There are MANY cameras out there, but I can only comment on the ones I know personally. Nikon Coolpix 4600 (4 megapixel) or 5600 (5 megapixel plus video) are both under $200, even including a decent sized memory card (512K to 1 GB). I have many digital cameras and I am never disappointed with the results of my 4600. AND – it uses “AA” batteries instead of expensive special batteries. It’s about the size of a pack of cigarettes, too. There are newer cameras that I am not as familiar with in that price range, but since you said “good, small, cheap,” this is one (two) I can really recommend from experience. There are newer Coolpix cameras, but I admit that I am not familiar with all of their features. I assume that the quality of the photos is at least as good as these older models. I’d say to just be sure you get one that has an optical viewfinder, though, because you can’t always see the image in an LCD viewfinder.

Here are a few samples. These pics were taken with the Coolpix 4600 with no tricks or gimmicks or filters or anything. They had some “very minor adjustments” in Photoshop. If you bought this camera today, you would be able to go out and snap these pictures yourself.

500KB -
Supported on a metal fence for about a 3 second exposure
The camera was in “auto” mode and I just held it still.

1.7 MB -
Just a grab shot of a particular house

2MB -
Pretty winter sunset

38KB -
That’s Venus up in the sky

There are several newer cameras that will still come in at less than $150, in spite of some of the others’ comments. Go to eBay and search on digital cameras and then order the search by price. Evenif you do not like to buy on eBay, this will let you know what’s available in your price range and then you can go to and start to browse around.

Doc8

September 27th, 2010 at 8:22 pm

Personally, I love my Canon Powershot S2. See it at Amazon.com and read all the recommendations of users and professionals. The cost is $299, but it has quality.

lins

October 1st, 2010 at 5:11 am

a sony panasonic…can i find you one here?

photography nut

October 1st, 2010 at 10:52 pm

I see you have a price range in mind, but do you have features in mind as well? It is important to know what you are looking for when you shop. That way you can get the most for your money and be happy with the product you purchased.

What type of zoom do you want? (I recommend optical because it does not mess with the clarity of your picture.)

What about the number of megapixels desired?

Then there are other features such as video and video with sound, onscreen cropping, your basic photo settings, etc.

There are several decent cameras on the market in the price range you are mentioning. I would recommend decide which features are most important to you and research according to those.
is a good site to research cameras. They have a features search that will help guide you.

Most importantly, don’t rush into a purchase. Take your time, know your features and make sure it is going to be a camera you are going to be happy with.

Go out into the stores and look. I have customers that come in all the time researching. A good salesperson is going to take the time to help and educate you even if you aren’t purchasing at that moment.

John H

October 4th, 2010 at 12:15 am

To get a quality camera that will meet all of your needs. You need to pay around $150.00-$350.00. Remember the higher the pixel the more the camera will cost. Minimum pixels you should start is 4.

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What is the best digital camera for a reasonable price?

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