Best Point and Shoot Cameras
If you don’t want to carry anything bulky or struggle with sophisticated settings, a point and shoot camera is a great option.
They fit in your pocket, allowing you to take them with you everywhere you go, and many of them include a built-in flash for when it becomes dark.
Compared to shooting on a smartphone, you’ll see an immediate improvement in image quality, and you won’t have to spend any more money on lenses. There are a plethora of point-and-shoot cameras available.
There is something for everyone, whether you require a budget-friendly device with less sophisticated capabilities or you’re willing to pay a little extra for features like a bigger sensor, a higher burst rate, and RAW photos.
Point-and-shoot cameras make a lot of sense if you want to get into photography as a hobby but don’t want to invest hundreds or even thousands of pounds in equipment.
They’re also perfect for casual shooting on day trips, special occasions and vacations.
Even the costliest point-and-shoots are less expensive than DSLR and mirrorless cameras.
Many pro photographers have a point-and-shoot camera that they keep with them at all times in case a shooting opportunity comes up when they aren’t carrying their primary gear.
We’ve included a mix of older and current models since certain point-and-shoots are unbeatable. What you love capturing and how much time you want to spend editing with software such as Photoshop will determine which camera you buy.
Before we dive into the best point-and-shoot cameras, let’s look at what to consider when buying one.
What Should You Consider When Buying a Point and Shoot Camera
Image Quality
The best point-and-shoot cameras feature bigger sensors that help them perform better in low light, lenses that can open up to f/2.8, and the ability to shoot raw, which is ideal if you didn’t exactly expose a picture properly.
The more modern point-and-shoots are more expensive, but the benefits are typically worth it.
Simplicity
Even the most basic point-and-shoot will deliver higher image quality and provide greater zoom than your smartphone. They may lack some of the more complex features found in costlier cameras, but their low price shouldn’t deceive you; they will get the job done.
Waterproof
Whether or not you enjoy being outside, a waterproof camera is a terrific pick since it is more durable and can be used near water or in the rain. They’re ideal for adventure trips, beach vacations, and pool parties since they’re rugged enough to withstand being dropped.
Zoom
One of the benefits of smaller-sensor point-and-shoot cameras is that they frequently offer larger zoom ranges. The zoom range on most basic point-and-shoot cameras is 3x-5x.
However, some of the costlier versions have up to 30x optical zoom. These longer zoom ranges are ideal for vacations where you might wish to capture distant subjects.
You might wonder why you’d bother buying in a point-and-shoot now that the top smartphone brands have cameras that generate such high-quality photos, but believe us when we say there is a significant difference in image quality.
Even the tiniest sensors in the most basic point-and-shoot cameras are frequently larger than the tiny sensors on your smartphone.
The built-in flash, for example, will be considerably better quality than a phone flash, and the zoom will cover a wider range.
Best Point and Shoot Cameras Include:
| Best Point and Shoot Cameras | Image Resolution | Video Resolution | Display | Lens | Memory | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II | 20.1 MP | Full HD | 3" Fixed-Type Touchscreen | 28-84mm | SD, SDHC, and SDXC | 1.2 x 3.9 x 2.3 in | 17.92 oz. |
| Canon PowerShot SX740 HS | 20.3 MP | 4K | 3" Tilting | 24-960mm | SD, SDHC, and SDXC | 4.3 x 2.5 x 1.6 in | 10.55 oz. |
| Fujifilm FinePix XP140 | 16.4 MP | 4K | 3" Fixed-Type | 28-140mm | SD, SDHC, and SDXC | 5.7 x 2.1 x 5.5 in | 9.6 oz. |
| Fujifilm X100V | 26.1 MP | 4K | 3" Tilting | 35mm | SD and SDXC | 2.1 x 5.04 x 2.94 in | 16.8 oz. |
| Olympus Tough TG-6 | 12 MP | 4K | 3" Fixed-Type | 25-100mm | SD, SDHC, and SDXC | 2.6 x 4.40 x 1.3 in | 8.95 oz. |
| Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70S | 20.3 MP | 4K | 3" Tilting | 24-720mm | SD, SDHC, and SDXC | 6.7 x 6.1 x 4.1 in | 36.8 oz. |
| Panasonic Lumix LX100 II | 17 MP | 4K | 3" Fixed-Type Touchscreen | 24-75mm | SD, SDHC, and SDXC | 4.52 x 2.61 x 2.17 in | 13.92 oz. |
| Panasonic LUMIX ZS200 | 20.1 MP | 4K | 3" Fixed-Type Touchscreen | 24-360mm | SD, SDHC, and SDXC | 4.38 x 1.78 x 2.60 in | 18.7 oz. |
| Ricoh GR III | 24.2 MP | Full HD | 3" Fixed-Type Touchscreen | 28mm | SDHC and SDXC | 4.31 x 1.31 x 2.44 in | 9.1 oz. |
| Sony DSC-WX220 | 18.2 MP | Full HD | 2.7" Fixed-Type | 25-250mm | SD, SDHC, and SDXC | 3.62 x 0.85 x 2.05 in | 4.32 oz. |
| Sony RX10 Mark IV | 20.1 MP | 4K | 3" Tilting | 24-600mm | SD, SDHC, and SDXC | 5.22 x 3.7 x 5.02 in | 37.10 oz. |
| Sony RX100 VI | 20.1 MP | 4K | 3" Tilting | 24-200mm | SD, SDHC, and SDXC | 4 x 1.7 x 2.29 in | 10.6 oz. |
1. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
The PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a sophisticated-looking point-and-shoot camera, thanks to its classic yet simple design and basic controls, which help to make its frame attractively small.
