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 Cheap Point and Shoot Digital Camera
“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…”
“The Canon Powershot SD1200 IS Digital ELPH is an inexpensive--without being cheap--auto-only (with some manual overrides) ultra compact…”
Website Reviews
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Specifications
- Zoom: 3.0x
- Resolution: 10.0MP
- Easy to Use: Yes
Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera Under $400
“**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 wrong with…”
Specifications
- Zoom: 20.0x
- Resolution: 12.1MP
- Easy to Use: Yes
Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera Under $400
“Sporting a class-leading 12x zoom lens that is bright and sharp, the Canon SX200 IS is a great camera for everyone in the family. The best…”
“The Canon Powershot SX200 IS incorporates a 12x optical zoom that cannot be beat. This is a great feature for zooming in on far away…”
“Canon has always turned out quality products and the Powershot SX200 IS maintains those high standards with excellent design and build…”
Website Reviews
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Specifications
- Zoom: 12.0x
- Resolution: 12.1MP
- Easy to Use: Yes
Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera
“In the search for a quality camera that doesn't have all of the bells and whistles of a DSLR, but can hold it's own in any shooting…”
Specifications
- Zoom: 5.0x
- Resolution: 10.0MP
- Easy to Use: Yes
Best Ultra Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera Under $400
“Fuji F series cameras are renowned for their super CCD sensors which produce less noisy images than others in class. Finepix F200EXR is…”
Website Reviews
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
Specifications
- Zoom: 5.0x
- Resolution: 12.0MP
- Easy to Use: Yes
Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Action Photos Under $400
“When searching for a reasonably priced point and shoot camera designed to capture action shots, look no further than the Fuji S1500. Fuji…”
Specifications
- Zoom: 12.0x
- Resolution: 10.0MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.8 sec
- Burst Speed: 1.6 fps
- Easy to Use: Yes
Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Interior Photos
“With outstanding image quality from a class leading DSLR-sized image sensor, a wide angle view from a sharp lens, a well-built compact…”
Specifications
- Zoom: 1.0x
- Wide-Angle Lens: 28mm (25% wider)
- Resolution: 4.6MP
- Easy to Use: Yes
Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Photos of Children or Pets Under $400
“While tracking down young kids or pets isn't quite as intense as tracking down say, fast action sports, the challenges are the same - with…”
Website Reviews
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Specifications
- Zoom: 20.0x
- Resolution: 10.0MP
- AF Shutter Lag: 0.5 - 0.6s
- Easy to Use: Yes
Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Low Light Photos Under $400
“Equipped with a stupendous 14.7 Megapixels resolution sensor, a sharp lens and the latest DIGIC IV image processing engine, the Canon…”
Website Reviews
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Specifications
- Zoom: 3.7x
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Resolution: 14.7MP
- Max ISO: 3200
- Easy to Use: Yes
Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Travel Photos Under $400
“Sporting a class-leading 12x zoom lens that is sharp and has a best in class wide-angle view for capturing landscapes, a superb HD movie…”
Website Reviews
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Excellent by CNET.com
Specifications
- Zoom: 12.0x
- Resolution: 10.1MP
- Size: 4.1 x 2.3 x 1.3 in.
- Battery Life: 300 shots
- Easy to Use: Yes


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