Let's get this out of the way first: the best cheap point-and-shoot camera for most people is the phone in their pocket. Despite 2000s-era digicams making a bit of a comeback, there's nothing wrong with just sticking to your smartphone camera, especially if you're on a tight budget. That said, we're getting increasingly nostalgic for those old point-and-shoot cameras because there's something special about using a dedicated camera with buttons and dials that you can touch and feel. Smartphones are also physically limited by their lenses, and that's where the humble point-and-shoot really shines. Whether it has a super sharp prime lens or a versatile zoom lens, a point-and-shoot camera can give you a bit of an edge to take your everyday or travel photos to the next level—all while fitting into your pocket.
We've tested over 110 cameras in our lab, and below, you'll find our top recommended point-and-shoot cameras. If portability is your biggest priority, you can also look at our top point-and-shoot cameras for travel. If you want something with a bit more oomph that's still portable enough to travel with, try the best mirrorless cameras for travel instead. Alternatively, if you don't mind a bigger camera and want a built-in superzoom lens, check out our picks for the best bridge cameras.
The Fujifilm X100VI is easily the best point-and-shoot we've tested. Don't get us wrong—the hype around this camera and its predecessor, the Fujifilm X100V, has gotten a little out of hand, relegating the new model into backordered purgatory. But the hype is mostly earned. It's a fantastic fixed-lens camera with a laundry list of features you won't find all in one place on any other compact camera. That includes a high-resolution APS-C sensor, fast f/2 lens, hybrid optical/electronic viewfinder, in-body image stabilization (IBIS), not to mention advanced video recording capability.
That said, stock issues aside, this camera doesn't come cheap. Not everyone needs a premium fixed-lens camera with a 35mm equivalent field of view, especially at the price Fujifilm is asking. If that's the case, or you're tired of waiting for it to ship, you'll find plenty of other point-and-shoots below that may suit your needs better.
The RICOH GR III isn't nearly as flashy as the Fujifilm X100VI, but if you're after a compact camera with a prime lens and an APS-C sensor, this is one of the best alternatives to the Fuji—and it's notably cheaper. Its sensor doesn't have as high a resolution, but it's still enough to capture sharp, detailed photos with excellent image quality and dynamic range. Despite a relatively large APS-C sensor and IBIS, this camera also manages to be truly pocketable, much more so than the X100VI, so it's a great fit for street and travel photography.
To that end, it's aimed at those seeking a "pure" photography experience with fewer bells and whistles, so don't expect the same advanced video features you get with the Fujifilm or even a tilting screen. Some may also find the lack of a viewfinder limiting, especially compared to the X100VI's hybrid viewfinder. Its 28mm full-frame equivalent lens offers a wider field of view, but if you prefer something a bit closer to a natural field of view, the slightly pricier RICOH GR IIIx has a 40mm equivalent lens. You can also opt for the HDF variant, which trades the original model's ND filter for a highlight diffusion filter that creates a dreamy, diffused light effect.
If you'd prefer a point-and-shoot with a more versatile zoom lens, it doesn't get much better than the Sony RX100 VII. This premium option is loaded with more features than a Swiss Army knife, including an excellent 1-inch stacked design sensor that captures great image quality for its class and allows for quick 20 fps burst shooting. Despite its compact size, the camera also has a wide range of useful extra features like a pop-up electronic viewfinder and a pop-up flash.
Though its zoom lens isn't the sharpest or fastest, it has a fairly wide zoom range, giving you a lot of flexibility with framing and allowing you to capture far-away subjects. Add in a fantastic autofocus system, and this is one of the best point-and-shoot digital cameras on the market. No wonder it's on its seventh iteration and counting. And if the price is too steep for you, you can still find older generations on the used market at a lower cost.
If you're looking for the best point-and-shoot digital camera for vlogging, the Sony ZV-1 has the market cornered. It's small, lightweight, and designed specifically for vloggers, with features you won't find on more photography-oriented cameras. While this camera doesn't have a viewfinder, it's the only camera on this list with a fully articulated screen, making it easy to monitor yourself while recording. It also comes with a detachable windscreen for its microphone to help cut down on ambient noise. Sony has since released the Sony ZV-1 II, with a wider angle lens that's ideal for walk-and-talk vlogs. Still, the original model is an even better deal now that its successor is out, and it has some advantages, like optical stabilization, so we still recommend it over the ZV-1 II.
The camera uses Sony's ever-reliable autofocus and even includes specialized modes like 'Product Showcase,' which automatically shifts focus to any object held up in the frame rather than prioritizing your face, which is ideal for product and beauty vloggers. Like most point-and-shoots, battery performance is limited, especially if you're recording in 4k. However, the ZV-1 is tough to beat if you need something compact for vlogging or video.
Sep 19, 2024: We moved the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III to the Notable Mentions due to stock shortages and added the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II as a Notable Mention for its well-balanced feature set despite being discontinued.
Jul 26, 2024: We added the Fujifilm X100VI as the 'Best Point-And-Shoot Camera' and renamed the RICOH GR III to 'Best X100VI Alternative.' We also renamed the Sony RX100 VII to 'Best Point-And-Shoot Camera With Zoom.'
Jun 25, 2024: We replaced the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II with the Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark III because it has slightly better availability.
May 29, 2024: We added a brief mention of the HDF variant of the RICOH GR III so people are aware of that option as an alternative.
May 03, 2024: We reviewed the picks in this article to ensure they still meet user needs, and we re-ordered the list slightly to prioritize more accessible and less niche products.
Our recommendations above are what we think are currently the best point-and-shoots for most people to buy, according to their needs. We factor in the price, feedback from our visitors, and availability (no cameras that are difficult to find or almost out of stock in the U.S.).
If you'd like to choose for yourself, here's the list of all our point-and-shoot camera reviews. Be careful not to get caught up in the details. There is no single perfect camera. Personal taste, preference, and shooting habits will matter more in your selection.