7 Best Camera Under $ 150 (always update)

Update 15 Nov 2012 (Always update every 3 months)

What if you wanted to buy a camera, not more than $ 150 (Rp. 1500.000,- in Indonesia). May be for your family wedding or sudden occasion. You wanted to buy a pocket camera cause sure you need an easy use, and easy to go camera. There’s a bunch of brands but you considering the famous brands because it’s “trustable”. May be because it won’t be so hard to find service center either, in case you got something wrong with your camera.
For sure you want the best of all. But since the best means different to different persone, let see what best for you.
In my research, you will find more than 10 camera from famous brands, but I pick 7 best for you to choose. Before comparing, lets figure it out one by one. Anyway, the order list here I made by myself based on my experience and taste of camera. I will tell you short description for these cameras about its best features comes within the camera, and see the the comparation table below it for more objective comparation. I’m focused on how the camera will produce a good picture and good to handle. Those feature such effects etc I would do it on computer. So, here they are.

1. Canon Canon ELPH 100 HS (Ixus 115 HS)

Canon always has an outstanding product. It produces sharp image and really is user friendly. This 12 MP camera equipped with BSI-CMOS sensor (Backside Illumination). This kind of sensor let you handle a better video on camera. Wide angle from 28mm to 112mm zoom. Its same brand competitor have better zoom up to 5 times on 140 mm, but I’d rather save more for Ixus 115 because its sensor technology.
It’s only freckles in my heart that it shutter lag is not proper for fast capturing.

2. Panasonic FH7 (FS22)

Pana’s always good in speed, most of its camera have a very slight shutter lag and very fast startup. That because this 16 MP camera equipped with Venus Engine IV, makes it work very fast. It also as user friendly as its competitor above. It also have a sharp image and good color. The unique of this camera is it has a 60s slowest shutter speed, makes you able of taking stunning firework pictures. Leica lens start from 28mm wide angle end at 112mm (4x zoom). Touch autofocus for specific frame location focusing.
Unfortunately this fast camera has small aperture from 3.3 wide and 6.5 maks zoom. This compensates the shutter to take a little bit longer shutter (hate dark room).

3. Nikon Coolpix S4300

I always love Nikon’s pictures. It always does handle contrast and color outstandingly. It equipped with very wide zoom start from 26mm (widest among all) and end at 156mm (6x zoom). Touch autofocus for specific frame location focusing.
This 16 MP camera has a bit slight aperture at wide angle (F3.5 - F6.5).

4. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W620

This 14 MP camera comes with their BIONZ processor, makes it powerful in processing images. This is the only camera in this class comes with panorama feature.
If just it comes with image stabilization which is I think must for pocket camera, this one will look nicer.

5. Samsung PL170

What should I say, the company makes the camera unique with front LCD. As many people wish to take a good self portrait, this front LCD would be very useful. It also comes with Schneider-Kreuznach lens, to assure you a sharp picture.

6. Kodak EasyShare M575

This 14 MP camera also comes with panorama feature. Its “share” button allows you to upload images easily to YouTube, Facebook, Flickr and Kodak's Gallery site.
No image stabilizer.

7. Olympus VR-310

Not so famous in this class, this 14 MP camera comes with an outstanding wide to zoom lens (24-240). Unfortunately I never saw a sharp picture taken with a long zoom lens pocket camera.

To let you compare these products more objectively, read table here on dpreview.com.
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Each superiority and dissuperiority :

1.       Canon Ixus 115HS (Elph 100 HS)

Major: almost perfect, superb image quality

Minor: slow, mostly when using flash

2.       Nikon coolpix S4300

Major: perfect colour

Major: low light(narrow aperture)

3.       Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH7 (Lumix DMC-FS22)

Major: Futuristic body, fast, Leica lens

Minor: low light(narrow aperture)

4.       Fujifilm T200

Major: longest zoom range

Minor: slow performance

5.       Sony DSC W-620

Major: user friendly

Minor: no image stabilization, low light.

6.       Samsung PL170

Major: front screen for self-potrait.

