Best Point-and-Shoot for ~$200

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kkreit01

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We are in the market for a new digital camera. We currently have a Canon PowerShot SD1000 7.1MP. It works fine, but it is outdated. I'm currently thinking of these two:

Canon PowerShot Elph 500 HS: previous model, $100 off at Crutchfield. Touchscreen, Good reviews, previous Canon history, etc:

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_280E500S/Canon-PowerShot-Elph-500-HS-Silver.html

Samsung WB150: on sale at Costco for $160. Double warranty, WiFi, pretty new = not many, but mixed reviews.

http://www.target.com/p/samsung-wb150-14...ck/-/A-14023435


Also thought of this on sale for $230 at Costco:

Panasonic LUMIX ZS19: A little more than I'd like to spend, but if it's worth it over the others (?), I will.

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11756930


Any other suggestions or thoughts? Is an iPhone good enough? Should we just keep using our current one? I don't need it for video, because we have a separate Samsung video camera. The intended use will be amateur hobby: family, vacation, fun, 4x6 prints, etc. I'd like the idea of WiFi, panoramic shots, etc. I would like to step up a notch from our current camera in terms of quality pics.
 
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How about this Fuji ?

It'll probably have better image quality than the compact cameras you are considering. And it's priced reasonably for the type of camera.

Or this Sony if you want to stick to something small.
 
PC world had a good article on $200 point and shoot cameras. I like my kodak even with their finances they said they'll be making cameras for a while. Another panasonic with good results that would likely fit your budget and be good is the
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS25 Best cameras $200
 
I have the same elph. I've had several. I'd never buy a different compact camera. The only problem I have with it is that it doesn't shoot SD video.

I also have a canon sx30 and if your elph still works fine I'd recommend something like that or an sx130 or whatever is current. That way you still have a pocketable camera but also a point/shoot with better zoom, hd video, more options.

EDIT: also, steves-digicams.com is an unbiased source that actually knows a thing or two. I like consumer reports, but would rather hear about cameras from someone who specializes in cameras.
 
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Canon Rebel T3.

I'd never spend $200 for a point and shoot when an entry-level DSLR costs $150 more, especially when point-and-shoot performance has remained stagnant for the last several years. The resolution and low-light performance has remained poor.

If I want to print 4x6s I'll use my iPhone.
 
Thanks. A lot of interesting and tempting new suggestions. Options are plenty. I have the recent CR magazine ratings. They don't say much, and are not very diverse in models tested. Most all Nikons and Canons were recommended -- with not very many points separating the top from bottom. It wasn't very helpful. I've done some reading on PCMag and CNET. I'll check out steves.
 
Thanks Jred, now you're spending Kkriet and my money at the same time. It is good advice, I've never spent over ~150 on a camera. Last year's model has always worked fine for me. And I like the look of that T3, I guess I haven't looked around in awhile.
 
Outdated? How so? Nothing has more effect than the physics of the optics, and that isnt changing. Cramming more pixels into the same sensor does not do much for low light sensitivity, and unless you are blowing up to 3 feet wide, is hard to discern.

Learn how to take good, sharp photos and go from there.

The best $200 is a used DSLR... if you can find one that cheap.

Next best is one with the best lens you can find.

Dynamic range is important, but pixel count for the sake of pixel count is low on my list...
 
I realize that mo' megapixels won't get me better pictures. Our camera still does decent shots at a short distance, or outdoors. I guess what I would like to gain is a lot better zoom quality. So, maybe a compact/pocket is out? I can't spend $350+ now, or probably ever. The Fuji S4200/4500 look intriguing, but I'm a little worried about using standard AA batteries. This could be a plus -- as you can always carry extras. Our kids are grown (7 & 11), so we aren't taking that many pictures like when they were infants/toddlers.
 
You're better off going for a Canon Powershot S90/95/100, which are pro-sumer level cameras. Better sensors and more controls. You can get a used S90 or 95 for a good price.

I have the S90. Love it. PM me if you want some details.


Otherwise the Canon PowerShot G9/11 is a good bet. Larger body but still P&S.
 
No better picture quality for the price:
http://www.cameta.com/Olympus-PEN-E-PL1-...-Demo-52477.cfm

Seriously.

You won't have a long zoom range on it, but will blow away any P&S anywhere near this price range.

Only get into a removeable lens system if you really want to, though.

(edit) I see you may want more zoom range - the panasonic offerings perform quite well for a P&S with tons of zoom: ZS15
Plus, you could buy the previous version cheap, possibly too.
 
