New to photography and want a simple camera to learn on? Perhaps you may already be familiar with all the basics and want something in addition to your other camera gear that you can whip out and quickly get a decent shot on? Whatever it may be, a point and shoot camera is a great gadget to have no matter your style or experience level.
Related: Compact cameras - the best things come in small packages
There are a variety of reasons as to why people use point and shoot cameras. Some love them for their ease, reliability, and affordability. Others like them for being extremely lightweight and for their zoom qualities. This article shortlists 10 of the best cameras based on a range of features which include budget, purpose, zoom and camera quality.
We've shortlisted 10 of the best point and shoot cameras, simplistic to complex, that are worth investing in, even if you are convinced your phone does a pretty good job... this list might prove you wrong! If you're also after a point and shoot camera for the big blue sea, these underwater cameras will no doubt give you something to think about.
Best point and shoot camera
1. Fujifilm X100V Mirrorless Digital Camera

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The Fujifilm X100V Mirrorless Digital Camera is the best point and shoot camera for anyone wanting a top-notch mirrorless, compact option with a prime lens. Certainly on the pricier side, it is a value for money product with its 26.1MP APD-C CMOS image sensor and X-Processor 4. Image and video quality are great with its newly designed 23mmF2 lens and 4k 30p video recording. It also has a 3.0 inch rear-tilting LCD touchscreen and advanced Hybrid Viewfinder and an AF performance at the luminance of -5EV.
2. Sony RX100 VI | Advanced Premium Compact Camera

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The Sony RX100 VI Advanced Premium Compact Camera may be slightly more expensive than the average point and shoot camera, but it's definitely one of the best there is. It's the sixth iteration in Sony's series with amazing portability and performance. With a 1.0-Type Sensor, 24-200mm F2.8-4.5 Zeiss lens and 4k video, it's a balance of incredible image quality and power. It doesn't stop there, this camera is full of hidden features such as the pop-up electronic viewfinder, making it a good investment for any photographer or videographer.
3. Panasonic LUMIX DC-TZ200EB-K Zoom Travel Camera

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This Panasonic LUMIX DC-TZ200EB-K Zoom Travel Camera is the best point and shoot camera for anyone after a quality zoom-specific compact camera. With the Leica DC prime lens being a 15x Optical zoom, this gives you the flexibility to experiment from 24mm wide-angle to 360mm zoomed-in shots, and as close as 3cm for macro photography. It is also a great camera at night with its powerful 1-inch 20MP sensor, giving you more detail and clarity in low light conditions. It's also got 4k 30 fps video which you can change the focus half-way through capturing the footage.
4. Canon SX740 HS PowerShot Digital Camera

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The Canon SX740 HS PowerShot Digital Camera is the best point and shoot camera for wide-angled landscape and travel photography. With a manual option available, it's got a 40x optical zoom, a 4k ultra high definition video capability and 20.3MP, meaning it has terrific image and video quality. It has also got a pop-up flash and adjustable back screen to take those trickier angled shots. You can also pay a bit more and get a travel kit with a camera case and gorilla tripod included.
5. Fujifilm XF10 Premium Compact Camera

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The Fujifilm XF10 Premium Compact Camera in Champagne Gold is another more affordable best point and shoot camera, especially for video fanatics. With its 24MP APS-C sized sensor, alongside its 18.5mm F2.8 Fujinon lens (equivalent to 28mm on 35mm format), it certainly is up there with the competition for superior quality and performance. The compact camera has 4k high speed video with a unique film simulation and advanced filter modes.
6. Olympus Tough TG-6 Action Camera

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The Olympus Tough TG-6 Series is the best point and shoot camera as a waterproof compact and durable alternative with incredible video and imaging qualities. Being shockproof and freezeproof, this camera has an improved LCD resolution and an underwater microscope. The high-quality video allows you to shoot Full HD in 4k at 30fps and 120fps for super-slow-motion. The handgrip has been ergonomically designed for comfort and the in-built lens (25-100mm optical zoom lens) fits into the build nicely.
7. Canon Powershot G9 X Mark II Digital Camera Camera

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The Canon Powershot G9 X Mark II Digital Camera is another competitive mid-level alternative for photographers on the go. It takes superb images in all light conditions and movies with its HP capabilities. Designed for effortless creatively, the camera is very easy to control and comfortable to use. It too has a two in one lens at the front, a wide (closest focusing distance of 5cm) and a tele (35cm), giving you a decent amount of range.
8. Panasonic LUMIX DC-TZ90EB-S 30x Travel Zoom Camera

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The Panasonic LUMIX DC-TZ90EB-S Camera is the best value for money point and shoot camera with its 24mm Leica DC VARIO-ELMAR lens. With 30x optical zoom, it gives you an intimate view and allows you to get up close and personal. The camera's 20.3MP high sensitivity MOS Sensor captures very high-quality imaging and gives you plenty of detail. The Venus engine doesn't compromise image quality in low light conditions. It has 4k video in 3840 x 2160, which is rare!
9. Fujifilm 16613354 FinePix XP140 Compact Digital Camera

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The Fujifilm XP140 is the best point and shoot camera for anyone looking for a tough, waterproof alternative. Being easy to operate and suitable for all levels, it's a great one for summer vacays with the family. It has 4k video and a 5x optical zoom lens (28-140mm). It is also shockproof, freezeproof and can go up to 20m. Despite not having any manual modes, it does have a scene recognition mode which does come in handy.
10. Canon IXUS 185 Digital Camera

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The Canon IXUS 185 Digital Camera is the best budget-friendly alternative for camera enthusiasts. Coming in a few colours, this model is automatic meaning it's great for beginner photographers just starting out. It even has a date stamp allowing photographers to keep track of their creative process. The camera has a great 16x zoom and image quality, as well as 720p HD movie option.
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Emily Farquhar is a Commercial Content Writer for WhatsTheBest, and also writes for Yours.co.uk, heatworld and Closer across beauty, tech, and lifestyle.
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