments on the go. There’s no need to worry about having to choose the correct mode as it comes with Smart AUTO, which lets the camera decide on the best settings for capturing a particular scene – no need to flip through the different scene modes, accidentally missing your shot. It’s also equipped with an 8x Optical Zoom lens that lets you capture sharp images, whether it’s a big group photo or a bird perched all the way up on the roof. You can also play around with different artistic and fun camera effects, such as fisheye and toy camera, without needing any extra lenses. If you’re looking for a particular scene mode, effect, or have any questions about the camera, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 comes with a dedicated help button that brings you directly to a menu of topics, from how to use and access the different camera features to helpful shooting advice.

Camera Specifications:

  • 20.0 MP 1/2.3-inch CCD image sensor
  • 8x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom
  • 1080i video recording (full HD) at 25fps
  • ISO sensitivity of 100-1600
  • 2.7-inch (4:3) TFT Color LCD with 230,000 dots and wide viewing angle

Canon PowerShot ELPH 160

4
5/5
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Canon_PowerShot_ELPH_160
Nikon_Coolpix_S7000

Nikon Coolpix S7000

4.3
4.9/5
Nikon is another of the world’s top camera brands, offering many top-of-the-line products that make them the preferred brand of many photographers.
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If you need a lightweight tripod to carry around with you while traveling, consider the Dolica Proline Tripod. It’s a reliable ball-head tripod weighing no more than four pounds, with a quality case that makes it even easier to carry around.

This inexpensive tripod also works great for indoor or outdoor photography. It has non-slip rubber feet that won’t scratch floors, and, for added stability outdoors, you can flip the rubber feet up to reveal metal spikes that secure the tripod in its spot.

Camera Specifications:

  • 16.0 MP 1/2.3in CMOS image sensor

  • 20x optical zoom

  • 1080i video recording (full HD video) at 60fps

  • Vibration Reduction

  • ISO sensitivity of 125-6400

  • 3-inch TFT LCD with 460,000 dots, anti-reflection coating, and 5-level brightness contrast

Nikon Coolpix S7000

4.3
4.9/5
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Nikon_Coolpix_S7000
Panasonic_LUMIX_DMC-TS30A_Tough_Waterproof_Digital_Camera

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS30A Tough Waterproof Digital Camera

4.3
4.9/5
The Panasonic LUMIX line is Panasonic’s line of digital cameras, which includes both basic digital cameras and DSLRs.
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The Panasonic LUMIX line is Panasonic’s line of digital cameras, which includes both basic digital cameras and DSLRs. One of its models is the DMC-TS, which is designed for rugged conditions – it is shockproof, dustproof, freezeproof, and waterproof. Wherever you go, you can take this tough pocket-sized camera with you and not worry about extreme conditions. This isn’t just a waterproof camera but an underwater camera as well, designed to take beautiful underwater shots. The Advanced Underwater Mode brings back the red tones that are often lost in underwater shots, resulting in gorgeous underwater photos. Other scene modes include Sports, Snow, Snorkeling, and Beach. The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS30A comes with the MEGA Optical Image Stabilization or O.I.S. that makes up for any shaky hand movements, which are inevitable in extreme or sports settings. No need to worry about taking an infinite string of blurry pictures – just keep clicking, and you’re sure to end up with plenty of good photos to choose from. A bonus feature that this Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS30A digital camera offers is its torch light. This light can brighten up murky low light underwater scenes or even just serve as a regular flashlight should you find yourself needing it.

