Buying a point and shoot camera is the first step in many photographers’ journey. Yes, the process of researching, choosing, and finally buying your first piece of equipment can be overwhelming and exciting at the same time. Overwhelming because you want to buy the gear that best fits your needs and will help you improve as a creative. But how can we judge our needs when we are just starting a new journey? In my perspective, this exploration through the unknown is the most exciting part of any new journey. Those first years – yes, I said years– are important for exploring different styles, making mistakes, and learning what works and doesn’t work. You should definitely use that time to develop your style; that’s more important than recreating others’ masterpieces. The world deserves to see and hear what you have to express. We don’t need another Ansel Adams or Henri Cartier-Bresson.

Be unapologetically you

As someone who has been exploring photography for years, I can’t imagine a better way for you to start your journey than by buying a good compact camera.  If you want a camera capable of rendering good images without worrying about the technical aspects, you definitely want a point and shoot camera. In this article, I will provide a few reasons why you should consider getting one of those little cameras.

What are point and shoot cameras?

Point and shoot are also known as compact cameras. All the compact cameras have one thing in common; they are always easy to use and packed with intelligent features. These different shooting modes help new photographers to capture the best image possible in different scenarios. It’s easy to imagine that the main goal of cameras in this segment is to provide a pleasant user experience while capturing good images. Realistically, this is the first opportunity that camera manufacturers have to introduce their system to new clients. Once users get familiarized with a system, they get very reluctant to change the camera brand. This explains why all the big photography brands – including Sony, Nikon, and Canon – heavily invest in creating the best point and shoot possible. This turf war really benefits us, photographers. Honestly, it has never been a better time to start your photography journey.

The rise of mobile photography. Is the compact camera market dead?

The introduction and rise of mobile photography represented a major shift in the camera world. The always in reach camera in our cellphones often capture pictures with image quality comparable to many entry-level compact cameras. And the gap between cellphones and point and shoot cameras is getting smaller by the day with the introduction of Artificial Intelligence. The mobile technology impact in the photography world was so big that we now have an entirely new photography category – mobile photography.  This paradigm shift sent huge shock waves and forced big photography brands to reimagine the role of compact cameras. I’m not exaggerating when I say that most compact cameras from early 2010 could be easily replaced by cellphones.  So, that begs the question:

Why should you buy a point and shoot camera?

After realizing that cellphone cameras increased the number of people interested in photography, camera makers decided to shift their attention to fill the gap between a cellphone camera and a DSLR. Yes, you are right to believe that people no longer buy cheap compact cameras to capture snapshots. But, on the flip-side, the increase in the number of camera users created a new cohort of more demanding mobile photographers shopping for products to fulfill a specific requirement – such as low-light photography, longer focal length, or rugged cameras for adventures. The increase in demand for those products led to the development of new and very capable point and shoot cameras. This new compact camera line-up offers a variety of products capable of satisfying photographers of all levels.

Point and shoot camera specs in 2020, and what to expect in 2021.

As I mentioned above, camera makers are always creating better compact cameras to capture a bigger slice of those first-time camera buyers. But, another interesting movement is the adoption of high-end point and shoot cameras by more experienced photographers. The technical specs of some of those new compact cameras are truly amazing, and they often render images with enough quality to satisfy the more demanding of photographers. If we carefully look at the compact camera segment, we can divide them into 4 main categories.

1 – Entry level:

The cameras in this category are mainly focused on convenience for the user. They are small and light, making this category the easiest to carry around. The technical specs you should expect to find present across all the cameras in this group are:

• small sensors,
• lack of viewfinders,
• limited exposure control;
• lack of autofocus;
• moderate optical zoom;
• image stabilization;
• wi-fi capabilities.

2- Adventure Cameras:

As the category name suggests, the cameras in this group are designed with adventure in mind. These cameras are often easy to operate with very little exposure control. Moreover, they are rugged, weatherproof, and waterproof to withstand all sorts of extreme conditions. Finally, some of the technical specs you should expect for cameras in this group are:

• small sensor (except for the Sony RX0 II);
• limited exposure control;
• moderate optical length;
• fixed focus range;
• weather, shock, and waterproof;
• image stabilization;
• wi-fi capabilities.

3- Super Zoom:

Let’s be honest, how many times have you found yourself wishing your camera had some extra zoom? For instance, you wake up to see that beautiful hummingbird just outside your kitchen window. You scramble to reach for your cellphone camera and snap a few quick shots. After snapping a few dozen frames, you go to the image gallery and realize that you can barely see the colorful bird that just visited your kitchen. You wish your camera could reach a little further away. That’s the moment you start looking for a superzoom compact camera. The optical zoom offered in this category can vary. However, some of the more versatile cameras will offer a focal length ranging between 20-1200mm. Now, what are the technical specs you should expect in these cameras?

• small sensor (except for the Sony RX10);
• limited exposure control;
• Super Zoom – up to 1200mm;
• fast and accurate autofocus;
• image stabilization;
• wi-fi capabilities.

Next time, you will be ready to capture stunning images of that hummingbird.

4- Advanced:

Finally, the advanced category is designed with serious photographers in mind. Cameras in this category offer advanced exposure control and allow manual focus. These cameras can capture images in RAW format (learn more about photography files), which is ideal for photographers planning to edit photos. The images captured by these cameras are stunning, and you could easily print the images coming out from this camera to hang on your wall. Lastly, the features offered in this category can vary, especially in regards to the sensor size.  But, these are the technical specs you should expect in 2021.

• 1-inch sensor (with some cameras offering full-frame sensors);
• manual exposure;
• manual focus;
• RAW format;
• image stabilization;
• wi-fi capabilities.

Image quality – learning when and how to use a camera.

