Cherry-picking the “best” point-and-shoot cameras from among the 200-plus point-and-shoots we carry at B&H Photo can be challenging, considering the criteria on which we base our choices. For this year’s best point-and-shoot camera roundup, we took every category of point-and-shoot camera in our vast inventory—from full-frame to 1/5" sensor-size cameras—into consideration. From there, we short-listed them based on user popularity, along with our own personal likes (and dislikes) in a bid to come up with a fair representation of what we consider to be the best easy-to-use fixed-lens cameras on the market today. Hopefully you, our readers, will concur.
Before moving forward, it’s important to define the term “point-and-shoot camera.” At B&H Photo (and most other retailers and camera manufacturers), a point-and-shoot camera is a camera (digital or film) with a fixed, non-interchangeable zoom or fixed focal-length lens. If you can change the lens, it’s not a point-and-shoot. Interchangeable-lens cameras are categorized as “advanced” cameras, which includes most mirrorless and DSLR camera systems.
Point-and-shoot cameras are available in a choice of sensor sizes ranging from relatively tiny 1/5" sensors to full-frame (24 x 36mm) camera sensors. The “Best of” cameras listed below are presented alphabetically according to sensor size, large to small. The order in which these cameras appear does not in any way indicate our personal choices concerning which of these cameras are the best of the bunch, this is a decision only you, dear reader, can decide.
When applicable, we have included earlier-generation models of our “Best of 2019” choices as less expensive (but equally fine) alternatives to our primary candidates.
Full Frame Point-and-Shoots
Leica Q2
The Leica Q2 is the 2nd-generation replacement for the original Leica Q (Typ 116), which set the standard for tiny full-frame point-and-shoot cameras. Aside from vastly improved weatherproofing, the biggest difference between the old and new versions has to do with resolving power—the Q2 has a 47.3MP CMOS imaging sensor, which is twice up compared to the 24.2MP CMOS sensor found in the Leica Q and the more minimalist version of the original Q, the Leica Q-P.
Like the original Leica Q, the Q2 features a fixed, Summilux 28mm f/1.7 ASPH lens that was designed specifically for this camera. Other features carried over from the original Leica Q include a Maestro II image processor, a 1,040,000-dot touchscreen LCD, a 3,680,000-dot EVF, and close focusing down to 6.69" in macro mode. You also get UHD 4K video, ISO sensitivity up to 50000, and 10 frame-per-second continuous burst rates.
While there are those who consider Leica’s Q-series cameras as being too pricey, if you speak to a Q owner most will agree that while it’s not cheap, it’s one of the finest cameras they’ve ever used. (I won’t argue.)
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II is another truly compact full-frame point-and-shoot camera that has much in common with the Leica Q2, albeit with a narrower-angle, though no less dazzling Zeiss 35mm f/2 Sonnar lens. The Sony DSC-RX1R II features a 42MP Exmor R BSI CMOS sensor powered by a BIONZ X image processor.
Other features include a pop-up 2.36M-dot XGA OLED EVF, a 3" 1,228K-dot LCD, a variable optical low-pass filter (an industry first!), up to 5 frame-per-second burst rates, and ISO sensitivity ratings up to 102,400.
APS-C Point-and-Shoots
Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III
The Canon PowerShot G-series cameras have been popular for years now, and the Canon PowerShot G1 X Mark III should prove to be no different. Featuring a 24.2 APS-C CMOS sensor with a DIGIC 7 image processor, Canon’s G1X Mk III sports a 24-70mm (equivalent) f/2.8-5.6 zoom with dual image-stabilization systems that helps minimize camera shake by a factor of 4.
Other features found on Canon’s G1X Mk III include 9 frame-per-second burst rates, ISO sensitivity to 25,600, and Dual Pixel CMOS AF for quicker, more accurate autofocusing.
FUJIFILM XF 10
If you’re looking for a truly fine travel and street-shooting camera, you won’t go wrong with the FUJIFILM XF 10, which features a 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor, ISO sensitivity up to 12800 (or 51200 extended), and a Fujinon 18.5mm f/2.8 (27.7mm equivalent) lens. For composing and viewing your photos and videos, the XF 10 has a 3" 1040k-Dot LCD touchscreen. Along with detailed stills, which can be captured using 11 FUJIFILM Film Simulations and 19 advanced filters, the XF 10 can also capture 4K video. And if Instagram is your thing (or you’re into square format imaging) the XF 10 features a 1:1 Square Mode option.
FUJIFILM X100F
If the FUJIFILM XF 10 floats your boat but you’d prefer a lens not quite as wide as a 28mm equivalent lens, check out the FUJIFILM X100F, which features a Fujinon 23mm f/2 lens (35mm equivalent), a 24.3MP APS-C X-Trans CMOS III sensor, and an X-Processor Pro Image Processor.
The X100F also features FUJIFILM’s unique Hybrid Optical/Electronic viewfinder, which alone is worth the price of admission; a 91-point hybrid AF system; Super EBC lens coatings for reduced flair and ghosting; Film Simulation modes; shutter speeds up to 1/32,000-second; and ISO sensitivity expandable to 51200.
Ricoh GR III
Ricoh GR-series cameras have had a cult following for years, and deservedly so. The newest model to join the party is the Ricoh GR III, which retains the camera’s legendary 28mm f/2.6 (equivalent) lens but leapfrogs its predecessors 16.2MP sensor to a higher-resolution 24.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor.
Other features include a new GR Engine 6 image processor, 3-axis image-stabilization, ISO 100 – 102400, and the same stealthy size and profile that made the camera popular in the first place. It’s worth noting the GR III’s predecessor—the Ricoh GR II—is also still available at B&H.
Sigma dp Quatro-series cameras
If you’re into quirky cameras, they don’t get any technologically or aesthetically quirkier than the Sigma dp Quatro-series cameras. All four models share the same boxy boomerang styling, and they each contain a 29MP Foveon X3 Quattro CMOS imaging sensor, TRUE III Image Processing Engine, and 3.0" 920k-dot TFT LCD Screen. Regardless, these cameras have a loyal following.
The difference between each of the four models has to do with their focal lengths, which are as follows: The Sigma dp0 Quattro has a 14mm f/4 (21mm equivalent) lens. The Sigma dp1 Quattro has a 19mm f/2.8 (28mm equivalent) lens. Sigma’s dp2 Quattro has a 30mm f/2.8 (45mm equivalent) lens, and the Sigma dp3 Quattro has 50mm f/2.8 (75mm equivalent) lens.
MFT Point-and-Shoots
Leica D-Lux 7
The Leica D-Lux 7 has an unmistakably classic Leica rangefinder look. It even sports that sexy red dot. Under the hood is a 17MP Four Thirds MOS sensor, which can knock out high-resolution JPEGs and/or RAW files at up to 11 frames per second. Other features include a 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 (35mm equivalent) Leica DC Vario Summilux lens with focusing down to 1.18" in macro mode, a 2.76m-Dot EVF, a 1.24m-Dot touchscreen LCD, 4K video, a choice of 1:1, 3:2, 4:3, or 16:9 aspect ratios, and ISO sensitivity up to 25600.
Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II
If the specs for the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II look remarkably like the specs for the above-mentioned Leica D-Lux 7, it’s because with the exception of the D-Lux 7’s sexy red dot, retro Leica M rangefinder exterior, and about a $200 difference in price, the two cameras are one and the same.
Though the Leica D-Lux 7 wears the persona of its legendary lineage well, there’s something to be said about the stealthier appearance of the all-black Lumix DC-LX100 ll. Unlike the Leica D-Lux 7’s flush, round-cornered body panels, the Lumix DC-LX100 ll has a handy grip molded into the front right portion of the camera body, which makes for a firmer grip when handholding the camera.
If the Lumix DC-LX100 II appeals to you and you’re working on a tighter budget, the previous-generation 12.8MP Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 is available in a choice of stealth black or chrome-and-black.
1" Sensor Point-and-Shoots
Canon
There are no shortages of cameras designed around Sony’s extremely successful 1" CMOS sensor and not all of these cameras are from Sony. Canon alone currently offers a choice of cameras containing 1" sensors, including the Canon PowerShot G5 X Mark II Digital Camera, which in addition to the latest 20.2MP 1" Stacked CMOS sensor and DIGIC 8 image processor, features a fast (f/1.8-2.8) 24-120mm equivalent zoom lens, 2.36m-dot EVF, touchscreen LCD, up to 20 frame-per-second continuous shooting, and full Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity.
