Since smartphones were introduced to society, point and shoot cameras have mostly been forgotten about. However, a good point and shoot camera still has its place in every casual photographer’s kit. The image quality produced by a dedicated camera is leagues above that of a smartphone camera. The best point and shoot camera options are also capable of performing well in a larger variety of lighting conditions.
These qualities allow users to have more control over the quality of the pictures they’re taking, and they help increase the amount of environments that the cameras can be used in. In this article, we’re going to highlight some of the best options in our point and shoot camera reviews, and then we’ll go over some tips on finding the right option for you in our buyer’s guide.
- The 12 Point and Shoot Cameras
- PANASONIC LUMIX FZ80 4K
- Fujifilm X100F Digital Camera
- Canon PowerShot ELPH 190
- Sony RX100 V Cyber Shot Digital Camera
- Canon PowerShot SX740
- PANASONIC LUMIX ZS200 4K
- Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
- Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera
- Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
- Sony DSCWX220 Digital Camera
- Canon PowerShot SX530 Camera
- Ricoh GR II Digital Camera
- Best Point and Shoot Cameras Buyer’s Guide
- Megapixels
- Zoom
- Recording Resolution
- Durability
- Conclusion
The 12 Point and Shoot Cameras
| Design | Retailer | |
|---|---|---|
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price | |
 | Check Price |
PANASONIC LUMIX FZ80 4K
This Panasonic LUMIX is designed with adventurous spirits in mind. It’s a compact, powerful, and user-friendly travel camera. It incorporates an 18.1 megapixel MOS processor to provide you with vivid pictures every time you snap a picture. The 20-1220 millimeter lens allows the camera to be zoomed in up to 60 times the standard view setting, and a built-in stabilizer allows you to be confident that those close up shots will be as beautiful and detailed as any standard pictures you take.
A point and shoot camera with viewfinder technology that is comfortable is a must. The 3 inch display on this model will allow you to easily view your subject before you snap a picture. This is also one of the best low light point and shoot camera options on the market. Its processor is capable of taking clear pictures and 4K video in the dead of night.
| Megapixel | 18 |
| Zoom | 60x |
| Weight | 1.36 lbs. |
Pros
- 18.1 MP processor
- 4K video technology
- WiFi connectivity
- 60x image enhancement
- 3 inch display for easy viewing
Cons
Fujifilm X100F Digital Camera
With a 24.3 Megapixel camera and X-Processor Pro software, the X100F is one of the best point and shoot cameras on this list. It doesn’t have the most features, but the features it does have were created with perfection in mind.
The camera is adjustable with the inclusion of a focus lever and 91 point shutter speed dial. This allows you to easily modify the camera on the fly, and you gain more control over your photography.
You won’t shoot jaw dropping videos with this camera, but it takes pictures better than the other models on this list. That’s not to say that it doesn’t have video recording capability. The video recording abilities just aren’t as good as other options on this list.
| Megapixel | 24.3 |
| Zoom | 1x |
| Weight | 2 lbs. |
Pros
- 24.3 MP X-Trans CMOS III APS-C Sensor
- X-Processor Pro technology
- Shutter speed dial
- 91 point focus lever
- New and improved battery
Cons
Canon PowerShot ELPH 190
This Canon PowerShot is a great budget option. It has a number of features to help you grow as a photographer, and it’s made with user friendliness in mind. The 20 megapixel CCD processor and 720p HD video capabilities of this unit are a steal in this price range. To boost the camera’s flexibility, the PowerShot has a 10x zooming capability, built-in scene filters, and WiFi connectivity hardware.
It’s not the best option for more advanced photographers, but it’s a solid way to start out if you’re new. In fact, the camera has a useful “Help” button to get new users through any issues that may arise.
| Megapixel | 20 |
| Zoom | 10x |
| Weight | 4.9 ounces |
Pros
- 20 MP processor
- 720p HD video
- 10x enhancement
- Scene filters included
- WiFi enabled
Cons
Sony RX100 V Cyber Shot Digital Camera
The Sony Cyber-Shot is one of the best advanced point and shoot camera options available. It boasts a powerful 20.1 MP CMOS sensor with DRAM that allows you to shoot high-quality photos at remarkable speeds. This makes it the fastest camera on our list. It can shoot at up to 24 frames per second continuously, and it makes use of auto-focus technology to ensure that every picture is a good one.
