This is a guide covering the best point-and-shoot cameras.
Is a point-and-shoot camera good for photography?
You might think that only DSLRs and micro four-thirds cameras produce great results.
In reality, some point-and-shoot cameras can capture stunning photos of different subjects whether it’s a person or a place.
Keep in mind that your camera is only a medium for your art.
It will still boil down to your photography skills and your knowledge of your own camera.
Not everyone is fond of using complicated DSLRs and micro four-thirds cameras. With point-and-shoot cameras, you don’t need to deal with multiple lenses in your bag.
In most instances, you also don’t have to manually switch the settings to get good results.
But these days, point-and-shoot cameras are available in different forms.
Nowadays, there are point-and-shoot cameras for video recording while some are even used in extreme sports.
If you want to get the best deal with the best point-and-shoot camera, we’ve come up with a list of cameras you can choose from.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick rundown:
- ⭐ Best Overall Point and Shoot Camera
- 📷 Best Versatile Point and Shoot Camera
- 📷 Best Simple Point and Shoot Camera
- 👩 Best Point and Shoot Camera for Street & Portrait Photography
- 🌲 Best Point and Shoot Camera for Action & Outdoor Photography
- 🎥 Best Point and Shoot Analog Film Camera
- 💸 Best Budget Point and Shoot Camera
How to Choose the Best Point-and-Shoot Camera?
Sensor size and resolution: A larger sensor size and higher resolution can result in better image quality, especially in low-light situations.
Zoom range: A camera with a longer zoom range allows you to get closer to your subject without having to move.
Image stabilization: Image stabilization can help reduce blur caused by camera shake, making it easier to capture sharp images.
LCD screen and viewfinder: A large LCD screen and viewfinder can make it easier to compose shots and review images.
Connectivity: Some cameras come with built-in WiFi or Bluetooth, which can make it easier to share images or remotely control the camera.
Table of Contents
10 Best Point and Shoot Cameras
1. Panasonic LUMIX FZ300
Camera specifications:
- Body type: SLR-like (bridge)
- Max resolution: 4000 x 3000
- Image ratio: w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-6400
- Image stabilization: Optical
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (mini-HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Wireless notes 802.11b/g/n
- Remote control: Yes (wired or smartphone)
- Video modes: 3840 x 2160 (30p, 24p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
The best point-and-shoot camera overall is the Panasonic LUMIX FZ300.
It is a highly debatable topic to name the best overall point-and-shoot camera. But for us, we’d say that the Panasonic Lumix FZ300 is the best point-and-shoot camera on our list.
We love the fact that the FZ300 has a lens that zooms up to 24 times.
It also comes with a relatively wide aperture at F2.8 which means makes it handy whether you are using it during daytime or in low-light situations.
The FZ300 is splashproof and dustproof, perfect for those who plan on taking their camera outdoors.
Between photography and videography, the FZ300 can be considered a mediocre camera for taking photos considering its 12.1 MP sensor.
On the other hand, it’s a great pick if you are the type who loves to shoot 4K videos. It also comes with a 5-axis hybrid optical image stabilizer that can minimize blurred shots and shaky videos.
A major flaw in its design is that you will have to remove the SD card to view the photos and videos on your laptop or PC.
However, it has WiFi connectivity allowing you to share your photos wirelessly.
My Pros With This Camera:
- With WiFi connectivity
- With 5 axes hybrid optical image stabilizer
- Durable design
- Shoots 4K videos
My Cons With This Camera:
- Mediocre 12 MP resolution
- You will have to remove the SD card to view the photos on your laptop or PC
2. TOBERTO HD Digital Camera
Camera specifications:
- Screen: 2.40 in.
- Dimensions: 3.74 x 2.17 x 0.79 inches
- Weight: 3.17 ounces
- Optical Sensor Resolution: 8.0 megapixels
- SD card: Yes (upto 128GB)
- Microphone port: Yes
- ISO: Auto / 100/ 200
- Image modes: JPEG/AVI
- Video modes: FHD, HD,
- USB: Yes (USB 2.0)
If you are looking for a good starter camera, then you might want to consider the TOBERTO HD Digital Camera.
