By Brian Jones

This is a great little point and shoot for beginning photographers and anyone looking to upgrade an out of date digital camera will find exactly what they are looking here.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 from Sony is the size. It’s a really small camera that will fit into a pocket or purse with ease. That means you are much more likely to have it on you and actually use it. So it’s perfect for a walk in the woods or a night out on the town. The camera offers a 16.2 megapixel sensor and a 8x optical zoom, both impressive numbers. The digital zoom doubles what the optical can do, but use it sparingly due to the loss of quality. It’s been upgraded from previous models to record 1080i video at 60 frames per second. It’s not a huge upgrade, but it is nice to see more in the package to round out its value. At around $180, this camera balances functionality and accessibility gracefully. The camera is available now.

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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Back to Top 10 Point and Shoot Digital Cameras

By Brian Jones

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. Wifi makes sharing with friends and sending photos to the computer extremely easy through he 802.11 b/g/n connection. You can also connect a smartphone or other mobile device using special apps to control the camera remotely. Something like that would be a god-send for situations like family portraits with no one to stand behind the camera. The camera is powered by a wide 24mm lens with 20x optical zoom. That means it will be hard to find a shooting situation where this camera will not suffice. On top of all that Panasonic loaded the camera with shooting modes to take the pressure off when it’s time to capture the important memories. Assist feautres include: 5 axis correction for handshake and tilt, lightspeed AF for fast auto focusing, and face recognition that sees faces and adjusts the exposure accordingly. The DMC-ZS30 carries a suggested retail price of $399.99 and will be available as soon as March 2013.

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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By Brian Jones

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 and no way to connect to a cellular network. But it is controlled by the all-familiar Android operating system. This means you get a dedicated camera that can upload and share to social networks, other smartphones, and the internet in general with ease. Why would someone need this in their backpack next to their iPhone? You get 16 megapixel shots, dedicated shutter and zoom buttons, full HD video recording in stereo, and a Nikon lens to really polish your images. This is no phone with a camera added on. It’s all about image quality. Imagine immediately uploading shots off your Nikon to Instagram. You can also run all those photo-specific apps that make taking pictures on your phone so much fun. This could be a step in the right direction for the dedicated point-and-shoot digital camera. The battery life is pretty short at 140 shots per charge, but the option to have a backup battery may help that situation. The suggested retail price for this camera is $349.99.

Quick Specs

• 10x optical zoom
• 3.5-inch OLED touchscreen
• 1080p (full HD) video recording
• 140 shots per charge

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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By Brian Jones

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 to keep on your person for those unexpected moments that warrant a photo. What kind of power does this camera pack? The P7700 has a 7.1x f/2 NIKKOR lens, a 1/1.7” CMOS sensor, 19 programmed scene modes, stereo microphone for video recording, 99 focus points, and a high resolution screen to act as the viewfinder. All these features working together make this a solid camera. It is worth noting that there are hesitations on the sensor Nikon has put in this camera. Other manufacturers have opted for larger sensors in this price range, which helps with low light performance and overall picture quality. In Nikon’s defense, the smaller sensor keeps down the size and weight of the camera. The picture quality is still top notch for those not primarily shooting in low light. This camera should be available for purchase in September of 2012 with a suggested retail price of $499.95.

Quick Specs

• 3-inch articulating high resolution screen
• 7.1x optical zoom
• 4x digital zoom
• 1080p(full HD) video recording
• 330 shots per charge

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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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

Honorable Mentions

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.

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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A Guide to ISO Settings on Your Digital Camera

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Digital Zoom vs. Optical Zoom: What’s the Difference?

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Top 10 Compact Cameras

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Top 10 Nikon Lenses

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Top 10 Canon Lenses

Canon has a vast array of lenses that will complement any situation perfectly. The trouble comes with choosing which one is right for you. We looked at 10 of the best Canon lenses and rated them with the following criteria: General-purpose vs. specialized use, Low light performance… [more]

Top 10 Camera Bags

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Top 10 Photo Printers

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More Point and Shoot Digital Cameras

By Brian Jones

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 that doubles it. The camera is also very newcomer friendly with its many scene modes and auto focus modes. Combine this with the large and bright LCD screen on the back for a great picture taking experience. The high speed video recording feature at 320 frames per second included on this camera has potential to be a lot of fun for anyone. Available for $249.99, this camera would be great as an upgrade or for the newcomer to digital photography.