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The Lumix.
Quote:
Newly developed LEICA DC lens system that achieves both high image quality and small size is redesigned to further extend its powerful zoom to 20x (35mm camera equivalent: 24-480mm). Comprising 12 elements in 10 groups including 3 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces and 2 ED lenses, adoption of ultra thin lens for its new structure optical system makes the unit's overall length short to fit in the slim body despite its versatile zoom range from 24mm ultra wide-angle to 20x telephoto.


It doesn't get any better for lenses than Leica.
 
Originally Posted By: bepperb
Thanks Jred, now you're spending Kkriet and my money at the same time. It is good advice, I've never spent over ~150 on a camera. Last year's model has always worked fine for me. And I like the look of that T3, I guess I haven't looked around in awhile.


You can find older models like the Rebel XS for clearance even cheaper than that - I started with a Rebel XS, and even though I've moved on to much nicer equipment I still take the Rebel XS with me as my lightweight "walk around the park" camera.

The lenses are [almost] always what make the difference - not the camera body itself.

Originally Posted By: surfstar
No better picture quality for the price:
http://www.cameta.com/Olympus-PEN-E-PL1-...-Demo-52477.cfm

Seriously.


Absolutely. I had one of these and they are INCREDIBLE in good light and very decent in low-light. The out-of-camera JPEGs were almost always absolutely spot-on perfect. I liked the fact that you could manipulate the little pop-up flash and make it bounce off of low ceilings, too - really useful.

Only reason I ever got rid of it was because I was far too deep into Canon territory to worry about buying lenses for another system.
 
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I think you need to decide what are the features that you want in your price bracket. For example, my priority in that price bracket would be a) pocket-able b) extremely fast lens c) can take low light pictures d) low noise. I have both a Panasonic high zoom and Sony thin one. After using the Panasonic I find I no longer care that much for the high zoom.

When one is looking for P&S, suggestion to purchase DSLR seems counterproductive.

Also listen to JHR; you want good fast lens and good low-noise sensor. Do not get caught up in megapixel. You also want very little lag while taking pictures and minimal delay between successive shots. If I were in your shoes, I would make a list of things which I don't like about the current camera and then decide what you want in your next camera.

- Vikas
 
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Originally Posted By: Trav
The Lumix.
Quote:
Newly developed LEICA DC lens system that achieves both high image quality and small size is redesigned to further extend its powerful zoom to 20x (35mm camera equivalent: 24-480mm). Comprising 12 elements in 10 groups including 3 aspherical lenses with 6 aspherical surfaces and 2 ED lenses, adoption of ultra thin lens for its new structure optical system makes the unit's overall length short to fit in the slim body despite its versatile zoom range from 24mm ultra wide-angle to 20x telephoto.


It doesn't get any better for lenses than Leica.


This.
 
I just ordered a Panasonic ZS15 from Amazon, $166 shipped including a free 4 gig memory card. The professional reviews I read compared it favorably to the Canon SX260 which retails for close to $300.

The ZS19 linked is actually last year's model. Current equivalent is the ZS20, which is similar to the ZS15 but with a few more megapixels, slightly longer zoom, and built-in GPS. Paradoxically the reviews say the ZS15 produces superior picture quality.

As for SLRs, yes they're great but the suggestion to get one of those didn't answer the OPs question
grin.gif


jeff
 
Of those you mentioned I would go for the Panasonic Lumix. It has a longer zoom range than the others. They have a superior anti shake system which is needed when zoomed. Size & weight is very compact. You'll be amazed how the longer zoom will produce those pictures you never could get before. We have a similar one and it is just excellent and very well built. Controls are intuitive during usage.
 
The Panny superzooms are great P&S cameras - good choice.

Took my own advice and I just ordered one of those Oly E-PL1s from Cameta after WAY too much research last night. I want to step back into changeable lenses slowly after seeing the OMD-EM5 Oly just released and have been wanting a u4/3 system for a lightweight, high image quality, hiking/travel camera.
 
Personally, I'd pick a camera with a larger image sensor, but those are usually not in the $200 range. IMO $200 camera doesn't have much better image quality than those in the $1-- range.

At 1/2.3", you won't get much more than 8MP quality even if they advertise 14MP, they are just capturing noise, especially at low light condition.

I'll trust dpreview more than consumer report on digital camera. Like others said you probably should either spend more for a micro 4/3 or DSLR, or just pay less for a cheap point and shoot.
 
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