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
“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…”
Website Reviews
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Specifications
- Zoom: 20.0x
- Resolution: 12.1MP
- Easy to Use: Yes
Best Cheap Canon 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…”
“If pocketability is a priority, the diminutive Canon PowerShot SD1200 IS leads the pack…”
“The Canon Powershot SD1200 IS Digital ELPH is an inexpensive–without being cheap–auto-only (with some manual overrides) ultra…”
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
Best Canon Point and Shoot Digital Camera
“Nothing says shooting flexibility like a 28mm wide-angle lens that telescopes to 20X…”
“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…”
Website Reviews
- Recommended at DPReview.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Specifications
- Zoom: 20.0x
- Resolution: 10.0MP
- Easy to Use: Yes
Best Nikon Point and Shoot Digital Camera
“This inexpensive Nikon digital SLR camera draws praise for its ease of use and excellent picture quality…”
“If you’ve outgrown that old point-n-shoot, and the expensive ones don’t really delight you either, then, it’s probably…”
“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…”
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
Best Sony Point and Shoot Digital Camera
“Built to handle low light situations, but smart enough to produce great images under any circumstances, the ultra compact Sony Cybershot…”
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
Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera Under $400
“Thus we get a fast zoom with a real wideangle, a superb screen and excellent image quality, including high ISO performance puts most…”
“Critics love the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 with only few reservations. One issue is the short 2.5x zoom range…”
“Although a little pricey, The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 offers a lot in a pocket-sized package. From its excellent Leica zoom lens with…”
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
Best Compact Point and Shoot Digital Camera
“So you’ve decided you want a camera with SLR quality, but with point and shoot simplicity and size. Panasonic knows this and has…”
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
Best Cheap Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Photos of Children or Pets
“Taking photos of kids and pets has always been one of any photographers biggest challenges. You never know where they’re going to be…”
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
Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Low Light Photos
“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…”
Website Reviews
- Rated Excellent by CNET.com
Specifications
- Zoom: 3.8x
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Resolution: 10.0MP
- Max ISO: 1600
- Easy to Use: Yes
Best Cheap Point and Shoot Digital Camera for Travel Photos
“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…”
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



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