Best Point and Shoot Cameras (2019) – Find a Compact Camera today

Maybe you’re a seasoned pro who is looking for a portable, light camera to lug around (those heavy DSLR’s take a number on your arms, don’t they?) or maybe you’re just getting into photography and looking for an easy, compact camera to get those once in a lifetime shots of your family and friends. No matter your use, I’m here to help you along your journey of finding the best point and shoot cameras 2019 has to offer!

I know there’s those of you who are busy, in a hurry and just want me to get straight to the point on what camera I think you should check out for this year. If that’s you, then here ya’ go:
I recommend the Panasonic LUMIX DMC ZS60 for 2019 and you can still get it right here on Amazon

picture of a point and shoot camera laying on a yellow brackground

Do You Want Only The Best Point-and-Shoot Digital Cameras Out Today? Good!

Sit back, grab your favorite drink and let’s dive into our list of the top 8 compact cameras you gotta’ check out before you pull the trigger and purchase any camera this year! Trust me, you’ll be glad you did.

So whatcha’ waiting for? Scroll down below and let’s get into our top 8 favorite point-and-shoots…

NameMPVideoLCD Size 
Nikon Coolpix S7000

161080p3"
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60
(Our Favorite)
184k3"
Olympus Tough TG-4

161080p3"
Sony DSC-RX100M III Cyber-shot

211080p3"
Canon Powershot ELPH 160

20720p2.7"
Nikon Coolpix S33

131080p2.7"
Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II

201080P3"
Sony DSCW830
(Our Favorite)
20720p2.7"
Canon PowerShot SX720 HS

201080p3"
Nikon Coolpix L340

20720p3"

Why did you not include mirrorless cameras like the Sony Alpha A6000 and Canon EOS M3?

While we’d love to throw a batch of mirrorless cameras into the mix of our top compact cameras, they are (usually) more expensive as opposed to traditional cameras and cater to a more advanced photographer who can better take advantage of and use their full capabilities for the amount of money they cost.

Nikon Coolpix S7000 – Best Compact Camera for Beginners

Nikon’s Coolpix line has been around for ages and there’s good reason: The Nikon Coolpix S7000 is a great, all-around camera for any individual who wants to have the luxury of a point and shoot which is compact, but powerful. It’s packin’ 16 megapixels which is more than enough to print your photos at decent sizes and hang them around your home. At only 5 ounces in weight, it’ll be incredibly light so you can take it around on all your adventures with friends, those fun vacations with family and crazy nights out.

Zoom and Image Stabilization God

The Nikon S7000 has been equipped with an amazing 4x zoom and unrivaled image stabilization: Imagine sitting outside on a beautiful, clear summer night and being able to capture that full, bright moon in vivid detail with craters in sight. Trust us when we say that your family and friends will be in awe and ask you how you managed to capture such an amazing image!

Snappy Focusing Speed

Remember the days of slow, clumsy cameras that could hardly capture your kids playing sports or any other activity that required a lot of movement? Those days are long gone and the Nikon S7000 improves upon that by having quick, efficient focusing speed for you to capture all those quick moving movements in a flash. That’s right, don’t hesitate to whip it out and get a shot of that bird flying overhead or your significant other doing something crazy like jumping on one leg and trying to rub their head at the same time (don’t act like you don’t know what I am talking about!)

Photograph, Upload, Share

Nowadays a lot of people forget to take a compact camera’s ability to upload files quickly and share them with friends and family. Well, with Nikon’s SnapBridge App, you’ll be able to shoot, upload and share with ease. The app is dead simple to use and makes it easy for you to view images you love and share them with all your social media friends!

One issue seen when reviewing this point-and-shoot was the layout and placement of the menus and buttons. For some, we feel this could be hard to learn and a little bit difficult to navigate. If you’re already tech-savvy then this may be a non-issue, but for those who struggle with remembering where things are it could take some getting used to.

Our Thoughts

Overall, the Nikon Coolpix S7000 is a great camera for someone who is looking at a camera that can do everything and do it well. We’d love to rate it one of the top point and shoot digital cameras for under 200 ($), but it comes in over that price point. While the navigation may be a little difficult to learn at first, we believe it’s still a solid choice and a camera you should definitely consider.
The Good
  • Light, slim and portable for vacations and outings
  • Great zoom and killer image stabilization
  • Good 16 Megapixel range for printing your favorite moments
The Bad
  • Camera’s user interface and navigation feels hard to use

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 – The Ultimate Point and Shoot Camera for 2019

Hold your breath because we’re about to show you why the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS60 should be considered if you’ve got a medium ranged budget and want a killer camera. Though Panasonic Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60 Best Compact Camera for Videomight not be first that comes to mind when thinking about compact cameras, they’ve been in the game a long time and are a force to be reckoned with. The DMC-ZS60 sports a sleek design and a saucy 18 megapixels. With 4K video and Panasonic’s exclusive Lumix 4K Photo, we’d call you out of your mind if you thought that this camera was lacking on the technical details. It’s also rockin’ a 24-720mm (that’s a 30x ZOOM!) lens for you to capture ridiculously close images from long distances.