Minor: (less information about the camera).

7.       Kodak M575

Mahor: editing software on camera, easy share button

Minor: no image stabilization, unusual software interface.

8.       Olympus VR-310

Major: long zoom range with consistent aperture, widest lens 24mm.

Minor: not so popular among the other.

Match it to your personal character. Every camera have its own major and minor. Pick the camera as the major match your character and purpose.

• If you are "picture quality" fanatic, I suppose you'd have a canon Ixus 115, or oleh Nikon S4300
• If you want a longlasting look of a camera, still with good photo and video result you'd choose Panasonic FH7 (fast, good for a documenter), or Olympus VR-310.
• If you love narcistic photos, get a unique Samsung PL 170.
• Want to have the cheapest one, still with good result of picture and video? May be your choise would fall to Sony DSC W-620.

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XF1 Premium Quality in Stylish Body

September 17, 2012

Stylish quality design with leather and Aluminum

FUJIFILM Corporation (President: Shigehiro Nakajima) is proud to announce the launch of the FUJIFILM XF1, premium design and premium quality digital camera in compact body. This latest addition to Fujifilm's X series range of cameras is due to hit the market in November this year. With its perfectly matched lens and sensor, careful attention to detail on appearance and design, and accessible technology, the XF1 extends the X series range to a much wider audience.
Newly developed for the XF1, the wide-angle, f/1.8 FUJINON lens features a manual 4x optical zoom (25mm-100mm*) operated simply by twisting the zoom ring. Its stunning stylish body includes a 2/3-inch EXR-CMOS sensor and EXR Processor, which are user for FUJIFILM X10, for the superior image quality, feel, and ease-of-use people have come to expect from Fujifilm's X series. You can bring high quality and design anywhere with you, allowing you to shoot high-quality photos whenever you feel the urge. In terms of appeal, the XF1 functions equally well as an upgrade to a compact camera or as a second, "back-up" camera for the more advanced photographer.
Highly praised for their superior image quality and ease of use, Fujifilm's X series cameras are aimed at those "passionate about photography" and currently features the award-winning FUJIFILM X-Pro1, FUJIFILM X100, FUJIFILM X10, and FUJIFILM X-S1 along with the new FUJIFILM X-E1.

Stylish design & Style

Meticulous attention to ease-of-use and the best choice of materials produces a stylish, high-end design for the XF1. The aluminum body is both light and durable, while a synthetic leather covering reproduces the feel of genuine leather while ensuring an improved grip. The XF1 comes in a choice of three very appealing colors: Black, Red, and Brown.
Unlike anything offered by power zoom, the twisting mechanical zoom ring offers a traditional zooming style by turning ring. The camera is powered on by the turning ring, like the X10. While the camera is not used, the ring can be pushed off into the body to minimize camera size for aiding portability.

Stunning results in low light with f/1.8 lens

The XF1's fast f/1.8 lens allows poorly-lit subjects to be photographed without raising sensitivity levels, keeping noise to a minimum. The slim-line lens achieves its aperture of f/1.8 with a construction that features 7 lens elements in 6 groups (four aspherical and three extra low dispersion), the first with a highly variable profile and a high refractive index, and the second an aspherical element with an extremely high refractive index. All elements are subjected to FUJINON's unique Wide-band High Transmittance Electron Beam Coating process (developed for FUJINON broadcast-use lenses), reducing ghosting and flare for crisp results in even the most difficult conditions.
Featuring a unique Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) mechanism that shifts one group of four lens elements to reduce blur, while avoiding color shading and lost resolution at the edges of the image, the XF1 will ensure that noise levels are minimized to produce clear low-light photographs.
Other features include Macro photography at ranges as close as 3 cm, and also the opportunity to capture images using the beautiful "Bokeh" depth of field effect (for crisp subjects set against out-of-focus backgrounds) by taking advantage of the XF1's fast lens and six diaphragm blades.