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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By Brian Jones

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, but it makes up for that with high quality optics and overall usefulness. The f/2.5 ultra wide angle 24mm LECIA lens is one of the best parts of the camera. The lens makes the camera ideal for low light situations or when a fast shutter speed is needed. Panasonic also loaded the camera with features for great images. Intelligent Zoom keeps images clear in digital zoom and the Optical Image Stabilizer greatly reduces the amount of hand shake in low light or zoomed shots. The Panasonic DMC-FX80 is worth checking out.

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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By Brian Jones

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 to be at your side while you snowboard in the Alps, climb the Rockies, or snorkel in the Pacific ocean. The 12.1 megapixel sensor, 1080p video recording, and GPS tracking are all impressive and necessary features for a global trek. The 28mm lens with 5x optical zoom are a great plus for a wide range of shooting situations. The PowerShot D20 is quite expensive for a rugged digital camera at $349.99, but it is loaded with many useful features. Available in May.

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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By Brian Jones

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 combined with the ease of use any newcomer needs to get started. At less than 1 inch thin, there is no reason this camera will stay at home. SmartAUTO features 58 different shooting modes, making this the most impressive and versitle auto mode in this class of camera. The built-in WiFi on the camera allows you to transfer photos directly to an iPhone (with free app) or computer for extreme sharing ease. This camera is higher in price at $349.99, but it’s features and quality will last. It will be available in April.

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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By Brian Jones

This camera was created with the outgoing family in mind. The Coolpix S30 is meant to take a beating in the hands of a young one or while it tags along on vacations. The camera will withstand drops from 2 feet and water to depths of 9 feet. Never worry about a spill or a drop again. Some of the nicer features found in other compact cameras, like image quality and high resolution viewing screens, are lost in exchange for durability, but it is a fair trade. The 10.1 megapixel sensor is a pretty big downgrade from other cameras in this class, but does not kick it out of the competition. The main setback is no rechargeable internal battery. Using two rechargeable AA batteries would be the best solution. The camera will be available by the end of March for $119.95.

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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By Brian Jones

This mid-level Cyber-shot model is loaded with features every photographer will find extremely helpful in creating powerful images. Features include the 18.2 megapixel sensor, high speed auto focus performance most light situations (including low light), image stabilization, 10x optical zoom, manual exposure mode, 9 “Picture Effect” settings, and 5cm macro focus, full HD video recording with stereo sound, and HDMI output. The camera is offered at a fairly low in cost when considering everything Sony packed into it. This model will be available for the price of $250.00 in May.

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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By Brian Jones

Entry level photographers and those looking to upgrade their older point and shoot cameras will find exactly what they are looking for with this offering from Sony. The best thing about this camera is its small size. It will fit in any bag or pocket without becoming a burden, whether it be on a walk in the woods or a night out on the town. The camera offers a 16.1 megapixel sensor and a 10x optical zoom, both impressive numbers. 720p video recording is an added plus for those who like to share more than just images. At $180, this camera balances functionality and accessibility gracefully. The camera ships in May.

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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By Brian Jones

Nikon’s newest offer in the “Performance” line of Coolpix cameras should impress every entry-level photographer. The camera’s retro design is simple, sleek, and attractive. Don’t be fooled though, Nikon made sure the camera is anything but retro, its all function here. The f/1.8 wide angle zoom lens on this camera provides enough flexibility to capture moments inside or outside, dark or bright. The 19 different scene modes are more than enough to assist photographers in new situations. The option for manual settings is also a highlight for those willing to go outside the comfortable world of shooting auto. The Coolpix P310 is offered at around $200.95 and is available now.

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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By Brian Jones

The LUMIX FH6 has 14.1 megapixels and records 720p HD video in Motion JPEG format. Its 2.7-inch LCD screen is backlighted to allow viewing in all lighting conditions. Users can easily upload videos and stills to Facebook and YouTube thanks to the Image Uploader technology. Other special effects include face detection, optical image stabilization, intelligent ISO control, and intelligent exposure. The LUMIX FH6 will be available only in black.

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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By Brian Jones

The LUMIX FH8 has 16.1 megapixels and shoots 720p HD video in the mp4 format. It features a dedicated video button that allows users to switch immediately to shooting video. On the wide 3-inch LCD screen, users can view photo stills and videos in the Miniature Effect mode, a creative mode that renders scenes in the appearance of a diorama. For convenience, users can charge the LUMIX FH8 through a USB or an AC adapter. It will be available in four colors: black, silver, red, and violet. It looks to be a slim, stylish point-and-shoot camera with a plethora of special camera effects.

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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