Point-and-Shoot Digital Cameras
Easy to use, point-and-shoot cameras are a great choice for the casual photographer. Point-and-shoot cameras are ideal to capture candid shots and take vacation photos. Some features to consider when selecting this type of camera are:
- Resolution. Though you hear a lot about resolution these days, you'd be hard pressed to find a newer model that offers less than 7 megapixels. The cameras we feature are at least 8MP, which is more than enough for producing high-quality online images and decent-size prints.
- Settings. While most compacts focus on automatic features, some models offer a few manual settings, too. The lower end of the price range includes the Canon PowerShot A590 IS and the Fuji FinePix J10 (both well below $200). Toward the top of the price range are the Canon PowerShot SD790 IS, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS20, and the DMC-FX55, with prices ranging from $300 to $350.
- Zoom. Point-and-shoot cameras typically sport 3X or 4X optical zoom lenses, although the Pentax Optio M50 and the high-end touch-screen Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T300 hit the 5X mark, which is long enough to get you reasonably close to the action.
- Image Stabilization (IS). For those who tend to take a lot of people pictures, a camera with face-detection technology is key. Most point-and-shooters incorporate this feature, which detects and focuses on faces in the frame and improves the image's overall composition and quality by optimizing the color and white balance.
- Video Capabilities. While they won't replace dedicated camcorders, the video capabilities in point-and-shoot cameras are a lot more robust than they used to be. Some models offer the ability to record HD-quality video, integrate with YouTube, or record video up to the capacity of the card.
Many of these features and more are set forth on the various product pages within the site to help make your shopping experience easier. So click through to read the product summaries and then start shopping!