Camera Specifications:

  • 16.0 MP 1/2.3in CMOS image sensor

  • 20x optical zoom

  • 1080i video recording (full HD video) at 60fps

  • Vibration Reduction

  • ISO sensitivity of 125-6400

  • 3-inch TFT LCD with 460,000 dots, anti-reflection coating, and 5-level brightness contrast

Panasonic LUMIX DMC-TS30A Tough Waterproof Digital Camera

4.3
4.9/5
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Panasonic_LUMIX_DMC-TS30A_Tough_Waterproof_Digital_Camera
Fujifilm_Finepix_XP70_Digital_Camera
4.2
4.9/5
Fujifilm is another well-established camera brand, so you can safely and surely place your bet on any of its products.
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Fujifilm is another well-established camera brand, so you can safely and surely place your bet on any of its products. One of its product lines built for adventure is the Fuji Finepix – this includes the XP70, a fun camera that will fit right in with all your other adventure gear. The Fuji Finepix XP70 is protected in four ways: it’s waterproof, shockproof, freezeproof, and dustproof. The camera also features a double-locked door that protects the battery and card slots, making it an effective underwater compact camera – there’s practically no way that the slots will accidentally open when the camera is submerged. As with most digital cameras, the XP70 features an LCD screen measuring 2.7 inches. It produces crisp images with 460,000 dots, so you can preview your pictures just fine. Several Advanced Filters or shooting modes are available – from toy camera to dynamic tone to partial color – and you can preview them on the display screen as you shoot. Of course, as an adventure camera, the XP70 comes with image stabilization to correct any unwanted camera shake. Wireless connectivity is also available, making it simple to get your photos into your phone or laptop for further processing and posting.

Camera Specifications:

  • 16.4 MP CMOS image sensor

  • 5x optical zoom

  • 1080i video recording (full HD) at 60fps

  • 2.7-inch screen with 460,000 dots

  • ISO sensitivity of 100-6400

  • Waterproof up to 33 feet deep

  • Shockproof from 5 feet high

  • Freezeproof to 14°F

  • Dustproof

Fujifilm Finepix XP70 Digital Camera

4.2
4.9/5
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Fujifilm_Finepix_XP70_Digital_Camera
Sony_DSCW800_Compact_Camera

Sony DSCW800 Compact Camera

4.1
4.9/5
Sony, one of the world’s leading electronics companies, is also known for its cameras with great build and image quality.
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Sony, one of the world’s leading electronics companies, is also known for its cameras with great build and image quality. Whether it’s a DSLR, basic digital camera, or a phone camera, Sony has it, and it’s constantly improving. The Sony DSCW800 Compact Camera has all the basic features you’d want in a budget camera: SteadyShot image stabilization, 5x optical zoom feature, and Picture Effect shooting modes that can give you fun pictures without the need for extra software. If you’re headed somewhere with a grand, sweeping view, you can easily capture it with the DSCW800’s sweep panorama mode. As you sweep the camera from one side to the other, the camera takes a series of frames that it then stitches together, creating a seamless panorama that shows off the gorgeous view. A dedicated video button makes it easy to quickly capture videos. The Sony DSCW800 can record footage in 720 HD — not quite full HD video, but it’s great for most basic video needs. The battery life should last you through 100 minutes of footage before needing a recharge, so no need to worry about the battery suddenly conking out mid-video.

Camera Specifications:

  • Super HAD CCD 20.1 MP image sensor
  • 5x optical zoom, up to 40x digital zoom
  • 720p video recording at 30fps
  • SteadyShot image stabilization
  • ISO sensitivity range of 100-3200
  • 2.7-inch (4:3) Clear Photo LCD screen with 230,000 dots

Sony DSCW800 Compact Camera

4.1
4.9/5
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Sony_DSCW800_Compact_Camera
Polaroid_iS048_Digital_Camera

