12 Best Point and Shoot Cameras: Compact & Light Options

Top-rated point and shoot cameras with a super-sharp fixed lens or a versatile zoom lens.

If you own a brand-new iPhone, Galaxy, or Pixel, you are unlikely to be content with a basic point-and-shoot camera. However, a model with a fixed lens can totally level up your shooting experience. Currently, the variety of point and shoot cameras is actively growing due to an uptick in overall demand. Besides, their ergonomic characteristics add to the popularity of such equipment.

Dedicated cameras attract photographers with a better zoom, larger sensors, and the possibility to add mesmerizing blurriness to the background. Besides, some models can withstand challenging shooting conditions and even stormy weather. If you are looking for the best point and shoot camera, you can start with this overview of great options with a minimum cost of 300 USD.

All compact cameras from this list have a number of advantages in comparison to smartphones. Primarily, such point and shoot cameras have a series of streams which will help get a better image.

In addition, even the smallest models are equipped with a sufficiently large lens, so you can use optical zoom. As a rule, the matrix has a size of 1/2.3 inches. Summing up, we can say that point and shoot cameras are perfect for beginners and amateurs. If you are one of them, check out my list below.

Megapixels: 20.1MP | LCD: 3in | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 8fps | Max video resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD)

This Canon camera can be called the best point and shoot camera thanks to its practical functions. Though it has a new photo processor and a high-aperture lens, it remains quite compact and absolutely lightweight. If you have to photograph in low light, you will certainly appreciate an optical picture stabilizer. You also have an opportunity to photograph at ISO 1,250 without quality loss.

Though it has no viewfinder, there is a 3″ LCD on the back of the case that is touch sensitive. So, you can control this camera in a quicker way if compared to adjusting settings via menus. All in all, this is a stylish point and shoot camera with all major features. With it, you can take more detailed images than what a phone is capable of.

Megapixels: 12.3MP | LCD: 3in | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 4.7fps | Max video resolution: 1280x720 (HD)

This point & shoot camera has a 12.3MP APS-C CMOS sensor that was designed and created specifically for this model. You can use this camera for recording HD videos thanks to a great combo of a large sensor and an F2 lens. Besides, it is very easy to create a soft, slightly defocused image, which often poses difficulties when you try to do it with similar cameras. Even if you work in scarcely lit places, you can still take amazingly detailed images due to a high-sensitivity sensor, fixed focal length lens, and performant image processor.

Besides, the camera is equipped with an innovative EXP Processor. Thanks to such internal components, you can fully rely on the X100 if you want to receive high-res photos with proper sensitivity levels and dynamic range.

Megapixels: 24.2MP | LCD: 3in | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps | Max video resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD)

If you can afford to buy very pricey equipment, then pay attention to this model. It is known as the best point and shoot camera because of a Smilax 1: 1.7/28 mm ASPH lens and a unique 24-megapixel full-frame. These factors give you a chance to take really sharp and stunning photos.

Furthermore, this device suits those who like shooting outdoors. It will be very useful for professionals, who specialize in architectural and landscape genres. This model can also be called the best small video camera, as it records all types of visual content without any special efforts.

Megapixels: 42.4MP | LCD: 3in | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 5fps | Max video resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD)

This camera is quite expensive, but a really worthy device. It isn’t for average shooters, but its remarkable features are necessary for professionals.

It has 42-megapixel, the best quality lens and a full-frame sensor. In addition, you can use a pop-up electronic viewfinder. The most important thing about this model is that this is the world's first camera with a variable optical low-pass filter. So, you can photograph even at night.

Megapixels: 20.1MP | LCD: 3in | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 9.9fps | Max video resolution: 3840x2160 (4K Ultra HD)

Talking about this point and shoot digital camera, I want to describe its laconic design, manual settings and a lot of useful functions. Except for other important advantages, this device is notable for a 20-megapixel sensor, as well as a 24-72 mm lens and a 3-inch touchscreen.

You should also pay attention to the Ultra HD and wireless connection. At the same time, there are some disadvantages. For example, this point & shoot camera doesn’t have a viewfinder.

Megapixels: 12MP | LCD: 3in | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 20fps | Max video resolution: 1280x720 (HD)

If you want to get a reliable point and shoot camera, Olympus TG-6 is a great option to check out. Though it has a relatively small sensor, equal to 1/2.3 inches, it can record videos and photos of decent quality. The camera has a 25-100mm with an aperture of f/2 at the wide end and f/4.9 with a max zoom.

The TG-6 is one of the best waterproof cameras that allures photographers with many cool features. For example, you can activate the Macro or Microscope modes and get clear images of distant objects. Besides, you can use this camera even in rainy weather. Other advantages of this model are RAW shooting support and 20fps recording speed. Thanks to a shock-proof design, you may not worry that a camera will stop working because of accidental bumps.

Megapixels: 20.3MP | LCD: 3in | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 10fps | Max video resolution: 3840x2160 (4K QFHD)

This modern point & shoot camera will be useful for many amateur photographers and even tourists. With its Wi-Fi module and support for 802 standards, this model is quite universal and convenient. I should also mention the USB 2.0 and HDMI ports, as well as the microphone and card slot.

