Best Digital Camera New or Used Under $200

windowshate

Honorable
Dec 28, 2013
5
0
10,510
I'm looking for a digital camera solely to take images of product pictures in a house, as well as to discuss said products on video using the camera.

No need for anything except good image and video quality (at least 1080p). Something that takes good images in lower lights may also be beneficial as indoor lighting isn't always perfect.

I was looking into the Canon ELPH 350 HS and the Sony WX220, but for $160 new I feel I may be able to get something better? Also, wondering which is better between these two?
 
Solution
They are about the same. Good image quality will not be achieved in that price point unless you get very lucky on the used market.
Indoor lighting is always a challenge and will always be better with a camera with a larger sensor.
Generally for videos in doors, you also don't need (or want) a camera with lots of "zoom" what you want in a lens is a very wide angle lens. Minimum of the equivalent of 24mm. This might be different if you are taking photos of very small items. In which case you want a camera with a good macro capability. You should also invest in some lighitng. Light boxes and a small studio type setup (backdrop, or a product box of some kind). It need not cost a fortune (but the good ones do and they are worth it)...

bjornl

Estimable
They are about the same. Good image quality will not be achieved in that price point unless you get very lucky on the used market.
Indoor lighting is always a challenge and will always be better with a camera with a larger sensor.
Generally for videos in doors, you also don't need (or want) a camera with lots of "zoom" what you want in a lens is a very wide angle lens. Minimum of the equivalent of 24mm. This might be different if you are taking photos of very small items. In which case you want a camera with a good macro capability. You should also invest in some lighitng. Light boxes and a small studio type setup (backdrop, or a product box of some kind). It need not cost a fortune (but the good ones do and they are worth it). The cheapest of the cheap would be something like this:
http://www.amazon.com/LimoStudio-Photography-Studio-Lighting-AGG349/dp/B005CX9S8A/
Good lighting will do more than a good camera. If your work involves more ad-hoc shooting, you should consider the Panasonic LX100 which costs 5-700 depending on bundled items. This is a better low light camera, good all around. Price is now fairly discounted because it has been on the market for 18months. Here is a professional review of the item. http://www.dpreview.com/products/panasonic/compacts/panasonic_dmclx100
Alternately get a camera with an inter-changeable lens such as an DSLR or something similar which will give better results but once you factor in the lens, it won't be cheaper.
 
Solution