Digital point-and-shoot cameras were once the preference of many a family photographer, but smartphones have largely overtaken them in popularity, ease of use, and imaging acumen in recent years. However, even if you've got the latest iPhone, Galaxy, or Pixel in your pocket, a dedicated camera might still offer superior ergonomics, more zoom power, a larger image sensor, and tougher build quality. They remain a particularly worthy investment if you carry around just a basic feature phone, too.
Below are the top point-and-shoots we've tested, along with some helpful buying advice for this compact camera segment.
What Cameras Can You Get on a Tight Budget?
Compact cameras come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from pocketable models with zoom lenses to premium fixed-lens entries from Fujifilm and Leica. We cover the high-end options further down the page, but if you're after a superzoom model, check out our picks for the best bridge cameras.
The Olympus Tough TG-6 sets itself apart from smartphones with its rugged, waterproof build (Credit: Paul Maljak)Mere mortals shopping for a basic camera need to spend only a couple hundred dollars to get a quality model. Most of these cameras are older—it has been more than a few years since Canon refreshed its basic PowerShot Elph line and all brands have seriously scaled back their compact lineups.
Recently, we've seen more retraction because of the ongoing chip shortage and a shift in focus to the high-end segment. The small cameras we've recommended in the past to budget customers have vanished.
How PCMag Tests Digital CamerasWe recommend you shop based on brand when trying to find a camera in the $300-and-under price range. You are likely to have the best luck with Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Panasonic, Ricoh, or Sony. Skip digital cameras from other brands, including famous photo names like Kodak and Vivitar—these are licensed products and not of high quality.
Spending More on a Point-and-Shoot Camera Is Worth It
You have more options and can walk away with a better camera if you spend a bit more. For around $400, you can get our favorite waterproof model, the Olympus Tough TG-6. It's not quite indestructible, but it offers a 50-foot waterproof rating (which is good for divers), high-magnification macro capabilities, and an f/2 lens for use in dimmer light.
The Panasonic ZS200 has a Type 1 sensor and a long zoom lens (Credit: Zlata Ivleva)If you don't need a tough camera, look for a model with a Type 1 (or 1-inch class) image sensor. The Panasonic ZS200D is the same camera as the ZS200 we reviewed and a good value option with ample zoom power, it sells for around $700.
You can spend more on a Sony RX100 series, or get a ZV series Sony if you're into vlogging and video. Canon's G5 X Mark II and G7 X Mark III are excellent alternatives too, but they've been in and out of stock in recent months, so it's a roll of the dice if you're able to find one to buy. At press time, both are on backorder everywhere.
On the very high end, you can opt for a camera with a sensor as large as you get with interchangeable lens models. The Ricoh GR III and IIIx are fan favorites thanks to sharp lenses and enthusiast-tilted controls but lack mass market appeal. The Fuji X100V is another stunner with a big APS sensor, but it's nearly impossible to find for sale at retail. And even if you do, it sells above its $1,400 MSRP.
The Fujifilm X100V uses an APS-C image sensor and includes a hybrid optical-electronic viewfinder (Credit: Jim Fisher)If you're a luxury shopper, you can go full-frame. The Leica Q3, Q2 Monochrom, and Sony RX1R II represent the current crop of fixed-lens cameras with full-format image sensors. They're all multi-thousand-dollar propositions, but enthusiasts who can afford them are sure to enjoy the experience and get stunning photos.
Beyond the Confines of Your Pocket
If you're looking for something a bit more capable than a pocket camera, you can check out our overall favorites from across all camera categories or use a mirrorless camera alongside swappable lenses to document your life.
