The point-and-shoot cameras are perfect for those who are addicted to photography. These top-rated cameras are different from the digital SLR cameras and have now captured the major portion of the digital camera market.
The best thing about the point and shoot cameras is that they are affordable and user-friendly. It is simple to use them and to capture high-quality photos. All you need is to press the shutter button, and the rest of the things camera will do. It will adjust the shutter speed automatically, along with adjusting the aperture, focus, and light sensitivity.
There are different types of point-and-shoot cameras available in the market. The major types include basic point-and-shoot cameras, super compact cameras, superzooms, waterproof/dustproof/crushproof, and advanced cameras.
The basic ones come with auto features. So, there is no need to take control of the aperture, shutter, and ISO settings. The camera will do all the things for you. The advanced point-and-shoot cameras come with the features of DSLR. You have to adjust things manually. Also, the image quality of these cameras is better.
The Superzooms are best for their magnified focal lengths, and the waterproof/dustproof/ crushproof cameras are highly durable and capture images with excellent quality.
So, here we are going to discuss the 10 best ‘ point-and-shoot cameras. Also, we will guide you on what factors to consider before buying the best product.
Top 10 point-and-shoot cameras
Fujifilm X100F 24.3MP APS-C Digital Camera
- 24.3MP X Trans CMOS III APS C sensor with no low pass filter and X Processor Pro
- 8 way focus lever plus the number of focusing points has been expanded from 49 in previous models to 91 (up to 325 points)
- Built in ISO dial, incorporated into the shutter speed dial and operating temperature is 0 degree Celsius to 40 degree Celsius (+32 degree Fahrenheit to +104 degree Fahrenheit); Operating Humidity: 10 to 80 percent (no condensation)
- AF mode(single / Zone / wide tracking). Hot shoe: Dedicated TTL Flash compatible. Exposure control: TTL 256 zone metering, Multi / Spot / Average / Center Weighted
- New np w126s lithium battery; Focus distance Approx. 10 centimeter Infinity / 3.9 Inches Infinity
Fujifilm X100 F is the best large sensor point-and-shoot camera that is specially made for photographers who want the DSLR image quality but in a compact-sized camera.
The camera is featured with a specially designed X-Trans CMOS III sensor that knocks out the requirement for an optical low pass filter. The 24.3MP APS-C sensor perfectly controls the noise and boosts the standard sensitivity range to ISO12800. Moreover, its processing speed has increased 4 times as compared to its previous models as it uses a newly developed engine, X-Processor Pro.
The face detection area on the sensor has also increased for high-speed and high-accuracy focusing. Also, the camera is featured with a focus lever to select the focus areas more quickly.
The Fujifilm X100F is also best for achieving correct exposure even on bright sunny days, as it has an ultra-high shutter speed of up to 1/32000 seconds. Moreover, the camera also supports extended Full-HD video recording.
Pros
- Fast autofocus
- The hybrid viewfinder is amazing
- Excellent image quality
- Supports Wi-Fi
- Full-HD video recording
Cons
- AF speed is not as good as it could be
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
- 1.0 Inch, 20.1 Megapixel High sensitivity CMOS sensor
- Digic 7 image processor. Compatible with iOS versions 8.4,9.3 and 10.2 and Android smartphone and tablet versions 4.1,4.2,4.3,4.4,5.0,5.1,6.0,7.0,7.1
- Ultra slim, lightweight and pocket size camera
- Features: Touch screen panel (capacitive type)
The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a cost-effective camera that provides great image quality. The camera is best for casual photographers as it is a lightweight, ultra-slim, and pocket-size camera.
It is featured with a 1.0-inch, 20.1MP CMOS sensor that is ideal for capturing excellent quality images and videos. It is also equipped with a new DIGIC 7 Image Processor that is responsible for reducing noise even at higher ISO settings. Also, it has increased the speed of the operation time and start-up time.
Moreover, the camera has built-in Wi-Fi technology, NFC technology, and Bluetooth pairing support. Its versatile zoom lens with optical zoom range helps to capture quality close-up images.
It also has a touch panel LCD, supports Full HD resolution, and the Dynamic IS helps to keep the frame stable and avoid unwanted blur.
