Our review of the best point & shoot cameras on the market has revealed a few clear-cut winners. We’ve covered familiar names like the CyberShot and PowerShot lines, trendy emerging players like the Olympus Tough and the Ricoh GR II, and even some compact masterpieces like the Leica Q.
Tired of capturing grainy, washed-out photos on your smartphone, but nervous about the hassle and expense of maintaining a beginner DSLR kit? Ready to take your photography hobby to the next level, but not ready to juggle a dozen lenses on your next outing?
Thankfully, there’s a step on the ladder between grainy smartphone cameras and costly DSLR bodies. The humble compact camera, known once upon a time as a point-and-shoot.
If you’re skeptical, fear not. These aren’t the flimsy dinosaurs your parents used to haul along on family vacations. The point-and-shoots on this list are all capable, compact, and chic. Best of all, they’re quickly coming back in style.
This recent resurgence in interest is fantastic news for consumers. Now, you can purchase a premium point-and-shoot camera, with all the bells and whistles, for just a fraction of what the same device would cost a few years ago.
Camera manufacturers are realizing that not everyone wants a mammoth DSL with oodles of features and mind-blowing technical specs. As a result, more impressive point-and-shoot cameras are hitting the market.
Keep reading to find the compact camera that suits you best!
Top 10 Point & Shoot Cameras
Ranking | Camera | Dimensions | Weight | Pixels | View finder | ISO Range | Review | Price | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 | Fujifilm X100F | 5.0 x 2.9 x 2.1 in. | 1.03 lb. | 24.3 | Optical / Electronic | 200- 51200 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#2 | Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100 | 4.5 x 2.6 x 2.2 in. | 13.86 oz. | 16.84 | Electronic | 200-25600 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#3 | Ricoh GR II | 4.6 x 2.5 x 1.4 in. | 7.80 oz. | 16.2 | Electronic | 100-25600 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#4 | Olympus Tough TG-5 | 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.3 in | 8.82 oz. | 12 | Electronic | 100-12800 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#5 | Sony CyberShot DSC-RX10 | 5.2 x 3.7 x 5.7 in. | 2.41 lb. | 21 | Electronic | 100-12800 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#6 | Canon PowerShot G9 Mark II | 3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2 in. | 7.27 oz. | 20.9 | Electronic | 125-6400 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#7 | Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS | 3.8 x 2.2 x 0.9 in. | 0.7 lb. | 20.5 | Electronic | 100-1600 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#8 | Leica Q | 5.1 x 3.1 x 3.7 in. | 1.41 lb. | 26.3 | Optical / Electronic | 100-50000 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#9 | Sony CyberShot RX100 V | 4.0 x 2.3 x 1.6 in. | 10.55 oz. | 20.1 | Electronic | 125-12800 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon | |
#10 | Nikon CoolPix W100 | 4.3 x 2.6 x 1.5 in. | 6.24 oz. | 13.2 | Electronic | 125-1600 | Read Review | See Price on Amazon |
#1. Fujifilm X100F
- Dimensions: 5.0 x 2.9 x 2.1 in.
- Weight: 1.03 lb.
- Pixels: 24.3
- Viewfinder Type: Optical/Electronic
- ISO Range: 200-51200
- The high points: Incredible sensor, advanced hybrid viewfinder, powerful processor, handy lens, extended ISO range
- The not-so: Blurry EVF, hit-or-miss auto ISO settings, build quality flaws
It’s really no surprise that a Fujifilm camera tops our list of point-and-shoots. Famous for its excellent film cameras, Fuji has made impressive inroads into the point-and-shoot market over the past few decades.
Its steep price tag and heavy-duty hardware aren’t for everyone. However, for those willing to take the plunge, this compact powerhouse will deliver astonishing results. It combines all the best elements of the now-classic X100 series. This model delivers amazing photo quality and a seamless user experience.
Unlike some point-and-shoots on the market today, the Fujifilm X100F doesn’t try to be something it’s not. It simply embraces its identity as one of the most advanced compact cameras on the market. You’ll be blown away by the creamy transitions, rich color palette, and delightful crispness of every image.
The X100F complements this impressive optical pedigree with a range of sophisticated technical features. These include an excellent autofocus system and a tack-sharp Fuji lens.
