A good benefit of this camera is a special mode, in which the camera can create videos based on short clips taken during the photo.
The Canon PowerShot SX620 HS will surprise you not only by how easy it can be to take high-quality photos with such a compact camera but also with its numerous preset color filters and other settings. This is the ultimate choice for anyone needing a really small camera for daily use.
Videos up to 1920x1080p, 30fps
3.0" TFT Display, Intelligent IS, DIGIC 4+ Image Processor, Hybrid Auto, Smart AUTO, Creative Shot mode, Auto Zoom, and other modes. Wi-Fi, NFC
Shooting in RAW format allows giving all photos a professional touch in the image editor.
Not too small body.
This is a top-tier compact camera that has all the features for taking high-quality, crisp pictures with vibrant colors even from the long distances, owing to incredibly powerful zoom and great sensor.
Videos up to 1920x1080p, 60fps
3.0" TFT Display, LEICA Lens, High Sensitivity MOS Sensor, Electronic View Finder, Control Ring, Hybrid O.I.S. stabilization system, Wi-Fi, NFC
2.54" x 4.36" x 1.35"
If the small zoom is not an issue for you, we recommend you this Sony compact camera for its weather-resistance and pretty good picture quality in both photos and videos.
Videos up to 1280x720p, 30fps
2.7" TFT LCD Display, Advanced flash, In-camera guide, Recharge via USB cable,
Various additional modes in this Waterproof Digital Camera increase the shutter speed and help determine a person under the water.
Only 3x optical zoom magnification.
Undoubtedly, this camera is the best choice for active people who need a camera surviving in conditions, which the conventional models are so scared of. Considering this, you can safely give it to your child without worrying that the next day the camera would be sunk or broken.
Videos up to 1920x1080, 30fps
2.7" TFT Display, Waterproof, shockproof and freezeproof, Oversized buttons and easy-to-navigate menus, Image Effects, Motion Detection, Smart Portrait System
Decent zoom and optics at a comparatively low price.
Supports up to 32GB memory cards only.
This pocket-sized Kodak PIXPRO FZ53 camera comes at a low price, has great functionality, and shoots photos in decent quality. A great choice for absolute beginners who need something more than just a low-res smartphone camera.
Videos up to 1280x720, 30fps
2.7" LCD Display, 28mm Wide Angle, 720p HD Video, Auto Detection Settings, Slim fitting design, Panorama Mode
Stable Power
Essentially, most of the point-and-shoot cameras have a compact size, comparatively small sensor, weak zoom, average number of shooting modes, several color filters to choose from, and a digital image stabilization.
However, the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS has incredibly powerful optical zoom with 25x magnification ratio. Just for reference, the majority of pocket-sized point and shoot cameras can offer only about 4-6x zoom. Owing to this, it's an awesome camera for bringing faraway objects closer for capturing small details that otherwise. would have been lost in the bigger picture.
Short Moments of Your Life..
The brain of the Canon SX620 HS is the DIGIC 4+ image processor that is also featured in numerous middle-range Canon compact cameras. Among other things, it's responsible for the Intelligent IS image stabilization system. It can be turned off in order to get crisp images for when the camera is used with a tripod or some kind of a stand as a stable support. However, image stabilization is indispensable for handheld shots, providing optimal image quality.
Speaking of the image, this camera captures photos in JPEG format in up to 5184x3888 pixels resolution and 16:9, 3:2 or 4:3 aspect ratios. Generally, 16:9 is used for scenery, 4:3 - for portraiture, and 3:2 ratio is equal to the ratio of DSLR cameras' sensor.
This camera is fitted with a comparatively large 3" LCD screen and has no viewfinder. The Wi-Fi support allows you to connect the camera to a smartphone for using it as a remote shutter control or for uploading the photos to your device.
More Products to Consider
Along with the common shooting modes like sport, scenery or portrait, there are also some unusual ones. For example, by turning the Hybrid Auto mode on, the camera will automatically shoot 4-second clips each time you press the shutter. In the end, the camera will edit them all together, creating a single video file. We can recommend using it on travels so that you could share video clips of your journey with your friends by uploading them to the social media.
Just like many other modern compact cameras, the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS has an advanced face recognition feature. However, this model has a special Auto Zoom mode that will make the lens zoom in, if the face or any other shot objects appear too small. In our opinion. it's handy for shooting quick portraits and taking photos of architecture masterpieces and their small details.
Furthermore, if you prefer using filters, you will love the Creative Shot mode. Basically, it creates 5 copies automatically, and the special smart algorithm applies a different filter to each of them. The camera can also support up to 2 TB SD cards, that is more than enough for taking countless photos and shooting long videos in up to 1080p quality.
As a result, the Canon PowerShot SX620 HS is an amazing compact camera that can be universally recommended to anyone who wants to easily take quality photos with their device but feel uncomfortable from meddling with aperture, ISO settings, and sophisticated configurations.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $279.95 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B01FFACPRA |
What customers say about this product
Size & Weight(4.5)
Imaging(4.5)
Display(4.7)
Features(4.4)
Connectivity(3.7)
In Search for Something New
As the smartphone cameras becoming better and better, the point-and-shoot camera manufacturers have to find new ways of winning a customer back to their products. In order to do so, Panasonic has invested in the new and unique technologies along with making improvements to the old features in their bridge and compact cameras.
The first thing that draws attention in the new Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS50 camera is the 30x optical zoom. For a compact camera, this is simply an incredible number. What's more, it boasts optical image stabilization. However, shooting at 15x and larger magnification might require a stand or a camera tripod. The large lens also affected the size of the body as it's slightly bigger and thicker than its closest competitors. Still, the camera perfectly fits in a pocket and weighs only 0.55 lbs.
The S in the end of DMC-ZS50S stands for Silver variant. However, the camera is also available in all-black, in case you prefer the modern look over the classic elegance.
For Brightest Day
Another major feature of Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS50 is the electronic viewfinder, that turns on automatically when you bring it close to the eye. Now, there's no need to cover the camera with your hand for seeing the picture before pressing the shutter on a bright day. The 3" LCD screen is also pretty large and takes almost all of the back side.
Speaking of the lens, the LUMIX DMC-ZS50 uses extra-long Leica 4.3-129mm (24-720mm in 35mm equivalent) f/3.3-6.4 aspherical lens. Paired with an improved MOS sensor and Panasonic's Venus Engine, the camera delivers less noisy photos at bigger ISO settings and make it possible to take photos of different genres.
It's worth mentioning that there are rubberized pads adopted from higher-tier compact cameras. They offer a better grip for taking crisp photos and shooting stable movies at long zoom settings. Also, the pads come handy for holding the camera vertically with just one hand.
Travel and Shoot
The image quality is pretty good. Color transition and white balance are okay, considering the camera's price category. However, the image may not be too crisp when at the longest zoom setting. Still, the camera is very easy to handle and packed with various shooting modes, making it an ideal choice for regular travelers who require something better than just a phone camera but don't want to carry a bulky DLSR around. In short, this Sony compact camera is great for shooting beautiful locations and scenic views as well as taking portraits and nature photos.
As a conclusion, we give the Panasonic LUMIX DMC-ZS50 a high praise for its versatility, powerful zoom, and overall good usability. Despite being pricey, this is top of its range camera with the functionality that may satisfy even an experienced user.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $179.95 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00RBG6GBS |
What customers say about this product
Size & Weight(4.6)
Imaging(3.8)
Display(4.7)
Features(4.8)
Connectivity(4.4)
Everything is Illuminated
The Sony W800 features 20.1 MP Super HAD CCD sensor that has increased light sensitivity, provided by fewer refractions by the lens. This allows the sensor to capture a more detailed picture in spite of the fact that it's got a relatively small sensor.
The camera can store photos in JPEG files with the maximum resolution at 5152x3864 pixels. As for the video, you can shoot movies at up to 720p quality. The lens offers decent 5x optical zoom magnification and has digital image stabilization for handheld shots. Therefore, the shots are crisp and sharp on a bright daylight but might still require a steady hand for shooting in the evening and under low-light conditions.
The S in W800/S stands for a silver body. The camera is also available in a black body with a silver-gray lens part.
Daily Companion
Instead of a more common switch around the shutter button, the zoom is controlled with 2 buttons on the back. There are quick buttons for starting the video record, checking out the stored files, setting the timer, and turning the flash on.
As for the other options and visual effects, the Sony W800 stays true to the "point-and-shoot" definition and has them all hidden in the menu settings. However, even in auto mode, the image quality is pretty decent. It's understandable that the detection system has been drastically improved, compared to the compact cameras from the decade ago. Thus, the Sony W800 can accurately recognize the scene and adjust the brightness and exposure by itself.
