Best Point and Shoot Digital Cameras
Top 10 Rated Point and Shoot Digital Cameras 2024
By Brian Jones
Digital point and shoot cameras have come a long way since their beginnings. These cameras combine extreme portability with the newest technologies, like image stabilization, to capture the best looking image easily. We selected the 10 best point and shoot cameras based on the following criteria:
1. The size and type of sensor
2. The size and resolution of LCD viewing screens
3. Optical and digital zooms
4. Amount of auto focus and scene selection modes
5. Image stabilization and Intelligent digital zoom features
6. Number of shots per battery charge
7. Video and sound recording capabilities
8. Extra features like WiFi uploading, USB battery charging, and GPS tracking
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16.1 megapixel CMOS sensor |
Nikon’s newest offer in the “Performance” line of Coolpix cameras should impress every entry-level photographer. The camera’s retro design is simple…
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16.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor |
Canon’s newest addition to the PowerShot line has a lot to offer in a small package. This camera is designed for the tech savvy photographer on the go…
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18.2 megapixel CMOS sensor |
This mid-level Cyber-shot model is loaded with features every photographer will find extremely helpful in creating powerful images…
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3-inch articulating high resolution screen |
This high-end point-and-shoot from Nikon is designed for those who want the most out of their cameras. The body is compact and makes it easy…read more
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12.1 Megapixel CCD sensor |
This camera has the potential to be a major contender with many other high end compact digital cameras. The 12.1 megapixel sensor may not be the biggest…
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10x optical zoom |
There are going to be immediate comparisons of this camera to a smartphone. On many levels it is just that with a few exceptions. No mobile phone abilities…read more
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16 Megapixel CMOS sensor |
The one feature on this camera that makes it stand out is the powerful zoom. No other camera in this class boasts a 15x optical zoom digital zoom…
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14.1 Megapixel CCD sensor |
The LUMIX FH6 has 14.1 megapixels and records 720p HD video in Motion JPEG format. Its 2.7-inch LCD screen is backlighted…
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12.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor |
Extreme durability, image quality, and functionality have all met to create the Canon PowerShot D20. It has truly earned the title of rugged. This camera is meant…
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16.2 Megapixel CCD sensor |
This is a great little point and shoot for beginning photographers and anyone looking to upgrade an out of date digital camera will find exactly what they are looking here. One of the best things about this Cyber-Shot…read more
Honorable Mentions
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18.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor |
The LUMIX DMC-ZS30 is a feature packed 18.1 megapixels point and shoot capable of shooting 1080p video. The connectivity features are what really make this an interesting camera…
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Point and Shoot Camera Buying Guide
There are many features on digital cameras that some may find necessary while others may wish for something else. Also, the hardware on digital cameras, like sensors and lenses, is very important, so be sure to know what you are looking for and what you are getting.
Megapixels
Don’t be lured into a purchase by the number of megapixels alone. Yes, the higher the better, but it may not be what you are looking for. Large (higher than 12) megapixel measurements produce very large images that are pretty much only good for printing poster size prints or heavy cropping. If most of your pictures find their way onto the internet or social networks, a modest (12 or less) megapixel rating will suit you just fine. If hard drive space and memory card space are concerns, stick to lower numbers.
Sensor Type
The two types of sensors we find in digital cameras are CMOS and CCD. These are simply two different ways to capture visual information digitally. Each has its pros and cons, but quality is not lost on either side. The CMOS sensors are on higher end models and perform at better speeds. The CCD sensors are cheaper, very good at gathering light, and reducing noise.
Lens
The lenses on these cameras are not interchangeable like on larger DSLR’s, but they are pretty much all around useful. If you are looking for a camera you will use indoors a lot, wide angle lenses are the way to go. These would be the 24 to 28mm lenses. Most of these cameras are equipped with pretty powerful zoom features, so a wide lens will easily work in outdoor situations as well. Lens speed is the other thing to look for. These are given in f numbers (ex. f/2.5-f/4.8) usually listed on the lens somewhere. The lower numbers perform better in low light or action shots. Look for this if you are concerned about what kinds of light you will be shooting in most.
Optical Zoom vs. Digital Zoom
These are very important to take into consideration when looking at a purchase. Optical zoom is the zoom the actual glass is capable of in the camera. This type of zoom will not distort or reduce the quality of the image at all. Digital Zoom steps in at the end of optical zoom to digitally make the image larger than the lens is capable of. This results in a loss of quality, but it can be very powerful.
Shooting Modes
Cameras are usually equipped with many shooting modes to get optimal picture quality in a given scene. Having an array of selections can take the guesswork out of taking pictures on a snowy day or at an evening get together. Using these settings the camera adjusts itself accordingly (ex. sets flash, slows shutter speed, opens aperture) to make the best picture possible. If you are new to photography, these modes can be a lifesaver.
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Brian Jones has had a passion for photography and anything related for the majority of his life. One photography class in high school was all it took to get hooked on everything to do with the subject. He became more focused on learning about camera equipment as he experiemented with everything available… See more about Brian |
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