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The Best Digital Point & Shoot Cameras under $250

★ Top Choice
♥ Runner Up

Canon

PowerShot ELPH 190

BUY NOW

From $159

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Best Overall

Canon

PowerShot SX620 HS

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From $249

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Upgrade pick

Sony DSC-W800

★ Top Choice
BUY NOW From $98

Features

  • Focal length: f=4.6-23 mm.
  • Sony Lens w/ 5x Optical Zoom and 360 sweep panorama.
  • 5x Optical Zoom.
  • MP Super HAD CCD sensor for beautifully detailed images. Blink Detection.
  • Simplify camera menu with Easy Mode; Digital Zoom- Still images: 20M approx.10x, 10M approx.7.1x, 5M approx.9.9x, VGA approx.40x, 2M(16:9) approx.13x, Movies: Digital Zoom approx. 10x (*1).
  • Reduced blur with SteadyShot Image stabilization.Recording Format:Still Images: JPEG , Movie: AVI (Motion JPEG).
  • In the box: Battery (NP-BN), AC AdaptorAC-UB10C, Wrist Strap, Multi USB cable, Instruction Manual.
  • Sony Lens with F3.2 (W) – 6.4 (T) Maximum Aperture.
  • Capture your videos in 720p HD Movie mode.
  • Super HAD CCD 20.1 MP sensor.

Pros

  • ⊕ Very affordable.
  • ⊕ Removable battery.
  • ⊕ 20.1 Megapixel sensor.
  • ⊕ Sleek, pocket-friendly design.

Cons

  • ⊖ Slow autofocus.
  • ⊖ 720p video resolution.
  • ⊖ Middling image quality.
  • ⊖ Limited manual controls.
  • ⊖ Slow autofocus performance.

Specs

  • Color: Black.
  • Weight: 8.8 oz.
  • Max Photo Resolution: 20.1MP.
  • Max Video Resolution: 1280 x 720.
  • Compatibility: Windows, macOS.
  • Product Dimensions: 2 x 2.1 x 0.9 in.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 190

♥ Runner Up
BUY NOW From $159

Features

  • Scene Modes such as Fisheye Effect, Toy Camera Effect and Monochrome provide creative freedom to capture your photos.
  • 10x Optical Zoom with Optical Image Stabilizer helps you capture images with flexibility and ease.
  • 20.0 Megapixel CCD sensor combines with the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor to help deliver stunning image quality. Shooting Capacity Approx. 190 shots. Approx. 245 shots in ECO Mode. Video Recording Time Approx. 50 min.
  • Smart AUTO intelligently selects the proper settings based on predefined shooting situations.
  • Built in Wi Fi and NFC allows for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos.
  • 720p HD video capabilities. Hi Speed USB (Mini B); direct connection to Canon SELPHY, PIXMA Photo Printers & PictBridge compatible printers.
  • Help Button provides simple explanations and easy control of your settings. Operating Humidity 10 90 percent.

Pros

  • ⊕ Inexpensive.
  • ⊕ 10x zoom lens.
  • ⊕ Wi-Fi with NFC.
  • ⊕ Very affordable.
  • ⊕ 10x optical zoom.

Cons

  • ⊖ Noisy images indoors.
  • ⊖ 720p video resolution.
  • ⊖ Video limited to 720p.
  • ⊖ Low-resolution rear LCD.
  • ⊖ Slow continuous shooting.

Specs

  • Max Photo Resolution: 20MP.
  • Color: Black.
  • Weight: 4.34 oz.
  • Connectivity Options: USB, WiFi.
  • Video Recording Resolution: 1280 x 720.
  • Compatibility: Windows, macOS.
  • Product Dimensions: 3.75 x 2.24 x 0.93 in.

Canon PowerShot SX620 HS

Best Overall
BUY NOW From $249

Features

  • Large 3.0 inch (approximately 922,000 dots) LCD allows easy viewing even from a wide angle. Battery life: Approx. 295 shots, Eco Mode: Approx. 405 shots, Playback Mode: Approx. 360 minute Image Recording Format: Superfine / Fine.
  • Powerful 25x Optical Zoom with Intelligent IS helps optimize image stabilization for virtually shake free images.
  • Effective ISO 80 3200.
  • 20.2 Megapixel*** CMOS sensor with DIGIC 4+ Image Processor helps deliver stunning image quality even in low light. Auto zoom dependent on number of subjects.
  • Built in Wi Fi* and NFC** allows for easy sharing and transferring of images and videos. Maximum f/number : f/3.2 f/6.6. Shutter Speed 1 1/2000 second 15 1/2000 second (in all shooting modes).
  • Capture spectacular 1080p Full HD video. Focusing Range : 1 centimeter (0.4 Inches) infinity (W), 1.0 meter (3.3feet) infinity (T).

Pros

  • ⊕ Compact.
  • ⊕ Powerful zoom.
  • ⊕ Records 1080p HD video.
  • ⊕ In-camera stabilization.
  • ⊕ Wi-Fi & Bluetooth capabilities.

Cons

  • ⊖ No RAW format.
  • ⊖ Fixed zoom lens.
  • ⊖ No microphone input.
  • ⊖ Limited ISO performance.

Specs

  • Built-in Flash: Yes.
  • Wireless Control: Wi-Fi, NFC.
  • Product Dimensions: 3.81 x 2.24 x 1.1 in.
  • Maximum Aperture: f/3.2 (W), f/6.6 (T).
  • Focal Length: 4.5 (W) - 112.5(T) mm.
  • Storage Media: SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards.
  • Battery Life: Approx. 6 hours playback time.
  • Type: 20.2 Megapixel, 1/2.3-inch CMOS.
  • Battery: Rechargeable NB-13L battery pack.
  • Zoom: 25x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom.
  • Video: Up to Full HD (1920 x 1280) at 29.97 fps.

Olympus TG-5

Best All-Weather
BUY NOW From $249.99

Features

  • Dual Quad Core TruePic VIII Image Processor 3.0 inches 460k Dot LCD Monitor; Focus Range Normal: 3.94 inches (10 centimeter) to Infinit Macro: 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) to Infinity.
  • Underwater Compensation: 2 EV to +2 EV (in 1/3 EV steps); Bright F2.0 high speed Lens; Video Recording format : MOV(MPEG 4AVC/H.264).
  • Waterproof to 50 feet, F, Dust proof, Crush proof to 220 lbf, Shockproof from 7 feet, Freeze proof to 14 degrees, Anti Fog lens, Dust proof: IP6X.
  • Field sensor system with GPS, Manometer, Compass, and temperature sensors.
  • New 12 MegaPixel Hi speed image sensor for improved low light performance and noise reduction.

Pros

  • ⊕ 4K video.
  • ⊕ Crush and dust proof.
  • ⊕ Great low-light performance.

Cons

  • ⊖ Expensive.
  • ⊖ Slightly underwhelming audio.
  • ⊖ Battery life could be longer.