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Point-and-shoot cameras may be less common these days, in part thanks to smartphones, but there are still some worthy reasons to invest in these pocketable cameras. For starters, even though smartphone cameras have become quite impressive, the sensors in compact cameras are still larger. And the lenses typically have more to offer as well. Plus, sometimes it’s nice to keep the phone tucked away but still be able to take photos. The best point-and-shoot cameras offer great image quality, easy-to-use controls, and compact designs, making them ideal for a wide range of people and situations.

How we chose the best point-and-shoot cameras

The writers and editors at Popular Science have decades of combined experience writing about and reviewing cameras because they’re also the writers and editors of Popular Photography. These picks come from a mixture of personal experience, spec comparisons, user reviews, and editorial reviews.

The best point-and-shoot cameras: Reviews & Recommendations

When picking our favorite point-and-shoot cameras, we emphasized models that perform in a variety of different situations while keeping their sizes small. While some of these models climb up over $1,000, we tried to keep the price relatively low for most selections because these aren’t the most advanced models.

Best overall: Sony RX100 VII

Sony

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Specs

  • Sensor: 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor
  • Lens: f/2.8-4.5 9-72mm (35mm equivalent: 24-200mm)
  • Weight: 10.65 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4 x 2.29 x 1.69 inches

Pros

  • Exceptional autofocus
  • Versatile zoom range
  • Large sensor
  • 4K video

Cons

  • Pricey for a point-and-shoot

The Sony RX100 VII is an awesome little camera. Despite the tiny body, it’s packed with a large, one-inch sensor, resulting in excellent image quality for the category. It also has the best autofocus of any point-and-shoot camera, meaning you’ll get more images in focus even when working with moving subjects.

This compact camera offers a 24-200mm equivalent lens, which is a versatile zoom range. And it is capable of 4K video, making this a well-rounded camera suitable for just about everyone. The only downside is the price. It is quite expensive for a point-and-shoot. But it offers a lot of quality and high-end features in a tiny package, so we think it’s worth the price.

Best for travel: Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III

Canon

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Specs

  • Sensor: 20.2MP 1″ Stacked CMOS sensor
  • Lens: f/1.8-2.8 8.8-36.8mm (35mm equivalent: 24-100mm)
  • Weight: 1 pound
  • Dimensions: 4.13 x 2.4 x 1.63 inches

Pros

  • Large sensor
  • Versatile lens
  • Manual control options
  • Solid flash

Cons

  • A little pricey

The one-inch sensor is larger than what you’ll find in a typical compact camera. This translates into better low-light shooting, even when not using the built-in flash. And the sensor has built-in autofocus pixels that help track objects for sharp shots even when your subject is moving. 

The 4.2x optical zoom lets shooters capture more distant objects without sacrificing image quality, and the 3-inch tilting LCD screen allows for shots from creative angles. Finally, raw photo capture provides extra flexibility for travel photographers who want to perfect images with photo editing software once they return from their trip. It’s a great camera for beginners and more experienced shooters alike.

Best waterproof: Olympus Tough TG-6

Olympus

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Specs

  • Sensor: 12MP BSI CMOS sensor
  • Lens: f/2-4.9 4.5-18mm (35mm equivalent: 25 to 100mm)
  • Weight: 8.92 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.45 x 2.6 x 1.28 inches

Pros

  • Waterproof
  • Extremely tough
  • Versatile lens
  • Underwater shooting modes
  • Compatible with tons of accessories

Cons

  • Small sensor

This point-and-shoot camera can go pretty much anywhere. It’s waterproof down to 50 feet without a separate case. It’s totally dust-proof, so it won’t suffer if you take it to the beach or deep in the desert. Plus, it’s crush-proof up to 220 pounds, so you can sit on it by accident and still go shooting later in the day. Most compacts can’t stand up to that kind of abuse. 

Toughness isn’t worth much if the camera isn’t very good. This compact offers a relatively small sensor, but it has a versatile 4x zoom lens that will cover most common scenarios on your adventures. And if you fall in love with the camera, Olympus offers a ton of different accessories like action camera mounts and underwater lights to go with it. (Looking for something cheaper but still waterproof? We’ve got you.)

Best film camera: Ilford Sprite 35-II Reusable 35mm Film Camera

Ilford

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Specs

  • Sensor: N/A
  • Lens: f/9 31mm
  • Weight: 4 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.7 x 2.6 x 1.7 inches

Pros

  • Comes in eight fun color combinations
  • Very affordable
  • Fixed settings make it easy to use
  • Features a built-in flash

Cons

  • Fixed settings may be limiting
  • Plastic lens results in some softness

If you want to get your feet wet with film, the Ilford Sprite 35-II is a fantastic and fun choice. It’s similar to disposable camera in that it has a plastic lens with a fixed aperture and shutter speed. But it’s reloadable, thus producing less waste. And it simply looks cooler than a disposable camera as well.

The Sprite 35-II features a 31mm lens with a fixed f/9 aperture to ensure that your scene is in focus. It also has a fixed 1/120s shutter speed. There is a built-in flash for low-light situations, perfect for shooting indoors. You won’t get precisely sharp and perfect results from this camera, but we think that’s half the fun. It’s a great outlet compared to highly technical cameras and fun to bring along on outings with friends and family. And since it has no settings at all, it’s a true point-and-shoot that is extremely simple to use, even with it being a film camera.

Best instant camera: Instax Mini 11

Abby Ferguson

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Specs

  • Sensor: N/A
  • Lens: f/12.7 60mm
  • Weight: 10.34 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.24 x 4.77 x 2.65 inches

Pros

  • Affordable
  • Produces fun, tiny instant prints
  • Easy to use
  • Includes a selfie mirror on the lens

Cons

  • Results aren’t the sharpest

There’s just something special about a camera spitting out an image, and the wait for it to appear seemingly magically. The best instant cameras are easy to use and result in attractive prints, which is true of the Instax Mini 11. The results aren’t pristine like you may be used to with your phone or digital camera, but we think that’s part of the charm.

The Instax Mini 11 features a fixed 60mm lens with an f/12.7 aperture that focuses from 11.8 inches to infinity. Or, you can turn the lens to Selfie Mode for a close focusing range of 11.8 to 19.7 inches. And there is a built-in flash, which is ideal for indoor shooting. It is a little slick to hold but comes with a lanyard to prevent drips.

I recently let my nieces and nephews—all under 12—use the Instax Mini 11, and seeing how excited they were was a blast. They all wanted to keep taking photos despite the limited quantity of film I had and ran around showing the rest of the family what they captured. And despite some of them being quite young (and impatient to take a photo), they all managed to take a clear and relatively sharp photo. 

Best for street photography: Ricoh GR IIIx

Ricoh

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Specs

  • Sensor: 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor
  • Lens: f/2.8 26.1mm (35mm equivalent: 40mm)
  • Weight: 9.2 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.3 x 2.4 x 1.4 inches

Pros

  • Large sensor provides excellent image quality
  • Compact and pocket-friendly
  • 40mm lens is sharp and versatile

Cons

  • No zoom
  • Battery life isn’t great

Ricoh’s GR IIIx is a fantastic pick for street photography, largely thanks to its compact design. It is pocketable, so you can easily keep it on you when out and about. And it won’t draw much attention when you take it out to snap a photo. It also has slick all-black styling and an easy-to-hold design, even when shooting with one hand.

This discreet look is furthered by the lack of a zoom lens. It uses a fixed 40mm focal length (35mm equivalent), so you won’t lose the compact size when taking photos. 40mm is also an ideal focal length for street photography, as it is wide enough to get some context in the scene but not so wide that you end up with loads of extra space around your subject. If you do want something wider, the GR III is essentially the same, except it features a wider 28mm equivalent lens.

The GR IIIx image quality is excellent, partly thanks to the relatively large sensor. Images are sharp all the way to the edges, even when shooting wide open at f/2.8. And it produces vibrant, attractive colors. Interested in learning more? Check out our full review of the GR IIIx on Popular Photography.

Best for content creators: Sony ZV-1

Sony

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Specs

  • Sensor: 20.1MP 1″ Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor
  • Lens: f/1.8-2.8 9.4-5.7mm (35mm equivalent: 24-70mm)
  • Weight: 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions: 4.15 x 2.36 x 1.71 inches

Pros

  • Excellent lens
  • Large sensor
  • Very compact for its specs
  • Above-average autofocus features

Cons

  • Can feel a little cramped with big hands

Sony’s ZV-1 is a camera truly designed for vloggers and, as a result, is packed with features to make recording yourself easier. The auto exposure settings keep your face bright and clear. It even centers your face and quickly adjusts background blur with the push of a Background Defocus button. And the little camera gets Sony’s impressive autofocus abilities, so if you are showcasing other people or products, the camera will quickly find focus for you.

The forward-directional onboard mic and detachable windscreen will help you get great sound, leaving you fussing with levels in post less. There’s also a handy flip screen so you can preview the frame and capture the perfect shots and angles, making it one of the best point-and-shoot cameras for vlogging.

Best budget: Panasonic LUMIX DC-FZ80

Panasonic

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Specs 

  • Sensor: 18.1MP 1/2.3″ MOS sensor
  • Lens: f/2.8-5.9 3.6 to 215mm (35mm equivalent: 20-1200mm)
  • Weight: 1.35 pounds
  • Dimensions: 5.1 x 3.7 x 4.7 inches

Pros

  • Massive zoom range
  • Responsive autofocus
  • 4K30p video recording
  • Easy to hold

Cons

  • Not as compact as other options

Panasonic’s Lumix DC-FZ80 is an affordable bridge camera, offering a DSLR-like body with easy-to-use controls. Because of the deep hand grip, it’s an easy camera to hold than the other point-and-shoots mentioned on our list. It isn’t as compact as a result, so it is a tradeoff, but for many, the classic feel is preferred. 

The built-in lens provides a whopping 60x zoom, making it suitable for just about any situation you find yourself wanting to photograph. And it’s autofocus is quite responsive, so you’ll be more likely to get sharp photos as well. And it’s capable of 4K video, making it a good tool for getting started with video as well. And best of all? It’s cheaper than most alternatives.

Things to consider when shopping for the best point-and-shoot cameras

Point-and-shoot cameras are small and compact cameras that can create sharp, vibrant images. This makes them the best camera for beginners, a good option for travelers, and even a worthy choice for some professional uses. Here are some features to consider when choosing the right one for you.

Are you a true beginner?

A point-and-shoot camera is designed to make the process of photography as simple as possible. They typically feature fully automatic exposure and focus so that you can, as the name implies, point the camera and snap a photo with nothing more than a press of a button. If you are a true beginner and want the easiest-to-use camera, you’ll want to look for models with simple menu systems and fully automatic controls. 

That said, some point-and-shoots offer more settings than others. If you are slightly beyond beginner status or want a camera to grow into, check to see what settings the camera allows you to change. You may want to adjust things like ISO, shutter speed, and aperture down the line, as opposed to relying on auto exposure modes.

Will you travel with your camera?

One of the main purposes of a compact camera is that the camera is, well, compact. With typical dimensions of roughly 2.5 x 3.5 x 1.5 inches, point-and-shoots are specifically designed to easily fit into pockets, purses, fanny packs, and other small compartments. And unlike hefty DSLRs or mirrorless cameras, point-and-shoot cameras weigh way less than a single pound. And if you’re worried about safety, the discreet size of compact cameras makes them less of a target for theft.

While all point-and-shoot cameras are pretty compact, there are still size differences across available cameras. Be sure to pay attention to the dimensions and weight of the cameras you are considering if that is something important to you.

Do you need a tough camera for an active lifestyle?

If you live for the outdoors—hiking steep mountain trails or backpacking through desert Canyons—you need a point-and-shoot camera that can handle adventure. Rugged and waterproof cameras are built to endure and capture the extreme environments you love exploring. Taking electronics to the beach is usually a big no-no, as even a single grain of sand can cause damage. Yet rugged models can resist sand, allowing you to take all the sunset shots you want.

For us less risky folk, these tough cameras can survive your average accidental drops, spills, and kicks. Some of them may be overkill for general use, however. If you don’t intend to take your camera on rugged adventures, you may be able to save some money by getting a camera without extensive protective qualities. 

FAQs

Q: How much are the best point-and-shoot cameras?

The best point-and-shoot cameras can range anywhere from a measly $100 to over $1,000 if you want a compact with advanced features, a decent sensor, and an excellent lens. If you’re planning to create real work with it, expect to spend close to $1,000. But if you just want something to mess around with, go cheap.

Q: Do professional photographers use point-and-shoot cameras?

Professional photographers do, in fact, use point-and-shoot cameras, mainly for the same reasons amateur or beginner photographers do. The built-in point-and-shoot lens is sharp and wide, making for quality and immersive photos. Being able to operate more advanced compact cameras in full manual mode and adjust aperture and shutter speed is an obvious draw for photographers who want control of their images. But the biggest bonus is that point-and-shoot cameras are lightweight and pocketable, so there’s no need to lug around extra equipment.

Q: Are point-and-shoot cameras better than iPhone?

The iPhone’s sensor and other smartphone cameras may offer impressive software-boosted features, but there are still many benefits to a point-and-shoot camera. Point-and-shoot cameras can have better image quality, a true optical zoom, more ability to manipulate settings, and are less expensive than new-generation iPhones. Higher-quality raw photos are also definitely a major pro, allowing for more data to be pulled from an image for editing purposes.

Final thoughts on the best point-and-shoot cameras

No matter the setting, creative vision, skill level, or age of a photographer, there are high-quality options that meet every need. The ultimate advantage of a point-and-shoot is its size and portability, making it the perfect camera for travel and adventure, as well as documenting day-to-day life.

Why trust us

Popular Science started writing about technology more than 150 years ago. There was no such thing as “gadget writing” when we published our first issue in 1872, but if there was, our mission to demystify the world of innovation for everyday readers means we would have been all over it. Here in the present, PopSci is fully committed to helping readers navigate the increasingly intimidating array of devices on the market right now.

Our writers and editors have combined decades of experience covering and reviewing consumer electronics. We each have our own obsessive specialties—from high-end audio to video games to cameras and beyond—but when we’re reviewing devices outside of our immediate wheelhouses, we do our best to seek out trustworthy voices and opinions to help guide people to the very best recommendations. We know we don’t know everything, but we’re excited to live through the analysis paralysis that internet shopping can spur so readers don’t have to.

Abby Ferguson

Abby Ferguson is the Associate Editor for Gear and Reviews at PopPhoto, joining the team in 2022. She has been involved with the photography industry in various capacities since her undergraduate training at the University of Kentucky, with work ranging from client photography to program development and management of the photo department at Evolve, a vacation rental company. Education within the photography sphere has always been a big focus for Abby. She strives to help new and experienced photographers alike better understand the technology and techniques necessary to succeed within the medium. Contact the author here.

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