With so many cameras out there, it’s easy to get lost in the options. But if you’re looking for a fun, high-quality point-and-shoot that skips the bulk, below are a few of our top picks to make your decision more straightforward. If it's time to upgrade the camera as a first-time buyer, you can still enjoy the perks of easy shooting, automatic settings, and built-in zoom — just with better quality.
6 Solid Point-and-Shoot Camera Options For First-Time Buyers
Leave the big rigs behind and enjoy the luxury of easy access, automatic settings, and built-in glass with these ultra rad point and shoot cameras.
1. Ricoh GR III Digital Camera
Best For: Street scenes, wide-angle portraits, lifestyle images, and everyday captures.
It's classy, mean, and looks super pretty. Ricoh's camera rivals popular best-sellers and has been the talk of the town among the camera community for delivering amazing shots at an accessible price point. While easy to shoot with, it has manual features for an even more pro-feeling shooting experience and gives you stunning mages in nearly every shot. You can even go bigger and get the upgraded GR IIIx camera.
Great For Travel
As an avid traveler, I've found that the GR III is a go-to for capturing trips or hikes. It has a high-resolution, wide dynamic range APS-C format CMOS image sensor (approximately 24.24 effective megapixels), and it effortlessly shoots large-size prints that I can print later for scrapbooking.
Good-Looking
It's way more affordable than a Leica but boasts a similar sexy exterior. Seriously, it's so pretty!
2. Fujifilm X100VI
Best For: Great for everyday captures on the go. Big specs, small body.
The X100VI is a fan favorite and one of this year’s top sellers. It’s super compact, so you can slip it into any bag (or even a pocket) while traveling, and it packs a beautiful 40MP sensor for stunning photos. While it’s loaded with advanced manual features that might feel a bit much for beginners, the image quality is so good that it’s worth mentioning. Heads up, though: it’s on serious backorder right now.
If you’re after a camera to really up your photography game on the go, this is an awesome choice. You should also check out the Fujifilm X-T50. It has similar specs with an interchangeable lens system, plus it's less in demand, so you won’t have to deal with long wait times.
Really High Quality
This thing packs an unreal 40MP sensor that's all about getting those crisp, detailed shots. You'll have no trouble cropping and still getting super sharp images.
So Much Fun
One of the favorite features of the X100VI is the built-in 4 stops of internal ND. Just turn it on/off in your settings when you need it for those bright sunny days.
3. Sony ZV-1
Best For: YouTubers looking for something to also take pictures.
Sometimes, you want to shoot a video that feels a bit more polished than what your iPhone can do. I totally get it. The ZV-1 is perfect for trips and capturing home movies without having to rely on your phone—it actually makes me more inspired to shoot the memories around me while staying in the moment. It’s super easy to use, with automatic settings, a digital zoom, and a flip-out screen that’s perfect for selfie-style recording. Plus, you can shoot in a LOG color profile, which lets you fine-tune the footage in post to get the exact look you want.
While I wouldn’t say this is the go-to camera for photographers, it’s still great for capturing fun moments. Its video quality really shines, though sometimes I just want that cool, casual snapshot vibe you get from a digital point-and-shoot, and the ZV-1 nails that, too.
Auto Focus You’ve Never Seen
Focus will switch quickly between your face and anything in the foreground, even while shooting in selfie mode and a new product showcase.
Fully Rotating Flip-Out Screen
Perfect for vlogging at an arm’s length away.
Perfect Size
It eliminates the stress of a big camera, making it fun to shoot because of its compact size.
4. Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II
Best For: Great for hybrid shooters who want a camera to fit in their pocket.
Canon is the industry's golden child; I'll always vouch for Canon's capture ecosystems (even though Fujifilm and Sony have become more popular today). The PowerShot is an iconic digital point-and-shoot that delivers that ready-to-share look every time. It's automatic, super small, and sports an insanely good image for every scene or lighting situation. And while some point-and-shoot cameras fall behind in quick settings adjustments — the Aperture, ISO speed, manual focus, and more can be dialed in quickly when assigned to the control ring mounted on the lens of the camera's body.
Easy To Shoot
A built-in pop-up EVF lets you frame your subject easily.
Pretty Good Video
You can shoot 4K 30p or Full HD 120p video.
Canon’s Lasting Name
Canon has a long-lasting love for stunning products and ensures the utmost quality for those wishing to leave their DSLR at home.
5. Sony Cyber-Shot RX100 VII
Best For: Your First Smartphone Upgrade
Rated as Wirecutter's #1 best point-and-shoot digital camera, the Cyerbshot is a super solid, super accessible camera that's the perfect bridge between your phone and a more professional capture system. If you're traveling with your family, this would be the camera you'd take out of the bag for quick shots that's perfectly exposed without fail. It performs pretty well in dimly lit areas and offers an in-built digital zoom that looks great (way better than your phone, at least).
Black-Out Free Shooting
The image sensor offers continuous shooting at up to 20fps, and the camera tracks subjects with AF/AE calculations at up to 60 times per second, even when they are moving erratically or at high speed.
Single Burst Shooting Up to 90fps
You can take seven shots in rapid succession at selectable speeds of 90fps, 60fps, or 30fps, all triggered by a single shutter button press. Thanks to the anti-distortion shutter, even fast-moving subjects can be captured in RAW and JPEG image formats.
6. Olympus TG-6 Waterproof Digital Camera
Best For: Adventurers wanting underwater or fast-action shots.
If you just want something durable for your next surf trip, the Olympus is a great choice. They're known for bulletproof build quality with just enough image quality to outperform an action camrea or smartphone.
Low Light Capability
Great for outdoor adventure in the high mountain tops during sunset, as the F2.0 aperture is wide enough to give you extra oomph.
Truly Made For the Water
Yes, it’s waterproof—entirely! You can submerge it up to 50 feet in the water for some crazy cool footage and photos.
Fast-Action Shooting
Shoot 20 frames per second of sequential action.
