Top Point-and-Shoot Cameras

Are you looking for an upgrade from your smartphone’s camera? A new camera seems like the obvious solution, but there are so many options. If you’re after the highest quality shots, a mirrorless or DSLR camera might seem right for you. Unfortunately, they can have a pretty steep learning curve, requiring different lenses, adjusting settings, and a hefty price tag.

If you’re after better photos than your smartphone can take, without the complexity of a mirrorless or DSLR camera, a point-and-shoot camera is what you need! Point-and-shoot cameras are lightweight and compact, making them really easy to carry. Plus, most come with a built-in flash making them ideal for shots in the dark.

1. Canon PowerShot G7 MK III

The Canon PowerShot G7 X MK III is an excellent and highly popular point-and-shoot camera with a Stacked CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 processor. It produces superb image quality and performance. It has RAW image capability and the can shoot 4k videos at 30fps uncropped. Despite all of this, it still fits nicely into your pocket. The PowerShot G7 X MK III is a truly marvellous camera, it comes with a focus stacking mode as well as a full-resolution panorama mode.

An awesome feature for those who love creating video content, is that it allows you to stream live to YouTube! You can also send your images directly from the camera to Google Drive, Twitter, Flickr and email. Unfortunately, there is no hot shoe mount on the camera but there is a 3.5mm mic port, so you can connect a microphone for enhanced audio.

Specifications

• Focal length: 35mm equivalent: 24-100mm
• Aperture range: f1.8-f2.8
• Processor Type: DIGIC 8
• Image Stabilisation: Yes
• ISO sensitivity: Auto ISO, 125-12800 (25600)
• Optical Zoom: 4.2x
• Shutter Speed Range (Sec.): (30) 1-1/2000
• RAW mode: Yes
• Width / Diameter: approx. 120 x 91.9mm
• Weight: approx. 304g

2. Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera

The Sony ZV-1 Digital Camera is a compact 20.1MP camera with a 1”-type Exmor RS stacked CMOS sensor and BIONZ X image processor, delivering fantastic image quality and incredibly fast performance. It also sports an impressive ZEISS 24-70mm-equivalent standard zoom lens with a bright f/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture range to suit a wide range of scenarios and lighting conditions; along with Active SteadyShot image stabilisation to help steady footage and reduce the appearance of camera shake for smoother takes.

It's also an awesome choice for those who are interested in video too! It has Real-Time Eye AF and Real-Time Tracking for quick and precise focusing and subject tracking, fantastic for keeping both your photos and videos sharp and in focus. In terms of video specs, UHD 4K recording at 30p is supported for extended takes, and FHD recording at up to 120p is supported.

Specifications

• Focal length: ZEISS 24-70mm-equivalent standard zoom lens
• Aperture range: f1.8-f2.8
• Processor Type: BIONZ X
• Image Stabilisation: Yes
• ISO sensitivity: 100 to 12800 (Extended: 64 to 25600)
• Optical Zoom: 2.7x
• Shutter Speed Range (Sec.): (30) 30-1/2000
• RAW mode: Yes
• Weight: approx. 294g

3. Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV

If you're after a premium option - a camera that offers some of the best performance you can get in a point-and-shoot - check out the Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV. The RX10 IV is much more than a solid, smart all-in-one compact - it packs enough groundbreaking innovations for even professionals to marvel at. It features a 24-600mm f2.4-4 zoom lens and a 1” BSI-CMOS sensor, allowing you to capture crisp and clear images at varying focal lengths. The sensor features phase-detect autofocus and shoots at 24 fps with AF allowing great depth awareness and auto exposure. Now, it's easier to capture more stunning stills and movies at every opportunity.

The RX10 IV is truly an all-in-one camera for enthusiasts. It manages to rub shoulders with a host of DSLR and mirrorless cameras, while offering the ease and convenience of a point-and-shoot. If you're looking for one camera that has the ability to do it all but don’t want to carry a bunch of lenses, the Sony Cyber-Shot RX10 IV is for you.

Specifications

• Focal length: 35mm equivalent: 24-600mm
• Aperture range: f2.4-4
• Processor Type: BIONZ X
• Image Stabilisation: Yes
• ISO sensitivity: Auto ISO, 100-12800 (64-25600)
• Optical Zoom: 25x
• Shutter Speed Range (Sec.): (30) 30-1/2000
• RAW mode: Yes
• Width / Diameter: approx. 133 x 145mm
• Weight: approx. 1095g

4. Nikon Coolpix P1000

The Nikon Coolpix P1000 is an outstanding 16MP point-and-shoot that reaches far beyond your standard. It is equipped with an outstanding 4.3-539 mm superzoom lens (angle of view equivalent to that of 24-3000 mm lens in 35mm format) with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture - this means it can capture not just the moon, but the craters, peaks and valleys of its surface. This is a point-and-shoot gamechanger for those wanting to capture birds, sports, and wildlife.

It's also great from bringing your cinematic vision to life, enabling you to create amazing video content in up to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 at 30p) with true stereo sound. For greater control of your videos, manual mode allows you to adjust focus, exposure and more during recording.

Specifications

• Focal length: 35mm equivalent: 24-3000mm
• Aperture range: f2.8-8
• Processor Type: EXPEED
• Image Stabilisation: No
• ISO sensitivity: Auto ISO, 100-1600 (6400)
• Optical Zoom: 125x
• Shutter Speed Range (Sec.): 1/4000
• RAW mode: Yes
• Width / Diameter: approx. 146.3 x 118.8mm x 181.3mm
• Weight: approx. 1415g

Hopefully, this list will help you find your new favourite camera, no matter your budget or spec needs! If you’re after something in particular or want to check out some DSLR or mirrorless options, check out our full range of cameras here! If you’re interested in sharing your photography journey or want some feedback, join Photo Booth – Powered by PB Tech Group on Facebook.