This camera is designed to be a child’s camera. It’s a beginner-friendly camera that you can go for in case you want a point-and-shoot camera that does the majority of the work.
Is it the best point-and-shoot camera for adults as well? On some occasions, yes, it can fit the needs of adults.
It comes with 16x zoom, a 36 MP resolution, plus decent-sized memory that can support up to 128 GB.
But more than just an entry-level point-and-shoot camera, it can take full HD videos, perfect for those who want to create video content online.
So what’s not to like? Well, you get what you pay for. The photo starts to blur once you max out the zoom.
Plus, if you have big hands, then you might not like this camera since it’s a bit small and hard to hold.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Decent zoom
- 36MP resolution
- Good memory size
- Beginner-friendly operations
- Takes full HD videos
My Cons With This Camera:
- Blurs when you max out the zoom
- A bit too small for some users
3. DMC-ZS60K
Camera specifications:
- Body type: Compact
- Max resolution: 4896 x 3672
- Image ratio: w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 80-3200 (expands to 6400)
- Image stabilization: Optical
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video modes: 3840 x 2160 (30p), 1920 x 1080 (60p, 60i, 30p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
The best point-and-shoot camera for video is the DMC-ZS60K.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60K is an 18MP camera that makes can take high-quality and crisp photos.
Resolution alone, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60K is an above-average point-and-shoot camera.
It is a great choice if you plan on shooting travel photos or everyday scenarios.
However, what makes it a candidate for the best point-and-shoot camera is its ability to take 4K videos.
It is the perfect point-and-shoot camera for video content creation, especially for vloggers who don’t want bulky and complicated mirrorless cameras and DSLRs.
This comes with a 30x zoom with its Leica DC lens. Plus, you get an eye-level electronic viewfinder that makes composition easy even for hobbyists.
Now, the touch-enabled LCD is also something that you will like about this camera since it makes navigation simple.
There are a few areas for improvement. For starters, it is complicated to use especially if it is your first time.
And when you are shooting indoors, you can already expect grainy results.
My Pros With This Camera:
- With 30x zoom
- Touch screen
- Takes crisp photos
- 4K video-taking capability
My Cons With This Camera:
- Grainy photos when shooting indoors
4. Canon PowerShot Digital Camera [G7 X Mark II]
Camera specifications:
- Body type: Compact
- Max resolution: 5472 x 3648
- Image ratio: w:h 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 125-12800 (expandable to 25600)
- Image stabilization: Optical
- Touch screen: Yes
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro-HDMI)
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
- Video modes: 1920 x 1080 (60p, 30p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
The Canon PowerShot Digital Camera is a great choice for a lot of travelers given that it can take better photos than smartphones can produce.
The G7 X Mark II has a 1-inch 20.1 MP sensor making it a candidate for the best point-and-shoot camera in the market today.
Apart from the wide dynamic range that it can offer, it is also designed intuitively for modern times.
It comes with built-in WiFi that allows you to transfer your files to your mobile device if needed.
Plus, it has a touchscreen LCD that can be tilted at an angle if you plan on shooting above your head.
Though it’s a small point-and-shoot camera, it can beat some entry-level DSLRs by having an 8-fps continuous shooting capability.
All things considered, it’s a great camera. Probably, the only thing that people might not like about this camera is the fact that it doesn’t have 4K video capability.
But still, 1080p is not a bad deal. The majority of video content creators can still find this handy.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Compact design
- Can take 8fps in the continuous shooting mode
- 20MP sensor
- With a tilting touchscreen LCD
My Cons With This Camera:
- Can only shoot up to 1080p
5. GoPro HERO9 Black
Camera specifications:
- Body type: VR/Action Camera
- Image stabilization: Digital only
- Touch screen: Yes (rear screen only)
- USB: USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5 GBit/sec)
- USB charging: Yes
- HDMI: No
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes
There’s no denying that GoPro has become the leading action camera brand in the last decade.
With the GoPro Hero9 Black, you get not only the ideal point-and-shoot camera for video content creation but also something that you can use for taking great photos in different situations.
For starters, it has a 20MP sensor that matches the quality produced by some DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.
It also comes with both a front and a rear touchscreen that makes framing and composition a lot easier compared to the older versions of the GoPro.
