The holidays are drawing to an end. The lucky individuals have already used up their vacation days and travelled to their favourite tourist destinations. Some are largely preparing for an off-season summer holiday, whereas some won’t be able to go anywhere this year. What does it take to have a good summer vacation? Most often, only good mood and good company. Everything else somehow falls into place by itself. Yet there is a thingy that isn’t to be omitted unless you want your holiday to fade into oblivion quickly… You’ve guessed it, your camera - that magical device that serves to digitally capture all those unrepeatable moments so that you can afterwards remind yourself of them all. As there’s a plethora of models out there on the market, in all possible price ranges, the decision as to which camera to buy is far from a simple one. We’ve opted to have a look at the cross-section of the market in the 100-250 Euro price range. Expensive cameras were out of the question… After all, some money has to be spared for going out, doesn’t it? We’ve sorted the test according to the price sub-range, and we’re starting with the cheapest (or as marketing sections would put it, “most accessible”) model.

Olympus VG-130 (VG-120)

This camera looks a lot like Canon’s popular IXUS models, both visually and in dimensions, but falls behind a little in terms of design. With its regular and rounded edges, it fits the hand nicely, enabling the user to shoot with one (careful) hand if needed. We also have to commend the fact that Olympus used metal in manufacturing the casing even with its cheapest model (the only difference between VG-130 and VG-120 being that VG-130 is entirely made of metal and has a plastic cover over the display). The casing is robust and high-quality, but the buttons are (as is the case with most Olympus camera) somehow unconvincing, being plastic and of lower quality. The integrated sensor has a resolution of 14 MP, which seems to be the standard nowadays (although the author of this text believes it’s simply too much considering the size of the sensor itself). A 3” display is most welcome in this price range, although its resolution is merely 230,400 pixels. As for connectivity, the camera only has a combined USB/AV connector. The detailed specifications of this and other cameras are available in the charts.

The camera is very fast in general, focuses quickly, and menu navigation is kept swift. We didn’t like the somewhat imprecise zooming, caused by two buttons regulating this function, instead of the zoom ring present in most compact models. What we commend, however, is the presence of P-mode, in which the user is able to set the most basic of image parameters manually (such as ISO, WB, measuring, exposure compensation etc.), although the shutter speed and exposure length itself can’t be regulated. Another interesting feature for a camera this cheap is the option of continuous shooting of 10 fps (with a resolution of 3 MP).

As far as image quality, VG-130 is a rather average experience. It’s neither among the best nor among the worst of the tested. Chromatic aberrations are quite pronounced. An upside is that sharpness is good around the edges, even better than some of the more expensive products in this roundup. Noise is visible even at lowest ISO settings, in spite of the very noticeable reduction that reduces detail levels. White balance also leaves a lot to be desired. Flash performance is one of the worst features of this particular camera, as the image is constantly underexposed, as you can see from the sample pictures. The video just doesn’t seem to have been shot in HD Ready resolution, and is one of the worst when compared to other cameras. Digital zooming is the only option during video shooting.

The overall impression is that Olympus VG-130 delivers exactly what it costs. The price of around 100€ gives you a metal-body camera with solid image quality and a large display which is fairly simple to use; more than one would expect for this amount of money, so if you’re on a particularly restricted budget, feel free to get this one.

Canon PowerShot A2200

Canon is a company that seems to have had the largest number of successful cameras in the compact class, and A2200 is one of the cheaper models in their gamma. It’s housed in an average-quality plastic casing, with a fair design. Shooting mode is chosen via the wheel on top, without the need to enter the menu. Buttons are of good quality, although a bit awkward to use if you have thicker fingers. The camera provides a solid grip having in mind its dimensions. USB and AV connectors are available separately and situated under the rubber cover on the side. The sensor has a resolution of 14 MP, displayed across a 2.7” screen, with a resolution of only 230,000 pixels. Unfortunately, optical image stabilisation has been left out. As with the aforementioned Olympus’ model, Canon’s PS A2200 also has the P-mode, where you can set the basic image parameters (ISO, WB, measuring, exposure compensation, shooting mode etc).

