Best digital camera under $250
October 21, 2017 10:10 AM Subscribe
I don't have time to research like I typically would, so here I am asking for your recommendations.
I don't need to have it today, but I do need to decide on and order a digital camera today.
What would you recommend?
items of importance: good quality photos for printing/framing, good zoom, captures pictures quickly (kids, animals), decent low light pictures, under $250. Size/brand of camera doesn't matter to me.
Thanks!
I'd agree that a Canon PowerShot would be an excellent choice for you—and if you need to make the decision today, then I'd suggest limiting your exploration to that line.
But don't limit yourself to brand-new cameras. Yes, your price point is a problem if you insist on something that comes in a pristine box (which you'll trash) and with a user manual (which you'll lose and eventually look up online anyway). But even if you wanted to spend $500, you wouldn't be looking at a pro-level SLR—so either way, we're talking about a consumer-level point-and-shoot, and that technology hasn't changed significantly in the past five years. The only innovation in that market has been bigger sensors, nothing performance-related. There's a large, thriving market for used digital cameras. Sometimes they even come with the box.
Explore the PowerShot series. Check reviews on Amazon, tech websites, and photography blogs. I'd suggest looking at models that were released around 2015, like the PowerShot ELPH (because personally I like a smaller camera, but you might prefer a larger model).
posted by cribcage at 10:39 AM on October 21, 2017 [3 favorites]
But don't limit yourself to brand-new cameras. Yes, your price point is a problem if you insist on something that comes in a pristine box (which you'll trash) and with a user manual (which you'll lose and eventually look up online anyway). But even if you wanted to spend $500, you wouldn't be looking at a pro-level SLR—so either way, we're talking about a consumer-level point-and-shoot, and that technology hasn't changed significantly in the past five years. The only innovation in that market has been bigger sensors, nothing performance-related. There's a large, thriving market for used digital cameras. Sometimes they even come with the box.
Explore the PowerShot series. Check reviews on Amazon, tech websites, and photography blogs. I'd suggest looking at models that were released around 2015, like the PowerShot ELPH (because personally I like a smaller camera, but you might prefer a larger model).
posted by cribcage at 10:39 AM on October 21, 2017 [3 favorites]
I asked myself this question a couple of months ago, and then bought the Canon Powershot. V happy with its neat little size and the quality of the photos, too. AA+ would buy again
posted by stevedawg at 11:03 AM on October 21, 2017
posted by stevedawg at 11:03 AM on October 21, 2017
Another reason to get a Canon is that you can install CHDK to unlock a bunch of features that are neutered in the stock firmware.
That first link lists the models it works with.
posted by ernielundquist at 11:13 AM on October 21, 2017 [3 favorites]
That first link lists the models it works with.
posted by ernielundquist at 11:13 AM on October 21, 2017 [3 favorites]
You can get lots of nice micro four thirds cameras for under $250 used. I can't comment on exact brand/model comparisons, but the opportunity for interchangeable lenses may be valuable to you.
posted by SaltySalticid at 11:28 AM on October 21, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by SaltySalticid at 11:28 AM on October 21, 2017 [1 favorite]
Best answer: either way, we're talking about a consumer-level point-and-shoot, and that technology hasn't changed significantly in the past five years.
Yep, and nthing Powershot at the P&S level. I picked up an ELPH 115 IS for $5 from a thrift store recently. It's 2013-vintage but it has image stabilisation, and most of the improvements since then for P&S cameras have been incremental or directed towards better video. The ELPH/IXUS range has always had its own compromises to fit its size, and the S[X] line is probably better for zoom.
But: you could conceivably get a second-hand Sony NEX-5 or similar with a kit lens for about $250, which is a pretty big leap in quality and versatility. Doing that (and combining it with vintage lenses) was what got me taking photos again.
posted by holgate at 11:41 AM on October 21, 2017
Yep, and nthing Powershot at the P&S level. I picked up an ELPH 115 IS for $5 from a thrift store recently. It's 2013-vintage but it has image stabilisation, and most of the improvements since then for P&S cameras have been incremental or directed towards better video. The ELPH/IXUS range has always had its own compromises to fit its size, and the S[X] line is probably better for zoom.
But: you could conceivably get a second-hand Sony NEX-5 or similar with a kit lens for about $250, which is a pretty big leap in quality and versatility. Doing that (and combining it with vintage lenses) was what got me taking photos again.
posted by holgate at 11:41 AM on October 21, 2017
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posted by Betelgeuse at 10:19 AM on October 21, 2017 [2 favorites]