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Best Point and Shoot Camera in 2023 – Top 10 Reviews & Buying Guide

There are a vast number of cameras available on the market today. They also range tremendously in size, features, and price, and these days, even the simplest point and shoot cameras can produce top-quality images with no fuss or photography skills required.

The main feature of a point and shoot camera has to be its portability but again, there are so many small pocket-size cameras available, it can be hard to choose! That’s why we have put together a comprehensive review of ten great options for you.

Best Point and Shoot Camera in 2023 – Top 10 Reviews & Buying Guide

The best point and shoot camera is the one you always have with you so keep reading, and do check out our buying guide for further explanation on the various features.

Top 10 Best Point and Shoot Cameras Reviews


1 Sony (DSCW800) 20.1 MP Digital Camera (Silver)

There is no denying it, smartphone cameras have become pretty decent in the last few years. However, you can still achieve a better image with a device designed solely for taking pictures. Sony has one design that we think might be one of the best entry-level point and shoot cameras on the market.

Small enough to keep in your bag…

Never miss another special moment because you left your camera at home. You can carry it on you easily with its compact size. This unit offers a powerful 20.1 megapixel super HAD CCD sensor which provides stunning images with smooth details. There is also a Sony Zeiss 5x optical zoom lens for top-notch clarity.

Stabilization support for beginners…

You get SteadyShot image stabilization to help with blurring and there is also an Easy Mode for super simple camera operation which makes this is one of the best point and shoot cameras for beginners. It also features 720p HD movie Mode for recording videos.

Not a high-end camera…

We will note that the general image quality is likely only marginally better than on your phone. It will do a bit better in some conditions for sure, but this is not a high-end camera. We also wouldn’t expect this to have a high build quality compared to other more expensive Sony devices.


Sony (DSCW800) 20.1 MP Digital Camera

Our rating:3.8 out of 5 stars (3.8 / 5)

Pros

  • 20.1 megapixel super HAD CCD sensor.
  • Has a SteadyShot feature for blur-free images.
  • Sony Zeiss 5x optical zoom.
  • 720p HD video recording.

Cons

  • Does not live up to the Sony brand’s reputation for top construction.
  • Image quality is much better on higher-end cameras.

2 Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70S 20.3 Megapixel Camera

The second entry on our list is made by Panasonic. The Lumix model #DC-ZS70S is a significant upgrade over the previous camera we looked at and it’s a great mid-range digital camera with some very nice features.

Boasts an incredible zoom lens…

This Panasonic Lumix option has a 30x Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lens. It shoots from 24mm all the way up to 720mm. It does this with a 20.3 megapixel MOS sensor, which uses a 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer.

Great rear display…

The rear display is 3 inches, touch-enabled, and offers 180° rotation for a flip-front display. There is also built-in WiFi and 4k QFHD video recording in 3840×2160. You then also get state of the art Lumix 4k Photo and Post Focus via the internal focus stacking feature.

A lot of features for such a small price point…

If that’s not enough, the electronic viewfinder features a 0.2 inch 1/166k-dot eye sensor. This works beautifully on sunny days outside and we really think this is a great digital camera for most users.

Our overall impression is that the image quality is surprisingly good for this price point. However, the overall build quality does leave something to be desired. It doesn’t feel cheap, but it is obviously lacking compared to more expensive options.


Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS70S 20.3 Megapixel Camera

Our rating:4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Pros

  • Leica 30x DC VARIO-ELMAR lens.
  • 20.3 megapixel MOS sensor.
  • 5-axis Hybrid Optical Image Stabilizer.
  • 4k QFHD video recording in 3840×2160.
  • 3 inch touch-enabled, rotating rear display.

Cons

  • Doesn’t have the top-quality build of high-end Panasonic cameras.

3 Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Digital Camera (Red) – Best Point and Shoot Camera under 100 Dollars

Jumping back down to the entry-level range, we have the Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 digital camera. This unit is available in both red and silver. It’s small, lightweight, and easy to keep with you at all times.

Select settings for all situations…

It offers an 8x optical zoom with an integrated Optical Image Stabilizer. The focus range can accommodate anything from 2 inches to infinity within the normal range. It also has Smart AUTO to select the proper settings for all shooting situations.

Impressive clarity…

While this digital camera can’t compare to some of the options further down on our list, for the price, you do get an outstanding image. The 20.0 megapixel CCD sensor works with the DIGIC 4+ Image Processor and together they supply rather good image quality for your money.

Creatives will have fun with this…

The camera also offers 720p HD video recording. Digital IS provides a reduction in camera shake and subject blurring due to movement. There’s even a Toy Camera Effect as well as Monochrome features for those creative types.

All these great features could well make this the best affordable point and shoot camera on the market.


Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Digital Camera

Our rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros

  • 20.0 megapixel CCD sensor.
  • DIGIC 4+ Image processor.
  • Optical Image Stabilizer and 8x optical zoom.
  • 720p HD video recording.
  • Inexpensive

Cons

  • Doesn’t offer Full HD video.
  • Small rear LCD offers poor resolution.

4 Panasonic Lumix LX10 4K Digital Camera

One of the nicest digital point and shoot cameras on our list is the LX10 from Panasonic Lumix. This unit isn’t the most expensive we looked at, but it is up there with the more expensive options.

It offers a really great solution for those who want top-quality images without messing with settings and it has some of the clearest images we’ve seen in a point and shoot digital camera.

Excellent exposure control…

Point and shoot cameras are so good these days they can almost compete with DSLRs. This unit features a large, 1 inch 20.1 megapixel MOS sensor. This is complemented by the Leica DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens that has 3x zoom, F1.4-2.8 aperture, and 24-72mm control.

There is even a lens-mounted control focus ring for DSLR-like exposure control. Power O.I.S. (Optical Image Stabilizer) is also employed to help you get the clearest images possible.

There is a tilting display for those selfie lovers out there and the rear LCD display is 3 inches and touch-enabled.

Rather amazing, brand new technology…

If that wasn’t enough, how about 4K video recording? This little camera can shoot 4K QFHD video (3840 x 2160). It also has the Lumix 4K Photo & 4k Post Focus with Focus Stacking. These allow you to record photos at 30fps and set your focus point after you’ve already taken the picture. Wow!

It also includes a WiFi connection. Definitely not like your grandpa’s old camera.


Panasonic Lumix LX10 4K Digital Camera

Our rating:4.2 out of 5 stars (4.2 / 5)

Pros

  • Leica DC VARIO-SUMMILUX lens with 3x zoom.
  • 1 inch 20.1 megapixel MOS sensor.
  • 3-inch touch-enabled tilting LCD display.
  • 4K QFHD video (3840 x 2160).
  • Lumix 4K Photo & 4k Post Focus with Focus Stacking.

Cons

  • Does not have an electronic viewfinder.
  • The grip is rather minimal making it feel clumsy in bigger hands.

5 Canon G9x Mark II Digital Camera – Best Point and Shoot Camera for Beginners

If you’re just looking to start off in photography this next option might be perfect for you. Here we have a complete kit with everything you’ll need to take great pictures and keep the unit clean and running well.

Kitted out…

Not only do you get the Canon G9x Mark II digital camera, but you also get the battery pack and charger, and a great deal more. The ‘more’ includes a SanDisk 32GB Card, card reader, camera case, mini tripod, memory card pouch, lens cleaning pen, screen protectors, microfiber cloth, cotton swabs, and a cleaning solution.

The actual camera is great too…

The G9x features a 1 inch 20.1 megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor. This, plus the DIGIC 7 Image Processor, produces some beautiful images for the price point.

You can shoot continuously at speeds of 8.2fps, which isn’t bad for such a cheap digital camera. You also get Time-Lapse Movie functions, and WiFi connection built in.

We wouldn’t call this the best of the point and shoot digital cameras on the market, but for the price, this is a pretty good bundle. It includes all of the other things you’d need to purchase if this is your first camera and that makes it our top choice for the best point and shoot camera for beginners.


Canon G9x Mark II Digital Camera

Our rating:4.7 out of 5 stars (4.7 / 5)

Pros

  • 1 inch 20.1 megapixel high-sensitivity CMOS sensor.
  • DIGIC 7 Image Processor.
  • Mark II Advanced Accessory Kit included.
  • Built-in WiFi.

Cons

  • There are compact cameras that produce better images at this price point.

6 Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera (Red) – Best Point and Shoot Camera for Traveling and Sports

Sometimes you need a tougher camera. If you’re planning on using it for extreme sports, or just know you’ll be using it in rough environments then check out this next option.

We think the Olympus Tough TG-6 is the best point and shoot camera for traveling and sports because the housing is considerably more durable than most small digital cameras. So, if you plan on giving your camera a beating, pick this one.

It’s waterproof, dustproof, and that’s not all…

First off, the waterproof rating is 50 feet (15m). That’s pretty good and will cover most snorkeling without any issues. It’s also dustproof, shockproof and crushproof to 100kgf. It has an anti-fog feature and can withstand freezing temps down to 14°F (-10°C).

