Best digital camera for $200 or less?

[Fardor]

I've been using a camcorder for like, 4 years, to take my still images, so for my birthday I want to get a digital camera.

My primary concern is image quality and ability to focus. My camcorder can really focus on things well, even like 1 centimeter away from the lens (pic w/ no zoom), and it would suck if I got a new digital camera that's focusing ability was less than my camcorder.

As for size, I'd like it to be small but doesn't have to be pocket-small (although that would be nice). I wouldn't want to sacrifice too much for size.

I don't think I really would use special features that much. Probably wouldn't know how to use them and would be too lazy to figure it out. Just want something that takes pictures like you see them.

I was thinking something like the Canon PowerShot A590 IS

or the PowerShot SD750 might be good... What do you guys think?

 

[Jawo]

You will see a monumental improvement with any digital camera you buy over the pictures you are getting with your Optura20! The A590IS looks like a great camera, if you don't mind the size. You will pay more for smallness, but you usually can find a Canon SD 870 IS for about $250.

 

[DanMart25]

I would prefer A590. I was going through some expert reviews on this product, which says that it delivers good value.

 

[91TTZ]

Originally posted by: DanMart25
I would prefer A590. I was going through some expert reviews on this product, which says that it delivers good value.

The problem with that is that a lot of people use their cameras to shoot videos, and the new 590 only shoots at 20 fps compared to the 570 it replaced with shot 30 fps.





ps- the reason I brought this thread back to life is because I'm also in the market for the same thing and I found this using search.

 

[996GT2]

Look at the Panasonic models. They offer more useful features than Canon and also offer great image quality.

The 8 MP Lumix LZ8 is a steal at $100-150, with 32mm wide angle lens, 2.5 FPS continuous shooting, optical image stabilization, full manual mode, and 5x optical zoom Leica Lens. The slightly more expensive 10 MP LZ10 is another great deal. Both run on AA batteries so a cheap set of eneloop rechargables will keep you going and you can just run to the store for some AAs if you are in an emergency.

The FX and FS series are also great pocketable cameras with similar features to the LZ series, minus the full manual control. The TZ series offers 10x optical zoom in a small package.