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If you’re tired of using your smartphone to take pictures, it’s time to get the best point and shoot camera under $300. While this may seem like a lot of money, it’s still dramatically more affordable than any new smartphone on the market, and you get way better picture quality than you ever could with a phone. Even in our modern times, smartphones just don’t cut it when it comes to pictures and videos. To get the most out of your photography skills, you need the best point and shoot camera under $300.
But what exactly is a point and shoot camera? This term refers to any camera that you can pick up, click the button, and take a picture of something. These cameras are not overly fancy, you don’t need to equip expensive lenses, and there’s no learning curve. The beauty of a point and shoot camera is that anyone can use it, even if you have no prior photography experience.
Another great aspect of the point and shoot camera is that it will give you a taste for photography. If you’ve ever been interested in pursuing professional photography, a point and shoot camera is an excellent starting point. These cameras are also great for selfies, some of them can take 4K videos, and they have impressive image sensors that add life, color, and incredibly vivid details to all your photographs.
1. Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 Digital Camera
Canon has a great lineup of PowerShot digital cameras. These models range anywhere from $100 to $500, and they are some of the most coveted point and shoot cameras on the market, mainly because of their simplicity and their amazing quality when it comes to photographs. The ELPH 190 is available in black, red, or blue, you can purchase it with a 16-gigabyte memory card, and it has an optical image stabilization system so that you can take amazing photographs with the most flexibility. This is a huge improvement in point and shoot cameras, and one of the most technologically advanced from Canon at this price point.
But just wait until you hear the rest of the features. The 20-megapixel CCD sensor works in conjunction with the DIGIC 4+ image processor to give you breathtaking image quality. We’re talking about crisp pictures, bright colors, and remarkable detail. The camera also comes included with smart technology and different scene modes. There’s even a help button that makes it easier to master the features that come included with the camera.
Pros
- Active Image Stabilization
- Blur Correction
- Integrated Sharing & Wi-Fi
- Remote Shooting
- Huge 20MP Sensor
Cons
- No 1080p Video Capture
- Must Buy Memory Card
2. Sony Cyber-Shot DSCW610 Digital Camera
The Sony Cyber-Shot is in direct competition with the Canon PowerShot, and it’s honestly hard to say which is better. This particular model of the Sony Cyber-Shot only has 14.1 megapixels, 4x optical zoom, and it only comes in black and silver. It’s definitely lagging behind some of the better features, but it also has a few key improvements in technology, such as the 2.7” LCD display, the sweep panorama mode, and the automatic camera adjustments based on scene conditions. The camera also uses a self-portrait timer for easy group pictures.
Even more, the camera comes included with face detection technology, meaning you’re going to get the most flattering pictures of yourself, your family, and your friends – and you’ll never miss another smile because of the smile shutter technology, which works to capture the picture at the exact moment everyone is smiling! For some people, this is a technological must-have in any point and shoot camera.
Pros
- Smile Shutter + Face Detection
- Powerful Rechargeable Battery
- Fits in Pocket
- Intelligent Automatic Mode
- Proper Flash + Great Low-Light Pictures
Cons
- Minimum Functionality
- Doesn’t Come with SD Card
3. Panasonic Lumix ZS50 Digital Camera
The Panasonic Lumix ZS50 Digital Camera is by far the most expensive on the list today, and yet it’s still a far cry from $300. It’s also incredibly smart. This camera offers 30x optical zoom, an improved eye viewfinder to eliminate outside glare, super-enhanced sensitivity for improved sharpness at night, very quick autofocusing, 10fps burst shooting for amazing action photography, and it’s a great travel camera.
In fact, this is one of the best units to take with you on your next vacation. It may only offer 12.1 megapixels, but that doesn’t mean your pictures aren’t going to be awesome. There is still a lot of technology packed inside this tiny camera that turns those 12.1 megapixels into gorgeous photographs with ripe coloring, superb detail, and a life-like quality that you simply can’t get with any smartphone. Plus, it has impressive image stabilization technology to minimize blur and ensure the perfect picture every time.
