The back of the camera has a large 3-inch LCD display that flips all the way around to face forward. So how did a point-and-shoot become a cult classic? It blends classic good looks with modern trappings, from autofocus and built-in Wi-Fi through to a 3in touchscreen and a superb 3.68million-dot electronic viewfinder. Easy to use and affordable â ⦠Planning to shoot in low light? Style: Compact | Zoom: None | Image resolution: 10 megapixels | Video resolution: None | Dimensions: 4.8 x 3.1 x 0.9 inches | Weight: 16 ounces. Elsewhere, you've got a solid metal body with tactile dial-led controls, a super-sharp optic on the front with a wide maximum aperture of f/1.7, and a huge selection of Panasonic's 4K video modes to play with. When it comes to exposure modes, the camera has full auto, of course, but also a full range of options that include program mode, aperture and shutter priority, and movie mode and a variety of scene selections. So what are the major kinds of point & shoot cameras, and hence the major things to look for when shopping? Please refresh the page and try again. Cost. x 1.2 inches | Weight: 7.3 ounces. 7 Best Home Theater Receivers: Buyer’s Guide. That said, you can get about 40 prints on a single charge of the camera battery. Check the latest price on Amazon. Aside from price, this camera’s claim to fame is its 5x optical zoom, which gives you the 35mm camera equivalent of 26-130mm focal length range. They will slip into your pocket almost as easily as a smartphone, and that makes them highly portable and discreet. The least expensive point-and-shoot cameras will cost $25 to $125. Matt Golowczynski, You will receive a verification email shortly. You should also look out for cameras with tilting LCD screens if you want to get creative, as well as viewfinders if you tend to shoot outdoors with any frequency. But for a photographer, a point and shoot film camera is always the best choice. There was a problem. Check the latest price on Amazon. You might want to give your Instagram a little love, take photos that show your projects in a flattering light, or just have a camera that never leaves your side when travelling. Canon AE-1 is one of the best vintage cameras to buy. Lomography Simple Use Reloadable Camera Color Negative 400 Film. The good news is that there's an abundance of awesomeness in point & shoot cameras these days; it's hard to go wrong with almost any model. It has a large viewfinder, 3 point autofocus and an automatic functioning flash to reduce red eye. The Holly Grail among the T series. There’s also a speedy 15 fps continuous shooting mode for action photography. If you have a bigger budget, this modern full-frame smasher should be at the top of your list, Sensor: Full frame | Megapixels: 24MP | Lens: 28mm f/1.7 | Monitor: 3in fixed touchscreen, 1.04million dots | Viewfinder: EVF | Continuous shooting speed: 10fps | Video: Full HD | Level: Expert. Leicaâs excellent M-series rangefinders are probably the last kind of camera that would make this list, but the firmâs Q (Typ 116) model is a different beast. Not having a zoom may intimidate some photographers, but as the old adage goes, sometimes the best way to zoom in is to move your feet. The camera has fewer offerings in the exposure mode department, though. The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II represents a fantastic balance between value and functionality. The controls are minimal, and the 2.7-inch LCD display is adequate but not best-in-class. Nikon Zoom 300 AF First introduced in 1994, Nikonâs Zoom 300 AF, otherwise known as the Lite Touch Zoom, was best known for its zoom range and compact size and weight. An optical image stabilizer helps steady the camera, especially the extremes of the 8x optical zoom, and the camera can keep up with action photgraphy at up to 20fps. Well, to start with, it's a camera with its lens fixed on the front, unlike DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, which allow you to swap lenses freely. It's worth noting as well, however, that the Leica Q2 was recently announced, so we may see a (probably mild) price reduction for this model fairly soon. If I could only buy one camera for the rest of my life and money was no object, it's easy: The Sony RX100 VII is a magical blend of portability, image quality, and features. Find more KODAK Smile information and reviews here. No, the Fuji can’t match all of Olympus’s