Premium high image quality with a larger 2/3-inch EXR CMOS sensor

Everyone can take full advantage of the superb image taking potential of the XF1 by using Fujifilm's premium EXR Auto mode, the technology takes charge and selects the optimum settings (from 103 patterns according to the scene's demands), making extremely high photo quality easy to achieve, with almost any subject, whatever your ability!
Adjustable sensor controls are still on offer for the more advanced photographer. The 2/3-inch, 12 million pixel EXR-CMOS sensor features Fujifilm's three switchable sensor modes (SN - high ISO and low noise, DR dynamic-range, and HR resolution) which can be selected according to the subject for bright, sharp images.

Fast AF in even dark scene with EXR processor

With its EXR-CMOS sensor and EXR processor, the XF1 camera offers fast Auto Focus no matter what you're shooting, even in dark scene. The speedy read time of the CMOS sensor, coupled with the high-speed EXR processor, accelerates all operations; quick response, start-up in just 0.55 seconds, focus acquisition in as little as 0.16 seconds, and minimum shot-to-shot time of just 0.8 seconds. Additionally, the EXR processor offers high-speed processing for hassle-free HD movie recording and burst-mode photography.

Manual 4X zoom lens (25mm-100mm*)

Newly developed for the XF1, the wide-angle, f/1.8 lens features a manual 4x optical zoom (25mm-100mm*) operated simply by twisting the zoom ring. This offers the photographer a traditional zooming style for quickly compose shots for pleasure and stress-free framing; unlike anything offered by power zoom.

Manual feeling with new GUI

A rich assortment of multi-function controls is available to those who prefer adjusting camera settings manually. The camera is equipped with a main command dial that simplifies the task of altering the shutter speed and aperture, while up to 6 frequently-used settings can be assigned to the Expanded-function button as desired, allowing the photographer to capture the scene exactly as intended through intuitive operations performed while viewing the LCD monitor.
That monitor is bright, sharp, 3.0-inch/460K dot premium clear LCD monitor with tempered Glass which protect from Scratch.

Artistic filters

The XF1 features a new "advanced filter" option that lets you enjoy quite different forms of photographic expression. Choose from 11 creative patterns; Pop color, Toy camera, Miniature, High-key, Dynamic tone, and six Partial color options (shoot in B&W plus one selective color: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple), and preview the effect of any of the filters on the LCD monitor.

• * Equivalent 35mm format

FUJIFILM XF1 key features list:

• Pocketable, premium, camera available in 3 stunning colors (Black, Red,Brown)
• Manually twisting mechanical zoom ring for turn-on and zooming
• F1.8 (wide) - F4.9 (telephoto) 4x Fujinon optical zoom lens (25-100mm equivalent 35mm format) and up to 8x Intelligent Digital Zoom
• 12 megapixel 2/3" EXR-CMOS sensor with EXR-Auto
• OIS: Optical Image Stabilization
• Fast processing and response times
• 3.0-inch/460K dot premium clear LCD monitor with tempered Glass which protect from Scratch
• Motion Panorama 360 for seamless panoramic shots in a snap
• Artistic effects including 6 "Advanced filters" with 11 patterns and 5 "Film simulation modes" for additional creative expression, plus an individual shutter 3D shooting option to create a 3D effect from 2 x 2D shots
• Full HD movie recording with the ability to zoom and to take photographs during movie recording. Now also with Automatic Scene Recognition for even better results when videoing
• Synthetic leather case with the same 3 color variation will be available to complement the XF1

Nikon D5200, New Sensor Powerful Processor for Sharp Image

Many people have been waiting for this; Nikon has officially release the Nikon D5200 DX-format camera. At first I thought it’s going to be minimum improvement, but not. Nikon D5200 has so many improvements, mostly from its new sensor and image processor.

Nikon D5200 now equipped with a 24MP APS-C Sensor from Sony, this the same used in Sony’s new DSLR now. It’s not stopped there; Nikon put the new EXPEED-3 image processor inside the body. If you ever know that most of the reviewer and photographer agreed that D7000 results the best image quality, this one claimed better (a few better according to snapsort.com). This is the result of both new processor and sensor.