The photos provided by this model are very good. Colours are striking, typically for Canon. Although the photos are a bit better than what you’ll get from Olympus’ VG-130 (more intricate details and colour display), they still fall slightly behind Canon’s PS A3200. Chromatic aberrations are noticeable, as is noise even with minimum ISO sensitivity settings. The dynamic range is fair for this price range. The camera handles large contrast scenes better than VG-130, which makes shadowed details more visible. White balance is OK. The HD Ready (720p) video is also noticeably better, and you only have digital zooming at disposal during shooting.

Just like the previously reviewed Olympus, this Canon is also a well-balanced camera. It’s about as better as it’s more expensive, in both picture and video quality. 125€ will provide you with slightly better photos, but without the metal casing and 3” display.

Nikon CoolPix S3100

The thinnest camera in the roundup is placed in a high-quality metal casing. The buttons are a tad behind the production quality of the casing, but the zoom ring and shoot button are excellent nevertheless. The design is highly attractive, escaping the blandness of low-cost cameras, and having in mind the camera’s size, the grip is good. All settings are done from inside the menu, removing the separate mode selection button. USB and AV are all the connectors you’re going to get. Again, the sensor has a resolution of 14 megapixels. The display is of same resolution and size as the one seen on Canon’s A2200. In fact, Nikon’s S3100 doesn’t have a single feature that would separate it from the competitors, bar its dimensions/visuals and the “subject tracking” option, where the camera tracks the object dynamically after it’s focused on it, which works well enough, although not perfectly. The choice of focus field is something that normally belongs to more expensive cameras, so that’s a definitive plus. S3100 doesn’t have a P-mode, but the auto mode does provide certain basic parameters that can be altered.

Image quality isn’t satisfactory, we have to say. They’re of similar quality as the output from Olympus’ VG-130, but with fewer details and more visible noise, even at lowest ISO sensitivity settings. Chromatic aberrations aren’t as noticeable, owing to Nikkor’s objective for the most part. The camera handles flash wonderfully, however, and has turned out to be the best in this regard of all tested cameras (comparable to Nikon’s S6100 and Olympus’ SZ-20). Yet new disappointments follow as soon as you do some video recording - the details and overall quality just don’t seem good enough to be qualified as HD Ready. Comparatively, the video is a tad worse than the one seen on Olympus’ VG-130. Digital zooming is (the only type) available during recording.

Overall, we expect more from a camera with this sort of price tag, at least as far as image quality goes. 130€ is quite a bit more than what you have to pay for Olympus’ VG-130, and the difference just doesn’t seem to be justified in any way (bar the smaller dimensions and the few advanced options that VG-130 doesn’t have), so we can only recommend it in case that focus field selection and subject tracking feel essential to you.

Olympus VR-310

Another Olympus camera, housed in a solid plastic casing. The button quality is average, although better than the one on the more expensive SZ-20. As for the design, this camera is as average as it gets. The grip isn’t all that stunning either, as the critical parts that enable good grip are thinner than usual. The button layout is typical for Olympus, while zooming is done via a see-saw zoom ring, which is a bit slippery and not quite comfortable enough to use with precision.

The thing that separates this model from all others (bar Olympus’ SZ-20) is a 10x optical zoom, with a range of 24-240 mm. The sensor has a resolution of 14 MP and a 3” display. We have to commend Olympus for bringing the 3” display into the lowest market segment as well; hopefully, resolution increase won’t take too long to implement either, as the size itself has much potential. Just like all other Olympus models in this roundup, VR-310 has continuous shooting with a rate of 10 fps and a resolution of 3 MP.

Although it’s shaped up to a great start, VR-310 is a disappointment after all. Its image quality is the worst, together with Nikon’s S3100. Insufficient number of details, bad flash performance and a lacking automatic white balance are things that can’t be excused. The sharpness and colour display leave much to be desired as well. The only thing this camera does decently is light measuring during exterior shooting. Chromatic aberrations aren’t that pronounced either, as the objective has a fairly good range, so we can add a small plus there as well. Videos are exactly the same as the ones made by VG-130 (allegedly HD Ready), so we can’t really commend it in this segment either. Digital zooming while recording video is a given. About the only true advantage this camera has is a 10x optical zoom for a price of 130€, which is still rather low. If this is not a particular concern of yours, feel free to opt for the cheaper VG-130.

