What Digital Camera is the Best for Under $200.00

Amongst a lot of friends and family, I frequently get asked about my opinions for electronic gadgets.  Myself I’ve been using an older model Canon 8mp camera that works great and produces awesome photos.  Of course the camera is only as good as the person taking the pictures, and if you are the type of person that cuts the heads off of people when you take their picture – then I’m sorry, no matter how much you spend on a camera you will not get the results you expect.

Here is my pick for the best digital camera under $200.00:

Panasonic DMC-FH25K 16.1MP Digital Camera with 8x Wide Angle Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Black) – Amazon price $139.99

This is a great looking camera, and for 16.1mp the price simply cannot be beat.  For the fashion conscious, this camera actually comes in several colors – black, blue, red, silver and violet.  Beyond colors, this camera does what others that are more expensive can do, featuring 27 scene modes to such features as MEGA O.I.S (or Optical Image Stabilization) Shake Detection.  If you are like me (and so many other photographers) that you can’t keep still, then this feature will really help you out.  The camera detects hand-shake and actually will compensate for the blurring that is caused by it.  The camera samples 4,000 times per second and even the slightest shake is detected and compensated for.  This results in stunning photographs that will always be crisp, clear and sharp.

Another superb feature to do-away with the blurring you may get on an image if someone is moving too quickly is Intelligent ISO Control Motion Detection.  Like MEGA O.I.S the camera detects subject movement and will automatically adjust the ISO setting and shutter speed to best suite the movement and light conditions.

There are several other fantastic features on this camera – but what makes it a hit is the price and the number of 4-star and 5-star reviews on Amazon.  It’s got 160 5-star reviews, and 61 4-star reviews and 36 3, 2 or 1 star reviews – so by far a larger percentage of 4-star and 5-star reviews for this under $200.00 digital camera.  For the price you cannot go wrong.

Virtually ever review of the camera by purchasers says the same thing “outstanding product“, “great camera“, “finally a decent camera that takes sharp photos“.

Click on the links above to read more about the Panasonic DMC-FH25K – one of my picks for the best digital camera for under $200.00.

Here are some technical details for those who care:

  • The high-speed, high-performance Venus Engine VI is incorporated to enable the recording of beautiful images.
  • The Sonic Speed AF system includes numerous re-engineering enhancements.
  • Battery included.
  • When you don’t know which mode will give you the best shooting results.
  • Just choose the iA Mode, aim at your subject and shoot.
  • The MEGA O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) compensates for the blurring caused by hand-shake.

This camera is rated #3  in Camera and Photo on Amazon and #2 in Point & Shoot Digital Cameras.

Another image of the camera, in violet and full-size in blue: