Best Digital Point and Shoot Cameras

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.