Whether you’re new to filmmaking and need a beginner camera or you’re a seasoned veteran who needs a simple camera you can whip out to start recording in an instant, a point-and-shoot camera may be a valuable tool for your equipment arsenal. We’ll be ranking the best point and shoot cameras on the market and scoring them based on price, quality, and adaptability.
Best Point and Shoot Film Camera
8. Fujifilm FinePix XP140
Fuji Guys review • Top rated point and shoot cameras
The Fujifilm FinePix XP140 is a great point-and-shoot camera under extremely specific circumstances. For the average photographer or videographer, one of the other point-and-shoot cameras on this list will undoubtedly serve you better. But for anyone who requires a rugged “drop proof” design and full waterproofing to a depth of 25 meters, the FujiFilm FinePix XP140 will meet your needs just about as cheaply as possible.
Though, you also may be better off going with an action camera, like one of the best GoPro models, if you are willing to shell out a little more cash.
Best Compact Point and Shoot
Conclusion
If your point-and-shoot camera needs fall into the rather limited camp that the Fujifilm FinePix XP140 best serves, then it’s hard to go wrong for such a low price.
Price: $229
Top Point and Shoot Camera
7. Leica Q2
Leica Q2 camera review on location
From one extreme end of the pricing scale to the other, the Leica Q2 costs far more than any other entry on this list. But the higher price tag is reflected in the construction and resolution attained by this camera. It might be a bit overkill for standard point-and-shoot camera needs, but if you’re looking to replace a full-size camera with something more compact and versatile, the Leica Q2 just might be worth the price if your budget can take it.
Best Point and Shoot Film Camera
Conclusion
If price is no impediment to you, then the Leica Q2 is a great piece of hardware. Just keep in mind, for that kind of dough, there are other types of cameras available to you, including some great 4K cameras for a fraction of the price.
Price: $5,495
Best Compact Point and Shoot
6. Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
Canon camera review • Best point & shoot camera
The Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a solid compact camera if you are on a budget. With a substantially lower cost than many of the entries on this list, the PowerShot G9 X Mark II might be your best choice if you want to keep your spending down as low as possible. But be aware that you will be sacrificing some image/sound quality and features for the reduced price.
This point-and-shoot camera lacks a viewfinder or a tilting touchscreen, there’s no 4K footage capability, and the lens is far from the best. Check out our list of the best 4K video cameras if resolution is a priority for you.
Point and Shoot Camera Recommendations
Conclusion
If your photo and video needs are not too demanding and if you’re trying to keep your spending low, then the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II is a good choice.
Price: $499
Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera
5. Ricoh GR III
How does the GR III stack up against the GR II?
Let’s get the negatives out of the way first. The Ricoh GR III does not support 4K video, and the battery life is quite a bit shorter than ideal, but otherwise, this camera excels. The top-notch lens and sensor, you will be capturing wonderfully sharp images with 24MP resolution. You can learn more about camera lenses and sensors right here.
The Ricoh GR III is not one of the best cameras for video shooting, but this pocket-sized camera delivers fully when it comes to stills photography.
Best Point and Shoot Camera
Conclusion
If you have used previous Ricoh cameras from the GR line, then you know what to expect from the GR III: all the same benefits with some notable hardware improvements.
Price: $896.95
Best Point and Shoot Film Camera
4. Panasonic Lumix LX10
The Art of Photography reviews the Lumix LX10 • Best camera point and shoot
The Panasonic Lumix LX10 is a well-balanced jack of all trades type camera that makes for a great option to have on you at all times. With a robust feature set and a reasonable price, the LX10 is a good blend of quality and value. Both the mechanical and digital interfaces are intuitive and easy to use.
Sporting a larger sensor than many pocket-sized camera, the Lumix LX10 takes crystal clear shots and boasts a wider aperture control than most point-and-shoot cameras as well.
Best Point and Shoot 35mm Camera
Conclusion
With 4K video, sharp stills, and a reasonable price, the Panasonic Lumix LX10 is a great all-around pick for your next or first point-and-shoot camera.
Price: $497.99
Best Point and Shoot Camera on the Market
3. Fujifilm X100V
A hands-on review • point and shoot camera recommendations
Sporting a sleek design and a high-quality, prime-equivalent lens, the Fujifilm X100V is a fantastic point-and-shoot camera if the price-tag doesn’t turn you away. It is extremely expensive for a point-and-shoot camera, but the picture quality and feature set speak for themselves. The Fujifilm X100V shoots 4K video and 26.1MP still photographs.
Best Point and Shoot Digital Camera
Conclusion
The Fujifilm X100V is a great camera, only held back by it’s high price tag and, potentially, by its lack of zoom depending on your individual needs as a photographer.
Price: $1,399
Top Point and Shoot Camera
2. Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI
Casey Neistat calls it the best point-and-shoot camera ever
Point-and-shoot cameras really don’t get any better than the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI, and that’s even with it being on the market for nearly three years. The compact tech has yet to be fully surpassed. The only thing holding the Cyber-shot back from taking the top spot is the price tag, though it has decreased in price over the past couple of years and is almost certainly worth snagging if you happen to find one during a sale.
Best Point and Shoot Film Camera
Conclusion
If the price is of no concern to you, then the Sony Cyber-shot RX100 VI is a great pick for a point-and-shoot camera, though you could alternatively pick up a good DSLR for the same price or less.
Price: $1,098
What is the Best Point and Shoot Camera?
1. Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II
A hands on review • Best point and shoot camera
The Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II is a great mix of value and quality. It’s a welcomed step down in price from the previous couple of entries on this list while also sacrificing a tiny bit in terms of features and overall quality. It is still pricier than many point-and-shoot cameras out there, but to get this level of quality, you need to expect an appropriately scaled cost. It’s easy to use, compact, and has a quality zoom lens built in. 20.1 MP photos and a 4K video are this point-and-shoot camera’s bread and butter.
Top Point and Shoot Camera
Conclusion
This bundle even includes a 64GB SD card and a carrying pouch at no added cost over the base camera. To learn more about Canon cameras, check out our rundown of the best Canon lenses.
Price: $899
Up Next
Different Types of Cameras
Hopefully, you have now found the point-and-shoot camera that best suits your needs. Or, maybe you have realized that a point-and-shoot might not be the best fit for what you’re after. Worry not, there are many types of cameras and the tool best tailored to you is sure to be out there. Up next, learn about all of the different types of cameras in the modern camera market.
Up Next: Types of Cameras →
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