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers lavished praise on the X100F’s stunning retro design. They love its sleek exterior and slim mechanical dials.
The Fuji can’t replace a full DSLR kit. However, its compact frame and easily customizable settings make it perfect for street and travel photography. It slips comfortably into a carry-on bag or even squeezes into a cargo pocket.
Many reviewers loved the X100F’s classic Film Simulation Modes. It’s a great throwback to the days of film-based photography. Filters that mimic monochrome modes and vintage film filters produce rich, dramatic tonalities in a snap.
They also loved the Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder. This blends the effortless operation of an OVF with the technical capacity of an EVF.
They loved using the dedicated switching lever to tab between the two modes, using the OVF to perfectly frame a scene and the EVF to quickly fine-tune their exposure and white balance settings.
What’s good?
The X100F’s 24.3MP CMOS III sensor is one of the most sophisticated to ever inhabit a compact camera. Unimpaired by an optical low-pass filter, the randomized X-Trans pixel array produces tack-sharp images that glow with the lucidity of traditional film. Plus, it reduces moiré and aliasing.
Paired with the sensor, the X100F’s advanced image processor shaves away noise to reveal gorgeous images in any lighting. An extended ISO range of 100-51200 and an 8 fps continuous shooting rate allow you to dial in on just the settings you need to frame the perfect shot.
The X100F also boasts Full HS 1080p video recording. In addition, it has with a 91-point AF system that features 49 phase-detection points.
Used in combination, those features make shooting in either single-shot AF-S mode or continuous AF-C mode a breeze. The built-in 23mm fixed focal length lens is one of Fujifilm’s sharpest. It features a single aspherical element to increase clarity. It also has a Super EBC coating to bring out lush, vibrant colors.
What could be better?
The X100F is a modern classic and an incredible addition to the Fujifilm family. However, it does struggle in a few aspects when compared to similarly priced compact models.
Although the OVF/EVF viewfinder is immensely helpful, it’s not as crisp and clear as some of the others you’ll find on this list. Some reviewers also reported that its LCD monitor is predisposed to dead spots and other serious flaws. Those fancy technical features won’t be as useful if the entire display fails.
There are other issues, too. The X100F’s automatic ISO doesn’t always narrow in on the proper settings, sometimes suggesting wildly incorrect presets for the occasion.
#2. Panasonic LUMIX DMC-LX100
- Dimensions: 4.5 x 2.6 x 2.2 in.
- Weight: 13.86 oz.
- Pixels: 16.84
- Viewfinder Type: Electronic
- ISO Range: 200-25600
- The high points: Advanced sensor, Leica lens, excellent autofocus, Wi-Fi and NFC, 4K video, brilliant LCD screen
- The not-so: Build quality issues, short battery life, subpar customer service
For years, point-and-shoot cameras have lagged behind their DSLR siblings in terms of image quality and technical capability. The Panasonic LUMIX range ushered in a new age of compact camera excellence. This model upholds those high standards even further.
Satisfying manual controls hearken back to the golden age of film cameras. They also give you control over a full range of modern, highly advanced imaging features. The DMC-LX100 is perfect for the photographer who wants to expand their shooting capabilities and produce ravishing images without the price tag of a high-end model.
The camera’s innovative Light Speed AF system, which uses Panasonic’s Depth From Defocus technology to slash focus times in half, latching onto a shot within a blistering 0.14 seconds. Its crisp EVF display, premium Leica lens, and its brilliant viewfinder set it miles ahead of most competition.
What do reviewers say about it?
The DMC-LX100 is a favorite of many professional photographers and even videographers, who adore the compact camera for its smooth operation, razor-sharp viewfinder, and staggering optics.
They also appreciated the wide range of pro-grade technical features. These include a fully integrated hot shoe and integration with the Panasonic Image App. Wi-Fi integration and NFC support allows you to tag location information with your smartphone GPS and share images directly to your social media accounts.
Its 4K shooting setting and 11 fps high-burst shooting mode, which delivers startlingly crisp still images, make it perfect for the budding videographer or anyone who loves to travel.
What’s good?
