Snap and go: The best point and shoot cameras of 2024

In our detailed rundown of the Sony ZV-E10 we found it to be a nifty little point-and-shoot that is as competent at capturing stills as it is video. It can shoot videos in 4K/30fps and has a good selection of audio ports for mics and headphones.

Designed for vlogging, it also includes Real-Time Tracking, Real-Time Eye Auto Focus, and support for direct-to-PC live streaming, making it a user-friendly option for easily snapping fast-moving subjects.
It has an in-built directional microphone with an additional windshield to best capture clear audio. Likewise, the hot shoe mount allows for external microphone attachment, a must for content creators.

The ZV-E10 is an excellent, user-friendly all-rounder that provides you with great flexibility over your footage and photography. That said, you will have to reacquaint yourself with a non-touch-based control system. The built-in optical image stabilisation is second to none, too. For us, it's a great choice if you want to capture impressive videos and stream live without compromising quality.

Here's a camera that really looks the part – the OM System TG-7. But it isn't all for show – this sports more protection than the average small car. It's waterproof to 15 metres, shockproof for drops up to 2.1 metres, crushproof for up to 100 kilograms, and freezeproof to minus 10 degrees. It's certainly not the highest resolution camera here though at just 12MP, but we think what you lose in pixels you gain in its ability to survive almost anything.

The high-quality video allows you to shoot full HD in 4k at 30fps or 120fps for super-slow motion. Bundled with an equally impressive underwater case, you could take this diving down to 45 metres.

A four-mode macro system also comes in handy for snapping small sea creatures and the like. This really does tick a lot of boxes for us when it comes to action cameras, too. Brilliant for the point-and-shoot adventurer.

We think that this FUJIFILM X-S20 is a top-notch mirrorless yet compact option with a 15-45 mm lens. While on the pricier side, there's a good reason – the 26.1MP X-Trans CMOS 4 sensor delivers cutting-edge images and 4K/60P video quality. It also has a 3.0-inch LCD touchscreen and an advanced Hybrid Viewfinder.

Additionally, we love its enhanced IBIS stabilisation, AF eye and face detection, and larger, better-positioned buttons – all of which make for a more comfortable experience capturing photos and videos. If you're looking for a pure point-and-shoot, however, this looks a lot more complex than many due to its accessible controls; So some newcomers might be put off a little, but, for those willing to learn, it's fantastic.

Mode-wise, you can keep things simple and automatic. But there are numerous extended settings and, true to its brand, some inventive film simulation modes that faithfully recreate the tones, colours, and contrast of its famous analogue film stocks. These simulations provide an inexpensive way to experiment, removing the need to buy ever-pricier film stocks – a seriously stunning piece of kit from FUJIFILM.

Sony is no stranger to a solidly built and feature-packed camera kit, and the RX100 VII is a prime example. Here, you'll find a 1-inch sensor with a 20MP resolution and a 24-200mm zoom lens. We love the fact that you can simply aim this at something and trust the automatic modes, all backed up by an incredibly responsive and accurate autofocus system.

The autofocus has 357 points of hybrid phase detection, with Real-Time tracking and Eye autofocus – all features typically found on Sony's flagship full-frame cameras. There's no built-in flash, but there is a hidden pop-up viewfinder; plus, the large touchscreen tilts upwards to 180 degrees to become a front-facing selfie screen. Even better, the RX1000 VII captures 4K footage at 30fps, and 1080p Full HD at 120fps.

A bonus for anyone using this for more serious photography (and yes, the manual modes and features will let you do that) is that it supports RAW files. RAW files are unprocessed by the camera's internal circuitry, which makes for more options when editing the images later. As a true hybrid of simple, no-fuss point-and-shoot and an advanced compact DSLR rival, we think this takes some beating.

The Canon IXUS 285 Digital Camera is the best budget-friendly alternative for camera enthusiasts. It's fully automatic, so we think that beginners will love its simplicity. There's a practical 12x zoom lens here, and also the addition of a useful macro mode. Anyone who likes to get up close with anything from bugs to flora and fauna will be able to see every detail.

As with many of the more compact cameras on the market, the low-light performance isn't always top-notch due to the limitations of the lenses and sensors. That said, as a budget option, this IXUS 285 performs admirably in most low-light situations.

We particularly love that features that don't make it into all budget cameras are here, too, like Wi-Fi and NFC for convenient file sharing. So, if you want to take 20.2-megapixel shots when you're out and about, this is your go-to budget choice.

If there's one company that we associate with quality cameras it's Canon. The Powershot SX740 HS really is a solid piece of kit for its price, with a large flip-up screen to make framing things a breeze. The autofocus also has your back, so when you're shooting your 20.3-megapixel snaps, the camera should have no trouble keeping up with the action.

