The Best Canon Cameras Under $200 [Comparison]

A beautiful thing about technology is that it is constantly changing. The benefit for the modern day consumer is that some products, in this example cameras, become less expensive over time. If you have looked into buying a camera for more than one minute, you probably know it is not a cheap hobby or profession.

Now, you can get a high quality camera for less if the top of the line camera is out of your price range. Canon makes cameras priced under $200! That’s good news if you are working within the constraints of a tight budget. We are going to review three different Canon cameras that are under $200 and show that sometimes less is more. If you are looking for similar Nikon cameras, then check out our list of the best Nikon COOLPIX cameras here.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 180

The smallest digital camera in the bunch, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is sleek and handy. While it may be small in stature, it is more powerful than you might think. It still has specifications that will surprise you.

• MSRP of $119.99. The least expensive of the three.
• 20 Megapixels. Shockingly clear images from a slim and trim camera.
• 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor. Works with a DIGIC 4+ Image Processor to provide high-quality photos.
• 28-224mm Lens. Allows for flexibility in your shots so you can grab any angle no matter how wide.
• 8x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, 32x Combined Zoom. Allows you to take large photos, crop, and zoom while maintaining clarity.
• Digital Image Stabilization. Helps with shaky hands and action shots.
• 2.7″ LCD Screen. Fairly large for such a small frame.
• Auto ISO 100-1600. Predetermined settings allow it to create the best picture for you.
• 720p Video Capabilities. Shoot in 720p HD for stunning videos.
• Scene Modes. Let your creativity run wild with fun settings.

There are a few things to watch out for. You might want to invest in a stronger wrist strap. Some customers have complained of it being too flimsy. Also, make sure that your focus is working properly. There have been complaints of having to turn the camera on and off to restore focus quality.

Overall, this little number is a great buy for its price. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles that a $2,000 camera would offer, but that’s not the point, is it? The Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 is a great buy for a beginner or someone needing a camera for personal pictures.

Check out Amazon’s competitive prices on this camera.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS

If you like the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180, then the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS will surely wow you. It’s another slim and trim piece that will fit easily in your purse or bag. On the go photo taking is so easy. Don’t worry about running out of room on your phone. Use the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS instead!

• MSRP of $159.99. The mid range priced camera of the three.
• 20 Megapixels. Crystal clear images that are defined and smooth.
• 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor. Same as the PowerShot ELPH 180 to get a high-quality clear image.
• 28-240mm Lens. A little wider than the PowerShot ELPH 180 to get a wider angle.
• 10x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, 40x Combined Zoom. Zoom in further with this upgrade. Get close shots from far away.
• Optical Image Stabilization. Different than the 180’s digital image stabilization.
• 2.7″ LCD Screen. With a 3.75 x 2.24 x 0.93″ body, that’s impressive.
• Auto ISO 100-1600. Automatically detects scenes and provides the best settings for the photo.
• 720p Video Quality. 720p HD at 25fps provides a strong video quality.
• Wi-Fi and NFC Capabilities. Upload photos seamlessly from anywhere.
• Camera Connect App. Allows you to remotely control your camera from your phone or tablet.

If you are not comfortable with technology, the Wi-Fi and NFC could pose a challenge. There have been reports of difficulty doing initial setup. After it is set up, most people have said it works fine. Other buyers have noted that it just doesn’t feel as high-quality being made of plastic.

At the end of the day, you are purchasing a camera that is very inexpensive. It has a lot of great features and the images are of a surprisingly high quality. The PowerShot ELPH 190 IS is a great bang for your buck.

Head over to Amazon to see what others are saying about this nifty camera.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS

The PowerShot ELPH 360 HS is the mack daddy of all Canon cameras under 200 dollars. Its specifications are beyond what one could hope for at this price point. This camera is a step up from the other two in quite a few different areas. Let’s explore what the differences are and you can make up your own mind.

• MSRP of $209.99. The best of the ELPH trio.
• 20.2 Megapixels. More Megapixels than it’s other two predecessors for better clarity.
• 1/2.3-inch CMOS Sensor. Compared to the CCD of the others, this is a higher quality sensor.
• 25-300mm Lens. Wider angle capabilities while maintaining excellent images.
• 12x Optical Zoom, 4x Digital Zoom, 48x Combined Zoom. Increased zooming capabilities to get those hard to reach photos.
• Optical Image Stabilization. No more blurry images. Flexibility to get any shot anywhere.
• 3″ LCD Screen. Larger screen for better viewing and still keeps it’s sleek design.
• Auto ISO 80-3200. Highly sensitive to get an unblemished image in even dull lighting.
• 1080p HD at 30fps and 720p HD at 30fps Video Shooting. Stunning video class and power you can even show on an HDTV.
• Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities. Upload your photos on the go without the hassle of wires.
• Intelligent IS. Automatically assess the situation and provides correction to your shot.
• Hybrid Auto. Record up to 4 seconds of video before your shot and combine them to make the ultimate photo.