Pros
- Provides great image quality
- Large 1.0-inch sensor
- Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth pairing support
- Compact size
Cons
- Captures only 1080p videos
Nikon COOLPIX P1000 16.7 Digital Camera
- 3000 millimeter optical zoom-the most powerful zoom lens; Ever put on a Nikon Coolpix camera
- 4k ultra hd video with HDMI out, stereo sound and an accessory hot shoe
- Rock steady dual detect image stabilization and great low light capability. Vibration reduction: Lens shift VR (still pictures) / lens shift and electronic VR (movies)
- Raw (NRW), time lapse and super lapse shooting plus great creative modes
- Full manual controls along with easy auto shooting
The best superzoom point-and-shoot camera is the COOLPIX P1000 from Nikon. Having a 125X zoom, the camera is a real telescope that is best for those who love to travel photography.
The camera is rock-steady if we talk about image stabilization. It uses a Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction System that stabilizes minimal camera movements even shooting with an extreme zoom. It is also featured an amazingly flexible lens and a high-quality image sensor that helps to record 4K Ultra HD videos with stereo sound.
The P1000 is also equipped with a smooth control ring that allows you to adjust focus in MF mode or white balance in AF mode directly from the lens barrel.
Moreover, the Vari-angle functionality of its 3.2-inch 921,000 dot LCD Display allows you to take shots from every difficult angle. Also, the camera offers moon and bird-watching modes for low light astrophotography and for capturing evasive creatures, respectively.
Pros
- Amazing 125X zoom range
- Supports 4K Ultra HD video recording
- Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth
- Vari-angle LCD
Cons
- Bulky, and screen omits touch support
Sony DSCWX220/B 18.2 MP Digital Camera
- 10x Optical / 20x Clear Image Zoom G Lens, 182MP Exmor R CMOS Sensor for superb low light images, BIONZ X engine for superb detail and noise reduction
- Operating temperature:32-104°F/0-40°C.Smooth Full HD video recording in 1080/60p, Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi w/NFC, Capture the decisive moment with up to 10fps
- In the box: Rechargeable Battery (NP-BN), AC Adaptor (AC-UB10C / UB10D), Micro USB cable, Wrist Strap, Instruction Manual
- BATTERY LIFE(STILL IMAGES)(CIPA):Up to 210 shots / 105 minutes
Another pocket-sized point-and-shoot camera is the DSCWX220/B from Sony. With 10X optical zoom and an 18.2MP Exmore R CMOS sensor, it produces in-focus image quality and detailed images even in low light.
The new BIONZ X processor and Optical SteadyShot image stabilization technology capture still images and shoot amazingly smooth videos. Both of them work together to produce sharp images with minimal levels of noise and blur.
The camera also records Full HD videos in both 1080p and 60p. Moreover, it supports Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity to transfer images easily.
Sony DSCWX220 has the full ability to capture the decisive moments at up to 10 frames per second. Also, the Sweep Panorama Mode, with the inclusion of motion compensation, creates stunning panoramic images. If you are continuously shooting to capture moving objects, the camera stitches all the images together to create the best panoramic image.
Pros
- 10.0fps fast continuous shooting
- Pocket-sized camera
- Image stabilization
- Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
Cons
- No built-in Viewfinder
Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera
- New 12 megapixel Hi speed image sensor for improved low light performance and noise reduction
- Underwater compensation: 2 EV to +2 EV (in 1/3 EV steps); Bright F2.0 high speed lens; Video recording format: MOV(MPEG 4AVC/H.264)
- Dual quad core TruePic VIII image processor 3.0 inches 460k Dot LCD monitor; Focus range normal: 3.94 inches (10 centimeter) to infinit macro: 0.4 inches (1 centimeter) to infinity
- Field sensor system with GPS, manometer, compass, and temperature sensors
- Waterproof to 50 feet, F, dust proof, crush proof to 220 lbf, Shockproof from 7 feet, freeze proof to 14 degrees, anti fog lens, dust proof: IP6X
The strongest point-and-shoot camera available in the list is the Olympus TG-5 camera. It is the best waterproof camera that is also freezeproof, dustproof, crushproof, and shockproof.