Image quality better than we expected…

The tough exterior houses a high-resolution F2.0 lens that provides 8x zoom. It has a back-illuminated CMOS Image Sensor for impressively good picture quality. In fact, for the price, and with the tough exterior it shoots better than we expected.

It has 4 macro shooting modes that allow you to shoot as close as 1cm from the end of the lens. There are also five underwater shooting modes which include three underwater white balance modes and an underwater microscope.

If you’re getting a camera this tough, you’ll want it along on every one of your adventures which really makes this one of the best digital cameras for traveling.

Oh, and there is also Full HD 4K 120fps high-speed video recording.


Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera

Our rating:5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Pros

  • F2.0 lens that provides an 8x zoom.
  • Full HD 4K 120fps high-speed video recording.
  • Back-illuminated CMOS Image Sensor.
  • Waterproof rating of 50 feet (15m).
  • Tougher than most point and shoot cameras by a long way.

Cons

  • The sensor is a bit small.
  • Not much of an upgrade over past versions.

7 Panasonic Lumix ZS200 4K Digital Camera – Best Point and Shoot Camera with Zoom

Jumping back up to a higher-end point and shoot option, let’s take a look at the ZS200 from Panasonic Lumix. This is the best zoom point and shoot camera in our view and it offers a top-quality image all round.

More than sufficient zoom range…

It may not have the biggest zoom range, but it’s more than you’ll usually need. The 20.1 megapixel 1 inch sensor is backed with a 15x LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens and the aperture runs F3.3-6.4 and zooms from 24-360mm. You also get Hybrid Optical Image Stabilization for bright, more colorful photos.

Impressive viewfinder…

Yes, this one has a high-resolution 2330K-dot live viewfinder. There is also a touch-enabled rear 3 inch LCD screen with a 1240K-dot display. This brings you top clarity in even the brightest of conditions.

There is also 4K QFHD video recording (3840 x 2160) and the 4K Post Focus feature we detailed above. Integrated filters and scene modes help keep creativity at your fingertips.


Panasonic Lumix ZS200 4K Digital Camera

Our rating:4 out of 5 stars (4 / 5)

Pros

  • Built-in WiFi.
  • 20.1 megapixel 1-inch sensor.
  • 15x LEICA DC VARIO-ELMAR lens.
  • 3 inch LCD screen.
  • 4K QFHD video recording.

Cons

  • Not the most user-friendly point and shoot camera.
  • Focus and zoom are known to be problematic at times.

8 Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera (Ice Blue) – Best Compact Camera for Kids

If you’re looking for something a bit different, maybe a bit more fun, check out the Instax Mini 9. Made by Fujifilm, this camera is by far the least expensive option on our list. That means you can’t expect to have all of the best features, but you can expect to enjoy the camera.

Available in a wide range of colors…

It’s also cute. We think this would make the best kids compact camera. It’s easy to use, and easy to keep using with two AA batteries and the pictures are shot in 62x46mm for the perfect image every time.

There is also a selfie mirror to help you get just the right shot. The viewfinder shows the real image, and there is target-spotting built into the camera. You also have access to a macro lens adapter for those tricky close-up shots.

A great option for weddings, anniversaries, and other parties…

These cameras are cheap enough to have a few floating around at an event for capturing great memories for later but, please note, this is a film camera. It prints directly, so it is not a digital camera.

We didn’t experience any issues, but some users have had problems with the film jamming. As these aren’t high-end, you can also expect the occasional bad pic.


Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 Instant Camera

Our rating:4.5 out of 5 stars (4.5 / 5)

Pros

  • Prints in 62x46mm film for fun souvenirs on the spot.
  • Easy to power with two AA batteries.
  • Built-in selfie mirror.
  • Very inexpensive compared to other options.

Cons

  • Film can jam at times.
  • Requires specific film rolls, which can be hard to find.

9 Fujifilm XF10 Digital Camera (Champagne Gold) *Renewed* – Best Cheap Point and Shoot Camera

Point and shoot cameras have been around for a long time. Long enough, in fact, that you no longer need to purchase a new one to get top-quality pictures. This entry is a renewed option from Fujifilm.

Not the newest but…

The XF10 digital camera might not be the newest, but it still takes a great picture. This camera sports a 24.2 megapixel with APS-C CMOS sensor. The rear display is 3 inches with 1040k-dot clarity. It’s a touchscreen and color LCD, so you can see what you are shooting and make adjustments easily.