features, but even so the XP140 might be all you need. If you need a camera that's first and foremost pocketable, keep an eye out on compact models. Style: Compact | Zoom: 40x optical | Image resolution: 20.3 megapixel | Video resolution: 4K | Dimensions: 1.60 x 4.30 x 4.30 inches | Weight: 10.5 ounces. But the best point and shoot cameras are still a great step “up,” with better resolution, image quality, and a huge variety of features for taking great pictures. We may be stretching the definition of point-and-shoot camera here as, although you can do just that with this large lens incorporating Nikon, it would be remiss to over-simplify this bridge camera-like device aimed at intermediate users. Combine that with the camera’s 25x optical zoom and image stabilization, and you have a formidable tool for zooming from 24-600mm and capturing moving distant subjects, close-up wide-angle shots, and everything in between. Style: Compact | Zoom: 8x optical | Image resolution: 20 megapixel | Video resolution: 4K | Dimensions: 4.0 x 2.29 x 1.68 inches | Weight: 10.7 ounces. Superzoom cameras are generally defined as cameras with a 10x or higher zoom range. Style: Rugged/Waterproof | Zoom: 4x optical | Image resolution: 12 megapixel | Video resolution: 4K | Dimensions: 2.60 x 4.40 x 1.30 inches | Weight: 9 ounces. They are the more basic variety that allow the photographer to concentrate on just framing/composition. Our roundup of the best simple â and affordable â point and shoot cameras currently on the market. But the original X100 was a game-changer in the digital camera industry. Learn more, By If you’re looking for something pocket-sized yet packing a substantial amount of the power you’ll find in oversized, SLR-shaped superzooms, perhaps what you want is the Canon PowerShot SX740 HS. Some point & shoot cameras do, and that's a great added benefit -- but don't count on it. Having a touchscreen is handy as well. The T3 has the fastest: a Zeiss 35mm f/2.8, while the T2, T4, and T5 (often called the T4 Super) have a 35mm f/3.5. ... Olympus Tokyo Japan Olympus Stylus Zoom DLX 35mm Film Point And Shoot Compact Camera (Black Colored Olympus Stylus Zoom DLX version) 5.0 out of 5 stars 3. You can simply hold the framing assist button and the camera zooms out a bit to help you recenter, then release the button to return to the previous zoom level. 90. Or, if you want plenty of scope for distant subjects, you can pick up one of the many point-and-shoot superzooms on the market. Superzoom is a trend that has been gaining popularity in the recent past. The camera itself is quite pocketable, with an electronic viewfinder and 3-inch LCD display in back. Style: Compact | Zoom: 5x optical | Image resolution: 20.1 megapixels | Video resolution: 720p | Dimensions: 1.97 x 2.13 x 0.87 inches | Weight: 4.5 ounces. Best of all, point-and-shoots offer all sorts of different features depending on your needs. The Contax T-Series cameras are some of the most well-known point and shoot film cameras for their... 2. Zooms and superzooms. The large one-inch sensor, for example, captures six times the light of the iPhone’s sensor and four times as much as other compact cameras with small 1/2.3-inch sensors. In fact, the camera also has a capable macros mode that focuses down to 1.2 inches. And the maximum image size is 12 megapixels, about the same as many smartphones. While the RX100 VII can be used in Auto mode, you have the option to shoot in aperture or shutter priority, program, manual mode, or any of the camera’s many screen modes. Its 24-105mm gives the user a hugely generous zoom range to play with, while its 20MP 1-inch sensor produces images that look fantastic, particularly in RAW mode, which is handy because you can also burst-shoot in RAW mode at a hugely impressive 30fps, enough to freeze even the fastest of fleeting moments. Many photographers and other photography enthusiasts find it to be nice and compact. The best part is however that it also produces terrific images and 4K video thanks to its backlit 12MP CMOS sensor, and its 25-100mm equivalent f/2 lens gives you real shooting versatility – far more than youâd get from something like a GoPro. The shooting process now involves only pointing, focusing and pressing a camera button thanks to the integration of ⦠A superzoom camera with an 18x zoom range, for example, might have the same general form factor as an SLR, but the lenses are