8 Great Digital Cameras Under $200

When shopping for a new digital camera, there are a few specifications you want to keep in mind that will help you narrow down your choices. For me the first thing is the portability. The camera you choose should feel easy to hold in your hand and small enough to fit into your pocket or purse. Next would be what the size of the LCD screen. Viewfinders are a thing of the past; most everyone prefers a nice large LCD screen to focus and review their pictures. It's less strain on the eyes, and you can pass the camera around to have people view the pictures instead of waiting to develop them. Along with portability and size, the additional features are what type of memory card it uses (I prefer SD, which most cameras use nowadays) and an Li-ion battery. When shopping for a budget friendly camera that's under $200 a problem you run into is a lot of cameras use AA batteries. This is a big turnoff because AA batteries do not last through a day of shooting, so you constantly need to carry a fully charged backup pair.

A note about megapixels: A lot of people feel that they need to buy the camera that has the biggest megapixel capability, but most do not understand what the function means. More megapixels is great if you're planning on printing 8" x 11" portraits, but for everyday pictures that you're going to view on your computer or print out at the standard 3"x5" size, you don't need much. Most cameras now come with at least 7 megapixel capability, which is going to suit you just fine for regular shots. All of the cameras included in my list have between 7-10 megapixel capability. If you are planning on purchasing a camera for more sophisticated shots, I recommend you up your budget and get a more expensive camera with more functions to suit your photography needs.

The following are my recommendations, ranked with 1 being the best and 8 being the worst.

1. My favorite recommendation when searching for an entry level camera is a Nikon Coolpix L18. Ergonomically designed and loaded with features makes this a great entry level camera. Its has a large 3 inch LCD screen, uses SD memory cards, and even has a panorama shot function. There are enough functions to teach a newbie photographer some of the basics of digital photography, but not so much as to overwhelm them. I recommend this camera to both teens and technophobe adults. There is one drawback though - no lithium ion battery! You have to invest in some rechargeable AA batteries, which by no means hold the same power as an Li-ion battery, particularly when you want to be using a lot of flash for nighttime shots. You can find this camera at your local Best Buy for about $140.

2. The Sony Cybershot series is my next best option. The DSC-W120 currently goes for just $199.99. It has a 2.5 LCD screen and uses a Li-Ion battery (yea!). Their memory stick technology that they've created is different and unique to them. Some users are avid fans and will not buy any other brand camera while other people find it annoying that it doesn't use the more common SD card technology. Sony's are known for their quality, but you won't find many for under $200.

3. Casio. I am a huge fan of the Exilim series cameras, and they are more stylish and more affordable than ever! Take a look at the EX-780VP and I'm sure you'll fall in love. In an assortment of colors to suit everyone's personality and even outfit, it has a nice 2.6 LCD screen, uses Li-ion batteries, and you can use either an SD or MMC memory card. Super slim design and more photo options than other cameras. It currently sells for about $180.00

4. Olympus FE-340. I'm not the biggest fan of Olympus cameras; their feature set tends to fall short for me. This one goes for $180, the same price as the Casio above. One thing in its favor is the larger LCD screen at 2.7 inches. It uses Li-ion batteries and has 5x optical zoom which is unusual for digital cameras in this price range. Optical zoom is important, the more the better for sure. Most cameras have 3x optical zoom, and for everyday purposes, that's really all you need. Another great feature on Olympus cameras is some come with all weather casing, which is great if you like to take pictures outdoors a lot.

5. Canon Powershot series. I am still of the belief that Canon produces one of the finest digital cameras on the market, but I am hard-pressed to find a thin and stylish one at an affordable cost. Take a look at the Powershot A590. Going for $179.99, my amateur photography friends rave about their Canons. They have a great feature set to please new photographers to those with more experience, but a major drawback is their size. This camera is the biggest in the lot, definitely too bulky to put in your pocket or purse. Still, it's design allows for a great grip which is definitely a plus. Comes with a 2.5 LCD and 4x optical zoom, but it uses MMC memory cards and AA batteries. There is an option to buy a NiMH rechargeable battery for this camera though, which I recommend.

6. How can I forget about Fuji Finepix! Take a look at the Z20fd, currently selling for $180.00. Uses SD technology, comes with a Li-ion battery, and has a 2.5 inch LCD screen. Very simple functions, easy to just pick up and shoot, and comes in many colors to choose from. A super affordable and cute camera - people at parties will ask about this one.

7. Kodak Easyshare series. There are two that I recommend from Kodak. Very simple and easy to use, this is a great starter camera for technophobe adults and grandparents. The C813 is a steal at $99.99, comes with 2.4 LCD, 3x optical zoom, and 8.2 megapixel capability. One major drawback is it uses AA batteries. My better recommendation is the M763, which is only $40 more at $139.99. Comes with 7.2 megapixel capability (you won't even notice the difference), a nice 2.7 inch LCD screen, and even better, uses a Li-ion battery. This camera is a win-win.

8. Panasonic Lumix DMC-LS80S. This camera does nothing for me. Currently selling at the attractive price point of $149.99, comes with a 2.5 LCD screen and uses both MMC and SD cards. It uses AA batteries (boo), and is a larger design than most other digital cameras. It's a nice camera to consider, but I think you can find a better one in this price point.