Camera phones may have become the most popular choice if you want to make something simple on the go. But the Best Point And Shoot Cameras offer better picture quality in all kinds of light – and give you more creative control over your photos while remaining just as easy to use. Fortunately, there are some significant cheap camera operations at the moment, making this a perfect time of year to rise from your camera phone and to invest in a camera that you can aim and shoot.
Our price registration tool brings the best offers of today below, so you can be sure that you’ll see the cheapest point-and-shoot camera prices available everywhere. So, if you’re looking for a camera that focuses, you’re in the right place. Read on for our choice of the best point and shoot cameras around.
Best Point-And-Shoot Cameras
Long gone are the days when point-and-shoot cameras were looked down upon as artless. Nowadays, every major manufacturer has at least a few capable compact cameras in its stable, and many are equipped with powerful zoom lenses that extend their versatility or sharp prime lenses that produce perfect photos time after time. The Best Point and Shoot Cameras that we have mentioned above are perfect for creatives who do not want too much acceleration or heavy lifting: with the lens permanently attached, you can pick up the device with a compact camera and re-record it.
Canon IXUS 185
A slim budget compact with a 20MP sensor and 8x optical zoom
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 20MP
- Lens: 28-224mm f/3.2-6.9
- LCD: 2.7in, 230k dots
- Maximum burst speed: 3fps
- Max video resolution: 1280×720
- User level: Beginner
Canon has been working with the Digital IXUS range for more than 15 years, and although every version has become a little slimmer and more refined, they are smart point-and-shoot cameras that can slide easily into a pocket and do not break the Bank. What we get here with the Canon IXUS 185 is a beginner model that delivers 20MP from a relatively small 1/2.3in sensor. The zoom lens offers a respectable 8x optical range, starting at a useful wide setting equal to 24 mm.
Although the light sensitivity ranges from only ISO 100 to ISO 1600, where the camera limits itself to a maximum ISO 800 when it is on an Auto setting state. Even if the programming mode is implemented, the operation will continue, although some creative digital filtering options are available for anyone who wants to dig deeper into the menus. So no prices for specs, but for this kind of money, the Canon IXUS 185 is one of the best point and shoot cameras that you can buy right now.
Pros:
- Very easy to use
- Slender body
Cons:
- Small, low-resolution rear LCD
- Video not Full HD
Amazon.comSony Cyber-shot WX220
A 10x optical zoom point-and-shoot compact that’s as cheerful as it is cheap
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 18.2MP
- Lens: 25-250mm f/3.3-5.9
- LCD: 2.7in, 460k dots
- Maximum burst speed: 1.5fps
- Max video resolution: 1920×1080
- User level: Beginner
Every point-and-shoot compact that is worth its salt has to stand out from what a smartphone can do. The most valuable benefit it can offer is an optical zoom of at least 10x, which is exactly what the Sony Cyber-shot WX220 offers, with the lens covering a focal range ranging from 25-250 mm (in 35 mm terms) ). It may not have that many frills, and the 2.7-inch LCD screen looks a bit small compared to what’s in the rest of the market, but what it does, it does well, with images that are clear and powerful are with a decent level of detail. If you want a small camera with a larger than average range, the WX220 is one of the best point and shoot cameras that you can consider worth buying.
Pros:
- 10x zoom range in a svelte shell
- Healthy ISO range
Cons:
- Tardy burst-shooting speed
- 2.7in LCD somewhat small
Canon PowerShot SX730 HS
With a massive 40x zoom in a pocketable body, the SX730 HS is worth considering
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 20.3MP
- Lens: 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9
- LCD: 3in tilting, 922k dots
- Maximum burst speed: 5.9fps
- Max video resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
- User level: Beginner
It may be small, but the 20.3 MP Canon PowerShot SX730 HS has a lens range that exceeds what most professionals can achieve with their DSLRs and offers a focal range that is as high as 24-960 mm in terms of 35 mm. Also very useful here is an LCD that can be flipped to look at the front, and thus to the intended subject. Not surprisingly, we also get a large number of selfie-friendly shooting modes.
However, the camera still provides sufficient control for times when you need to intervene, where the usual PASM suspects can be selected via the mode button. You also get the ability to make videos, although limited to Full HD clips, instead of the 4K option that begins to reach these types of budget cameras. However, the autofocus performance is excellent, just like the image quality. In general, this is certainly one of the best point-and-shoot cameras with a lot of punch.
