Top Digital Cameras for Under $300

5. Pentax Optio 430RS
The good: Interesting features; ultracompact design; good color accuracy; no shutter delay.
The bad: No aperture or shutter-priority modes; slightly soft images.
The bottom line: The little Optio 430RS supplies enough functional and fun features to keep amateurs busy, without intimidating beginners.
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4. Nikon Coolpix 3100
The good: Numerous shooting presets; intelligent control layout.
The bad: Relatively bulky body; short, silent, fixed-duration videos.
The bottom line: This is a good but not outstanding 3-megapixel compact camera with a great point-and-shoot feature set.
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3. Canon PowerShot A70
The good: Broad feature set for the money; speedy and efficient performance; accepts accessory lenses.
The bad: Flimsy-feeling CompactFlash compartment cover; distracting reflective frame around LCD.
The bottom line: Even though the A70 is targeted at the point-and-shoot crowd, enthusiasts will love the Canon’s advanced features – and price.
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2. Sony Cyber Shot DSC-P72
The good: Easy-to-understand controls; quick shot-to-shot time; excellent video-clip capabilities; comes with long-life rechargeable batteries and a charger.
The bad: Subpar low-light performance; few manual controls; skimpy 16MB memory stick.
The bottom line: The DSC-P72 delivers both quick shooting and vivid snapshots – perfect for the mainstream photographer on a budget.
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1. Minolta Dimage Xt
The good: Extremely compact; chic styling; generally sprightly performance; new quick-review button.
The bad: Fairly frequent underexposures; skimpy viewfinder coverage; no manual white balance.
The bottom line: This ultracompact, uniquely designed camera is hard to beat for snapshooting in style.