The Best Digital Point & Shoot Cameras under $250
Sony DSC-W800
★ Top Choice
BUY NOW
From $98
Features
- Focal length: f=4.6-23 mm.
- Sony Lens w/ 5x Optical Zoom and 360 sweep panorama.
- 5x Optical Zoom.
- MP Super HAD CCD sensor for beautifully detailed images. Blink Detection.
- Simplify camera menu with Easy Mode; Digital Zoom- Still images: 20M approx.10x, 10M approx.7.1x, 5M approx.9.9x, VGA approx.40x, 2M(16:9) approx.13x, Movies: Digital Zoom approx. 10x (*1).
- Reduced blur with SteadyShot Image stabilization.Recording Format:Still Images: JPEG , Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG).
- In the box: Battery (NP-BN), AC AdaptorAC-UB10C, Wrist Strap, Multi USB cable, Instruction Manual.
- Sony Lens with F3.2 (W) – 6.4 (T) Maximum Aperture.
- Capture your videos in 720p HD Movie mode.
- Super HAD CCD 20.1 MP sensor.
Pros
- ⊕ Very affordable.
- ⊕ Removable battery.
- ⊕ 20.1 Megapixel sensor.
- ⊕ Sleek, pocket-friendly design.
Cons
- ⊖ Slow autofocus.
- ⊖ 720p video resolution.
- ⊖ Middling image quality.
- ⊖ Limited manual controls.
- ⊖ Slow autofocus performance.
Specs
- Color: Black.
- Weight: 8.8 oz.
- Max Photo Resolution: 20.1MP.
- Max Video Resolution: 1280 x 720.
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS.
- Product Dimensions: 2 x 2.1 x 0.9 in.
Runner-Up, Best Overall
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Reviewed
Sony DSC-W800 Review - lifewire.com
Canon PowerShot ELPH 190
♥ Runner Up
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From $159
Features
- Scene Modes such as Fisheye Effect, Toy Camera Effect and Monochrome provide creative freedom to capture your photos.
- 10x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer helps you capture images with flexibility and ease.
- 20.0 Megapixel CCD sensor combines with the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor to help deliver stunning image quality. Shooting Capacity Approx. 190 shots. Approx. 245 shots in ECO Mode. Video Recording Time Approx. 50 min.
- Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings based on predefined shooting situations.
- Built in Wi Fi and NFC allows for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos.
- 720p HD video capabilities. Hi Speed USB (Mini B); direct connection to Canon SELPHY, PIXMA Photo Printers & PictBridge compatible printers.
- Help Button provides simple explanations and easy control of your settings. Operating Humidity 10 90 percent.
Pros
- ⊕ Inexpensive.
- ⊕ 10x zoom lens.
- ⊕ Wi-Fi with NFC.
- ⊕ Very affordable.
- ⊕ 10x optical zoom.
Cons
- ⊖ Noisy images indoors.
- ⊖ 720p video resolution.
- ⊖ Video limited to 720p.
- ⊖ Low-resolution rear LCD.
- ⊖ Slow continuous shooting.
Specs
- Max Photo Resolution: 20MP.
- Color: Black.
- Weight: 4.34 oz.
- Connectivity Options: USB, WiFi.
- Video Recording Resolution: 1280 x 720.
- Compatibility: Windows, macOS.
- Product Dimensions: 3.75 x 2.24 x 0.93 in.
Best Design
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Canon PowerShot SX620 HS
Best Overall
BUY NOW
From $249
Features
- Large 3.0 inch (approximately 922,000 dots) LCD allows easy viewing even from a wide angle. Battery life: Approx. 295 shots, Eco Mode: Approx. 405 shots, Playback Mode: Approx. 360 minute Image Recording Format: Superfine / Fine.
- Powerful 25x Optical Zoom with Intelligent IS helps optimize image stabilization for virtually shake free images.
- Effective ISO 80 3200.
- 20.2 Megapixel*** CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4+ Image Processor helps deliver stunning image quality even in low light. Auto zoom dependent on number of subjects.
- Built in Wi Fi* and NFC** allows for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos. Maximum f/number : f/3.2 f/6.6. Shutter Speed 1 1/2000 second 15 1/2000 second (in all shooting modes).
- Capture spectacular 1080p Full HD video. Focusing Range : 1 centimeter (0.4 Inches) infinity (W), 1.0 meter (3.3feet) infinity (T).
Pros
- ⊕ Compact.
- ⊕ Powerful zoom.
- ⊕ Records 1080p HD video.
- ⊕ In-camera stabilization.
- ⊕ Wi-Fi & Bluetooth capabilities.
Cons
- ⊖ No RAW format.
- ⊖ Fixed zoom lens.
- ⊖ No microphone input.
- ⊖ Limited ISO performance.
Specs
- Built-in Flash: Yes.
- Wireless Control: Wi-Fi, NFC.
- Product Dimensions: 3.81 x 2.24 x 1.1 in.
- Maximum Aperture: f/3.2 (W), f/6.6 (T).
- Focal Length: 4.5 (W) - 112.5(T) mm.
- Storage Media: SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.
- Battery Life: Approx. 6 hours playback time.
- Type: 20.2 Megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CMOS.
- Battery: Rechargeable NB-13L battery pack.
- Zoom: 25x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom.
- Video: Up to Full HD (1920 x 1280) at 29.97 fps.
Best Quality
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Olympus TG-5
Best All-Weather
BUY NOW
From $249.99
Features
- Dual Quad Core TruePic VIII Image Processor 3.0 inches 460k Dot LCD Monitor; Focus Range Normal: 3.94 inches (10 centimeter) to Infinit Macro: 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) to Infinity.
- Underwater Compensation: 2 EV to +2 EV (in 1/3 EV steps); Bright F2.0 high speed Lens; Video Recording format : MOV(MPEG 4AVC/H.264).
- Waterproof to 50 feet, F, Dust proof, Crush proof to 220 lbf, Shockproof from 7 feet, Freeze proof to 14 degrees, Anti Fog lens, Dust proof: IP6X.
- Field sensor system with GPS, Manometer, Compass, and temperature sensors.
- New 12 MegaPixel Hi speed image sensor for improved low light performance and noise reduction.
Pros
- ⊕ 4K video.
- ⊕ Crush and dust proof.
- ⊕ Great low-light performance.
Cons
- ⊖ Expensive.
- ⊖ Slightly underwhelming audio.
- ⊖ Battery life could be longer.
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