When it comes to taking photos, you don’t have to have a DSLR camera to get something great. Instead, you can get great pictures using small point-and-shoot cameras. The key is having a camera that includes all of the features you’re looking for and that will take high-resolution photos.
Some of the best small point-and-shoot cameras deserve the name because they have high resolution, great zoom, and additional features and options. These features make sure you can get a great shot every time, and that you can learn more about photo composition while you’re at it.
1. Fujifilm X100F
This Fujifilm X100F is a little higher in price than some of the other options we have, but it’s definitely going to be worth it. You’ll get 24.3MP, which means you’re getting high-quality images. Not only that, but there’s an eight-way focus lever with 91 focus points. There’s also a shutter speed dial and AF mode to give you all the different options you need for a great picture every time.
The sleek style is reminiscent of an old-style camera, but there’s nothing old-fashioned about this unit. It has an X-Trans CMOS III sensor to make sure you don’t need a low-pass filter.
You’re getting everything you need right here, with an increased pixel count. Plus there’s a new processor that’s up to four times faster than what you get with other cameras. Add in HD recording and a three-inch screen and you’re in business. Get the full story in our Fujifilm X100F review.
2. Canon PowerShot SX620 HS
This Canon PowerShot is designed to give you 25x zoom so you can get in close with anything you want. You also get intelligent IS to make sure you don’t get shaking transferred into your images. Even better, there’s built-in Wi-Fi and NFC that make it easier than ever for you to share your photos right when you take them.
With this camera, you get great quality even when there’s low light and 20.2MP. That’s why it’s a great camera for indoor events, where lighting might not always be ideal. The shutter speed is fast enough to get even moving photos and there’s a large LCD screen so you can always see your images.
You’ll get up to 405 photos on a full battery charge and all of that in a slim package that’s going to be easy for you to take with you wherever you want to go.
3. Panasonic LUMIX LX10
Here you’re going to have all of the features you need to start really getting into photography, from a 20.1MP sensor to 4K images and image stabilization. You’ll also have a three times zoom to get you all the basics and there’s a tilting selfie display to make sure you can take photos of anything you want, including yourself.
The 4K extends to the video capture and you’ll have focus stacking to record photos and set your focus point, even after you’ve taken the picture.
The lens-mounted control ring means you get exposure control just like you would expect with a DSLR but it’s all in a point-and-shoot camera. Add in Wi-Fi connectivity to easily share your photos and USB charging to get your camera ready to go again, and you’re definitely on a good path. It even has a high-quality lens for sharp edges in low-light settings, and there’s a macro option to get close-up photos at the same high quality you would expect.
4. Nikon COOLPIX W300
Sometimes that great shot that you really want doesn’t take place on land. It might take place underwater. That’s where you’re going to want this waterproof, underwater camera. Part of Nikon’s COOLPIX line, the W300 is definitely high quality and it’s going to give you more features than you might think. You’ll get a 16.05MP camera with five times optical zoom, which lets you take some great images of the wildlife you’ll see under the water.
Waterproof up to 30 meters and even shockproof to 2.4 meters, this camera is durable and ready for anything. It’s dustproof, cold-resistant to -10 degrees Celsius, and has telephoto power with image stabilization. You’ll even get GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, an altimeter and depth gauge, and a compass all built into this device so you know what you’re getting into wherever you go.
5. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
This unique-looking camera is going to be your new favorite when you first start taking photos and it’s one of the best hobby cameras you’re going to find. Silver in color, it has brown accents that give it a stylish look you don’t get with most small point-and-shoot cameras. You’ll also love that it has just the right features, including a three-inch LCD screen, Wi-Fi, and NFC for sharing photos on the go. With Bluetooth, you can connect to other devices.
You’ll get a slim camera that’s easy to slip into your pocket so it’s always available, and a touch screen panel to boot. It uses a DIGIC 7 image processor for higher-quality images and offers time-lapse movie functions, several picture styles, and three times optical zoom. You’ll get up close with anything you want, but with plenty of options for wider-angle images as well.
6. Sony HX80
Sometimes the best camera option is going to be a simple one and that’s exactly what you get right here. But you’re not going too basic with Sony. You’re going to get a simple look to your camera, but also features like 30x optical and 60x clear image zoom, 18.2MP, and a built-in retractable OLED viewfinder. There are also versatile video features, Wi-Fi and NFC, and image stabilization.
With this camera you’re going to have selfie options, recall mode, several camera apps, lock-on AF, and everything you need to get started. It comes with a rechargeable battery pack and hand strap to keep it with you at all times. Take great photos or videos and capture up to 10 fps. You’ll never miss a great shot or that perfect opportunity with this camera.
7. Kodak PIXPRO FZ53 (Budget Winner)
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly point-and-shoot camera that will give you the basic features that you need, then this is where you want to be. The Kodak PIXPRO FZ53 comes in three different colors that you get to choose and offers five times optical zoom with a 2.7-inch LCD screen to see your images. This camera also has a 28mm wide-angle lens so you can get a good shot every time and 720p HD video.
You get a maximum focal length of 140 as well as a lithium-ion battery that’s designed to be rechargeable and better for the environment. Not to mention you can recycle it when you’re done. For those looking to try out some more advanced features, there is a manual mode offered or you can use landscape, panorama, or other modes to get exactly the photo you want, each time you pick up the camera.
Last Thoughts on the Best Small Point-and-Shoot Cameras
There are plenty of features to consider when it comes to picking out the best small point-and-shoot cameras and comparing them with DSLR cameras is one of those things. Hopefully, these are going to make it a little easier for you. Whether you’re looking for something simple that will get the job done or something more high tech with all the features, you can absolutely find something to foster your love of photography.
