My experienced team and I have tested every major compact camera over the last two decades. While the best camera phones might have taken over for everyday photography, I still think point-and-shoot cameras still have a place today. If you’re looking for a pocket-friendly camera with advanced controls, a generous zoom range or sharper optics, a point-and-shoot is probably the answer.
From my in-depth tests, I think the Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 is a great example. It offers a huge 30x zoom range in a body small enough to slip into a jacket pocket, making it a great choice for travel photography. If you’re willing to spend more, the Sony RX100 VII remains one of the best premium point-and-shoots I've tested, with fast performance and excellent results.
I've put together this guide based on the feedback of my team of specialist reviewers. Each point-and-shoot included below has been extensively tested in real-world conditions. I've also included a few second-hand options that offer great value, if you’re open to buying used. Whatever you’re looking for, my team's expert insight means you can buy in confidence.
I'm TechRadar’s Cameras Editor, and have spent more than 15 years working in the photo video industry, both as a photographer and a tech journalist. Over the years I've tested a huge range of cameras, including many of the best point-and-shoots featured here – I still rock the original Sony RX100.
I think that, while the point-and-shoot market has undeniably been decimated by the rise of quality smartphone cameras, the models listed here should illustrate that the market is still in good health – fuelled in part by the viral popularity of models such as the Nikon Coolpix S6900.
Why you can trust my judgement
Every point-and-shoot in this guide has been tested extensively by me or another of TechRadar’s expert reviewers. My team has assessed hundreds of cameras over the past 20 years, including dozens of compact models from brands like Panasonic, Sony and Canon.
☑️ 100s of cameras reviewed
☑️ 15 years of product testing
☑️ Over 16,000 products reviewed in total
☑️ Nearly 200,000 hours testing tech
Entry-level or premium, each camera is tested in real-world conditions. My aim is to see how it performs in the kind of scenarios that point-and-shoots are made for, from holidays to street photography. I focus on factors such as image quality, zoom range and battery life. I also look at accessibility for users of different skill levels, as well as how each model compares to today’s best smartphones.
My recommendations are based on genuine first-hand experience and every model here has earned its place on merit. The idea is to give you confidence and clarity when choosing your next point-and-shoot.
⭣ Read more
Real-world tests are the most revealing way to get under the skin of the best point-and-shoot cameras. That said, I also conduct standardized tests where possible for factors like ISO performance.
I'll use it both handheld and, if possible, on a tripod to get a sense of where its strengths lie, and test its startup speed. I also use a formatted SD card and shoot in both raw and JPEG (if available), testing its burst shooting and buffer performance.
For autofocusing, I use the different autofocus modes on hand in single point, area, and continuous modes. Naturally, I'll take a look at how accurate and reliable its metering is, how well it handles noise, and how well it minimizes things like fringing and distortion. Its video shooting skills are tested as well by shooting some test footage at different frame-rates and resolutions.
I also look at the camera's design, handling, and user interface while getting a sense of what kind of photographer it's most ideal for. Battery life is tested over the course of the day, with the screen set to the default settings. Once the battery has reached zero, I'll then count the number of shots to see how it compares to the camera's CIPA rating.
Once all is said and done, I take all the data and everything I've learned about the point-and-shoot camera and compare it to its price tag to see if it offers great value for your money.
Meet the team
My team of reviewers has amassed many years of camera experience and testing, covering all of the latest and greatest cameras in the last 20 years, and can all appreciate the benefits of a dedicated camera like a digital compact versus simply using a smartphone.
Rod is an independent photographer and photography journalist with more than 30 years' experience. He's previously worked as Head of Testing for Future’s photography magazines, including Digital Camera, N-Photo, PhotoPlus, Professional Photography, Photography Week and Practical Photoshop, and as Reviews Editor on Digital Camera World.
Matt has written and reviewed cameras for just about every leading photo publication, including Digital Camera World (where he was Editor), What Digital Camera, WEX and of course TechRadar.
Mark is TechRadar's Senior news editor and has been a technology journalist since 2004. Formerly Trusted Reviews and TechRadar's cameras editor, Mark has tested cameras over many years from all of the leading brands.
James Abbott is a professional photographer and freelance photography journalist. He contributes articles about photography, cameras and drones to a wide range of magazines and websites where he applies a wealth of experience to testing the latest photographic tech.
