POint-and shoot cameras might be less popular these days, largely due to smartphones, however there are still plenty of reasons to consider investing in these camera phones that are pocket-sized. In the first place although smartphones are now quite stunning however, the sensors of compact cameras aren’t as big. They also provide more in addition. In addition, it’s sometimes nice to put the phone away, but still be capable of taking pictures. The top cameras for point-and-shoots offer excellent image quality, simple controls, and small design, which makes them perfect for a range of scenarios and types of people.
- Best overall: Sony RX100 VII
- Ideal for travel: Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III
- The best Waterproof Olympus Tough TG-6
- Best film camera: Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable 35mm Film Camera
- The best Instant Camera: Instax Mini 11
- The best camera street photography Ricoh G IIIx
- Best for content creators: Sony ZV-1
- Best budget: Panasonic LUMIX DC-FZ80
What we chose to pick the most effective point-and-shoot cameras
The editors and writers at Popular Photography have decades of collective experience in writing about and evaluating cameras. The selections are based on the combination of personal experiences, comparisons of specs as well as user reviews as well as editorial review. We focused on models that can be used in a variety of scenarios while remaining very small. Although some models cost more than $1,000, we attempted to keep prices affordable for the majority of models because they aren’t the most sophisticated models.
The best point-and shoot cameras: Reviews and suggestions
Best overall: Sony RX100 VII
The reason it got the nod: Sony’s RX100 VII has stunning image quality as well as smooth 4K video and an stunning autofocus. It’s among the most versatile point-and-shoots that are available.
Specifications
- Sensor: 20.1MP 1” Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor
- Lens: f/2.8-4.5 9-72mm (35mm equivalent: 24-200mm)
- Weigh: 10.65 ounces
- Dimensions 4x 2.29 * 1.69 inches
Pros
- Amazing autofocus
- Versatile zoom range
- Large sensor
- 4K video
Cons
- It’s expensive for a point-and-shoot
The Sony RX100 VII is an amazing camera for a small size. Despite its small size it’s equipped with a huge 1 inch sensor, which results in high-quality images for its class. Also, it has the best autofocus of any point and shoot camera, which means you’ll have better quality images even with subjects that move.
This compact camera comes with an equivalent 24-200mm lens that has a wide zoom range. It can also record 4K video. This makes this an excellent camera that is suitable to almost anyone. The only issue is cost. It’s quite costly for an entry-level point-and-shoot. However, it comes with a wide range of high-end and quality features in a compact package, and we believe it’s well worth the cost.
Ideal for traveling: Canon PowerShot G7 Mark III. Mark III
The reason it made it to the list: An enormous, 1″ sensor as well as a wide lens allow this camera to be used in almost any circumstance.
Specifications
- Sensor: 20.2MP 1” Stacked CMOS sensor
- Lens: f/1.8-2.8 8.8-36.8mm (35mm equivalent: 24-100mm)
- Weight: 1 pound
Dimensions4.13 inches x 2.4 1.63 x 1.63 inches
Pros
- Large sensor
- Versatile lens
- Manual Control Options
- Solid flash
Cons
- A bit expensive
The one-inch sensor is more than the one you’ll find on the typical compact camera. This results in improved low-light photography even if you’re not making use of the flash built into your camera. The sensor also has built-in autofocus pixels that allow you to identify objects to ensure sharp photos even when the subjects are moving.
Its 4.2x optical zoom lets photographers get closer shots with no loss in image quality and the tilting 3-inch LCD screen lets you shoot at different angles. In addition, the raw capture feature offers additional flexibility to travelers who wish to create stunning images using editing software after they’ve come returning from their travels. It’s an excellent camera for novices and experienced photographers as well.
The most reliable waterproof Olympus Tough TG-6
The reason it made this list? The product is waterproof to up to 50 feet, without having to purchase an additional case. It’s resistant to dust and sand to provide even more longevity.
Specifications
- Sensor: 12MP BSI CMOS sensor
- Lenses: f/2-4.9 4.5-18mm (35mm equivalent 25-100mm)
- Weigh: 8.92 ounces
Dimensions 4.45 inches x 2.6 1.28 1.28 inches
Pros
- Waterproof
- Extremely robust
- Versatile lens
- Underwater shooting modes
- Compatible with many accessories
Cons
- Small sensor
The camera that this point-and-shoot can be used for virtually everywhere. It’s waterproof to 50 feet, without a separate case. It’s dust-proof and it won’t get damaged when you go on a trip to the ocean or into the desert. Additionally, it’s crush-proof to with a weight of up 220lbs. This means you’re able to rest on it and still shoot later during the daytime. Many compacts won’t be able to withstand that kind of use.