obviously not removable or interchangeable. However, this feature tends to be accompanied by a narrower maximum aperture range – which can make the camera harder to use in low light and when looking to create shallow depth of field. and don't have an optical zoom lens or handy external controls. Style: Compact | Zoom: 3x optical | Image resolution: 20.1 megapixel | Video resolution: 1080p | Dimensions: .9 in. That said, the XP140 includes Bluetooth and can automatically download photos to your phone, tablet, or even printer. Though it's built around a 21MP Four Thirds sensor, the LX100 II cannily only uses a portion of this for image-taking (to a maximum of 17MP) allowing for easy switching of image aspect ratios on the fly – a task handily accomplished via the aspect dial on the lens. The XF10 is available in a few stylish colours too, including the gold trim demoed above. Style: Superzoom | Zoom: 25x optical | Image resolution: 20.1 megapixels | Video resolution: 4K| Dimensions: 5.22 x 3.70 x 5.02 inches | Weight: 2.3 pounds. Now, let's get to the cameras! Any photographer will tell you that it’s whatever one you actually have with you when you need it, because you can’t take pictures with a camera that’s at home in the closet. The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 is one of the best-value waterproof point-and-shoot cameras around. To steady this crazy amount of zoom, the camera has a Dual Detect Optical Vibration Reduction system that’s designed to independently stabilize both horizontal and vertical movement. Many of the cheaper point-and-shoot cameras compromise by using smaller imaging sensors, while those with larger sensors tend to be significantly more balance. As well as a respectable f/2.8 maximum aperture, the camera boasts the ability to shoot 4K video, plus supports the capture of Raw files, making it an option for the enthusiast who wants a big lens back up camera, as much as the family user looking to tick all boxes. Canon point and shoot cameras beat smartphones with their fantastic sensor and this one has a DIGIC DV 4+ sensor that is excellent enough to produce jaw-dropping results. The Panasonic LUMIX ZS100 has been around since 2016. The G9 X Mark II even has a built-in neutral density filter you can employ to take longer exposures in daylight. 4K video and HD recording to a staggering 960fps for slow-motion output are also on hand (making this our pick of the best point-and-shoot cameras for film, too) as is Wi-Fi and NFC for simple cable-free communication between the camera and smart device. And that’s just for starters — the camera also has a low light autofocus mode for achieving a solid, dependable focus even in moonlight, as well as other conveniences, like the ability to capture RAW images. Contax no longer exists and T2s now sell for thousands of dollars. Creative Bloq is supported by its audience. Creative Bloq is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. And a 3-inch LCD on the back gives you a large viewscreen for framing and reviewing photos. ZINK’s printers, as the name implies, use a special paper that uses no ink, so there are never any inks or other consumables to replace (aside from the paper itself). An eminently affordable waterproof compact, with an optical zoom built in, Sensor: 1in type | Megapixels: 16.4MP | Lens: 28-140mm (equiv) f/3.9-4.9 | Monitor: 3in fixed LCD screen, 920k dots | Viewfinder: No | Continuous shooting speed: 10fps | Video: 4K | Level: Beginner. One tip though: don't expect much of the 4K video. Usually, it's the glass you're paying for -- particularly, superzoom cameras will cost a premium. The film rolls are 120mm wide, but it's up to the camera maker how much width they want to use. Sony’s super-slow high frame rate video mode lets you capture video 40 times slower than real-time. One of the most intuitive, stylish, tactile compacts around, Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 26.1MP | Lens: 35mm (equiv) f/2 | Monitor: 3in fixed, 1,620,000 dots | Viewfinder: Hybrid optical/EVF, 3,690,000 dots | Max burst speed: 11fps (mechanical shutter) / 20fps (electronic shutter) | Max video resolution: 4K | Level: Enthusiast/professional. What’s the best kind of camera? In fact, some models have a versatile zoom that can compete with the DSLRs. All rights reserved. This is a very basic point & shoot model; you won’t find a lot of bells and whistles here, but you