Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras | Digital Camera HQ's Buyer's Guide

If you're looking for the perfect introductory camera for your mother, father, or child, or simply need an easy-to-use camera that just works for yourself, these point-and-shoot cameras will do the trick. Perfect for casual photographers who don't want to fuss with the details, the following cameras are designed to be straightforward and simply take great photos right out of the box, while still having some potential for growth should you be interested. These are perfect holiday gifts, ready to make memories for photographers of any skill level.

Affordable Point-and-Shoot Under $200 Canon A2000 IS from $159.88	[Read our full Canon A2000 Review] The Canon Powershot A2000 IS follows the successful A-series formula, but not too closely. It has the same excellent performance and high image quality of its predecessors, but adds in some stylistic touches that make it a very attractive option for casual photographers. The A2000 IS has eliminated the curvy grip common on A-series Canons, slimming the camera's body and making it more portable than ever. Despite the reduction in size, Canon has still managed to pack in plenty of great features into this camera: a 10 megapixel sensor, a nice 6x optical zoom, and a vivid 3-inch LCD display for previewing shots.
12x Optical Zoom Panasonic ZS1 from $239.95	The Panasonic Lumix ZS1 is a fine, entry-level offering that's perfect for novice or casual photographers. With a 10-megapixel sensor, the ZS1 is sure to impress. Additionally, the ZS1 features a long-range 12x optical zoom lens, granting users unprecedented reach in a relatively compact body. The ZS1 is a less expensive version of the Panasonic Lumix ZS3—the only difference being that the ZS3 features a high-definition movie mode. The ZS1 can record clips in standard definition only. Still, you might find it helpful to read our full Panasonic ZS3 review (ignoring the HD video section) to get a better idea of how the ZS1 will perform.
User Friendly for Casual Photographers Canon E1 from $149.95	[Read our full Canon E1 Review] The Canon Powershot E1 is aimed at younger photographers, and would make an excellent first digital camera for someone just learning how to take great shots. The E1 is available in blue, white, or pink pastels for a dash of style, and has a very soft, approachable design meant to appeal to people who don't feel particularly gadget-savvy. The smooth body and straightforward controls are quite user friendly, as is the price tag. The E1 costs less than $200, an incredible bargain for a 10 megapixel camera with 4x optical zoom.