Digital Cameras > Recommendations

Point and Shoot Digital Cameras

Point and shoot digital cameras are easy to use still cameras, which include an autofocus lens, a built-in flash, and features to automatically configure the aperture size, shutter speed, and other exposure settings. Most point and shoot digital cameras don't support interchangeable lens and have few if any manual controls to keep the interface simple and easy to use. Our experts have selected the best point and shoot camera below for different budgets, sizes, and desired uses.

Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera Under $400

One of picturemaker's Top Cameras Overall Under $600

“Whether you’re a seasoned pro or simply looking for an entry-level camera that’s easy to carry and operate, you can’t go…”

Customer Reviews Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Half-star-3 (145 reviews)
Website Reviews
  • Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Specifications
  • Zoom: 20.0x
  • Resolution: 12.1MP
  • Easy to Use: Yes
Canon PowerShot SX20 IS is the Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera Under $400
Where to buy
  • Best Price: $359 Amazon See It »
  • Price Range: $359 - $399 Compare Prices »

Best Cheap Canon Point and Shoot Digital Camera

picturemaker's Best Compact Camera Overall Under $200

“When fashion is your goal without sacrificing quality in a point and shoot camera, the Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS is my top pick for Best…”

ConsumerSearch's Best Ultra Compact Camera Overall Under $150

“If pocketability is a priority, the diminutive Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS leads the pack…”

Fotoguy's Best Ultra Compact Camera Overall Under $200

“The Canon Powershot SD1200 IS Digital ELPH is an inexpensive–without being cheap–auto-only (with some manual overrides) ultra…”

Customer Reviews Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Half-star-3 (416 reviews)
Website Reviews
  • Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
  • Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Specifications
  • Zoom: 3.0x
  • Resolution: 10.0MP
  • Easy to Use: Yes
Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS is one of the Best Cheap Canon Point and Shoot Digital Cameras
Where to buy
  • Best Price: $149 Amazon See It »
  • Price Range: $149 - $199 Compare Prices »

Best Canon Point and Shoot Digital Camera

The New York Times's Best Camera Overall Under $600

“Nothing says shooting flexibility like a 28mm wide-angle lens that telescopes to 20X…”

One of CNET's Top Cameras Overall Under $500

“A top megazoom option, the Canon PowerShot SX1 IS offers a 20x zoom lens and HD video, which you can’t get in a similarly priced…”

Customer Reviews Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Half-star-3Empty-star-3 (41 reviews)
Website Reviews
  • Recommended at DPReview.com
  • Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Specifications
  • Zoom: 20.0x
  • Resolution: 10.0MP
  • Easy to Use: Yes
Canon PowerShot SX1 IS is the Best Canon Point and Shoot Digital Camera
Where to buy
  • Best Price: $475 Amazon See It »
  • Price Range: $475 - $917 Compare Prices »

Best Nikon Point and Shoot Digital Camera

ConsumerSearch's Best Camera Overall Under $500

“This inexpensive Nikon digital SLR camera draws praise for its ease of use and excellent picture quality…”

Fotoguy's Best Camera Overall Under $600

“If you’ve outgrown that old point-n-shoot, and the expensive ones don’t really delight you either, then, it’s probably…”

KenRockwell.com's Best Camera Overall Under $450

“For the best possible camera for just about anything, fun or serious, I use my Nikon D40. I own more expensive cameras, but whenever I…”

Customer Reviews Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Half-star-3 (473 reviews)
Website Reviews
  • Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
  • Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
  • Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Specifications
  • Zoom: 3.0x
  • Resolution: 6.1MP
  • Easy to Use: Yes
Nikon D40 (with 18-55mm Lens) is one of the Best Nikon Point and Shoot Digital Cameras
Where to buy
  • Best Price: $588 Amazon See It »
  • Price Range: $588 - $899 Compare Prices »

Best Sony Point and Shoot Digital Camera

One of picturemaker's Top Compact Cameras for Low Light Photos Under $400

“Built to handle low light situations, but smart enough to produce great images under any circumstances, the ultra compact Sony Cybershot…”