The same goes for overcoming camera-shake. Its incredible 5-axis digital stabilisation system will keep things smooth and level. One automatic feature that we appreciate on the SX740 is the 10 frames-per-second continuous shooting, and face-tracking autofocus, to help capture fast action and special moments.

Of course, if you are delving into the nitty gritty of photography, there are enough manual controls (via the digital interface) here to help you learn. The lens here is also super-practical, with a 40x optical zoom giving you 24 - 960mm in terms of 35mm equivalents. Add in the digital zoom mode and you have around 160x zoom capability. Despite not having a viewfinder, all in all, we think this is a typically robust Canon product with a lot of flexibility and ease of use.

If you're looking for a compact camera that delivers instant credit card-sized photos, we think the instax Mini 11 is a fun choice. Its tactile design and palm-friendly shape make it the ideal grab-and-go camera for spontaneous outings. Going to the beach? Simply point, shoot, and enjoy instant prints to pin up or share with friends.

In our roundup of the best instax cameras, the Mini 11 stood out in the 'Good for Selfies' category, and it's easy to see why. It features a selfie lens and mirror to help you perfectly frame your shots, and the built-in auto exposure ensures your photos look great every time.

We love the conveniently sized prints, too – ideal for fitting inside a purse or wallet, making them perfect for sharing and safekeeping while you're on the move. You will, though, have to factor in the cost of replacing the instant film inside – and there are no digital copies stored internally. But, we think that's all part of the charm and ease of use. The instax Mini 11 is arguably the perfect point-and-shoot instant camera for your next trip, combining ease of use with great features for fun, hassle-free photos on the go.

Offering exceptional value for its features, the Ricoh WG-80 is perfect for capturing memories in locations that would otherwise be unsuitable for a typical electronic device. If you're concerned about your smartphone's durability in harsh weather, we recommend the WG-80.

Its rugged construction can withstand the harshest conditions. It's waterproof up to 20 metres for two hours, shockproof from falls up to 2.1 metres, dustproof, and can handle temperatures as low as minus 10 degrees. So, whether diving, hiking, or skiing, the WG-80 is ready to go with you anywhere you take it. It can struggle a little in super-low lighting conditions though due to the lens protection involved, so if you are exploring a cave or on a deep dive, you'll need to rely on external lights.

It comes with a built-in GPS module and electronic compass, making it perfect for documenting the exact locations of your photos while travelling, particularly while on trails. We love its 5x optical zoom (28-140mm) and minimum focusing distance of just one centimetre, making it an incredibly versatile camera for capturing everything from vast landscapes to extreme close-up shots.

For street photography enthusiasts, Ricoh GR IIIx's urban-inspired metallic design certainly ticks the industrial no-frills aesthetic, but don't let that put you off. Ricoh is a premium camera brand with a loyal following among all kinds of photographers. Equipped with a 26.1mm (40mm equivalent) F2.8 lens, the Ricoh GR IIIx has the kind of point-and-click feel and ideal range for capturing street detail as it happens.

Even better, the large BSI-CMOS sensor will deliver amazing clarity thanks to its 24.2-megapixel resolution. We particularly appreciate its responsive autofocus system, capable of capturing spontaneous action with minimum fuss. But, there's not much point in that unless your shots are steady. Thankfully, the image stabilization system here does a class-leading job of this.

But it's not all about handheld quick-shooting, as the GR IIIx has plenty of manual controls too, allowing for more learning and experimentation with your photography. All in all, the Ricoh GR IIIx is a must for any urban photographer. If you're looking for a version that better suits landscapes, the standard RICOH GR III has the same spec except for its 28mm equivalent lens – ideal for wide open spaces.

If you remember the days of capturing moments with a simple camera, you can relive the charm of 35mm film with this KODAK EKTAR H53. But it's also doing something novel: it's a half-frame film camera – meaning you can actually expose two shots in one frame. We think it's an intriguing and interesting way of expressing your ideas and themes. As you'd expect, this is a fixed 22mm focus-free lens, so you won't need to worry about getting things sharp or in-frame.

Lightweight, compact and with a built-in flash, the EKTAR H53 is pocket-sized and perfect for days out and spontaneous shooting. Thankfully, this bundle includes a roll of KODAK 35mm film, so you'll be good to go right out of the box. For those new to analogue photography, not being able to see the results of your shots right away and having the surprise of seeing how they turned out is all part of the simple digital-free charm on offer here.

Just remember that you'll need to manually wind the film on after every shot, though. Each roll of film offers a limited number of exposures, encouraging you to think carefully before pressing the shutter, making each shot more meaningful. Most of all, we love the retro design and the joy of holding actual prints again.