Pros:
- Excellent zoom for such a small body
- Good operational response
Cons:
- LCD isn’t touched sensitive
- No Raw shooting available
Canon PowerShot SX420 IS
Budget bridge model with a 45x optical zoom range that enables it to go further than most
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 20MP
- Lens: 24-1080mm f/3.5-6.8
- LCD: 3in, 230k dots
- Maximum burst speed: 0.5fps
- Max video resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
- User level: Beginner
A large zoom range that is always used to make a large camera. The Canon Powershot SX420 IS, however, proves that this is no longer the case and offers both-worlds solution. Looks like a DSLR that has shrunk, the SX420 IS is much smaller in person than it appears in publicity photos; we struggled to wrap more than two fingers around his handle. Yet, impressively, it still manages to offer a 45x optical zoom lens, starting with an ultra-wide 24 mm, which makes a lot of difference is a good option for all eventualities.
It is unfortunate that the LCD is fixed and that there is no EVF. Still, these are inevitable compromises to achieve the compact size (and luckily, a regular SD card is the media of choice instead of the tricky microSD). The lens is somewhat noisy in use as it moves through its zoom range, and the 0.5 fps burst speed means it is not necessarily the best choice for action, but as far as image quality is concerned, the camera is perfect for a small sensor model.
Pros:
- Compact camera with a huge zoom
- Inexpensive and easy to use
Cons:
- No viewfinder nor tilting screen
- Zoom is a little noisy in operation
Panasonic Lumix ZS70
Selfie-friendly update in the electronic giant’s long-running Travel Zoom series
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 20.3MP
- Lens: 24-720mm 3.3-6.4
- LCD: 3in tilting, 1,04k dots
- Maximum burst speed: 10fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Beginner to intermediate
The long-running ZS series from Panasonic always offers an intelligent choice for those who are looking for a fully equipped pocket camera for the holidays or an occasional city trip, and the Lumix ZS70 (also known as the TZ90 in the UK) is no exception. This Point-Shooting camera with Wi-Fi offers enough control to satisfy a wide range of users, with the creative advantage of a 30x optical zoom plus RAW images, and it performs well in both photos and video (with 4K offered in the case of the latter).
A beautiful little detail is the recording of an electronic viewfinder – even if it is very small – just above the LCD screen, as well as a control button for the lens. The 49-area autofocus of the camera is reasonably reliable and fast enough, while the image quality is generally excellent, with the measuring system keeping a variety of scenes in balance. In short, the ZS70 is a good all-rounder that will not weigh heavily on your pocket and is one of the best point and shoot cameras to buy right now.
Pros:
- An effective image stabilization system
- Selfie functionality works very well
Cons:
- The viewfinder is tiny
- Soft results at the wide-angle setting
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
Compact point-and-shoot powerhouse with a one-inch sensor
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1in
- Megapixels: 20.1MP
- Lens: 28-84mm f/2-4.9
- LCD: 3in, 1,040k dots
- Maximum burst speed: 8.2fps
- Max video resolution: 1920×1080
- User level: Beginner to intermediate
The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a fairly sophisticated looking (and recommended) camera for taking pictures, thanks to the rather minimalistic yet traditional look and the streamlined controls, which have the advantage that the chassis of this camera remains dinky.
Nevertheless, it is something of a beast under the bonnet, with a sensor of one in a pair with a wide-angle lens of 28-84 mm, whose maximum aperture at wide-angle is a respectable f/2. There is no viewfinder, but the 3-inch LCD on the back also reacts to touch, which again ensures that physical controls can be kept to a minimum. In short, this is a smart, well-designed compact camera that can produce extremely superior images to a smartphone, justifying its place in the best point and shoot cameras list.
Pros:
- Compact size
- Easy to use
Cons:
- The zoom range is a little limited
- No 4K video recording
Panasonic Lumix LX10
A sturdy body, 1in sensor, and wide-aperture optic give this pocketable camera plenty of appeals
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1in
- Megapixels: 20.1MP
- Lens: 24-72mm f/1.4-2.8
- LCD: 3in tilting, 1,040k dots
- Maximum burst speed: 10fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Beginner to intermediate
Panasonic has supplied some of its Lumix models with a 1in sensor, and the LX10 has the bonus over the PowerShot G9 X Mark II of 4K video recordings. Besides, the lens also starts wider, with a setting that corresponds to 24 mm instead of Canon’s 28 mm. OK, so there is no built-in EVF, plus the smooth finish of the body – while looking stylish – does not exactly make the strongest handle.
