The smartphone market has more or less taken away a major market share of point and shoots cameras. But there are good reasons why point & shoot cameras continue to impress. From offering better battery life to being able to zoom, features like these give a definite edge to point and shoot cameras.
No doubt, the best camera smartphones can outsmart point and shoot cameras. However, they are expensive and don’t come with an optical zoom lens. The best point & shoot cameras can quickly become your travel companion by helping you preserve your favourite memories. So let’s take a glance at some of the best point and shoot cameras with which you can take amazing photos.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 / IXUS 185
Well, it’s hard to get past Canon when the context is about cameras. With superb image stabilization and zoom, Canon cameras are an all-time favourite among many people. The IXUS 185 comes with an 8x zoom and bags more style than its price.
The IXUS 185 is very much a beginner’s model with 20MP resolution, which captures images with good details. However, its 1/2.3in sensor can give you a bit of trouble while clicking pictures in the dark. The 8x optical zoom comes as a saviour with a wide setting equal to 24mm.
Moreover, light sensitivity runs from ISO 100 to ISO 1600. In the Auto setting, the IXUS 185 limits itself to ISO 800, which is quite satisfactory. Canon has embedded various digital filter options which would eliminate the need for editing.
Why opt for the IXUS point & shoot cameras?
- Quite easy to use
- The durable and slender construction
- 3fps continuous shooting speed
- Records video in HD resolution
Fujifilm FinePix XP140
The XP140 can easily give a tough competition to premium DSLR cameras in terms of durability. Well, you can immerse it under 25 metres of water or drop it on hard surfaces, the XP140 can handle everything.
The XP140 is a capable camera even when you don’t consider its ruggedness. It has the ability to deliver high-quality images in a wide variety of lighting conditions. Apart from that, it can also record videos with UHD 4K resolution.
Another highlighting aspect of the XP140 is that it is extremely easy to carry in pockets. This point and shoot camera come equipped with a variety of scene identification modes which is great for any budding photographer.
But there is one flaw present in the XP140 which you wouldn’t like. It lacks manual modes and raw image processing capabilities. This can frustrate those who take the art of photography seriously. But apart from this, the XP140 is your ideal travel companion to various destinations.
Why opt for the XP140 point & shoot cameras?
- Waterproof
- Rugged construction
- Records video at UHD resolution
- High-quality zoom lens
- Good camera for beginners
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800
If you are on the look for a point and shoot camera for your family members, the DSC-W800 is a good choice. Being one of the cheap point & shoot cameras, it has a commendable shooting speed along with a good quality LCD.
This compact point and shoot camera have a 20.1MP resolution which allows you to take stunning photographs. Sony has been a standout brand in designing cameras with great stabilization features. A standout feature of this point and shoot camera is its lens.
The lens of the DSC-W800 comes equipped with a focal range of 26-130mm. The DSC-W800 can easily capture 720p video in a wide variety of settings. The 2.7-inch LCD screen allows you to select various functions and menus easily. It is priced affordably which exudes practicality to budget-conscious individuals.
Key Features:
- 5x zoom range
- Slim and stylish body
- Easy-to-use functionalities
- Good camera for beginners
Panasonic Lumix
The Panasonic Lumix can be your ideal companion to those long trips to beaches and mountains. Like DSLR cameras, the Panasonic Lumix also allows you to connect to Wi-Fi. Another highlighting aspect of this point and shoot camera is that it is ideal for all users.
So even if you are a serious photographer, you can click great images with the Panasonic Lumix camera. With 30x optical zoom, you can take clear pictures without any issues. In the video recording department, the Panasonic Lumix can record videos in 4K resolution.
This point and shoot camera also comes equipped with a tiny electronic viewfinder which renders it a DSLR like feel. On the other hand, the lens control ring is a great functionality to have for professionals. The Panasonic Lumix has a great autofocus feature which also increases its versatility among individuals.
Key Features:
- The phenomenal image stabilization system
- The selfie functionality is revolutionary
- Appropriate for professionals
- 30x optical zoom
Olympus TG-6
If you are searching for a point and shoot camera which is ideal for adventures, the TG-6 is a great option. The Olympus TG-6 is your go-to choice when you want a camera which can withstand rough treatments.
When compared to cheap DSLR cameras, this point and shoot camera has an impressive zoom. The 25-100mm lens is capable of shooting 4K videos with great clarity. Moreover, the macro and microscopic modes exude practicality professionals.
The pro-level photographers would love the RAW support along with the high-speed burst capture. Being rugged, it is a superb travel camera for adventurists. It has a resolution of 12MP which can be a bit disappointing.
However, with the 20fps continuous shooting speed, the TG-6 can outsmart any modern-day point and shoot camera.
Key Features:
- Great video recording resolution of 4K
- Phenomenal continuous shooting speed
- Apt for all users
- Rugged and durable
Fujifilm XF10
Well, if you can sustain yourself without a zoom, then the XF10 is like a DSLR in your arsenal. What’s more, the XF10 also has the credit of being one of the most travel-friendly cameras. It weighs just 280 grams which allows you to fit it into your pocket.
The fixed focal length in the form of 28mm supports wide-angle photography. But as the focal length of the lens is fixed, you cannot zoom in or out. Another highlighting aspect of this camera is the presence of a full suite of film simulations.
But note that the XF10 is not for those who like to snap pictures instantly. Like the best DSLR cameras, you should go through the user manual first before using it. The XF10 is a great camera for professionals as the autofocus needs a bit of adjustment.
Key Features:
- APS-C sensor produces brilliant images
- Equipped with film simulation modes
- Ideal for professional users
- Lightweight and portable
Canon SX740 HS
The Canon SX740 HS is a compact point and shoots camera with great functionalities. With a resolution of 20.3MP along with a 3-inches tilting LCD, it has a DSLR like structure. The maximum shooting speed of 10fps may be a bit low.
But the lens reach of this camera outdoes most point and shoot cameras out there. Quite impressively, the Canon SX740 HS also provides you with a lot of selfie-friendly shooting modes. What’s more, the Canon SX740 HS also comes with a 4K video recording feature for preserving those precious moments.
As the LCD can be flipped to the front, you can take professional-grade photographs with this camera. Moreover, the autofocus function is quite good, which another added advantage is for beginners. Like all the Canon cameras, this one wouldn’t disappoint you much.
Key Features:
- Great optical zoom quality
- 4K video recording
- Image stabilization is satisfactory
- LCD doesn’t support touch functionality
Final Verdict
So as you can see, each point and shoot camera has its unique functionalities. Thus, it is ideal to opt for one as per your needs. A majority of point and shoot camera users are beginners who are just taking small strides in the art of photography.
However, that doesn’t mean that professionals don’t use point and shoot cameras. From the products mentioned above, you can see that not all cameras are meant for beginners. There are few point and shoot cameras in the category which are ideal for experts.
If you are looking for a beginner-level camera with great autofocus features, the Canon IXUS 185 should be your ideal choice. It is a great camera from where you can learn the basics of photography. On the other hand, it is also a good camera for those who want to capture every precious moment of their life.
Due to its easy-to-use features, the IXUS 185 should be your top choice. In case you are a professional looking for a budget point and shoot camera, the Fujifilm XF10 should be your best bet. However, as it doesn’t have an optical zoom, you can find it a bit disappointing.
In that case, the Panasonic Lumix is an ideal choice. So ensure that you first assess your requirements before buying a point and shoot camera. Grab a point and shoot camera today and preserve those beautiful moments in great clarity.