As the class of the camera now is above the D5100 (still under D7000), Nikon adds useful feature to the camera. Iso from 100 to 6400 (expandable to 25600), 39-focus point, and a vari-angle TFT monitor with 170° viewing angle.

The video feature can record video up to 30 minute, and this one can keep the focus during movie recording, keep the object on the screen on focus. Yes, most of the dslr camera nowadays equipped with video mode. It affected the no in-body focus motor, since the new lenses some using the ultrasonic lenses which are very quite that the motor rotation sound will not be recorded on video. No old lenses will be able of auto focusing though. This is another interesting feature, you can control the camera and transfer the image to your android smartphone, with some application that you can download from Google Play™ and the Apple App Store™. I suppose Nikon realize the trend of gadget "data share and remote" feature will become a must feature in the next digital era. One step forward from Nikon. However, many of the control function will have to be accessed from the "unhandy" menu button. Though, Nikon set a "Fn" button under the flash button to gain access to some feature, I'm still wonder why Nikon don't make rear button as shortcut to many control menu. You can set the Fn button to reach one of these control menu function:

• Image quality/size  • ISO sensitivity  • White balance  • Active D-Lighting  • HDR (High dynamic range mode)  • + NEF (RAW)  • AF-area mode

• Live View  • AE-AF lock  • AE lock only  • AE lock (Hold)  • AF lock only  • AF-ON

For Eu: €920/UK: £820 I think this is worth.

For brochure download, here.

Image result example 1, here.

Image result example 2, here.

Image result example 3, here.

Image result example 4, here.

Image result example 5, here.