That said, a responsive touchscreen and dual control rings provide enjoyable user experience, while the 24-72 mm (equivalent) lens is one of the brightest, thanks to the f/1.4 to f/2.8 aperture range. In general, this neat little snapper has the almost perfect balance between functions, performance, prices, and is one of the best point and shoot cameras to buy right now.
Pros:
- F/1.4 max. aperture (at wide-angle)
- Swift and accurate AF system
Cons:
- No electronic viewfinder
- No proper grip
Sony CyberShot RX100 II
The mark II update in Sony’s RX100 line is still around for a good reason
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1in
- Megapixels: 20.1MP
- Lens: 24-100mm f/1.8-4.9
- LCD: 3in tilting, 1,228k dots
- Maximum burst speed: 10fps
- Max video resolution: Full HD
- User level: Intermediate
Although Sony’s original RX100 is still strong, this Mark II update has now fallen in price at some retailers to a comparable level, making it the better buy. While retaining the same general idea of a sensor in a sturdy enclosure, it adds a tilting screen to facilitate tricky compositions, as well as a backlit sensor for more efficient light absorption.
Other changes to the brand that make it more attractive include a hot shoe and Wi-Fi with NFC. Although there are no 4K video and super-fast burst recording capabilities for more recent iterations (like the RX100 V below), they can easily save themselves a package by choosing a little older after a reliable performer when it comes to choosing one of the best point and shoot cameras.
Pros:
- Excellent price for 1in sensor camera
- Tilting LCD
Cons:
- No proper grip
- f/4.9 maximum aperture at 100mm
Olympus TG-5
For an everything-proof compact camera, the TG-5 is surprisingly well specced
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1/2.3in
- Megapixels: 12MP
- Lens: 25-100mm f/2-4.9
- LCD: 3in, 460k dots
- Maximum burst speed: 20fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: From kids to adults
The TG-5 differs from the other options in this list because it is the only all-resistant model that is guarded against dust, water, drops, and even frozen. As with its many hardened rivals, the emphasis is mainly on ease of use, but it still stands out by having a specification sheet that shows that it is ready for virtually every possible situation.
From raw recordings and burst recordings with 20 fps to both 4K video and 120fps slow-motion recordings in Full HD, the TG-5 is packed with smart technology, and most of it can be done on a ‘point-and-shoot’ ‘way of being used without manual intervention. Do not let the 12MP pixel count of the sensor scare you off; Olympus beat this back from the 16 MP TG-4 to maintain image quality. Overall, the TG-5 is one of the best point and shoot cameras that you can buy right now on the market.
Pros:
- 20fps burst mode
- 4K video and 120fps slow-mo mode
Cons:
- Tiny sensor
- LCD only 460k dots
Sony CyberShot RX100 V
It’s not cheap, but the high-end RX100 V provides quality results in spades
- Type: Compact
- Sensor: 1in
- Megapixels: 20.1MP
- Lens: 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8
- LCD: 3in tilting, 1,228k dots
- Maximum burst speed: 24fps
- Max video resolution: 4K
- User level: Intermediate
The latest version of Sony’s original 1-in-one-sensor-to-metal, compact with metal casing, it feels somewhat mischievous to include it here, but it’s hard to argue that the RX100 V is one of the best point and shoot cameras that you can buy. Although you can use it for point-and-shoot purposes and reliably get reliable results, there are even more creative possibilities to explore here.
Clocks and whistles in this little beast include the ability to make 4K video and take 40x slow-motion recordings, while the recording speeds for still images reach 24fps in burst mode. It also offers something that most of its rivals lack, namely a built-in electronic viewfinder. Of course, it is pricey compared to other pocket options, and it has its peculiarities, but for those after a versatile snapper with a quality zoom lens, it is hard to beat.
Pros:
- High-speed shooting and 4K video
- Built-in EVF
Cons:
- Pricey for what it is
- No touchscreen supplied
Best Point-And-Shoot Cameras Comparison Table
Point-And-Shoot Cameras Camera Name Megapixels Max Video Resolution Canon IXUS 185 20.0MP 720p Sony Cyber-shot WX220 18.2MP 1080p Canon PowerShot SX730 HS 20.3MP 1080p Canon PowerShot SX420 IS 20.0MP 1080p Panasonic Lumix ZS70 20.3MP 4K Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II 20.1MP 1080p Panasonic Lumix LX10 20.1MP 4K Sony CyberShot RX100 II 20.1MP 1080p Olympus TG-5 12.0MP 4K Sony CyberShot RX100 V 20.1MP 4K