The high point of the DMC-LX100’s hardware is its astonishing Leica DC Vario-Summilux 1.7-2.8lens, which provides a 35mm-equivalent focal length range. That makes it ideal for everything from intimate portraiture to wide-angle landscape shots. The lens also incorporates five separate aspherical elements for a richer depth of field, and a nine-bladed aperture for silky smooth bokeh.
With this compact marvel in your hand, you’ll never be left wondering what’s in and out of frame. The LX100’s Multi-Aspect MOS Sensor produces 12.8MP still images and 4K Ultra HD video at both 24 and 30 fps.
Its high-density 2,764k-dot viewfinder allows you to frame shots with ease, regardless of the shooting conditions. It reproduces hues with stunning precision and displays them in high fidelity on the 3-inch, 921k-dot rear LCD screen.
What could be better?
Sadly, some owners have reported serious quality flaws with the DMC-LX100. The shutter release button sometimes sticks, for example, and the battery sometimes drains when the camera is powered down.
In addition, the zoom mechanism seems not to retract properly, which can suck dust and other contaminants onto the sensor. Those flaws are quite a disappointment in such an otherwise dependable machine.
If your model encounters one of these issues, you may also find it difficult to get a quick repair. Panasonic doesn’t have a great customer service reputation, so many owners have been slapped with massive repair bills or agonizingly slow turnaround times. That’s a good thing to be aware of before you commit to this purchase.
#3. Ricoh GR II
- Dimensions: 4.6 x 2.5 x 1.4 in.
- Weight: 7.80 oz.
- Pixels: 16.2
- Viewfinder Type: Electronic
- ISO Range: 100-25600
- The high points: Powerful sensor, ergonomic design, premium low-light performance, Wi-Fi and NFC, accurate autofocus
- The not-so: No image stabilization, subpar video recording, sketchy auto white balance
If you haven’t heard the name Ricoh since the days of film compacts, then you’re in for a pleasant surprise. The Japanese hardware powerhouse has produced some absolutely stellar cameras over the years. The ultra-slim GR II is no exception.
Although you might be put off at first by this camera’s plain jane appearance, you’ll quickly fall in love with its dependable performance, nifty technical features and exceptional image quality.
The GR II outpaces many pricier point-and-shoots—and even some DSLRs—with features like a blisteringly fast autofocus system and intuitive menu design. Plus, it’s small enough to slip into a coat or cargo pocket with ease. Whether in town or country, this compact marvel is the perfect choice for someone who wants to take their photography hobby on a little adventure.
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers report that the GR II’s unassuming appearance and tactile magnesium finish make it ideal for fast-paced street shooting. They also praised the many user-friendly elements of its design, such as the chunky hand grip and the readily accessible manual dials.
The images produced by the GR II had reviewers raving, as well. They’re almost always delightfully sharp, with striking color palettes and surprisingly sensitive light treatment. Its metering is dependably accurate, and its high-performance sensor turns out decently crisp images even at ISO 25600.
For such a compact model, the GR II impressed reviewers with its excellent battery life. Many commented that they had taken the camera out for long excursions and never needed to give a thought to their power supply.
What’s good?
Improving on the technical specs of its famous predecessor, the GR II houses a 16.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, which cuts through noise and delivers crisp, brilliantly colorful images. The GR II’s powerful ENGINE V image processor delivers great sensitivity and clarity without ever lagging or bogging.
The dedicated autofocus system, which locks onto shots in as little as 0.2 seconds, will feel quick and smooth even to DSLR users. That AF system stays active even when shooting 1080p video, ensuring that your subject remains sharp throughout filming.
The GR II also packs some techie surprises, including built-in Wi-Fi and NFC connectivity that effortlessly connects to smartphones and tablets. It can even synchronize wirelessly with off-camera flashes to build a studio-quality lighting setup anywhere. Those features haven’t made it to many compact cameras, so it’s a joy to see them on display here.
What could be better?
While the GR II boasts plenty of cool features, it’s missing a few that many photographers might assume come standard. One of these unfortunate absences is an electronic viewfinder. You’ll need to settle for the LCD screen instead, which can be a challenging adjustment for professionals.
Although the GR II is capable of shooting great video, budding videographers might find it a little frustrating. That’s because this camera lacks image stabilization. It also presents a bizarre crackling noise on the built-in mic when recording at 30fps.
