Buying your first camera is not an easy decision but a $200 budget doesn’t mean your videos should suck!
It requires careful consideration of multiple factors. You want to make sure you’re staying within your budget while also picking a camera that will allow you to take quality photos and videos that you’ll be happy to show off.
It’s easy to dream about the quality content you can produce with a mirrorless camera or a DSLR camera, but if you haven’t got the budget for either, you need to find a way to still produce great content while meeting your budget requirements.
Here’s a list of 5 top cameras available on Amazon that are less than $200. With these, you’ll be able to create quality content without burning a hole in your pockets.
Best Cameras under $200 for Video, Vlogging, Photography
Sony DSC-WX220/B
- Weight: 122 g
- Dimensions: 3.62 x 0.87 x 2.05 inches
The Sony DSC-WX220/B is a compact and lightweight camera available on Amazon for under $200. There are several features and functions that make this one of the best and most popular cameras under $200.
The camera offers full HD 1080p video quality which is hard to come across in a camera that’s less than $200. This allows you to shoot excellent videos that look professional. Besides this, it also offers great image quality thanks to its 18 MP sensor coupled with BIONZ X image processor.
Overall, the video quality looks great for a camera at this price. It also boasts a lot of good features for photography.
The 10x zoom feature makes it possible to take high quality photos in a variety of situations. You can take panoramic images of up to 360° with the Sweep Panorama mode and its continuous shooting at 10 frames/second makes it possible to capture fast moving objects with ease. You can even control features of the camera through your smartphone thanks to its Wi-Fi connectivity and NFC.
The Sony DSC-WX220 is one of the best cameras under $200 that you can get. Definitely worth it at this price!
Pros
- Plenty of modes and features
- Great video quality at 1080p HD
- Equipped with SteadyShot image stabilization.
- Wireless connectivity.
- Super easy to use
Cons
- Low level of illumination distorts image quality.
Specifications
- Full HD 1080p video quality
- 18.2 MP resolution
- 10x optical zoom feature
- 3” fixed LCD screen
- 10 fps (continuous shooting)
Nikon COOLPIX L830
- Weight: 1.12 lbs
- Dimensions: 4.33 x 3.58 x 2.99 inches
The Nikon COOLPIX L830 will blow you away with the quality of its photos and HD videos.
It doesn’t matter if the action is happening far away from you, you’ll still be able to capture close-up details using this advanced camera. It has an excellent NIKKOR telephoto glass lens that is capable of 34x optical zoom feature along with 68x Dynamic Fine Zoom to capture far off scenes perfectly.
You won’t even have to worry about your video quality being negatively impacted, especially when you’re shooting at long distances, thanks to the camera’s Hybrid Vibration Reduction function.
There’s a Target Finding AF feature that you can use to shoot moving objects with ease as the camera will then detect and focus on the subject.
There’s also an Easy Auto Mode that makes shooting easy for anyone using the camera regardless of their level of expertise. This mode helps to optimize camera settings for every shot, irrespective of the challenges of the situation.
This cheap vlogging camera option has simple controls, a design that’s comfortable to work with, and a highly intuitive menu which allows for easy operation of the camera.
Pros
- Full HD 1080/60i video resolution with stereo sound and optical zoom
- Titling screen provides excellent resolution
- Large hand grip (rubberized) for convenient usage
- Hybrid VR
Cons
- Problems with distortion
- Exposure to bright sunlight also makes it difficult to view the screen
- Panorama shots suffer from some exposure issues
Specifications
- Full 1080p HD video recording feature is available on this camera which runs on AA-size batteries
- 34x optical zoom lens and has the optical image stabilization function
- LCD screen of the Nikon COOLPIX L830 is a 3.0 inch 921k dot tiltable screen.
- ISO 125-1600 and ISO 3200 is available when the Auto mode is used
- Minimum focusing distance of 1cm and comes with 6.7 frames per second continuous shooting mode
Samsung WB 1100F
- Weight: 512g
- Dimensions: 4.92 x 3.78 x 3.43 inches
When it comes to cheap cameras for vlogging, video and photo, a good option is the Samsung WB 1100F. You’ll get to experience the ergonomic feel of conventional DSLR cameras while benefiting from the ease of operating a compact camera.
This comes equipped with a 16.2MP CCD sensor that has a sensitivity range of ISO80-3200. The 35x optical zoom lens offers a focal range that is equivalent to 25-875mm.
