Best Point and Shoot Cameras
Point and shoot cameras exist in myriad numbers and configurations and the consumer is inundated in advertising and marketing campaigns to the extent that most people simply look for something with a large amount of mega pixels and a cool color and shape. They might look at price to make sure they are not spending too much on a camera. As such most point and shoot cameras are in the range of $350 and under. Such is the case with our list of Best Point and Shoot Cameras of 2011. The most expensive camera in the mix retails right at $350 and the lowest priced comes in at a super affordable $116. With a price range this tight, the overall cost is not a large part of the consideration for the upper slots in the list. What matters most are the functionality, durability, quality, and design of each camera. To make things a bit easier for people, we have taken into consideration both specifications and consumer opinion for each camera on the list. Hopefully, this list will help you make the determination of which camera will best suit your individual style and needs as well as fit your price range.
So…without any further ado…here is the list of the Best Point and Shoot Cameras (of 2011)!
Most people are familiar with Panasonic when it comes to electronics. For years, they have led the electronic industry in televisions, laptops, phones, and audio devices, but most people are not very familiar with Panasonic as a camera. It would appear that Panasonic wants to change that in a bad way. The Panasonic FX75 is a 14.1 MP camera, featuring touch-screen interactivity, and a 5x zoom lens. Panasonic loaded the FX75 with a Leica lens with a max aperture of F2.2 along with image stabilization to help with the 24-120 mm capabilities. Another value added feature is the AVCHD Lite 720p video capability that is included in the FX75.
The touchscreen allows users to select focus points for their images by touching the area on the screen they desire, a nice interactive and advanced feature for a point and shoot camera. A slim and compact camera that might be a bit heavier than some of the other offerings on this list are, the FX75 is still not a heavy weight. Weighing in at a solid 5.8 ounces and measuring 4 x 0.9 x 2.2 inches, this camera is proof the great things come in small packages.
Image quality is high and the menus are easy and intuitive when it comes to navigation and use. Colors are vibrant and true to life and the Leica lens results in staggeringly clear images with quick auto focus and intelligent lighting controls.
The FX75 is also a very fast camera, meaning that the wide aperture option works well with the auto ISO controls and auto shutter speed to help capture images in lower light without the danger of blurring. Combined with the Motion Deblur mode included in this offering from Panasonic, that allows for motion detection and correction of settings to eliminate blur on the fly, the FX75 is a great option for those who want to capture action as it occurs.
The video feature, while not 1080 HD, is still a wonderful feature that records in either the AVCHD Lite or the Apple .mov formats. The clarity of video is hard to beat, but as with any built in microphone on any camera, you will not get professional sound quality. However, the built in microphone works well for most papooses and should not be considered a detraction from this offering by Panasonic.
Consumer reviews for this offering from Panasonic are high, averaging 4 out of 5 stars. The most common issue with this camera was the learning curve for those who have little photographic experience. The Panasonic Lumix FX75 is priced at a very affordable, yet on the high end of the spectrum at $299.00.
If you are looking for a cheaper, smaller point n shoot, you might look at the Panasonic FX-25, which has fabulous reviews, less features, and a cheaper price.
Canon has long been known for producing great cameras and the PowerShot SD940IS is no exception. This 12.1MP marvel will provide you with stunning photos filled with robust colors and sharp focus. One aspect that sets the SD940 apart from others on the list is the overall design. It has been designed to be small enough to easily fit into a pocket or purse. Weighing in at a slight 4.2 ounces and measuring 3.5 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches, this mighty mite is marvelous as a compact travel style point and shoot. As the saying goes, “The little camera you take with you, is better than the big camera you leave at home.” Even with its small size, the SD940 fits comfortably in the hand and is easy to hold and use.
The SD940 include as 2.7 inch LCD screen helping to frame and view shots. Although there is no external viewfinder, the LCD screen is easy to use and large enough you will not miss the viewfinder. The LCD is scratch resistant as well as anti-glare to help in bright lighting situations. The small flash is powerful enough to help in most low light situations and works well as a fill flash even in bright days shooting in the shade.
The 28mm lens include a 4x optical zoom with image stabilization that automatically detects shake and corrects it right away, helping to eliminate blurred photos. Another feature included in this tiny point and shoot is the capability to shoot HD video at 720p. Simply switch the camera to movie mode and select the quality you desire from the three different options offered and you are off and running. Playback on an HD set is made easy with and HDMI out port.
When it comes to still shots, the SD940 has 20 different modes from which to choose. Auto, night snapshot, beach, long shutter, and portrait are likely the most used and understood modes. These modes allow even the most novice photographer to capture stunning images in almost any situation.