Canon PowerShot A3200

The first thing you’ll notice after removing this camera from the box is a somewhat bizarre design for the A-series. It looks like certain IXUS models (IXUS 110, for instance), but is somehow bigger than those. The camera is housed in a firm plastic casing, and the button layout is exactly the same as on A2200. The grip is fine, and the choice of modes is made via the wheel on the right of the camera, just next to the shoot button. Zooming is done via the see-saw zoom ring, a tad worse in quality than the one on A2200.

The specs of this model are exactly the same as those of A2200, but the objective is different (has image stabilisation) and has a range of 28-140 mm, which translates to a 5x optical zoom. One interesting feature is the Livemod option (existent on A2200 as well), which you can use to manually set lighting, colour intensity and warmth, all by using the sliders on the display. The remainder of the characteristics is exactly the same as everything we’ve seen on A2200, so we won’t waste any time repeating ourselves.

As expected, image quality matches the photos obtained from A2200 almost exactly, with the exception of the more pronounced chromatic aberrations, caused by a larger-range objective. A solid dynamic range and nice colour display seem to be typical of Canon’s compact cameras on the whole, and this model does nothing to prove the contrary. The camera is swift, especially the almost instant focusing. There’s also the auxiliary lamp to assist in lower light conditions. Flash performance is very good, with the only reproach going on account of the somewhat longer delay between pressing the shoot button and the flash going off.  Video recording in H.264 format is another thing that points out that A3200 is not a rehashed A2200, which records in MPEG, so additional points go to A3200 in this respect, as the difference in quality is visible.

Canon’s PowerShot A3200 is definitely a model to recommend, especially if you appreciate a somewhat better objective than the average run-of-the-mill stuff you get in most low-priced cameras today. The only real drawback, as in all models from the A-series, is that their objective range starts from 28 mm instead of 24 mm, needlessly narrowing the optics. All things considered, this model is one of the best in the roundup, and consequently accompanied by an award on our part.

Nikon CoolPix S6100

The first time you take this camera into your hands, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the way it feels under your fingers; the plastic casing is coated with a thin layer of a rubber-like material. The elegant looks and black casing give this camera a bit of an elegant look. The grip is good as well, so there’s absolutely nothing to reproach as far as aesthetics go.

If we tell you that S6100 has a touch-sensitive display, your initial reaction is likely going to be overwhelmingly positive. Yet practice has shown exactly the opposite. Everything that’s good about this camera - its characteristics, looks and performance - is overshadowed just by the darn thing. The biggest issue is that the display is incredibly inflexible; significant pressure must be applied for a command to get registered, and the most frustrating thing is hitting the right location in order to summon the main menu, as the latter is positioned in the bottom right corner of the screen, basically requiring you to do left-thumb acrobatics in order to get everything right the first time. All this wouldn’t be as bad if there were actual buttons as alternatives to the display. As physical buttons only include mode selection, playback and video recording, you’re condemned to perform all your actions via the display. The display in question has a diagonal of 3” and a resolution of 460.000 pixels, which is definitely worthy of praise in its own right. Furthermore, Nikon’s S6100 is one of only two cameras in this roundup with a resolution of 16 MP, and its objective range isn’t bad at all either, as the optical zoom stops only at 7x.

Image quality is top, if compared to other cameras from the roundup. Good sharpness, pleasant colours and well-controlled chromatic aberrations having in mind the objective range are only a few among the positive characteristics. Noise is visible even at lowest ISO values, which is understandable for a 16 MP sensor. Image sharpness is reduced around the edges, as is the case with Canon’s cameras. Good flash performance is also commendable. What’s more, S6100 is the only camera we’ve tested this time around to have “nailed” the white balance correctly. Video clips actually feel like HD Ready ones, and you can even use optical zoom during shooting. So, what’s the verdict? We have to say that 90% of it consists of regret towards the touchscreen. If the camera were a standard one in this respect, it would probably be a bit cheaper and simpler to use, which would in turn likely earn Nikon a “Best Buy” award. This way, with a price of around 180€, we can only recommend it if your nerves are strong enough, or you don’t change settings in your camera too often. Either way, image quality won’t disappoint you, that’s certain.

