With smartphone cameras getting better by the day, point-and-shoot camera numbers are dwindling rapidly. However, a dedicated camera has its own advantages. You can get optical zoom to snap images from afar, flip-out screens, and larger sensors. So, if you’re serious about photography but don’t want to spend too much on a DSLR, you can consider getting a digital point-and-shoot camera.
While you can get expensive point-and-shoot cameras from premium brands, we’re going to focus on affordable point-and-shoot cameras for under $200. We’ve included compact cameras, waterproof cameras, and cameras for beginners, professionals, and for travel.
Before we get to the list of cameras, here are some other articles that may interest you –
- Looking for cameras to use when traveling? Check out the soundest compact cameras for travel that you can buy.
- If you think a point-and-shoot is basic, take a look at some compact cameras with interchangeable lenses.
- Here are some of the most noteworthy vlogging cameras with a flip screen if you wish to record content.
With that out of the way, here are some of the best point-and-shoot cameras on a budget.
1. Vahoiald 1080P Digital Camera
Resolution: 44MP
The ability to zoom in 16X on a camera that’s this affordable is nothing short of impressive. However, a quick glance at the reviews section shows that the images are quite grainy when you zoom in. It’s still not bad though considering the price point. The Vahoiald camera is primarily intended for beginners who want to know their way around cameras.
So, while it captures decent pictures, don’t expect it to perform well in low-light situations. The colors aren’t that accurate either, and the photos exhibit slightly oversaturated hues. If you want to get your kids their first camera, the Vahoiald 1080p camera is a good option to consider. It’s cheap and can also be used as a webcam.
2. Kodak Pixpro FZ55
Resolution: 16MP
The Kodak Pixpro FZ55 has a 16MP sensor with 5X optical zoom. This level of optical zoom seems more realistic in a camera of this size, as compared to the 16X zoom claimed by Vahoiald. You can shoot Full HD videos using the camera along with the option to capture panorama photos too. There’s a 2.7-inch display on the rear that acts as a viewfinder.
The default focal length is 28mm which is rather wide and can fit a lot of people in the frame. It’s also ideal to click sceneries or landscapes. The camera also has useful features like face detection and red-eye removal.
Despite being double the price of the Vahoiald camera, we would recommend spending the extra to pick up the Kodak Pixpro FZ55. Not only do you get a camera from a reputed brand, but you get better image quality as well. In fact, the image quality has received good reviews too.
Also, if you’re into adventurous activities, you can even consider the Kodak Pixpro WPZ2 which is a rugged version of the camera. It’s also waterproof so you can take it for swimming and diving.
3. Konica Minolta Waterproof Camera
Resolution: 48MP
The Konica Minolta camera is waterproof making it a great companion for when you go swimming. The best part is that there are two screens on the camera. The rear screen can be used as a viewfinder when you’re recording something in front of you. The screen on the front can be used for vlogging or when taking underwater selfies. Neat, right?
As for the picture quality, you get a 48MP sensor paired with an f/2.2 lens. Some reviews say that the image quality is decent, while others say that you need to be outdoors in order to click good photos. So, if you want to shoot underwater, we would suggest using it during the day when there’s ample lighting. Do note that the images exhibit a lot of noise when the camera is used in artificial lighting.
4. Schmidt Spiele 4K Vlogging Camera
Resolution: 48MP
When we saw that the Schmidt Spiele vlogging camera has a cumulative rating of 4.9 with over 2,000 reviews, we were quite astonished. The brand isn’t well-known in the camera space but despite that, it seems like they’ve managed to produce a winner.
Most users who have bought the camera have only good things to say about it. As per several people, the Schmidt Spiele camera is suited for those who wish to click product photos and pictures of pets and people outdoors.
Since the camera can also record videos in 4K, you can pick this up as a beginner’s camera to make YouTube videos. The brand is also kind enough to include a 32GB SD Card in the box. The Schmidt Spiele camera seems like the perfect camera for beginners who don’t want to spend too much. However, note that like most cameras on this list, the device’s low-light performance is average at best.
5. Kodak Pixpro Astro Zoom
Resolution: 20MP
Do note that the Kodak Pixpro Astro Zoom is specifically geared toward clicking photos of subjects positioned far away. It’s mainly useful for wildlife photography where you can’t get too close to your subject. Clicking objects like the moon is also possible with the 42X optical zoom capabilities.
While the zoom is surely impressive, it falls short in low-light situations, as per the reviews. The images are replete with details when clicking photos outdoors in good lighting but images tend to get noisy at night.
Even when trying to click moving objects, the camera tends to struggle. One advantage though is that the Pixpro Astro has built-in OIS so you don’t necessarily need a tripod even when clicking faraway objects. There’s a 3-inch screen on the rear along with a pop-up flash module that’s useful at night.
The Kodak Pixpro Astrozoom is one of the best cameras on this list but it’s also the most expensive one. If you want zooming capabilities along with good outdoor performance on a tight budget, you can surely consider getting this camera.
FAQs for Digital Point and Shoot Cameras
The answer to this question depends entirely on which phone and camera you get. If you have a budget smartphone, chances are that a point-and-shoot camera will perform better. In some scenarios like zooming, cameras with optical zoom will do better than most smartphones. However, if you have a flagship phone, the camera will mostly be better than cheap point-and-shoot cameras.
If you’re serious about photography, investing in a good DSLR or mirrorless camera might as well be worth it. However, you can start off with a cheap camera and learn your way to a professional one.
Unfortunately, point-and-shoot cameras have fixed lenses. So, you cannot switch them out for custom lenses.
Capture Your Moments
You don’t have to empty your pockets to buy a decent camera. There are several digital point-and-shoot cameras that you can buy on a budget with good image quality. Depending on your usage, you can get the camera of your choice and capture your memories.
Last updated on 01 May, 2023
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.
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