Canon PowerShot A590 ISbest-digital-cameras-for-less-than-250


Despite its bargain-bin price, Canon?s PowerShot A590 IS has a lot of features: 8-megapixel resolution, 4X optical zoom, optical image stabilization, face detection (which recognizes faces in the frame and optimizes the autofocus accordingly), and a smallish-but-serviceable 2.5-inch LCD screen. And conveniently it runs on two AA batteries.




Casio Exilim EX-Z150
best-digital-cameras-for-less-than-250-1The slim, 8-megapixel Casio Exilim EX-Z150 aims for the sweet spot uniting slick looks and solid functionality. It also has an impressive 3-inch LCD on the back. Our chief complaint is that the camera takes its time focusing and suffers from a bit of shutter delay.


Pentax Optio A40
best-digital-cameras-for-less-than-250-21At 2.5 inches diagonally, this camera?s screen is smaller than the ones on some competing models, but we found that it worked just fine indoors and out. Getting into and around the menus is fairly simple, too, even without consulting Pentax?s detailed manual.


Canon PowerShot SD1100 IS
best-digital-cameras-for-less-than-250-3Canon?s new PowerShot SD1100 IS looks great and is comfortable to use. Its robust features?which include the company?s fast DIGIC III processor, a maximum aperture of f2.8, and outstanding image quality?allow it to compete with cameras that cost significantly more.


Nikon Coolpix S210
best-digital-cameras-for-less-than-250-41The 8-megapixel Nikon Coolpix S210 isn?t short on good looks, and in our tests it was extremely easy to use, even without reading the manual. Reaching some settings, such as video and scene modes, did take a few button presses, however.