The most comprehensive Top 10 Point and Shoot Cameras List - with short and sweet reviews that will tell you everything that you need to know before buying a point and shoot digital camera.
Point and shoot digital cameras are the ideal choice for casual photographers and general users – affordable, convenient, easy to use and carry, and above all easy to operate. You point, and you shoot – how easier can it get?
Of course, with all this choice, zeroing on the best point and shoot camera becomes a challenge for the casual photographer or the first time buyer, and this is where this article will help you. We have compiled a list of the top ten point & shoot digital cameras for 2011 and beyond – the best compact cameras that will help you in capturing your memories in an easy and affordable way. Keep on reading!
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Canon PowerShot SD780IS
Canon PowerShot SD780IS (aka Digital IXUS 100IS in Europe and Asia) is an ideal point and shoot camera for the beginners.
It packs a lot of useful features in its deceptively small and slim body – it has the size profile of a credit card, and is only 0.7 inches thick – and weighs only 130 grams (about 4 ounces). This means that you can easily carry it in your shirt pocket or purse. The slim profile does not come at the cost of sturdiness – the build quality is quite good.
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Canon PowerShot 780IS features a 12.1 MP CCD sensor powered by a DIGIC 4 image processor – making for great picture quality. The camera lens provides a 3X optical zoom, which is a bit ordinary, though amply sufficient for casual users and beginners. The optical image stabilization (OIS) makes for blur free and sharp pictures, and is especially useful in low light conditions and while shooting video. The camera is capable of capturing HD (high definition) video in 1280x720px at a rate of 30 frames per second.
SD 780IS also features an optical viewfinder – which is quite unusual for a point and shoot camera. The display screen is 2.5 inches LCD – that offers clear and sharp viewing even at an angle. The camera is also provided with a built in flash, which is quite effective.
Canon PowerShot SD 780IS is available in four attractive colors – black, red, silver and gold.
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Canon PowerShot S95
Canon PowerShot S95 is that rare class of compact cameras that has enough features to delight a professional user yet is easily operated by a casual photographer.
The S95 is the improved sibling of Canon PowerShot S90, another worthy camera from the much acclaimed S series of Canon PowerShot cameras. Indeed, the two cameras are so similar in outward physical appearance that it will be hard to tell them apart – unless you look more closely at the markings. In addition, S95 has a fine matte finish that provides for a better handling of the camera – and takes care of the gripe about the smooth surface finish of S90.
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Canon S95 packs an array of formidable features in its body that make it a favorite compact companion of professional photographers. The highlight feature of S95 is the control ring at the base of the lens barrel that lends a typical DSLR feel to the camera. The control ring is quite versatile in that you can select what the ring controls at a moment – zoom, shutter speed, aperture, ISO settings or focus – you can select any of these functions. The versatile control ring has an added benefit – it makes for fewer control buttons elsewhere on the camera – lending it an uncluttered and simple feel.
Canon PowerShot S95 also features a 10MP CCD sensor powered by Canon’s DIGIC 4 image processor – making for superbly clear image quality. You can choose to capture images in either JPEG or RAW formats – allowing complete creative freedom. S95 boasts of a 3.8X optical zoom and 28mm wide angle f/2.0 lens, which coupled with the Hybrid Image Stabilization system makes for sharper pictures – even in the macro mode.
The icing on the cake is provided by the HD video capture ability.
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Canon PowerShot ELPH 300HS
Canon PowerShot ELPH 300HS is one of the latest point and shoot cameras to be announced by Canon. Touted as the “thinnest digital camera”, the slim Canon PowerShot ELPH 300HS, known as IXUS 220 HS in European and some Asian markets, packs a lot of great features in its modest frame.
Of course, “modest” describes only the size – it does NOT describe the built or style of this ultra slim, premium compact camera. The body is built of stainless steel – providing a feel of solidity to the camera, and the matte finish on the surface means you can hold the camera confidently even with one hand.