The toughness of a camera is not worth it in the event that the camera isn’t well-built. The compact has a tiny sensor, yet it features a flexible zoom of 4x that can be able to cover the majority of scenarios you encounter on your travels. If you’re into a love affair with this camera Olympus has a wide range of accessories, including cameras with action mounts as well as underwater lights that go with it.
Best film camera: Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable 35mm Film Camera
What made it into this list of choices: This reusable yet inexpensive film camera is light and small, simple to operate, and is available in a variety of colorful and fun shades.
Specifications
- Sensor: N/A
- Lens: f/9 31mm
- Weight 4 pounds
- Dimensions4.7 by 2.6 * 1.7 inches
Pros
- It comes in eight exciting color combinations.
- Very reasonable
- Setups that are fixed make it simple to utilize
- It has an integrated flash
Cons
- Fixed settings can be restrictive.
- The lens of a plastic lens causes softness
If you’re looking to try your hand using film, then the Ilford 35-II is a great and fun option. It’s similar in design to disposable cameras in that it features an optical lens made of plastic with a fixed aperture as well as shutter speed. It’s also reloadable, which means making less waste. It also looks better than disposable cameras too.
Sprite 35-II Sprite 35-II features a 31mm lens that has an aperture of f/9 fixed to ensure that the scene is sharp. It also features fixed shutter speeds of 1/120s. The camera comes with an inbuilt flash that can be used in conditions with low light, ideal to shoot indoors. There’s no guarantee of sharp and flawless results with the camera but it’s the best part of it. It’s a fantastic alternative to high-tech cameras, and is fun to take to get out with family and friends. Since it doesn’t have setting whatsoever it’s a point-and shoot camera that’s very simple to use, despite it being an film camera.
The best digital camera for instant use: Instax Mini 11
The reason it made it to the list: You can’t beat the excitement of an instant camera as well, and Mini 11 makes instant photography even more accessible due to its compact dimensions and reasonable price.
Specifications
- Sensor: N/A
- Lens: f/12.7 60mm
- Weigh: 10.34 ounces
- Dimensions4.24 4.74 x 4.77 2.65 inches 2.65 inches
Pros
- Affordable
- Fun, small instant prints
- Simple to make use of
- The lens has a mirror for selfies that is attached to the lens
Cons
- The results aren’t always the most impressive.
There’s something very unique about a camera that shoots out an image, and then having to waiting for it to appear be able to show up. The most effective camera phones are user-friendly and produce beautiful prints. That’s applicable to Instax Mini 11. Instax Mini 11. The prints aren’t as perfect as that you might get using your smartphone and digital cameras, however we believe that’s part of the appeal.
Instax Mini 11 Instax Mini 11 features a fixed 60mm lens that has an f/12.7 aperture that is able to focus between 11.8 inches up to infinity. It is also possible to set the lens into Selfie Mode for a close focus area from 11.8 up to 19.7 inches. There is also an built-in flash, which is perfect for shooting indoors. It’s a bit slippery to hold, however it is equipped with a lanyard to stop drips.
The other day, I allowed all my nephews and nieces-all of whom are younger than 12 use their Instax Mini 11, and it was so fun watching how thrilled they were. They all insisted on snapping photos, despite the small amount of film available and were able to show other members of the family what they had captured. In spite of some being very young (and eager to snap a picture) they each managed to capture photos that were clean and sharp.
Ideal for street photography: Ricoh GR IIIx
The reason it made it to the list: Its small dimensions makes it simple to keep in your bag and easy to shoot with, as well as it delivers stunning images of excellent quality.
Specifications
- Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- Lens: f/2.8 26.1mm (35mm equivalent: 40mm)
- The weight: 9.2 ounces
- Dimensions4.3 inches x 2.4 * 1.4 inches
Pros
- Large sensor provides excellent image quality
- Compact and easy to carry
- The 40mm lens is sharp and flexible
Cons
- No zoom
- Battery life isn’t very good.
Ricoh’s GR IIIx is great choice to use for street photos for a large portion due its compact design. It’s pocket-sized, which means you can keep it with you when traveling. It won’t attract the attention of others when you go out to take a picture. It also features slick black style and a comfortable-to-hold shape even while shooting using just one hand.
The sleek design is enhanced by the absence of an optical zoom. It has the same 40mm focal length (35mm equivalent) which means you don’t get rid of the compact size when shooting photos. 40mm is also a great focus for urban photography because it’s wide enough to provide some context within the photo, yet not too wide that you have lots of space around the subject. If you’re interested in something larger than you can choose the GR III is similar to the GR III however it comes with an equivalent 28mm lens that is wider.
The image quality of this camera’s GR IIIx image quality is superb partly due to the sensor’s size. The images are sharp up to their edges even while shooting wide-open at f/2.8. It also produces vivid, beautiful colours. Want to know more? Take a look at our comprehensive overview of GRIIIx.