Start up and shut down are achieved quickly with the SD940 as well. This feature helps to prolong the charge on the battery as well as easily capture time as events unfold. Shutter lag is short but continuous shooting could be better, however, one can shoot continuously until the memory card is full without limitation on the number of shots taken.
The price is right on the Canon PowerShot SD940IS as well. Coming in at a very affordable $199.00, this offering from Canon gets high marks from users as a well-rounded, easy to use, user programmable, and affordable point and shoot camera. You will have a difficult time finding a better value in similar cameras.
The Samsung Dual View TL 225 is the only offering from Samsung to make the list of Best Point and Shoot Cameras for 2011. The field is large and to make the #3 spot is a big accomplishment for Samsung. The first noticeable item on the list goes along with the model name of this camera. It has two LCD screens; one that is a standard rear facing screen and another that is on the front of the camera. This feature is popular with those who wish to do self portraits or shots with friends. Instead of playing the guessing game, the Dual View allows you to see the framing of a self portrait and make necessary adjustments easily instead of taking several shots and hoping to get a good one in the mix.
This 12.2 MP offering from Samsung has a lot to offer beyond two LCD screens. The Dual view TL 225 integrates many modern features, such as touchscreen technology found in many smart phones these days, into their 3.5-inch rear LCD screen. Nearly all controls can be accessed and controlled via the large rear touchscreen. When we say nearly everything, we mean everything except zoom function and shutter release. If you want to use the front LCD screen, simply tap the front and you are ready to go. As mentioned, this is a great feature for self-portraits, but is also a great aid in capturing the attention of children in order to get a nice shot.
The Dual View TL 225 includes a Schneider 4.6x optical zoom lens with face detection and dual image stabilizations feature as well as a ‘Smart Auto’ shooting mode that selects the best settings for the situation through analyzing your framing and composition along with lighting and image content. The TL 225 is a wonderfully sleek and stylish combination that oozes uniqueness when compared to much of the point and shoot field today.
Averaging nearly 4 out of 5 stars by consumers, this camera is a great combination of functionality, whimsy, style, and affordability. The Samsung Dual View TL 225 costs around $250 and weighs in at a bulky 14.4 ounces with dimensions of 6.8 x 5.2 x 2 inches. While not the lightest or smallest offering on the list, it has a solid place in the hearts and budgets for many users in the world today.
Plenty of point and shoot cameras on the market today are capable of taking fantastic pictures and meet the budget requirements of most consumers. However, most of the marketing ploys used make you think you are getting more for your money and actually end up falling very short of the mark. The Panasonic Lumix ZS7 is another exception to the rule. It honestly delivers in the areas of image quality, design, performance and affordability. Panasonic has long been known for its stellar performance with electronic devices, and it delivers yet again by producing the Lumix ZS7 that makes the short list of Best Point and Shoot Cameras of 2011. The Lumix ZS7 includes a 12.1 MP sensor, face detection, video, image location information through its built in GPS receiver, stereo sound, 3.0 inch LCD monitor, and more. Special scene shooting modes and full manual mode allow the creative and control freak in you to come out while shooting. The lens can range from 25mm to 300mm making this a super-zoom point and shoot with a Leica DC Vario-Elmar 12x optical zoom lens. The ZS7 has been designed for ergonomics, meaning it is designed to fit the hand, and it delivers on this design feature while remaining small enough to take with you on travels. The 3-inch LCD allows you to easily see you subject and view images already captured as well as navigate and adjust settings in the menu. If you want to switch to video mode, then a simple push of a red button has you on the go immediately. This offering from Panasonic also allows for 720p HD AVCHD Lite video recording. Weighing in at a mere 7.7 ounces and measuring 1.3 x 4.1 x 2.4, this camera might not fit into your pocket and it will leave a bit of dent in your pocketbook as well. Priced at the higher end of the spectrum the Panasonic Lumix ZS7 has a tag of $295. However, the money is not wasted as this camera delivers on image quality. Consumers rate this camera high with just over 3.75 stars out of 5 with the price tag being the main reason that many do not give it a full 4 star rating. When looking at quality and functionality, the Panasonic Lumix ZS7 is a well designed, well built, well thought out, and high quality camera that will help users of any level capture stunning images for years to come.
This one also made our Best Compact Digital Cameras list too!
Yet another offering by Panasonic, the FH22 offers high quality photos, performance, and features in a point and shoot camera for nearly anyone desiring a quick and easy handling instrument to capture photos. Featuring an 8x lens with image stabilization, this 14 MP camera has a wide angle equivalent of 28mm and can shoot 720p HD video. Incorporating a 3 inch touchscreen anti-glare screen allowing users to select areas of focus as well as metering via a simple touch on the area of the composed photo on the screen.
