Smartphone cameras are getting better and better, but they’re still not quite as good as standalone cameras built for high-quality. After all, standalone cameras are able to deliver large lenses, better zoom, more specialized features, and so on. But not everyone has the money for a DSLR, nor do many people want to lug around a giant camera all the time. That, however, is where the point-and-shoot camera comes in — as a way to get better photo quality than your phone while still retaining a ton of portability.
But which point-and-shoot camera should you go for? There are a ton of options, and they’re not all created equal. That’s why we’ve put together this guide — to find the best point-and-shoot cameras based on Amazon reviews.
Fujifilm X-T20
Price: $799
Type: Mirrorless
Review: “If you’re in the market for a small, interchangeable lens camera, this one is incredible.” — Robert B.
Why it’s so great: Fujifilm has been a leader in the camera world for some time now, and the X-T20 proves why. The camera boasts a mirrorless design, along with a 24.3 megapixel sensor and 3-inch touchscreen for easy control. On top of that, the Fujifilm X-T20 boasts a number of different modes for those that want extra control over their photos — so whether you’re a novice or an advanced shooter, you should get exactly what you need with the Fujifilm X-T20. Most users absolutely love the camera too — it comes in with an average rating of 4.7/5 stars on Amazon, which is pretty spectacular.
Keep in mind that the camera doesn’t, by default, come with a lens — and you’ll need to buy one. That could add to the cost, so it’s something to consider when you’re buying the camera.
Shop Now: Fujifilm X-T20
Canon PowerShot SX730
Price: $379
Type: Compact
Review: “Best camera I’ve ever owned. Easy to operate and couldn’t be happier with the pictures.” — Susan
Why it’s so great: Canon may be better known for its DSLR cameras, but it makes plenty of point-and-shoot cameras too — like, for example, the Canon PowerShot SX730. The camera boasts a number of great features, including a 20.3 megapixel sensor, 40x optical zoom, a 3-inch LCD display, and even Wi-Fi, NFC, and Bluetooth connectivity. On top of that, the camera is relatively inexpensive, coming in at $379, and boasts a 4/5 star average on Amazon.
One of the best things about this camera is how small and compact it is — meaning it’s easy to fit it into a pocket or bag. The camera comes in at 4.3 x 1.6 x 2.5 inches.
Shop Now: Canon PowerShot SX730
Sony DSC-RX100M2/B
Price: $548
Type: Compact
Review: “As a professional photographer who mostly carries a 36 megapixel Nikon D800 SLR, I also needed a strong ultra-compact camera for those times when the big camera is just too much or I need to be inconspicuous in my shooting, and also for convenient personal/family use. For both uses, I find that the RX-100, Model 2 really exceeds all of my expectations.” — Pro Photog
Why it’s so great: Sony has built a name for itself as developing top-tier cameras that are both highly functional and very portable, and the Sony DSC-RX100M2/B is no exception to that rule. The camera is compact, stylish, and built for portability — plus it’s super easy to use, making an excellent choice for those that want a point-and-shoot camera that performs well. The camera boasts a 20.9 megapixel sensor, along with a continuous shooting mode of up to 10fps, RAW image support, and more. It also offers 3.6x optical zoom, so if you like to zoom in, this camera might be a good choice for you.
Shop Now: DSC-RX100M2/B
Leica Q
Price: $4,250
Type: Compact
Review: “It hits all the checkmarks: Great lens, manual dials, good low light performance, fast autofocus, super high-resolution EVF with no apparent lag, etc.” — Jason M Hegyessy
Why it’s so great: Looking for the highest-end compact camera and aren’t too worried about the price? Leica has the camera for you. The Leica Q is built for premium image quality in a compact body, and it seriously delivers — so much so that it comes in with a 4.9-star average on Amazon. The camera boasts a 24.2 megapixel sensor, along wth a 3-inch touchscreen and Leica’s Maestro II image processing — which is renowned for its quality. It’s also built to be super easy to use — so if you’re not a photographer and don’t want to have to learn too much, this may be the camera for you.
Shop Now: Leica Q
Ricoh GR II
Price: $596.95
Type: Compact
Review: “Overall, this is a fantastic camera. I use it for street and travel, and it is easy to carry and easy to use.” — Teddy
Why it’s so great: Ricoh may not be as well-known as Canon or Nikon, but it still makes some pretty awesome cameras — like the Ricoh GR II. The camera offers a 3-inch display, making it easy to find your shot and change the camera’s settings, plus it features wireless connectivity like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, ensuring that you can easily get your photos from it after shooting. The camera is also pretty good at capturing video — it can capture video in 1,080p at 30 frames per second, which you would expect from a camera in this price range.
Shop Now: Ricoh GR II
