Top 5 Digital Cameras Under $200

The A1100 IS from Canon provides quite a few above-average features for a camera in its price range. First, with 12.1 megapixels of resolution, beginner photographers will be able to make prints as large as they want. Canon includes a 4X optical zoom lens and optical image stabilization technology with the A1100 IS, both of which are nice features in a sub-$200 camera. It also runs from two AA batteries, making it handy to replace batteries while away from home. (If you want to stick with a Canon camera, but spend a little less money, check out the A480 and the A1000IS at the link.)

The EX-Z85's feature set for still photos isn't going to "wow" you: 9.1 megapixels of resolution, 3X optical zoom lens, and a 2.6-inch LCD. However, Casio has included with this model one feature rarely found in budget-priced digital camera, as it can create videos and upload them to YouTube with the need to log into the YouTube server. The EX-Z85 also has 41.2MB of internal memory, which is handy when your memory card is full.

Nikon offers 10 million pixels in the Coolpix S550, along with several shooting resolutions, which should help with a variety of photography needs. For a point and shoot model in this price range, the Coolpix S550's continuous-shooting modes compare favorably. The 2.5-inch LCD included with the S550 is a little smaller than we'd like to see, but it's bright and sharp. (If you're looking for another good Nikon option in this price range in a slightly older model, try the Coolpix S50, which is a good model, if you can find one on store shelves.)

The L210 budget digital camera from Samsung performs surprisingly well in low-light conditions, which is an area where many inexpensive point-and-shoot digital cameras perform poorly. With 10.2 megapixels of resolution while measuring only 0.8 inches in thickness, the L210 compares favorably to other sub-$200 digital cameras. This Samsung model also offers a 2.5-inch LCD and a 3X optical zoom lens.

The 5X optical zoom lens on the DSC-W150 from Sony is a great feature for an inexpensive digital camera, and, with a 35mm equivalent of 28-140mm, the DSC-W150 offers limited wide-angle capabilities, too. With 8.1 megapixels of resolution, basic video capabilities, and a 2.7-inch LCD, this Sony Cyber-shot point-and-shoot model will provide enough power for most beginning photographers. (Sony's T90 is a good option if you have a little more money to spend, but you want to stay in the Cyber-shot family.)