The camera captures amazingly detailed and blur-free images no matter how fast-moving objects you are trying to capture. The amazingly high-speed F2.0 lens is best for capturing anything. The camera is also featured with a specialized image sensor and advanced dual quad-core TruePic VIII processor that capture clear images with minimal noise even in low light.
It also has a fantastic shooting speed that takes RAW shots up to 20 fps. Also, the camera captures videos in Ultra HD 4K. Moreover, it has powerful macro modes that allow users to get close to their subjects as much as 1 cm.
Pros
- Supports Wi-Fi connectivity
- Captures RAW shots up to 20fps
- Waterproof to 15 meters, freezeproof to -10C, and drop proof from 2.1 m
- Ultra HD 4K videos
Cons
- Panoramic mode is not up to the mark
Sony RX100 IV 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera
- World's first1 201 MP 1" Exmor RS stacked back illuminated CMOS, High resolution 4K movie recording with direct pixel readout and no pixel binning, Super slow-motion movie3 HFR (High frame rate) up to 960 fps (40x)
- Operating temperature:Approx. 0-40°C (32-104°F).Super-speed Anti-Distortion Shutter at max 1/32000 sec up to 16fps, Bright F18- F28 ZEISS Vario-Sonar T* lens (24-70mm), Fast Intelligent AF thanks to the new Exmor RS CMOS sensor
- Retractable XGA OLED Tru-Finer viewfinder and Sharp 3" multi-angle LCD, Simple connectivity to smartphones via Wi-Fi and NFC w/ camera apps, Dual record of 168MP photos while shooting movie w/ auto settings. Focal length : f is equal to 8.8-25.7mm
- Enhanced pro-video functions and NTSC switchable. Power Consumption : DC3.6 Volt (supplied battery) / DC5.0 Volt (supplied AC Adaptor)
Another camera on the list from Sony is the RX100 IV. The best thing about this camera is that you can capture high-quality selfies as the camera is equipped with a 3-inch Xtra Fine LCD that rotates in different angles.
The camera is featured with a new 1-inch Exmor RS sensor with a DRAM chip. It is a real advancement in the world of image shooting as it is not only responsible for increasing efficiency; the integrated DRAM chip has also increased the readout speed by five times. Also, you can capture slow-motion movies up to 40X slower as compared to real-time.
The Sony RX100 IV is also featured with a super-fast anti-distortion shutter that has a shutter speed of up to 1/32000 sec. Moreover, the intelligent AF captures fast-moving objects much quicker and accurately as compared to the previous models.
Also, it supports Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity. Moreover, you can personalize your camera with the help of PlayMemories Camera Apps.
Pros
- Good compact design
- High speed autofocusing
- Excellent image and video quality
- Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity
Cons
- Shorter zoom range
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 V 20.1 MP Digital Still Camera
- ELECTRONIC VIEW FINDER: retractable Tru-Finder EVF provides sharp resolution, bright self-illumination, and high contrast to view shots and adjust settings through a ZEISS T* coated eyepiece.
- AUTO FOCUS: World’s fastest (0.05 sec.) hybrid AF system (contrast + phase) which is great for action and wildlife photography
- AF DETECTION: The most comprehensive phase detection coverage in a compact camera utilizing 315 Auto Focus points
- SHOOTING SPEED: World’s fastest continuous shooting speed at 24fps3 w/ autofocus and auto exposure tracking to ensure exceptional high-speed photography
- IMAGE SENSOR: 20.1 megapixel 1" Exmor RS stacked back illuminated CMOS sensor w/ DRAM for outstanding image quality and continuous shooting.Battery life(still images)(CIPA):Up to 330 shots / 165 minutes
If you love action and wildlife photography, then the Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX100 V camera is the ideal choice for you. It is a compact-sized camera that offers a 3.6X optical zoom to capture amazing in-focus images.
The camera is equipped with a 1-inch, 20.1 megapixel Exmor RS sensor with DRAM to have continuous shooting and amazing image quality. It has a fast continuous shooting speed of up to 24fps. Moreover, the electronic viewfinder is responsible for providing sharp resolution and high contrast to view shots and adjusting the settings accordingly.