B&H also offers the G5 X Mark II’s predecessor, the Canon PowerShot G5 X Digital Camera, which differs in that it has a previous-generation DIGIC 6 image processor and a 24-100 f/1.8-2.8 (equivalent) zoom lens.
Other Canon point-and-shoot cameras containing 1" sensors include the Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Digital Camera, which in addition to the most up-to-date 20.1MP 1" CMOS sensor, features a Canon DIGIC 7 image processor, a 28-84mm f/2-4.9 (35mm equivalent) zoom lens, up to 8.2 frame-per-second continuous shooing, ISO 12800 sensitivity, and full Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC functionality.
The Canon PowerShot G7 X Mark II, which has a DIGIC 7 image processor and a wider (24-100mm equivalent) and faster (f/1.8-2.8) zoom lens, and the Canon PowerShot G3 X Digital Camera, which features a notably longer (25x) 24-600mm equivalent lens and a DIGIC 6 image processor.
Leica V-Lux 5 and V-Lux (Typ 114)
Leica offers a trio of point-and-shoot cameras with 1" sensors. The Leica V-Lux 5 Digital Camera is a bridge-style camera that features a 20.1MP 1" CMOS sensor, a 16x, 25-400mm f/2.8-4 DC Vario-Elmarit zoom lens,12 frame-per-second continuous shooting, 4K video, 5-axis image-stabilization, an articulated 1.24m-dot touchscreen LCD, and a 2.36m-dot EVF.
If you can live without a touchscreen and slightly lower resolution (920k-dot vs 1.24m-dot), the Leica V-LUX (Typ 114) is virtually identical to the D-Lux 5, yet it costs several hundred dollars less.To create a quality digital point-and-shoot camera comparable, but smaller and lighter than the Leica V-Lux digital cameras, Leica introduced the Leica C-Lux, which features a slower (f/3.3-6.4) and slightly shorter focal range (24-360mm) Leica DC Vario-Elmar zoom lens. Other features found on the C-Lux include a 20.1MP 1" MOS sensor, 0.21" 2.33m-dot EVF, and a 1.24m-dot touchscreen LCD. Leica’s C-Lux sports a Midnight-Blue finish highlighted with a red Leica dot.
Panasonic
Just as Leica’s V-Lux (Typ 114) is a less expensive, yet very able alternative to Leica’s V-Lux 5, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 is a less expensive, yet nearly identical version of its identical-under-the-skin cousin—the V-Lux (Typ 114), which features the same 20.1MP 1" MOS sensor, Leica DC Vario-Elmarit 24-400 f/2.4-4 (equivalent) zoom, 4K video, a 0.39" 2,359k-dot OLED Live View Finder, and an articulated 3.0" 921k-dot LCD
If you prefer a longer zoom range, check out the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ2500, which offers a 20.1MP 1" MOS sensor, 5-axis image-stabilization, up to 50 s/p/s still capture, UHD 4K video, a 2.36m-dot OLED Live View EVF, and articulated 3" 921k-dot LCD, and 24-480mm f/2.8-4.5 (equivalent) Leica Vario-Elmarit zoom lens.
Other Panasonic Lumix cameras containing 20.1MP 1" MOS sensors include the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 Digital Camera, which features a 24-72mm f/1.4-2.8 Leica Vario-DC Vario-Summilux and a 3" tilting touchscreen LCD, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100, which features a (10x) DC Vario-Elmarit 25-250mm f/2.8-5.9 (equivalent) zoom lens, and the Panasonic Lumix DC-ZS200 (24-360mm equivalent lens), which is the lesser-priced kissing cousin of the Leica C-Lux.
Sony
It shouldn’t be surprising that Sony offers close to a dozen cameras containing 20.1Mp 1" imaging sensors. After all, Sony invented them, and has been steadily improving them ever since. The camera most closely associated with Sony’s 1" sensor would have to be Sony’s compact (and beautifully designed) RX100-series cameras. The two most current models are the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA Digital Camera, which features the latest 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor, a BIONZ X image processor and Front-End LSI, Internal UHD 4K Video and S-Log2 Gamma, and a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70mm f/1.8-2.8 (equivalent) lens. Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VII has all of the same features except it has a longer 24-200mm f/2.8-4.5 (equivalent) Zeiss Vario-Sonar T* zoom lens.
