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

Sometimes, the best camera isn't the one with the most features, manual controls, and interchangeable lenses – it's a point and shoot camera. Photography newcomers, casual snappers, and those escaping their iPhones can instead own one of these little wonders. Even seasoned pros need to keep things light and simple now and then.

But surely, an automatic camera that you just aim and click is sort of boring, isn't it? Not at all. Just because a camera does some of the work for you doesn't mean you can't get creative. And we're not just talking about framing and zooming in or out. The beauty of these handheld powerhouses is that you can go fully automatic in all kinds of lighting conditions and use them as regular compact cameras. But if you're intrigued by photography and want to explore concepts like ISO, shutter speed, and more, you absolutely can too.

The best point-and-shoot cameras let you tweak things or dive into the standard settings that photographers use on DSLR cameras. That said, as simple as they can be, these devices all have their differences – from zoom lenses to automatic features.

So, which one is best for you? We've compiled a guide, FAQs and jargon explainer at the end of the article to help you choose. Our experts have aimed their viewfinders at a range of easy-to-use cameras that can give more control to those who need it. We've also looked at budget camera options for beginners alongside high-end models; some can even give DSLRs a run for their money.

With lenses trained and fingers poised over the shutter release, let's snap to it and find the best point-and-shoot cameras of the year.

Best point and shoot cameras of 2024

How to choose the best point and shoot camera for you

Keep things light and simple

If you're looking to buy the best point-and-shoot camera, it probably goes without saying that you're looking for something that just works. Larger expensive cameras are great, but aside from costing a lot more, they're heavy and cumbersome for casual day trips or evenings out.

The benefit of a lightweight digital camera is that it's always at hand when needed and can often outshine the average smartphone camera. The features that make all the difference are the flexibility of the zoom lens, the ease of use and the quality of the shots – particularly in low light. So, although spending a few hundred pounds on the next model might be tempting because it has more advanced features, always stop to consider if you're likely to use them. Budding photographers might want that extra depth and manual control, but those who want the same convenience as an iPhone (but with more flexibility and better results) may not.

Consider where and when you'll use it

Focusing on the core features of a simple-to-use camera ensures that it'll always be up to the task. But you do need to know what that task actually is. What are you likely taking shots of, where, and when?

This may seem like asking you to look into a crystal ball, but we're really looking at generalities like day or night, outdoors or inside, and whether you're into landscapes or macro close-ups of flowers and so on. For instance, if you know you're going on holiday and love landscapes and city skylines, you should look at the lens measurement. Here's a quick look at the key things to consider:

Zoom lens measurements – Normally measured in millimetres, the lowest number (e.g., 18mm) represents the broadest possible view the lens can give you. The lower that number goes, the wider the view. Conversely, the higher number (e.g., 55mm) represents the closest you can get to your subject at maximum zoom.

Macro lens function – If you're really into photographing insects, flowers and other close-up subjects, you'll need to look for the best point-and-shoot camera with a macro lens function. This will let you get extremely close without losing focus.

Low light performance – Returning to the questions of when and where you'll be using your new camera, not all can handle low-lighting conditions without adding a lot of noise and grain. This is all down to the sensor inside the camera and the light passing through the lens. If, for instance, you're into shooting at night – either skywatching or partying into the small hours – you'll want a camera that can minimise that grain and allow you to take photographs free from motion blur.

So, if you're taking a photo of someone in very low light, the camera will artificially boost the light it can detect. It may reduce the shutter speed or aperture to let as much light into the camera as possible. Depending on the camera's capabilities, this can result in slow shutter speeds – and if someone moves a little as the shot is being taken, it'll capture motion blur instead of the fun moment you intended. So, if low-light photography is your thing, pay attention to the relevant camera specs.

Connectivity on the go

The real fun of having the best point-and-shoot camera is its portability and stress-free snapping when you want it. And that means you'll likely want to share, print, or quickly transfer your shots while out and about. Many cameras have Bluetooth connectivity built-in or even Wi-Fi. This can allow you to connect with phones, photo printers, and more. If you want the convenience of sharing quality shots without resorting to a smartphone lens, you can.

Protect your investment

Small and handy they may be, but equally droppable too. Leave room in your budget for a sturdy carry case or camera bag.

FAQs

Can point-and-shoot cameras record video?

Yes. They're equally well-suited to taking quick and easy videos. One benefit of using a point-and-shoot camera here (aside from the quality) is that you can record without filling your smartphone's storage to the brim. Video files, particularly at 4K resolution, are enormous. So, if you have spare SD cards handy, you could shoot a whole movie if you wanted to. Of course, dedicated video cameras are always available for anyone who prefers motion pictures over stills.

Are point-and-shoot cameras better than an iPhone?