Nikon DSLR D5200 Specifications

Type
Type	Single-lens reflex digital camera
Lens mount	Nikon F mount (with AF contacts)
Effective angle of view	Nikon DX format; focal length equivalent to approx. 1.5x that of lenses with FX-format angle of view
Effective pixels
Effective pixels	24.1 million
Image sensor
Image sensor	23.5 x 15.6 mm CMOS sensor
Total pixels	24.71 million
Dust-reduction system	Image sensor cleaning, Airflow Control System, Image Dust Off reference data (optional Capture NX 2 software required)
Storage
Image size (pixels)	6000 x 4000 [L] 4496 x 3000 [M] 2992 x 2000 [S]
File format	NEF (RAW): 14 bit, compressed JPEG: JPEG-Baseline compliant with fine (approx. 1:4), normal (approx. 1:8) or basic (approx. 1:16) compression NEF (RAW)+JPEG: Single photograph recorded in both NEF (RAW) and JPEG formats
Picture Control System	Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape; selected Picture Control can be modified; storage for custom Picture Controls
Media	SD (Secure Digital) and UHS-I compliant SDHC and SDXC memory cards
File system	DCF (Design Rule for Camera File System) 2.0, DPOF (Digital Print Order Format), Exif (Exchangeable Image File Format for Digital Still Cameras) 2.3, PictBridge
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	Eye-level pentamirror single-lens reflex viewfinder
Frame coverage	Approx. 95% horizontal and 95% vertical
Magnification	Approx. 0.78x (50 mm f/1.4 lens at infinity, -1.0 m-1)
Eyepoint	17.9 mm (-1.0 m-1; from center surface of viewfinder eyepiece lens)
Diopter adjustment	-1.7 to +0.7 m-1
Focusing screen	Type B BriteView Clear Matte Mark VII screen
Reflex mirror	Quick return
Lens aperture	Instant return, electronically controlled
Lens
Compatible lenses	Autofocus is available with AF-S and AF-I lenses; autofocus is not available with other type G and D lenses, AF lenses (IX NIKKOR and lenses for the F3AF are not supported), and AI-P lenses; non-CPU lenses can be used in mode , but the camera exposure meter will not function The electronic rangefinder can be used with lenses that have a maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster
Shutter
Type	Electronically controlled vertical-travel focal-plane shutter
Speed	1/4000 to 30 s in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV, bulb, time (requires optional ML-L3 Remote Control)
Flash sync speed	X=1/200 s; synchronizes with shutter at 1/200 s or slower
Release
Release modes	(single frame), (continuous low speed), (continuous high speed), (self-timer), (delayed remote; ML-L3), (quick-response remote; ML-L3), (quiet shutter release); interval timer photography supported
Frame advance rate	Up to 3 fps () or 5 fps ()
Self-timer	2 s, 5 s, 10 s, 20 s; 1 to 9 exposures
Exposure
Metering mode	TTL exposure metering using 2016-pixel RGB sensor
Metering method	Matrix: 3D color matrix metering II (type G and D lenses); color matrix metering II (other CPU lenses) Center-weighted: Weight of 75% given to 8-mm circle in center of frame Spot: Meters 3.5-mm circle (about 2.5% of frame) centered on selected focus point
Range (ISO 100, f/1.4 lens, 20°C/68°F)	Matrix or center-weighted metering: 0 to 20 EV Spot metering: 2 to 20 EV
Exposure meter coupling	CPU
Exposure modes	Auto modes (auto; auto [flash off]); programmed auto with flexible program (); shutter-priority auto (); aperture-priority auto (); manual (); scene modes ( portrait; landscape; child; sports; close up; night portrait; night landscape; party/indoor; beach/snow; sunset; dusk/dawn; pet portrait; candlelight; blossom; autumn colors; food); special effects modes ( night vision; color sketch; miniature effect; selective color; silhouette; high key; low key)
Exposure compensation	Can be adjusted by -5 to +5 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV in , , and modes
Exposure bracketing	3 shots in steps of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Exposure lock	Luminosity locked at detected value with ( ) button
ISO sensitivity (Recommended Exposure Index)	ISO 100 to 6400 in steps of 1/3 EV; can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7, 1 or 2 EV (ISO 25600 equivalent) above ISO 6400; auto ISO sensitivity control available
Active D-Lighting	Auto, extra high, high, normal, low, off
ADL bracketing	2 shots
Focus
Autofocus	Nikon Multi-CAM 4800DX autofocus sensor module with TTL phase detection, 39 focus points (including 9 cross-type sensors), and AF-assist illuminator (range approx. 0.5 to 3 m/1 ft 8 in. to 9 ft 10 in.)
Detection range	-1 to +19 EV (ISO 100, 20°C/68°F)
Lens servo	Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); continuous-servo AF (AF-C); auto AF-S/AF-C selection (AF-A); predictive focus tracking activated automatically according to subject status Manual focus (M): Electronic rangefinder can be used
Focus point	Can be selected from 39 or 11 focus points
AF-area modes	Single-point AF, 9-, 21- or 39-point dynamic-area AF, 3D-tracking, auto-area AF