An included slow motion feature allows the camera to record at 960 frames per second for dramatic shots. To make it even better, video recordings are made in 4K resolution for a ridiculous amount of clarity and detail.
With the addition of an optical enhancement feature that zooms in 3.6 times the standard view, this camera has been praised by wildlife enthusiasts and active photographers.
| Megapixel | 20.1 |
| Zoom | 3.6x |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
Pros
- Image enhancement up to 3.6x
- 4K recording
- 960 FPS slow motion recording
- 20.1 MP sensor
- Advanced auto-focus technology
Cons
Canon PowerShot SX740
The SX740 is similar to the other Canon PowerShot models on this list, but some of the features are a bit different. When it comes to the Canon PowerShot line, you’re pretty much given a lot of similar options with slight variances. That’s not a bad thing. If you enjoy the sleek designs of the PowerShot line, you can find several different cameras with varied feature lists. That gives you plenty of options to find the camera that perfectly suits your needs.
This particular model boasts a 40x zoom, 20.3 megapixel sensor, and a Digic 8 image processor. When these three features are combined, it allows you to take stunning photos wherever you go.
As an extra bonus, the SX740 comes with built-in WiFi, 4k video recording abilities, and a self portrait mode.
| Megapixel | 20.3 |
| Zoom | 40x |
| Weight | 66 lbs |
Pros
- 20.3 MP camera
- 4K video
- 40x enhancement
- Digic 8 image processor
- Built-in WiFi
- Bluetooth
Cons
PANASONIC LUMIX ZS200 4K
This is another Panasonic LUMIX, but it’s one of the higher end models. It shares a lot in common with its less expensive cousins, but its features are more advanced. That makes this a great point and shoot camera for people that are new to photography, but doesn’t lack any of the functionality that a seasoned photography needs.
The 15x image enhancement is generous, and it’s more than enough to take close up shots of distant subjects. The clarity provided by the 20.1 MP MOS sensor allows your close up shots to capture vivid details, and it has a the ability to work well in the brightest of lighting situations.
The LCD display is a generous 3 inches in width, and it’s designed to allow for easy viewing in both bright and dark lighting. 4K video recording rounds off the main feature list for this camera.
As an added bonus, built-in WiFi is a part of this unit. That’s a common feature in modern cameras, but it’s still a nice touch.
| Megapixel | 16 |
| Zoom | 10x |
| Weight | 11 ounces |
Pros
- 15 x image enhancement
- LCD display
- WiFi enabled
- 20.1 MP camera
- 4K video recording
Cons
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
A step above the previously mentioned PowerShot, the G7 X Mark II improves on all of the previous model’s features. The 20.1 megapixel CMOS sensor is a whopping 1 inch in width. This allows the camera to capture images with more clarity than smaller sensors can. The 4.2x zoom isn’t as impressive as the 10x zoom on the ELPH, but it’s plenty of zoom for more situations.
The G7 also has built-in WiFi. This allows you to effortless transfer any photos or videos that you capture, and you can do it without the hassle of cords and adapters.
| Megapixel | 20.1 |
| Zoom | 4.2x |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs |
Pros
- 20.1 MP camera
- 4.2x enhancement
- Built-in WiFi
- 8 FPS continuous shooting
- 3 inch LCD display
Cons
Olympus TG-5 Waterproof Camera
The Olympus TG-5 is one of the more durable options on our list. Its waterproof, crushproof, and shockproof shell makes it perfect for those of you who live very active lifestyles. What it doesn’t offer in raw photography power, it makes up for in sheer strength.
The Hi-Speed Image sensor technology used in this camera is only 12 megapixels, but it’s designed to allow for better performance in low light conditions, and it helps to prevent any blurring that may occur from rapid movement in the background. It also compensates for the lack of red light during underwater photography sessions.