Previous-generation models of Sony RX100-series cameras are also currently available, which gives you an opportunity to own a truly fine pocket camera at a price you can afford. These cameras include the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VI (24-200mm equivalent), DSC-RX100 IV (24-70mm equivalent), DSC-RX100 III (24-70mm equivalent), and the original Sony DSC-RX100 (28-100mm equivalent zoom).
For those who prefer a longer zoom range, Sony offers the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV , a compact bridge-style camera containing the latest version of Sony’s 20.1MP 1" Exmor RS BSI CMOS sensor, a BIONZ X image processor, Front-End LSI, 24 frames-per-second continuous shooting, ISO 12800, UHD 4K video capture, a 315-point focal plane AF system, and a Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* 24-600 f/2.4-4 (equivalent) zoom lens.
As with Sony RX100-series cameras, previous-generation models are also available for those who want the best camera for the fairest price. Previous-generation Sony RX10-series cameras include the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 III (24-600mm equivalent zoom lens), the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II (24-200mm equivalent lens), and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 (24-200mm f/2.8 (equivalent) lens.
1/ 2.3" Point-and-Shoots
This is one of the more interesting groups of cameras, in terms of camera types. Included among the 80-plus point-and-shoots containing 1/2.3" imaging sensors listed on the B&H website are numerous super-zoom bridge cameras, narrower zoom range pocket-size cameras, and my favorites—the rugged, shock and waterproof pocket cameras.
Canon
You want to talk crazy zoom range? How about a compact camera with an image-stabilized 21–1365mm (equivalent) zoom lens that sells, after rebates, for less than $500. Canon’s PowerShot SX70 HS features a 1/2.3" 20.3MP CMOS sensor and a DIGIC 8 image processor that enables the SX70 HS to capture still images at up to 10 frames per second, as well as 4K video and 4K Time-lapse.
Other features found on Canon’s PowerShot SX70 HS include a 2.36m-dot OLED EVF and built-in Bluetooth connectivity. You want a crazy zoom range camera for less than $350? The Canon PowerShot SX740 HS has the same 20.3MP 1/2.3" CMOS sensor, albeit with an image-stabilized 24-960mm equivalent zoom lens, a DIGIC 8 image processor, 10 frame-per-second continuous shooting, 4K video, and a 3.0" 922k-Dot 180° Tilting LCD.
FUJIFILM
FUJIFILM has been manufacturing rugged XP-series cameras since 2009. The FUJIFILM FinePix XP140, which is the 15th-generation camera in the series, has gone through many subtle technical and cosmetic upgrades since its inception, which like VW Bugs and Mini Coopers, makes it hard to discern the differences between model years from one another.
The current model, the FUJIFILM FinePix XP140, is waterproof down to 82', shock-resistant to drops from up to 5.9', and freezeproof down to 14°F. Other features include a 16.4MP 1/2.3” CMOS sensor, and a 28-140mm equivalent zoom.
Kodak
Yup, Kodak is still in the game, and the cameras it is producing are, dollar-for-dollar, pretty good deals. The Kodak PIXPRO AZ527 is small enough to hide in the palm of your hand, yet it plays home to a 24-1248mm equivalent optical zoom lens. Along with a 20.68MP 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor, 6 frame-per-second continuous shooting, and Full-HD 1080p video, the PIXPRO AZ527 features a 3" 460k-dot LCD.
Nikon
Nikon takes bridge camera technologies seriously. A case in point: the Nikon COOLPIX P1000. This palm-sized puppy has a 5-axis image-stabilized lens with a breathtaking equivalent focal range of 24-3000mm. Still breathing? You can take it even further by employing the camera’s 250x Dynamic Fine digital zoom, which runs the end game up to 6000mm. Nikon’s P1000 features a 16MP BSI CMOS sensor, 4K video, a 3.2" LCD, and a 2.39", 2.36M-dot OLED EVF.
Slightly tamer but an extreme zoom camera by any measure is the Nikon COOLPIX P900, which preceded the P1000. The les- costly P900 “only” zooms from 24-2000mm, which is probably longer than most users truly need.
Nikon’s rugged and splash-proof pocket camera is the Nikon COOLPIX W300, which is waterproof down to 100', shockproof from 7.9' falls, and freezeproof down to 14°F. The W300 has a 16MP 1/2.3 BSI CMOS sensor, a 24-120mm equivalent zoom lens, 3" 921k-dot LCD, and orange exterior panels that make it easy to spot if you drop it into the waves.
