{"id":11446,"date":"2019-03-10T12:00:07","date_gmt":"2019-03-10T12:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.apogeephoto.com\/?p=11446"},"modified":"2019-03-08T02:26:54","modified_gmt":"2019-03-08T02:26:54","slug":"best-point-and-shoot-camera","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.apogeephoto.com\/best-point-and-shoot-camera\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Point and Shoot Camera"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"bestThe best point and shoot cameras today occupy a narrow space between encroaching smartphone technology on the one hand, and ever more compact Mirrorless and DSLR cameras on the other. But by combining image quality to rival a DLSR, and in a neat package that occupies a much smaller footprint than even many smartphones, when a modern point and shoot strikes the right balance it can be a genuinely formidable photographic tool.<\/span><\/p>\n

There are many reasons to use a point and shoot camera. Whether you\u2019re an avid traveler looking for a lightweight and compact solution for shooting on the road or a street shooter in need of an unobtrusive and discrete camera you can keep to hand at all times and everything in between, there\u2019s a point and shoot model out there for you. <\/span><\/p>\n

In this guide, we take a look at the top 5 best point and shoot cameras available in 2018 and consider the most important criteria to take into account when evaluating which model to choose. <\/span><\/p>\n

The Threat from Below<\/b><\/h2>\n

Given that most of us already walk around with point and shoot cameras in our pockets in the form of our smartphones anyway, the reality is that point and shoots are something of an endangered species. But this doesn\u2019t mean that they no longer have their specialist uses. <\/span><\/p>\n

Instead, their uses have simply changed. Once they were a simple auto-everything option for those unwilling or uninterested in getting too deep into the technical side of photography. Now a point and shoot is a much more specialized niche for the serious enthusiast in need of a highly portable solution that will still produce top quality results.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once upon a time, the advantage of a point and shoot was mainly just its portability, with image quality and features remaining something of an afterthought. But now a good point and shoot camera is one that offers some advantage – be this superior image quality or more sophisticated features – over the increasingly impressive cameras that smartphones have. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Squeezed from all Sides<\/b><\/h2>\n

However, the point and shoot\u2019s already narrow terrain is not only being eroded from below by smartphones, but pressure is also being applied from above, as DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras become smaller and more lightweight. And the argument that once a point and shoot has exceeded a certain size and weight, it would be better just to purchase a DSLR is certainly a convincing one. <\/span><\/p>\n

Indeed, it makes little sense to accept the disadvantages typically associated with point and shoot cameras – not being able to use interchangeable lenses for example – if you\u2019re not enjoying any of their advantages either. If the necessity to outdo smartphone cameras on image quality means that a point and shoot is almost as big and bulky as a DSLR, then it seems fair to ask why we wouldn\u2019t just go for a DSLR and be done with it?<\/span><\/p>\n

Clearly, the best point and shoot camera in 2018 is one that convincingly occupies this narrow strip of ground between the ever-growing sensor-size of high-end smartphones and the increasingly slim and lightweight options emerging from the Mirrorless and DSLR camps. In theory, we can already exclude any camera that produces inferior quality images just as we can strike off our list all those point and shoots that cannot easily be slipped into a pocket. While that leaves us with a very small niche, it\u2019s thankfully one offering some extremely interesting options.<\/span><\/p>\n

Back to the Old School<\/b><\/h2>\n

But hold on a second! We\u2019re making quite an assumption here. Not everyone who wants to take photos owns a smartphone. Sure, those without a smartphone are in a clear minority in today\u2019s world. But with increasing concern over data privacy, and even many high-flying and high-earning individuals choosing to go off-line, this is a minority that is perhaps set to grow significantly.<\/span><\/p>\n

This being the case, we\u2019ve also included in our list what we consider to be the best point and shoot camera for those just looking for a basic snapshot-recording tool to keep in the bottom of their bag. Cheap and cheerful, but unlikely to produce any award-winning masterpieces, our recommendation for the best old-school point and shoot would make the perfect companion for a classic Nokia handset and a chunky old iPod.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Point and Shoot, Gentrified<\/b><\/h2>\n

That single, entry-level recommendation aside though, the emphasis here is on sophisticated, large-sensor cameras that blow even top of the range smartphones out of the water on image quality. But without feeling like a ball and chain when carried around all day. What we\u2019re looking for here is something that could just as easily serve as a sole camera for producing candid and dynamic photos in a wide range of contexts as it would be suited for use as a second body in situations where a DSLR might prove too intimidating or intrusive for your subjects.<\/span><\/p>\n

This shift in emphasis from just convenience, to <\/span>convenience plus quality and features<\/span><\/i>, means that the particular model, or models, that we recommend as the best point and shoot cameras today may be markedly different to those that took the top spot only a few years ago. <\/span><\/p>\n

Nowhere is this more evident than in terms of price. Point and shoot cameras were once the cheap option for the casual amateur. But as they\u2019ve become more of a niche product, aimed at the serious enthusiast or itinerant professional, you\u2019ll now likely pay as much for a point and shoot as for an entry-level DSLR. If not <\/span>considerably<\/span><\/i> more.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

1. Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R II<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Sony<\/a><\/p>\n

Pros:<\/b><\/h4>\n

+ 42 MP full-frame image sensor<\/span><\/p>\n

+ Sharp, 35mm Zeiss lens<\/span><\/p>\n

+ Maximum aperture of f\/2<\/span><\/p>\n

+ Pop-up electronic viewfinder<\/span><\/p>\n

+ Easy and accessible controls<\/span><\/p>\n

+ Shoots RAW<\/span><\/p>\n

+ Antialiasing filter can be switched off<\/span><\/p>\n

Cons:<\/h4>\n

– No built-in flash<\/span><\/p>\n

– Fixed, non-zoom lens<\/span><\/p>\n

– Poor battery life<\/span><\/p>\n

– No 4K video<\/span><\/p>\n

– No touch-screen<\/span><\/p>\n

Combining maximum image quality with extreme portability and ease of use, the\u00a0Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II<\/a>\u00a0is a slim, palm-sized point and shoot packing an incredible 42-megapixel full-frame sensor. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sony pitches the RX1R II as a \u201cthe ultimate professional compact camera.\u201d Although this may seem like a contradiction in terms, with its highly usable 35mm fixed lens and quick and easy controls, the RX1R II is certainly a fantastic all-purpose photographic tool. Indeed, while not cheap, and facing stiff competition from models by Leica and Fujifilm, the RX1R II is arguably the best point and shoot camera out there right now. <\/span><\/p>\n

Sensor and Image Quality<\/b><\/h4>\n

With a full-frame 42 MP CMOS image sensor, it will come as no surprise to discover that the RX1R II produces outstanding quality images. Additionally, the RX1R II\u2019s low pass (antialiasing) filter can be switched off for even sharper photos. However, bear in mind that deactivating the antialiasing filter will potentially leave images at risk of moir\u00e9 when photographing scenes featuring intricate geometric patterns.<\/span><\/p>\n

Images produced by the RX1R II exhibit fine grain and excellent detail right through to ISO 12800. Beyond this point however, some slight noise starts to become noticeable, even when shooting in RAW format. Nonetheless, with a fast maximum aperture, there\u2019s very little reason why anyone would need to shoot at such high ISOs in the first place.<\/span><\/p>\n

Size and Weight<\/b><\/h4>\n

Although by no means the smallest point and shoot we look at here, when you consider the incredible quality images the RX1R II is capable of producing, this thing is positively minute. In practice, this means dimensions of 2.6 by 4.5 by 2.8 inches and a weight of 1.1 pounds – roughly the same weight as a bag of coffee, only considerably smaller.<\/span><\/p>\n

Optics and Focus<\/b><\/h4>\n

As if the top-class CMOS image sensor were not enough, the RX1R II features a pin-sharp Zeiss Sonnar 35mm f\/2 lens. Maximum aperture is a very respectable f\/2 and, unusually for a camera within this range, can be shut down as far as f\/22. <\/span><\/p>\n

However, while center sharpness is consistently good across the board, there\u2019s some noticeable softness towards the edges – the sharpest results will be had when shooting between f\/5.6 and f\/11. Another minor gripe is that the lens exhibits noticeable barrel distortion. Although this can, of course, be fixed fairly easily in post.<\/span><\/p>\n

The RX1R II features a physical aperture ring on the lens, alongside a control for selecting macro mode. AF is fast and there\u2019s also a handy little dial on the front of the camera for switching between manual and autofocus settings. <\/span><\/p>\n

If there\u2019s one thing beyond image resolution that makes this camera stand out, it\u2019s how nearly every essential function can quickly be accessed by using dials and controls on the body itself, without the need to go digging deep into menus. This makes operation extremely fast: precisely what you want from a point and shoot.<\/span><\/p>\n

WiFi<\/b><\/h4>\n

WiFi is present and correct, allowing both remote control of the camera and the easy transferal of images to other devices.<\/span><\/p>\n

LCD and Viewfinder<\/b><\/h4>\n

The 3-inch 1,228k-dot resolution LCD \u00a0is bright and easy to view even in direct sunlight. The screen offers a limited amount of up and down tilt but doesn\u2019t pivot out to the side for photographing around corners or shooting selfies. <\/span><\/p>\n

Meanwhile, one of the more significant upgrades from previous models in the series is the addition of a pop-up EVF. And with a resolution of 2.4-million dots, the viewfinder is exceptionally sharp and clear.<\/span><\/p>\n

Video<\/b><\/h4>\n

Sadly the Sony Cyber-shot RX1R II<\/a> doesn\u2019t offer 4K video but instead tops out at 1080p, available at 24, 30, 60, or 120 fps. While this may come as a disappointment, bear in mind that <\/span>none <\/span><\/i>of the cameras we look at here offer 4K. So let\u2019s just say that video is not the point and shoot\u2019s strongest point.<\/span><\/p>\n

\n

\n\n \n \n
\n\n \n
\n \n \"Sony\n <\/a>\n\n <\/div>\n\n
\n \n Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1 RII Digital Still Camera <\/a>\n
\n