Best for content creators: Sony ZV-1
What made it into this list? A comparatively big 1-inch camera and the plethora of lenses give you solid photographic capabilities in any setting However, it’s a great choice in video logging.
Specifications
- Sensor: 20.1MP 1” Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor
- Lens: f/1.8-2.8 9.4-5.7mm (35mm equivalent: 24-70mm)
- Weigh: 10.4 ounces
- Dimensions4.15 4.15 x 2.36 1.71 x 1.71 inches
Pros
- Excellent lens
- Large sensor
- It is extremely compact and small for the specs.
- Above average autofocus features
Cons
- It can feel a bit tight when you hold your hands with large ones.
Sony’s ZV-1 is a camera that was intended for video bloggers, and consequently is loaded with features that assist you in recording your own videos. The auto exposure settings will keep your face clear and bright. It also centers your face, and swiftly adjusts blurring of the background with the press of a button for Background Defocus. It also comes with the impressive autofocus capabilities of Sony and, if you’re showing other products or people it will swiftly locate focus for you.
The forward-facing onboard microphone and windscreen that can be detached will ensure you achieve great sound making it easier to adjust levels in post-production. It also has a flip screen to look at the frame before you take the best angles and shots which makes it among the top point-and-shoot cameras to use for Vlogging.
Best budget: Panasonic LUMIX DC-FZ80
The reason it made it to the list: This Lumix DC-FZ80 offers a comfy DSLR like design and comes with an impressive 60x zoom for an affordable price.
Specifications
- Sensor: 18.1MP 1/2.3” MOS sensor
- Lens: f/2.8-5.9 3.6 to 215mm (35mm equivalent 20-2000mm)
- Weight: 1.35 pounds
- Dimensions 5.1 * 3.7 inches. 4.7 inches
Pros
- Massive zoom range
- Responsive autofocus
- 4K30p video recording
- It is easy to hold
Cons
- It’s not as small as the other alternatives
Panasonic’s Lumix DCFZ80 is a budget bridge camera with an DSLR similar body that has easy to operate controls. Due to the wide grasp, it’s a more comfortable camera to hold compared to other point-and-shoots in our review. It’s not much smaller as a consequence this is a compromise, but for a lot of people, the traditional design is more appealing.
The built-in lens can provide an impressive 60x zoom. This makes it a great choice for every situation that you’re wanting to capture. Its autofocus is flexible, meaning you’ll be more likely to capture sharp pictures also. It’s also capable of 4K video, which makes it a great instrument to start with video, too. What’s more? It’s much less expensive than other alternatives.
Things to think about when looking for the top cameras for point-and shoot.
Point-and-shoot cameras can be described as small camera that produce sharp, vivid pictures. They are the ideal camera for novices, an excellent option for travellers as well as a good option for professionals who need to use them. Here are a few things to take into consideration when selecting the best camera for your needs.
Are you a true beginner?
A point-and shoot camera is made to make photography as easy as it can be. They usually have fully automated the focus and exposure so that you can, as their title suggests shoot the camera, then take a picture with only the press of the button. If you’re a novice and are looking for the most simple camera to operate that you can, choose models that have simple menus and fully automated controls.
However, certain point-and-shoots have more options than other models. If you’re a bit over the beginner stage or need a camera that you can grow into then check out the settings your camera will allow you to alter. It is possible to alter things such as ISO or shutter speed and aperture in the future rather than using auto exposure modes.
Are you planning to take your camera on a trip?
One of the major benefits in a small camera is the fact that it is compact. With dimensions that average around 2.5 and 3.5 1.5 1.5 inches, point-and shoot cameras are made to be easily fit in purses, pockets or fanny packs as well as other small pockets. They’re also lighter than DSLRs as well as mirrorless models point-and shoot cameras weigh a lot less than a kilogram. If you’re worried about security, the small dimensions of compact cameras make them less attractive for theft.
While all point-and shoot cameras are small, there are dimensions that vary between available cameras. Make sure you pay close attention to the dimensions and the mass of cameras you’re looking at if this is something that is important to you.
Do you require a durable camera to keep up with your active life?
If you love the outdoors, whether it’s hiking up mountain trails or trekking through desert canyons, you’ll require a point-and-shoot camera which can take on the challenges. The rugged and waterproof cameras are designed to stand up to and photograph the most extreme places you enjoy exploring. The beach with electronics is a common occurrence because even a tiny grain of sand could cause harm. However, rugged devices can withstand the sand and allow you to get all the sunset pictures you’d like.
For those who aren’t as risky The cameras that are tough can be able to withstand the typical accidental spills, drops, and even kicks. Certain models may be too much for everyday use, but. If you’re not planning on use your camera for rugged adventure, you might be able save cash by purchasing an unprotected camera that has no characteristics.