The other features of the RX100 V camera include the fastest 0.05-sec autofocus, excellent face detection, and 4K and super slow motion video support.
Overall the camera is good but has some drawbacks, including ordinary battery life and no touchscreen support. Also, it takes time to clear the buffer and render the HFR video.
Pros
- Compact design camera
- Fastest auto-focus
- Complete face detection coverage
- 3.6X optical zoom
Cons
- Battery life is not good
- Rendering HFR videos take time
Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 4K Point and Shoot Camera
- Large 1, 20 Megapixel sensor delivers brighter, more colorful photos with fewer image artifacts
- 10x (25-250mm) LEICA DC Lens optical zoom performance with a wide F/2.8-5.9 aperture for impressive background defocus effects
- 4K Ultra HD video recording plus exclusive LUMIX 4K PHOTO and 4K Post Focus photo capture features
- Eye-level Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) and touch-enabled LCD for a wider viewing experience. Focusing Area- Normal- Wide 50 cm - infinity / Tele 70 cm - infinity. Focusing Area- AF Macro / MF / Intelligent Auto / Motion Picture: Wide 5 cm - infinity / Tele 70 cm - infinity
- Lens-mounted control ring brings DSLR-like exposure control to a compact point-and-shoot camera body
Panasonic also offers some good point-and-shoot cameras, and one of its kind is LUMIX ZS100. The camera has a large 1-inch, 20.1 Megapixel sensor that captures bright and colorful photos on the go.
The camera is featured with an advanced image processor, the Venus Engine, that helps the users to capture high-quality images and enables high-speed signal processing required to record 4K videos. Also, no matter how much low light is there, it can capture clear and detailed images with ease.
Other features of the camera include RAW-format image support and a 10X crystal clear Leica zoom lens. Moreover, it has a 5-axis correction feature to avoid camera shaking and capture still images.
The main drawback of this camera is that its autofocus speed is not up to the mark. Moreover, 3X zoom works better in low light.
Pros
- Ultra HD 4K video and still images
- 10X Leica zoom lens
- Captures good quality images
Cons
- Autofocus speed is just normal
- 3X zoom works better in low light compared to bright light
Panasonic LUMIX DC-ZS70S, 20.3 Megapixel, 4K Digital Camera
- 20.3 Megapixel MOS sensor plus 30x Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR Lens (24-720 millimeter), plus 5-axis Hybrid o.I.S. (Optical image stabilizer)
- 0.2-Inch 1, 166k-dot EVF (electronic view Finder) with eye-sensor for easier viewing under sunny outdoor conditions
- 4K QFHD video recording (3840x2160), plus exclusive LUMIX 4K PHOTO and 4K Post Focus with internal Focus Stacking feature
- Lens barrel mounted control ring enables quick, intuitive operation of important functions
- Wi-Fi plus a 180 degree front flip-up touch feature-enabled screen simplifies selfie photography, and framing for unusual perspectives.Wifi:IEEE 802.11b/g/n.Battery life (Approx.):Approx. 380 images (rear monitor), 250 images (LVF) (1)
Another point-and-shoot camera from Panasonic that you can consider for capturing good quality and detailed images and videos is the DC-ZS70S. It is best for creating 4K videos with excellent clarity that is much better than the Full HD quality.
The camera has a 24mm Leica DC Vario-Elmar lens that supports 30X optical zoom to capture objects very closely. Also, it has a control ring that can be used to control the zoom, shutter speed, aperture, and focus.
It is equipped with a Live Viewfinder, but it is very small. The 5-axis optical image stabilization is responsible for avoiding blurring, and the feature of taking 4K selfies is the best among all.
The main drawbacks of this camera are no external flash shoe and the maximum sensitivity of ISO 3.200.