As mentioned above, you'll typically get much better lenses on the best point-and-shoot cameras because they have deeper mechanical zoom capabilities and larger glass. That means more light can reach the sensor, helping avoid the grain and artificial image gain often seen in smartphone photography.

Why are the FUJIFILM X100V and X100VI so hard to find?

Are you looking for an incredible point-and-shoot camera and wondering why the FUJIFILM X Series isn't on our "best" list? Let us clear that up for you. Trust us; we would include them if we could! The FUJIFILM X100V and VI are hot commodities right now. Thanks to social media buzz and global acclaim, their sleek design, film simulations, and versatility have won over amateur and professional photographers alike.

So, what's the catch? The demand for these cameras is not just high, it's off the charts. Despite FUJIFILM's best efforts, they can barely keep up. Production has doubled since the X100V's release back in 2020, but there are still rumours of a 500,000-unit backlog. It's a headache for customers, but it also shows how much these cameras are loved worldwide. The good news is that FUJIFILM plans to ramp up production.

What can you do in the meantime? Well, besides going for an earlier model or a different brand altogether, you have a couple of options:

Buy second-hand now: You can purchase a second-hand X100 series, but many buy these to resell at a higher price. Frustrating, we know. Some are being sold at even more astronomical prices, so be cautious and consider if the latest model is worth the unreasonable pricing.

Join the waiting list: Alternatively, you can join the waiting list like many others. FUJIFILM has a slow but steady stock flow. It's just a question of how long you are willing to wait.

Best point-and-shoot cameras of 2024: Jargon buster

Thankfully, there's not much jargon with this kind of camera. But it does come with its own set of modes and features that are worth knowing about.

Portrait mode

Portrait Mode is often an option with a point-and-click camera button. This mode automatically adjusts the camera's settings to limit the field of focus behind your subject. So, as the name suggests, if you're taking a portrait shot of someone, that shot will look a lot more professional if the background falls out of focus.

Sport mode

Sport mode is another mode that makes it onto these cameras, often accompanied by a running-man icon. This is just shorthand for a fast shutter speed, which means you can capture fast-moving objects without motion blur. Because the shutter opens and closes in a fraction of a second, you will need more light to get a correctly exposed photo. So, a school sports day outside or motorsports on a bright afternoon will be perfect for this mode.

Manual mode

As the name suggests, this can give you complete manual control over photographers' core features. While a full-size DSLR camera will have manual focus rings and dials for these adjustments, a small camera will likely have fewer. Some settings will need to be made via the menus on the screen, but it should still give you control over shutter speed, sensitivity to light ('ISO'), and aperture (F-stop).

Shutter speed

When taking a photo, shutter speed refers to the length of time the camera's shutter remains open. The longer the shutter is open, the more light enters the camera. If the shutter speed is too slow, anything moving will have motion blur.

Exposure

Exposure relates to how light or dark your photograph is. If your shutter speed is too slow and the light too bright, it'll wash out the shot. If the shutter speed is too fast and the light too dim, it'll be underexposed. The ISO setting (or sensitivity to light) will, of course, also affect the exposure. Thankfully, unless you want to learn about photography, the best point-and-shoot cameras will sort this out for you.

Our pick of the best

We think the FUJIFILM X-S20 is the winner due to its exceptional build quality, sleek body, ease of use, and incredible additional features. It's perfect for beginners and casual photographers and a must-have for professionals looking for a break from manual shooting and the ability to be creative, thanks to the famous film simulations. If you're on a budget, the Canon IXUS 285 HS HS is an excellent choice for someone who needs to throw a camera into a pocket before travelling or partying. It delivers hassle-free point-and-shoot photos without breaking the bank. And if you prefer an old-school, hands-off approach to simple photography, instant cameras like a Polaroid are a great option.

How we chose these products

We selected our pick of the best point-and-shoot cameras based on reliable and trusted brands, average user reviews, price, and suitability for each use case. We look carefully at the technical specifications of all products before we recommend them to ensure that they will meet buyers' needs without requiring modifications or costly additions to function as intended. With the best point-and-shoot cameras, our main focus is on picture quality, build quality, lenses, features and resolution. Our writers also choose products based on hands-on experience where we own or have reviewed them ourselves. Retailers are selected based on price, availability and reputation as reliable and trusted sellers.

Chris Duffill is a Senior Tech Writer and Reviewer for What's The Best. His background includes writing, editorial, marketing, design, video production and photography.

He specialises in home entertainment and audiovisual tech, including speakers, amplifiers, turntables, streaming media players, and TVs. He is also one of our resident experts in computing (PCs, tablets, smartphones, smartwatches), DSLR photography and all kinds of digital cameras. He also writes about retro gaming, game consoles and various electronic gadgets. If it plugs in, lights up or makes a noise, he’ll write about it.

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