The main draw for this camera is its strength, though. Most of the cameras on this list have to be cared for properly, and they’re not suitable for more extreme activities. The Olympus is the exact opposite. You can submerge it in fifty feet of water for an hour without worrying about it, drop 220 pounds on it, and drop it from up to seven feet in the air. It won’t break.
To increase its usefulness in outdoor environments, the TG-5 includes a built-in compass, GPS, manometer, and temperature sensors. This is a camera that is built for those who enjoy the outdoors.
| Megapixel | 12 |
| Zoom | 7x |
| Weight | 55 lbs |
Pros
- 12 MP camera
- Waterproof up to 50 feet
- Shockproof up to 7 feet
- Crushproof up to 220 lbs.
- Sealed against dust.
Cons
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
The Canon PowerShot G9 packs all of the capability of a modern camera into a rustic and charming package. The light brown, faux leather accents of this model make it appealing to the eye, but it’s also quite capable as a camera This Canon point and shoot camera features a 20.1 MP CMOS sensor that’s extremely sensitive. This allows you to take pictures with stunning clarity and detail.
The G9 is also compatible with most recent iPhones, and it’s compatible with all Android devices from the last few years. So, you never have to worry about being able to connect it to your smart device.
The LCD display features a touch screen that allows you to seamlessly control its settings and manipulate your captured photos.
| Megapixel | 20.1 |
| Zoom | 3x |
| Weight | 7.2 ounces |
Pros
- 20.1 MP sensor
- High sensitivity sensor for better pictures
- Compatible with most modern smart devices
- Digic 7 image processor
- Touch screen display
Cons
Sony DSCWX220 Digital Camera
This Sony branded digital camera offers a good selection of features and powerful photography abilities. Sony is known for balancing their products perfectly for the price range they’re in, and this Sony point and shoot camera is no different.
With 10x Optical and 20x image zooming, you can easily take close up pictures of difficult subjects. Then, you can enhance the images in post to clearly see every vivid detail. The 18.2 megapixel camera sensor works perfectly in low light conditions. The camera also boasts the ability to record in 1080p.
You won’t get as many accessories with this as you would a Nikon point and shoot camera bundle, but it does come with a wrist strap, battery, and the correct Micro USB cable.
| Megapixel | 18.2 |
| Zoom | 10x |
| Weight | 4.32 ounces |
Pros
- 18.2 MP camera
- 105 minutes of battery life
- Low light capabilities
- Built-in WiFi
- Wrist strap
Cons
Canon PowerShot SX530 Camera
This is the mid-range option in the PowerShot line. It’s better than some of the other models, but falls behind the high-end models in the line. It includes an impressive 50x enhancement lens, 16 MP sensor, and built-in WiFi. The feature list isn’t the longest and most impressive, but the features that it does have are high-quality. It’s flexible enough to allow new users to grow with it, and it has enough power to satisfy more seasoned photographers.
As an added bonus, the camera is fully compatible with Canon’s proprietary storage device. This allows you to store your pictures and videos on a dedicated device, and you won’t have to worry about them cluttering up computer folders until you get a chance to sort them out.
| Megapixel | 16 |
| Zoom | 50x |
| Weight | 15.5 ounces |
Pros
- 50x image enhancement for detailed shots
- 16 MP camera
- 30p HD video
- WiFi enabled
- Canon Connect Station compatible
Cons
Ricoh GR II Digital Camera
The Ricoh GR II is a flexible option that is suitable for most users. Its long lasting battery allows you to actively use the camera for up to 190 minutes per charge, and you can record videos up to 45 minutes in length. The built-in WiFi allows you to share your captured images and videos without the need for cords and adapters, and you can easily use it to seamlessly upload them to your favorite social media platforms.