Does well in low light…

It does pretty well for this style of camera. The camera offers ISO ranging from 200-12800. You can even shoot video in 4K 3840x2160p which makes it one of the best value point and shoot camera options available.


Fujifilm XF10 Digital Camera

Our rating:5 out of 5 stars (5 / 5)

Pros

  • 24.2 megapixel with APS-C CMOS sensor.
  • 3 inch touch screen LCD display.
  • Shoots 4K video.
  • Wide ISO range for low-light images.

Cons

  • It has a fixed wide-angle perspective that some users may not prefer.
  • The autofocus isn’t the best on the market.

10 Sony RX100 VI 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera – Best Point and Shoot Camera for Low Light

The final option on our list is also the most expensive option we reviewed. With the RX100 VI, Sony has packed so many features in, we can’t quite believe they could all fit into such a small frame!

Best low light point and shoot camera…

Inside this camera is a tightly organized 20.1 megapixel 1.0-type stacked Exmor RSâ„¢ CMOS sensor with DRAM chip, supporting a Zeiss 24-200mm zoom lens. There is also a pop-up OLED electronic viewfinder which makes it a great option all day long.

The Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens offers F2.8-F4.5 aperture. The camera also employs the world’s fastest hybrid AF system at 0.03 seconds for contrast and phase.

You get what you pay for, and this has it all…

There is also optical image stabilization, a tilting touchscreen, and Optical SteadShot. We really liked the BIONZ X processing algorithm which produces higher resolution and lower noise levels than cheaper processors.


Sony RX100 VI 20.1 MP Premium Compact Digital Camera

Our rating:3.8 out of 5 stars (3.8 / 5)

Pros

  • 0.03 second AF response.
  • 20.1 megapixel 1.0-type stacked Exmor RSâ„¢ CMOS sensor with DRAM chip.
  • ZEISS® Vario-Sonnar T* 24–200 mm2 F2.8–4.5 high-resolution zoom lens.
  • BIONZ Xâ„¢ image processing engine.

Cons

  • It’s relatively expensive.
  • Does not have a touch screen which many users would expect at this price point.

A Buying Guide for the Best Point and Shoot Camera for You

There is such a wide range of point and shoot camera options available on the market so before you make your purchase, let’s go through the major features you may or may not need…

Range of Features

If you need top quality images you’ll need to spend a bit more. However, most of us don’t need professional-grade, +20 megapixel images. We recommend saving some money and skipping the top-of-the-line models unless you have professional use in mind, in which case you perhaps shouldn’t be looking at a point and shoot camera, but…

Point and shoot cameras have come a long way in recent years…

These days you can even get pretty good use from a point and click camera in low light. We also looked at options that come with time-lapse video creation features, 4K video recording and a whole lot more.

Point and Shoot Camera

Zoom Capability

We know that sometimes it’s nice to be able to really zoom in. However, these times are usually quite rare. So, unless you’re planning to regularly need that super long zooming lens we’d recommend something more in the middle range.

You should note, with many of these big zoom lenses on point and shoot cameras the image quality will drop when zoomed that far in so it’s generally better to get closer and use just a touch of zoom. You’ll get better images that way.

Megapixels, Sensors, and Processing Power

Regardless of your budget, you will want the clearest image possible from your new camera. This means finding the right balance on price and features. The cost is also heavily related to the number of pixels, the size of the sensor and the internal processing power of any camera.

Top of the line processors will help you take better images, and they will do it faster and again, the range of options is pretty wide. But there is a point and shoot camera for everybody and it might not always be the same camera.

Therefore, consider your purpose and general use before deciding on feature must-haves.

Not Sold Yet?

If the options we’ve reviewed are not tickling your fancy and you’re thinking about possible alternative camera styles, do check out our Best Instant Cameras Reviews, the Best GoPro Camera Reviews, the Best Compact Cameras Reviews, and the Best Camera Drones Reviews.

Which Best Point and Shoot Camera are We Taking Home?

With so many point and shoot cameras to choose from it can become overwhelming at times. Hopefully, we have helped you to narrow down the options to one that best fits your style of photography.

If you still can’t make up your mind, don’t worry, we struggled too, but at the end of the day, we think the…

Olympus Tough TG-6 Waterproof Camera (Red)

…is the best point and shoot camera on our list.

It offers plenty of features, all within a housing that can take some real punishment, making it both versatile and trustworthy.

Happy shooting!

About Paul S. Brunet

Known as the "Tech Lover", Paul is an expert of current and trending technology. Here at TinyGrab, he makes "tech" easy to understand for the average person.

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