Weighing in at a hefty 16 ounces and measuring 5.5 x 6.5 x 2 inches, this point and shoot is not an ultra compact version, but there are a number of features packed in this relatively tiny package. One such feature is the additional 16.9x optical zoom to help achieve close up, yet sharp images from a distance. Also included is a complex and robust image stabilizer for those shaky shots in either still photos or video mode.
While the image stabilizing feature helps keep shots crisp and less blurry, it also uses technology to reduce the amount of noise that occurs in point and shoot cameras with relatively small image sensors. The FH22 uses an intelligent ISO control to aid in achieving well-lit photos in less than stellar lighting conditions without increasing the amount of digital noise in the image.
Face detection and auto red-eye removal are other valuable features included in this offering from Panasonic. The HD video capture on the FH22 records video at 1280 x 720 pixels with a 30 fps (frames per second) frame rate in motion JPEG format.
Included with the FH22 is the PHOTOfunSTUDIO 5.0 (compatible with Windows 7) software to edit and enhance photos and videos. All in all, the Panasonic Lumix FH22 rates well with consumers with an average of 3.5 stars and will run you right around $129. That is a lot of camera for the money and one would be hard pressed to find a better bargain. Some issues of shutter lag and start up time combined with the overall size and weight of camera move it lower down the listing, but the end result is still high marks for this shooter and lands is solidly in the list of Best Point and Shoot Cameras of 2011.
The only offering from Nikon in the list for Best Point and Shoot Cameras of 2011 is the CoolPix S1000pj and there is a reason this camera made the list. Nikon has taken the lead in producing a camera that will not only take marvelous photos, but will possibly change the way people view photos in the future. Instead of passing the camera around the crowd of people to see the photos just taken, you can use the unique and first in the world point and shoot digital camera with a built in projector.
There is a newer model available now, the Nikon CoolPix S1100pj, but the reviews are not as positive as the slightly older model (the one reviewed here).
This feature is so unique that many will not be able to appreciate it until they experience it firsthand. Even a video of this device in action pales by comparison to seeing it work in real life. However, there is more to this camera than the novelty of the built-in projector. The S1000pj has a striking design of clean modern lines that gives a sturdy and high quality feel with its matte black bushed aluminum case screams high quality and chic.
The back of the camera is filled with the 2.7 inch LCD to help in the framing of shots and image review process of this 12.1 MP camera. Weighing a slight 5.5 ounces with dimensions measuring 4 x 0.9 x 2.5 inches, the S1000pj is a nice compact camera. The projector will display either still photos or video at up to 40 inches with an optimal distance of around 10 inches. When projected at the optimal distance, images and video can be seen as far back as 6 ½ feet away.
The only negative area in the design is the prominence given to the projector and the location of the capture lens. Instead of having the capture lens in the center of the camera, it is located at the top left (when behind the camera) and the projector lens is in the center. Depending upon how you are accustomed to holding a camera, you may have to adjust your grip to keep fingertips from being part of the shot.
The S1000pj captures video as well at 640 x 480 SD at 30 fps (frames per second). Not having the ability to shoot in HD is a bit of drawback, but the standard definition quality is still superb. This offering from Nikon also includes a wide range of ISO settings all the way up to ISO 6400 allowing for image capture in relatively low light situations. Consumers give the S1000pj four out of five stars, but this is primarily due to the novelty of the projector. The Nikon S1000pj can be purchased for around $225; you will be well served by the image clarity and color vibrancy. Nikon has been long known for its superior image quality and photographic expertise, and it continues to deliver with the Nikon CoolPix S1000pj as one of the Best Point and Shoot Cameras of 2011.
Canon is a long time producer of high quality photographic equipment. For those who want the ultimate in ease when it comes to taking pictures, Canon uses its Scene Detection Technology in the PowerShot A1100 IS featuring an improved Easy mode and the newer Smart Auto mode both helping ot produce stunning images of excellent quality effortlessly.
Note that in the true tradition of the Canon cameras, there is a newer upgrade to this model, the Powershot A3100 IS.
The A1100 features a 12.1 MP sensor with an optical zoom setting of 4x and includes image stabilization to keep fuzzy shots at bay. It comes in a variety of colors for those who are concerned with using the camera as a fashion accessory. Choices of colors include blue, silver, and pink allowing nearly anyone to find a color that will not clash with their personal style.
The A1100 features a 2.5 inch LCD for framing, viewing photos, and navigating menus. The A1100 is replete with buttons and controls in all areas of the body, including the dial that will allow you to choose one of 10 shooting mode options. While at first look, this camera may appear intimidating with all buttons, dials, and rockers, it remains very easy to use…even for those who are ‘technology challenged’.