Testing shows that this camera has a great interface and easy to use controls, but doesn’t skimp on having more advanced features that amateur and pro photographers will enjoy.

We also consider it a great camera for travel and hiking because of its amazing zoom lens and fast shutter speed for catching things with quick movement. (We like to say it’s as fast as a cheetah and maybe if you’re out on a Safari you could actually snap a shot of one!)

Other Features

The camera has a CMOS sensor and comes in at a little over 1/2lb. Still lightweight and easy to maneuver, this little gem will fit perfectly in your bag without you even noticing.
Not only are you going to be shooting jaw dropping photos with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS60, but you have the capability of getting gorgeous 4K video! No longer are your hikes confined to just getting beautiful photos, but now you can bring your friends and family along for the experience with video detail that will blow them away. Pretty nifty stuff in such a small package, eh?

Flawless Design

The camera has a standard design and comes in black or silver (although both models are primarily black). It’s easy to hold in your hand and feels rugged enough to take with you on anything you can think up to do in your mind.

Crystal Clear Display

It has a standard 3” display, but the quality is noticeable and colors are true so that you are capturing exactly what you see.

Unfortunately, the one major issue we could see with this camera were that you can’t automatically focus the camera while zooming in. This could literally be the difference between getting the shot and not!

Final Thoughts

We’d recommend this camera for the more experienced photographer as it has quite a few features that may be overkill for the everyday consumer looking to get quick snapshots here and there. The camera looks good, packs some very high-end features and is at a relatively good price for what it has to offer. If it fits your budget and has everything you’re looking for, pull the trigger today because you’ll be glad you did!
The Good
  • Great price for the amount of features
  • Quick autofocus and shutter speed
  • Epic 4K video and a 30X zoom can get you shots of most anything
The Bad
  • Autofocus doesn’t work while zooming in
  • Overkill for the average point and shoot user

Olympus Tough TG-4 – Rugged Compact Camera for Extreme Sports

You’re in a kayak traveling down those intense rapids and you want a camera to withstand the water, abuse and wear and tear. What ya’ gonna turn to? The Olympus Tough TG-4! If you’re into Olympus Tough TG-4 Best Reviewextreme sports or any other types of crazy adventures where normal, smaller cameras (without rugged protection) would take a literal beating, then this is your baby. With a rugged, but polished looking design this Olympus camera fits in with the most extreme weather conditions but is still suitable for taking it out around that new, exotic location you may be exploring.

Quick F2.0 Lens Speed

You’re going to be able to catch all the action with the fast F2.0 lens that the Tough TG-4 is equipped with. Struggling to get some decent light for those early mornings or near dusk expeditions? No problem as having an aperture of F2.0 will provide you with optimal light entering the camera for even the toughest lighting situations.

Top Camera Modes

While most cameras have your boring, everyday basic shooting modes, the Olympus Tough TG-4 flips the script by giving you powerful macro capability and an epic HDR Underwater Mode. With this, you’ll be able to capture those hard to get images on your favorite snorkeling or scuba diving excursions.

We found that Olympus also offered a live composite mode which was unique. This technology combines images (similar to the Underwater HDR mode) to give you perfectly balanced and lighted images. With these options, the scenes you capture are going to look dramatic and almost movie like.

Special Features

The Olympus Tough TG-4 is already a backpacker’s and extreme outdoor enthusiast’s wet dream, but it also packs some special features like a compass and GPS for you to rely on in those remote and excluded locations. Save some space in your travel bag as now your camera will be able to double as a robust GPS with landmark recognition technology and a compass that can measure things like water depth, altitude, and barometric pressure.

Rugged and Tough Camera Body

We’ve been saying all along – this is the camera to get if you want to take a camera anywhere and not have to worry about it being demolished. Feel confident knowing that this camera has a crush proof rating of 2200 lbs as well as being shock, dust, and freeze-proof!

WiFi Capability

In today’s compact camera world, no point and shoot would be complete without WiFi capability and the Olympus TG-4 is no exception. We found that it allows you to quickly and capture and upload photos with their OI.Share App. You can also share images instantly with the press of a button after connecting them with a QR code – a pretty neat feature which makes sharing images even easier!

A major issue we’ve seen over and over with this camera is that the lens and LCD screen like to fog up. Of course, this will depend on the humidity in the location you are trying to capture, but we feel that most individuals investing in this compact camera will expect to not have to deal with such an annoying problem.

Final Thoughts

The Olympus Tough TG-4 is a solid compact camera for the individual who wants to take their gear to the limits. Expect high-quality photography, the ability to capture amazing underwater photographs and great additional features like the GPS and compass. While the lens and LCD may fog up on you from time to time, there are many remedies to that situation like using desiccant packets. If you want only the best, near hulk like waterproof camera, then this should be at the top of your list!
The Good
  • Practically indestructible
  • Great HDR features for both underwater and land photography
  • Simple to use and great image quality
The Bad
  • In high humidity locations the lens and LCD may fog up on you
  • No out of the box lens protection

Sony DSC-RX100M III Cyber-shot – Best Advanced Point and Shoot Digital Camera

The time has come to talk about undoubtedly one of the best compact cameras currently on the market. With its’ slick style and internal specs that’ll make your jaw drop, the Sony DSC-RX100M Review of Sony DSC-RX100M III Cyber-shotIII is on our list for being a compact camera for all the advanced photographers out there. At almost $700, it’s in the upper range of compact cameras, but for good reason:

Megapixel Killer

Everything these days is about bigger and better. This Sony packs a 20.1 1” CMOS sensor. So, what exactly does that mean? For starters, you’re going to be able to print every photo you take at almost any size you need with extreme clarity and depth. If you’ve always wanted that big canvas hanging over the bed in your room, this baby will be able to capture a high enough resolution to do it for you. Second, you’re going to have even more room for cropping out that “not so perfect” framed shot.

Perfect Lens Range

While having a 24-200mm zoom range on a point and shoot camera might sound nice, it’s hardly practical and is intended for those users who want a “do it all” type of camera. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III sports a practical, Zeiss Vario-Sonnar 24-70mm ranged lens that has a variable aperture rating of F1.8-2.8. This means you are going to be able to capture those beautiful, portrait style photographs with those creamy, bokeh backgrounds that everybody is trying to achieve. Wide angle (24mm) gives you enough room to achieve group shots or selfies while having a zoom range of 70mm will be great for those times you need a little zoom to capture subjects farther away. Trust us when we say that this lens will blow away your expectations and you’ll find that it is the perfect range for getting any type of portrait or landscape shot you’ll need to capture.

LCD Display of Legends

With a big, bright 3” LCD display sitting on the back of the Sony DSC-RX100 III, you’re going to be able to review every picture with quickly and make adjustments on the go. While we’re talking about the display, everybody knows we are currently in the era of selfies and Sony thought of a great addition: the 3” LCD display can pivot and rotate at various angles so you’re able to get all the selfie shots you desire. Worried about shooting out in full sun because of not being able to see the screen? No worries there either as the DSC-RX100 III incorporates a WhiteMagic technology that helps reduce glare and increases the screen brightness during those bright, full sun days.

Smooth and Creamy Video

No, we’re not talking about Skippy’s peanut butter. The video on this camera is absolutely amazing. With the aperture range it boasts and its’ low light capability, the video has never been more immersive or looked so good in so many different lighting situations. This advanced point-and-shoot can record up to 1080p at 60fps. While we would have liked to see it be able to shoot at 2k or even 4k, the provided variable aperture lens of 24-70mm makes up for the lack of video resolution since you’ll be able to grab more diverse types of video.

We noticed the battery life on this compact camera to not meet our standards. While not a huge con, this does slightly bring the camera down as we’d like to see something that is just as powerful, but with a little bit better battery life.

Our Final Thoughts

Overall, the Sony DSC-RX100M III is a solid camera, but directly catered for the individual who is looking for only advanced point n’ shoot. With that said, we still think it would be a great camera for someone who is getting into photography and knows that they are going to be learning more and advancing rather quickly. This compact camera will allow you to grow into it, but at a $700 price point, it may be better check out a mirrorless camera or go with an entry-level DSLR.
The Good
  • Amazing lens with a perfect zoom and aperture range
  • Enough megapixels to get larger sized prints
  • Beautiful 3” LCD screen with rotating features
The Bad
  • Short battery life
  • Not for the average camera user

Canon Powershot ELPH 160 – Budget Point and Shoot under $200

If you’re looking for the perfect point-and-shoot under 200 ($), then the Canon Powershot ELPH 160 is for you! While it may seem basic compared to some of our other compact cameras Canon Powershot ELPH 160 Reviewed Best Compact Camera Under $200reviewed on here, it packs a punch for the user who wants something quick and easy to get the shot of anything and everything. No complex controls, settings or hard to understand terms here.

Keep reading to find out why we know this camera will be a perfect fit for you:

Easy Peezy Lemon Squeezy

Did we already mention how easy this camera to use? No fumbling around trying to find what you need; no having to learn complex terms or looking at settings you have no clue about. Spend less time learning and more time doing what you want to do – shooting! Out of all the cameras available, this one has to be the simplest, most down to earth and straightforward to use. It’s also slim, light and easy to handle, which will make you feel confident using every time you bring it out. Trust us when we say that family and friends will thank you for being able to capture the moments quickly and effortlessly without having to “think” about what to do.

Video That Won’t Overwhelm You

We all love capturing those special moments with video, but some cameras pack such a high-resolution video that it’s a pain and struggle to deal with once you’ve uploaded it onto your computer. Not the Canon PowerShot ELPH 160. Ya’ see, with a video HD range of up to 720p, this leaves you with the perfect balance of quality video, but without the massive file sizes and storage that goes along with it. After all, who wants to spend time having to figure out how to store all that video? Rest assured that the actual process of shooting video is simple with an easy click of the on-camera movie button. Give yourself a break and make video easy!

Best Auto Mode We’ve Seen

The PowerShot ELPH 160 sports a function called Smart AUTO: this chooses the best scene and settings for the current situation you’re shooting in making it a breeze to capture images in almost any setting. If you’d like to manually select a shooting mode you have 17 different options to choose from such as Portrait, Toy Camera Effect, Poster Effect, Snow, Fireworks and Super Vivid. Out of all the cameras, we have reviewed in this price range, the ELPH 160 provides some of the most diverse and best shooting modes available. As well, the Smart AUTO focus mode was one of the best we have seen in its’ category.

It Keeps On Goin’

Tired of messing with compact cameras that have horrible battery life and leave you running to the charger more than anything else? Not anymore. The PowerShot ELPH 160 sports an ECO mode which optimizes the camera’s power management and the LCD display which allows you to get more photos per charge. Pretty cool, eh? What’s even cooler is that they have added this feature on the camera with a dedicated button, so all you need to do is press it for activation and continue on with your adventures!

While we still believe this is one of the better cameras under 500 dollars, the one thing we wished it included was image stabilization. Zoomed into the camera’s max range makes it difficult to keep steady and get a clear shot unless you are resting your hands on some type of support.

Final Thoughts

Overall, this camera is the best bang for the buck. With a price tag under $200, you can’t go wrong. It’s stylish, yet portable, light and slim to fit into any person’s pant’s pocket or jacket. The 720p video mode makes capturing and editing video effortless all while keeping a good quality range. If you want a simple and easy camera to use without the hassles of having to learn something new every time you pick it up, then the Canon PowerShot ELPH 160 is for you!
The Good
  • Super easy to use and understand
  • Great 720p video without taking up too much storage space
  • Awesome battery life, especially with the extended ECO Mode
The Bad
  • No image stabilization
  • No memory card included

Nikon Coolpix S33 – #1 Waterproof Compact Camera

So you’re looking for a camera, but not just any compact camera – it needs to be easy to use, light and most of all – waterproof! Well, there’s a lot to choose from in the waterproof category, but we’d Nikon Coolpix S33 Product Reviewhave to say the Nikon Coolpix S33 takes the cake. Waterproof up to 32 feet and packing a 13.2MP CMOS sensor, you can’t go wrong with this beauty. While it doesn’t get any style points from us, that’s not the focus. After all, you’re looking for an affordable waterproof camera that can take great images in unique locations. Keep reading and find out why we’ve rated the Coolpix S33 our top choice:

Larger than Life

We’ve noticed that a lot of underwater cameras are very good, but one thing they always get wrong is the buttons and menus. Ya’ see, being under the water and having to navigate a camera isn’t always the easiest thing, so when a manufacturer like Nikon includes big, oversized buttons and smooth menus it makes our job of changing settings and getting those underwater shots so much easier, am I right? The buttons on the Nikon Coolpix S33 are dead simple to use and provide you with enough room and space that using them in the water are easy as pie. No more messing around trying to get that perfect setting or even snapping a photo while that exotic, rare fish swims away.

Fun, Underwater Video

We all know taking photos underwater is fun, but what’s even better? Video! That’s right, bust out this compact camera underwater and enjoy capturing video in 1080p. Also, the camera is equipped with stereo sound that makes your videos not only look amazing, but sounds come to life. Whether you’re snorkeling off a beach in Maui or have friends and family over in the pool for a relaxing BBQ, you know your Coolpix S33 will do the job and document it well with video!

Zoomtastic!

With a 3x Nikkor wide-angle zoom lens, it’s great for capturing anything and everything under the water. While we loved the zoom, we did notice that zooming in too far would degrade quality, so that’s something to be cautious of. Either way, having a 3x zoom is more than sufficient for underwater photography, especially when objects you may be photography are usually not too far away.

As Light As…

One significant advantage this underwater camera has as opposed to a few others that are in the market is that it is very light! Coming in at only 5.7 ounces there are times you are going to forget this camera is even on your wrist. As light as it is, the casing and feel of the camera are still sturdy enough and it doesn’t give off the vibe that it is a cheap, throw-away camera.

One problem we found with the camera is the major shutter delay at times. Depending on the lighting situations and where you are shooting, this can become quite annoying when you are trying to capture a photo of something moving quite fast. (such as a fish)

Final Thoughts

To sum it up, the Nikon Coolpix S33 is our favorite, affordable underwater camera. It’s low price point and numerous features make it a must buy for anyone who is looking for a family oriented, underwater point-and-shoot. Even though the shutter delay brings the camera down a few points, the everyday user will not be shooting in too many situations where it will be noticeable. If you’re on the hunt for the best underwater compact camera for the whole family, then this needs to be your next buy!
The Good
  • Large buttons and menus make it easy to navigate and take photos
  • 13MP which is a great range for capturing objects underwater at a relatively close range
  • Great for the whole family
  • Light and easy to handle
The Bad
  • Occasional shutter delay in certain lighting conditions
  • Viewer glass can scratch easily if not taken care of

Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II – Best Vlogging Camera for YouTube & More!

Are you sitting out there wondering what the best camera for vlogging is and what makes it so great? Well, you’re in luck: the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II image for our buyer's guide reviewII is, hands down, one of our favorite vlog cameras when you’re in need of high-quality video of yourself and need a camera that’s gonna’ WOW! all your viewers on YouTube! From the HD video to the camera’s almost God-like ability to pivot its’ touch panel LCD, you’ll be hard pressed to find a better slice of camera heaven to hold in your hands. Are you curious as to why? No worries, we’re about to get to that:

The Gymnast of LCD Screens

You’ve seen those gymnasts fly, jump and twist their bodies around in ways you never thought possible, right? Well, the PowerShot G7 X Mark II is kinda’ like that with its amazing, vibrant and big 3″, 920k pixel LCD screen. That’s right folks, you’re gonna be locked n’ loaded with this bad boy as it faces you to record all your videos for the interwebs. From being able to tilt upwards 180 degrees for that lovely selfie viewing, or downward for getting those high up shots you need to get from above, this screen can do it all.

Low Light Ain’t No Thing

We know how important it is for you to find the best vlog camera out there because we are YouTube vloggers ourselves, but we also know that moments happen that you want to capture, even in the lowest of light. Canon almost instinctively made the G7 X Mark II specifically for you vloggers out thereby including a crisp, low-light killer of a lens with an aperture range of f1.8-2.8 to capture images even in the lowest of light. Like a night vision scope in the darkness, you’re going to be able to grab some beautiful video and photos with little available light. They’ve also included their Intelligent IS tech so that you’re going to be able to focus on nailing your shots all while the camera does its’ thing making sure that shake correction is applied for your individual shooting environment. This is going to be a godsend in those tricky situations when you need to video and want to capture the moment, but don’t have quite enough light to do it with a lot of the other compact cameras out on the market. Worry no more – the G7 Mark II has got your back!

High Video Quality All Your Viewers Can Enjoy

All the rage is being able to shoot video in 4K, but the reality is that most of your viewers don’t even have the internet capability to stream a video on YouTube in 4k resolution, so what’s the point? Talk about wasted memory card and hard drive space. The PowerShot G7 Mark II comes equipped with full 1080p HD video recording capability, which means you are still going to be able to enjoy recording high-quality video, but at much more realistic viewing sizes to save you space on and off your computer. Did we also mention that all video from the camera is shot in MP4 format? You’re going to be able to quickly have a video that is already compressed and in the right format for YouTube which makes transferring and sharing as simple as click, click boom!

Sharing is Caring

This couldn’t be considered the best vlogging camera without being Wi-Fi capable, am I right? The built-in Wi-Fi tech makes sharing your photos and, more importantly, videos as easy as having your cake and eating it too! Using Canon’s iMAGE Gateway you’re going to be able to share with all your social networks such as Flickr, YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook. Imagine being able to shoot a quick, candid vlog video and then upload it straight away to YouTube all within a few minutes. This is the type of capability and ease of use which makes the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II a beast in the sharing department.

As amazing as this camera is, there are always a few things that leave us desiring more and we want to always share them with you. First, the battery life wasn’t amazing. While it lasted for what we needed, it didn’t seem like it was going to be able to handle a full-time, vlogging pro’s schedule without at least buying another battery or charging the original one back up. Second, we noticed that the autofocus capability sometimes had some trouble focusing on and capturing exactly what we needed. Re-framing shots may be necessary and it can sometimes be a frustrating con to deal with when you are trying to get that ideal video.

Our Final Wrap Up

If you’re truly looking for the best camera for YouTube vlogging, then you don’t need to read any other review or look at any other camera – TRUST US. This baby will hands down blow you away and leave you feeling satisfied and happy with your purchase. While there are a few cons to the camera (see above), the capabilities and benefits outweigh any tiny annoyances we may have had. We won’t kid ya – there’s a lot of cameras for vlogging out there, but nothing quite turns us on like the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II. Give it a whirl and see if it turns ya’ on, too! (wink)
The Good
  • LCD screen is viewable from almost any angle imaginable (must have for vlogging, yo!)
  • Solid 1080P video that’s just the right size for all your viewers to enjoy your vlogs
  • Sharing features that’ll make your workflow and getting videos up on social media channels a breeze
The Bad
  • The battery life left us disappointed and wanting more
  • Sometimes hard to autofocus in select situations

Sony DSCW830 – Entry-Level Point n’ Shoot for The Everyday Picture Taker

If you’re looking for a great all-around camera that can be used in a variety of different situations, then you owe it to yourself to take a look at the Sony DSCW830. This beautiful, compact Sony Buyer's Guide for Sony DSCW830camera has won our award for being one of the favorites when it comes to small, portable budget-friendly cameras in the market. With a higher end range of 20 megapixels and a convenient 8x zoom, you can’t go wrong with picking this up right away. Are you curious why we’ve rated this compact camera so highly? We thought so! Keep reading and find out:

Ready, Steady, Go!

While we loved the Canon Powershot ELPH 160, it was missing one important factor: that’s right – image stabilization! With this Sony DSCW830 you aren’t going to have to worry about unstable images because it comes with a powerful zoom and image stabilization to help grab you those up close and personal shots. We believe image stabilization is one of the most important additions on a point and shoot under the 200 dollar price range. It allows the camera to be versatile and helps you adapt as a photographer to a lot of different situations such as capturing clean, still images at sporting events or getting candid images of your kids playing at the park!

A Video Feature To Die For

The camera comes with a standard 720p MP4 HD video mode which is perfect for a camera at this price point, but there’s an included feature that makes this camera extra worthy of our “Best Compact Camera” under $200. Sony has included their Optical SteadyShot image Stabilization so you no longer have to worry about having a video that shakes you to death when viewing it. That’s right, feel free to walk (or even run) and Sony’s 2-way Active Mode will auto-correct the video for both horizontal and vertical motion. If you ask us, this feature alone is one of our favorites and a must have for any point-and-shoot you are looking at under the $200 price range.

Pano What?

That’s right…panorama! The DSCW830 includes an up to 360-degree Panorama mode which we found great for capturing images of your total surrounding and achieving a very immersive feel! While this mode isn’t something you’re going to be using all the time, it achieves beautiful panorama images to share with your family and friends. Press the shutter button and sweep around yourself as the camera takes total control and captures images at high speed. It then stitches the photos together automatically leaving you with a super wide angle view that anyone viewing your pictures will be amazed by.

Crystal Clear Screen

Another feature that stood out to us was the fact that the Sony DSCW830 has a 2.7” (230k dots) LCD screen for viewing and reviewing your photos. This means that you aren’t going to miss an important shot because of a low-quality display. You’ll have natural and vibrant colors to review, frame your shots and navigate the menus with ease.

The only downside to this is that the camera body is made of plastic. While we understand that a point-n-shoot camera under 200 dollars isn’t going to have a super high-quality outer body, we would have liked to see a different, more sturdy material used

Final Thoughts

If you’re even thinking about getting this camera then stop thinking and just get it! You can’t go wrong with this Sony DSCW830 and the included features make it a no-brainer. We only pray that Sony never discontinues this camera because it is a great option for so many different types of uses!
The Good
  • Awesome Panoramic Mode that captures very unique photos
  • Sony’s image stabilization makes video super smooth, even when moving
The Bad
  • Camera body is made of plastic

Canon PowerShot SX720 HS – A Point-and-Shoot for The Traveling Nomad

If you’re on the hunt for a higher quality camera, but still want to keep it under a $400 budget, then the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is right up your alley. With a 20.3 megapixel Canon PowerShot SX720 HS Buyer's Guidesensor and the ability to shoot video in 1080p and at 60fps, you couldn’t find a better deal even if you tried. The amount of features this Canon packs into its’ small build will leave you wondering what else they could possibly include that you don’t already have. Ready to find out more? Let’s go:

A Truly, “Do Everything” Kinda’ Lens

Yes, the Canon PowerShot SX720 packs quite the lens: imagine having the capability to shoot from a range of 24-960mm and everything in between. Well, imagine no more! Those specs are not a typo, and yes, they’re every bit of as amazing as they sound. We guarantee you will be blown away when capturing close up images using Canon’s Macro (Hybrid) IS mode. The vivid, life-like detail that this lens produces with close up objects is absolutely incredible. Also having the functionality to zoom in 40x puts you on another level compared to most other point n’ shoots. The lens on the PowerShot SX720 is nothing short of a masterpiece and you’ll find yourself being able to shoot in almost any situation with confidence. Out of all the features, this camera offers, the lens capabilities and specs are our absolute favorite. We’ve found that it is so good it almost rivals camera’s lenses twice its’ price point!

Remote Shooting and Viewing Capabilities

The remote shooting on the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS is a kick-ass feature that any amateur to the advanced photographer can appreciate. You’ll find and think up so many uses for this feature that it almost, in our opinion, single handily justifies the cost of the camera. Are you interested in getting off camera, third-person footage of you and some friends on your crazy adventures? No problem. With Canon’s Camera Connect App your device will show a live image allowing you to quickly and easily frame your shots for that perfect image or video footage. The other great addition to this application is the built-in wifi technology that makes sharing fast and easy. You can remotely transfer files and video directly to your devices without the need of a computer which makes sharing your best moments that much easier. Gone are the days of having to wait until you get home to share everything with the world. Now, in a matter of minutes, you can bring anyone and everyone along with you. At a $300+ price point for the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS, these live features are great additions and worth the extra cost.

Built Like a Beast

There’s no doubt about it – for the price, the PowerShot SX720 HS is built like a beast. It has a finger grip on the front of the camera to ensure that you get a steady hold. The large 3” LCD feels solid and is fairly resistant to scratches. The dials and placements of the settings are functional and make sense and the buttons feel firm and not flimsy like a lot of the other compact camera manufacturers these days. Overall, the camera has a very sleek design that we found attractive, yet subtle. You aren’t going to be standing out when you pull this out on your next trip, which is a good thing.

The only bad thing we could come up with for the Canon PowerShot SX720 HS was that it did not include a panoramic mode. We know this is a very subjective con, but find that we use that mode quite a bit when using cameras these days.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a camera that can kinda’ do it all, then take a look picking this up. It’s a solid point and shoot for anybody who takes images in a lot of different situations! 
The Good
  • Best zoom available on any camera in its’ price range
  • Solid feeling in your hands and it looks sexy
  • Amazing wireless shooting capabilities for getting that perfectly framed image or video
The Bad
  • No panoramic mode

Nikon Coolpix L340 – This Small Camera is A Low Light Killer!

