The exceptional point-and-shoot cameras provide users with a plethora of features. From a powerful small sensor to great JPEGs to weather sealing to reliable user experience, they offer this and much more. In a time when cameras are becoming extremely expensive, a lot of photographers are going after simple point-and-shoot cameras to keep their passion going. So, we have collated a list of some exceptional devices in this range that will make your creative journey much better.
Fujifilm X100V
The X100VI made us question Fujifilm, the reason behind its perfect ancestor, the Fujifilm X100V. The camera featured a 26.1 MP APS-C X Trans sensor, 3.69MP dot EVF and a 23mm f2 lens. In fact, we said in our review that this device was one of the best point-and-shoot cameras on the market. “It’s got great autofocus capabilities, wonderful image quality, weather sealing, a revamped lens, and a simple interface. What more could you need?” And we still stand by it.
Sony RX1R II
The Sony RX1R Mk II features a 42MP sensor, a Zeiss Sonnar T 35mm f2 Lens, full HD video recording, and a 3-inch 1,228.8k-Dot tilting LCD. What we liked about the device were its small size, great lens, spectacular EVF, and leaf shutter. In addition, the battery life is good, and image quality is excellent with great detail rendition and colors. Even at high ISO, you get impressive results.
Ricoh GR II
While some say the later version of Ricoh is better, we feel the GR II makes more sense today. It features a 16MP sensor, a 28mm 2.8 lens, a 3-inch LCD, and it features a pop-up flash, which is no longer in GR III. Some other things you will appreciate is great image quality (bith JEPGs and RAW), textured body, simplicity to use, nice simulations, and lens flare that add to the camera’s character.
Leica Q
The Leica Q is one of the high-end point-and-shoot cameras for professional photographers. It has a 24MP full-frame sensor, a 28mm f1.7 Summilux lens, and a high ISO 6400. What you like about the device is the build quality, detailed EVF, beautiful images, RAW file versatility, and fast autofocus (for its time). Although expensive, the camera won’t disappoint you.
Canon G1X Mk II
One of the point-and-shoot cameras with a smaller sensor, the G1x Mk III features a 12.8MP 1.5-inch sensor, a 24-120mm f2-3.9 lens, and a 3-inch 1,040k-dot LCD. As we said in our review: “There is a lot to love about Canon’s new G1X Mk II: the image quality, the great punch it gives for a small package, the dials, the buttons, the LCD screen, the feel. Honestly, we’re very smitten with this camera.” One challenge would be the WiFi, which is not easy to work with.
Fujifilm X100F
The Fujifilm X100F features a 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor paired with a 23mm f2 lens. It includes a hybrid autofocus, a 1.04M-dot 3-inch LCD, HD video at 60fps and varied film simulations. We loved the camera so much that it received our Editor’s Choice Award. It is perfect when it comes to image quality, autofocus performance, overall design, and battery life. The catch is it does not have a weather sealing.
Sony RX100 V
Sony made some exceptional point-and-shoot cameras, and the X100 V is an example of that. The device features a 20.1MP 1-inch sensor, Ziess 24-70mm f1.8-2.8 lens, as well as 4K Video & S-Log2 Gamma. It also has a 0.39-inch 2.36m-dot OLED pop-up EVF and a 3-inch 1.23m-dot LCD. As we said in our review: “The Sony RX100 V is a really excellent camera not only for the enthusiast, but also for the pro that wants something a bit more compact.” The images are far better than your phone, and it also provides a wholesome experience.
Canon S95
The Canon S95 is almost a 20-year-old point-and-shoot, but it is truly unique. The camera houses a 10MP 1/1.7-inch CCD sensor with a 28–105mm lens. It has great battery life, beautiful images, and better ergonomics than your phone. Since there is no face autofocus detection, the camera relies on an autofocus beep when it locks on the subject. Plus, you get it just for $305.
Nikon Coolpix A
The Nikon Coolpix A is a 16MP camera with an 18.5mm f2.8 lens and 921,000-dots LCD. The camera is small, discreet, and makes a perfect companion for anyone who wants to be inconspicuous while shooting. As we said in our review: “With an APS-C sized 16MP sensor, the Coolpix A has a good amount of pixels for its sensor size, without going overboard. This means the image quality really delivers at pretty much the entire ISO range (within reasonable expectations, of course).” However, people with really large hands will find it challenging to hold.
Panasonic ZS99
One of the latest point-and-shoot cameras, the ZS99 houses a 20MP 1/2.3-inch BSI-CMOS sensor and 24-720mm equiv. f3.4-6.4 lens. It also has a 3-inch LCD, no viewfinder, and 4K video recording capability at 30. “I love the ease of implementing the filters like the Appetizing Food scene or the Retro image filter,” we wrote in our review. “On top of that, the Panasonic ZS99 offers quite a bit of zoom range that’s incredibly useful.” So, the ZS99 is perfect for anyone who wants to shoot for fun instead of seriousness.
Camp Snap Photo
Camp Snap is perfect for Gen Z or young photographers who want a simple camera with no screen. The device offers an 8MP 1/3.2-inch sensor with a 4.8mm lens. It features a micro SD card that can hold 2000 images, which can be transferred via USB. The camera can shoot 500 images per charge, and it comes with a flash. As we discussed in our review: “The photos are something that Gen Z and Gen Alpha will love. In my jaded Millennial eyes, the images look like the not-so-great photos that early digital point-and-shoot cameras shot. For that reason, so many folks will love what it can do.” Moreover, you get it for just $65.
Leica DLUX 8
The Leica DLUX 8 is perfect for anyone who wants a Fujifilm X100VI. The camera has a 17MP 4/3 CMOS sensor and a 24-75mm f1.7-2.8 lens. It also has no weather sealing and includes a 3-inch TFT LCD and a 2.360K resolution dot OLED viewfinder. What you will like about it is its ergonomics, autofocus, and absolutely amazing high ISO performance. The battery life is superb, the images are great, the screen is good, and it feels great in your hands.