Some reviewers also lamented shoddy white balance settings and occasionally poor color balancing. So if you invest in the GR II, you should probably feel comfortable setting your white balance manually.
#4. Olympus Tough TG-5
- Dimensions: 4.4 x 2.6 x 1.3 in.
- Weight: 8.82 oz.
- Pixels: 12
- Viewfinder Type: Electronic
- ISO Range: 100-12800
- The high points: Durable design, solid build quality, excellent macro settings, Wi-Fi, capable sensor and processor, advanced field sensor system
- The not-so: Color aberrations, no manual mode, poor low-light performance, slow autofocus
Sometimes you’ll want to use a camera in more extreme situations, especially when you’re venturing into the desert, onto the trail, or under the water. For those times, you’ll need a camera that can stand up to dust, wind, moisture, heat, and cold. Unfortunately, not many point-and-shoot cameras are up to the task.
Enter the Olympus Tough TG-5, a shockingly rugged powerhouse with heavy-duty features and a can-do attitude. This rough-and-ready camera is totally waterproof to a depth of 50 feet. It is also rated to withstand falls from seven feet and pressure up to 220 pounds.
It is hermetically sealed to lock out dust and moisture. It’s even freezeproofed at temperatures as low as 14° F.
Although this certainly isn’t the world’s most adaptable camera, it makes up for that lack of flexibility with its durable design. With the Tough TG-5 on your belt, you’ll be ready to handle anything the wilderness throws your way—and snap some awesome shots along the way!
What do reviewers say about it?
Most TG-5 reviewers are hikers, divers, or other extreme sports fanatics who can speak intelligently about its capabilities and shortcomings. These people generally raved about the camera’s macro mode, reporting that it delivered exceptionally crisp images even at maximum zoom.
They also adored the camera’s foolproof white balance settings and 5-axis stabilization, which make setting up great shots a breeze. Many reviewers praised the TG-5’s intuitive art and scene effects, which are great for setting up a unique shot in a pinch. Although some had complaints about the camera’s low-light performance, they generally agreed that it outshines almost every competitor in its class.
What’s good?
Underneath its durable exterior, the TG-5 houses a surprisingly capable image processor. A 12MP CMOS sensor and a smooth TruePic VIII churn out clean, rich images with high levels of color sensitivity.
There’s very little noise in good shooting conditions, and a 4x optical zoom allows you to get a close-up view of shy wildlife or distant landmarks. Even true macro photography is a breeze with Olympus’s trademark Variable Macro System.
It also boasts enough cool technical tricks to keep anyone satisfied. A Field Sensor System uses GPS, a manometer, a compass, and a thermometer to record data about your surroundings and embed it in your images. With the built-in Wi-Fi connectivity and the OI.Track mobile app, it’s easy to log your data and share images instantly to any device.
What could be better?
Unfortunately, some of the technical effort that went into making the Tough TG-5 a scuba diver’s dream also made it a pro photographer’s nightmare. Some users complain that the Olympus doesn’t perform well in low-light situations that comparably priced point-and-shoot cameras could still manage. It’s also locked in automatic mode, which is a huge limitation.
The autofocus system is a bit soft and sluggish, which isn’t ideal for snapping those once-in-a-lifetime wildlife shots. Due to the TG-5’s limited dynamic range, colors don’t pop like they do in real life. Some users even reported that the RAW images show chromatic aberrations that need to be cleaned up in post.
#5. Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-RX10
- Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.7 x 5.7 in.
- Weight: 2.41 lb.
- Pixels: 21.0
- Viewfinder Type: Electronic
- ISO Range: 100-12800
- The high points: Lightweight body, exceptional lens, powerful processor, huge sensor, sharp autofocus, crisp viewfinder
- The not-so: Expensive price, sometimes subpar autofocus
Some photographers want a little more out of their machine, preferring performance over convenience and technical capability over consumer accessibility. If that describes you, then the Sony Cyber Shot DSC-RX10 is in a league of its own. You’ll pay a premium for its features and fixtures, but you’ll capture images you never thought possible from such an unassuming package.