Paul is a digital expert. In the 20 years since he graduated with a first-class honours degree in Computer Science, Paul has been actively involved in a variety of different tech and creative industries that make him the go-to guy for reviews, opinion pieces, and featured articles. You'll also find his writing in other places, including Creative Bloq, Digital Camera World, and 3D World Magazine.
The best point-and-shoot cameras in 2025
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you're buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
Below you'll find full write-ups for each of the best point-and-shoot cameras in our list. We've tested each one comprehensively, so you can be sure that our recommendations can be trusted.
The best pocketable point and shoot camera for super zoom
Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 sample images
✅ You want a huge zoom range: With a focal length of 24-720mm, the ZS99 / TZ99 has a huge 30x optical zoom range, putting it ahead of almost every point-and-shoot.
✅ You appreciate extra features: From its 3-inch tilting touchscreen to five-axis image stabilization, the ZS99 / TZ99 is a feature-packed point-and-shoot.
❌ You want a viewfinder: Sadly Panasonic removed the viewfinder from the older Lumix ZS100 / TZ100 in its 2025 update. The 0.2-inch viewfinder was on the small side, but nonetheless it was good to have.
❌ You'll shoot wide angles a lot: Its zoom range offers incredible versatility, but results can look a bit soft when shooting at its widest angle.
The ZS99 / TZ99 is one of many cameras under the 'travel-zoom' point-and-shoot genre which Panasonic pioneered, on this occasion equipped with a 30x optical zoom and a 24-720mm focal range, supported by a five-axis image stabilization. We have also reviewed the older ZS100 / TZ100 model which the ZS99 / ZS99 replaces, and found each model's zoom very effective combination in our reviews. There are similar cameras with bigger zooms, but in our tests we found the ZS99 / TZ99 offers the most well-rounded package.
Key features include the lovely 3-inch touchscreen that tilts up for an intuitive selfie mode. Sadly, Panasonic has removed the viewfinder in the newer version, even if the original's was on the small side being 0.2-inch unit. Not many cameras in this list include a viewfinder, nor smartphones for that matter, and now we add the ZS99 / TZ99 to that list. Still, the ZS99 / TZ99 can shoot in raw format and offers in-camera raw editing, plus impressive 4K video quality too. And in a time when it's hard to find a new point-and-shoot for less than $1,000 / £1,000, the ZS99 / TZ99 comes in at an attractive price point.
- Read our in-depth Panasonic Lumix ZS99 / TZ99 review
The best premium point and shoot camera
Sony RX100 VII sample images
✅ You want a premium point-and-shoot: With a 1-inch sensor, impressive autofocus and useful manual controls, this is a high-end camera.
✅ You plan to shoot video: The RX100 VII can record high-quality 4K video footage with face detection, which isn't true of every point-and-shoot.
❌ You have a limited budget: Even several years after its launch, the Sony RX100 VII remains a very expensive point-and-shoot camera.
❌ You only need a simple camera: The RX100 VII is one of the most advanced point-and-shoot cameras you can buy, with a price tag to match.
Sony's RX100 series has long been the pinnacle of premium compact cameras and the RX100 VII is the series' high water-mark. It's practically bursting with features, but the key one for its point-and-shoot usability is its class-leading autofocus. This means it can reliably track moving subjects like speeding pets or lock onto people with its Face/Eye AF mode, which means you can simply focus on composition.
The RX100 VII is also a pretty dab hand at video too, offering detailed 4K footage with minimal rolling shutter and handy features like a microphone jack. Aside from its price tag, we found that this camera's only real downsides are its lack of touchscreen functionality and a fairly average battery life. Some may also prefer the handling and shooting experience of the Canon PowerShot G7X Mark III (see no.7 below). But otherwise this is the best money-no-object compact camera around.
- Read our in-depth Sony RX100 VII review
The best photo quality from your pocket
Ricoh GR IV sample images
✅ You want a true pocket camera with superb image quality: The 5-axis stabilized 26MP APS-C sensor and refined 28mm lens are a superb combo for photo-philes.
✅ You want a smartphone step up: Like a phone, the GR IV is a camera that you can carry with you almost everywhere – just don't take it to the beach.
❌ You want a rugged camera: The camera isn't weather sealed, and as such you need to look after it – as I know from my experience with my GR III!
❌ You shoot video a lot: Maxing out at 1080p, video recording is very much an afterthought in the GR IV. It's nice to have all the same, but you'll be better off using your phone.
