Long dismissed as defunct, point-and-shoot cameras represent a larger share of camera purchases, new and used, in more than a decade. Fueled in part by nostalgia and the perceived shortcomings of smartphone cameras, today’s point-and-shoot options can make incredible images with little additional footprint. To that end, we’ve compiled a (non-definitive) list of some of the best point-and-shoot digital and film cameras available today.
Best for (Film) Beginners: Kodak Snapic A1
Kodak’s latest point-and-shoot 35mm film camera, the Snapic A1 mimics the method of the disposable—fixed 25mm lens, fixed 1/100s shutter speed, fixed f/9.5 aperture—and puts it in a handsome, compact, affordable body. And unlike a disposable camera, there are two zones of manual focus (Landscape and Close-Up) for sharper images at different subject distances. Beginners will appreciate the camera’s automatic film loading, film advance, and film rewind functions, while the camera has a built-in xenon flash for punchy illumination in indoor and low-light scenes.
For more creative shots, the camera has an in-camera Multiple Exposure mode, allowing up to two exposures on any given frame. The camera runs on two AAA batteries, simplifying the power resupply experience, and shoots about 10 rolls of film on their charge. The camera also has a small OLED screen displaying shot number, flash status, and battery life information.
Best for Vloggers: Canon PowerShot V1
Deliberately creator-oriented, the Canon PowerShot V1 is ideal for vlogging, live streaming, and more. The 16-50mm full-frame equivalent zoom lens and unique 1.4” sensor—almost twice as large as a 1” sensor—deliver 4K video at up to 60 fps with greater detail, higher dynamic range, and improved low-light performance, all without compromising its compact, lightweight build. A 10-bit, Canon Log 3 shooting mode gives users expanded flexibility for color correction in post. The camera also has a built-in fan to prevent overheating in extended shooting situations. Canon provides several built-in shooting modes for content creators of all kinds, and the flexible connectivity options make the PowerShot V1 a formidable choice for on-the-go shooting.
The V1 features Canon’s multi-function shoe for working with advanced accessories, such as microphones, smartphone adapters, or even an on-camera flash for stills. Microphone and headphone inputs allow you to capture and monitor audio in the field.
Best Rugged Camera: OM System TG-7
The seventh iteration of its TOUGH series of rugged adventure cameras, the OM System TG-7 digital camera represents a minor upgrade to a tried-and-true line of compact and portable cameras that get the job done in the wild. Nonetheless, it remains the undisputed champ in this category: equipped with a 12MP 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor that can capture great images and record video in 4K 30p, the camera also sports a 25-100mm equivalent f/2-4.9 lens capable of extreme macro photography. Its Pro Capture mode shoots at 10 fps before the shutter is even released, and the TG-7 features interval shooting for the first time at up to 299 images with the option to create Time Lapse video.
Beyond the capture specs, the TG-7 boasts a laundry list of certifications and accessories to bolster its inclement weather and exotic locale bonafides. It’s IPX8-rated waterproof for underwater use to depths of 50’, freezeproof to temperatures as low as 14°F, shockproof to drops from as high as 7’, crushproof to withstand pressure up to 220 lbf, and dustproof to protect the internal components of the camera. The camera’s 17 dedicated accessories benefit macro, underwater, and lens conversion applications. A Field Sensor System allows you to record important data about your environment and include it in your photos and videos, including GPS, air pressure, cardinal direction, and temperature. In short, it’s the obvious option for any would-be Indiana Jones.
Best for Instant Prints: FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO Hybrid
Given the overlap between analog and digital in the resurgence of point-and-shoot cameras, it’s inevitable that a hybridized option would appear on the list: the FUJIFILM INSTAX MINI EVO Hybrid Instant Camera. Characterized by its retro looks and 100 distinct combinations of creative lens and film effects, this camera keeps what’s fun about instant film photography while adding the versatility of digital effects. It even has a moving lever that’s used to initiate the printing process. The lens is a nice 28mm equivalent wide-angle prime and focuses as close as 3.9" from your subject. Next to the lens is a small selfie mirror to help line up your self-portraits and, on the back of the camera, is a 3.0" 460k-dot LCD monitor for framing the rest of your shots. The camera also has a built-in flash that’s perfect for working in low light and giving that in-the-moment party effect.
The final component, and one of the most important benefits to the hybrid instant camera, is wireless connectivity. This means the camera can serve double duty as an instant film printer using photos taken from your mobile device, or you can use your smartphone to trigger the shutter remotely, such as when you want to be in a group photo. This process works seamlessly with the dedicated mini Evo app, which is just a clean interface for selecting image files from your phone and sending them to print.
Best Pocketable Camera: Ricoh GR IV
The latest iteration of the iconic street-shooter, the Ricoh GR IV, gets a subtle exterior redesign with a major overhaul under the hood. Coming six years after the release of its popular predecessor, the GR IV sports a new sensor, a new processor, a new lens, and a new battery, translating into faster, more accurate autofocus, sharper, higher resolution images, improved image stabilization, longer battery life, and a laundry list of user experience improvements.
It's not a stretch to say that that the GR series is the only game in town when it comes to true pocketability. Its discretion in capture and design, along with its large 25.7MP APS-C sensor and snap focus capability, gives it its reputation among street photographers. Ricoh has also released Highlight Diffusion Filter (HDF) and Monochrome editions of the GR IV.
Best for Wildlife and Sports: Nikon COOLPIX P1100
While not a point-and-shoot in the strictest sense, the bridge/superzoom class often gets lumped in with their smaller cousins by virtue of the spatial compression they are able to achieve in putting say, an 83x optical zoom lens on a lightweight and wieldable body. The Nikon COOLPIX P1100 Digital Camera, released in 2020, pairs a 16MP 1/2.3" sensor with a full-frame equivalent 24-3000mm f/2.8-6.5 lens for an incredible reach that benefits sports and wildlife applications. It’s boosted by Nikon’s Vibration Reduction optical image stabilization system which compensates for the effects of camera shake to realize sharper results when shooting handheld. The sensor and EXPEED processor also enable quick continuous stills shooting up to 7 fps at full resolution for working with moving subjects. In addition to stills, the P1100 is also capable of UHD 4K video recording at up to 30 fps and Full HD recording at 60 fps. The DSLR-esque body—one that admittedly does not telegraph “compact”—does incorporate a bright 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder and a large, vari-angle 3.2" 921k-dot LCD to enable working from high, low, and front-facing angles.
Unlike any of the other cameras on this list, the COOLPIX P1100 has both a pop-up, in-body flash and a hot shoe for connecting an external flash. Micro-HDMI output and microphone input options are available for the camera as well. In short, you’re getting the full functionality and optical quality of a DSLR at point-and-shoot prices. Sure, you’re sacrificing a little on the side of image quality – but no smartphone will fill the frame with a tree-perched horned owl. You’ll have to crop in for that.
Best Premium Camera: Sony RX1R III
Some cameras are supposed to be baubles. The Sony RX1R III Digital Camera is a $5,000 caprice that, if you can afford it, you might very well fall in love with. It’s the third iteration of the RX1R line that debuted in 2012 with the last follow-up landing in 2015. In short, it’s been awhile, and new camera delivers unreal detail thanks to the same 61MP full-frame sensor from the a7R V. It also features Sony's powerful BIONZ XR processing engine to equip the camera with the same high-speed auto exposure, autofocus, and image processing tasks. If you’re already in the Sony ecosystem, you’ll feel right at home here, putting your advanced Alpha-series camera into a compact, travel-friendly body.
Remaining with the camera over all three generations is the ZEISS Sonnar T* 35mm f/2 prime lens, whose speed and perspective are well-suited to everyday shooting. In addition to soft, bokeh-smooth backgrounds, the lens has a macro function with minimum focusing distance of 7.9”.
While these are our choices for the top of the line in point-and-shoots, it’s by no means exhaustive. And who knows, you might be more inclined to something from our Used Department, where you might just find the vintage digicam of your Y2K-core dreams.
While these are our choices for the top of the line in point-and-shoots, it’s by no means exhaustive. And who knows, you might be more inclined to something from our Used Department, where you might just find the vintage digicam of your Y2K-core dreams.