Despite this, it’s a beast under the hood, with a 1″ sensor and a wide-angle 28-84mm equivalent lens with a good f/2 maximum aperture at wide-angles.
Although there is no viewfinder, the 3″ LCD display on the back responds to touch, allowing physical buttons and switches to be kept to a minimum.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 20.1 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: Full HD
- Display: 3″ Fixed-Type Touchscreen
- Lens: 28-84mm
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 1.2 x 3.9 x 2.3 inches
- Weight: 17.92 ounces
2. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
If you’re in the market for a point-and-shoot with extraordinary zoom capabilities, the PowerShot SX740 HS from Canon, with a focal range equal to 24 – 960mm on a full-frame camera, is the camera for you.
It boasts a 20.3MP 1/2.3-inch image sensor and a tilting LCD display, making it ideal for selfies.
If you love shooting video, you’ll love the PowerShot SX740 HS because it can film in 4K and has a maximum continuous burst shooting setting of 10fps.
If you don’t require a 4K video, you can find a cheaper version of the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS which can capture Full HD video.
This camera has the good image quality and focusing performance, and it’s a terrific camera for the money.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 20.3 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: 4K
- Display: 3″ Tilting
- Lens: 24-960mm
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.5 x 1.6 inches
- Weight: 10.55 ounces
3. Fujifilm FinePix XP140
The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 can handle almost anything that comes its way. Whether you want to take it 25 meters underwater, drop it from 1.8 meters, or use it in sub-zero conditions, this is a camera that won’t let you down.
It not only has a sturdy design, but it also produces high-quality photos regardless of lighting situations. What’s more, it can capture UHD 4K video and is extremely simple to use.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 16.4 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: 4K
- Display: 3″ Fixed-Type
- Lens: 28-140mm
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 5.7 x 2.1 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 9.6 ounces
4. Fujifilm X100V
The Fujifilm X100V is the fifth device in the X100 line of compact cameras.
The combination of a 35mm equivalent prime lens, a high-res X-Trans sensor, dial-based controls, and a sleek retro-inspired aesthetic has won people over for decades now.
The lack of zoom may turn off some photographers, but as the old saying goes, moving your feet can sometimes be the best way to zoom in. The bright colors that Fujifilm is known for make images look stunning.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 26.1 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: 4K
- Display: 3″ Tilting
- Lens: 35mm
- Memory: SD and SDXC
- Dimensions: 2.1 x 5.04 x 2.94 inches
- Weight: 16.8 ounces
5. Olympus Tough TG-6
If you’re looking for a camera that does exactly what it says on the label, the Olympus Tough TG-6 is the camera for you.
It may have a tiny 1/2.3-inch image sensor, but it delivers superb image quality overall and can shoot UHD 4K video.
At its wide end, it has an aperture of f/2, while at its max zoom, it has an aperture of f/4.9.
It has several unique capabilities that come in handy while shooting in clear water, such as Macro and Microscope settings, allowing you to get up close and personal with your subject.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 12 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: 4K
- Display: 3″ Fixed-Type
- Lens: 25-100mm
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 2.6 x 4.40 x 1.3 inches
- Weight: 8.95 ounces
6. Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70S
The Panasonic DC ZS70S was released in 2017 and still boasts one of the best zoom lenses available. This feature-packed point and shoot camera is great for traveling and is part of Panasonic’s long-running ZS line.
It features WiFi connectivity so you can share photographs on the go, a 30x zoom (24-720mm full-frame equivalent), and the ability to capture images raw.
Unlike other point-and-shoot cameras, it features an electronic viewfinder, albeit a small one, but it’s great to have the option.