The DSC-RX10 is technically a bridge camera, splitting the difference between DSLRs and their mirrorless siblings. And it does an excellent job of harvesting the most essential features from high-end cameras and pulling them together into an exceptionally sensitive, powerful machine. Look past its distinctly unsexy name and its slightly geeky appearance, and you just might fall in love at first shot.
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers also raved about the DSC-RX10’s magnesium alloy body, praising its lightweight portability and pleasantly ergonomic design. Most reviewers had great things to say about the Cyber-Shot’s Zeiss zoom lens, reporting that it performs consistently well whether it’s blown wide open or narrowed down on the subject. They loved taking advantage of a premium-quality lens without the hassle and heaviness of a DSLR.
A few reviewers had serious complaints about the DSC-RX10’s autofocus system and low-light performance. However, almost everyone concurred that it was one of the most capable all-in-one cameras ever. That’s saying something in a market that currently feels saturated with exciting, innovative products.
What’s good?
Packing a 20.1 MP Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor and a brilliant BIONZ X image processor under the hood, the DSC-RX10 dramatically improves the agility and throughput of its imaging process. Its Optical SteadyShot image stabilization software reduces camera shake. Its phase-detection autofocus system can lock onto a subject in just 0.03 seconds. The two features work in tandem to reduce camera shake and produce images with unparalleled richness and clarity.
That snappy autofocus really shines when combined with the 25x Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T zoom lens, which achieves a 24-600mm equivalent focal length range. The lens boasts a rounded nine-blade diaphragm. This produces both creamy bokeh and crystal-clear magnification.
Dial in focus with the bright, 2.36m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder or the articulated 3.0″ 1.44m-dot touchscreen LCD screen. The DSC-RX10 can pull off plenty of flashy shooting modes, including 40x super slow motion, Ultra HD 4K video, and continuous bursts up to 249 JPEGs.
What could be better?
The biggest hurdle that aspiring DSC-RX10 owners will need to scale is its price. At well over $1500, you’ll be laying down cash that could buy you a decent DSLR or a very capable mirrorless system. Before purchasing this Sony marvel, you should be absolutely sure that its portability and convenience are worthwhile tradeoffs for its point-and-shoot limitations.
Although the DSC-RX10 stakes a considerable portion of its reputation on those blistering autofocus speeds, it doesn’t always follow through. The AF speed is impressive. However, it doesn’t always lock onto the correct subject with precision and accuracy.
It’s frustrating to see a tight focus in the viewfinder only to be greeted with a sloppy, blurred image in post. It’s also tricky to track moving subjects without focus slippage, so aspiring DSC-RX10 owners should start exercising their squinting muscles now.
#6. Canon PowerShot G9 Mark II
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.3 x 1.2 in.
- Weight: 7.27 oz.
- Pixels: 20.9
- Viewfinder Type: Electronic
- ISO Range: 125-6400
- The high points: Lightweight body, exceptional lens, powerful processor, huge sensor, sharp autofocus, crisp viewfinder
- The not-so: Slow operation, limited focal range, weak battery performance
So far, our list has been packed full of tiny cameras with gigantic price tags. What if you want to splurge on a sophisticated point-and-shoot, but don’t want to fork over entire paychecks worth of your cash?
Thankfully, despite a recent resurgence in interest, the days of the affordable compact camera are far from over. The humble Canon PowerShot line is still delivering exceptional image quality and intuitive designs without the hefty price tags worn by the bridge and super-zoom models.
The G9 X Mark II is one of the most capable—and pocketable—PowerShot models. It’s small enough to slip into a camera bag or jacket, yet well-crafted and sturdy enough to stand up to plenty of rough treatment.
The Mark II’s technical specs are certainly impressive, as well. After all, when you match a robust 20.1 CMOS sensor with a speedy DIGIC 7 processor, the results are sure to be exceptional. The Mark II delivers crisp, lovely images even in tricky shooting situations, blotting away camera shake, color aberrations, and noise with impressive reliability.
What do reviewers say about it?
Above all, reviewers love the PowerShot’s sensor-processor duo, which consistently produces clean, colorful shots. It’s also surprisingly powerful for such a small device, and its image quality outpaces many high-end DSLRs in terms of texture and sensitivity.
Although its autofocus is sometimes sluggish, many reviewers praised its responsive performance and intuitive, effortless touchscreen interface.