If you’re looking for one of the top Nikon point and shoots, then this has to be the one. With a 28x zoom, dynamic ISO range which is great for low-light photography, and a 20megapixel photo of the nikon coolpix l340 for our reviewsensor, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better-rated camera for the price. Go on, you owe it to yourself to keep reading and find out if you’ve met your match:

Zoom, Zoom, Zoom!

We’d be kidding ourselves if we said that zoom wasn’t one of the most important features on point and shoots, am I right? The Coolpix L340 rocks a 28x zoom, which means you’re gonna’ be able to get closer than ever to the action. Not only did Nikon think to include a great max range for zoom on this highly rated camera, but they also slapped their VR (read about vibration reduction) feature on the lens. So, what does this mean for you? Well, you’re going to be able to zoom at the lenses max range and not have to worry about sorting through hundreds of photos that came out blurry because of those shaky hands of yours (don’t worry, we all get them!) You’re really going to enjoy getting those crisp, clean close-ups with less struggle and more ease!

A True Low-Light Performer

Whether you’re an avid photographer or a newbie just getting into the game, everyone, at some point, will learn how important it is for a camera to be able to shoot in a variety of situations. Let’s be real, special moments and those candid shots don’t always happen during the middle of the day or in perfectly lit rooms. There’s gonna’ be times when you need to be able to quickly capture a once in a lifetime moment while under the cover of a dark room or fleeting light. The Nikon L340 is going to save you with its dynamic range of shooting at ISO 80 and being able to bump it up all the way to 400. While you’re still not going to get the capability of a camera two or three times its’ price, you’ll find it’ll be more than enough for the casual user that needs it.

20-Megapixel Machine

That’s right, the Nikon Coolpix L340 packs a perfect 20-megapixel sensor that’s going to give you sharp, vivid images for all your photography and video needs. Some may be sitting out there thinking, “Isn’t 20 megapixels overkill?” Of course not! Now’a’days, with most compact cameras being in the 14+ megapixel range, it makes perfect sense to equip the Coolpix L340 with more than enough resolution in the photos for all your crop and printing needs.

The only downside to the Nikon Coolpix L340 was the lack of 1080p video included. While it is still 720p, we felt that with all standard phones and cameras in today’s world coming 1080p equipped, Nikon should have done the same. While this is a complaint, the 720p video will still serve you quite well and the quality is enough for any consumer who needs something that can shoot video, but it isn’t necessary to have the higher resolutions.

Our Final Say

If you’re a casual user and you want one of the best compact cameras Nikon makes for low light photography, then here is your answer. The 28x zoom included was a perfect range and being able to have 20 megapixels to play with definitely doesn’t hurt. What are ya’ waiting for? Pick it up today and you’ll wonder why it took you so long to “push click” in the first place!
The Good
  • 28x zoom to get almost ANYTHING and EVERYTHING
  • Low-light killer
  • 20 Megapixels that’ll leave your images printed and looking stunning
The Bad
  • Only having 720p video left us a little sad

The Buyer’s Guide to Compact Cameras

We know how much work it takes to research, analyze and make a buying decision when deciding on the best point and shoots all of 2019 has to offer. In this buying guide, we want to show you the key areas you need to focus on so you can effectively choose the perfect camera that fits your budget and shooting needs.

3 Questions To Ask Yourself Before Buying Any Camera

What Am I Using This Camera For?
It may seem basic, but when you really sit down and think about it, not every camera is ideal for every type of situation. While some people may be looking for a simple, durable camera that the whole family will use, others may need a more advanced compact camera that needs to have a big zoom and great image stabilization.

Decide what you’ll be doing with this camera the most:

Travel: The best compact cameras for travel typically are rugged and durable for most types of adventures you’re going to take. They may or may not be waterproof, but they will usually have a decent zoom range and some kind of image stabilization.

Advanced Photography: Advanced photographers who are looking for the most advanced compact camera are typically going to be at the higher end of the budget range. These cameras will usually come with shorter, less “consumer grade” zoom ranges and opt for better low light capabilities. They’ll typically include the ability to add accessories or different lenses and shoot only the highest quality of video (1080 @ 60fps, 2k, 4k, etc)

Extreme Sports: Compact cameras for extreme sports are always going to be waterproof and contain some type of rugged, outer shell that is probably shockproof as well. The zoom ranges can vary, but many of them will have more wide angle camera modes that allow you to capture everything that is going on around you.

Do It All Compact Camera: This is going to be your camera for everybody. Even though we don’t agree that there is really a “do it all” kind of camera, these are going to be your lower to mid-range cameras that have a little bit of everything good but do nothing in particular amazing. These are great cameras for family outings, vacations, and your kids’ sporting events.

How Much Do I Want To Spend?
Once you’ve figured out the type of uses you are going to be using for the camera, you need to decide exactly how much you want to spend. Again, prices vary wildly and it isn’t always the easiest when you’re in the research stage, love a camera and then find out it is way over your budget. The good thing is that there are usually different brand options within the any given category of cameras you are looking for and they can have different prices based on the features offered.
What Are The Camera's Specs?
Knowing what specs the camera has on it ties into knowing what you are going to be using the camera for. Below, we’re going to list the different geeky camera terms and what they mean so that you have a better idea of what you’re looking at:

Megapixels: In simple terms, think of megapixels as image quality. Obviously, the higher the number of megapixels the more “quality” you are going to get out of the image. A camera with higher megapixels is going to allow you more room to crop the image (if need be) and give you the flexibility to print your images at bigger sizes.