Moreover, the device has a 3.0-inch (diagonal) swivel touch screen. Thus, you can take a selfie by turning it 180 degrees. One of the most notable peculiarities is the lens with 30x zoom.

Megapixels: 24.2MP | LCD: 3in | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 9.7fps | Max video resolution: 1080x1920 (Full HD)

If you are on the lookout for point and shoot cameras that are powerful enough to snap detailed photos even at large distances, Ricoh GR III has much to offer you. It is fitted with a 24.2MP sensor and anti-aliasing filters that allow getting high-definition photos. Besides, ISO may reach 102400. The camera is no less efficient when it comes to RAW shooting, while a cutting-edge GR Engine 6 improves picture quality even more.

Though this camera has a relatively big sensor, the overall size is small. The case is made of highly rigid magnesium alloy, so you are unlikely to damage this model even if you carry it around a lot.

Megapixels: 20.1MP | LCD: 3in | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 14.3fps | Max video resolution: 3840x2160 (4K QFHD)

Those chasing the best point and shoot digital camera for vlogging will be fascinated with the characteristics of the ZV-1. It takes little space, so you can take it to any shooting spot. Besides, it has a dedicated video recording button, a fully articulated screen, so you can see how you look, and a detachable windscreen for a mic in order to reduce surrounding noise. Such features are very helpful for recording vlogs especially if you like doing that outdoors.

On top of that, this vlogging camera is fitted with a proprietary AF system and special modes for different types of recording. For example, product and beauty vloggers can derive benefit from the “Product Showcase” feature. It automatically focuses on the object in the frame instead of prioritizing faces. Unfortunately, the battery life isn’t very long but this is a common problem for most point-n-shoot cameras. The battery charge drains even quicker if you record 4K videos.

Megapixels: 20.1MP | LCD: 3in | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 8.2fps | Max video resolution: 1920x1080 (Full HD)

This Canon camera combines compactness and functionality. You can get photos up to 5472x3648 thanks to a CMOS matrix with 20.1 million pixels. A convenient three-inch screen will allow you to set up and preview images. A built-in Wi-Fi module allows you to synchronize the G9X Mark II with other gadgets and easily send photos.

This point & shoot camera has an optical 3x zoom and f/2.0-4.9 aperture. In addition to automatic settings, you can change the settings manually, which allows you to take great portrait shots. Moreover, you can take pictures of objects at a distance of up to 5 cm.

Megapixels: 20.1MP | LCD: 3in | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 12fps | Max video resolution: 3840x2160 (4K QFHD)

This model is one of the top point and shoot cameras. It isn’t the cheapest one but it is worth the money you pay. The excellent travel camera has a 15x zoom, which will allow you to get high-quality pictures at long distances.

Lumix DMC-ZS200 will become almost indispensable in those cases when you do not have the opportunity to get closer to an object you want to photograph. In addition, the ability to zoom may be useful in other cases.

Megapixels: 20.1MP | LCD: 3in | Maximum continuous shooting speed: 24fps | Max video resolution: 3840x2160 (4K QFHD)

This model has really useful and powerful functionality. Sony has developed a truly effective tool for taking photos that is stylish and compact at the same time. Therefore, it is not surprising that Sony RX100VA has almost no competitors.

This Sony camera also has an improved AF and transcends similar gear with a terrific operation speed. Thanks to fast hybrid autofocus (actually, the speediest in the world), it can locate the needed object in an instant and capture it with the tiniest details. Besides, the camera can lock focus in mere 0.05 seconds.

When shopping for the best point and shoot camera, you are sure to bump into many popular options. Such a variety may cause confusion so it is necessary to understand what features differentiate a good camera from a low-quality one.

Such cameras may have optical or digital zoom. The latter offers a longer zoom range but at the expense of image quality. It is better to opt for cameras that have an optical zoom combined with extended digital zoom.

The majority of point and shoot cameras don’t have a viewfinder. They are equipped with an LCD screen instead and you can use it to frame your shot. The larger the LCD, the more money you have to spend but you will have better chances to line up a picture. Premium cameras may have an optical viewfinder that is especially helpful in bright lit, as LCD screens suffer from glaring.

Some photographers, me included, like the feeling of holding a camera in their hands. For such people, getting access to physical dials and buttons on the case is very important.

Some models in this list have outside controls for pointing, shooting, checking exposure, adjusting ISO and shutter speed, zooming in/out, and activating the flash.

Image stabilization or IS for short is indispensable if you are going to use a point & shoot camera in poorly lit environments. A device by default chooses a slower shutter speed for better exposure but it results in blurred photos. Image stabilization is very useful in such cases. The 2 most popular methods to handle the issue are optical IS and sensor movement.

Optical IS does wonder at compensating for movement, while sensor movement adjusts the position of a sensor to fix the consequences of any shake. You can also try a camera with digital stabilization if the main problem is related to image blurring.

In case you want to share images with your followers right from a camera, you need a model with Wi-Fi support. Some cameras also offer NFC (Near Field Communication) that allows connecting directly to a mobile device for photo previewing and sharing.

To simplify the process of pointing and shooting, you’d better opt for cameras that have such functions as red-eye reduction, anti-blink mode, and face recognition.