When you're shopping used compact action cameras, the real decision isn't just "how many megapixels." It's deciding between a very low entry price and the convenience of a higher-resolution zoom camera with a charger and extra connection options. The four cameras here range from USD 32.00 to USD 159.99, so the choice starts with how much you want to spend and then moves to power and zoom.
Quick Take
If your first priority is spending as little as possible, the tested-working Olympus FE-310 is the entry point. If you want a 16MP-class 10x zoom, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H70 costs less than the Nikon COOLPIX S6200, but the Nikon's attribute list includes HDMI and 1080i HD video recording. In the middle, the Olympus FE-280 gives you a battery included but no charger in its listing.
Listed Price Comparison
| Camera | Listed Price | Price Bar |
|---|---|---|
| Olympus FE-310 8MP 5x Optical Zoom Silver | USD 32.00 | |
| Olympus FE-280 8.0MP Digital Camera | USD 45.00 | |
| Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H70 16.1MP 10x Optical Zoom Black | USD 139.99 | |
| Nikon COOLPIX S6200 16MP 10x Optical Zoom Silver | USD 159.99 |
The spread between the lowest and highest listed prices is USD 127.99. You can use that gap to decide whether the higher-resolution, longer-zoom cameras are worth the upgrade.
Decision Matrix
- Need the least outlay? Olympus FE-310 gives you an 8MP camera with 5x optical zoom and AA power, though AA batteries are not included.
- Already have a charging solution? Olympus FE-280 includes the battery but not a charger, so it suits someone who can handle that separately.
- Want 16MP, 10x zoom, charger, and HDMI? Nikon COOLPIX S6200 is the fully kitted option at the top of the price range.
- Want 16MP and 10x zoom with a charger but a lower listed price? Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H70 sits between the budget models and the Nikon.
Product Notes
Olympus FE-310 8MP 5x Optical Zoom Silver
At USD 32.00, the FE-310 is the lowest listed price in this group. The title says it has 8MP and 5x optical zoom, and the attribute list adds face detection, movie recording with sound, digital image stabilization, auto focus, built-in flash, continuous shooting, self-timer, and white balance. Power comes from AA batteries, which are not included, so you can rely on rechargeables or disposables you already have. The listing's condition description mentions some scratches and a small rubber tab missing near the battery door, with the AV port rubber tab also missing. Since the title says tested works, this is a reasonable budget entry if you're prepared for cosmetic wear.
Olympus FE-280 8.0MP Digital Camera
The FE-280 is listed at USD 45.00 and is marked tested working in the title. It comes with a battery but no charger, which is the main thing to plan around. Its attributes list an 8.0MP maximum resolution and a compact body, making it a simple step up from the FE-310 in listed price while staying below the 16MP models. If you already have the right charger or don't mind picking one up separately, this red camera gets you a tested unit with the battery included. The limitation is that the listing does not include a charger, so you'll need to solve that before the camera can be recharged.
Nikon COOLPIX S6200 16MP 10x Optical Zoom Silver
The Nikon COOLPIX S6200 is the highest listed price in this comparison at USD 159.99. Its title points to 16MP and 10x optical zoom, and its attributes include USB and HDMI connectivity, plus a features list with 1080i HD video recording, image stabilization, touch screen, face detection, noise reduction, red-eye reduction, and a tripod thread. It runs on a lithium-ion battery with a charger included, so the kit is more complete. The obvious trade-off is price: you're paying USD 127.99 more than the entry Olympus for the extra resolution, zoom, and connectivity. Choose it when you want the fullest feature set among these four.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H70 16.1MP 10x Optical Zoom Black
At USD 139.99, the Sony is USD 20.00 below the Nikon in this group. It shares the 10x optical zoom claim, and the title reads 16.1MP, a small step above the Nikon's 16MP figure. The battery is lithium-ion and the charger is included, with USB listed for connectivity. Attributes also add auto focus, built-in flash, and a CCD sensor, plus date/time stamp. For a shopper who wants a 16MP-class 10x zoom with a charger included but doesn't need the HDMI or 1080i extras from the Nikon, this is the price-conscious route. Its listed specification list is shorter, so it's about choosing simplicity over extra media connections.
Final Recommendation by Use Case
- For a truly low-budget start: the Olympus FE-310 at USD 32.00 is the tested-working camera to begin with, as long as you can supply AA batteries and accept some wear.
- For a battery-included 8MP compact: the Olympus FE-280 at USD 45.00 fits if you already have or can source a charger.
- For the fullest kit: the Nikon COOLPIX S6200 at USD 159.99 brings 16MP, 10x zoom, charger, HDMI, and a long feature list.
- For the price-focused 16MP zoom: the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H70 at USD 139.99 delivers similar zoom and resolution with a charger, while leaving the HDMI and 1080i details to the Nikon.
