Top 10 Best Cameras Under $200 for 2021

In the age of smartphone cameras that have begun to give the best price-quality ratio to the digital photography market, you wonder if investing in the latest model of Samsung or iPhone would be a better idea than spending less $200. Although mobile photography has grown both technologically and artistically, low-end cameras still have some assets in store. For starters, their sensors are even bigger and more accurate, resulting in better image quality. The optical zooms make the images clearer because they do not lose details thanks to the digital magnification.

More advanced quality and balance options are available for advanced users, while those who choose a compact camera have much longer battery life than a powerful smartphone. OK, cheap cameras are still relevant, but which are worth investing? To help you separate inexpensive but valuable cheap devices from cheap, we’ve put together six different models, one of which will easily meet your criteria for choosing the Best Cameras Under $200. Here they are at a glance:

Best Cameras Under $200 Comparison Table

Nikon Coolpix A10

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 16.1MP
• Screen: 2.7-inch 230k
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 5x zoom
• Max burst speed: 1.2fps
• Max video resolution: 720p
• User level: Beginner

While being the cheapest camera on the market at a traditional manufacturer, the Nikon Coolpix A10 is one of the best cameras under $200 that offers a 5x zoom lens and stabilization that works just as well for photos only for video recordings. The number of megapixels is perfect, it has a 2.7-inch LCD and the layout of the controls is simple and intuitive. It’s a simple camera to use, even for absolute beginners and children. The fact that it works with a few regular AA batteries can be an added bonus because you can simply add a new pair if they fall flat when you’re on the go. The build quality is pretty solid, but do not expect advanced features or full HD video recordings.

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Pros:

• Stabilization for stills and movies
• Takes AA batteries

Cons:

• Basic feature set
• 720p maximum video resolution

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Canon IXUS 190

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 20.5MP
• Screen: 2.7-inch 230k
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 10x zoom
• Max burst speed: 0.8fps
• Max video resolution: 720p
• User level: Beginner

The Canon IXUS camera series (PowerShot ELPH in the US) is designed to be thin enough to slip into a spare compartment and has proven to be one of the best cameras under $200. The 185 and 190 are two of the most recent models. The 185 costs around $ 40 cheaper, but only has an 8x zoom lens instead of a 10x zoom lens. More importantly, the Canon IXUS 190 adds Wi-Fi and NFC for easy photo sharing and printing. In all other aspects, the two models are identical, with 20.5 MP image sensors, a simple and intuitive interface, and good image quality. It is a stylish camera that you can easily live with a range of colors.

Pros:

• 10x zoom lens
• Built-in Wi-Fi and NFC

Cons:

• Sluggish 0.8fps burst rate
• 720p maximum movie resolution

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Panasonic LUMIX DMC-FT30

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 16.1MP
• Screen: 2.7-inch 230k
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 4x zoom
• Max burst speed: 1.3fps
• Max video resolution: 720p
• User level: Beginner

Whether you’re at the beach, on a mountain or in the desert, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FT30 should be ideal. It is waterproof to a depth of 8 m, withstands temperatures down to -10 ° C, dust and shock to withstand heights up to 1.5 m. In short, it is as hard as a brick, but unfortunately, it also has an identical appearance, with a very square design. Unlike some cameras “robust”, it is equipped with a zoom, which is a significant advantage. The video resolution is a little disappointing, but the picture quality is good and it’s a simple camera to use.

Pros:

• Tough and waterproof
• Available in red, blue, black or orange

Cons:

• Only 720p video capture
• Boxy design

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Nikon Coolpix W100

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/3.1-inch
• Megapixels: 13.2MP
• Screen: 2.7-inch 230k
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 3x zoom
• Max burst speed: 4.7fps
• Max video resolution: 1080p
• User level: Beginner

Like some other cameras in our collection, this Nikon is designed for adventure. The Coolpix W100 is waterproof up to 10 m, shockproof up to 1.8 m, frost resistant down to -10 ° C and dustproof. So you can continue shooting in all circumstances, whether wet, dry, hot or cold. It is easy to use and features an original design available in five different colors. Another advantage is that you can record a video in Full HD 1080p. What is not to love? Well, the image sensor is physically small with a low megapixel count and image quality tends to be a bit noisy even under good lighting. The 3x zoom range is also a bit small. On the plus side, the camera has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth built-in, making it one of the best cameras under 200 dollars.

Pros:

• Waterproof, shockproof build
• Full HD video capture

Cons:

• Meager zoom range
• Small image sensor

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Fujifilm FinePix XP130

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 16.4MP
• Screen: 3.0-inch 920k
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 5x zoom
• Max burst speed: 10fps
• Max video resolution: 1080p
• User level: Beginner

Fujifilm’s offering in the heavy-duty camera sector comes in the form – and its distinctive colors – of the XP130. It is available in yellow or bright black with sky blue or lime green accents. With better diving possibilities than the Panasonic FT30 or the Nikon W100, this camera is waterproof up to 20 meters. It also withstands temperatures down to -10 ° C, shock up to 1.75 m and dust. Other improvements over the other two devices include the fact that they have a more generic 5x optical zoom range, a faster burst rate of 10 fps, and a larger LCD screen with more pixels. The image sensor is also larger and higher resolution than in the Nikon W100, but the image quality may seem a little dull and noise is still a problem in low light. The XP130 comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making it one of the best cameras under $200.

