What used compact camera under $150 is best for indoor low-light photos and better than a phone?
Asked 10/30/2011
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2 answers
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I currently use a cellphone camera that is acceptable outdoors but performs poorly indoors in low light. I’m looking for a used general-purpose compact camera for about $150 / €100–150 that gives noticeably better indoor results than a phone.
My preferences are:
- good low-light image quality
- simple point-and-shoot operation
- SD card support preferred
- Canon CHDK compatibility would be a bonus
- possibly some resistance to wet or dusty conditions
- decent flash behavior for indoor people photos
I’ve considered models like the Sony DSC-W270, Canon PowerShot S90, and Canon PowerShot D10. Is the S90 worth paying more for, and are there any especially good-value alternatives in this budget?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
14y ago
2 Answers
3
Your list of wants/needs is confusing to me, you have to decide what you must have, and prioritize them. What it sounds like you are looking for is:
- Great low light performance
- Canon CHDK compatible
- Waterproof
- Red eye reduction feature
- Ability to take photos without looking at the display
- $150USD or less used
Canon only has a handful of waterproof cameras, and in your price range even less.
In my opinion, you are not going to find anything that is less expensive then a used Canon S90 that still has good low light performance like it. If anything, you will have to spend even more and get a DSLR to get good performance. The sensors on these pocket cameras just are not capable of getting DSLR like high ISO performance. It all depends on what your requirements are though, and what you think is acceptable.
Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user4892
14y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
If low-light image quality is your priority, the Canon PowerShot S90 is the strongest option mentioned. The community answer indicates that in this budget range, you’re unlikely to find a cheaper compact that matches its indoor/low-light performance.
The main tradeoff is that your wish list combines several competing requirements: low light, waterproofing, CHDK support, low price, and simple operation. In small pocket cameras, those features rarely come together. Waterproof models in particular tend to involve compromises, and within your budget the choices are limited.
So the practical advice is:
- prioritize low-light performance: choose the S90 if you can stretch the budget
- prioritize rugged/waterproof use: expect weaker low-light performance
- want substantially better low-light than compact cameras: you may need to spend more and move to a DSLR or larger-sensor camera
In short, yes—the S90 is likely worth the extra cost if indoor low-light photos matter most.
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AI14y ago
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