Some speculate that the GR Mark II wouldn’t be well suited for more specialized genres like sports photography or portraiture. However, they say it’s perfect for casual, hobbyist photographers and even professionals who want to have a little bit of extra fun.
What’s good?
The G9 Mark II does an admirable job blending form and function with plain old fun. Its body design is sleek, slim, and sturdy, making it equally perfect for a quick jaunt into town or a long walk on the trail.
That processor and sensor combination packs a powerful punch, delivering an expanded sensivity range up to ISO 12800, an 8.2 fps continuous shooting rate, lightning fast subject tracking autofocus, and Full HD 1080p video at 60-fps. Those are remarkable specs for a camera that can slide into the back pocket of your jeans.
The 3x optical zoom lens is also a treat, its 28-84 equivalent focal length spanning wide-angle shots and portraits with ease. Frame your shots with ease on a 3-inch, 1.04m-dot LCD touchscreen, which makes nailing your focus and scrolling through menu options a delight.
What could be better?
Although the G9 Mark II certainly has an impressive pedigree, it’s still the entry-level model in a lower caliber line of compact cameras. The Mark II’s focal range is severely limited, which strips shots of detail and richness in some shooting situations. Its lens, though solid, is also a bit sluggish and soft.
The interplay between the LCD touchscreen with the classic manual dials is a bit cumbersome, especially when you’re trying to make menu and focal adjustments simultaneously. Expect to switch back and forth awkwardly a few times.
To top it all off, the G9 Mark II’s battery performance is less than stellar. It will last for a whole session, but not much longer, so be sure you plan your trip in advance.
#7. Canon PowerShot ELPH 190 IS
- Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.2 x 0.9 in.
- Weight: 0.7 lb.
- Pixels: 20.5
- Viewfinder Type: Electronic
- ISO Range: 100-1600
- The high points: Wi-Fi and NFS, smart shooting modes, strong image stabilization system
- The not-so: Cheap materials, slow autofocus
The Canon PowerShot ELPH isn’t the flashiest camera around, but it offers one of the best bangs for your buck in the compact camera space. Its sleek and portable frame, flexible zoom lens, and a 20.0MP 1/2.3″ CCD sensor and DIGIC 4+ image processor defy expectations from such an affordable point and shoot model.
Those technical specifications combine to offer striking image quality even at high ISO and other adverse shooting conditions. You can record HD 720p video at 25 fps and shoot photos in continuous 2.2 fps, all while keeping an eye on your framing with the 2.7-inch, 230k-dot LCD monitor.
We love the ELPH 190 IS for its peppy performance and fun design.It’s a perky little machine with cool technical features and solid image quality, perfect for the photographer who wants to step up their game without a huge investment.
What do reviewers say about it?
While reviewers responded to the ELPH’s performance with enthusiasm, many also commented on the camera’s delightful array of smart features. Unlike many of its competitors, the built-in Wi-Fi and NFC on the 190 IS seem to actually work, allowing you to remotely control the camera from a mobile app and transmit photos wirelessly to a phone or tablet.
Its Active Tripod feature, which intelligently minimizes camera shake during the recording of HD video, was a big hit. Reviewers also appreciated the ELPH’s ECO Mode, which reduces energy consumption by pruning away features that you’re not using. This lengthens battery life while retaining image quality.
What’s good?
An Intelligent IS image stabilization system, combined with the 10x optical zoom, make it easy to frame the shot you want and produce crisp, lovely images using the CyberShot. Other modes, such as Low Light and Monochrome, allow you to adjust and edit your photographs in-camera.
A variety of Shooting Modes can be used to optimize the camera’s settings based on a specific scene type you are working in, including Low Light, Portrait, and Fireworks modes. Scene Modes, such as Fisheye Effect, Toy Camera Effect, and Monochrome, help to creatively adjust the look of your photographs in-camera. In addition, a cool Smart AUTO mode that intelligently selects settings based on previous usage.
What could be better?
Since the ELPH 190 is further down the product line than some of Canon’s other point-and-shoot models, its build quality doesn’t always live up to the hype. A few users complained about its shoddy materials, which smudge easily and feel cheap in the hand.
Its intelligent autofocus isn’t quite up to par either, with shots sometimes taking nearly a second to focus properly. Although the ELPH is an affordable model, that kind of performance lag is quite disappointing.