Does this camera capture sharp images? This is the first question people ask before buying a compact camera, and honestly, the least important aspect to focus on. Almost all modern cameras capture good images. You need to understand the limitations and strengths of your gear. In my opinion, image quality is a catch-all term used by camera manufactures to sell more products. Ask different photographers what the meaning of good-image quality is, and you will get a slurry of technical jargon. As a result, we see people focusing on the gear’s technical aspects while forgetting to learn about the art of photography.

By and large, my opinion about point and shoot cameras comes from personal experience.  I have used compact cameras from all 4 different categories during my photography journey. And, I can affirm without a doubt that image quality was never a problem. The only problem I actually had was unrealistic expectations. You need to understand when and how to use each camera. Otherwise, you might find yourself frustrated with the images captured by your camera.  So, please allow me to explain when and how I use my compact camera.

– Story Time:

Let me share the story behind my Sony RX100III purchase. After a couple of years of trail running, I decided to buy a small camera to bring with me during my workouts. So, I made a simple wish list that looked more or less like the following:

• lightweight;
• manual exposure;
• manual focus;
• RAW format.

So, based on my requirement list, I narrowed my search to Advanced Compact Cameras. As I started my research, I quickly came across the Sony RX 100 III. A tiny, pocketable camera that not only checked all the boxes on my checklist; but also provided a few features I didn’t even know I wanted it. And I am happy to inform you that I still love this little camera after 5 years of solid use.

Point and shot for film and vlogging.

Honestly, before 2020, I never bothered looking into video specs. I’m a landscape photographer, so it only made sense to select my gear, focusing on capturing the best landscape image possible. But, in early 2018, I decided to start filming some of my photography expeditions.  My only goal with those videos was recording short clips that I would use later to remember my adventures. Fortunately, much to my surprise, my compact camera’s video features were more than enough to cover all my videography needs. Over the years, I have used the Sony RX100 III to record several YouTube videos. And to this date, the combination of portability, flip-screen, 1-inch sensor, and continuous autofocus make my Sony RX 100 III my go-to camera for vlogging.

In 2020, many of those advanced compact cameras can now record 4k videos with Log color profile. This setting should be more than enough for you to start vlogging or even shooting short videos.

Do professionals use point and shoot cameras?

Around 2 years ago, I started working towards becoming a full-time landscape photographer. During my transition, the main difference I noticed was that I care less about the camera gear and more about the result. As a hobbyist, I was always exploring new facets of my gear and even saving money to buy new equipment. For a photography enthusiast, buying camera gear or going out to shoot are pleasant activities. But, inevitably, some of the joy you have as a photography enthusiast gets lost when you transition to a full-time photographer. When photography starts to be “the thing” that pays your bills, you stop worrying about gear and start worrying about the results.

Now, if you ask: – Can I create professional-looking images using just an entry-level point and shoot camera? The answer is probably not.

The entry-level compact cameras don’t allow photographers to create the results that more advanced cameras do. The lack of manual exposure, RAW format, and focusing control severely limits the photographers’ artistic choices. The lack of these features makes it very hard (if not impossible) for photographers to create professional-looking images.

However, we would have a completely different conversation if we were discussing about the advanced compact camera category. I am comfortable only having my compact camera in my pocket while exploring the backcountry. The RAW file captured by these new advanced compact cameras gives you enough data to edit, print, and even sell prints. The reality is – as long as you understand your camera’s shortcomings, you can use almost any camera to create great work.

Can you take landscape images with just a point and shoot camera?

Yes, you can definitely use a compact camera to capture beautiful landscape photography. As a matter of fact, all the images in this blog post were captured using the Sony RX 100 III. As you can see throughout the images in this article, advanced compact cameras can capture beautiful images given the right conditions. For this field test, I used my little camera much in the same way that I would use my full-frame. First, I set the camera to capture images in RAW format. This allowed me to capture files containing as much information as possible. This large amount of data allowed me to edit those files in the same way that I would edit the files coming from my full-frame camera.

Second, I fought the urge to use this small camera as a point and shoot. In the beginning, I found myself using this camera much in the same way I use my cellphone. I would literally point at something and shoot a couple of frames. Unsurprisingly, the resulting images were never very appealing. After a couple of times out with this camera, I realized that I had to treat it in the same way I treat my full-frame. This realization forced me to spend more time thinking about composition, which led to a drastic increase in the quality of the image I captured using this little camera. Personally, this was the final proof that attention to detail, coupled with strong composition principles, is more important than the camera gear you are using.

Is buying a point and shoot camera worth it?

Honestly, you are the only person capable of answering this question. Personally, I love my compact camera. Sometimes, all I need is the lightness of a good hike without carrying a heavy camera bag. I feel that carrying just a small camera and limiting my gear selection makes photography more fun. Maybe, this feeling of lightness rises not only from leaving the camera backpack at home, but it’s also related to the liberating feeling of not feeling pressured to create stunning images all the time. Trust me; you will find beauty in the most unexpected places when you are free.

Point-and-shoot photography tips.

Finally, here are my 5 tips for using your compact camera to its fullest.

1. Try to use your compact camera in well-lit up situations. The small(ish) sensors in those cameras are not ideal for low-light photography.
2. Use a tripod with your point and shoot camera. This will force you to slow down and really think about composition.
3. Test your camera in different scenarios to learn its limitations. The best way to understand your camera is by testing it in different situations.
4. Never use the digital zoom in your compact cameras. The images captured using that type of magnification rarely looks good.
5. Check the file formats offered by your camera, and always select the files that record the largest amount of data, especially if you plan to edit your images.

I hope you enjoyed this article explaining point and shoot cameras, and if you did, please consider subscribing to my website. I upload weekly posts talking about photography gear and sharing some of my tricks.