What's more, this camera is suitable for macro photography with its minimum focus distance being only 2" from the edge of the lens.
The battery charge is enough for around 200 photos or about 100-minute video.
Overall, this is a really compact camera which is easy to carry on you every day or bring with you to the friends or on travels, as it doesn't weigh much at all.
When You Need the Photo Right Now
We can offer you two fine options for getting photos right away after you have shot them. The first one is getting a portable photo printer and the second one is getting an instant camera. Just like good old Polaroids, you pull the photo paper out of it - and the image is developed on it right before your eyes in a matter of seconds.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $239.99 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B00I8BIC9E |
What customers say about this product
Size & Weight(4.8)
Imaging(4.4)
Display(3.7)
Features(3.5)
Connectivity(4.8)
Creature From the Deep
As you can see, the Nikon Coolpix S33 is a very small point-and-shoot camera with a design heavily resembling a toy camera. However, inside the casing, there's a 13.2 MP 1/3.1" CMOS sensor that greatly improved its performance, making it possible to take decent pictures even on bright sunny days. The 3x zoom is not too long but alleviates the need of getting closer or farther away from the object anyway.
3x optical zoom can be paired with the Dynamic Fine Zoom function that magnifies the image even further, keeping the resolution intact.
The camera has a great Motion Detection feature. Basically, it kicks in when there's a quickly moving object in the frame. The camera tracks and increases the shutter speed. That way, you can truly just point the camera at the object and shoot sharp photos pretty fast.
Suitable for Any Occasion
Let's take a closer look at its features and modes. First of all, the camera has a waterproof body that allows you to take photos underwater up to 33 ft. deep. For the ease of focusing, the camera has Underwater Face Framing mode that was made specifically for detecting faces in the water. Additionally, the body is made of durable plastic that should safely withstand the fall on the hard surface from up to 5 ft. height. The CoolPix S33 can also be used in low-temperature conditions. Yet, the battery tends to drain faster then. Anyway, a single battery charge is enough for taking around 220 photos without the flash on.
To make it possible to use different modes under the water with a pair of gloves on, the buttons are pretty big and easy-to-press on. As it weighs only half the pound, it's an optimal choice for taking with you in the mountains or to the places with high humidity.
Note, the camera doesn't float in the water. Thus, don't forget to attach a hand strap.
Underwater Mastery
Although the Canon CoolPix S33 boasts a water-sealed body, you can also take a look at our review of the best waterproof cameras to find the best model for the ultimate underwater shooting experience.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $0.00 |
| Stock | May be out of stock |
| ASIN | B00TXH3W10 |
What customers say about this product
Size & Weight(4.6)
Imaging(3.7)
Display(3.7)
Features(4.1)
Connectivity(4.5)
Easy As That
The Kodak FZ53 is an ideal compact camera with an ultra-slim design. At only 3.6" width, it can easily fit in almost any pocket or handbag. As a result, it comes with a rechargeable 700 mAh Li-Ion thin battery (Kodak LB-012), that is enough for taking around 200 photos before it needs recharging.
The front side features just retractable lens, flash, AF assisting light, small mic hole, and the strip of rubber for your optimal grip. What's more, its zoom is controlled with 2 buttons, conveniently placed on the rear side next to other buttons and 2.7" LCD screen for viewing taken photos and videos.
Digital mechanism works very quietly. However, there's a speaker on the bottom that produces typical DSLR-like shutter sounds and beeps that will let you know when exactly the shutter has been triggered.
Small Body - Great Performance
Although the Kodak FZ53 employs a small 1/2.3" CCD sensor, it can take sharp photos with up to 16 MP resolution. 5x optical zoom is paired with the digital "Anti-Shake" image stabilization system that pretty effectively compensates hand vibrations. Yet, don't expect to take crisp pictures, taking photos from the window of the moving car.
35mm equivalent of the focal length here is 28-140mm, that also makes it possible to use the camera for both group portraits and waist-ups as well. Overall, FZ53 offers 6 modes, including panorama, manual, auto, scene and others. In scene category, you can also find 21 pre-set filters and scene types for the desired visual effect. We also liked that the mode change menu can be easily accessed via just one button click. As for the video, the PIXPRO FZ53 can record movies in HD quality at 30 fps.
