Point and shoot-ers

These cameras are simple, take good snaps, and will cost you less than ₹10,000.

It goes without saying that there is a camera for everyone irrespective of whether you are starting out as an amateur or looking for an upgrade. The choices are endless but there are some of us who prefer going by a budget rather than keeping performance our highest priority. So here are a chosen few that you can get your hands on for less than ₹10,000.

Samsung ES73: ₹8,990
The Samsung ES73 is a good-looking entry level camera. It's designed keeping the user in mind and comes with an anti-scratch mask. Overall durability is extended by the camera's rubber exterior and dust-proof buttons pad. It comes with a 5x optical zoom and a super wide 27 mm lens. Apart from the Smart Auto mode, you have 16 different scene modes to choose from.

Other features:
Dimensions (WxHxD): 96.3 x 58.3 x 21.7 mm
Weight: 127 g
Display: 2.7-inch, 230,000 pixels
Resolution: 12.2 megapixels
Aperture range: f/3.5 - f/5.9
Optical Zoom: 5x
Digital Zoom: 3x
ISO sensitivity: 80 / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600
MRP: ₹8,990

Sony DSC-W320: ₹9,990
The Sony DSC-W320 is quite a contender. It features a 26 mm wide angle lens and comes with a 4x optical zoom. It also has a 14.1 megapixel CCD sensor. The W320 is best suited for users who need just a point and shoot. It comes with a built-in anti blur feature that takes care of camera shakes.

Other features:
Dimensions (WxHxD): 92.9 x 51.9 x 17.3 mm
Weight: 117 g
Display: 2.7-inch, 230,000 pixels
Resolution: 14.1 megapixels
Aperture range: f/2.7 - f/5.7
Optical Zoom: 4x
Digital Zoom: 8x
ISO sensitivity: 80/ 100/ 200/ 400/ 800/ 1600/ 3200
Flash: Auto, Flash On, Flash Off, Slow Synchro
Self Timer: Yes
Movie recording: 640 x 480 pixels/ 320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps
Storage: MS Pro/ SD/ SDHC
Recording Format: JPEG (still image), AVI (video)
Connectivity: USB 2.0
Battery: Li-Ion Battery
MRP: ₹9,990

Canon A3100: ₹8,995
The Canon A3100 comes by as one of the simplest point and shoot cameras ever. Even though it was announced somewhere in January 2010, it makes for a very strong contender in this category. It doesn't come packed with features; only a 35 mm lens. But if you're not too bothered about features and want a good, cheap point and shoot, then the A3100 should suffice.

Other features:
Dimensions (WxHxD): 92 97.2 x 58.2 x 28.1mm
Weight: 155 g
Display: 2.7-inch, 230,000 pixels
Resolution: 12.1 megapixels
Aperture range: f/2.7 - f/5.6
Optical Zoom: 4x
Digital Zoom: 4x
ISO sensitivity: 80/ 100/ 200/ 400/ 800/ 1600
Flash: Auto, On, Slow Synchro
Self Timer: Yes
Movie recording: 640 x 480 pixels/ 320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps
Storage: SD / SDHC
Recording Format: JPEG (still image), AVI (video)
Connectivity: USB 2.0
Battery: Li-Ion Battery
MRP: ₹8,995