Canon IXUS 115 HS

The first of two IXUS cameras in our roundup is the model 115 HS. IXUS design isn’t something to waste breath on - compactness, attractive design and high-quality production have always been its features. Having in mind the dimensions, the camera provides a good grip, and the only remark we had was the overly retracted shoot button, requiring too much pressure to do the focusing. Both IXUS models in this roundup have a CMOS sensor with a resolution of 12 MP, which is just about the perfect balance between resolution and sensor size for today’s standards. The HS suffix in the camera’s name means that Canon’s HS system has been integrated, which, combined with the CMOS sensor and the Digic IV processor, gives better results when taking pictures in low-light conditions. Although the system sounds pompous, it’s nothing spectacular, really. A greater ISO sensitivity is used to reduce blurring and noise more aggressively, as well as increase the dynamic range of the camera.

The 3” display has a resolution of only 230.000 pixels, despite the fact that this is a camera with a price of over 200€. The objective range is modest and enables optical zooming up to 4x. In fact, IXUS 115 HS does nothing to separate itself from all other cameras, bar the Full HD video resolution. The tested model doesn’t have Canon’s latest menu design, but it does miss a delete button, which is an additional minus for ease of use. Besides AV and USB connectors, it also has a mini-HDMI connector.

Image quality is what you’d expect from Canon. Colours are vivid, image is sharp, and the dynamic range is solid for compact camera class. Flash performance is very good. As for drawbacks, chromatic aberrations are too pronounced for an objective range this small, and the camera tends to overexpose frames with pronounced contrast. White balance isn’t quite up to the task either, falling somewhere between Nikon and Olympus. Video quality is very good, and only digital zoom is available during shooting.

IXUS 115 HS is a very good camera with balanced performance and characteristics. Anyone who’s ever had an IXUS has likely got used to the particular design by now, which means that this model sticks well to users who have an IXUS history; we have no qualms with anyone choosing it. If the price was a bit lower and the display better, Canon’s PowerShot IXUS 115 HS might have been the best in this roundup. Yet its CMOS sensor, good overall performance and high image quality reserve an award for it nevertheless.

Olympus SZ-20

This is the only model we’ve tested that has the looks of serious ultra-zoom compact cameras. Production quality is excellent, even though the camera has a plastic casing. The grip is very good, as the camera has a few ergonomic optimisations, especially for thumbs. The flash is a pop-up one, so that you don’t even have to see it unless you need it. It’s lifted via a switch on the top of the camera, right next to the flash itself. The biggest drawback is definitely the rotating cursor button, as its quality matches that of a cheap Chinese toy. The rest of the buttons are solid.

Like Nikon’s S6100, this Olympus also has a 16 MP CMOS sensor and a 3” display with a resolution of 460.000 pixels. It also has the biggest objective range of all tested models (24-300 mm), which amounts to an optical zoom of 12.5x. Note that the range starts with 24 mm, which provides that much needed frame width. As for advanced options, these comprise 3D shooting (pictures can later be displayed on a 3D TV or monitor), continuous shooting in full resolution at 7 fps (note that the buffer can only hold five photos, though) or at 5 MP at 15 fps, 64 MB or internal memory and macro mode up to a distance of 1 cm. As is customary for Olympus cameras, there are some preinstalled creative filters as well (eight of them). The HDMI port is there as well.

Olympus SZ-20 is a very fast camera. It’s all ready to go in about a second, and the autofocus is also very swift. Menu navigation is quick and precise, as is zooming with this camera. Image quality is very good. The detail levels could have been a bit higher, and the main reason that the pictures are very soft is the very aggressive noise reduction even at lowest ISO settings. Light measuring is correct. ISO performance is very good, as the noise reduction does its job well, so that you get acceptable results even at very high ISO settings. Colour display is good as well. Chromatic aberrations are kept well in check, having in mind the objective range. Flash performance is good, but the auto white balance leaves much to be desired, which seems to be the case with all Olympus cameras. Video recording is also a strong point of this camera - in comparison with other models in the roundup, SZ-20 has provided the best video quality. Clips are fluid, and the detail levels are remarkably high. SZ-20 can record video in Full HD, of course.

Olympus SZ-20 is a device rich with functionality. If it had the option of manual blend opening and shutter speed regulation, it would have been a perfect model. You’ll be very happy with it as it is, though, particularly when high-quality photos and videos are to be made on a vacation. Very good image quality, large objective range, CMOS sensor, numerous features and excellent video capabilities deserve a “Best Buy” award by all means for cameras costing more than 180€.