Last from Nikon is the Nikon COOLPIX A1000, a svelte, pocket-size digicam that, in addition to a 16MP 1/2.3" BSI CMOS sensor, contains a 24-840mm equivalent zoom, 10 frame-per-second still capture, a 1.166m-dot EVF, a 3" 1.036m-dot tilting touchscreen LCD, and built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity.
Olympus
Olympus was the first company to produce rugged, waterproof cameras and its latest offering is the Olympus Tough TG-6, which in addition to a 12MP BSI CMOS sensor and a TruePic VIII image processor, features a fast (f/2 maximum aperture) 25-100mm equivalent lens, up to 20 frame-per-second burst rates, 4K video, ISO 12800 sensitivity, and a choice of underwater modes.
Olympus’s Tough TG-6 is waterproof down to 50' (IPX8), shockproof to 7' falls, crushproof to 220 foot-pounds, and freezeproof down to 14°F. The TG-6 also offers flash as well as LED lighting and, for extreme close-ups, there’s a microscope mode. Bonus points—the TG-6 shoots RAW!
If you like Olympus TG-series cameras and want to save a few dollars, we still have the previous model, the Olympus Tough TG-5 in stock, and it shares almost all of the very cool attributes of the newer TG-6 at a notably lower price.
Panasonic
A pocket-friendly form factor and a 24-720mm Leica DC Vario-Elmar 30x zoom lens make the Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 an attractive option in this class of cameras. Features include a HYBRID O.I.S. image-stabilization system, a Level Shot mode, up to 10 frames-per-second continuous shooting, a 3" 1040k-dot LCD and a 1166K-dot EVF.
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 is a bridge camera with a 25-600mm f/2.8 (equivalent) Leica DC Vario-Elmarit zoom lens, a Venus Engine image processor, and a 12.1MP 1/2.3" MOS sensor. Capable of banging out up to 60 frames per second, the DMC-FZ300 features 4K capture with 4K Photo Mode still capture, ISO 6400 sensitivity, 5-axis HYBRID O.I.S. a 3" 1.04m-dot Free-Angle touchscreen LCD, and a 1.44m-dot OLED Live View finder.
Need something longer and want to stick with Panasonic? OK. How about the Panasonic Lumix DC-FZ80, which features a Lumix DC Vario20-1200mm equivalent zoom lens. Other features include an 18.1MP 1/2.3" MOS sensor, 10 frame-per-second stills, 4K video, POWER O.I.S image-stabilization, ISO 6400 sensitivity, a 3" 1.04m-dot touchscreen LCD, and a 1.166m-dot EVF.
Sony
Sony’s über-zoom camera is the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX400V Digital Camera, which features a 24-1200mm (50x) equivalent zoom lens. It also features a 20.4MP 1/2.3" Exmor R CMOS sensor, a BIONZ X image processor, 10 frames-per-second still capture, Full HD 1080p AVCHD video @ 60f/p/s & 24f/p/s, and a 3” Xtra Fine 921k-dot tilting LCD.
Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-HX99 Digital Camera has a slightly shorter zoom range (24-720mm equivalent) but it fits in your pocket a lot easier and neater-looking than the HX400V, which for some folks can be a deal breaker. Along with its 30x Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens, the sleek WX500 also features an 18.2MP BSI Exmor R CMOS sensor, 10 frame-per-second continuous shooting, UHD 4K video, a BIONZ X image processor, a 3" 921.6k-dot tilt-touchscreen LCD, and for easier composing on bright sunny days, a pop-up 638.4k-dot OLED Tru-Finder EVF.
If you can live without the pop-up OLED EVF, Sony’s Cyber-shot DSC-WX500 has the same lens, form factor, sensor, and Zeiss 24-720mm Vario-Sonnar zoom lens for less money (it’s a great deal!).
Lastly, we have a more modest, reliable, and yes—good-looking point-and-shoot camera—for less than $100. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W800 has a 20.1MP 1/2.3" Super HAD CCD sensor and a 5x, 26-130mm equivalent zoom lens wrapped up in a handsome, narrow-profile black, brushed-chrome body.
So, there you have it—the best point-and-shoot suggestions for the 2019 holiday season. So, what’s your favorite, assuming you can narrow it down to one?