Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera Overall Under $150: Sony Cybershot DSC-W150, by picturemaker

Expert Recommendation

Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera Overall Under $150

By picturemaker

Expert (47 Recommendations and 29 Compliments)

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November 30, 2009 Updated: December 1, 2009

Overview

When you want a decent point and shoot camera close at hand for a decent price you can handle, the Sony W150 is my Best in Class choice. Built in the Sony style, you get years of experience and know-how packed into a pocketable camera you can take anywhere.

My Best In Class Pick

Sony Cybershot DSC-W150

With the release of the W150, Sony has addressed one of the biggest pet peeves I have with camera manufacturers these days, an eye-level viewfinder. Having a viewfinder allows you to see and compose your shots in any kind of enviroment. It really makes a difference if you are buying a camera for the first time.

Along with an 8.1mp imaging sensor and a Carl Zeiss® 5x optical zoom lens, the W150 includes such quality features as Super SteadyShot image stabilization and intelligent scene recognition, technologies Sony has perfected over the years to ensure you get the shot everytime.

Add other great features like smile shutter and face detection for either adults or children and a big, 2.7” LCD screen and your biggest decision when choosing the W150 is which of the four eye-popping colors to choose from.

Comparison with Canon PowerShot A1100 IS

The A1100 IS also has an optical viewfinder, which is nice. It’s a little bulkier than the W150 and uses AA batteries. And, the W150 is a little faster and has more zoom. Otherwise, they are both good solutions to your camera needs, especially for the beginner.

Comparison with Casio EXILIM EX-FS10

The FS10 has no viewfinder but is very fast. It also has an inner-zoom lens that keeps it sleek and pocketable.

Pros

+
Good value
+
Viewfinder
+
Good wide angle and zoom

Cons

-
Battery life is limited, so be sure to pack an extra one

Where to buy

Sony Cybershot DSC-W150

Recommended with

Sony NP-FG1 InfoLITHIUM Type G Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery Pack for Sony W & H Series Digital Cameras

$35.30 @ Amazon.com

Specifications

Zoom: 5.0x
Wide-Angle Lens: 30mm (17% wider)
Resolution: 8.1MP
Easy to Use: Yes

Want More Opinions? See:

TheDailyNathan's Recommendation, Fotoguy's Recommendation

Customer Reviews

Website Reviews (1 review)

Rated Very Good by CNET.com

Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices

Product	Sony Cybershot DSC-W150	2 Canon PowerShot A1100 IS	3 Casio EXILIM EX-FS10
Customer Rating
Price			$272.99
Weight (with batteries)	6.1 oz	5.3 oz	4.3 oz
Easy to Use	Yes	Yes	Yes
Colors	Black, Silver, Red, Gold	Gray, Green, Blue, Pink	Blue, Gray, Red, White
? Close Sensor Size Most digital cameras, even most digital SLRs, have sensors that are smaller than a standard frame of 35 mm film (36 x 24 mm). These smaller sensors have a number of effects on the captured image and the use of the camera, including an increased depth of field, decreased light sensitivity, increased pixel noise, and increased degree of enlargement. Sensor Size	5.8 x 4.3 mm	6.0 x 4.5 mm	6.2 x 4.6 mm
Max Shooting Speed (continuous)	2.3 frames/sec	1.1 frames/sec	1.0 frames/sec
Video Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
Optical Zoom	5.0x	4.0x	3.0x
? Close Image Stabilization Available Image stabilization features are designed to reduce the blur that results from normal, minute shaking of a lens due to hand-held shooting. However, image stabilization does not prevent motion blur caused by the movement of the subject or by extreme movements of the camera. Image Stabilization Available	Yes	Yes	No
Manual Focus Available	Yes	No	Yes
Smile Detection Available	Yes	No	No
? Close Face Detection Available Face detection technology will try to set the focus, exposure, and color balance so that faces appear sharp, well-exposed, and with the proper color. Face Detection Available	Yes	Yes	Yes
? Close Viewfinder Available A viewfinder is a window that you look through to compose the picture. Some cameras do not have a viewfinder and instead use the LCD display. The LCD display may be difficult to see in bright light and may make it more difficult to capture fast-moving subjects because of the time required to update the display. Viewfinder Available	Yes	Yes	No
? Close LCD Screen Size The LCD Screen Size is the length of the miniature LCD monitor measured diagonally. LCD Screen Size	2.7 in.	2.5 in.	2.5 in.
Storage Media	Memory Stick Duo, Memory Stick PRO Duo	SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card	SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card
Battery Type	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable	AA-size (x2)	Proprietary Lithium Ion Rechargeable

Canon PowerShot A1100 IS

For a smart point and shoot camera that goes anywhere, takes great photos and doesn’t break the bank, you can’t beat Canon’s PowerShot A1100 IS.

With two auto modes, Easy and Smart, the A1100 IS has been designed to render images that capture the best lighting, the truest colors and a balanced overall scene contrast. Add the speedy Digic 4 processor to power great features like the responsive Face Detection and Motion Detection capabilities and you have moved into the future of photography.

Built sturdy, stylish and comfortable to hold, the A1100 IS has a 4x optical zoom lens with optical Image Stabilizer, a 2.5” LCD screen, an optical viewfinder and the ability to shoot 30fps VGA movies. Choosing from 3 striking colors may be the toughest choice you’ll have to make when purchasing this crowd-pleasing camera

But don’t forget to pick up some rechargeable AA batteries, with all that power, the A1100 IS can get pretty hungry. You may even want to add an external flash for more versatility.

Comparison with Casio EXILIM EX-FS10

The FS10 is missing an optical viewfinder which always affects my decision on which camera to buy. Otherwise it’s also a speedy camera that looks good. The inner-zoom lens is also a nice feature to keep the FS10 slim and trim.

Pros

+
Optical viewfinder
+
Digic 4 processor
+
Full PictBridge support

Cons

-
Eats batteries