Canon IXUS 220 HS

As this camera is very similar to the previously described IXUS 115 model, we’ll concentrate on the differences exclusively. The visual choice between IXUS 220 and IXUS 115 is definitely a personal one, as both are technically just as attractive; the 220 is a bit smaller, though.

The basic difference between these two models is the objective. IXUS 220 HS has a larger objective range, and therefore a 5x optical zoom. It also has a larger blend opening (f2.7) and a higher maximum shooting speed (1/2000). The menu looks and feels identical, and so do the functions. Continuous shooting is available at 3.4 fps in full resolution or 8 fps at 3 MP, the latter of which is available in IXUS 115 too.

There are differences in image quality, but only superficial ones. IXUS 220 has more vivid colours, and the image appears sharper overall than the one seen on IXUS 115. Flash performance is just as good. Chromatic aberrations exist, but aren’t as noticeable. White balance performance is identical to the one seen on IXUS 115, which means that they leave room for improvement, as yellow colour is prevalent under artificial lighting. Surprisingly enough, auto white balance tends to derail towards colder nuances (particularly blue) in daylight conditions, which is a problem that IXUS 115 doesn’t have. Videos are shot in Full HD as well, and are of slightly higher quality than the ones produced by the younger brother; furthermore, optical zoom is entirely available during recording.

IXUS 220 is the most expensive model in the roundup, and the price gap can generally be said to reflect the quality gap between the two IXUS. If you’re definitely opting for an IXUS, our recommendation goes to the 220, as long as you can afford it. If you’re less strict about your choices, consider Olympus’ SZ-20 as well, as it’s slightly larger, but provides excellent performance, has a larger objective range and a higher video quality for a slightly lower price.

Impressions

It’s very difficult to pick one of these models as the best, considering the varying features and performance. However, ultimately, this title has to go to Olympus’ SZ-20, which also got a “Best Buy” award. It’s simply the most packed with features of all, has the highest-quality video, the most flexible objective range and very good photos.

Canon’s PS A3200 falls in right behind it, A2200 and IXUS models follow, and Nikon’s S6100 comes after all these just because of its basically dysfunctional touchscreen. Olympus’ VG-130 has a surprisingly good price/performance ratio, and the list is concluded by letdowns: Nikon’s S3100 and Olympus’ VR-130.

This test has confirmed another “traditional” view - all Canon cameras stick to certain standards, and you’ll have a very hard time finding a model that would be a complete failure, which isn’t the case with other manufacturers. Therefore, buying a Canon camera is the least risky investment in a completely sudden scenario, although they aren’t always the cheapest models around.

If you have a soft spot for landscapes, make sure you choose a model the objective range of which starts at 24 mm (IXUS 220 HS or Olympus SZ-20). If you find yourself in artificial lighting conditions often, Nikon S6100 is by far the best choice (as long as you’re willing to sacrifice ease of use). Buyers on a budget should definitely consider Olympus’ VG-130, with Canon’s PS A2200 as the backup option. IXUS model continue to be the ones to have around in a bag pocket, while Olympus’ SZ-20 offers top flexibility and excellent quality. Let’s not forget Canon’s PS A3200 either, as it has a solid price/performance ratio.

We hope we’ve been able to make things at least a little clearer for you in terms of picking your photography companion. Make no mistake, most things we reproached to models in this test are something that ordinary users are unlikely to notice at all (except in certain drastic cases). As long as you stay away from the two models deemed “bad” (Nikon’s S3100 and Olympus’ VR-310), and choose any of the remaining seven, in accordance with your needs and budget, satisfaction is guaranteed.

Gallery: No flash, ISO minimum

Canon IXUS 115 HS	Canon IXUS 220 HS	Canon PS A2200
Canon PS A3200	Nikon S3100	Nikon S6100
Olympus SZ-20	Olympus VG-130	Olympus VR-310

Gallery: With Flash, ISO minimum

Canon IXUS 115 HS	Canon IXUS 220 HS	Canon PS A2200
Canon PS A3200	Nikon S3100	Nikon S6100
Olympus SZ-20	Olympus VG-130	Olympus VR-310

Gallery: With Flash, ISO 400

Canon IXUS 115 HS	Canon IXUS 220 HS	Canon PS A2200
Canon PS A3200	Nikon S3100	Nikon S6100
Olympus SZ-20	Olympus VG-130	Olympus VR-310