The features of Canon PowerShot ELPH 300HS include a 12.1 MP CMOS backlit sensor, powered by a DIGIC 4 image processor. Together, the sensor and the processor constitute the Canon HS system – which makes for superior low light performance (Canon claims up to 60% lower noise levels across all ISO speeds) and clearer pictures. Canon ELPH 300 HS also boasts of a 24 mm wide angle lens that stretches all the way to 5X (Optical Zoom).
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With all the advanced features of ELPH 300HS, the emphasis is still firmly on making shooting with the camera a fun experience for even casual users – its features are especially suited for that. For example, The Smart Auto function with 32 different settings ensures great pictures for all conditions, while the new scene modes such as ‘toy camera’ and ‘monochrome’ can bring out the creativity in you. With the Super Slow Motion feature, you can shoot videos in slow motion.
But the neatest and the niftiest feature, according to us, is the Movie Digest Mode – whereby the camera makes short video clips before taking still shots, and then combines an entire day’s worth of clips into a single video – on the camera itself at the press of a button – you don’t need any fancy software to do the work!
Last, but definitely not the least, Canon PowerShot ELPH 300HS can shoot video in full HD (1920x1080px). And yes, the optical zoom works in the video mode too!
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7, also known as TZ10 in European and Asian markets, is a compact long zoom camera unveiled in 2010, and is one in line of the acclaimed and awarded series of compact cameras from Panasonic. It has a range of great features include – a few of them the first time in any digital camera.
One of such features – HD video recording and storage in AVCHD Lite format – was introduced in to consumer digital compact cameras for the first time by Panasonic. The technology effectively doubles the recording time for high definition video – almost 10 minutes of footage for every 1GB of storage capacity (against 5 min/GB for conventional motion JPEG format).
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Lumix ZS7 camera lens – actually a lens assembly of 10 lens elements made of newly developed lens material – is of the famed LEICA lineage. It can stretch all the way from 25mm ultra wide angle to an impressive 12X. The Power Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) feature is obviously imperative at such a high zoom. The optical zoom works in the video mode too.
Another unique feature of Panasonic Lumix ZS7 is the Intelligent Zoom function – whereby the zoom capability of the camera is extended by another 30%. The Lumix ZS7 has a 12.1 MP CCD sensor powered by an improved Venus Engine HDII image processor. In the Intelligent zoom mode, the 12X optical zoom is enhanced by 30% – bringing you closer to the action! The Extra Optical Zoom feature can stretch it even further, using only the central portion of the sensor (about 3MP), to notch the zoom even higher up to 23.4X!
Panasonic Lumix ZS7 can provide GPS geo tags for more than half a million locations worldwide.
The camera can take pictures in three different aspect ratios – 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9.
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 is the upgraded version of LX3 – a formidable compact camera in itself – and the latest entrant in the increasingly popular “premium compact camera” category. Its advanced features squarely target the enthusiast photographers – especially those who would like a compact companion for their DSLR camera.
As is the new trend in advanced cameras – LX5 has a slightly toned down megapixel count – a “only” 10.1 MP, but highly sensitive CCD sensor backed by a Venus Engine Full HD image processor.
If a camera is defined by its lens, then Panasonic Lumix has a quite a capable lens assembly – 3.8X f/2.0 Ultra Wide Angle 24mm LEICA DC Vario Summicron lens – that has a range of 24 to 90 mm. At the macro focus end – the range is as little as 1 cm (0.4 inches) – meaning that you can almost touch the subject with the lens! On the top of the lens barrel, you will find the aspect switch – by which you can control the aspect ratio of the shots that you take between four choices – 4:3, 3:2, 16:9, and a more unconventional 1:1.
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The Extra Optical Zoom function of the camera can let you extend the upper zoom limit of 3.8X, though at a reduced resolution – 4.5X at 7MP, 5.4X at 5MP or even 6.7X at 3MP.
Panasonic Lumix LX5 is a well built (metal construction), good looking camera with easy handling – sporting a thicker grip with a padded leather effect. The overall look is a bit “retro” – making the camera stand out immediately! The camera controls are intuitive, well arranged and easy to reach – one can mention the simple jog dial and the playback button at the rear, the mode dial, flash open switch, the video button and the camera on/off switch on the top of the camera, and the aspect switch and the focus switch on the lens barrel. Additionally, on the top of the camera, you can find the hot shoe option to attach an external flash or an external optical viewfinder.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 can capture images in both the RAW and JPEG format. It can record and store HD videos in the AVCHD Lite format – effectively doubling the length of video that you can capture and store. Another neat feature is the Creative Movie Mode – in which you can control the shutter speed and aperture to create videos with special effects.
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Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40, also known as Lumix DMC-45 outside the US market, is one of the latest introductions from Panasonic, and is one of the most commended and popular digital cameras in the “bridge camera” category. These cameras are called bridge cameras due to their advanced features, which “bridge” the gap between the compact cameras and DSLR cameras, so to speak. They are also called “super zoom” or “ultra zoom” cameras – again, a reference to the exceptionally large zoom capabilities of these cameras.
Panasonic Lumix FZ40 is the successor to FZ35 (FZ38 outside US) and as such, has a lot of improvements in the capabilities and features. For example, a higher zoom capability of 24X against the maximum zoom of 18X for FZ35 and a higher sensor resolution of 14MP against 12MP of its predecessor. FZ40 also sports a larger display screen – 3 inches vs. the 2.7 inch screen of FZ35.
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The heart of a super zoom digital camera is obviously, its lens. Lumix FZ40 has a well equipped LEICA DC Vario Elmarit lens assembly – which stretches all the way from 25 mm to 600mm (24X – in 35mm equivalents). The aperture range of the camera lens lies between f/2.8 and f/5.2. The camera also boasts of Power Optical Image Stabilization (OIS), a sine qua non for a camera with such a humongous zooming power.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ 40 features an advanced iA (Intelligent Auto) mode – which takes the guesswork out of picture taking – thus making it a boon for beginner photographers. For enthusiasts (read adventurous of heart), the camera features a full selection of manual controls – on the jog dial accessible on the rear, and also the 14 point dial on the top of the camera.
Another feature that will appeal to the advanced users is the 60 second shutter speed – allowing creative photography.
Lumix FZ40 is equipped to shoot HD video at 720p in the AVCHD Lite format, effectively doubling the length of video you can shoot and store.
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Sony TX Series DSC-TX9
Sony DSC-TX9 is the part of a famed TX series from Sony. The TX9 is the quintessential point and shoot digital camera – with a firm focus on ease of use and operations, and there is a lot of emphasis on making photography a fun experience for all users – especially casual users and those learning the ropes of photography.
A notable feature of Sony DSC-TX9 is the stylish and sleek built – it is less than 4 inches wide and very pocketable at just 140 grams (approx 4.7 ounces). You will also appreciate its clutter free design with a very small number of button controls – most of the controls have been entrusted to the large touch screen which doubles as the display screen.
With fun and convenience being the keyword for this camera, Sony DSC TX9 has a number of cool features that are geared towards achieving this. For example, the 3D sweep Panorama – a feature that lets you capture 3D shots – the camera takes separate left and right eye images and then combines them to get the 3D effect.
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Then there is the Intelligent Sweep Panorama mode that helps capture great panoramic shots (in 16:9) in their full glory. In this, you have to sweep the camera across the landscape that you want to capture – the camera takes a number of successive pictures, and then combines them together to get a credible panorama shot.
There is more – for example, the Anti Motion Blur Mode, which, as the name indicates, helps to take blur free pictures of a fast moving subject. In this mode, the camera takes six different shots at high shutter speeds, and then combines the data from the six pictures to get a final – blur-free and clear – picture. TX9 uses the same technique in the Handheld Twilight mode to give clearer pictures in low light.
That is not all – there is the PHOTOMUSIC feature – that lets you combine your slideshows with your favorite tracks with different visual effects, such as Simple, Nostalgic, Active and Stylish.
The technical features include an impressive 12.2 MP back illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor backed by a BIONZ image processor, a Carl Zeiss Vario Tessar 4X lens – that stretches from 25mm to 100 mm (in 35mm equivalents), an Optical OIS with built in gyro sensor and a 3.5 Inch LCD screen with a resolution of 921,600 dots.