Of course, none of that matters if the camera doesn’t take great pictures in the first place. Luckily, Ricoh has included the GR Engine V processing engine to allow it to take pictures with vivid colors and astounding detail. It can also record in 1080p. That’s not as great as our 4K options, but it’s plenty of power for the majority of users. For its pictures, the Ricoh uses a 16.2 MP camera.
| Megapixel | 16.2 |
| Zoom | 1x |
| Weight | 6 lbs |
Pros
- Built-in WiFi
- 1080p recording
- 16.2 MP
- Long battery life
- GR Engine V
Cons
Best Point and Shoot Cameras Buyer’s Guide
Buying a point and shoot camera isn’t any easy task. They can be a fairly large investment, and you have to make sure that the one you buy is the best camera for you.
That can be difficult to figure out if you don’t know a lot about cameras. Luckily, we’ve been around a camera or two, and we are more than happy to outline what you should look for at each level of expertise.
That’s what this section is for. You can easily go over this buyer’s guide to get a solid understanding of a camera’s most important features, and you can see what’s best for you.
Megapixels
Contrary to popular opinions, this rating doesn’t actually determine how great a camera is. It helps, but you need to look at the overall quality of the sensor. A higher-end sensor will perform better in low visibility situations, it’ll handle bright sunlight better, and it’ll reduce the amount of background noise. If the MP rating is high and the sensor is high-quality, then it’s good to have a high rating. Otherwise, it’s mostly just a number. Make sure to check the overall quality of the sensor used in the camera.
Zoom
The zoom rating of a camera is representative of how much the lens can enhance a far away object. It allows you to take beautiful close up shots, and it means that you don’t have to get right next to something to take a photo of it. If you’re going to be performing your photography hobby outside, this is a feature that you really need. You won’t be able to reach every subject that you try to photograph, and a camera without zoom won’t be able to capture the subject with any decent amount of detail.
Of course, casual users don’t typically need to enhance a subject 60 times its actual size, and this feature can increase the price of a camera by a fair amount. Consider how often you take pictures of far away subjects when you go to buy a camera with this feature.
Recording Resolution
In recent years, we’ve gotten used to watching videos in 1080p or higher resolution. A 720p camera can easily satisfy a casual user, but anything lower than that is going to look grainy and blurry to our spoiled eyes.
4K is typically the best option for most users, but the cameras that offer 4K capability are often in a more expensive price range. If you’re a casual user, try to find a camera that offers 4K cheaply, or go with an option that records in 1080p. 720p is acceptable, but it’s best to find a camera with the best resolution you can afford to capture your precious moments clearly.
Durability
This list isn’t aimed at people who want a camera that they can beat up and continue to use. The majority of these require proper care and responsible use. The exception to this is the Olympus TG-5.
That doesn’t mean that these are weak cameras. However, you need to look at the type of photography you’re going to do before you buy a camera. If you’re going to record yourself while mountain climbing or diving, a waterproof and shockproof option with a crush rating of 220 pounds or more is a great investment. If you’re going to be taking your camera out to photograph birds or city landscapes, the added price from all of those durability features really isn’t worth it.
Conclusion
When you go to purchase a new point and shoot camera, you need to honestly assess your needs. If you’re an advanced photographer, the extra features in more expensive models will allow you to take your photography to new levels. If you’re a novice, you’ll have an easier time learning to use a less advanced camera.
Look for features that match your experience level and intended use well, but try to find something that will let you grow, too. You don’t want to get a camera that you’ll become too advanced for within a short amount of time. One great example of a great camera for beginners is the Ricoh model that we reviewed. The image sensor and processor are powerful enough to take beautiful pictures, and it has built-in WiFi to make it easy to transfer your photos. However, it doesn’t have a ton of other features that can make learning difficult.
Once you know what quality of camera will suit your experience level best, you need to know what type of photography you’ll be doing. An active photographer that loves rigorous activities will need something a lot stronger than someone who photographs weddings. When you know what type of photography you’ll be doing, you can narrow your search down to options that are specifically designed for that type of photography. That will ensure that all of your hard earned cash is going towards features that you actually need.
In short, it all comes down to buying what you need. Don’t focus on buying the most expensive camera just because it has a ton of features. Buy something that has a sensor that’s strong enough for your intended use, the durability features you need, and just enough extra features to allow you to grow a little bit.
If you liked our article on point and shoot cameras, please share and comment below what your favorite product is.