Designed primarily for right handed individuals, the right side of the camera is a bit larger, offering an intuitive grip with a natural feel. An optical viewfinder is also part of the A1100, making framing shots and steady holds much better. The one drawback in this area, is that the camera feels a bit heavy for its size. Dimensionally, it is small, measuring 3.8 x 1.2 x 2.5 inches with a weight of 5.4 ounces. At first glance, 5.4 ounces seems light, but for such a small camera, it is heavy. However, the size makes it easy to fit in a handbag or pocket easily.
The start up to take a picture could be faster, but overall the 1.8 seconds it takes to power on and ready to shoot is not very bad at all. With continuous shooting at a rate of .6 frames per second for up to 4 images means that Canon could have done a bit better when it comes to control speed and shutter lag, but the disparity is not so bad when compared to other point and shoots out there. Priced at a high $350 the Canon PowerShot A1100 IS easily fits into the list of the Best Point and Shoot Cameras with its brilliant colors and clear sharp image quality that we have come to know, love, and expect from Canon.
Fujifilm FinePix F80EXR
Most people that are familiar with the old days of photography probably think of Fuji as a film producer, but the truth of the matter, is that Fuji has been a major player in photography of all kinds for years. Fujifilm packed this digital point and shoot camera with a nice feature set providing wonderful quality photos and overall high performance. The F80EXR was designed with the beginning photographer in mind and as such, lacks many of the standard ‘bells and whistles’ one typically finds in competitors.
What the F80EXR does offer is a high-resolution 12MP Super CCD EXR sensor that captures stunning quality still photos and HD video at 720p. Overall the F80EXR is intended to make the process of taking photos simple and easy for the beginner. Utlizing a 3 inch LCD screen used for framing shots, viewing pictures and navigating through the menu options, the large display size helps those who are quite sure what to look for and where to find it.
One issue with this camera was the default setting time for the menu items to remain on the screen. In many cases, people found that they simply did not have enough time to make the appropriate selections before the menu icons went away. Most point and shoot models offer various shooting modes, and while this is true of the F80EXR, one mode in particular is different from the competition and that would be the “pet mode”. This mode is basically a face detection option designed for animals instead of humans. This is a great feature for pet loving photographers out there.
An area that the F80EXR stand head and shoulders above the competition is in its continuous shooting. With a high speed of 4.2 frames per second, it is the fastest continuous shooting model on the list. While it is a bit on the big side when compared to most of the offerings on the Best Point and Shoot Cameras of 2011, it still packs a punch in the area of quality and clarity. Measuring 3.9 x 1.1 x 2.3 inches and weighing 7 ounces, the size and weight of this camera are larger and heavier than others are , but not so much as to be a detriment.
Consumers rate this camera with four out of five stars, but do to the lack of manual controls it is lower on the list. It includes an HDMI out port for view photos and videos on an HDTV or an HD computer monitor. The Fujifilm FinePix F80EXR is available for the purchase price of $235 or lower depending upon your shopping preferences.
The Kodak EasyShare Z950 rounds out the list of Best Point and Shoot Cameras of 2011. Many people like to claim that Kodak products no longer have the quality they did in previous years, but the fact of the matter is that the Z950 is one of the more reliable and best quality point and shoots on the market in 2011. It might not have as many features as some other out there; but what it does offer and promise it delivers in spades.
If you are in the market for a solid point and shoot that will capture high quality images without any muss and fuss, then the Z950 might just be the perfect fit. This is a great little camera, one that also made our overall best compact digital camera listr .
Falling solidly into the category of an ultrazoom with its 10x optical zoom through a high quality Schneider-Kruesnach lens, the Z950 can also capture HD video at 30 fps (frames per second). It does offer an intelligent auto mode and manual exposure controls and different scene modes (17) as many people are used to seeing in point and shoots these days.
Optical image stabilization helps to keep camera shake minimized in both still and video modes increasing sharpness and clarity in all areas. The one area in which you will not have much control is white balance. Shutter speed and aperture settings as well as ISO settings can all be adjusted to suit your needs and desire as the conditions dictate or you can allow the automatic settings to take over.
Featuring a 3 inch LCD that is very bright and easy to use for framing, viewing and navigation through the various menu options keeps this little camera in the running against the competitors on the list. An ergonomic and natural feel show that the exterior of this camera was as well designed as the interior components.
One aspect of the Z950 of which competitors should take note is the information button offering a simple explanation of any feature you may not understand. No need to go looking for the user manual, you can quickly find an explanation to help you make the correct setting decision.
Neither on the light nor small end of the point and shoot spectrum, the Z950 is still a great camera for the money. Measuring 4.3 x 1.4 x 2.6 inches and weighing 8.2 ounces, it is one of the larger and heavier offerings on the list. The Z950 holds and average user rating of 3.75 out of 5 stars and is worth the $200 price tag.