There are so many different types, brands, and features to consider when buying a digital camera you may not know where to start. There are some top brands such as Canon, Kodak, Sony, Nikon, Panasonic, and Olympus. Now this is just to name a few of the top brands, there are many brands nowadays that sell great quality cameras. Since technology has really improved, you can’t go wrong lately with any brand of digital camera. What you really need to consider before purchasing your digital camera is what you plan on doing with it. Do you need a more professional zoom or just a few megapixels to print out quality photos? Here is a list of some top digital cameras that are point and shoot and under $250:

1. Canon Powershot A590IS has 8 megapixels, a 4X optical zoom, an optical image stabilizer, and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. A range of shooting modes from manual to automatic including Canon’s new Easy Mode which makes picture taking carefree. Once you choose Easy Mode the camera automatically sets every camera control including the flash to reduce blur and improve image quality.

2. Canon Powershot SD770IS has 10 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and optical image stabilizer which reduces the blur of camera movement even in low light situations. A 2.5 inch PureColor LCD II screen which offers more color, resolution, and contrast even when viewed from an angle.

3. Canon Powershot SD790IS has 10 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and optical image stabilizer. It also has a 3 inch LCD screen and like the other Canon Powershots it has DIGIC III Processor for superior image quality and improved functionality.

4. Canon Powershot SD1100IS has 8 megapixels, a 3X optical zoom and like all the other Powershots it has enhanced Canon face detection technology which focuses on faces in a scene and concentrates on them.

5. Canon SX110IS has 9 megapixels, a 10X optical zoom that makes it easy to get close-ups out of all your pictures. It also has image stabilizer and the DIGIC III enhanced face detection technology.

6. Nikon Coolpix S550 has 10 megapixels, 5X zoom with a Nikkor lens, image stabilization, and it has the smile mode and blink warning. The smile mode takes the picture as soon as your subject smiles and the blink warning lets you immediately retake the picture when it suspects your subject blinked.

7. Sony Cybershot DSCW120/B has 7.2 megapixels, 4X optical zoom, and smile shutter mode which captures smiles as soon as they happen on a 2.5 inch LCD monitor.

8. Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ5K has 9 megapixels, 10X optical zoom, and with intelligent exposure the camera automatically adjusts the brightness.

9. Sony Cybershot DSC-H10 has 8.1 megapixels, 10X optical zoom, and a 9-point auto focus which focuses 9 precision points, not just 5.

10. Kodak EasyShare Z1015 has 10 megapixels, 15X optical zoom, and the Smart Capture feature which adjusts settings for great pictures.

Remember, this is just a little bit of what is available to you.

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Point and Shoot Cameras FAQ:

Question: Is there a difference between the megapixel in digital point & shoot cameras and slr cameras?
I have a point&shoot 7.1 megapixel Sony Cybershot camera, and I want to get a Nikon D40. It has 6.1 megapixel. Should I get it? Is it worth it? Is there a difference between the megapixel and quality I’ll get between the two cameras?

Answer: Yes there is a difference.

A DSLR might not have as many megapixels, however the size of the sensors that take in the light that create the image in a DSLR are a lot larger than those normally in a point and shoot digital camera. This means the quality of the pixels can be much higher creating a cleaner picture in many situations.

Question: Point and Shoot Cameras with manual controls?
I need a compact point and shoot. I also need to be able to control shutter speed, f-stop, and sensitivity.

Answer: My Canon Powershot SX110 has a manual mode. You can set everything manually from f/stop, shutter speed, etc.

Question: Any recommendations for books on digital photography, specifically for Point & Shoot cameras & beginners?
I just bought a Canon AS 570 IS. It’s the first digital and the first decent camera I’ve ever owned. It has a lot of features, including some that much more expensive cameras — even SLR’s — don’t have. I’m planning to make photography a hobby, so I don’t need a book that is written for a professional audience. I just want to be able to get the most out of what I’ve got.

Answer: Make sure you go through the manual that came with the camera too. Just practice taking lots of pictures and don’t be afraid to experiment with different settings to see what they do.

