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10 Point-And-Shoot Cameras For Every Price Range
Point-and-shoot cameras vary a great deal in terms of price, sensor size, and available features. From pro-grade options with full-frame sensors, all the way to highly pocketable budget-friendly offerings, we round up the best picks available on the market today
Point-and-shoot cameras have taken a massive leap forward in terms of features and image quality. Because they don't have the adjustability of DSLRs with interchangeable lenses, it's important to pick a model that will best suit your needs and lifestyle. If you are looking to take photos while out socializing with friends or of your restaurant meals, consider a compact camera. If you like taking nature photos, on the other hand, perhaps you should consider a superzoom camera that's slightly larger, but considerably more versatile.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V
Best for Size, Image Quality, 4K Video
The Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V by Sony is one of the best compact cameras money can buy. The ultra fast camera fits in a jacket pocket, yet it can shoot 4K video and capture images whose quality rivals that of a pro-grade DSLR on more than one occasion, thanks to its 1-inch sensor. The best compact option by quite a margin, the DSC-RX100 V is beautifully crafted and easy to use. A pricey but amazing piece of photography gear.
Nikon COOLPIX A900
£329 Buy here
Best for Zoom, 4K Video, Wireless Connectivity
The Nikon COOLPIX A900 has a 1/2.3-inch 20MP CMOS sensor, superb 35x zoom range, adjustable display, and rich set of external controls. Wi-Fi, NFC, Bluetooth, and GPS connectivity are also available, as is the ability capture 4K video footage. This is a great option for daylight nature photographers or buyers looking for a compact superzoom.
Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100
£543 Buy here
Best for Large Sensor, Image Quality, 4K Video, Manual Controls
The Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100 packs the largest sensor of any point-and-shoot camera in its price range. Its massive 4/3-inch sensor is complemented by an equally impressive, highly versatile lens, whose aperture ranges between f/1.7 and f/2.8. Abundant connectivity features, 4K video capture, and a handy set of manual controls are also on board the DMC-LX100. There are two colors to choose from.
Olympus Stylus TOUGH TG-4
£329 Buy here
Best for a Rugged, Waterproof Body
The Olympus Stylus TOUGH TG-4 is perfect for adventurers because of its waterproof (up to 50 feet), freezeproof, shockproof, dustproof, and crushproof construction. Its 16MP 1/2.3-inch sensor can capture 16MP stills in RAW format and 1080p video. The rest of the camera's features include a microscope mode for ultra close-up shooting, Wi-Fi, GPS, and built-in eCompass.
Canon PowerShot G5 X
£613 Buy here
Best for Manual Controls, Versatile Lens
The PowerShot G5 X is Canon's rival to the DSC-RX100 IV by Sony. It features an image sensor of the same size, and an superb set of manual controls, which are bound to appeal to photography enthusiasts. A bright lens with excellent zoom range, Wi-Fi connectivity, and an electronic viewfinder round up the key highlights of this compact camera. If you are not hell-bent on shooting 4K video (the PowerShot G5 X can't), this is a solid point-and-shoot camera whose versatility is among the best in its class.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30
£94 Buy here
Best for Rugged Body, Pricing
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30 is tough, compact, and quite affordable. It has a 16MP 1/2.3-inch CCD sensor with optical image stabilization, as well as built-in memory and a 25-100mm zoom range. The DMC-TS30 can be dipped in up to 26 feet of water and even capture images while at it. A perfect toy for pool parties and beach duty.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II
£2,500 Buy here
Best for Pro-Grade Image Quality, Compact Size
Sony's Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II is technically a point-and-shoot camera, as it doesn't work with interchangeable lenses. That said, with a 42MP full-frame sensor, Zeiss Sonnar lens, manual controls, and the ability to capture RAW images with ISO of up to 102,400, the DSC-RX1R II is powerful photography tool that's capable of delivering pro-grade photos without breaking a sweat. This is a great option for pro photographers looking for a compact camera to add to their collection, or for well-heeled students of the craft.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300
£466 Buy here
Best for Zoom Range, Pricing, 4K Video
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 is a premium superzoom camera, whose 12.1 MP 1/2.3-inch sensor can also capture 4K video. A superb 25- to 600-millimeter zoom range, optical image stabilization, manual controls, and adjustable display make this a great option for nature photographers.
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
£349 Buy here
Best for Design, Compact Size, Image Quality
Inside the stylish and compact body of the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II lies a capable 1-inch 20MP sensor. Excellent image quality, a rich array of connectivity settings, and intuitive controls make the G9 X Mark II an excellent choice for casual users looking for a pocketable camera that packs a punch. There are two color options to choose from.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III
£1,399 Buy here
Best for Zoom Range, Image Quality, 4K Video
The third generation of Sony's premium superzoom camera (24- to 600-millimeter range in a 35-millimeter equivalent) brings 4K video recording, super slow-motion video capture, and ultra fast autofocus. The quality of the 20MP images captured by the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III is excellent thanks to its Zeiss lens and advanced 1-inch sensor. Convenient manual controls and smartphone connectivity make the RX10 III a great premium all-arounder.
In case you don't feel like splurging, consider the older RX10 models. The first generation is available for less than half of the price of the latest iteration.
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