In addition, it boasts a fast 49-point focusing system and a metering technology that comes in handy when balancing exposure in a range of scenarios.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 20.3 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: 4K
- Display: 3″ Tilting
- Lens: 24-720mm
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 6.7 x 6.1 x 4.1 inches
- Weight: 36.8 ounces
7. Panasonic Lumix LX100 II
The Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is the long-awaited successor to the original Lumix LX100, released in 2018.
It has a sturdy metal body with haptic dial-LED controls, as well as a front-facing super-sharp lens with a wide max aperture of f/1.7.
The camera, which is based on a 21MP Four Thirds sensor, uses only a portion of this resolution to capture images, allowing image aspect ratios to be changed on the go.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 17 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: 4K
- Display: 3″ Fixed-Type Touchscreen
- Lens: 24-75mm
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 4.52 x 2.61 x 2.17 inches
- Weight: 13.92 ounces
8. Panasonic LUMIX ZS200
The Lumix ZS200 from Panasonic is one of the best travel-zoom point-and-shoot cameras on the market, and in terms of sheer flexibility, it’s the best point-and-shoot camera.
It’s small enough to fit into a pocket or small bag when closed and switched.
When extended, it covers a massive equivalent zoom range of 24-360mm, making the Panasonic Lumix ZS200 is one of the greatest travel cameras available.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 20.1 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: 4K
- Display: 3″ Fixed-Type Touchscreen
- Lens: 24-360mm
- Memory: SD, SDHC and SDXC
- Dimensions: 4.38 x 1.78 x 2.60 inches
- Weight: 18.7 ounces
9. Ricoh GR III
The GR III is a spectacular return for Ricoh and has been eagerly anticipated by professional photographers of all kinds. It’s a fantastic fixed-focal-length APS-C point-and-shoot comparable to the Fujifilm X100V.
Whether taking 24MP photos or Full HD video, the APS-C sensor delivers amazingly clear results, and the revised 28mm lens delivers photos that are crisp from corner to corner.
The battery life needs improvement since it only lasts around 150 photos on a single charge, which is not good enough for a camera launched in 2019.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 24.2 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: Full HD
- Display: 3″ Fixed-Type Touchscreen
- Lens: 28mm
- Memory: SDHC and SDXC
- Dimensions: 4.31 x 1.31 x 2.44 inches
- Weight: 9.1 ounces
10. Sony DSC-WX220
The Sony Cyber-shot WX220 is the epitome of what most people refer to as a traditional point-and-shoot camera since it is the sort of small, pocketable camera that flourished before flagship smartphones debuted.
At its price point, there is simply no phone with a lens that can compete with the WX220. You get a steady 10x optical zoom with 25-250mm coverage for a reasonable price.
What’s more, optical image stabilization keeps the picture nice and crisp at the telephoto end.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 18.2 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: Full HD
- Display: 2.7″ Fixed-Type
- Lens: 25-250mm
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 3.62 x 0.85 x 2.05 inches
- Weight: 4.32 ounces
11. Sony RX10 Mark IV
The Sony RX10 IV is perhaps the best all-in-one camera available, completely changing what most people expect from a point-and-shoot camera.
We can’t quite list all of its top-line features in this brief overview but trust us. It’s very capable.
The weather-sealed RX10 Mark IV bridge point-and-shoot features a 25x optical zoom with 24-600mm coverage, as well as outstanding stabilization and a larger type 1″ sensor, ensuring that photos look fantastic in every setting.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 20.1 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: 4K
- Display: 3″ Tilting
- Lens: 24-600mm
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 5.22 x 3.7 x 5.02 inches
- Weight: 37.10 ounces
12. Sony RX100 VI
While the Sony RX100 VI is more expensive than most point-and-shoots consumers are prepared to buy, we couldn’t leave it out because this range represents the best of what the realm of compact cameras has to offer.
The VI, as its name suggests, is the sixth generation of a series that Sony has been refining for years, offering an amazing balance of picture quality and portability.
Although the VII has since replaced it, the VI provides an excellent blend of performance and value for money.
It has it all, including super-smooth 4K video, dynamic burst shooting, and a slew of other capabilities that most cameras on this list lack.
Key Specifications
- Image Resolution: 20.1 Megapixels
- Video Resolution: 4K
- Display: 3″ Tilting
- Lens: 24-200mm
- Memory: SD, SDHC, and SDXC
- Dimensions: 4 x 1.7 x 2.29 inches
- Weight: 10.6 ounces
Final Thought
As you can see, there are plenty of point-and-shoot cameras available in the market if you’re looking for one.
If you’re looking for an affordable and decent camera with some nifty features, you can’t go wrong with any of the devices illustrated above.
See Also
Comments are closed.