In terms of video performance, the GoPro Hero 9 takes 5K videos which give you an easier time during the editing process.
You can crop parts of the video and not worry that it will look pixelated. If you plan on using a point-and-shoot camera for live streaming, the GoPro Hero 9 can do it in full HD.
Plus, you can get Hypersmooth stabilization as well.
If you’re a fan of older versions of GoPro, you might notice that it doesn’t last long compared to its older predecessors.
You will be lucky to squeeze 2 hours from the GoPro Hero 9 if you’re filming in 4K.
My Pros With This Camera:
- 20MP resolution
- Shoots in 5K
- Capable of doing a live stream in full HD
- With front and rear touchscreen LCD
My Cons With This Camera:
- Doesn’t have a long battery life
6. DJI Osmo Action
Camera specifications:
- Dimensions: 39×39×22.3 mm
- ISO Range: 100-6400
- Max Resolution: 4000×3000
- Microphone port: Yes
- Weight: 56 g
- Touch screen: Yes 1.76 inches
- SD Card: Yes
- Storage: Built-in 32Gb
- Wi-Fi: Yes (built-in)
- Video modes(only a few mentioned here):
- 4K (4:3): 4096×3072 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
- 4K (16:9): 3840×2160 @ 100/120fps
- 4K (16:9): 3840×2160 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
- 2.7K (4:3): 2688×2016 @ 24/25/30/48/50/60fps
- Bluetooth: Yes 2.48GHz
The DJI Osmo Action is an underrated action camera considering the popularity of the GoPro series.
But by looking at the Osmo Action’s specs, we can say that it’s a strong contender for the best point-and-shoot camera.
It is a durable camera that can go toe to toe with top action cameras in the market.
First, you get a 12MP resolution which is decent for a point-and-shoot camera. However, it’s more of a point-and-shoot camera for video.
It takes stunning 4K videos. Plus, more than shooting in 4K, it offers flexibility to video content creators as it can take 1080p videos and use 8x slow motion and 240fps.
The Osmo Action is also known for its time-lapse capability.
Construction-wise, it can survive -10°C environment plus it comes with a waterproof design that can withstand up to 11 meters submerged underwater.
And just like the GoPro, DJI has designed the Osmo Action to be used in different scenarios.
It can be attached to a surfboard, or at the side of the car depending on the content you want to produce.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Can perform in subzero environments
- Can be submerged underwater
- Takes 4K videos
- Ability to take videos in slow-mo
My Cons With This Camera:
- 12MP resolution
- Not as good in low-light scenarios
7. Crystal Canon Elph 180 Point and Shoot Camera Bundle
Camera specifications:
- Body type: Ultracompact
- Max resolution: 5152 x 3864
- Image ratio: w:h 4:3
- ISO: Auto, 100-1600
- Image stabilization: Optical
- Touch screen: No
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: No
- Microphone port: No
- Headphone port: No
- Remote control: No
- Video modes: 1280 x 720 (25p), 640 x 480 (30p)
The Crystal Canon Elph 180 Point and Shoot Camera comes in as an ideal pick for those who are just looking for something that can take better photos than their smartphone.
The Crystal Canon Elph 180 point-and-shoot camera comes in with a 20MP CCD sensor combined with a DIGIC 4+ image processor.
It takes crisp photos and at times better than older DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. It comes with 8x optical zoom and an optical image stabilizer that can minimize wasted shots.
Does it fit our definition of the best point-and-shoot camera? As far as the quality of the photos is concerned, yes.
However, it can be a bit disappointing if you are serious about creating video content.
It only has a 720p video capability which is mediocre by today’s standards.
For beginners, it comes with an easy-to-understand interface.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Takes high-quality photos
- With an image stabilizer
- Has 8x optical zoom
My Cons With This Camera:
- Mediocre video capability
8. Canon Powershot SX70
Camera specifications:
- Body type: SLR-like (bridge)
- Max resolution: 5184 x 3888
- Image ratio: w:h 1:1, 4:3, 3:2, 16:9
- ISO: Auto, 100-3200
- Image stabilization: Optical
- Touch screen: No
- USB: USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
- HDMI: Yes (micro HDMI)
- Microphone port: Yes
- Headphone port: No
- Wireless: Built-In
- Remote control: Yes (via smartphone)
If you’re looking for a point-and-shoot camera that has it all, then you might want to consider the Canon Powershot SX70.
