Last Updated on March 16, 2021
Point and shoot cameras allow you to take quality pictures without knowing how to properly adjust your settings for your environment. They allow you to simply start taking pictures so they are ideal for those looking to capture better images than they can with a camera phone without investing in a more advanced camera. This will let you focus strictly on the composition and creativity of your photographs.
[The Main Museum is supported by readers just like you. Some product links on The Main Museum are referral links. If you use one of these and buy something we make a little bit of money at no additional cost to you]
Best Point and Shoot Camera
Canon PowerShot ELPH 190
- Compact camera
- Has a 1/2.3″ sensor
- 20 megapixels
- Built in 28-224mm f/3.2-6.9 lens
- 2.7″ LCD screen with 230k dots
- Has a 3fps max continuous shooting speed
- 1280×720 HD maximum video resolution
- Ideal for beginners
This Canon camera is very popular and has evolved over the years as it has continuously been improved upon from one generation to the next. It goes by other names depending on where you live but here in the USA it is referred to as the ELPH. These well designed and small cameras are easy to travel with. It will fit nicely in your pocket and make a great travel point and shoot camera. This is a great beginner model that packs a good deal of functionality. It provides a solid 20mp 1/2.3″ sensor with a 10x optical zoom. It also has built in image stabilizer allowing you to keep the blur to a minimum for crisp images. The built in lens offers 43mm focal length with an ISO of 1600. This is a great value and ideal for beginners.
Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 V
- Compact camera
- Has a 1″ sensor
- 20.1 megaixels
- Built in 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 lens
- Has a 3″ LCD screen with 1,228k dots that tilts
- Capable of 24fps continuous shooting speed
- 4k video capture
- Ideal for intermediate photographers
I really like Sony’s camera line and the RX100 V is an exceptional point and shoot model. It is well constructed with a durable metal body and it is still compact and portable. This camera offers truly surprising image quality as well as solid 4k video capture. It even has slow motion video capture for added creative expression. The burst mode is fast and allows for up to 24fps continuous speed shooting. It has a high quality electronic viewfinder which makes lining up your shots a breeze. This camera is a great option for shooting vacations and even street photography shots. This model comes in at a higher price point but is well worth it if it is within your budget thanks to the high performance and added features.
Olympus Tough TG-6
- Compact camera
- Has a 1/2.3″ sensor
- 12 megapixels
- Built in 25-100mm f/2-4.9 lens
- Has a 3″ LCD screen with 460k dots
- Capable of up to 20fps burst mode shooting
- 4k video capture
- Ideal for users of all skill levels
This Olympus point and shoot is incredibly rugged and well built. It is as close to indestructible as will find in it’s class. This camera is ideal for the real adventurer. It is weather proof including freeze resistant as well as drop protected. It is perfect for the hiker, kayaker, and any traveler or outdoor enthusiast looking for a point and shoot. It is incredibly easy to use meaning you won’t have to spend time fiddling with settings and it is even great for kids. It does come with a smaller sensor but it still shoots Raw and fast with a 20fps burst. It captures 4k video and can even capture slow motion video in full high definition. This camera is definitely worth the higher price tag if you want a seriously tough point and shoot camera.
Nikon Coolpix P1000
- Zoom compact camera
- Has a 1/2.3″ sensor
- 16 megapixels
- Built in 24-3000mm f/2.8-8.0 lens
- Has a 3.2″ tilt LCD screen with 921k dots
- Has an EVF viewfinder
- Capable of up to 7fps burst mode
- 4k video capture
- Ideal for all skill levels
This camera offers an absolutely HUGE focal range with an incredible zoom that reaches from 24 all the way to 3000mm. This is unparalleled in point and shoot cameras so if you want a camera that can shoot epic distances there is no other choice on the market that does what this Nikon can do. It is popular with travelers and for shooting the night sky with those who want a simple rig. It offers an LCD screen with tilt making it easy to frame your scene. It does have a relatively small sensor but that is to compensate for the incredible focal range. It offers Dual Detect which prevents camera shake and vibration. This is a great point and shoot camera and ideal for those who need the longest zoom.
Panasonic Lumix LX10
- Compact camera
- Has a 1″ sensor
- 20.1 megapixels
- Built in 24-72mm f/1.4-2.8 lens
- 3″ tilt LCD screen with 1,040k dots
- Capable of 10fps continuous shooting speed
- 4k video capture
- Ideal for beginners and intermediate users
The LX10 is an excellent point and shoot from the Panasonic Lumix line of compact cameras. This point and shoot has a 1″ sensor with a solid 20.1 megapixels for great image quality. Not only do you get great still shot quality but you can capture 4k video too. It has a wide focal length allowing you to get everything in your scene. The LCD screen offers tilt for easier lining up of your shots. It offers a solid overall performance for a decent price. It is a great option for the beginner to intermediate photographer.
Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II
- Compact camera
- Has a 1″ sensor
- 20.1 megapixels
- Built in 28-84mm f/2-4.9 lens
- Has a 3″ LCD screen with 1,040k dots
- Capable of 8.2fps continuous shooting speed
- Full high definition video capture
- Ideal for beginners to intermediate photographers
This Canon is one of my absolute favorite point and shoot cameras on the market. It has a stylish design augmented with a silver metal exterior with faux leather accents. It is incredibly easy to use and requires little setting tweaking. It offers a one inch sensor with 20.1 megapixels for excellent image quality. The built in lens is a great performer and offers 28-84mm focal length range. It is very popular with portrait photographers and travelers as it offers a wide aperture. While it does not offer a viewfinder, it does have a large three inch LCD screen. It can shoot in burst mode at up to 8fps while allowing you to seamlessly capture almost any scene.
Panasonic LX100 II
- Compact camera
- Has a four thirds sensor
- 17 megapixels
- Built in 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens
- Has a 3″ LCD touchscreen with 1,240,000 dots
- Has an EVF viewfinder
- Offers 11fps continuous shooting speed
- 4k video capture
- Ideal for those seeking the best performance
This massively popular Panasonic point and shoot camera is a serious performer. It offers a high quality 17 megapixel sensor that allows you to easily switch between image aspect ratios. The settings are adjusted with easy to use dials and the camera is very well designed making it easy to use. It is small enough to fit in your pocket making it a very portable model. The built in lens has a wide f/1.7 aperture. It is also capable of capturing high quality 4k video. It has a large LCD touchscreen and can shoot at up to 11fps.
Sony RX100 Mark VI
- Has a 1″ sensor
- 20.1 megapixels
- Built in 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 lens
- Has a large 3″ tilt touchscreen with 921k dots
- Has an EVF viewfinder
- Capable of up to 24fps continuous shooting speed
- 4k video capture
- Ideal for intermediate users
This premium camera offers exceptional performance. It has a solid 20.1 mp resolution with a 1″ sensor. It offers superb 4k video capture and the ability to shoot slow motion video at 960fps. It also offers up to 24fps burst mode with autofocus and auto exposure settings. This allows you to just turn on burst mode and create excellent image quality even when shooting a moving subject. The amazing pop up 2.36 million dot EVF is what really makes this camera stand out from the pack. It performs really fast and accurately. This Sony point and shoot is very popular with those on vacation or who travel often. Add in a solid performing built in 24-200mm f/2.8 lens and this is an excellent investment if it is within your budget.
Fujifilm X100F
- Has an APS-C sensor
- 24.3 megapixels
- Built in 35mm f/2 lens
- Has a 3″ screen with 1,040,000 dots
- Offers a hybrid optical and EVF viewfinder
- Capable of up to 8fps burst mode
- 1080p video capture
- Ideal for expert photographers
This massively popular Fujifilm camera has been around for a while now and it is still a winner. It is one of the first mirrorless cameras to hit the market and it offers a awesome retro design and a much larger image resolution than the other cameras on the list. The APS-C sensor is much larger than a one inch or four thirds. The built in lens is high quality and offers a 35mm focal length along with an f/2 aperture. The viewfinder is excellent offering an easy framing experience. The 4k video capture is excellent and it shoots in Raw. The price is up there but if you are interested in a high performing point and shoot this is a a great option.
Sony RX1R II
- High end compact camera
- Has a full frame sensor
- 42.4 megapixels
- Built in 35mm f/2 lens
- Has a large 3″ fixed LCD screen with 1.28 million dots
- Capable of 5fps burst mode
- Full HD video capture
- Ideal for serious photographers
This point and shoot is top of the line and offers as close to professional quality as you can find in this style of camera from Sony. It offers a full frame sensor for truly impressive image quality. With a whopping 42.4mp you will love the image detail this camera captures. The autofocus is fast and accurate. It comes with 399 point phase detect autofocusing system which works under most all shooting conditions. The wide aperture lens is also a real winner. This camera is very popular with documentary and street photographers but it can handle most situations. The only downside is the battery life is not as long as other models on the list.
Ricoh GR III
- Compact camera
- Has an APS-C CMOS sensor
- 24.2 megapixels
- Built in 28mm f/2.8 lens
- Has a large 3″ LCD touchscreen with 1,040k dots
- Full high definition video capture
- Ideal for intermediate and experienced photographers
This Ricoh is a real hidden gem. It has a small but passionate following and it stands as a solid portable camera for shooting street photography and documentary style video. Pros use it as a solid backup and it can really hold its own. It is small enough to fit in your pocket while being lightweight with a long battery life. With the APS-C sensor and 24.2mp you can capture excellent image quality. The high definition video capture performs well and the built in lens is superb. This little camera really produces excellent images and is a great choice for those seeking a compact point and shoot that will not disappoint.
Leica Q 116
- Has a full frame sensor
- 24 megapixels
- Built in 28mm f/1.7 lens
- Large 3″ fixed touchscreen with 1.04 million dots
- Has an EVF viewfinder
- Offers up to 10fps continuous shooting speed
- Full high definition video capture
- Ideal for professional and experienced photographers
Leica makes serious cameras for serious photographers and this one is no different. It is a premium camera that offers unparalleled performance. The full frame 24mp sensor paired with the 28mm f/1.7 lens creates truly beautiful images. The autofocus works fast and accurately even when shooting moving subjects. It offers built in Wifi for instant image upload. It does not offer zoom but the 4k video capture works flawlessly. The large touchscreen viewfinder is an awesome addition you won’t find on many other models. It comes in at a premium price point but if it is within your budget this is a truly amazing camera.