Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras | Digital Camera HQ's Buyer's Guide
Last Modified: 01/28/2010
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.
| The Canon Powershot SD1200 IS has been the most popular camera on Digital Camera HQ for several months as of December 2009. The genius is in its simplicity. It's the perfect camera for somebody with no photo experience, but powerful enough for serious photogs to keep around as a point-and-shoot. Autofocus is quick, pictures are crisp, and it performs admirably in dim lighting for its price. The price is pretty sweet too, so if you're in the market for a no-fuss camera with solid picture quality, the SD1200 is for you. | |
| Momma said never judge a book by its cover. The Canon Powershot SX120 IS might look butt-ugly on the outside, but the pictures will look sharp because of its insides. The selling point is the stabilized 10x zoom, a very nice feature on a camera at this price. There are smaller, sleeker medium-zoom point-and-shoots out there, but not at this price point. | |
| [Read our full Panasonic Lumix ZS1 Review] 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. |
Best Point-and-Shoot Cameras | Digital Camera HQ's Buyer's Guide Comments & Questions (write your own!)
lOOKING FOR ADVANCED POINT AND SHOOT.iF THE SX120 IT?
IS IT WORTHY OF MY DESIRES
Casio has a few models that come with a 1000-shot battery. I tested the EX-H10 model--believe me, the battery lasts for-eeeever. With two of those, you'll be set for days. It takes solid pictures for its price and has a decent 10x zoom. Not very good low-light quality though. Check out my review here: digitalcamera-hq.com/produc... also has an updated model, the EX-H15 coming out in, I'd guess, six weeks or so. It has the same huge battery and this time, HD video (720p).
Another choice, albeit more expensive, is the Pentax K-x. It's a compact dSLR for $600 (including a lens -- good price), so the pictures will be great, and it does run on AA batteries. Here's our review: digitalcamera-hq.com/produc... that this helps!