will get you a camera that costs just a tick over $100. Here are the best choices for a point & shoot camera today. Lens: 38mm f/2.8-16 Canon Sure... 2. Electronics $24.90 $ 24. The Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 is a compelling blend of compact form factor, low price and generous features. What do you need to know about point & shoot cameras, and what makes one better than another for your needs? Future Publishing Limited Quay House, The Ambury, England and Wales company registration number 2008885. Even so, it has a 5x optical zoom that spans the range from 28-140mm (using 235mm equivalent focal lengths) and the ability to shoot 16-megapixel stills and 4K video with built-in optical image stabilization. For most people, it is. I loaded up five point and shoot film cameras from the 1980s and 1990s with rolls of Kodak Gold 200 and hit the streets for a head to head comparison. The Best 35mm Film Cameras. Its release revolutionized the photography world and made a film camera more understandable for ordinary users. Although smartphones are increasingly improving the camera, they cannot compete with point and shoot cameras in terms of zooming. The TG-6 delivers power and features where it counts — you get a 4x optical zoom that goes from 25-100mm, 4K video shooting, and a speedy 20fps burst mode for stopping a lot of action in still photos. This confers advantages in terms of convenience, portability and cost, while also having some downsides in terms of versatility. You can record video in 4K, including a cool feature called 4K Live Cropping, where the recording frame moves within the camera view while the camera itself stays fixed. For an uncomplicated camera that does as much as possible, the Lumix TZ200 is a really solid choice, whether you want to take simple reference photos for a creative project or high-quality prints that you'll incorporate into your work: it's ideal for both. There are more than a few photographers who count the Fujifilm X100 series as the cameras that made them fall in love with photography again. There are some trade-offs, of course. Contax T3. It’s designed to be a rugged and waterproof camera — it is waterproof, shockproof,m dustproof and crushproof, so much so that you can literally use it underwater without a special housing. Most cameras produced after the late 1980s use 35mm point and shoot camera film, which is among the reasons why point and shoot cameras are sometimes also known as 35mm point and shoot. There is a grand total of three buttons: shutter button, flash button, and self-timer button. Not a ton of features but everything in this camera has been crafted with excellency in mind. A great point & shoot camera can really bridge the gap between a smartphone and an SLR. Ruggedness generally makes a camera a bit bulky, and you can even find some point & shoot cameras that are waterproof enough to use in pools and snorkeling without any kind of special enclosure. Kodak has a storied history in film photography, and it’s a shame the company was unable to navigate into the world of digital 20 years ago; what’s left is a shadow of its former self. This cheap point and shoot camera are well-known for its manual-winding, lightweight, frame counter. Can only take up to about 7 images at a time, No video recording while camera is clearing buffer. It costs a little more than your bargain-bin point-and-shoot, but you get so much more for your money, with a sensor capable of producing both beautiful punchy JPEGS and highly adjustable RAW files. It shoots 10-megapixel images with a fixed focal length of 8mm, which is 35mm equivalent to about 40mm, or a “normal” lens. It has a built-in ZINK printer that spits out prints on 2×3-inch photo paper. Those are great, but the camera has a mere 3x optical zoom, ranging from a scant 28-84mm. Pocketable power, producing fantastically sharp images, Type: Compact | Sensor: APS-C CMOS | Megapixels: 24.24MP | Lens: 28mm (equiv) f/2.8 | Screen: 3in touchscreen LCD, 1,040k dots | Viewfinder: No (available separately) | Max continuous shooting speed: Not specified | Video: Full HD | Level: Enthusiast. This camera is still quite compact, though it bulges a bit in most pockets, but it has an impressive 40x optical zoom and a suite of other features to match. However, as a point-and-shoot camera for adventurous stills and videos, this is unrivalled. To help you get started, weâre taking a look at some of the best classic 35mm cameras on the market. Style: Superzoom | Zoom: 125x optical | Image resolution: 16.7 megapixels | Video resolution: 4K | Dimensions: 5.76 x 7.14 x 4.68 inches | Weight: 3.1 pounds. That makes it a handy tool not just for selfies, but for bloggers and anyone else who wants to record or broadcast themselves. The camera’s phase detection focusing technology lets you shoot up to 24fps while continuing to track a moving subject. There are also plenty of models with extensive waterproofing and tough casing, for those who live life on the adventurous side. It has a generous25x optical zoom, and large 1-inch imaging sensor, RAW image capture for fiddling around with photos on the desktop, and 4K video capture. To help you choose the best settings, the ELPH 190 has over a dozen smart scene modes — you can choose from scenes like a face self-timer that waits for everyone to be ready before taking a group shot, low light photography, fireworks, a “miniature” effect that gives y6our photos that dollhouse aesthetic, and more. So while it doesn't have some of the flashier features, it does reliably produce punchy and vivid images straight out of camera. The display is touch-sensitive, tilts and flips, which makes this one of the more versatile cameras you’ll run across. There’s even a manual mode where you get to set shutter speed and aperture independently. Find more Sony RX100 VII information and reviews here. You can focus all the way down to macro mode for excellent microscopic photos (both above and below water) and the camera has a slew of shooting modes, from fully automatic to program and aperture priority, along with modes intended to simplify shooting underwater. There are models ranging from sub-$100 casual shooter models to beefy “superzooms” which can cost you over $1,000. This camera has a dual foal length lens of 38/80mm. The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 is one of the best-value waterproof point-and-shoot cameras around. There are also some useful underwater modes to help you get the most out of the TG-6âs sub-aquatic capabilities, as well as GPS, Compass and Location functions so that you can always get accurate location data for your images. Point & shoot cameras fill an important niche. It’s kind of genius, and too bad more cameras don’t do that. Point-and-shoot camera prices. You can also shoot video at 720p. The 5 Best Point-and-Shoot Film Cameras for Street Photographers 1. In addition to the expected full automatic exposure mode, you can shoot in full manual mode as well. Find more Sony Cyber‑Shot RX10 IV information and reviews here. Having one of the best point-and-shoot cameras makes perfect sense for a creative. For starters, you get a generous 10x optical zoom — one that ranges from a wide 24mm to a decently deep 240mm. If I was looking for a point & shoot camera for under $200, this is very likely the camera I would choose. Best Cheap Point and Shoot Film Camera The Halina Ansco Pix Flash is the perfect point and shoot film camera if you are budget-conscious. It also uses its 5-megapixel sensor to take 20.1-megapixel images, which is more than most any smartphone can muster. There’s a bird mode for optimizing bird photography for example, as well as a moon mode for capturing details on the surface of the moon. Find more Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 information and reviews here. For serious shooters, the P1000 even captures in RAW mode as well as JPGs, which is handy for exiting in programs like Adobe Lightroom. You're working with a prime lens not a zoom, so you'll have to move your feet, but the trade-off is images that are crisp and sharp. If youâre the adventurous type who needs a point-and-shoot camera that can take some punishment, meet the Olympus Tough TG-6. Excellent image quality in a tiny body, this is Fujifilm on a budget, Type: Compact | Sensor: APS-C | Megapixels: 24.2MP | Lens: 28mm (equivalent) f/2.8 | Monitor:: 3in touchscreen, 1.04m dots | Viewfinder: No | Continuous shooting speed: 6fps | Video: 4K 15p | Level: Beginnerintermediate. In fact, the price of high-end point & shoot models rival or exceed the cost of modestly priced SLRs and mirrorless cameras. Find more Nikon COOLPIX P1000 information and reviews here. In addition to shooting 20-megapixel stills, the PowerShot SX740 HS can shoot 4K video and — this is cool — 4K time-lapse movies.