Question: Of all the smaller point and shoot digital cameras, which has the LARGEST sensor?
I want a small digital camera that I can carry in my pocket, but one that takes the best quality pics possible from a small point and shoot camera.

Answer: First, please recall that large sensor does NOT necessarily mean better photos. There are too many other variables. In answer to your specific question, look at Canon’s A650IS, SD950IS, and some Nikon Coolpix cameras. I think I have those model numbers right. They’re using sensors in the 1/1.7 or 1/1.8 range.

Question: When will point and shoot cameras hit the 30 megapixel barrier?
Seems like the majority of p&s cameras these days are anywhere from 8 to 12 megapixels, and the new cameras being introduced are available at 14mp. What year will it be when most cameras hit 30mp? I say 3 years!

Answer: I would imagine it won’t happen because there is only so much you can cram into that tiny sensor. If the camera became bigger to allow for a bigger sensor, then it would be possible.

Question: Are there any point-and-shoot cameras with a flip-out screen?

Answer: Check out Sony.

Question: Nikon vs canon vs sony in point and shoot cameras?
I want to get a point and shoot camera with a maximum price of $200. Which company is best and which model is best?

Answer: My vote is Nikon. Their cameras are easy to work with, and I like the software they provide as well. The best thing you can do is head to your electronics store and touch them. Feel where the buttons are, see if you can manipulate them easily.

I think you’ll find a good one at that price from any of those manufacturers.

Question: Is there any point and shoot cameras with self-timer for over 100 shots? Or do I need DSLR camera?
I want a digital camera that I can program to take photos at around 5 second intervals, and I want it to be able to do that for over 100 shots. I am on a budget, so I am looking for inexpensive cameras.

Answer: Most of the cameras that have interval timers are DSLR’s … recent DSLR’s, so not what you would call inexpensive. The one I have will shoot up to 999 shots from intervals of from seconds to hours. The limitations are two … the first has to do with the size of the memory card and the other how long the batteries will last before depleting. The body is $1700 and of course you would need some kind of lens and a memory card.

Picking a digital camera brand is something that comes down to what the individual needs the camera for. What are the person’s goals with the camera? Personal use or professional use? These are just a few of the many questions one should ask them self before picking the brand they feel is best for their needs. Generally, there are a few brands that tend to dominate the digital camera industry. Firstly there is Canon, usually the cameras with the highest technology. Secondly there is Kodak, which is known for a great balance and a very easy to use interface. Then there is Sony, which most people claim is quite similar to Canon, and is basically an alternative. Lastly, Olympus has quite a few good cameras, and is known for having unique features that many other cameras do not have.

When picking a digital camera, one should know that each camera falls into a certain category. These categories include ultra compact, compact, creative compact, SLR-like, and SLR. Ultra Compact are very small, easy to fit in your pocket, although with this comes very small buttons which people often find hard to use (many Sony cameras are ultra compact). Compact cameras are the most common cameras for people to buy, usually can fit in convenient places (for example, your pocket), and the buttons and such are usually not too small or too big. Most brands tend to have cameras that fall under this category since they tend to be so popular. Then there is creative compact, which contains much more options as well as features. Generally more expensive, but is good for those who enjoy playing around with photos. SLR-like are a bit bigger, very easy to control (bigger buttons), and are usually good for those taking pictures in places with little light. Lastly, SLR are the largest cameras. They tend to offer the best quality of picture, best pictures in areas with little light, and best overall kind of camera.

Picking a camera brand highly depends on what category you want (as described above). Generally, most brands stick with one or two of the categories above when creating their cameras. If you are looking for something ultra compact, look into Sony. If you are looking for something SLR, or SLR-like, look into Olympus. Picking a brand is often a choice of preference, but do not be fooled by just the brand name of a camera.

Getting the perfect camera, is never an easy thing, due to the constantly changing technology. Fortunately, there are plenty of helpful websites online, that can narrow down your search and help you find the camera with all the features important to you.

Digital Cameras FAQ:

Question: I don’t really know anything about digital cameras but I want to buy one. What are the cameras called, that are not digital, just “normal” ones? I used to like those better because the quality seemed to much more professional. The lighting seemed warmer, colors seemed brighter. On digital cameras it seems that everything looks paler, etc. Is it just me? I wanted a digital camera that had those qualities to it, with a good price, if possible.

