📸 5 MUST-OWN Point and Shoot Cameras In 2024 [Guide]

Jan 13, 2024 | Buying Guides

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to own at least one, if not the best point shot camera?

Although the new decade has brought us a lot of improvement in both DSLRs and mirrorless cameras, point-and-shoot devices are still here.

Why? For several reasons.

best point and shoot cameras

First, they can fit into every pocket, which makes them the best option for enthusiasts who don’t want too much luggage.

Second, they can offer high-quality results that are better than any smartphone camera can achieve. They have smaller sensors than DLSRss, but they still offer solid performance, optical zoom in most cases, and the ability to control the focus.

Their popularity peaked a decade ago, but they are making a comeback. Many photographers find their helpful simplicity, especially when combined with solid overall image quality.

Since you can find many cameras at various price ranges, this guide aims to help you choose the best one for your needs. Many variables make the proper compact camera, and the review below focuses on image quality, design, price, and additional functions.

 
 
 

Ricoh GR II Digital Camera

Canon Sure Shot WP-1 Weatherproof 35mm Camera

Nikon L35AF Camera

5.0
4.0
4.5
$980.00
$119.99
$225.00

Ricoh GR II Digital Camera

5.0
$980.00

Canon Sure Shot WP-1 Weatherproof 35mm Camera

4.0
$119.99

Nikon L35AF Camera

4.5
$225.00
04/03/2024 12:07 am GMT Lasso Brag

Get Professional-Quality Shots with the Ricoh GR II

Ricoh GR II Digital Camera

This camera has an effective resolution of 16MPx, 3x optical zoom, and a screen size of 2,7 inches. The camera sports the option of shooting in RAW, which delivers those images quickly and efficiently.

Check Price

The first pick earns its place on the best point-and-shoot film cameras list by providing an effective resolution of 16MPx, 3x optical zoom, and a screen size of 2,7 inches. It also uses an APS-C sensor and has a form factor built-in. I like a couple of features of this camera, some of which relate to a GR ENGINE II that offers a rock-solid performance in providing an excellent resolution with vivid saturation and sharp overall tones.

Additionally:

There is an option to pick between various monochromatic expressions and enjoy black-and-white photography to the fullest. Another cool feature is the electronic level function. When used, it lets one see whether the camera is at a level while looking at the LCD screen. Also, the preview is relatively fast and rotates vertical shots. The Ricoh GR II Digital camera sports the option of shooting in RAW, which delivers those images quickly and efficiently.

Even if you are an inexperienced user, you won’t have a hard time adjusting to the camera’s settings. The access menus are intuitive, with the option to save personal settings. Next, the noise level is tolerable, and the focus is above average, although some competitors are better.

Pros

  • Great design
  • Awesome menus
  • Overall image quality
  • Plenty of options

Cons

  • Price
  • Noise at high ISO

Don’t Let the Weather Stop You: Canon Sure Shot WP-1 is Weatherproof

Canon Sure Shot WP-1 Weatherproof 35mm Camera

One of the features of this camera is its weatherproof design and the fact that it is straightforward to use. When it comes to image quality, this camera offers extraordinary performance. 

Check Price

One of the features of Canon’s Sure Shot WP-1 is a weatherproof design, which means one can safely take the camera into the wild, along with a built-in flash, an autofocus lens, and a standard 35mm film. All those reasons contribute to making it to the best point-and-shoot film cameras list.

One of the camera’s best features is that it is straightforward to use, and you don’t need any time adjusting it for future use. On a negative note, one should be careful with the film since it doesn’t back up once you’re done with the roll, and it cannot be difficult to do manually. The weather-resistant feature means that you can splash the camera, not that you can sink it. So, shooting in the swamp is cool, but snorkeling with it is not (although it can withstand being submerged in water for a few seconds).

When it comes to image quality, it offers an extraordinary performance even when shooting portraits and close-ups. The color palette is satisfactory but not on par with high-end DSLRs, but it can compete within its price range. I like that it uses an autofocus lens and a standard 35mm film, which will do the job of producing and delivering photos much more accessible.

Pros

  • Weatherproof
  • Compact and portable
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Limited control

Capture Perfect Shots Every Time with the Nikon L35AF Camera

Nikon L35AF Camera

The exposure of this camera is fully automatic, with an ISO range of 50-1000, in combination with an integral flash. The overall image quality is on point, with apparent crystal sharpness and an exquisite exposition.

Check Price

Nikon offers a 35mm lens with an f/2.8 autofocus from 0,8m to infinity. It sports five elements in four groups, with a 46mm filter thread. The exposure is fully automatic, with an ISO range of 50-1000 and an integral flash. The filter thread is 46mm. The pop-up flash, with a 10-second self-timer and a 2+ exposition compensation lever, are important reasons Nikon made it to the best point-and-shoot film cameras list.

Regarding being practical, having standard AA batteries will make life much easier. In the design compartment, one can say that it is indeed a magnificent point-and-shoot camera. You can easily fit it into every standard pocket, making it transportable and easy to use.

The overall image quality is on point, with apparent crystal sharpness and an exquisite exposition. One only needs to consider the composition during the shooting because Nikon L35AF does everything else. A bonus point is a filter thread, which means you can use them quickly, and if you are a more experienced photographer, you will love it.

