The 3 Best Compact Digital Cameras Under £150

Contrary to popular belief, quality doesn’t always come with a steep price. The experts and the users have voted, and these here are the 3 best compact (yes, you can place it in your jacket pocket) digital cameras for the year 2009— and the best part is, they’re just under £150.

Choice #1: Kodak EasyShare Z915

Best Price: £129

Weight: 9.6 oz (with batteries)

Manual Options:

· Max Aperture (wide-angle): f/3.5

· Max Aperture (tele-photo): f/4.8

· Max Shutter Speed: 1/1250 sec

· Min ISO Setting: 100

· Max ISO Setting: 1600

Other Features:

· 10X image stabilized optical zoom lens;

· Kodak’s Smart Capture;

· 10 megapixels;

· Bright and detail-rich 2.5-inch indoor/outdoor colour display;

· Colour options include red, blue, black and gray;

The Quick Verdict:

The Kodak EasyShare Z915 has controls that usually come with pricier cameras. The optical image stabilization enables you to capture sharp, steady shots even when shooting at long zoom ranges, and the Smart Capture analyses scenes and adjusts camera settings automatically for you. The 10 MP means you can make fantastic prints as big as 30 × 40 in. It is the heaviest among the 3 choices, but at £129 you can’t go wrong.

Choice #2: Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR

Best Price: £135

Weight: 7.2 oz (with batteries)

Manual Options:

· Max Aperture (wide-angle): f/3.3

· Max Aperture (tele-photo): f/5.6

· Max Shutter Speed: 1/2000 sec

· Min ISO Setting: 100

· Max ISO Setting: 12800

Other Features:

· Super CCD EXR 1/2” 10 Megapixel switchable sensor;

· Fujinon 10x optical zoom (27mm – 270mm);

· Dual Image Stabilization (ISO and CCD Shift);

· 5 Film Simulation Modes;

· Up to 800% Wide Dynamic Range;

· Face Detection with Automatic Red-eye Removal;

· Super Intelligent Flash;

· High Speed Continuous Shooting of 5 fps up to 12 frames (3 MP resolution);

The Quick Verdict:

The long zoom and ultra high sensitivity ISO (up to 12800 at 3 MP Resolution) raises the bar for cheap, quality compact cameras. Its design is sleek and easy to use, which makes it useful for shooting with manual modes. At £135 it’s all good.

Choice #3: Canon PowerShot A1100 IS

Best Price: £129

Weight: 7.2 oz (with batteries)

Manual Options:

· Max Aperture (wide-angle): f/2.7

· Max Aperture (tele-photo): f/5.6

· Max Shutter Speed: 1/1600 sec

· Min ISO Setting: 80

· Max ISO Setting: 1600

Other Features:

· 12.1 Megapixels;

· Smart Auto and Easy shooting modes with Scene Detection Technology;

· Combats blur with IS and Motion Detection Technology;

· People shots made easy with Face Detection AF/AE/FE/WB and Face Select & Track, plus FaceSelf-Timer and Auto Red-Eye Correction;

· Available in Blue, Pink or Silver (PowerShot A1100 IS), or Black (PowerShot A2100 IS);

The Quick Verdict:

It is as light as the Fujifilm FinePix F70EXR, but it’s edge lies in its combined technology aimed to prevent blurring. The 12.1 megapixels will create clear and crisp prints, even better than the EasyShare’s. It is easy to handle and at £129, it’s definitely worth a shot.

So there you have it, the 3 best compact digital cameras under £150. Choose well and choose wisely. Pick one that will match your needs.

Check other camera accessories in our camera accessories section.