No product is full proof. There are some disadvantages to this camera like any other camera. The makeup of the camera body itself is lightweight. While that’s a benefit, it can pose some issues. The battery door is said to be made so thin that it is really fragile.

You can get lost in all of the settings. This is great if you have an inkling what to do with the camera. However, if you are an absolute beginner, it can be frustrating to have too many options.

The PowerShot ELPH 360 HS is the best bet for high quality cameras under $200. You are really getting a lot for what you pay for. There are a few quirks but what product doesn’t have them?

I’m sold. Take me to Amazon now to buy this camera.

Can you compare the cameras?

Which point-and-shoot camera is easiest to use?

That is a tough question with an imperfect answer. Like any product, it depends. It depends on what you are going to use it for, what level you are at, and what you hold as highest priority in a camera.

If you are brand new to the photography scene, then the Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS is going to be the easiest camera to use of the three mentioned. It is pretty self-explanatory and even has a help button that will walk you through what you want to do.

The biggest drawback of the 190 IS may be the wireless and NFC set up. If you can’t get help with this, then you may want to go with the PowerShot ELPH 180. It is about as straightforward as you can get, has some bells and whistles, and still has a great image grade.

On the other hand, if you aren’t so new to photography, then the PowerShot ELPH 360 HS is your guy. It has a lot of different options and settings that makes it an extremely versatile camera for your needs. It’s flexibility to do quick photos, seamless videos, or beautiful wide-angled shots will have you satisfied.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS

Which point-and-shoot camera is best for action shots?

From trying to get the perfect action shot of your son’s football game or the perfect still of an eagle flying away from you, action shots can be tough to do right. When you are looking for a camera that shoots the best action shots, you want great image stabilization and preferably a setting that allows for action shots.

The the PowerShot ELPH 360 HS strikes again. The Intelligent IS is exemplary for action shots. It will assess the situation for you. You don’t even have to do that much thinking. Then, it will create the best settings possible for you to take the photo in. This all happens so quickly you don’t even have to give it a second thought.

It also has the added bonus of the Hybrid Auto feature. This is where it really shines in the action shot arena. It will take 4 seconds of video prior to your still. Then, the PowerShot ELPH 360 HS will combine the video and still, and create an action shot worthy of an award.

Which point-and-shoot camera is best in low light?

I bet you can answer this one on your own. The 360 HS has an auto ISO 80-3200. This allows for a clear image even in the dullest lighting. You can take shots at sunrise and sunset all the while not sacrificing photo quality.

You definitely do not want to get the ELPH 180 if you are looking to take low lighting pictures. One of the complaints from buyers is that it does not take good pictures if the lighting isn’t great.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS

Which point-and-shoot camera takes the best pictures?

This is debateable. A lot of taking good pictures is based on your skill level, but if you are looking for the most clear, blur-free pictures, you are probably going to want to go with the 360 HS again.

The CMOS sensor is more sensitive than the CCD for one. Also, you are getting a 25-300mm lens that will allow for more flexibility in your shot. The megapixels are higher at 20.2 versus 20 in the other two cameras.

Also, as mentioned above, the Intelligent IS and Auto Hybrid make for a beautiful shot. The Intelligent IS can read the situation and help you by choosing the correct settings. You don’t have to shuffle through settings for 10 minutes picking the best one. The Auto Hybrid allows you to get a lot of images blended together for the best picture possible.

All three cameras do take good pictures. As mentioned previously, the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 has a temperamental auto focus. This can be troublesome in creating clear quality images consistently. Not all of this model have this issue but it’s something to consider.

What are point-and-shoot cameras good for?

All of the Canon cameras under 200 dollars listed are point-and-shoot cameras. So why do you want a point-and-shoot camera? A lot of people that use them want something easy. You want it to do what it says on the box.

Take out your camera and take the picture. End of story. With other cameras, you need different lenses, you have to shuffle through endless settings, and it’s usually pretty bulky. These are sleek, user-friendly, and most importantly, take great pictures.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 180

What is the verdict?

Taking pictures doesn’t have to be as expensive as some may tell you. There are cameras under $200 that still maintain a class above your phone. You can simply pull it out, shoot, and upload your photos to print or share. These Canon cameras really do have a lot of bells and whistles that will have you wondering how you can get away with such a low price.

While all three cameras are great picks, the PowerShot ELPH 360 HS is the overall winner. It’s price point is a little bit higher than the other two, but for good reason. You are going to get better quality images with more flexibility. Ultimately, the decision is yours. Whichever camera you choose, our point was proven that sometimes less really is more.

Are you ready to buy one of these point-and-shoot cameras? Then use the Amazon links below.

Canon PowerShot ELPH 180

Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS

Canon PowerShot ELPH 360 HS