So you’re into photography. You want to upgrade from using your smartphone’s camera. And you’re searching for the best point and shoot camera out there. Well, look no further: we have you covered!
Let’s face it, brilliant as they are, smartphone cameras just don’t cut it like a real camera. However, digital cameras can be a little intimidating for beginners.
All the specs and controls can be a nightmare for a potential first-timer. This is why a point and shoot camera might be the thing you can get your hands on.
While not as advanced as a professional or even an entry-level camera, point and shoot cameras are certainly a step above smartphones.
The main difference is that the focus and exposure are completely automatic so you’ve got nothing to worry about when trying to capture your toddler making her first steps!
Best Point and Shoot Camera
Just like the name implies, you just point the camera at whatever it is you want to photograph and click to shoot it. These cameras are perfect, as mentioned before, for beginners and for people who don’t consider themselves photographers, but would like to photograph their vacation, party, etc.
In this guide, you’ll learn about the things to consider when buying a point and shoot camera. Also, we’ll recommend a few quality cameras that might suit your needs.
Well, let’s jump in and take a look at some of the top point and shoot cameras available on the market!
1. Sony RX100
- Body type: Compact
- Max resolution: 5472 x 3648
- Effective pixels: 20 megapixels
- Sensor size: 1″ (13.2 x 8.8 mm)
- Articulated LCD: Tilting
- Screen size: 3″
- Screen dots: 1,228,800
- Max shutter speed: 1/2000 sec
- Format : MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S
- Storage types: SD/ SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo/ Pro-HG Duo
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- Weight (inc. batteries): 298 g (0.66 lb / 10.51 oz)
- Dimensions: 102 x 58 x 41 mm (4.02 x 2.28 x 1.61″)
- GPS None
If you’re looking for something that’s more than just your average point & shoot camera, the Sony RX100 is for you. And this fits the bill of the high-end point and shoot cameras we mention in the rest of the guide.
First of all, you get 20.1 megapixels (or MP) and 4K video shooting capabilities. Keep in mind that some DSLR and mirrorless cameras don’t even have 4K technology installed in them!
You also have a viewfinder which is unavailable in most point and shoot cameras. Add to that the fact that the continuous shooting speed is 16 fps, and the camera has built-in Wi-Fi, and you have yourself one point and shoot camera that simply has no rival in the market.
So, if we’re making a case for what’s the best point and shoot camera out there, this has to be it. Of course, if you want all these features you’ll naturally have to pay a little extra. This, therefore, might be the only downside of this camera.
A huge double thumbs up from us!
- 20. 1MP 1. 0 Type stacked CMOS sensor, Zeiss Vario Sonnar T 24 200 millimeter F2. 8 F4. 5 large...
- 0. 02 sec. High AF speed, 357 point focal plane Phase detection AF and 425 point contrast detection...
- Up to 20 fps blackout free shooting, using up to 60 times/sec. AF/AE calculations. Diopter...
- AI based real time tracking for stills and movies, and touch tracking. Real time eye AF for human...
- 4K video with us log3 and Interval Shooting. Microphone jack and vertical position data recording....
2. Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS
- Body type: Ultracompact
- Max resolution: 5152 x 3864
- Effective pixels: 20 megapixels
- Sensor size: 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
- Sensor type: CCD
- Articulated LCD: Fixed
- Screen size: 2.7″
- Screen dots: 230,000
- Max shutter speed: 1/2000 sec
- Format: MPEG-4, H.264
- Storage types: SD/SDHC/SDXC card
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- Weight (inc. batteries): 138 g (0.30 lb / 4.87 oz)
- Dimensions: 95 x 57 x 24 mm (3.74 x 2.24 x 0.94″)
- GPS: None
Now, if paying a pretty penny for a point and shoot camera isn’t your thing. You just want a simple, affordable camera that does the job. Don’t worry, Canon got you covered.
The PowerShot ELPH 190 IS comes with some nice features. Mind you, not as good as Sony’s offering earlier in this list, but not too shabby nonetheless.
It offers 20 megapixels for photos but only 720p quality for video shooting. So if you care more about taking photos than filming videos, this could be the point & shoot for you.
As expected, there’s no viewfinder on this one. Which is par for the course with a lot of entry-level point and shoot cameras.
However, it does have Wi-Fi connectivity, which is a relief. The LCD screen size is under 3 inches so it won’t give you the best viewing POV.
Still, how much does this cost? That’s the big question you’re probably asking. This is by far the best part of this camera. It comes in at a ground-floor price point, making it pretty darn accessible to just about anyone.
I don’t think anyone is offering this much in terms of features for this little money. So, if you’re looking for a camera to take some holiday pictures, this is it!
This may be the best budget point and shoot camera out there right now!
BEST POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA
What Are Point And Shoot Cameras?
Point and shoot cameras are perfect for people who want to take amazing pictures on the go.
Point and Shoot cameras have a fixed lens which means that they do not zoom, but their lenses can also be changed depending on the type of camera you buy.
They come with many features including in-camera editing options as well as an LCD screen so you know what your picture will look like when it’s taken.
Other features include autofocus which means that you don’t have to worry about focusing manually on your subject or setting up the shot properly before taking the photo.
3. Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera
- Body type: Compact
- Max resolution: 4000 x 3000
- Effective pixels: 12 megapixels
- Sensor size: 1/2.3″ (6.17 x 4.55 mm)
- Sensor type: BSI-CMOS
- Articulated LCD: Fixed
- Screen size: 3″
- Screen dots: 460,000
- Max shutter speed: 1/2000 sec
- Format: MPEG-4, H.264
- Storage types: SD/SDHC/SDXC card (UHS-I compatible)
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- Weight (inc. batteries): 250 g (0.55 lb / 8.82 oz)
- Dimensions: 113 x 66 x 32 mm (4.45 x 2.6 x 1.26″)
- GPS: Built-in
This last recommendation is best suited for the adventurous photographers out there. If you like to shoot wildlife or in unstable environments, this one will do the job.
Here’s why:
For one, it’s waterproof (up to 50 ft). So you can dive into pools to your heart’s content and take your photos comfortably.
It’s also shockproof and crushproof. This is one very sturdy camera!
But this camera is more than just a reliable piece of tech. It boasts some nice features as well. For one, you get 4K video.
Seasoned photographers might be delighted to find out that this camera can shoot RAW photos. So if you’re looking for a reliable, sturdy camera that shoots 4K, look no further.
- Water proof (50 feet /15 meter), dust proof, shock proof (7 feet / 2.1 meter), crush proof (100...
- High resolution F2.0 lens, maximum 8x zoom, true pic VIII, back illuminated CMOS image sensor
- Variable macro system comprised of 4 macro shooting modes, magnified shooting up to 1 centimeter...
- 5 underwater shooting modes including underwater microscope, 3 underwater white balance modes
- 4K movie and full HD 120 fps high speed movies can be recorded. Battery life - Approx. 340 Images...
BEST POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA
Advantages of Using Point And Shoot Cameras
• Point and shoot cameras are fully automatic. This means that while you can adjust the aperture, shutter speed, and ISO settings, you don’t need to worry about adjusting other manual buttons.
• Because point-and-shoot cameras have a wide range of features such as panorama imaging or time lapse recording potentials, they’re great for experimenting with different types of photography.
• Many compact digital camera models come in multiple colors like pink or silver which can make your purchase feel more personal to you.
• You’ll always be able to find space for a small point-and-shoot camera because it will fit into any purse or bag without taking up any additional space at all.
What To Consider When Buying a Point And Shoot Camera
Like with purchasing any camera, it all comes down to what your needs are.
Keep in mind that point and shoot cameras are not the same cheap disposable cameras they used to be.
With the competition from smartphones in the past few years, point and shoot camera manufacturers were forced to up their game by getting more innovative with their designs and features to keep them relevant in the market.
So you’re looking at three categories here:
Low-End Point & Shoot Cameras
These low-end cameras that are very basic, almost like disposable cameras, except that they can be reused.
High-End Point & Shoot Cameras
Secondly, you have a high-end point and shoot cameras. These are very high quality and contain a wealth of features. They simply border on being entry-level digital cameras.
Mid-Range Point & Shoot Cameras
In between, you’ve got cameras that offer some features but nothing mind-blowing. They’ll do the job and even a bit more, but you won’t find the advanced feature sets that you’ll get in the high-end cameras.
Besides that, here’s what to consider as well:
Megapixels vs. Sensor Size – The Age Old Debate
First, the Megapixel count might seem important at first since it affects the quality of the pictures. That’s a misconception.
What actually counts is the sensor size.
If you’re shooting photos in low light, consider a large sensor. If you care more about powerful zooming consider a small sensor.
Optical zoom vs. Digital zoom
Second, if you really care about zoom you need to find out if the camera uses digital zoom or optical zoom.
Digital zoom does allow you to photograph something further away, but it leads to lower image quality. So I’d say stick with optical zoom cameras.
What’s in a Viewfinder?
Third, point and shoot cameras don’t usually have a viewfinder. Instead, they had LCD screens to help you compose your picture.
It is recommended that the screen be at least 3.0 inches. If you can find a camera with an actual viewfinder, it’ll be even better. That, however, will cost you more money.
Wireless Connectivity
Wireless connectivity is very important. Trust me, you don’t want a camera that doesn’t have built-in wi-fi. It’s going to be a pain to upload your pictures to other devices.
Using cables hasn’t been intuitive since the mid-2000s.
Storage Concerns
Also, make sure that your camera is compatible with either SD cards or SDHC cards. This is important so you can decide on storage medium and the kind of card you need for your camera.
Batteries & Charging
The last thing to consider is the battery. Most cameras use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries while others still use AA batteries.
Do your research to find what suits your needs.
Best Point and Shoot Cameras – Wrapping Up
Point and shoot cameras have come a long way since their birth. Some can now go toe to toe with entry-level DSLR cameras.
Meanwhile, others are a great fit for people who don’t consider themselves photographers and just want an affordable camera that shoots great looking pictures of their vacation or family events.
Simply put, there’s a point and shoot camera for any type of customer out there. Manufacturers realized that there’s great strength in offering variety to customers other than plastic cameras that are just the equivalent of a disposable camera.
So, hopefully, you’ll have found what you’re looking for with this guide. If not, you can always look up other point and shoot cameras camera options that might suit you better. There’s something out there for everyone!
We hope this guide has been useful and you’ve gotten a lot out of reading it. Have a point and shoot camera recommendation that we missed? Give us a shout by commenting in the comment section just below here.
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