Pros
- Full HD Videos
- Excellent for Macro Photography
- Ridiculously Small Camera
- High-Speed Shooting
- Amazing at Night
Cons
- Too Many Different Modes
- Must Use Panasonic Cable for Charging
4. Nikon COOLPIX B500 Digital Camera
The Nikon COOLPIX series is another great group of amazing point and shoot cameras. Specifically, the B500 is well worth the money. This camera is insanely inexpensive and yet it has a 40x optical zoom lens already attached to the body. If you’re interested in a point and shoot camera that feels a little more heavy-duty, much like a more expensive DSLR, the B500 is the way to go. It has an amazing flash, it has all the setting dials you would expect with a professional camera, and it just feels great in your hands. It’s also one of the only cameras at this price range that offers full 1080p video recording and Bluetooth connectivity.
But wait until you hear the best part! The COOLPIX B500 has a tilting 3” LCD display, which makes taking selfies a whole lot easier. You get way more shooting angles and much more versatility thanks to the tilting LCD. Plus, it is very simple to master all the different features of this camera, even if you’ve never picked up a professional camera before. Yes, you can point and shoot with the easy automatic mode, but this camera also allows you to get a little more technical. For aspiring photographers who don’t want to spend more than a couple hundred dollars, we highly recommend the COOLPIX B500.
Pros
- Massive Number of Pro Features
- 1080p Video w/ Stereo Sound
- Tilting LCD for More Angles & Selfies
- Convenient & Fun to Learn
- 40x Optical Zoom + 80x Dynamic Fine Zoom
Cons
- Some Focus Issues
- Mobile Software Needs Improvements
5. Samsung WB350F Digital Camera
Last on the list for today is a rather unusual entry. It looks like Samsung is making their way into the camera market, and one of their most affordable entries is the WB350F digital camera. This is actually a great piece of technology, complete with Wi-Fi connectivity, a 3” hybrid touch display, and a massive 16.3-megapixel CMOS sensor. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket, you can save photographs in real-time using the automatic sharing feature, and it’s easy to connect to your other Samsung devices.
Even though Samsung is not a recognized name in cameras, they are still a trusted brand. For an affordable camera with all the necessary features and technologies, this is a great option. It’s under $200, you get full creative control with different modes, and you can even control the camera from a distance when you connect it to your smartphone. If you want technology, you definitely want Samsung.
Pros
- Instant Sharing w/ Smart Social Media Upload
- 21x Optical Zoom
- Huge Color Options
- Large 16.3MP Sensor
- Samsung Link to Other Devices
Cons
- Micro SD Card Only
- Slight Screen Glare
Final Thoughts
The great thing about shopping for the best point shoot camera under $300 is that many of your options are quite similar. What we mean by that is that you don’t have to deal with a lot of variables. Point and shoot cameras typically come with optical zoom, they offer similar megapixels, all new models have connectivity features, and simplicity is in abundance.
In this case, you’re probably wondering how to know which one is best. And as with everything in life, it usually comes down to price. The more expensive your point and shoot digital camera, the better it’s going to function and the more features you’re going to get. And in terms of features, there are a few main ones you want to keep your eyes open for that can enhance your photography experience.
For example, 4K video capability is becoming more and more popular. In any new digital camera, 4K means the difference between ordinary videos and stunning home movies. Then there’s continuous shooting to think about. Anything 10fps or higher means more action shots and fewer missed moments.
Finally, you want to consider build quality. For this, we always recommend checking verified reviews from customers before making any purchase. You don’t want a point shoot camera under $300 that feels like it’s made out of flimsy plastic. As a general rule, the more reliable the brand, the sturdier and more robust your camera is going to be.
Other great features you might like include waterproofing, Bluetooth connectivity, a touchscreen display, and creative editing software.
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