Best Digital Cameras Under $200

The advances in camera technology in recent years is nothing short of breathtaking. Picture quality and features that were once reserved only for professional shooters and hobbyists with a lot of disposable income are now available to the masses. The average consumer can purchase a suitable camera for a relatively low cost — which we will discuss in a minute — but there are technical specs and preferences you should know before making your choice.

The cameras listed here are some of the best you can buy for under $200. Each of them are made by reputable manufacturers and come with all the options and features you could want in an everyday, inexpensive digital camera.

1. Canon PowerShot SX260 HS
From $199The Canon PowerShot is a good fit for both expert shooters and amateurs as well at a reasonable price. It has a 20x 25mm ultrawide angle lens, 12-megapixel backside-illuminated CMOS sensor, and a Disc 5 image processor that lets it shoot in bursts of 10 frames per second.
The camera also offers very good HD video quality, which you can watch on your computer, mobile device or even a big screen HDTV without a loss in picture quality.
(http://shop.usa.canon.com)

2. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX50
From $140Here's a camera with 5x zoom and 16 megapixels that will fit comfortably in your pocket. Small, light, and built with the quality you've come to expect from Sony, this this Cyber-shot model takes excellent photos with a nice, even flash that will illuminate whatever you're shooting, wherever you're shooting it. Even in dark settings, this camera will get it done. Its ability to produce good skin tones is also of note.
Finally, the DSC-WX50 records 1080i video at 60 frames per second.
(http://store.sony.com)

3. Nikon Coolpix S600
From $164This Nikon model is a little on the heavy side compared to similar models, but it takes sharp pictures with 10 megapixels and a vibration reduction feature. The 3D photo mode and 1080p video are nice features for a camera at this price point. It has a lightning fast shutter speed and a convenient scroll wheel for setting adjustments. The video looks good and the camera features a mini-HDMI port so you can connect it to your HDTV.
(http://www.nikonusa.com)

4. Canon PowerShot ELPH 300
From $199The slim, attractive Canon ELPH features Canon's HS System and a DIGIC 4 Image Processor, making low-light shooting situations possible without the flash. Despite its petite stature it features 1080p HD video (with optical zoom) and excellent stereo sound that is easy to use with the dedicated movie button.
This is the kind of camera for people who just want to take fun photos (it has 12 megapixels) and video without having to adjust the settings — thought you certainly can. However, even if you leave it on the auto setting you'll be impressed with the picture quality from the ELPH.
(www.canon.com/)