Sony DSC TX9 is capable of shooting and storing HD video in 1080i AVCHD movie mode.
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Olympus XZ-1
Olympus XZ-1 is a compact point and shoot digital camera with advanced features, and will primarily appeal to the prosumer and the enthusiast segment, especially those who are willing to pay an entry level DSLR price for an advanced compact camera. In other words, serious buyers will better appreciate the features of the camera to pay the premium price.
The USP of the Olympus XZ-1 camera is its high quality Zuiko lens – which is primarily designed for better low light performance. The camera proudly proclaims this fact right on the camera front – where the lens aperture is clearly marked – f/1.8 – making it the fastest among its compact peers/competitors.
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Additionally, XZ-1 boasts of a larger 1/1.63 inch, 10MP CCD sensor, which is backed by a TruePic V Image processor. Together with the lens and the good high ISO capability of the camera, this makes for a truly good low light performance.
The prosumer/advanced user focus is further strengthened by the programmable control ring around the lens barrel – quite similar to that of Canon PowerShot S95. Together with the PASM Mode dial on the camera top, this lends an air of minimalist, clean and uncluttered control to the camera.
Olympus XZ-1 sports a hot shoe and an accessory port on the top of the camera, which can be used with a number of standard Olympus camera external accessories, such as a viewfinder, a flash or a microphone.
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Casio High Speed Exilim EX-FC100
Casio EX-FC100 is a part of the Exilim series of point and shoot compact cameras, and is simple to operate with a lot of cool features that make photography a fun experience – especially outdoors and when capturing video. Thus, this camera is squarely targeted to the casual users and beginners.
Casio EX-FC100 is equipped with a reasonable 9.1 MP resolution image sensor, a 5X optically stabilized zoom and a capability to shoot HD video – pretty much standard features with any decent point and shoot compact digital camera. But when you look closely at the camera capabilities, you will discover a number of features that vouch for the fun factor of the camera.
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For example, EX-FC100 has a Slow Motion View, which lets you view your subject in slow motion on the display screen! You can wait for just the perfect moment or the pose to take a shot. Of course, you can also shoot video in slow motion and super slow motion – at settings of 210fps and even 420fps. Camera users have made creative uses of this feature – for example, a customer records his golf swings in super slow motion to analyze and review later! How cool is that!?
Another fun feature of the camera is the YouTube capture mode, which lets you shoot a video and upload it easily on YouTube to share it with your friends.
FC100 is also equipped with a number of features that make the task of capturing a good picture very easy, especially for users that are not very camera savvy. Frequently, casual users miss the perfect shot even while clicking the camera – especially when the subject is in motion, as in case of children or pets. Using the high-speed burst shooting mode, you can actually capture shots before the shutter button is pressed, so that you never miss the perfect moment!
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Fuji Film FinePix Real 3D W3
FinePix Real 3D W3 digital camera is probably the best compact camera for shooting 3D still pictures and video. With the rapid popularization of 3D technology, this camera is perfectly positioned to provide you with great 3D experience in your photography – and in a very affordable manner too.
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The basic premise behind Fuji Film FinePix Real 3D W3 digital camera is the mimicking of how the human eye perceives objects – the images formed by the left eye and the right eye are slightly different, and they are superimposed in the brain to get the final perspective. On a similar line, the Fuji Film W3 digital camera has two identical lenses backed by a separate (but identical) image sensor each. While shooting in the 3D mode, both the lenses are perfectly synchronized – when you press the shutter button, both take a shot at the same time. The two resulting images are combined to get a 3D image, which can be viewed in all its 3 dimensional vividness on the large, 3.5 inch display screen (without 3D glasses), or the camera can be plugged directly in to your 3D TV.
To use the camera capabilities to full, you may switch to the normal 2D mode. In this case, you will have virtually two cameras at your disposal – in a single body. This gives rise to a lot of creative photography possibilities – a single object can be shot in two different ways at the same time.
The technology is complicated, but the camera is very simple to operate – the buttons are well placed and very intuitive. You can switch between 3D and the normal 2D views at the press of a button on the back of the camera.