Newbie camera for everyday use
Budget: Around $200 USD total. I don’t really want to spend more than that unless there’s a very strong reason to.
Country: Norway
Condition: Open to both new and used. I’m assuming used is probably the better option at this budget.
Type of Camera: Compact point-and-shoot preferred, but I’m open to a beginner-friendly mirrorless or DSLR if the difference in image quality is significant without becoming too complicated.
Intended Use: Mostly photography. Family photos, vacations, everyday moments, and casual travel use.
End Use: Mainly digital use/social media, phone sharing, and small prints for family albums.
Photography Style: Mostly family, portraits, travel, street/everyday life, landscapes during vacations. No sports or wildlife.
Video Style: Not important. Basic video capability is enough.
Features I absolutely need:
Easy to carry around
Better image quality than my phone, especially for natural-looking family photos
Reliable autofocus for casual shooting
Simple enough to use as a point-and-shoot when needed
Features that would be nice to have:
Good low-light performance indoors
Decent battery life
Flip screen would be nice, but not necessary
Easy photo transfer to phone
Portability: Very important. I actually want to bring it with me daily or on trips, so ideally jacket-pocketable or at least small enough to throw in a small bag without thinking about it.
Cameras I’m considering: Honestly overwhelmed by the options. it’s hard to tell what’s genuinely good versus just trendy/hyped online.
Cameras I already have: None.
Notes:
I’m not chasing “retro” aesthetics or nostalgic-looking photos. I just want a camera that makes me happy I brought it instead of my phone. Most recommendations and YouTube videos seem either focused on expensive enthusiast gear or on trendy cameras with film simulations, which isn’t really what I’m after.