Ricoh's GR point-and-shoot lineup has earned a devoted following among photographers (me included!) who appreciate the way it pairs genuinely pocket-friendly design with incredible image quality. This newest model, released in 2025, stays true to that formula, packing a superb 5-axis stabilized 26MP APS-C sensor into its diminutive frame while delivering welcome upgrades like extended battery performance and a generous 53GB of onboard storage. Thanks to its fixed 28mm lens and near-instantaneous power-up, this camera excels as a go-anywhere companion for street photography and travel shooting.
That said, it won't be the right fit for everyone. The autofocus can be frustratingly slow, there's no built-in flash, and video resolution maxes out at a paltry 1080p. The lack of weather sealing also stands out as a puzzling omission for a camera that otherwise seems perfectly engineered to be a faithful, ever-present travel companion. Still, here's what matters most: you simply won't find another camera this small that delivers photographs of this caliber.
Read our in-depth Ricoh GR IV review
The best rugged point and shoot camera
OM System Tough TG-7 sample images
✅ You want a rugged point-and-shoot: Dropped in sand or submerged in the sea, the toughest point-and-shoot in this list is completely family-proof.
✅ You take mainly photos: The Tough TG-7 offers useful features for shooting stills, including macro modes and white-balance adjustments.
❌ You want the best image quality: Its rugged credentials are what set the Tough TG-7 apart, with image quality falling behind many modern smartphones.
❌ You want a touchscreen interface: While physical controls make the Tough TG-7 an easy camera to handle, its rear LCD isn't a touchscreen.
The OM System Tough TG-7 is exactly what you want in terms of a point-and-shoot. Take it on your travels, throw it in your bag, and even give it to your kids. Wherever you take it and whatever you do with it, you can rest assured that it'll withstand all the knocks and scrapes along the way. As well as being rugged, the Tough TG-7 is also waterproof with an IPX8 rating, making it perfect not only for rainy days but also for submerging up to 15m underwater.
The camera has a 1/2.3-inch BSI CMOS sensor, which produces 12MP images. Video resolution goes up to 4K at 30 fps, and if you want slow motion, you have the option of 60 fps at 1080p. Even though this camera can't deliver sharp, cinematic video, you'll still be guaranteed fair-quality, usable footage. Even though some smartphones have better optics, the Tough TG-7 does a unique job of breaking down the barrier between you and nature, encouraging you to get out and about more than ever.
- Read our in-depth OM System Tough TG-7 review
The best Canon point-and-shoot camera
Canon PowerShot V1 sample video
✅ You want a vlog camera that can take good stills too: It's video-first, but the combination of optical stabilization, good handling and RAW shooting make the V1 a solid stills camera too.
✅ You want great image quality straight from the camera: Canon's killer color science, a good lens and the large sensor make this a high quality point-and-shoot vlog camera.
❌ You're a still photographer first and foremost: It's decent for photos quality-wise, but its lack of a viewfinder and built-in flash do limit its appeal.
❌ You want a cheap vlogging camera: If vlogging is all you're after consider a DJI Osmo Pocket 3 instead. It's less than half the price and ideal for walk-and-talk vlogging.
There's been a buzz surrounding the PowerShot V1, principally because the compact V-series vlogging camera is effectively a slightly bigger sibling to the PowerShot G7X Mark III, toting a bigger 1.4-inch sensor and wider 16-50mm lens.
Headline features include that 22.3MP, 1.4-inch sensor. That's a rare sensor size – it's essentially the same as Micro Four Thirds, but in 3:2 aspect ratio rather than 4:3. It measures 18.4 x 12.3 mm – much bigger than the 1-inch type used in the aforementioned rivals, which measures 13.2mm x 8.8mm. A bigger sensor size in general means it offers better image quality than the G7 X Mark II, but there are some caveats to consider.
Notably, there's the f/2.8-4.5 maximum aperture of the PowerShot V1's 3.1x optical zoom lens. Compare that to the Sony ZV-1 II's f/1.8-4, and the PowerShot G7X Mark III's 4.2x zoom with a f/1.8-2.8 maximum aperture, and the V1 comes up short for light-gathering capabilities, which in some respects counters the image-quality advantage of its larger sensor.
Still, its 16-50mm range is absolutely perfect for vlogging. Even with digital image stabilization active and the consequent image-area crop applied, the framing is plenty wide enough for vlogging with the camera at arm's reach – that extra 2mm at the wide end goes a long way.
