5 great point and shoot cameras
With the rise in high quality cameras on our smart phones and tablets, it was wrongly thought not too long ago that easy to use compact cameras were on the way out, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.
So if you’re looking for a great, compact camera here are five of the best currently on the market.
Fujifilm xf1
The Fujifilm’s xf1 retro styling makes an immediate impression. Where many of the competitors have opted for a sleek modern design, the xf1 stands apart with its classic shape and leather strappings, creating a trendy yet highly functional camera.
Don’t let the camera’s older shape fool you however; the xf1 is filled with the latest technology, offering a large number of shooting options. The only real issue is that the camera’s manual lens adds nicely to the old-school aesthetic but may suffer and loosen with long-term use.
Find the xf1 here
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100
Rated as one of the best compact cameras ever made, the Cyber-shot is one of the more expensive models but worth every penny if you’re look to take great photos.
Coming complete with a 20 Megapixel 1in sensor, which is around four times larger than a camera on a modern smart phone, you will be able take some of cleanest and most detailed photographs available on a compact camera.
Built for utility and with less add-ons than other models such as a touch-screen display, the Cyber-shot was created with function in mind and it delivers on that very well.
Find out more about the Cybershot
Nikon CoolPix S3600
At £40 The Coolpix sits at the lower end of the compact camera world but that doesn’t mean it’s without merit. This camera offers lower quality photography and video capabilities than the more expensive models but it should be adequate for most people.
The simple controls and lightweight frame make it easy for anyone to use and carry and it also comes with inbuilt filters and a panorama mode that is fun to use and adds a lot more options to your photographs.
The Coolpix won’t turn the heads of any enthusiasts but it’s a great and affordable option if you’re introducing someone new to the world of photography.
Buy it here
Olympus Stylus 1
From one of the smallest to one of the largest point and shoot cameras around, the Stylus is a larger model that feels like it’s moving towards its big brother the DSLR, but it straddles the line well and is a great, if bulky, compact camera.
The Stylus has great and easy to use Wi-Fi capabilities and you can even download an app onto your smart phone or tablet. This will allow you, and others, to have a look at your photo composition and you can control practically all of the camera’s features including shutter speed, zoom and more before you even take the photo.
These great features have to be stored somewhere and this adds to the camera’s biggest failing, its size. The Stylus is not suited to be carried in your pocket but it does have a lot of positives that an enthusiast will use and enjoy.
See more about the Stylus
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7
The Lumix LX6 offers the best bang for your buck amongst the higher quality compact cameras. It’s comes with most of the features you would expect including filters, video recording and built in red-eye reduction if you’re using the flash.
One of the LX7’s greatest features is that it can also take photographs in a RAW format, meaning that the images will contain much more information which can be edited on your computer. This can allow you to deepen shadows, increase highlights and much more, it can drastically change even the most amateur-looking image into something you’d be happy to put on your wall.
That isn’t to say the Lumix is perfect its lack of Wi-Fi can make sharing photos more complicated than it need be but the high image quality makes this camera hard to ignore.
Find the Lumix here
Do you have a favourite camera?
Rachel - Silversurfers Assistant Editor
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