Pros
- Supports RAW shooting
- Built-in Wi-Fi connectivity
- Image stabilization
Cons
- The viewfinder is very small
- ISO 3.200 is the maximum sensitivity
- Slow lens at wide and tele
PANASONIC LUMIX LX10 Camera, 20.1 Megapixel Camera
- POINT-AND-SHOOT CAMERA: Large, 1-inch 20.1-megapixel MOS sensor plus 3X zoom LEICA DC VARIO-SU millimeter ILUX lens (24-72 millimeter) and POWER O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) delivers brighter, more colorful photos with fewer image artifacts
- TILTING SELFIE DISPLAY: Rear touch-enabled 3-inch LCD display (1040K dots) tilts upward 180 degree for easy selfie photos
- 4K VIDEO CAPTURE: 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160), plus exclusive LUMIX 4K photo and 4K Post Focus with internal Focus Stacking allows you to record photos up to 30fps and set your desired focus points after the photo has been taken
- LENS-MOUNTED CONTROL RING: Manual lens-mounted control ring brings DSLR-like exposure control to a compact point-and-shoot camera body
- USB CHARGING AND WI-FI CONNECTIVITY: Enjoy travel ready technologies like USB charging and Wi-Fi connectivity to your mobile device; micro-HDMI type D (3) and USB 2.0 micro-B provide additional connectivity to your favorite devices
The last camera on the list is the LX10 from Panasonic, which is a decent camera having a large 1-inch, 20.1 MP sensor good for capturing brighter and more colorful photos.
The camera is perfect for recording detailed 4K picture quality as it is equipped with the Extended ISO25600 Venus Engine. Also, with the F1.4 – 2.8 Leica DC lens, it is quite easy to capture stunning and bright photos even in low light.
Other good features of the camera are ultra-high-speed focusing, macro photography, 4K video support, built-in focus stacking, and 4K Live Cropping.
Some of the weak points of this camera include no electronic viewfinder, hard to press recording button, and high noise reduction at default settings.
Pros
- Still, image quality is excellent
- Built-in focus stacking
- Macro photography
Cons
- Small buffer limits
- No electronic viewfinder
- Normal battery life
- Slippery grip
Point and Shoot Cameras – Buyer’s Guide
When going to purchase the best point-and-shoot camera, it is essential to know what features you should focus on to buy the best one. Also, the complete understanding of the features is also important.
Megapixel
It is a common perception that the more megapixels your camera has, the better and clearer pictures it will produce, but it is not true at all. The main thing is the sensor size which has a direct effect on the image clarity.
If you love to shoot in low-lighting conditions, select a camera that has a large image sensor. But, go with the smaller sensor if needed a powerful zoom option.
LCD Screens
The best quality LCD screen should be your choice when selecting a particular point-and-shoot camera. To get an accurate and better preview of your shots, large LCD screens are important. It is best to have a 3-inch LCD screen for better visibility.
Viewfinders
Viewfinders are not a common thing in point-and-shoot cameras. Instead of viewfinders, cameras use LCD screens for better viewing of the frames. But if you want to have a viewfinder, then go for some high-end cameras that offer optical viewfinders.
Zoom
Before going to talk about zoom, it is essential to know the difference between optical and digital zoom features.
It is best to go for a camera having an optical zoom lens instead of a digital zoom. Digital zoom offers a good zoom range but fails to produce quality images. Also, you can go for those cameras that have extended digital zoom along with optical zoom.
Image Stabilization
The image stabilization feature is also important to consider before purchasing an ideal camera. The feature is used to get sharp images in different conditions, including low light. Some point-and-shoot cameras have optical image stabilization, and some have digital image stabilization. Both are good, but it is better to go with the optical one as it is more effective than digital.
Wireless Connectivity
A built-in wireless connectivity feature is important if you need to transfer or share your captured images through Wi-Fi. Some cameras also offer Near Field Communication (NFC) features. So, it is up to you whether you want these features in your camera or not.
Facial Recognition
Another feature that may or may not be important for you is the facial recognition feature. If you go to different social gatherings, then it is essential to have a camera with a facial recognition feature. The camera detects the faces of the subjects and aims to make both focus and exposure perfect for the subjects. Moreover, the smile recognition feature is also part of some point-and-shoot cameras. So, you can also spend money to go for that feature also.
Power
Most of the point-and-shoot cameras are powered by their own rechargeable batteries, but there are also some that are powered by AA batteries. So, it is best to have a camera with its own rechargeable battery.
Other than these, it is important to make sure that your camera records Ultra HD 4K videos and has a fast processing speed. Moreover, there are other deep specifications that you can compare with different cameras to purchase a good product according to your needs and budget.