
The supposed death of the point-and-shoot camera notwithstanding, there are many types of compact cameras available for the novice and pro, and many reasons to enjoy a point-and-shoot instead of the phone camera. At prices of less than $100 and lengths less than 4", there exists a group of stand-alone cameras that offers features most smartphones still do not—optical zoom lenses, image stabilization, and grips you can really grip. Of course, one photographer’s definition of compact is never the same as another’s, and almost every type of camera has been reduced in size over the years; even a quick search of the words “compact camera” on the B&H website will produce several distinct models, including the Canon Powershot G7 X Mark II, the Sony RX0 Ultra-Compact Waterproof Camera, and the full-frame Sigma fp Mirrorless Digital Camera. Great cameras all, but not the type of affordable, ultra-compact that have been increasingly popular with those mostly younger users who want a mini, easy-to-use alternative to their smartphone camera.
Canon IVY REC Digital Camera
The first model that comes to mind when considering this subset of the point-and-shoot camera is the Canon IVY REC Digital Camera, available in three colors: Riptide, Dragonfruit, and Avocado. If the color names don’t make it clear that these cameras are designed for fun and convenience, then a quick look at their form factor should. The primary physical feature is a carabiner designed to hook the camera to a belt loop or backpack. The camera can be hooked to almost anything to facilitate remote photography and the open space created by the carabiner is a natural viewfinder. The IVY REC measures just over 4" long and less than 1" deep and can also be easily carried in a pocket.
The IVY REC is also waterproof to 6.6' and shockproof to a fall of 6.6'. This is a great little camera for poolside, for camping, for boats, and for kids. The 1/3" CMOS sensor creates 13MP images and Full HD video at 60 fps. Its lens offers a 25mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/2.2. ISO sensitivity runs from 100 to 3200 and images are recorded to a microSD card. Bluetooth and built-in Wi-Fi are featured and work in conjunction with the free Canon Mini Cam app for wireless image transfer and remote camera control from your mobile device. Also available is a selection of three interchangeable faceplates to customize the look of your IVY.
Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 Digital Camera
The Kodak PIXPRO WPZ2 Digital Camera is another mini point-and-shoot that has incorporated “tough” camera features like waterproofing, in this case to a depth of 49.2'. The yellow camera is only 3.74" long and weighs 6.21 oz, but its CMOS sensor enables still imaging up to 16.3MP and Full HD video capture at 30 fps. Its zoom lens provides the 35mm equivalent focal length of 27 to 108mm. Additional features include a 2.7" 230k-dot LCD monitor for composing and reviewing imagery, digital image stabilization, and built-in WiFi.
Polaroid CUBE Act Two HD Action Camera
As mentioned, there are numerous types of “compact cameras,” many falling into the action camera category. While most of these are quite small and do make still images, they tend to be more for the video shooter than the still photographer. I will leave most of these for another article, but there is one tiny gem that I’d like to mention, particularly because of its design. The Polaroid CUBE Act Two HD Action Camera is interesting because of its 1.4" cubed form factor, its colorful racing stripes, its ease of use, and its affordability. It creates 6MP still files and 1080p video, with image stabilization. A splash-resistant and shockproof design with a magnetic base make it fun to use on the go and to stack together for creative imaging.
FUJIFILM FinePix XP140 Digital Camera
The FUJIFILM FinePix XP140 Digital Camera is about 4" long and 1" deep, but its waterproof rating and photography specs are a notch above. A 16.4MP CMOS sensor enables high-resolution stills and UHD 4K (15p) video recording. A 5x FUJINON zoom lens provides the equivalent of a 28-140mm focal length, and all of its controls are placed on the right-hand side of the camera back for intuitive one-handed control. Available in sky blue and yellow colors, it is an ideal camera for fun in the park, beach, or schoolyard.
Canon PowerShot ELPH 180 Digital Camera
More along the lines of a “traditional” pocket point-and-shoot, there is a reason that this smallest of the Canon ELPH series has been around so long—it is an easy-to-use, palm-size camera with a 20.0MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor and an 8x optical zoom for 28-224mm focal length equivalency. At just 3.7", the ELPH 180 also provides a built-in flash and features such as SMART AUTO and scene modes.
Sony
Similar to the above Canon, the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 Digital Camera is a “classic” pocket digital camera with a CCD sensor and Steady Shot Image Stabilization that comes in at less than $100. Capable of still photos at 20MB with a 5x optical zoom for 26-130mm equivalency, the camera conveniently charges via its USB connection and allows for the menu to be set to Easy Mode, eliminating superfluous settings. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX350 Digital Camera is a step up the ladder in price and features, but it is a gorgeous tyke at just 3.8" long and 1" deep. The fact that it provides a 3" LCD screen and a 20x optical zoom lens with a 500mm telephoto equivalency should get your attention. An 18.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor, BIONZ X image processor, optical image stabilization, 10 fps continuous shooting, and built-in Wi-Fi for easy remote control and image transfer round out the feature set on a camera that’s not much longer than a credit card.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS30 Digital Camera
Capable of underwater and sub-freezing photography and video, the Lumix DMC-TS30 Digital Camera is available in red, black, and blue finishes. It features a 16MP CCD sensor and 25-100mm equivalency optical zoom lens with image stabilization. Quick AF autofocus, optical image stabilization, 220MB built-in memory, in addition to SD compatibility, help make this ultra-compact camera ideal for hikes or just hanging out.
What are your thoughts on these affordable and ultra-compact point-and-shoot cameras? Would you carry a small stand-alone camera in addition to your smartphone? Talk to us in the Comments section, below.
8 Comments
It's baffling to me that in-camera charging is not a default for compact/travel cameras. Both the ELPH and the Cyber-shot require (I believe) external chargers. Is the poorly-reviewed IVY REC the only one here that charges via USB? Are there other ultracompacts that charge via USB?
A camera such as the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 Digital Camera, BH # PADCZS200B would allow for charging via USB, as it includes both a USB cable and a USB/AC power block.
https://bhpho.to/3HtDYPF
I keep looking for a replacement for my waterproof Nikon S33, not mentioned here. I originally purchased it to take on my Kayak outings. I added an old neck strap so I could hang it around my neck while paddling. It weighs nothing and I barely notice it. (The neck strap while handy also gives me better images when I put it taunt.) These days I use it more on my morning dog walks. It has a great macro mode for flowers! I would like better zoom, but it would need to be better than x5 for me to be interested. I know it does not get great review, but I think it is a great little camera.
If you need a waterproof camera, the Nikon W300 or Ricoh WG-70 cameras both have a 5x zoom. Please take a look at the following links:
https://bhpho.to/3tCkTEY
https://bhpho.to/3lmT6V9
The Lumix camera has a typo for the built-in memory shown as 22mb. The correct size is 220mb.
Thank you Peter, we will correct that asap.
"What are your thoughts on these affordable and ultra-compact point-and-shoot cameras? Would you carry a small stand-alone camera in addition to your smartphone?" I do. It goes on my belt next to the cellphone (which claims 48MP). It's varied over the years, but currently it's a Canon S110, which offers RAW (handy in marginal light). I'd change for a similar (or smaller) camera offering comparable resolution in still, and 4K video.
I often do as well... normally its a little bigger than and ultra-compact (a Sony a6500) or I will carry a Nikon or Olympus tough camera. The thing is, even when I have a stand alone camera with me, I'll use the phone sometimes for certain shots. Thanks for the feedback Jonathan.