Customer Reviews Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Half-star-3Empty-star-3 (51 reviews)
Website Reviews
  • Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
  • Rated Excellent by CNET.com
Specifications
  • Zoom: 5.0x
  • Resolution: 10.2MP
  • Easy to Use: Yes
Sony Cybershot DSC-WX1 is the Best Sony Point and Shoot Digital Camera
Where to buy
  • Best Price: $299 Amazon See It »
  • Price Range: $299 - $329 Compare Prices »

Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera Under $400

Digital Photography Review's Best Compact Camera Overall Under $450

“Thus we get a fast zoom with a real wideangle, a superb screen and excellent image quality, including high ISO performance puts most…”

ConsumerSearch's Best Camera Overall Under $500

“Critics love the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 with only few reservations. One issue is the short 2.5x zoom range…”

Fotoguy's Best Compact Camera Overall Under $700

“Although a little pricey, The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 offers a lot in a pocket-sized package. From its excellent Leica zoom lens with…”

Customer Reviews Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Half-star-3 (128 reviews)
Website Reviews
  • Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
  • Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
  • Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Specifications
  • Zoom: 2.5x
  • Resolution: 10.1MP
  • Easy to Use: Yes
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 is one of the Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Cameras Under $400
Where to buy
  • Best Price: $378 Amazon See It »
  • Price Range: $378 - $835 Compare Prices »

Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera

picturemaker's Best Compact Camera Overall Under $1000

“So you’ve decided you want a camera with SLR quality, but with point and shoot simplicity and size. Panasonic knows this and has…”

Customer Reviews Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Half-star-3 (29 reviews)
Website Reviews
  • Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
  • Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
  • Rated Excellent by CNET.com
Specifications
  • Zoom: 1.0x
  • Resolution: 12.1MP
  • Easy to Use: Yes
Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 (with 20mm Lens) is the Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera
Where to buy
  • Best Price: $899 Amazon See It »
  • Price Range: $899 - $1119 Compare Prices »

Best Cheap Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Photos of Children or Pets

One of picturemaker's Top Cameras for Child Photos Under $250

“Taking photos of kids and pets has always been one of any photographers biggest challenges. You never know where they’re going to be…”

Customer Reviews Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Empty-star-3 (73 reviews)
Website Reviews
  • Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
  • Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Specifications
  • Zoom: 10.0x
  • Resolution: 10.0MP
  • AF Shutter Lag: 0.8 - 0.9s
  • Easy to Use: Yes
Canon PowerShot SX120 IS is one of the Best Cheap Point and Shoot Digital Cameras for Photos of Children or Pets
Where to buy
  • Best Price: $199 Amazon See It »
  • Price Range: $199 - $331 Compare Prices »

Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Low Light Photos

picturemaker's Best Compact Camera for Low Light Photos Under $400

“It seems that in the battle to create a great camera in a compact point and shoot size, the optical viewfinder is falling by the wayside…”

Customer Reviews Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Half-star-3 (111 reviews)
Website Reviews
  • Rated Excellent by CNET.com
Specifications
  • Zoom: 3.8x
  • Image Stabilization: Yes
  • Resolution: 10.0MP
  • Max ISO: 1600
  • Easy to Use: Yes
Canon PowerShot S90 IS is the Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Low Light Photos
Where to buy
  • Best Price: $399 Amazon See It »
  • Price Range: $399 - $435 Compare Prices »

Best Cheap Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Travel Photos

One of picturemaker's Top Compact Cameras for Low Light Photos Under $400

“For an easy to hold, image stabilized camera with a long zoom lens for taking along on trips, the Fuji FinePix S1500 is a great choice at…”

Customer Reviews Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Full-star-3Empty-star-3 (119 reviews)
Website Reviews
  • Rated Good by CNET.com
Specifications
  • Zoom: 12.0x
  • Resolution: 10.0MP
  • Size: 4.0 x 2.9 x 2.7 in.
  • Battery Life: 700 shots
  • Easy to Use: Yes
Fujifilm FinePix S1500 is one of the Best Cheap Point and Shoot Digital Cameras for Travel Photos
Where to buy
  • Best Price: $175 Amazon See It »
  • Price Range: $175 - $329 Compare Prices »
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