Although in 2022, the market seems saturated with every type of camera you can imagine, from the best eye-wateringly priced high-end DSLRs to cheap and cheerful disposables and film cameras, the point and shoot still hold a special place in the world of photography.
For people who love taking photos, but don’t necessarily class themselves as photographers; for taking holiday snaps or capturing special events – this is the majority of the population and these best point and shoot cameras are ideal for these circumstances.
Requiring little knowledge of manual functions, most of these are affordable cameras that can immediately be set up and taken out to produce impressive results.
Best point and shoot cameras at a glance:
- Olympus Tough TG-6 – Best point and shoot camera for action and adventure
- Canon SX740 HS – Best Canon point and shoot
- Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II – Best point and shoot camera for improving enthusiasts
- Sony ZV-1 – Best for vlogging
- Fujifilm X100V – Best all-around point and shoot camera
All of these are durable, with good functionality and features for any situation you find yourself in!
1. Olympus Tough TG-6 – Best point and shoot camera for action and adventure
A camera for people who love action and adventure, the Olympus Tough TG-6’s name accurately reflects its waterproof, rugged capabilities.
Perfect for shooting underwater such as when snorkeling or doing water sports, the TG-6 is waterproof down to 15 meters, and features f/2.0 lens and 4K video recording.
It is well tailored to underwater enthusiasts, with settings including underwater macro, underwater wide and underwater HDR, so no matter where you are or what you’re shooting, there’s a setting that fits.
On top of these already useful elements, the Olympus Tough TG-6 is also dustproof, crashproof, freezeproof and has anti-fogging.
This camera ticks all the boxes for anyone into extreme sports in any environment, from snow or underwater to the desert.
Get out there shooting and book a holiday! Check out the Best Places to Visit in North Devon for Photography for some inspiration.
Pros:
- Affordable mid-range point and shoot camera
- Extremely durable: freeze (to -10 degrees), fog, dust, crash and waterproof (down to 15m)
- Shoots in RAW format
- Great f/2.0 aperture which is perfect for low-light conditions underwater.
Cons:
- Doesn’t go as deep as competitors (15m underwater)
- Limited manual controls
- Image quality is comparable to a good smartphone (12MP)
2. Canon SX740 HS – Best Canon point and shoot camera
The best little Canon digital camera if you’re just starting out in photography, looking to buy something for an upcoming trip or just need a functional point and shoot as part of your kit.
Offering 40x optical zoom – its best feature, as well as macro focus, 4K video shooting and built-in WiFi makes the SX740 HS point and shoot digital camera stand out from Canon’s previous models as well as its competitors.
It has also added continuous shooting and is small enough to fit in your pocket, which makes it ideal for taking with you anywhere.
The Canon SX749 HS‘ average price, decent image quality and simple to use functionality cements its reputation as the perfect point and shoot.
Pros:
- Affordable price point for a great Canon point and shoot digital camera
- 40x Optical Zoom and 23MP
- Built in WiFi and Bluetooth
- 4K Video – one of the best point and shoot cameras for video
Cons:
- Photos become softer and lose quality after processing or noise reduction
- No panoramic shooting mode
- No RAW shooting option
3. Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II – Best point and shoot camera for improving enthusiasts
A slightly improved version of tis predecessor, the Lumix FZ1000 II keeps all of the original features and then some: 400mm zoom, large image sensor and 4K video are its best features, as well as a touchscreen LCD and ISO up to 25,000 which combined with its sensor makes for great shots in low lighting.
While aimed at enthusiasts rather than seasoned professionals who may prefer more control, this camera aims to take the bulk and hassle out of photography by not having interchangeable lenses, meaning it is easy to shoot with in any condition, and saves you time and money buying add-ons.
The Panasonic Lumix FZ1000 II would be a great camera for amateur photographers who don’t want to shell out on bulky or expensive higher end cameras such as DSLRs.
Pros:
- Strong zoom power up to 400mm
- 20MP with large sensor
Cons:
- High price point
- No interchangeable lenses
- Not weatherproof, especially around dust and water
4. Sony ZV-1 – Best point and shoot for vlogging
The best point and shoot camera for those with or without experience vlogging, the Sony ZV-1 combines a wealth of great features including a 20MP sensor, 4K video and 3 capsule microphone which comes with a windscreen.
With impressive image quality, multiple shooting modes and touchscreen display it works well for both vlogging and day to day shooting, although this array of point and shoot capabilities comes with a higher price tag.
Although the Sony ZV-1 has less of a traditional body, without a flash and viewfinder, if you can overlook this you will find a multi-purpose body that can be used for everything from holiday snaps to videos of special occasions.
Pros:
- Versatile 3” touchscreen display
- Excellent point and shoot camera for vlogging
- 20MP sensor with good image quality, even in low lighting
- 4K Video
- USB Chargeable
Cons:
- Higher end price range for similar point and shoot cameras designed for vlogging
- Limited zoom
- Not ideal for those that aren’t concerned with regularly using video features
5. Fujifilm X100V – Best all-around point and shoot camera
If you’re looking for an all-round straightforward camera that produces great results, the Fujifilm X100V is a sure winner.
This camera even made it to my list of best compact cameras for travel!
Although it is not the most affordable, being the most expensive in Fujifilm’s X100 series, the cost is justifiable given the range of new features and enhancements.
It is an obvious next step for people already using its predecessors, or a good choice for those looking for something up-to-date.
As with other models, the Fujifilm X100V features an improved prime-lens, larger sensor and refined auto-focus.
On top of the touchscreen LCD and built-in 4 stop ND filter, you are getting some of the X100 series’ best features, new and improved, in a refined and compact camera.
Pros:
- Larger sensor allowing for better noise performance
- Great 4K video capability
- Easy to use, tilting touchscreen
- Works well in low-light conditions
Cons:
- High end price-range for a point and shoot
Conclusion
All of these cameras have stand-alone defining features which may sway you depending on what you’re searching for, such as the Tough TG-6 if you’re into extreme sports, or the Canon SX740 if you’re very new and want a good all-rounder for holiday snaps.
As these best point and shoots are fairly straightforward in terms of functionality and are the kind of camera that gets taken anywhere and everywhere, durability is an important factor which the Panasonic Lumix unfortunately falls short on, however the Tough TG-6 perhaps goes too far on this and compromises on image quality due to being so hardy.
If you have the money, the Fujifilm X100V is always going to be the ideal choice as you are paying for much higher spec features.
However overall, it seems like price doesn’t always reflect quality and the Canon Powershot SX740 HS is an ideal all-rounder for entry-level photographers who don’t spend time editing, at a very affordable price point.
Get out there, and get snapping!
When you’re ready to experiment try adding a mini tripod into your kit! Or even investing in a photography course for beginners!
DISCLOSURE: I may earn a small commission from some of the links above. For the benefit of the doubt, please assume all links might be affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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