- Read our in-depth Canon PowerShot V1 review
The best film point-and-shoot
Pentax 17 sample images
✅ You want the joy of analog: From the vertical viewfinder to the satisfying crank, the Pentax 17 is a lovely film camera to shoot with.
✅ You want value from your film: By shooting half-frame stills, the Pentax 17 doubles the number of images you get from a roll.
❌ You want a premium build: While the handling is nice and the design is neat, the Pentax 17 also feels a bit cheap for the price tag.
❌ You want an affordable film camera: If you want analog on a budget, you’ll find sensible second-hand options for a lot less.
A compact film camera might seem outdated, but analog is all the rage right now. Designed for the smartphone generation, we think the Pentax 17 is the best film camera you can buy. In our review, we found that it gives all the joy of analog photography: from the optical viewfinder to the lovely, tactile film crank, this is a really fun camera to shoot with. It’s neatly packaged, with dimensions that make it an easy thing to travel with, while the point-and-shoot setup makes it easy to capture sharp stills on film.
From our in-depth tests, we do think the plastic body could feel tougher, given the high price tag. If you’re happy shooting with a second-hand film camera, you’ll find better build quality and value elsewhere. That said, we still think this is a fantastic compact film camera that makes it simple to enjoy analog photography. Thanks to the half-frame format, you get twice as many exposures from a single roll, and its vertical prints are Instagram-ready.
Read our in-depth Pentax 17 review
The best point-and-shoot for kids
Camp Snap Camera sample images
✅ You want a screen-free snapper: The Camp Snap doesn't have a screen and is all the better for it – good photos come to those who wait.
✅ You're after a low-cost gift: The camera itself is cheap, and being digital there's no running costs of film as there is with an actual single-use camera.
❌ You're a stickler for image quality: This is a low-tech product with low-bar image quality will be the appeal for some and off-putting for others.
❌ You like experimenting: This point-and-shoot snapper is as simple as it comes, with fixed focus and no filters.
The Camp Snap camera is a clever concept, being a low-cost, low-tech digital reimagining of the single-use analog camera. It looks and feels the same as a single-use analog camera, with nice retro design, built-in flash and basic viewfinder, plus it lacks a screen, but inside is digital tech. A builtin TF (micro SD) card stores up around 2,000 digital 8MP photos, and because there's no screen the first time you see your photos is when you connect the Camp Snap camera to your computer via USB-C.
We think the big selling point of Camp Snap camera is what it lacks, namely a screen – it's a refreshing antidote to our screen-led culture, and a safe option for kids. As a point-and-shoot with all-auto simplicity, kids will have no problem operating the Camp Snap camera, and parents won't be over protective over it given its rigid plastic shell. With no power-hungry features, the camera's battery lasts several days of moderate use – ideal for weekend trips, but we think it also appeals to a much wider audience.
Read our in-depth Camp Snap camera review
The best cheap point-and-shoot
Kodak Ektar H35N sample images
✅ You want a break from digital: The analog process is more slow and considered, and requires a patient wait for its tangible results.
✅ You want something super simple: With a simple fixed lens and built-in flash, this is as straightforward as analog photography gets.
❌ You expect cheap ongoing ownership: The camera itself may be very affordable, but the costs associated with film photography feel higher than ever.
❌ You want to learn photography tech skills: With no real controls for aperture or shutter speed, this is a very basic point-and-shoot camera.
The Kodak Ektar H35N offers something refreshingly different: a true analog photography experience that won't break the bank.
It's essentially a reusable disposable 35mm camera, making it ideal for young photographers. There are virtually no controls to master – you simply wind on, look through the viewfinder and press the shutter button. No menus, no settings, no digital distractions; it's photography stripped back to its purest form.
The half-frame format is a clever bonus. Using standard 35mm film, it captures vertical images (which feel familiar enough in our phone-dominated world) while doubling the number of shots per roll. That's plenty of chances for experimentation without the need for frequent film changes.
But here's where the magic really happens: the wait. Unlike instant smartphone gratification, you must finish the roll, send it off for developing and wait for prints to arrive. Opening that packet of physical photographs creates a sense of anticipation and excitement that reviewing images on a screen just can't match. These tangible prints can go straight into albums or frames, creating lasting memories rather than forgotten files sitting on an SD card or hard drive.
