Q: Any tips on finding a point and shoot under $200 for downloading photos fast? I'm looking for a camera that offers particularly easy and user-friendly gallery management and uploading. Receiving photo downloads fast without too much hassle are a big bonus for me. --J.W.
A: Nearly all point and shoot cameras make use of Hi-speed USB, also called USB 2.0, for downloading photos fast. Some high-end cameras use FireWire, which offers greater speed, but I've never seen a sub-$200 camera with FireWire. USB 3.0 is still a few years away, so, downloading photos fast with a point and shoot camera, just make sure the camera and the computer to which you're downloading the photos both use USB 2.0.
As far as the ease of image management within the camera, I agree that it can be tough to find just the right menu structure to meet your needs. The problem is everyone's preferences are a little different. My suggestion is to find 3-5 cameras that meet your photography needs. Then, travel to your local camera retailer, and try those cameras, especially paying attention to the menu structure. Figure out which camera's menu meets your particular image management needs by testing out different models.
Finally, most of the top 5 digital cameras under $200 are very easy to use, which typically extends to the menu structure. Really, any camera under $300 should be very easy to use.
Find more answers to common camera questions on the camera FAQ page.