Focus lock	Focus can be locked by pressing shutter-release button halfway (single-servo AF) or by pressing ( ) button
Flash
Built-in flash	, , , , , , , : Auto flash with auto pop-up , , , , : Manual pop-up with button release
Guide number	Approx. 12/39, 13/43 with manual flash (m/ft, ISO 100, 20°C/68°F)
Flash control	TTL: i-TTL flash control using 2016-pixel RGB sensor is available with built-in flash and SB-910, SB-900, SB-800, SB-700, SB-600 or SB-400; i-TTL balanced fill-flash for digital SLR is used with matrix and center-weighted metering, standard i-TTL flash for digital SLR with spot metering
Flash modes	Auto, auto with red-eye reduction, auto slow sync, auto slow sync with red-eye reduction, fill-flash, red-eye reduction, slow sync, slow sync with red-eye reduction, rear-curtain with slow sync, rear-curtain sync, off
Flash compensation	-3 to +1 EV in increments of 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Flash-ready indicator	Lights when built-in flash or optional flash unit is fully charged; flashes after flash is fired at full output
Accessory shoe	ISO 518 hot-shoe with sync and data contacts and safety lock
Nikon Creative Lighting System (CLS)	Advanced Wireless Lighting supported with SB-910, SB-900, SB-800 or SB-700 as a master flash or SU-800 as commander; Flash Color Information Communication supported with all CLS-compatible flash units
Sync terminal	AS-15 Sync Terminal Adapter (available separately)
White balance
White balance	Auto, incandescent, fluorescent (7 types), direct sunlight, flash, cloudy, shade, preset manual, all except preset manual with fine-tuning
White balance bracketing	3 shots in steps of 1
Live View
Lens servo	Autofocus (AF): Single-servo AF (AF-S); full-time servo AF (AF-F) Manual focus (M)
AF-area modes	Face-priority AF, wide-area AF, normal-area AF, subject-tracking AF
Autofocus	Contrast-detect AF anywhere in frame (camera selects focus point automatically when face-priority AF or subject-tracking AF is selected)
Automatic scene selection	Available in and modes
Movie
Metering	TTL exposure metering using main image sensor
Metering method	Matrix
Frame size (pixels) and frame rate	1920 x 1080, 60i (59.94 fields/s)/50i (50 fields/s)*, ★ high/normal 1920 x 1080, 30p (progressive)/25p/24p, ★ high/normal 1280 x 720, 60p/50p, ★ high/normal 640 x 424, 30p/25p, ★ high/normal  Frame rates of 30p (actual frame rate 29.97 fps), 60i, and 60p (actual frame rate 59.94 fps) are available when NTSC is selected for video mode; 25p, 50i, and 50p are available when PAL is selected for video mode; actual frame rate when 24p is selected is 23.976 fps *Sensor output is about 60 or 50 fps Note: A smaller crop is used for movies with a frame size/frame rate of 1920 x 1080 60i or 50i
File format	MOV
Video compression	H.264/MPEG-4 Advanced Video Coding
Audio recording format	Linear PCM
Audio recording device	Built-in monaural or external stereo microphone; sensitivity adjustable
Maximum length	29 min. 59 s (3 min. in miniature effect mode)
ISO sensitivity	ISO 100 to 6400; can also be set to approx. 0.3, 0.7, 1, or 2 EV (ISO 25600 equivalent) above ISO 6400
Monitor
Monitor	7.5-cm (3-in.), approx. 921k-dot (VGA), vari-angle TFT monitor with 170° viewing angle, approx. 100% frame coverage, and brightness adjustment
Playback
Playback	Full-frame and thumbnail (4, 9, or 72 images or calendar) playback with playback zoom, movie playback, photo and/or movie slide shows, histogram display, highlights, auto image rotation, and image comment (up to 36 characters)
Interface
USB	Hi-Speed USB
Video output	NTSC, PAL
HDMI output	Type C mini-pin HDMI connector
Accessory terminal	Wireless remote controller: WR-R10 (available separately) Remote cord: MC-DC2 (available separately) GPS unit: GP-1 (available separately)
Audio input	Stereo mini-pin jack (3.5-mm diameter)
Supported languages
Supported languages	Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Portugal and Brazil), Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian
Power source
Battery	One EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery
AC adapter	EH-5b AC Adapter; requires EP-5A Power Connector (available separately)
Tripod socket
Tripod socket	1/4 in. (ISO 1222)
Dimensions / weight
Dimensions (W x H x D)	Approx. 129 x 98 x 78 mm/5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 in.
Weight	Approx. 555 g/1 lb 3.6 oz with battery and memory card but without body cap; approx. 505 g/1 lb 1.8 oz (camera body only)
Operating environment
Temperature	0 to 40°C/32 to 104°F
humidity	85% or less (no condensation)
Accessories
Supplied accessories (may differ by country or area)	EN-EL14 Rechargeable Li-ion Battery, MH-24 Battery Charger, DK-5 Eyepiece Cap, DK-20 Rubber Eyecup, UC-E17 USB Cable, EG-CP16 Audio Video Cable, AN-DC3 Camera Strap, BF-1B Body Cap, BS-1 Accessory Shoe Cover, ViewNX 2 CD-ROM