The camera itself is lightweight, simple and surprisingly robust for its plastic construction. The built-in flash handles indoor shots, while the fixed aperture and focus work well in daylight conditions.
The downsides? Film, developing and printing costs add up quickly – especially for half-frame processing, which requires specialist labs. And there's zero technical control, so this isn't the camera to teach you photographic fundamentals like aperture or shutter speed.
Read our in-depth Kodak Ektar H35N review
Also consider
I and the team have reviewed a lot more point-and-shoots than the ones included in this shortlist. There are several honorable mentions I'd suggest considering below. There's also a lot of overlap with my best compact cameras guide, so do check that out too.
Best for video – Sony ZV-1 II: A solid pick for vloggers and content creators who want something pocketable, the ZV-1 II offers a flip touchscreen, good wide-angle zoom lens and decent built-in microphone, but the lack of built-in stabilization or external mic support is puzzling.
Best hybrid Canon – Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III: Impressive on both video and photo fronts, this latest version of Canon's evergreen G7 X offers great handling, autofocus and stabilization, plus a mic port for hooking up external audio.
Best travel zoom – Panasonic Lumix TZ200: Formerly topping this guide, the TZ200 drops to the also consider section because it's no longer available new. However, look for it secondhand because it's Panasonic's best travel zoom camera, with a sensible image quality / optical zoom mix
Best hybrid instant – Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo: If you'd like a compact digital point-and-shoot that doubles up as an instant camera thanks to its built-in printer, I recommend the Instax Mini Evo.
Best for enthusiasts – Panasonic Lumix LX100 II: If you're a hobbyist photographer looking for a tiny but capable point-and-shoot, the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II should definitely be on your shortlist. It squeezes a Micro Four Thirds sensor into a compact body, together with a 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens. You don’t get a tilting touchscreen, but the feature list is otherwise generous.
Best looking point-and-shoot – Leica D-Lux 8: If design is your thing, the D-Lux 8's drop dead gorgeous looks are minimalist perfection – and its image quality isn't bad either.
Best bridge camera – Sony Cybershot RX10 IV: Hardly small, but featuring a mega zoom lens and superb speedy performance, the RX10 IV is the best bridge camera available by a country mile.
Best point-and-shoot action – GoPro Hero 13 Black: Action cameras aren't known for the photo-making skills, rather video, but the Hero 13 Black can double up thanks to its decent 27MP stills.
How to choose the best point and shoot camera
Which brand of point-and-shoot is the best?
Traditionally, the best point-and-shoot camera brands have been Panasonic, Sony, and Canon. And while all three have largely stopped making budget models due to the rise of smartphones, they collectively make the best user-friendly, pocketable cameras you can buy (outside of the phone world).
This is reflected in my list above. What Lumix, Cyber-shot and Powershot cameras lack in computational photography skills, they more than compensate for with high-quality optics, large sensors, handling and, in some cases, impressive zooms. Sony, Panasonic and Canon also make the best bridge cameras around.
If you have a more specialist need, like a super-rugged cameras for stills or video, that's when other brands come into play. Olympus (now OM System) has great heritage with its Tough series, currently topped by the TG-7. And GoPro continues to be the best point-and-shoot experience around for video creators who need some rugged and waterproof for outdoor adventures.
What is the biggest drawback of point-and-shoot cameras?
Nearly all point-and-shoot cameras were made in a time before the rise of smartphone computational photography, which really started taking off with the Google Pixel 4 in 2019. This kind of image processing, which involves intelligently combining multiple frames, was fueled by super-powerful mobile chipsets that simply aren't available to the traditional camera brands, whose heritage is instead in hardware and lens design.
This means that the biggest drawback of point-and-shoot cameras, compared to phones, is their lack of in-camera processing. The photos they produce are often more natural as a result, lacking the saturated or hyper-real HDR look that some phones tend to prefer by default. But point-and-shoot cameras can also struggle to match the balanced shots that phones manage when they effectively stack multiple exposures of the same scene.
You can achieve similar effects yourself by shooting in raw and editing the images later using software like Photoshop or Snapseed, but this is less of a point-and-shoot experience. This means that point-and-shoot cameras often fair worse than smartphones in challenging lighting conditions, but can still outshine them when you play to their strengths (for example, when using optical zoom on distant subjects, or a bright lens to produce natural bokeh).