This camera comes with a 20.3 MP resolution and is coupled with a DIGIC 8 image processor.
It’s typically the best choice if you don’t want to deal with different lenses.
This point-and-shoot camera offers 65x optical zoom that allows you to capture subjects even from afar.
And yes, you don’t need to switch lenses which can minimize the lag time whenever you are shooting.
For those who are serious about their video content, this camera can take 4K videos up to 30fps.
The interface of the Canon Powershot SX70 might be a bit more complicated compared to other point-and-shoot cameras.
But that is somewhat understandable considering the stacked features that you can find in the Canon Powershot SX70.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Shoots 4K videos
- With 65x zoom
- 20.3MP resolution
My Cons With This Camera:
- Complicated interface
9. Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable/Reloadable 35mm Analog Film Camera
Camera specifications:
- Dimensions: 1.22 x 4.69 x 2.64 inches
- Weight: 122 grams
- Focal Length: 31mm
- Aperture: f/9
- Shutter Speed: 1/120 Seconds
The Ilford Sprite 35-II point-and-shoot camera is a good pick if you want to appreciate film photography.
This camera can help teach you how to better improve your composition as you have no room for error compared to shooting digital.
However, a closer examination of its build and features and you can easily consider it possibly the best point-and-shoot camera analog photography.
It comes with a fixed shutter speed at 1/120 plus a 31mm fixed focal length lens. It also comes with a fixed aperture at f/9.
This means that it’s more for shooting landscapes than anything.
And if you are going to use the Ilford Sprite 35-II, it performs better outdoors than indoors.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Takes sharp images
- Great for landscapes
- Easy to use
My Cons With This Camera:
- Fixed shutter speed at 1/120
10. Holga 120N Medium Format Film Camera
Camera specifications:
- Camera Type: Medium format film camera
- Lens: 60mm f/8
- Aperture: f/8 to f/11 (cloudy and sunny)
- Item Weight 12 Ounces
If you are looking for a point-and-shoot camera, it might be a good idea to also explore Lomography.
True to its adage of “don’t think, just shoot”, the Holga 120N is a top pick for the best point-and-shoot camera analog photography.
This makes use of a medium format film perfect for those who love to shoot portraits and landscapes.
The only problem that you might encounter with the Holga 120N is the lack of flash.
This comes with a 60mm fixed lens with two aperture options of F/8 and F/11.
The thing with this toy camera is that you can also explore using a 35mm camera if you want to include the sprockets in your shots.
My Pros With This Camera:
- Known for vignette
- Two aperture options
- Easy to use
My Cons With This Camera:
- No flash
FAQ
Do professional photographers use point-and-shoot cameras?
Professional photographers may use point-and-shoot cameras in certain situations, but they are more likely to use DSLR or mirrorless cameras for most of their work. This is because DSLRs and mirrorless cameras offer more advanced features and greater control over the camera settings, which can be important for professional photography.
Are phone cameras better than point-and-shoot?
If you’re looking for convenience and ease of use, a phone camera may be a better option. If you’re looking for better image quality and more advanced features, a point-and-shoot camera may be a better choice.
Which brand of point-and-shoot is the best?
Some popular brands in the point-and-shoot camera market include Canon, Panasonic, Sony, Fujifilm, and Olympus.
What is the biggest drawback of a point-and-shoot camera?
One of the biggest drawbacks of point-and-shoot cameras is that they typically have limited manual controls and customization options compared to other types of cameras such as DSLR or mirrorless cameras. This can make it more difficult for advanced photographers to achieve the specific look or effect they want.
Final Remarks
There are instances when smartphones are not enough when it comes to shooting photos.
However, if you don’t want to go all-in on mirrorless cameras and DSLRs, point-and-shoot cameras are simpler and more practical.
With these suggestions, you will be able to find the right match for your needs.
Be sure to weigh the pros and cons before you make a decision.
I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Nate Torres is a portrait photographer based in Southern California. Outside of photography, Nate specializes in SEO, content marketing, and entrepreneurship. He is also the founder of Imaginated.com, a platform for creator education.