Polaroid iS048 Digital Camera

3.7
4.9/5
Polaroid has become synonymous with its most famous product: instant film cameras.
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Polaroid has become synonymous with its most famous product: instant film cameras. Instant film cameras use self-developing film that lets you print a photo right after taking it. Shortly after it was introduced to the public, this novelty was a hit and particularly took off with teenagers and young adults. Going beyond instant film, Polaroid developed a compact camera that’s both durable and inexpensive. While it’s not meant to be a rugged and extreme adventure camera, the Polaroid digital camera is built to be water, shock, freeze, and dustproof. This makes it the perfect camera for kids and teenagers, as it’s tough enough to take any accidental tumbles. Not to mention, it’s easy on the pocket, should it get lost and need replacing. While this camera only has a fixed lens, it does have a 4x digital zoom that you can play with to frame your photos in different ways. Its image stabilization helps cancel out any shaky hand movements when shooting, and, with its 16-megapixel image sensor, it can take high-resolution photos as well as HD video. For low light settings, there’s a built-in flash to illuminate your subject and improve image quality. Underwater compact cameras typically do not come at this price point. But while this camera does come with several great features, it’s lacking in others. For one, it isn’t rechargeable and requires batteries, so make sure you have at least four AAA batteries with you – two to get the camera working, and an extra two just in case the other two run out mid-adventure. Make sure to get a micro SD card as well – this is not included in the package, and it’s necessary for saving your photos.

Camera Specifications:

  • 16 MP CMOS image sensor
  • 1x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom
  • 720p HD video
  • 2.4-inch LCD monitor
  • Waterproof up to 10 feet deep
  • Shockproof, freezeproof, dustproof
  • Requires 2 AAA batteries
  • Requires micro SD card

Polaroid iS048 Digital Camera

3.7
4.9/5
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Polaroid_iS048_Digital_Camera
Fujifilm_Instax_Mini_LiPlay_Digital_Hybrid_Camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Digital Hybrid Camera

4.6
4.9/5
Fujifilm has established itself so well in the instant film market that its instant film line, Instax, has become almost synonymous with the technology.
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Fujifilm has established itself so well in the instant film market that its instant film line, Instax, has become almost synonymous with the technology. Like Polaroids, Instax became a hit with the younger generation – it’s especially popular at parties, acting as instant souvenirs. The Instax Mini LiPlay, as a hybrid camera, caters to those who want photos to post online as well as those who prefer having printed photos. After all, there’s nothing like having a great candid moment immortalized in a print, and it’s something that digital photos can’t quite replicate. Still, it’s great to have the option to not print an unflattering photo – the hybrid digital nature of the Instax Mini LiPlay means you can choose which photos to print, saving ink and paper. The Instax Mini LiPlay is a very basic camera, with none of the usual camera settings such as manual focus, exposure, or white balance. With this, you literally just point and shoot. That said, there are plenty of fun features you can try out (e.g. filters), and you can add digital stickers to your pictures via the companion app before printing. The image sensor of the Instax Mini LiPlay is not the best, with practically all modern smartphone cameras having better sensors, but don’t worry about it too much – it’s enough to make great Instax prints. Plus, if you want to print a photo on your phone, you can connect to the camera via Bluetooth and print it from there.

Camera Specifications:

  • Super HAD CCD 20.1 MP image sensor
  • 5x optical zoom, up to 40x digital zoom
  • 720p video recording at 30fps
  • SteadyShot image stabilization
  • ISO sensitivity range of 100-3200
  • 2.7-inch (4:3) Clear Photo LCD screen with 230,000 dots

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Digital Hybrid Camera

4.6
4.9/5
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Fujifilm_Instax_Mini_LiPlay_Digital_Hybrid_Camera

What Exactly Is A Point-And-Shoot Camera?

As its name implies, a point-and-shoot camera is easy to use – just point it at your subject, then shoot. It’s meant to be compact and easy to use, making it perfect for non-photographers or people looking to get into photography. Its size, weight, and portability also make it the top choice of many professional photographers for travel photography. Very basic point-and-shoots only have automatic settings, doing all the work needed to capture a good shot given the current situation. This is perfect for travel photography and photo walks to capture fleeting moments that would have otherwise been lost if you had to play around with the settings first before clicking the shutter. If you’re looking for something a little more advanced, some compact cameras come with more features that you can play around with. You can tweak settings such as aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, which lets you have more control over your final photo. Some point-and-shoots are created for more rugged environments, making them the top choice of extreme sports enthusiasts such as mountaineers, divers, cyclists, and the like. These dedicated cameras are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions and are often shockproof and waterproof, while still capturing great images.

