Shoppers looking at compact action cameras often face one big tension: you want something small enough to bring everywhere, but the price and feature list vary wildly. In this lineup, the listed prices range from about $20 to $400, so the real question is which tradeoffs you can live with. Do you need a brand-new unit, a tested used camera, maximum megapixels, or a simple battery system?
Quick Take
The Vivitar ViviCam 8025 is the lowest listed price of the four, and its title notes that it is tested and comes with a battery and SD card. The Kodak PIXPRO FZ45-BK sits in the middle of the price spread and is the only new unit here, with a 16MP sensor and 4x optical zoom. The Canon PowerShot S95 is the highest listed price, but it arrives with a charger and original box and lists a bright f/2 maximum aperture. The Nikon Coolpix 3200 is another low-price option, and it runs on AA batteries.
Listed Price Snapshot
| Product | Listed Price | Price Bar | Defining Detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vivitar ViviCam 8025 8.1MP (Used) | USD 19.99 | 8.1MP, 8x digital zoom, USB | |
| Nikon Coolpix 3200 3.2MP (Used) | USD 28.95 | 3.2MP, 3x optical zoom, AA battery | |
| Kodak PIXPRO FZ45-BK 16MP (New) | USD 103.49 | 16MP, 4x optical zoom, wide angle | |
| Canon PowerShot S95 (Used) | USD 400.00 | f/2 aperture, 4x digital zoom, charger included |
Decision Matrix
- Lowest listed price with extras included: The Vivitar ViviCam 8025 is marked as tested and includes a battery and SD card.
- New condition and highest megapixel count: The Kodak PIXPRO FZ45-BK offers 16MP and 4x optical zoom.
- Bright lens and complete kit: The Canon PowerShot S95 includes a charger and box, with a maximum aperture of f/2.
- AA battery convenience: The Nikon Coolpix 3200 uses AA batteries, which can be easier to replace on the go.
Product Notes
Vivitar ViviCam 8025 8.1MP Digital Camera Black w/ Battery And SD Card Tested
At USD 19.99, this is the least expensive listed camera in the group and the only one that specifically mentions a battery and SD card in the title. It's described as tested and used, with USB connectivity and a lithium-ion battery. The 8.1MP resolution is lower than the Kodak's 16MP, and the 8x digital zoom is not the same as an optical zoom, so expect that tradeoff. If you need a low-cost, ready-to-go camera for casual snaps and you don't mind a used unit, this is the easiest entry point in this collection.
Nikon Coolpix 3200 Silver 3.2 MP 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera - Tested/Works
For USD 28.95, the Nikon Coolpix 3200 is another low-priced used option, but it's different from the Vivitar in an important way: it runs on AA batteries. That can be handy if you want to carry spares, but the title says camera unit only, so you'll need to supply batteries yourself. The 3.2MP resolution is the lowest of the four, and the 3x optical zoom is the shortest. Choose it if you want a simple, tested camera and happen to have AA batteries around, not if maximum image size is your priority.
Kodak PIXPRO FZ45-BK 16MP Digital Camera - Black - 4X Optical Zoom
The Kodak is the only new camera here and the only one with a 16MP sensor. At USD 103.49, it costs more than the two used budget picks but far less than the Canon. The 4x optical zoom and 27mm wide-angle lens are useful for everyday framing, and the lithium-ion battery is the same general type used by the Vivitar and Canon. The listed attributes say no charger is included, so you may need to handle charging separately. For a new-unit approach with the highest megapixel count in this group, this is the most direct fit.
CANON POWERSHOT S95 COMPACT DIGITAL CAMERA BLACK W/BATTERY-CHARGER-BOX
The Canon sits at the top of the price range at USD 400.00, and it pairs that price with several extras: the title includes battery, charger, and original box, and the listing notes the screen is clear while only a few minor body scratches exist. The maximum aperture of f/2 gives it a brightness advantage that the other three cameras don't list, and it has 4x digital zoom per the attributes. It's still a used camera, so those minor scratches are part of the tradeoff. If your budget allows and you want a more feature-dense compact with a bright lens, this is the one.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- Casual snaps on the tightest budget: Go with the Vivitar ViviCam 8025, the lowest-priced camera here, with battery and SD card included.
- AA-powered simplicity: The Nikon Coolpix 3200 is the low-cost pick if you're comfortable with a 3.2MP sensor.
- New condition plus the highest megapixels: The Kodak PIXPRO FZ45-BK fits the bill as the only new camera in this set.
- Bright lens and bundled charging kit: The Canon PowerShot S95 is the choice if the higher listed price fits your plan.