Pros

  • Super-compact design
  • Overall image quality
  • The Filter thread

Cons

  • None

Capture Memories in Style: The Olympus Stylus Epic 35mm Camera

Olympus Stylus Epic 35mm Camera

This camera uses a high-resolution 35mm f/2.8 lens, with a bright 0,45X viewfinder, and an option to activate your shutter from a distance.

Check Price

Olympus delivered a fine piece of gear that packs many technical features in a small yet all-weather body. It uses a high-resolution 35mm f/2.8 lens, a bright 0,45X viewfinder, and an option to activate your shutter from a distance. Additionally, one has the chance of close-shooting, as close as 14”, when using autofocus. Some other features also put this gem on the best point and shoot film cameras.

This Olympus Stylus Epic 35mm uses a variable-power flash with an automatic function if the subject is backlit. In addition, the second reduces red-eye issues and offers a couple of modes, usually for night-time shooting and improving experience under specific lighting. If you use spot metering mode, you gain more control over the auto exposure and focus (which work well in auto mode).

If you press the self-timer and the flash mode simultaneously, you get into the spot mode, allowing you to recompose and lock both exposure and the focus. Another remarkable fact is the weather-proof body, which guarantees lots of fun even under uncertain weather conditions.

Pros

  • Highly technical device
  • Weather-proof
  • Great flash

Cons

  • Noise issues

Shoot Like a Pro with the Contax T2 Silver 35mm Camera

Contax T2 Silver 35mm Camera

This camera sports a titanium-clad body with a 35mm f/2.8 lens and many practical, high-tech features. It also has a built-in flash that offers red-eye correction.  

Check Price

The last pick on the best point-and-shoot film cameras is quite luxurious for these types of cameras. It sports a titanium-clad body with a 35mm f/2.8 lens and many practical, high-tech features. It has six elements in four groups, and a viewfinder that projects frame lines has a micro indicator and offers a digital shutter speed readout.

Next:

Contax T2 Silver 35mm camera has external autofocus with assistance and focuses lock functions. The autofocus has a dedicated AF lock button, while you can also set and use a manual focus mode (on a mode button. It also has a built-in flash that offers red-eye correction. Despite having a fantastic build quality, and a high-end Carl Zeiss lens, the camera’s autofocus is not as good as expected. The depth of field is good if you want to shoot portraits and close-ups, but if you’re more into landscape photography, you will find that Nikon from this list offers better features.

However:

The camera’s overall performance is on point, with excellent color distribution and stunningly well-developed sharpness. If you can swallow a high-price Contax T2 sports, you will get a sophisticated camera with a beautiful and sturdy body. It also aims at the more skilled photographers, but even total beginners won’t have a steep learning curve.

Pros

  • Easy to use
  • Fast autofocus
  • Compact and stylish design

Cons

  • Battery life can be relatively short
  • Price

EXTRA TIPS – How to find the right Point and Shoot camera for yourself?

If you are beginning your journey through point-and-shoot cameras, you’re probably wondering how to get the right camera for yourself. Depending on where you are with the technical knowledge, finances, and overall preferences, it can be tricky to make a choice. Point-and-shoot devices can vary in price from as low as $100 to a couple of hundred dollars, even surpassing the 1k upper limit.

• The first thing to remember is, are you just an image shoot, or do you want videos as well? If later is the case, you’ll need to invest more to buy a camera capable of 4K videos and can upload its content to social media without using a third-party device.

• Additionally, if you’re not a beginner, you’ll want to aim at cameras offering semi-manual options giving you more control over the shooting process. It is like a “scene mode “where you can shoot depending on the circumstances.

• If you mind lacking the viewfinder on the camera itself, you should aim at devices that can use a phone’s screen (that’s connected to a camera as a viewfinder). It costs a bit more but is worth it in the long run.

• What kind of photographer are you? If your niche is portrait photography, these cameras are not the most suitable. Although they create sharp images, the bokeh effect can’t be compared to DSLR and mirrorless technology that uses fast prime lenses. On the other hand, if you shoot landscapes, city photography, or anything similar, go for it.

• Lastly, know how much space you’ll have on you. Although point-and-shoot cameras are compact, you’ll always need an additional pocket to store them. Also, be wary that their optical zoom is limited compared to DSLRs and mirrorless, so it won’t be possible to replace it with a telescope lens.

Final Thoughts on Best 5 Point and Shoot Cameras

Purchasing some of the best point-and-shoot cameras can be a rewarding experience, whether you’re a professional photographer or an enenthusias sho who wants to have a good time.

Investing a couple hundred dollars into this type of gear is an excellent choice since you’ll have a ready camera, and it won’t take much space.

Additionally, the image quality will surpass that of a smartphone, and it can even go on par with entry-level DSLRs. No matter which camera from the list above you pick, you’ll be making a good choice.

Disclaimer: "As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases."

Stacy WItten

Stacy WItten

Owner, Writer & Photographer

Stacy Witten, owner and creative force behind LensesPro, delivers expertly crafted content with precision and professional insight. Her extensive background in writing and photography guarantees quality and trust in every review and tutorial.

 Tutorials

 Tutorials

 Tutorials

 Tutorials

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *