With a point and shoot camera, you can take fantastic pictures without having a big, heavy, clunky machine weighing you down.
These pocket-sized cameras are perfect for casual photographers looking for something portable and easy to use. But that’s not to say the quality is sub-standard. As you’ll see in our article, these point-and-shoot cameras still deliver incredible media.
The Sony RX100 VII is one of the all-time great point-and-shoot cameras. It’s compact and portable but gives you 20 MP images, a 20 fps burst, and 4K video. The RX100 VII is impressive for a camera of this size.
But if that’s not the camera for you, we have plenty more fantastic point-and-shoot cameras in this article. Keep reading to find the perfect compact camera.
The best point-and-shoot camera is compact, easy to use, and captures fantastic photos. The appeal of a point-and-shoot is how the small size and fixed lens allow you to take them anywhere.
You don’t need a specialist backpack to carry the camera body and extra lenses. A point-and-shoot is an all-in-one photography machine that fits in your pocket. Whether you’re going for a walk or traveling abroad, a point-and-shoot camera is the perfect solution.
Most compact cameras have smaller sensors than APS-C or full frame cameras. But the best still offer excellent image quality. You don’t have to sacrifice much picture quality when opting for a smaller, more convenient camera.
Many of the cameras in this article also have 4K video recording. We’re living in the age of social media and online content, and these point-and-shoot cameras are well-adapted to this environment. They’re a great option for people looking to increase their online profile.
Here’s a quick rundown of all the best point-and-shoot cameras. We examine each camera in more detail in the section below before answering some FAQs on the topic of point-and-shoot cameras.
Now we look at each point-and-shoot camera in more detail. These are the best compact cameras available right now, and we’ll examine each one to show you why we like them and who they are for.
| Released |
Released
2019
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 1" |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fixed
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
357 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
5 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Video |
Video
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
24-200mm zoom lens, eye-detection AF, external mic ports, video stabilization
|
| Best |
Best
All-round point-and-shoot camera
|
The Sony RX100 VII is a classic point-and-shoot camera but will high-tech features. It’s a pocket-sized multi-media machine, delivering high-quality photos and videos.
Despite only having a 1-inch sensor, the RX100 VII still offers a 20 MP resolution. That’s much better than most smartphone cameras. And it can even compete with some APS-C cameras.
The image quality is helped further by the Zeiss zoom lens. It’s fixed, so you don’t need to buy more lenses. And it has a 24-200mm focal length range, giving you more flexibility with composition and style.
You do lose a few max aperture stops when zooming in, but f/4.5 at full reach isn’t bad. You can capture bright images of distant subjects even in difficult conditions.
The autofocus is another highlight of this compact camera. It uses 357 focus points spread across the frame to give you quick and reliable subject detection. It also has a special eye-detection mode for humans and animals. It also tracks moving subjects.
A rapid 20 fps burst mode helps you capture fast-paced action. You also have AF tracking support when shooting at full speed. You’ll always have perfectly focused sports shots.
More and more, creatives are demanding better video features from their cameras. The Sony RX100 VII does not disappoint. Excellent 4K video recording is perfect for content creators and amateur moviemakers.
There’s a built-in stabilization system for smoother video. You won’t need a camera gimbal when shooting from hand. And the camera has ports for external microphones for pro-level audio recording.
| Released |
Released
2023
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 1/2.3” |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
None
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
12 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
25 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
8 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Video |
Video
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
15 m / 50 ft waterproof, underwater modes, macro modes, 4x optical zoom
|
| Best |
Best
Rugged compact camera
|
Compact cameras don’t come much tougher than the OM System Tough TG-7. Previously Olympus, OM System is a specialist camera brand making Micro Four Thirds cameras and this rugged point-and-shoot.
It can really take a beating. It is functional down to 15 m / 50 ft underwater. The little beast is also crushproof, shockproof, and dustproof. It’s even freezeproof, allowing you to use the camera in temperatures as low as -10ºC.
A 1-inch sensor gives you a 12 MP image resolution. While that stands up well against smartphone cameras, it lags behind other compact cameras. Even so, the images are still sharp, bright, and colorful.
Specialist shooting modes allow you to experiment with different types of photography. You have several underwater modes, including underwater HDR. You also have macro photography modes for detailed close-ups.
Thanks to the 4K video mode, the TG-7 becomes a durable action camera. Strap it to your helmet or handlebars, and you can record some high-octane first-person footage. A vertical video mode gives you media perfectly optimized for social media.
The fixed lens gives you a modest 4x zoom range. The reach isn’t great, but it’s an optical zoom, so you don’t lose any quality. It also has a constant max aperture of f/2, which is ideal for shooting in low light.
A 10 fps burst gives you action photography options. The Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity also allows you to transfer media to other devices quickly and easily.
| Released |
Released
2023
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
1" |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
None
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
315 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
24 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
 |
| Video |
Video
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
18-50mm zoom lens, stereo mic, rotating screen, real-time AF and tracking
|
| Best |
Best
Compact camera for vlogging
|
The Sony ZV-1 Mark II is the perfect point-and-shoot camera for vlogging and creating content. You can snap fabulous images, but the video features make this camera stand out. It’s a vlogging machine for future social media stars.
A 1-inch sensor gives you a respectable 20 MP resolution, producing bright, clear, and detailed images. The optical quality from the Zeiss lens helps you optimize picture quality, so there are no imperfections at any point in the zoom range.
The zoom range is limited, with only an 18-50mm focal length range. But this gives you the perfect field of view for vlogs and other video content. The wide viewing angle allows you to record yourself from close range.
You can also see yourself while you record, thanks to the rotating touchscreen. And there’s a built-in 3-capsule stereo microphone for high-quality audio recording. The muffler also helps you record audio outside.
Real-time autofocus locks onto faces when using the rotating touchscreen. It has eye-detection capabilities and tracks you when you move, perfect for animated talkers.
A Cinematic Vlog Setting gives your vlogs a unique finish, helping your content stand out in a congested marketplace. The frame rate is a bit slower than regular 4K, but it looks fantastic.
| Released |
Released
2022
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
1" |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
None
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
20 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
425 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
12,800 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
16 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Video |
Video
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Fixed 20mm lens, eye-detection AF and tracking, rotating touchscreen
|
| Best |
Best
Super-compact point-and-shoot camera
|
The Sony ZV-1F is perfect if you’re looking for a super-compact, vlogger-friendly, point-and-shoot camera. It’s small enough to fit in your pocket, yet it’s a top choice for vloggers and social media users.
Similar to the ZV-1 Mark II, the ZV-1F has a 20 MP sensor. You’ll be able to snap fabulous images and upload them to social media without editing or adding filters.
The fixed Zeiss lens is top quality, so you won’t experience distortion or aberrations. It has a fixed focal length of 20mm, so there are no zoom capabilities. But the wide-angle field of view is perfect for vlogging, selfies, and other social media content.
It has a fast f/2 maximum aperture, allowing you to record bright video in low-light situations. It also helps you achieve the blurred background effect when shooting selfies or portraits.
The 4K video quality is excellent, recording with a smooth 30 fps frame rate. It doubles as a webcam when connected to a computer, which is ideal for live streaming. The digital stabilization gives you shake-free footage without a tripod.
A rotating screen helps you record yourself. And a built-in microphone allows you to record high-quality audio live with no additional equipment.
The ZV-1F also has Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. You can transfer photos and videos to other devices without tethering or using a card reader.
| Released |
Released
2018
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
1/2.3” |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fixed
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
21 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
9 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
3,200 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
10 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Video |
Video
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
40x zoom, optical stabilization, 4K time-lapse, Wi-Fi connectivity
|
| Best |
Best
Zoom lens on a compact camera
|
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS is a nifty little camera with a powerful zoom lens. In fact, all the specs and features are fairly impressive for a camera of this size.
With a resolution of 20.3 MP, you get fantastic image quality. Bright, colorful, and clear pictures that need little to no editing before you share them. You’ll see a big jump in quality compared to smartphone images.
But the 40x zoom lens is the standout feature of this point-and-shoot camera. That gives you incredible magnification, getting you up close to distant subjects.
The camera can get shaky when zoomed in that far, but thankfully the camera has built-in optical stabilization. This ensures you get sharp shots even when you zoom in.
You don’t lose some aperture stops when you zoom in. You have a max of f/3.3 at the widest angle, which drops down to f/6.9 when you’re fully zoomed in. That’s not ideal for low-light situations.
4K video recording is perfect for wanna-be filmmakers and vloggers. It also has a built-in 4K time-lapse video mode, adding another layer of creativity to the camera.
A 10 fps continuous shooting speed is decent for a compact camera. That helps you shoot action like sports. Then, you can transfer your sports images to your smartphone using the camera’s Wi-Fi connectivity.
| Released |
Released
2018
|
| Sensor Format |
Sensor Format
 APS-C |
| Lens Mount |
Lens Mount
Fixed
|
| Megapixels |
Megapixels
24 MP |
| Autofocus Points |
Autofocus Points
1 |
| Maximum ISO (Native) |
Maximum ISO (Native)
102,400 |
| Frame Rate |
Frame Rate
4 fps |
| In-body Stabilization |
In-body Stabilization
|
| Video |
Video
|
| Key Features |
Key Features
Shake reduction system, ND filter, robust build
|
| Best |
Best
Compact camera for street photography
|
The Ricoh GR III offers great image quality in a compact and stylish body. The sleek, low-key design is perfect for keeping a low profile in a busy street.
It has intuitive and clear controls for all the important functions. Despite the more advanced features, it’s still easy to use and accessible.
The GR III is lightly larger than most other compacts on this list, but it’s still pocket-sized. And that’s despite having a powerful APS-C sensor. It gives you a 24 MP resolution, and you get better low-light performance and a wider dynamic range thanks to the larger pixel size.
There’s no zoom feature, but the lens quality is excellent. It has a wide-angle focal length of 18.3mm, which is equivalent to about 27mm on a full frame camera. That gives you a lovely wide field of view.
Autofocus is a strength for this little Ricoh. The AF points cover almost the whole sensor, and you can pre-select a “Snap Focus” point. It’s more advanced than the principle of point and shoot, but it’s a handy feature.
The leaf shutter means that you can use external flash at all shutter speeds. But it doesn’t have a built-in flash. For the opposite problem of too much light, it has two built-in neutral density filters, which are a real benefit.
It’s a fast, reliable camera that has its limitations. But it is ideal for simply being able to pull it out and snap some pictures. Read our full review of the Ricoh GR III here.
In this section, we’ll provide some more information on point-and-shoot cameras by answering some FAQs on the topic. We hope this information helps you make the right choice.
A point and shoot camera is also called a compact camera. They’re small, compact, and easy to use. These cameras work on their own, so you don’t need any extra equipment like lenses or flashes. A point and shoot is an all-in-one camera.
When people ask about getting started in photography, they’re often showered with information about DSLRs and mirrorless cameras. They’re told about focus stacking and image stabilization systems. For many, this is overkill.
All the tech and jargon can be a turn-off for some people. Many want a camera they can pick up and snap a few photos right away. And that’s where the point and shoot camera excels.
It’s all in the name. You simply point the camera at your subject and shoot your shot. Then you’ve got a fabulous photo. Compact cameras are that simple.
But point and shoot cameras aren’t only for beginners. There’s a whole range of options, starting with very basic machines. They go all the way up to professional-grade cameras.
But whether they’re beginner, enthusiast, or professional cameras, the concept always stays the same. You might have a few more modes and functions. But it’s still a case of pointing and shooting.
The main reason to buy a point-and-shoot camera is the compact and convenient size. You don’t need a professional camera backpack to carry one. You don’t need any additional equipment. They are self-contained multi-media machines you can take anywhere.
Compacts make excellent travel cameras. They are so much easier to travel with than DSLR or mirrorless cameras. There are no additional lenses, and the bodies are much, much smaller.
The best point-and-shoot cameras, like the ones listed above, also produce fantastic media. The compact size is convenient, but the camera functions are still important. Thankfully, companies like Sony, Canon, and OM System haven’t forgotten this.
And not only do these cameras produce stunning images, but they produce high-quality video too. That’s why point-and-shoots are popular with everyone from cinematographers to vloggers.
Point-and-shoot cameras have everything a camera should have in a condensed form. They’re more versatile than an action camera yet more convenient than a mirrorless camera.
The Sony RX100 VII has excellent video features, including wonderful 4K recording. The fast 30 fps frame rate gives you smooth, jerk-free footage that looks great during playback.
But the Sony ZV-1 Mark II is the best video camera if you’re into vlogging. The 4K footage looks fantastic on social media, beating much of the competition. And features like a rotating touchscreen and built-in microphone make it an all-in-one vlogging machine.
Vloggers with a tighter budget might opt for the Sony ZV-1F, which is a stripped-back version of the ZV-1 Mark II. It still delivers stunning 4K footage and has a built-in mic.
While mainly marketed as a street camera, the Ricoh GR III also has excellent 4K features. It’s perfect for street photography vloggers.
The Sony ZV-1F is the most affordable camera on this list. It’s also one of the most basic, but sometimes basic is all people are looking for. And basic certainly does not mean bad. It’s a fab little camera.
The OM System Tough TG-7 is only slightly more expensive. This might not be a surprise if you only look at the photography specs (12 MP isn’t great). But this camera has a lot going for it.
You can record 4K videos, shoot underwater, and shoot brilliant macro images. And considering how tough this camera is, it’s actually a bit of a bargain. It’s perfect for people who love the outdoors.
Everyone should own a point-and-shoot camera. They’re handy little machines you can take anywhere. And the best ones, as we’ve seen in this article, have excellent features for photography and video production.
In our opinion, the Sony RX100 VII is the best point-and-shoot camera. It’s a classic compact with a zoom lens, high-resolution sensor, and 4K video.
But if that’s not for you, we’ve seen the Sony ZV-1 II for vloggers, the Tough TG-7 for adventurous types, and the Ricoh GR III for street photographers. There’s a point-and-shoot camera for everyone.
If you’re looking at enthusiast or professional-level point and shoots, check out our Photography Unlocked e-book for the fastest way to leave auto mode and master your camera’s settings!
