Top 5: Digital cameras under $400

Published January 08, 2015

If you want better photos or video than you can take with your smart phone, consider a point-and-shoot camera, which can provide you with real optical zoom for getting closer to the action without degrading image quality. Cameras also have a much better built-in flash and a host of other features you won’t find on smart phones. And point-and-shoots are easier on the budget than advanced cameras. So, if you’re looking to buy a digital camera for the holidays, either as a gift for others or maybe yourself, here are five great point-and-shoots to consider.

Nikon Coolpix S9600 ($200)

It’s hard to believe that a compact point-and-shoot measuring just 1.3 inches thick can give you a 22x optical zoom lens. With such a long zoom, you can get close-up shots of sporting events and school plays, even if you’re seated far away. This model’s flash also performed quite well near and far, and produced very good flash photos.

Canon PowerShot N100 ($350)

One complaint about cameras is that they’re “disconnected” devices. But this point-and-shoot uses Wi-Fi to transfer images to phones, tablets, and computers, upload photos directly to your Facebook page, and it can connect to other PowerShot N-series cameras as well. It also has fun features: When set in Creative Shot mode, it can automatically alter photos using various filters and cropping techniques, and save five versions of a shot, mimicking many of the filters you would find on Instagram.

For more on point-and-shoots, check out our camera buying guide.

Nikon Coolpix S810c ($350)

If you want a device that combines an easy-to-use smart-phonelike interface with digital camera features, such as an optical zoom and a decent flash, this wireless compact may fit the bill. Like a mobile device, it runs Google's Android operating system (version 4.2.2), which few other cameras do, so you can download mobile apps and customize the features on your camera. It also has useful camera features, including a 12x optical zoom lens and a 3.7-inch touch screen LCD, which is extremely large for a point-and-shoot.

Canon PowerShot SX700 HS ($300)

Like the Nikon Coolpix S9600, this wireless superzoom is thin, slightly less than 1.5 inches thick. Plus, it weighs only 9 ounces, which is ideal for travelers. But it still has a long 30x optical zoom lens and shoots very good photos and video.

Olympus Stylus TG-3 ($350)

Waterproof point-and-shoots let you go where most smart phones dare not tread—namely underwater or in other settings where you’ll get wet, such as waterparks. This point-and-shoot is waterproof to a depth of 50 feet, and it’s also rugged, designed to survive a drop from 7 feet. But it still shoots very good quality photos and has a good flash. And if you need a little assistance in finding your direction, you’ll appreciate this point-and-shoot’s built-in GPS feature (for geotagging photos) and built-in compass function.

—Terry Sullivan

Visit our Holiday Gift Ideas page throughout the season to find the best deals, time-saving advice, and much more.

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