There are 6 Smart Filters available which include fish eye and miniature effects that will help you create excellent panoramas and light trails. Several wireless sharing options are available with NFC pairing easily done. The camera offers HD 720p video recording, which is acceptable for cheap vlogging cameras.
Pros
- 35X optical zoom feature available is great for long distance shots
- Excellent Wi-Fi connectivity and NFC pairing feature allows for easy sharing of content and even makes it possible for you to upload directly to social media websites or stream to your Smart TV
- Long battery life
- Wide angle lens with 3″ high quality LCD display
Cons
- Not equipped with a built-in Viewfinder and RAW Shooting
- No External Flash Shoe or Articulating Screen
- Heavy body weighing 512g
- Only 720p HD
Specifications
- It comes equipped with optical image stabilization
- Video resolution of 1280 x 720
- 16MP-1/2.3″ CCD Sensor and ISO 80 – 3200
- 3″ Fixed Type Screen as well as 10 frames per second continuous shooting
- It has built-in wireless feature
- Zoom Lens (25-875 mm F3.0-F5.9)
Fujifilm Finepix XP80
Fujifilm Finepix XP80- Weight: 179g
- Dimensions: 4.09 x 1.02 x 2.64 inches
This is another favourite when it comes to the best cheap cameras under $200.
It comes equipped with 16 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor with sensor shift image stabilization feature. Definitely much need for a cheap vlogging camera.
The lens is a wide angle 5x optical zoom lens that is 28-140mm with regard to 35mm camera terms. You’ll be able to shoot in less than ideal lighting conditions thanks to its optical image stabilization feature.
You’ll also benefit from the camera’s Wi-Fi remote shooting function with which you can enjoy the Remote Shooting app from Fujifilm. There are several advanced filters available and the camera also allows for interval timer shooting.
Pros
- 1080p Video
- Built-in wireless connectivity, face detection focusing, and image stabilization
- Light body at 179g, making it easy to carry around
- 4 way proof environmental sealing 4, including:
- Water proof (50 feet / 15 meters)
- Shock proof (5.8 feet / 1.75 meters)
- Freeze proof (14 Degree F / -10 Degree C)
- Dust proof
Cons
- Does not offer Panorama shooting or AE bracketing
- No external flash shoe or articulating screen
- LCD Screen is small at 2.7″
Specifications
- 16MP – 1/2.3″ CMOS Sensor, ISO 100 – 6400, and 28–140 mm F3.9 – F4.9 Zoom Lens
- Continuous shooting at 10.0 frames per second
- High quality videos with 1080p resolution
- Weather sealed, offering 4 way proof (water proof, shock proof, freeze proof, and dust proof)
Canon PowerShot SX410 IS
- Weight: 0.72 lbs
- Dimensions: 4.09 x 3.35 x 2.72 inches
Equipped with a 3” LCD screen, this camera comes equipped with some of the best technology from Canon that truly makes it a great option for users.
The 40x optical zoom feature as well as 24mm wide angle lens allows for versatility in every shot. It is also equipped with Intelligent IS so that your shot may be adjusted in any mode. With this feature, shake correction is automatically applied to limit camera movement, making it easier for you to get clear, still footage.
The Smart Auto feature adjusts camera setting so that you get the best output in any situation.
Pros
- Equipped with a 32 GB high speed memory card built-in.
- Several shooting modes and a special Eco Mode allows for longer shooting for every single charge.
- 40x optical zoom feature and Intelligent IS make it easy to shoot
Cons
- Burst mode of the camera is low at just 2.2 frames per second
- Manual mode isn’t available
- Raw shooting isn’t available
- Only 720p HD
Specifications
- 20.0 Megapixel sensor and Canon DIGIC 4+ Image Processor
- 24 mm wide angle lens with advanced 40x optical zoom feature
- LCD screen resolution is excellent at 230,000 dots (approximate)
- 720p HD video s to be taken at up to 25 fps with clarity of sound
- Eco Mode is available which makes it possible to take more shots for every single charge
Conclusion
With so many great options available under $200, you need to make sure you take the following aspects into consideration:
- Quality of images and video
- Wireless connectivity feature
- Image stabilization feature
- Ease of operating the various features on the camera
It’s easy to stay within your budget with these top camera options, but you need to make sure you know how to use them properly before you make your decision of which one to buy. If you’re looking for even cheaper cameras, view the Best Vlogging Cameras under $100 or the Best Cameras for YouTube in 2020.
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