Point-And-Shoot Cameras vs Smartphone Cameras

With cameras being smartphone staples, most people don’t feel the need for an extra digital camera. The smartphone camera is essentially a point-and-shoot camera, as it allows you to shoot photos on the go without having to fiddle with too many settings. Most modern smartphone cameras perform quite well, capturing plenty of details with their wide dynamic range. Some smartphone cameras can actually outperform some dedicated cameras, but these are top-of-the-line smartphones that can be quite expensive. However, given that most modern smartphones are thinner and lighter, smartphone cameras rely heavily on software for many of their features, such as zooms. Digital zooms tend to lose detail, degrading image quality that would have easily been preserved with a good optical zoom that most dedicated point-and-shoots have. For the amateur enthusiast who wants to work on their photography skills, it’s still better to go with a dedicated camera, as you’ll get a better feel for the basic nuances of photography that often get lost when using a phone camera. Once you’re comfortable with a point-and-shoot, it will be easier to transition to more advanced compact cameras and basic DSLRs that give you more control over the photos that you take.

What To Look For When Buying A Point-And-Shoot Camera

While point-and-shoot cameras are designed to make photography easy, there are still a few factors to consider when buying one. As with most things, more advanced features often equal a higher price tag. That said, depending on your needs, you may not need all of them and you can go for one that better fits your budget instead. Here are some features of point-and-shoot cameras that you should consider when buying one:

Various Scene Modes

The beauty of a point-and-shoot camera is that you can take photos without having to worry about settings as the camera will do it all for you. Some point-and-shoots come with multiple modes and presets for capturing different scenes, such as landscape, portrait, or low light. If you aren’t quite sure about what specific scene modes you will need for your photos, it’s a good idea to at least have these three for optimum versatility.

With most things, higher quality usually comes with a higher price tag. However, there are hidden gems out there that have excellent quality at an affordable price – you just have to know what to look for. 

Below are some of the things you should look for and consider when looking for your next tripod.

Zoom

Digital zooms might seem like the obvious choice, given the greater zoom range that they can provide. However, image quality tends to go down the further you zoom in. On the other hand, optical zooms can maintain great image quality, but they do tend to be a little bulkier. Some digital cameras give you the best of both optical zooms and extended digital zoom. The optical zoom provides crisp photos even when zooming in. Should you need the extra push, the digital zoom can take you even closer.

Viewfinders And LCD Screens

Viewfinders are what the photographer peers into to frame a shot. Today, these are often accompanied by LCD screens that show you how the final photo will look right there and then. It can be difficult to view LCD screens in bright light, so it’s best to get a digital camera that has a good viewfinder, especially if you will be doing plenty of outdoor shoots. Bigger screens and brighter colors that make it easier to preview photos under bright lights are the marks of a high-quality LCD screen Higher-end digital cameras may come with touchscreens, which lets you control them almost like a smartphone. But, as long as the LCD screen gives a crisp and accurate preview of your final photo, you should be good to go.

Wireless Connectivity

Modern digital cameras often come with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, making it easier to transfer photos from the camera to your phone or laptop. This useful feature lets you share your photos online quickly and efficiently, and there’s no need to fiddle around with cords or cards.

What’s The Best Point-And-Shoot Camera Under 200?

While 200 dollars is definitely way below the price point of most great cameras, it’s definitely enough to get you a decent point-and-shoot that you can take along to travels, parties, or photo walks around your city. These budget cameras are a great way to hone your photography skills without breaking the bank. Still, don’t expect amazing outputs that, say, a mirrorless camera can give you. The best point-and-shoot camera under 200 would depend a lot on what you want to use it for, whether it’s capturing extreme adventures, interesting sites, or fun party memories. Hopefully, this list has given you an idea of what these budget-friendly digital cameras can do!
Fujifilm_Instax_Mini_LiPlay_Digital_Hybrid_Camera

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Digital Hybrid Camera

4.6
5/5
Fujifilm has established itself so well in the instant film market that its instant film line, Instax, has become almost synonymous with the technology.
Check Price On Amazon

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