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12 Best Point and Shoot Cameras To Buy in 2020
When you’re looking for a digital camera that’s a solid step up from your smartphone, the
best point and shoot cameras are the only way to go. They provide users with a device
that’s easy to use, and many newer models have flagship features normally found on
pro-level cameras or pricey DSLRs.
TOP PICKS
HOW TO FIND THE BEST POINT AND SHOOT CAMERA
Point and Shoot cameras are a dime-a-dozen these days, so you don’t have to look hard to
find one. Choosing the right one to suit your needs and fit your budget is a bit
different, however, which is where our buying guide comes into play.
SENSOR SIZE
As you’d expect, the number of megapixels matter although not as much as you might think.
A 21MP camera with a large sensor can outperform a camera with more megapixels and a
smaller sensor – especially in conditions with low light. If you’d like to learn more
sensors, you may want to give this a look.
EASE OF USE
If you’re shopping for a point and shoot camera, there’s a strong chance you want a
digital device that’s easy to use. Well, many cameras in this class are simple, but some
of the pro-level models confound beginners.
When ease of use is high on your list, look for a camera with plenty of “automatic”
features and modes. That includes cameras with a built-in flash and one or more
viewfinders. You can even find cameras with traditional controls if you’re making the
switch from 35mm to your first digital camera.
EVF AND LCD
All of the point and click cameras on our list have an LCD display on the back which lets
you see the action as you would on a smartphone or slate. While the resolution of that
panel is essential, articulation is critical as well. If you want the best, you’ll want
a camera with a fully articulated touchscreen display… not one with a fixed unresponsive
panel.
An electronic viewfinder or EVF is another thing to have high on your list. It’s the
“eyepiece” on a traditional camera, but can be optical or digital on point and click
cameras. It’s usually the latter and most, but not all cameras will have an EVF to go
along with the LCD.
IMAGE STABILIZATION
Snapping a photograph isn’t hard, but taking a good one can be tricky. That’s where a
camera with a great image stabilization system comes in handy. Anti-shake tech comes in
many forms, but an in-body 5-axis system is ideal and something you can find on a wide
range of devices. At a minimum, you will want a camera with OIS, which stands for
optical image stabilization.
SHARING FEATURES
Whether you live on Facebook or prefer Instagram, we live in a connected age. One benefit
of point and click cameras are the sharing features something that’s rather common in
this range. Bluetooth is a lock although you’ll want to consider the version if you’re
looking at an older model. Each new version improves connectivity, so you don’t want to
be stuck with 4.0 when Bluetooth 4.2 is an option.
If you want GPS, you’re going to have to pay a pretty penny or just up to a DLSR or
action cam, but Wi-Fi is another common feature in the connectivity department. As for
NFC, that’s typically found on high-end cameras but is certainly an option.
BATTERY LIFE
It doesn’t matter if you prefer Sony’s cameras or are buying your first Pentax, it’s all
for naught if your battery dies at a critical moment. Sure, you’ll get a warning before
the gauge hits zero but how many shots you can take on per charge varies across the
board. It also means you need to consider picking up extra batteries along with the
charging methods.
Rechargeable batteries are a consumer’s best friend and can save the day when your
camera dies. The ability to swap out cells on the fly is ideal, but so is built-in
charging. Depending on your budget, that’s a feature that could be out of reach although
one you’ll find on some mid-range point and shoot cameras.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER…
While those are the main areas we feel are important when looking for the best point and
shoot camera, there are a few other areas you’ll want to keep in mind.
Do you plan on shooting a lot of videos? Well, be sure to check out the external jacks.
They aren’t much use if you’re taking portraits or selfies, but an external microphone
can make a huge difference for aspiring videographers.
Connectivity options and memory card slots are two more areas to keep in mind. Every
camera on our list will have a measure of connectivity, but GPS and NFC are usually
reserved for high-end models. Wi-Fi is somewhat standard along with Bluetooth. Slots
vary across the board although you’ll want the USH-II is what you’ll want to shoot for
when you want the best.
