Updated 24 May, 2012, 11:34 am IST

Digital Cameras under Rs. 15,000

30 Jul, 2010, 9:38 am IST | by Sandeep Balachandran

Cameras that are affordable yet they don't lose out on features.

If you are on the lookout for a sub-15K camera then this list should help you get started. These babies not only allow you to zoom in onto your subject from a distance but are compact enough to be easily pocketed. So irrespective of whether you are a professional or you are just starting out these selected few should keep you hooked for a while.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 – Rs. 14,300
The Panasonic Lumix ZR3 comes in as one of the most compact cameras that boast of a massive 8x optical zoom. That apart the camera features a 14.1 MP sensor clubbed with a 25mm wide angle lens. Perhaps the most well thought of feature is the Extra Optical Zoom that the camera has. It basically allows you to zoom at three different levels but at lower resolutions – this would include 11.3x at 7MP, 13.5x at 5MP and 16.9x at 3MP. Other features include a wide range of preset scene modes, face recognition and the ability to record in HD (720p). However it doesn’t only end there as there are a whole lot of other options to explore.

Other features include –

Dimensions (WxHxD): 96 97.8 x 54.8 x 26.0 mm
Weight: 160 g
Display: 2.7-inch, 230,000 pixels
Resolution: 14.1 megapixels
Aperture range: f/3.3 – f/5.9
Optical Zoom: 8x
Digital Zoom: 4x
Shutter Speed: 8 sec. to 1/2000 sec (Still mode), 15, 30, 60 sec. to 1/2000 sec. (Starry sky mode)
ISO sensitivity: 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Flash: Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync., Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Self Timer: Yes
Movie recording: 1280 x 720 pixels, 848 x 480 pixels, 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps.
Storage: SD / SDHC / SDXC
Recording Format: JPEG (still image), AVCHD Lite (video)
Connectivity: USB 2.0
Battery: Li-Ion Battery

Samsung ST70 - Rs. 11,990
Samsung seems to be hitting all the right notes in the digital camera section. The ST70 comes in as an extremely slim camera with a handful of shooting modes to choose from. The camera comes with a decent set of filters such as Miniature filter – gives your subject a miniaturised look, Vignetting filter – enhances the overall contrast of the image and the Fish-eye filter which allows you to distort the overall image to a certain extent. Videos can also be recorded in HD (720p) which delivers an overall crisp and clear image. Dual Image Stabilization, stainless steel body and 27mm wide angle lens makes the ST70 a formidable competitor at this price range.

Other features include –

Dimensions (WxHxD): 96.3 x 55.8 x 16.6 mm
Weight: 130 g
Display: 2.7-inch, 230,000 pixels
Resolution: 14.2 megapixels
Aperture range: f/3.5 – f/5.9
Optical Zoom: 5x
Digital Zoom: 3x
Shutter Speed: 2 sec. to 1/2000 sec
ISO sensitivity: Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Flash: Auto, Auto & Red-eye reduction, Fill-in flash, Slow sync, Flash Off, Red-eye fix
Self Timer: Yes
Movie recording: 1280 x 720 High Quality, 1280 x 720 Standard Quality, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 pixels at 30 fps
Storage: SD / SDHC
Recording Format: JPEG (still image), H.264 (video)
Connectivity: USB 2.0
Battery: Li-Ion

Olympus SP-600UZ - Rs. 13,949
The Olympus SP-600UZ might not fall in as a compact camera but it will surely fit in if you are in need of a mega-zoom camera. The SP-600UZ comes with a massive 15x of optical zoom along with an impressive 28mm wide angle lens. Moreover the SP-600UZ features Dual Image Stabilization that takes care of camera shake when shooting at full 15x. Moreover, the Olympus SP-600UZ is the only camera that comes with a decent 1 GB of internal memory. Other features include face detection, AF tracking, panorama and an in-camera manual.

Other features include –

Dimensions (WxHxD): 109.9 x 72.2 x 75.1 mm
Weight: 433 g
Display: 2.7-inch, 230,000 pixels
Resolution: 12.2 megapixels
Aperture range: f/3.5 – f/5.4
Optical Zoom: 15x
Digital Zoom: 5x
Shutter Speed: 1/2 sec. to 1/2000 sec (Auto), 4 sec. to 1/2000 sec (Night)
ISO sensitivity: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, AUTO, HIGH
Flash: Auto, Red-eye reduction, Fill-in
Self Timer: Yes
Movie recording: 1280 x 720 pixels (720p), 640 x 480 pixels, 320 x 240 pixels at 30/15 fps
Storage: 1 GB (Internal), SD / SDHC
Recording Format: H.264 / MPEG-4 AVC
Connectivity: USB 2.0
Battery: AA x 4