#8. Leica Q
- Dimensions: 5.1 x 3.1 x 3.7 in.
- Weight: 1.41 lb.
- Pixels: 26.3
- Viewfinder Type: Optical/Electronic
- ISO Range: 100-50000
- The high points: Astonishing sensor, amazing lens, image stabilization system, intuitive user interface, speedy autofocus
- The not-so: High cost, small, awkward controls
Ready to pull out all the stops and splurge for a compact camera that really knocks your socks off? Then the Leica Q is your only true option.
Hand over half your savings account, and you’ll be rewarded with a peerless machine, a stunning Summilux lens, and a buffet of features to make your DSLR-wielding friends blush with jealousy.
Although the Q’s technical specifications far outshine every other camera in its class, you’ll first fall in love with its classically elegant body design and its sophisticated, unmistakable Leica styling. Its sleek snakeskin leathering is set off perfectly by its luminous manual dials and buttons, while a deliciously clear LCD screen allows you to make minute adjustments with ease.
The Q backs up those classy looks with some exceptional technical specifications, from a state-of-the-art lens to a smooth and speedy processor.
What do reviewers say about it?
The Q, like most Leica cameras, has been met with acclaim from nearly every corner of the photography market. Reviewers can’t stop complimenting its nimble autofocus, solid build quality, and exceptional image quality. Even amateur photographers find it easy to compose deep, sensitive shots on this camera.
While a few reviewers objected to the Q’s slim profile, saying that it didn’t suit photographers with larger hands, most agreed that its technical specs were above and beyond any other compact cameras on the market. They loved its blend of cutting-edge technologies, effortlessly accessible operation, and vintage Leica styling.
What’s good?
A full-frame 24.2MP CMOS sensor, combined with the same Maestro II series image processor found in the brand’s much pricier models, produces lustrous, deep images even at ISO 50000 and 10 fps.
The Simmilux 28mm f/1.7 lens is complemented perfectly by a range of classic manual features. Its tactile focus ring and physical aperture blade make achieving gorgeous bokeh an effortless pleasure. A 3.6MP LCOS electronic viewfinder, optical stabilization system, and an intuitive Digital Frame Selection tool further enhance the shooting experience.
With the Q in your hands, you’ll be able to toggle back and forth quite easily between a capable manual mode and an intuitive auto mode that intelligently selects for the optimum settings.
What could be better?
Your fingers may be itching to try out the Leica Q’s features, but your eyes will surely start watering once you see the price. At just under $4500 at the time of writing, this point-and-shoot powerhouse demands a steep commitment.
Most customer complaints about the Q centered around its user-friendliness rather than its imaging performance. The dials are a little too small, the body is a little too slippery, and the switches and menus are a little too awkward to justify the shocking cost.
And if you’re seriously thinking about dropping over $4000 on a compact camera, it’s worth considering whether a full-frame DSLR or mirrorless camera (plenty of which boast similar specs) would be a better investment.
#9. Sony CyberShot RX100 V
- Dimensions: 4.0 x 2.3 x 1.6 in.
- Weight: 10.55 oz.
- Pixels: 20.1
- Viewfinder Type: Electronic
- ISO Range: 125-12800
- The high points: Great lens, excellent shooting modes, quick autofocus, slim profile, flexible viewfinder options
- The not-so: Bad ergonomics, slow lens operation, complex interface
Another capable entry from the legendary CyberShot line, the RX100 V vastly improves on the fame and success of the original RX100 by adding a swifter autofocus system, a dependable Exmor sensor, and a sophisticated BIONZ X processor.
While the original sensor blew us all away, the updated version incorporates an even more impressive stacked sensor that can capture information at a blisteringly fast speed. That means every type of composition—whether it’s in 4K video, 40x slow motion, or 24fps continuous boost mode—is a breeze.
Even in the sketchiest of shooting situations, the RX100 delivers exceptional images with stunning color fidelity and perfectly noiseless clarity. It’s a dream come true for the amateur who wants to get serious about their photography pursuits.
What do reviewers say about it?
