Camera for up to ~200 $

I'm buying new digital camera with price range up to ~200 $. It will be used in volunteer fire brigade, mostly for snaping photos in interventions, which tells a lot about type of camera.
It's important that it does well in bad conditions, so I don't have to wait 10 seconds before weak flash refills when taking pictures at night. Therefore I expect good picture quality, response (speed), good focusing in poor conditions (low light, smoke...) and good image stabilization. I believe camera will be used mostly on AUTO mode. Of course, I don't need technologies such as panorama, face recognition, etc.

Thank you for you help in advance.
Regards

Quote:

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Originally Posted by krneki

good focusing in poor conditions (low light, smoke...)

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This is the tricky part of your request. Those conditions are tough for focusing even with cameras that cost thousands of dollars. So I would recommend dialing back your expectations a bit when it comes to focusing in dark, smoky environments. I think your best bet is going to be a waterproof, shockproof camera that's a generation or so old. The new ones mostly cost about $400. But if you buy one that came out last year, you should be able to find something in your price range. Here's an article I wrote on "rugged" waterproof point-and-shoot cameras for outdoor shooters:

Outdoor And Waterproof Digital Cameras >>

That article hasn't been updated since last year so the cameras should all be priced lower now.

Take a look at the Olympus Stylus 1050 SW. I reviewed it early in 2009 and it's still available for a bit over $200. Here's a link to my pro review:

Olympus Stylus 1050 SW Pro Review >>

I hope that gets you pointed in the right direction. I'm sure you have more questions. I'll check back and do my best to answer. I do think a waterproof, shockproof camera is the way to go.

Thanks for help, but could you also suggest few classic, non waterproof cameras? As far as I know, these offer better image quality within the same price range. Since image quality is my highest priority, they might be better choice for me, I would just need to take care a little bit more that camera doesn't get in touch with water.