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Cheap Digital Cameras: Ratings of Sources
Total of 13 Sources

For an explanation of how we rank reviews, see our ratings criteria page.

1. Imaging-Resource.com
As of Nov. 2011
Dave's Picks: Budget
by Editors of Imaging-Resource.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAlthough Imaging-Resource.com does not compare products directly, the site lists top-rated cameras and Editor's Choice picks, with a separate section on the best budget cameras. Cameras undergo thorough testing, with each model photographing identical subjects under standardized conditions. Sample pictures help to gauge and compare performance, while the detailed write-ups cover key factors such as camera construction, optics and exposure. One of the three top budget picks has been discontinued.
2. DigitalCameraHQ.com
April 2011
Best $200 Cameras of 2011
by Editors of DigitalCamera-HQ.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentIn addition to detailed standalone camera reviews, DigitalCamera-HQ.com names the best cameras in several categories. The Canon Elph 100 HS is the best point-and-shoot under $200, with runners-up Panasonic DMC-FH25 and Nikon Coolpix S6100. Reviews here are test-based, balanced and plain-spoken.
3. DigitalCameraInfo.com
As of Nov. 2011
Best Digital Cameras
by Editors of DigitalCameraInfo.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThis easy-to-navigate site provides the same thorough analysis as its parent site, CamcorderInfo.com. In-depth evaluations have weighted rating scores for key features, and the site also has sorting filters for product comparison. Editors test a healthy number of cameras, both cheap and expensive, and they are candid in their assessments.
4. DCResource.com
Nov. 2011
Our Recommended Digital Cameras
by Jeff Keller
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentJeff Keller's in-depth camera reviews are easy and fun to read. Keller doesn't directly compare cameras, but each review lists similar cameras to consider. He does name one under-$200 pick in this buyer's guide: the Canon PowerShot Elph 100 HS.
5. ConsumerReports.org
As of Nov. 2011
Point and Shoot Digital Camera Ratings and Reliability
by Editors of ConsumerReports.org
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentConsumerReports.org conducts rigorous product testing of 180 point-and-shoot digital cameras. Each is tested for features ranging from megapixels, image quality and shot delay to versatility and battery life. The ranked ratings chart shows how the inexpensive cameras perform next to their more expensive counterparts. However, the report doesn't offer detailed write-ups of individual cameras, and ConsumerReports.org mixes discontinued models in with current ones.
6. PCMag.com
Oct. 2011
8 Compact Digital Cameras under $130
by Jim Fisher
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPCMag.com tests eight super-cheap digital cameras, with scores ranging from 2 to 4 stars (out of 5). The Editors' Choice Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 just slips in under the $130 mark. You'll find full tests of other cameras in PCMag.com's well-organized review section.
7. CNET
Nov. 2011
Best Budget Digital Cameras
by Lori Grunin
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentCNET does a great job evaluating digital cameras. Each camera receives hands-on testing for build quality, features, shooting speeds, ISO and image quality. The reviews provide product ratings, a list of pros and cons that quickly summarize overall performance and product specifications. But even though CNET is constantly testing new cameras, half of the models on this list of the top 10 cameras under $200 are discontinued models.
8. PC World
Sept. 2011
Point-and-Shoot Cameras with the Best Image Quality
by Tim Moynihan
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentPC World lists the cameras that score best overall on their imaging tests -- including two budget models, the Samsung SH100 and Canon PowerShot A3300 IS. PC World publishes summaries for easy product comparison, while standalone reviews of each model include test results. The reports are not as comprehensive as those on photography sites, and PC World hasn't reviewed many cheap cameras lately.
9. Which? magazine
As of Nov. 2011
Digital Cameras: Best Buys
by Editors of Which? magazine
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentWhich? magazine is Great Britain's equivalent of ConsumerReports.org. Which? magazine thoroughly tests and rates 285 digital cameras. The best-scoring cameras earn a Best Buy designation, but the list is extensive, and only a percentage point separates the rankings (and without explanation). Still, the site makes it easy to see how different cameras compare.
10. StevesDigicams.com
Nov. 2011
Steve's Best Cameras
by Editors of Steves-Digicams.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentReviews at Steves-Digicams.com are current and offer impeccable detail, but this list of the best cameras hasn't been updated in a year, and all of the budget models have been discontinued. Still, the reviews are so good that this is a valuable resource for gathering additional information on possible camera purchases.
11. PhotographyBlog.com
July 2011
The Best Digital Cameras
by Editors of PhotographyBlog.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentThe editors of Britain's PhotographyBlog.com review plenty of digital cameras, most of which are available in the U.S. Cameras are thoroughly tested for image quality, ease of use and product value. This buyer's guide hasn't been updated in a while, though, so all of the budget picks are outdated.
12. About.com
Not dated
Best Cheap Digital Cameras under a $200 Budget
by Kyle Schurman
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentKyle Schurman, About.com's guide to digital cameras, lists 12 picks for cameras under $200. His choices, however, appear to be based on features rather than on hands-on testing. Cameras are neither rated nor ranked, and some models have been discontinued. (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)
13. Amazon.com
As of Nov. 2011
Point and Shoot Digital Cameras
by Contributors to Amazon.com
Credibility Rating
Our AssessmentAs with most user reviews, the owner write-ups at Amazon.com vary. However, the sheer volume of comments -- some popular models get hundreds of reviews -- helps to establish common denominators that verify expert reviews and reveal how the cameras perform in the long run.
     
 

This is our assessment of the review’s relevance, clarity of testing and thoroughness.

Read more about our Ratings Criteria by clicking the link at the top of the page.
 
 
 
  
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