Answer: There are film (some technophobes call them analog) and digital cameras.

There’s nothing more or less “professional” about film or digital. It’s just a personal (or financial) choice everyone has to make for themselves. I used film and love the pictures I got from it, but I believe my digital pictures are every bit as good. Digital sensors reproduce pictures more like slide/transparency film than print/negative film. If you’ve never shot slides, it can be a more difficult adjustment for many.

The only type of picture that film is significantly better/different than digital is black & white. B&W film is made with silver chunks that give a unique look that is very difficult for digital to reproduce. If you want the closest to film look, you’ll need a D-SLR with a CMOS sensor (all the new Nikons, D5000 and above as well as Canon & most Sonys). The biggest advantages for digital are 1) less wasted materials & chemicals and 2)easily switching light sensitivities (ISO) for bright & dark.

Question: Digital camera?
I have a digital camera and its been acting weird. It won’t let you take pictures because it says on the bottom right corner that its on lock. I looked through the manual and I asked a bunch of people but they don’t know how to get it off lock.

Answer: If you are absolutely sure it’s not in the manual, how about you try Googling it… or go to the brand name website. If it doesn’t say anything on their website or on Google, you can try calling a contact number (should be on the website) and just quickly ask them. They should be able to help you out.

Question: What digital camera do you recommend?
I want to buy a digital camera in the next few months and am aware some of the ‘better’ digital cameras are very pricey.

Answer: This is a question only you can answer, if your keen on photography and want to get the maximum control then it has to be a DSLR. There are just too many restrictions with a compact, small sensor and shutter delay are just two. The only advantages they do have is size and portability.

Question: What does “Digital camera has 10x optical and 4x digital zoom” mean to the camera user?

Answer: Optical zoom is the magnification you get by moving the lens. Digital zoom is where it takes the picture and zooms in on it electronically, like the zoom when you look at a picture on your computer.

Question: What digital slr camera is best for amateur photographers?
I really want a digital slr camera, but I don’t want to spend a fortune, I’ve been looking at used ones, and refurbished but they’re all so expensive! I’ve been manly looking at getting a canon EOS rebel xs. Is that a decent camera? I currently have a canon regular digital camera and I love it.

Answer: With DSLR’s your buying into a system and Canon is far and away the most expensive, closely followed by Nikon.

Pentax, Olympus and Sony have many more features. They may be more expensive initially, but a soon as you start adding lenses, flashguns etc. they work out much cheaper for the same or Higher quality. You finish with a much more useful system for less money.

Things to look for are a bright viewfinder, good build quality, adjustments of everyday things such as EV value, focus point, metering mode etc. without having to go into a menu. These are basic to using your camera for anything other than ‘point and shoot’.

Question: What digital camera would you recommend that takes good pictures and good quality videos?

Answer: I highly recommend the canon powershot sd 1100 is. This camera takes high quality pictures that are super clear. It also takes good quality videos. You can take pictures and film in different modes, like color accent, which focuses on one color and everything is black and white, sepia, and just black and white. The battery life is long, because I used it nonstop for 2 days and the battery was still there(rechargeable). The Camera comes in blue, pink, brown, silver, and gold.

Question: Best digital camera for a student photographer?
I am currently a student in high school, and I am very interested in digital photography. I do not have a lot of experience with purchasing cameras, and I am looking for a digital camera that has great features, easy to use functions, and is durable. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Answer: SLR is good but even the inexpensive ones are $500+.

A good point and shoot that has full manual shooting capability will be $250+ and it is the minimum I would recommend for someone who thinks they might get serious about shooting since even if you upgrade later on, you can still learn how to take pictures by using the full manual mode.

Question: What is the best digital camera for self portraits?

Answer: I don’t fully understand how it works, but check out the Canon Powershot SD430, which has WiFi. I saw somewhere that the Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 has a remote control, but if you were going to spend that kind of money, you could choose from any number of DSLR’s that seem to all have remote control capabilities.

I also read that the Panasonic DMC-FZ50 has a remote control, but can not confirm this. Same for the Olympus Evolt series.