Reviewers loved the RX100 V’s slim body design, silent operation, and lightweight materials, which make it perfect for a day on the town. Everyone concurred that it was always worth taking the extra time to slip it into your pocket. Its stellar RAW files, full of color and clarity, put more expensive cameras to shame.
They were also impressed by its optical zoom range and white balance capabilities. Many reviewers mentioned how solidly and comfortably the RX100 fits into their hand, and said that its build quality outclassed many comparably priced cameras.
What’s good?
The CyberShot deeply impresses even professional photographers with the depth and clarity of its Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens, which is equivalent to 24-70mm. The lens offers more striking, shallow depth-of-field effects than the average compact camera, and its speedy maximum aperture range of f/1.8-2.8 effortlessly eliminates noise.
The RX100 V incorporates all the successful hardware as its predecessor, including a manual lens control ring, a built-in ND filter, and tactile, customizable dials. You can check your settings on a pop-up 2.36m-dot OLED Tru-Finder EVF, or monitor your color depth on the smoothly articulated 1.23m-dot LCD screen. It also has built-in Wi-Fi with NFC for connecting to a smartphone or tablet.
What could be better?
The RX100 has a generally solid build quality, but quite a few users have reported issues with overheating, muddled ergonomics, and even battery failure.
Some reviewers also complained about the softness of the Zeiss lens and autofocus system, which sometimes struggle to cope with dicey shooting situations.
Additionally, the RX100’s settings and menus are labyrinthine, even for someone who’s accustomed to the complexity of a mirrorless or DSLR camera. The user interface for the Wi-Fi and NFC capabilities is needlessly complicated. Those nifty modern features are essentially useless if you can’t access them easily or use them to their full potential.
#10. Nikon CoolPix W100
- Dimensions: .3 x 2.6 x 1.5 in.
- Weight: 6.24 oz.
- Pixels: 13.2
- Viewfinder Type: Electronic
- ISO Range: 125-1600
- The high points: Good build quality, fantastic lens, user-friendly interface and menus, affordable price, rugged exterior
- The not-so: No manual mode, awkward battery charging
The classic Nikon CoolPix series has been a standby on many a family vacation. This updated model retains all the charm and durability of the original while incorporating some surprisingly advanced technical features.
The W100 combines solid imaging performance with resilient build quality, a sophisticated NIKKOR lens, and an intuitive user interface. The images it captures won’t be winning any famous awards. However, they’re miles beyond what point-and-shoot cameras were capable of just ten years ago.
You’ll love how easy it is to use and how foolproof it makes. It’s perfect for the traveler who wants to capture memories along their next journey, or the budding photographer who wants to experiment without a big commitment.
What do reviewers say about it?
Photographers just starting out appreciated the W100’s easy-to-use menus and simple, manual operations, while those with more experience were impressed by the number of relatively advanced features it incorporates. They were pleased with the images they produced, as well, with some commenting that its underwater photos were astonishingly clear and colorful.
Reviewers also raved about the W100’s affordable price point, dependable build quality, and sleek, compact design. Given its small dimensions, it’s a popular choice for children and teens who want to explore photography without constantly co-opting their parents’ gear. Now that’s a development that everyone in the family is sure to embrace!
What’s good?
Perhaps the most surprising thing about the W100 is its rough-and-ready construction. According to the manufacturer, that rugged exterior is shockproof from 5.9 feet, freezeproof to 14 degrees, and waterproof to a depth of 33 feet.
Composing killer shots is a breeze with the 13.2MP CMOS sensor, the 3x Optical Zoom, and the high-performance face finding feature that’s lifted from more expensive Nikon rigs. You can frame your shots effortlessly on the 2.7-inch TFT LCD screen. It’s great for action shots of sports or kids.
The W100 can shoot Full HD 1080p resolution video at up to 30fps, and its Target Finding Autofocus system locks onto subjects with speed and precision.
What could be better?
Like most point-and-shoot cameras in this price point, the CoolPix W100 doesn’t offer a manual mode. Your opportunities to play around with exposure and other settings are quite limited, which poses a problem for aspiring photographers who want to progress beyond the basics of framing and composition.
The W100’s otherwise effortless operation is undercut by one rather annoying issue: its batteries must be charged while housed inside the camera. That means you need to wait a few hours while the camera is out of commission, wasting valuable shooting opportunities.