Convenient Extras
We were a bit surprised that the Kodak PixPro FZ53 can take time-lapse photos at the set time intervals. There's also a macro mode for some really close-up shots for those who love taking photos of flowers, insects, berries, and other similar small objects. As for the color settings, the set is pretty standard - normal, vivid, sepia, and black-and-white. However, these filters can be used for the video recording as well, which is a nice bonus.
The FZ53 doesn't feature wireless modules. Thus, uploading your photos to the computer can be done either via a USB cable (included) or simply by taking the memory card out. Speaking of it, the camera supports only up to 32 GB SD cards. Yet, there's none included. Therefore, we recommend ordering one right along with the camera.
Considering the price/quality ratio, this Kodak point-and-shoot camera can be recommended to the person, who needs a very compact camera with a zoom option for taking photos on the back of their yards or on their travels.
Additional Info
| Last updated price | $79.00 |
| Stock | In stock |
| ASIN | B019XLL4F6 |
What customers say about this product
Size & Weight(4.6)
Imaging(3.7)
Display(4)
Features(3.5)
Connectivity(4.5)
What is a Digital Point And Shoot Camera
People take countless photos with their phones' cameras and upload them to the web. However, not all of the smartphones can offer great image quality, not to mention the optical zoom. Therefore, you have to come closer to the object in order to take a photo with the right composition. Large, DSLR or mirrorless camera can be a great solution and provide you with a bigger choice of shooting styles, owing to the interchangeable lenses. However, most of them are expensive and can be very bulky. If this is the major reason that stops you from buying a camera, take a look at these digital point-and-shoot cameras. In terms of functionality, they fall somewhere between the phone's cameras and more advanced bridge cameras.
Point-and-shoot cameras have a comparatively low price and have very decent ergonomics. Also, most of them are so compact, they will easily fit the pocket of your pants, allowing you to carry them anywhere. Thus, they are also usually called simply 'compact cameras'. Also, in most cases, you won't need to change configurations or use some advanced options. Just aim it at the target and press the shutter - and such camera will try to choose the optimal scene mode for you. Still, most of the settings can be changed, if you like. Overall, a compact camera is a great device to carry on you to be able to capture the scene whenever you want and get a decent, crisp photo under almost any conditions.
Well, if you already have a compact camera and want something more - we recommend paying attention to our review of the best bridge cameras.
What Features to Compare
Image Quality of point-and-shoot cameras can be influenced by many parameters. One of them is the sensor that can be either of CCD or CMOS type. Nowadays there's not a big difference between them. However, the bigger they are, the better the image quality they usually provide.
Furthermore, the term megapixels or simply MP refers to the maximum number of pixels that the photo will have. This number does not directly influence the image quality. However, having a small photo can be disadvantageous in some genres like scenery, portraiture, or architecture. Overall, we recommend cameras that have at least 3000x2000 pixels.
Zoom feature can be found in lots of models. Basically, it shows the maximum magnification ratio of the object on the image sensor. The bigger this number is, the closer the object will appear in the viewfinder and on the photo.
F-number refers to the maximum wide aperture of the camera diaphragm. The tricky part is that the smaller the number is, the wider the opening is and the more light will come through it. With the wider aperture, the camera can shoot a photo faster and, therefore, the image will be crisper and brighter. The models with a zoom feature often have a variable aperture that changes when you zoom in and out. For example, f/3.2-6.6 means that the diaphragm will have f/3.2 at the smallest zoom setting and f/6.6 at the longest.
Extra Features and Conveniences may include a wide range of things. Wi-Fi and NFC-enabled models have the option to upload photos right to your phone or computer without cables. Additionally, you can use your smartphone to control them remotely via Wi-Fi too. On rare occasions, some models have a viewfinder - it's a small window that displays the same image as on the large screen. It's very helpful for taking photos on a bright day when a large LCD screen may have very low visibility under direct sunlight. Also, take a look at the Battery Capacity. Aim for the models that can provide you with at least 200 shots from a single charge.
As for the other features, we'll try to guide you through each and every of them in our more detailed review below.
Sources:
1. Jim Fisher How to Buy a Point-and-Shoot Digital Camera, PCMag. May 4, 2012.
2. How to Get the Most from Your Point and Shoot Camera, wikiHow.
3. Eric Angevine Point and shoot cameras guide, Crutchfield.
4. Darren Rowse Should you buy a DSLR or Point and Shoot Digital Camera? Digital Photography School.
5. How to Choose a Point-and-Shoot Camera, CostHelper.