There was once a time when digital cameras were clunky, unwieldy, and expensive. But as with all technologies, over the years manufacturers found ways to slim them down, add more features, and make them less and less expensive.
If you're a serious photographer, these cameras may not be for you. They're not perfect, but with prices ranging from $80 to $200, they may be just the type of camera you need when you're looking for a point-and-shoot cam to throw in your bag as you run out the door. They also make great gifts for anyone who's simply looking for an easy way to capture spur-of-the-moment events without the $400 (and up) price tags that come with many higher-end digital cameras.
FEATURED IN THIS ROUNDUP:
Fujifilm FinePix AV200
$89.95 direct
For just $90, the Fujifilm FinePix AV200 captures sharp pictures and 720p HD movies. It also has a nice LCD. However, this budget shooter is held back by slow performance and noisy images.
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Kodak EasyShare C1530
$79.95 direct
The Kodak EasyShare C1530 packs a large LCD and delivers sharp images at a very modest price. Sending and posting images is simple with on-board EasyShare software, but its low-light performance and video capabilities leave a lot to be desired.
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Olympus T-100
$89.99 list
Olympus's T-100 is a compact budget camera that is capable of capturing some pretty sharp images. Unfortunately, it is hindered by high image noise, slow performance, and a short zoom range.
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Olympus Tough TG-310
$199.99 direct
Waterproof to 10 feet, shockproof to 5 feet, freezeproof to 14°F, the rugged Olympus Tough TG-310 doesn't offer the zoom range of more expensive models, but its image quality is on par with competing cameras, and it comes at an attractive $200 price.
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Samsung ES80
$99.99 list
The Samsung ES80 is capable of producing sharp images in bright light, and unlike most cameras in its price range features a 5x zoom lens. But its low-light performance leaves much to be desired.
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Nikon Coolpix L24
$119.95 direct
Nikon's Coolpix L24 sets itself apart from other budget cameras by including a big 3-inch LCD, but it falls short on image quality.
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3
$129.99 direct
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 is a capable compact camera with a high-quality LCD, rechargeable battery, and a wide-angle 4x zoom lens. It doesn't produce the sharpest images in its class, but, overall, it leads the pack in the under-$150 cameras we've tested.
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General Electric J1470S
$119.99 direct
The General Electric J1470S is inexpensive and looks it, but its image prowess and general performance are impressive for a $120 point-and-shoot camera.
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General Electric X500
$149.99 direct
The General Electric X500 doesn't excel in performance, but it aces value, packing a big 15x zoom lens into a $150 camera. It also features an electronic viewfinder, a pop-up flash, and some manual controls.
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Samsung SH100
$199.99 list
The Samsung SH100 offers some exciting wireless-sharing features, like tight integration with Samsung Android phones. But noisy images and a lack of optical image stabilization limit this pocket camera's appeal.
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