Video Quality (720p, 1080p, 2k, 4k): Compact cameras are going to shoot in a lot of different video sizes, so just choose one that best fits your needs. Your lower end cameras will shoot at 720p (or even lower) and your higher, more expensive point and shoot digital cameras give you the option of shooting video at 4k.

Image Stabilization: This is exactly as it sounds – the camera’s ability to stabilize while you are taking images or video. We all get shaky hand syndrome when we zoom a camera in and are trying to get that perfect video or image. The camera tries to offset this by giving you an internal technology called image stabilization. We recommend you find a camera with one, no matter your budget.

Lens Zoom: Pretty basic here, but this is the amount of times a compact camera can zoom in. The range varies wildly among the different types of cameras and prices, but most cameras get zoom ranges all the way from only 8x up to 40x. The higher the number, the closer you are going to be able to get an image or video of whatever you are shooting.

Our Most Frequently Asked Questions

  • Question: Aren’t DSLR’s and mirrorless cameras better than point and shoots?
  • Answer: I’ll answer that by saying yes and no. Ultimately, it’s gonna’ come down to what your goal with the camera is. While DSLR’s and mirrorless cameras have their upsides, smaller digital point & shoots are great for the fact that they’re small, light and portable.
  • Question: What features do I need to pay attention to when buying point-and-shoots?
  • Answer: Our personal top 3 features you need to consider when buying any compact camera is whether it includes image stabilization, has good low light performance and the included video quality.
  • Question: What usually comes included in a compact camera kit?
  • Answer: If you’re not buying a “camera kit”, then typically what comes included in the packaging are: batteries, charger, strap (maybe), and lens covers. Anything additional that you may need such as an SD card or a camera bag will need to be purchased separately.
  • Question: Are point and shoots good for vlogging (YouTube vlogging, etc)
  • Answer: Yes! Actually, we’d much rather prefer carrying around a compact camera for any type of vlogging work rather than a DSLR. While the DSLR may have better functionality and be able to capture some pretty epic scenes, it’s a pain to lug around with all the gear, set up and shoot. Again, this depends on the person and their personal needs, but point & shoots are great if you need something light and portable, but that you still want to have great quality and pack a punch.
  • Question: Is a point n’ shoot camera usually a good choice for beginners?
  • Answer: Again, this depends: If you’re brand new to photography and just want to snap a couple of good pictures and are casually dabbling around then compact cameras are very good starting places to get your feet wet! However, some people will want to make photography their career and they already know that is the direction they are taking – if this is the case and you have a budget that can fit a DSLR or higher-end mirrorless camera, then move that way.
  • Question: What size memory card do you recommend and what brands?
  • Answer: We recommend getting the largest memory card you can afford, but anything over 16gb for a beginner should be plenty (unless you plan on recording a lot of video then look at grabbing a 64gb card to start out with). As far as brands go, we recommend Sandisk or Lexar.
  • Question: Should I buy a used compact camera?
  • Answer: If we’re strictly talking about compact cameras, then we recommend you buy a new camera. The reason for this is that most users are looking for a small camera under $500, so these are relatively inexpensive and will be hard to come by in the used market and still be in good condition. However, if you’re shopping around for a camera above the $600 range or are looking to invest in a digital SLR and your budget can’t fit buying something brand new, then there are more options from people who are looking to re-sell and upgrade.
  • Question: Can a GoPro do the same thing as a small, portable camera?
  • Answer: While a GoPro can take amazing photos and capture very high-quality video, it’s a completely different beast: GoPro’s were originally created to capture quality video for those who are into extreme sports and can be more cumbersome and harder to handle because of the many different mounts and attachments that are available. Sure, you may be able to use a GoPro as a dedicated camera for trips and vacations, but you’ll soon find out that it’s not the most fluid of cameras to shoot with compared to a compact camera

Final Words

With all that being said, find a point and shoot camera that fits YOU best. With so many brands and different technologies out there, you’re bound to find something that will get you great images and video of anything you’re looking to capture.

Truth be told, it’s never easy to make a final decision, but we hope this list was able to point you towards a camera that is perfect for you. If you think we left out a top compact camera in the market, feel free to contact us or leave a comment and let us know!

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11 thoughts on “Best Point and Shoot Cameras (2019) – Find a Compact Camera today”

  1. What do you think about the mirrorless cameras? Are they better than all of the point and shoot cameras you listed?

    1. James – Ultimately it depends on what you are going to be using the camera for and your budget. Mirrorless cameras are great, but for the purpose of this buyer’s guide I wanted to keep it to traditional compact cameras. Keep on the look out as we’ll be doing a run down of the best mirrorless cameras really soon! 🙂

  2. Write more, that’s all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what you’re talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your weblog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

    1. Smith,

      Thanks for the comment! This guide is over 8,000 words long and growing 🙂 I am glad you found the video informative. We will keep doing our best to provide you as much value as possible!

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