Top 10 Best Cameras Under $100

Pros:

• 5x optical zoom
• Fast 10fps burst rate

Cons:

• Mediocre image quality
• Image noise under low lighting

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Sony Cyber-shot WX220

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 18.2MP
• Screen: 2.7-inch 461k
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 10x zoom
• Max burst speed: 10fps
• Max video resolution: 1080p
• User level: Beginner

Although the Sony Cyber-shot WX220 is remarkably slim and light, it comes with a 10x optical zoom lens, Wi-Fi and NFC, and an 18MP backlit image sensor. This helps maintain image quality with relatively low noise with high ISO settings (sensitivity), allowing Sony to perform in low light conditions. It’s also not a nut, with a fast maximum burst speed of 10 frames per second for photos and recording Full HD 1080p video. Typical of the budget price sector, the camera has a 2.7-inch LCD screen, but the screen has twice the usual number of pixels for a more detailed view. In general, it is one of the best cameras under 200 dollars to take pictures with impressive image quality. However, if you want to change the recording settings, the interface may not seem intuitive and the menus will be slow.

Pros:

• 10x zoom and 10fps burst rate
• Full HD video capture

Cons:

• Menus can be a bit longwinded
• Not the most intuitive interface

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Sony Cyber-shot WX350

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 18.2MP
• Screen: 3.0-inch 461k
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 20x zoom
• Max burst speed: 10fps
• Max video resolution: 1,080p
• User level: Beginner

With a thickness of about one inch, the Sony WX350 is not as thin as the WX220 and it is also a bit heavier. The main reason is that it doubles on the optical zoom range, with a huge 20x power. Still, the WX350 remains a very compact camera and remarkably slim given its zoom range. It is also a little more intuitive to use, with the addition of a rotary knob on the top of the camera, which allows using the additional water depth of 4 mm. The rear screen is also slightly larger but has the same resolution 461k. In other respects, the two cameras are very similar, with the same image sensor, a maximum burst speed of 10 fps, Full HD 1080p video recording, Wi-Fi and NFC, as well as a video surveillance system. menus a little complicated. Again, the image quality is very impressive, making it one of the best cameras under $200.

Pros:

• A big 20x optical zoom range
• Small and sleek

Cons:

• Fiddly menu system
• Not quite as slim and light as the WX220

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Canon IXUS 285 HS

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 20.2MP
• Screen: 3.0-inch 461k
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 12x zoom
• Max burst speed: 2.5fps
• Max video resolution: 1080p
• User level: Beginner

Typical for IXUS cameras, the Canon IXUS 285 HS has a very slim and user-friendly design. More unusual, it is available in a particularly showy purple shade, as well as in the most common black and silver options. For a camera of this size, it takes a lot of features. The 20.2 MP “HS” image sensor helps maintain low noise image quality with high ISO settings, a powerful 12x optical zoom lens, a 3-inch LCD screen, as well as Wi-Fi and wireless functions. Integrated NFC. Typical of Canon cameras, big and small, the layout of buttons and menus is simple and intuitive. Overall, this is one of the best cameras under $200. The only small frustration is that the maximum gust speed of 2.5 fps is a bit pedestrian.

Pros:

• Slim design packed with smart features
• Very good image quality

Cons:

• Eye-watering purple option
• Modest 2.5fps maximum burst rate

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Canon PowerShot SX620 HS

• Type: Compact
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 20.2MP
• Screen: 3.0-inch 922k
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: 25x zoom
• Max burst speed: 2.5fps
• Max video resolution: 1080p
• User level: Beginner

The phenomenal 25x optical zoom range of this Canon PowerShot SX620 HS is a conventional range of 25 to 625mm. This brings you from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto with just a touch of a zoom lever. The disadvantage is that this camera, compared to the IXUS 285, is much thicker, with a depth of 28 mm instead of 23 mm only. Canon still claims it’s a pocket camera, but it’s not that easy. The image quality is just as impressive on both cameras, with superb color reproduction and relatively low image noise with high sensitivity settings. The same goes for Wi-Fi and NFC. The operation is more refined in the SX620 HX, with a sculpted grip area, and the LCD screen also has twice as many pixels, for a more detailed view.

Pros:

• Mighty 25x optical zoom
• High-resolution LCD screen

Cons:

• Thick for a ‘pocket’ camera
• 2.5fps maximum burst rate

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GoPro Hero

• Type: Action
• Sensor: 1/2.3-inch
• Megapixels: 10MP
• Screen: 2.0-inch touch
• Viewfinder: None
• Lens type: Prime
• Max burst speed: 10fps
• Max video resolution: 1440p
• User level: Beginner

A growing number of “action cameras” are often quite expensive, but those of the highly regarded GoPro manufacturer creak under our maximum price limit. It has the same physical dimensions as the Hero5 Black and Hero6 Black models, as well as the same functionality of a rear LCD for recording composition. It’s even the only camera in this raid to have a touchscreen. It also has voice control, which can be very useful if the camera is mounted in place and you have hands full of adventurous activities. Speaking of which, the GoPro Hero is waterproof to a depth of 10 meters and there are extra suitcases if you feel the need to dive deeper. Such features make it one of the best cameras under $200.

Pros:

• Easy to use, complete with voice control
• High-quality Full HD video

Cons:

• Can’t shoot video at less than 1080p
• Low megapixel count for stills

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Final Words

If you spend around $200 on a digital camera, it’s important to keep your expectations low. In this type of price range, you can not expect DSLRs or mirrorless cameras with professional image quality. Our list of the Best Cameras Under $200 includes the top 10 cameras you can buy now with a budget of less than $200. Tell us your thoughts by sharing them with us in the comment box below.

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