Canon is best-known for its DSLR cameras, however, there is also an excellent range of Canon point-and-shoot cameras. This range of cameras is wide and covers everything from simple instant cameras to advanced point-and-shoot models with powerful image processing and optical zoom lenses.
The best-known series is perhaps the Canon PowerShot range. Again, this is an extensive range of point-and-shoot cameras. Regardless of your level of skill or interest in photography, you should be able to find a suitable point-and-shoot camera in this list.
1. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
Our top choice for Canon point-and-shoot cameras is the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II. It has a 20.1MP CMOS sensor and features Canon’s DIGIC 8 processor. Although this is not the latest iteration, it still provides sharp and consistent image quality.
The lens of this camera is powerful and has a focal distance of 24-100mm. This is complemented by a good maximum aperture range of f/1.8-2.8. The camera has optical image stabilization, which helps when using the lens handheld at the maximum 100mm focal distance.
For video recording, this camera is capable of 4K HD at 30p. It is also capable of recording FHD (1080p) at 120fps (which means you can record in slow motion).
This is a great beginner camera that offers advanced functionality for those who want to learn more about photography. See what else the camera offers in our Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II review.
2. Canon PowerShot G3 X
The Canon PowerShot G3 X is a powerful point-and-shoot camera that offers some DSLR-like functionality and design. It has a larger build than most other Canon point-and-shoot cameras and benefits from a large finger grip on the right-hand side.
It has a powerful optical zoom lens that provides a focal range of 24-600mm. This covers everything from wide-angle through to super-telephoto. It also has a decent maximum aperture range of f/2.8-5.6 and an ISO range of 125-12800.
For movies and connectivity, this camera can record at 1080p HD, and has built-in Wi-Fi and NFC. This means you can share movies and photos and download them quickly from the camera. For image quality, the G3 X has a 20.2MP 1-inch CMOS sensor that offers good resolution and great depth in your photos.
It also benefits from the Canon DIGIC 6 image processor and Canon’s HS system. The HS system improves light transmission on the image sensor and allows this camera to work well as a low-light camera.
3. Canon PowerShot SX740 HS
The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has a simple design and looks stylish. It has a textured grip on the right-hand side, and the 40x optical zoom can easily be controlled using a top zoom dial. This point-and-shoot camera also has an LCD screen that can be pushed upwards and rotated for vlogging and selfies.
For image quality, this camera has a 20.3MP CMOS sensor, and it features dual-sensing image stabilization. This means that even when the zoom is fully extended, you can still use the device handheld and produce clear photos.
Despite this being a point-and-shoot camera, it is capable of recording video in 4k HD. It has a brilliant 4K time-lapse feature.
For portability, this camera is lightweight at just 9.7 ounces. It is also relatively small and has an overall length of 4.3 inches. There are various usability features that help make the composition process automated. Learn more in our Canon PowerShot SX740 HS review.
4. Canon PowerShot SX410 IS
The Canon PowerShot SX410 IS is an older model but it still provides decent image quality and excellent point-and-shoot features. Available in both red and black, it has a standard 24mm wide-angle lens with an optical zoom of up to 40x.
For photo compositions, the SX410 IS has a 3.0-inch LCD screen with a high resolution. You can easily take photos and compose your photos. This camera has a simple set of controls and dials so that you can literally point-and-shoot, and operate the optical zoom.
It also has a decent battery. You can switch the camera into ECO Mode, which allows you to get more shots from a single charge. For image quality, this point-and-shoot camera has a 20.0MP CMOS sensor and uses Canon’s DIGIC 4 processor. The combination of a decent zoom lens, good image sensor, and usability make this one of the simplest Canon point-and-shoot cameras.
5. Canon IVY CLIQ+ (Budget Winner)
Our budget choice is the Canon IVY CLIQ+. This is one of the best Canon point-and-shoot cameras for simplicity and fun. It is an incredibly small and lightweight camera that can easily fit in the palm of your hand. It also functions as a portable photo printer.
The camera itself doesn’t have the highest resolution and it has an 8MP sensor. However, for such a small camera, it has a decent ISO range of 100-1600, and also a decent focusing system. You can quickly take photos with minimal effort or changing of camera settings.
The fun of this camera lies in its connectivity and ability to print. It doubles as an instant printer and allows you to print photos at 3.0” x 2.0” and a DPI of 314×600. It also supports borderless printing and the print speed for color shots is respectable.
Another great feature is that you can take photos using your smartphone and print them via the Canon IVY CLIQ+, using the built-in Bluetooth connection.
Get into Photography with Canon Point-and-Shoot Cameras
Remember that you don’t have to purchase an expensive DSLR camera to take good-quality photos. These Canon point-and-shoot cameras provide great image quality and features. Some models like the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II are not far off DSLR quality too.
When choosing a point-and-shoot camera, be sure to think about what you intend to use it for first. Look at the image sensor, image processor, and autofocus system as these give an indicator of the overall quality you can expect from the camera.
